7 under-the-radar European cities for a long weekend without crowds
Everyone goes to Paris or Amsterdam, but these lesser-known cities offer all the history, culture and charm of the continent without the excessive crowds or cost
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Packed with art, culture and historic sights, European cities are ideal for long weekends away — but often they’re also packed with people. While hotspots such as Paris and Barcelona never go out of style, there’s just as much to love in lesser-known European cities, and you won’t have to fight for air in their galleries, cafes or parks.
Here are some of our favourite not-quite-secret cities in Europe, from capitals of countries that are usually overlooked to under-the-radar spots in some of the continent’s biggest hitters.
Instead of Istanbul, try Sofia
Bulgaria’s capital is a real mix of east and west, old and new, and the fact that it goes unnoticed by so many only adds to its appeal.
Don’t miss the Red Flat, a small museum set up like a communist-era apartment, or the so-called “triangle of tolerance”: a mosque, cathedral and synagogue — all equally eye-catching — within a few minutes’ walk of each other.
Afterwards, head to one of the cafes along Vitosha Boulevard or the plentiful green spaces nearby to people watch and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city.
The cost of living in Bulgaria is low, so you can make the most of the restaurants. Try Manastirska Magernitsa for traditional Bulgarian cuisine or Edgy Veggy for vegan eats. Don’t forget to sample shopska salad, the country’s national dish, and banitsa, a pastry that can have sweet or savoury fillings. You can enjoy your favourite Turkish or Greek dishes, too, thanks to the sizeable minority communities here.
Instead of Barcelona, try Malaga
Plenty of people fly into Malaga airport and continue straight on to the resorts of the Costa del Sol, but Malaga itself shouldn’t be overlooked.
It’s one of the oldest inhabited cities in western Europe, and the old town bears evidence of its vibrant past in El Teatro Romano, the old Roman theatre; the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress built in the 11th century; and the baroque Bishop’s Palace.
Malaga is famous for its sunny weather, so don’t forget about the beach. La Malagueta is close to the centre, but Las Acacias and El Palo in the east of the city are good options too. Drop into the Museo Picasso to admire the art of Malaga’s most famous son first, however. It boasts 285 works donated by the artist’s family, from some of his earliest creations to various Cubist paintings.
Later, head for tapas at D’Platos, La Tasquita de en Medio, or Lolita Taberna Andaluza. Try a traditional Malaga tapa, like pescaíto frito (fried fish) or pipirrana malagueña, a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
Instead of Dubrovnik, try Tirana
If Albania is not on your tourist radar yet, it should be. The capital, Tirana, is affordable, has a Mediterranean climate and is home to loads of fascinating buildings, including the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, Europe’s third-largest Orthodox cathedral and one of its finest examples of Byzantine architecture.
Ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car up Dajti mountain for views of the city and Dajti National Park. Back in the city, climb to the top of the Clock Tower, built in 1822, and look out over Et’hem Bey Mosque, completed a year earlier. Both were built by Et’hem bey Mollaj, a bejtexhi (poet or bard).
The small port city of Durrës is a short bus journey away, making it suitable for a day trip to the beach. The bus takes around 45 minutes and costs the equivalent of about €1.
Albanian food is related to other Mediterranean cuisines, particularly Turkish, owing to past Ottoman rule. Byrek, a type of pie filled with meat, potato, spinach or cheese, and tavë kosi, baked lamb with yoghurt and rice, are among the must-try dishes.
Instead of Oslo, try Stavanger
Stavanger, Norway’s third largest city, is in its fjord region, so you can expect some dramatic scenery. Head to Øvre Holmegate, the city’s main shopping street, to see its famous coloured houses, take a boat tour around the fjords or to the Preikestolen cliff to see the unique landscapes, or wander the city to admire the street art Stavanger is known for.
While Norway is undoubtedly one of Europe’s more expensive countries, you can get more for your kroner in Stavanger than Oslo. Splash out at one of the city’s Michelin-star restaurants, whether it’s sushi at Sabi Omakase, seasonal European fare at Tango, or plant-based dishes at Bellies. And, with Stavanger surrounded by water on most sides, you can’t leave without trying the salmon at Fisketorget, Re-naa or Lai by Noodle Noodle.
Instead of Warsaw, try Vilnius
Many people perhaps don’t know as much about Lithuania as they do about fellow Baltic nations Estonia and Latvia, but this former Soviet state’s capital city is firmly worth visiting. It’s not a big place, and while the old town is truly beautiful, it’s quite compact — ideal for exploring on foot.
Lithuania has a low cost of living, even in Vilnius, so you can enjoy some of the restaurants in the old town (Lokys and Ertlio Namas are highlights) before heading to Lukiškės Prison, which appears in Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things. The National Gallery of Art is wildly popular with locals, so head there to see some of Lithuania’s most famous artwork, including Kanuty Rusiecki’s 1844 oil painting Lithuanian Girl with Palm Sunday Fronds, as well as clothes, fabrics and sculptures spanning Lithuania’s history. In the evening, visit Saduto Tuto for some Mediterranean small plates after a day of exploring.
The country was the first Soviet state to declare full independence, so there’s lots of history here. A good starting point is the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, which used to be the headquarters of the KGB — the Soviets’ main security agency. Užipis, largely in the old town, declared itself an independent republic with its own constitution in 1997, too, so this makes for an interesting visit.
Instead of Amsterdam, try Utrecht
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ primary tourist hotspot, but Utrecht to the south has equally pretty tree-lined canals, while also being a less crowded and intense experience.
Try Café Kanaalzicht or Soia – Strand Oog In Al – for a canalside drink, or venture slightly out of the centre to Theehuis Rhijnauwen for some tea and pancakes. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful botanical garden Oude Hortus, too, while the city centre displays plenty of relics from the medieval era – look out for castles, including Castle De Haar, the largest in the country.
Utrecht also has the oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands, the Centraal Museum, which began life in the 1830s. Don’t miss seeing the Utrecht Ship, more than a thousand years old, and revisit a childhood favourite at the Miffy Museum, situated across the street but operated by the Centraal Museum.
Instead of Budapest, try Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich history. Most notably, its capital, Sarajevo, was where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot, leading to the first world war.
Today, vibrant, multicultural Sarajevo is classed as a Unesco Creative City and one of the world’s 18 Cities of Film. Visit Baščaršija, the bazaar area in the centre of the old town and full of life. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque there is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in Sarajevo. To discover more about the city’s history, visit the Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918, which is located on the street corner near where Ferdinand was shot.
As more than half the population of Bosnia is Muslim, halal food is widely available, with beef and lamb being the most popular meats. Try ćevapi, a national dish made from grilled minced meat, often served with flatbread, and don’t overlook Bosnian coffee served with rahat lokum, a sweet similar to Turkish delight. The restaurant Dveri has a cosy, homely, feel and serves traditional Bosnian cuisine, including their own gulaš dveri, while Žara iz duvara, or The Singing Nettle has an intriguing menu based on nettles.
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