Europe is one of the most fascinating continents on the planet. It is a melting pot of languages, cultures and culinary delights. It is home to some of the finest art and architecture on the planet, and it is also plays host to scenic vistas and dazzling landscapes.
Travelling to Europe can be tricky though, which is why we are here to help with 5 recommendations for European city breaks off the beaten track. The type of towns and cities that don’t appear in travel guides or on YouTube vlogs.
That’s not to say that Paris, Rome and London – a rising star in the gambling world with land-based and online selections aplenty (check recommended UK slot sites here) – aren’t worth a visit, it’s just that they’ve done to death in travel guides.
So, without further ado, here are 5 of Europe’s hottest city breaks.
Nantes, France
First up on this list of Underrated European City Breaks is a charming city in France. The French tend to have an unfair reputation for being rude and standoffish with tourists. In certain parts of Paris, that characterisation might have a shred of truth, but everywhere else in the country, French people are warm and welcoming to tourists and that’s certainly the case in Nantes.
Situated on the Loire river in Upper Brittany, Nantes is just 90 minutes from London by plane, and is a real hidden gem. The stunning Château des Ducs de Bretagne is an architectural marvel in the heart of the city.
Further in you will find the Les Machines de l’île, a marvel of machines that features The Great Elephant, a huge mechanical elephant that stalks up and down the old covered buildings of the former shipyards.
The city also has a range of museums, gardens and exhibitions to enjoy as well as a Ligue 1 football team for sports fans to visit on the weekends.
Derry, Ireland
The North of Ireland is perfect for a weekend trip, with the majority of sights and attractions all within an hour or two’s drive of each other. Derry, just on the cusp of Donegal is our recommended base of operations for an Ulster excursion.
You can wander along the city’s 400-year-old city walls, take in all the history from the very first Irish settlers, through to the English invasion and along to the Troubles on a free walking tour. On the way you’ll see a range of stunning murals that speak to the city’s long history and unique culture.
From Derry you can also easily reach landmarks such as the Giants Causeway and the Dark Hedges by car.
Pilsen, Czechia
Next up on this list of Underrated European City Breaks is the birthplace of Pilsner beer.
In the British market, Czechia is criminally underrated and misrepresented as nothing more than a Stag Do venue. The cheap beer and exotic nightlife in Prague has been attracting British revellers for the better part of two decades.
An hour-and-a-half drive southwest from Prague – which is an historic city in its own right – you will find the beautiful and enchanting city of Pilsen. Home to stunning architecture and the world’s most historic and important beer – Pilsner Urquell.
A trip to the legendary brewery is an absolute must on your visit to Pilsen, but beyond that, there’s still so much to do here. The historical underground tunnels of the 13th century, the huge and sprawling Great Synagogue and the Loos Interiors are just some of the sights that you have to see on your trip to the Czech city.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
The Balkans are criminally underrated as a holiday destination and Ohrid in North Macedonia, is one of the best examples of that. Nestled on the shores of the lake that it shares a name with, this quaint and picturesque town is like something from a fairy tale story.
Architecture and experiences are the chief attractions of this destination and to be quite frank, words simply do not do this place justice. Instead of flailing about and trying to describe Ohrid, here’s a video instead, showing off its beauty.
Albarracín, Spain
Spain wasn’t always a Christian country. In centuries gone by, this country was heavily contested by The Moors, who were the Muslim populations of North Africa. Albarracín is one of the best examples of this Islamic influence in Spain.
Former seat of the Taifa kingdom, it has perfectly preserved all of its Moorish and Medieval flavour which makes travelling there feel like stepping back in time. The medieval city walls, the awe-inspiring cathredal of the saviour and the brilliant Case de la Jualianeta will all leave you with a real sense of wonder.
What say you?
Thoughts on these Underrated European City Breaks?
Let’s hear it!
