When it comes to city breaks, the usual suspects are normally high on the list – Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin. They are known for their historic sites, shopping, architecture, museums, restaurants and nightlife. They are pretty packed full of tourists too!
But if you fancy getting off the beaten track, we thought we would take a look at what we think are the most underrated European city breaks that deserve a lot more attention than they are currently getting!
And what’s even better, you can travel to all of these places by booking with our travel retailers, which means you’ll not only impress friends with your cool city discovery but you’ll raise lots of free donations for your cause!
Swap Paris for… Lyon
Lyon is the third largest city in France and is situated where the Rhône and the Saône Rivers meet. The bustling city is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, incredible museums, sophisticated shopping and boasts a thriving culinary scene; however, the city is often overlooked by tourists.
Foodies will be in gastronomic heaven at the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an indoor market that has endless stalls selling gourmet temptations. If you want to sample French Michelin starred food head to L’Auberge du Pont de Collognes – they have three!
For beautiful architecture head to house Opera de Lyon, the city’s neoclassical 1831 opera house and on top of the city’s largest hill is the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, which the locals call the ‘upside down elephant’ due to its large round body and 4 towers.
Close by is the fabulous Gallo-Roman Museum, an archaeological museum built into the side of the Fourviere hill!
If you fancy Lyon for your next city break, take a look at Flights, Accommodations and Hotels in the area.
Swap Barcelona for… Granada
Lying in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is a picturesque city in the Andalucia region of Spain. The city is renowned for its grand medieval architecture dating back to the country’s Moorish occupation.
The Alhambra palace is perhaps the most famous of Granada’s attractions. The Moorish palace and citadel is a hilltop fortress that boasts royal palaces and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty along with fountains and orchard in the Generalife gardens.
You can’t come to Granada without sampling the authentic tapas! Taberna La Tana is a family run bar specialising in Spanish wines and serving up delicious tapas. If you fancy some flamenco, head to Le Chien Andalou, a small bar that was once a cistern!
Head to Archivo-Museo San Juan de Dios, a museum of liturgical art in the ancient Casa de los Pisa whilst Museo Arquelogico, which houses ancient tools, mammoth molars and astrolabe from Granada province in a Renaissance mansion.
If you want to discover the Moorish beauty of Granada for your next city break, take a look at Flights, Accommodations and Hotels in the area.
Swap Rome for… Bologna
It may not be as high profile as other Italian cities but Bologna, the historic capital of Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy, is a lively university town known as Italy’s gastromonic capital – what’s not to love?
Bologna is a hub of culture with a strong programme of classical concerts, gigs, plays and exhibitions available to see.
You’re best to explore the city on foot, starting in Piazza Maggiore, the main square filled with bars and cafes, before a vist to the Basilica di San Petronio, which is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, St Petronius.
For a fantastic view of the city’s red-roofed streets and architectural gems, head to the Two Towers where you can climb the Torre Asinelli.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with the city’s culinary delights. You can’t go wrong with pizza at Trattoria Pizzeria Belle Arti in the heart of the student quarter. Try the homemade tortellini at Trattoria Anna Maria too!
If you want to discover eat Italian foot to your heart’s content, take a look at Flights, Accommodations and Hotels in Bologna.
Swap Libson for… Porto
Known for its stately bridges and being the home of port, the second largest city in Portugal, located on the beautiful Douro River, is often overlooked for a cultural weekend away by tourists. Yet there is so much to see and do!
The oldest district of the city is the ancient area of Riberira, where you will find a beautiful warren of narrow streets and numerous family run bars, cafes and restaurants. Head to the grand plazas of the Avenida dos Aliados, the region renowned for its production of port, for port tasting tours!
Try authentic Portuguese cuisine at O Buraco. Try the rango pica no chão cabidela (chicken-and-rice stew with chicken blood) for true family-recipe food! Porto likes its ice cream, try Gelataria Sincelo which uses locally sourced ingredients from Bolhão market.
Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is Portugal’s most important modern art museum. The building alone is something to see, designed by local architecture god Siza Vieira. There’s also a cinema, a performance space and a pretty park.
After all that site seeing, take a relaxing boat trip on the river where you will be left in awe of the scenic backdrop of the city with its magnificent bridges and colourful houses lined along the river edge.
Discover Portugal’s hidden gem and find Flights, Accommodation and Hotels in Porto.
Find out more about how you can make a world of difference to your cause by booking your next holiday the easyfundraising way!