Paris, Rome, Copenhagen, Madrid – European capitals have earned their place on global travel bucket lists. But with first city status usually comes crowded landmarks and hectic museums full of holidaymakers. Fear not. Deviate from the standard city break blueprint, and you'll find the same culture and character, often for far better value, in other corners of the continent. According to deputy travel editor Sophie Dickinson, it's time travellers who are tired of Paris swap the City of Light for Montpellier. She said: "Montpellier's chic bars are substantially cheaper than in the capital but just as lively, due to its spirited student population. Around five miles from the coast, the nearby beaches are the perfect place to nurse a hangover, sunglasses firmly on." Further east, on a recent trip to the eastern Czech Republic, travel correspondent Simon Calder found a "fascinating corner of central Europe". Simon said: "Ostrava has some amazing industrial archaeology, while beautiful Brno was reasonably described as 'Prague without the problems' – an approachable and intriguing city, with a strong Jewish heritage." |
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Montpellier's chic bars are substantially cheaper than those in Paris (Getty) |
It's these lesser-known destinations that are guiding the travel desks' 2026 getaway plans. Travel writer Amelia Neath is set on a low-cost trip to Sarajevo. "This year, I am hoping to visit Sarajevo, one of Europe's cheapest cities to visit due to its low cost of living. Beer costing around £2.25 and a cup of Bosnian coffee for even less, will leave me plenty of budget to see the city's top sights, including the Sarajevo cable car and the Tunnel of Salvation museum." Better still, beyond Eurostar's main stops, train lines across Europe connect to cities you may not have considered. Read on to discover how to nail the classics and some more obscure city break inspiration. |
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| Brno, the second city of the Czech Republic, has much of the appeal of Prague – notably fine architecture in a spectacular setting – but without the hassle and high prices of the capital. Fly from Stansted. |
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| Milan has immense appeal and superb air links from the UK. But for a short break in a compact yet multi-dimensional city, Bergamo delivers with minimum stress and maximum reward – all within minutes of "Milan" Bergamo airport. |
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| Escape to the mountains in the next six weeks with these last-minute deals from Crystal Ski. Save up to £600 and choose from top destinations in Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France. Learn more. |
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| Need a break? Save on flights and holidays in the British Airways sale, with a huge range of destinations worldwide. But hurry – book by 27 January to secure your savings. Learn more. |
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| Save up to 26% on a beautiful Lake Windermere break. Stay right on the water at the four-star Lakeside Hotel and enjoy sparkling wine in your room, a two-course dinner, spa access, late checkout and more. Various dates available. Learn more. |
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Good food, rich tradition and just a touch of indulgence await in every corner of the Bluegrass State |
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| Sink your teeth into hot browns, bourbon-glazed treats and smoky barbecue, then follow the flavours from bustling city kitchens out into horse country and the picturesque, rolling farms. Find out more. |
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| Best walking poles, tested in the Cotswolds and Cumbrian fells | |
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| Santiago de Compostela may be best known for a certain walking trail, but the soulful, delectable seafood makes it worth staying in the city. |
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| Naples blends football, culture and community in a way that no other European city can – thanks largely to SSC Napoli. | |
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Today, the sport's significance is evident in the hundreds of football-centric murals, shrines, posters and graffiti that cover the city, demonstrating unmatchable enthusiasm for the beautiful game. |
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| Cycle lanes, immense urban parks and a pretty Renaissance quartier make Lyon a city for people that hate cities. |
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| In Warsaw you'll find neoclassical architecture in ice-cream hues, candlelit Chopin concerts and bygone confectioneries on every corner. |
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Our Pick: Today's Top Deals |
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| Travel light and hands-free! Get almost 40% off Lululemon's crossbody bag – perfect for sightseeing, airport days and city strolls. |
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| Stay powered up on your adventures – this handy portable charger is under £11 at Amazon. |
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