If you’re celebrating Europe Day (9 May) this year, you might be considering visiting one of Europe’s many fantastic cities. But, with so many great destinations to consider, choosing a city break can be tough.
Instead of travelling to one of the busy tourist destinations this summer, choosing a quieter, less popular city can mean a more peaceful holiday.
Here are six lesser-visited European cities that are perfect for a break this Europe Day.
1. Marseille, France
When people plan a city break in France, they tend to default to Paris. But for a more tranquil getaway, Marseille is the oldest city in France and the perfect place to relax.
To explore the local culture, you can head to the Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean. And only a short walk away is the other gallery Marseille is famous for – the Museum of African, Oceanian and Native American Art.
If you’d prefer to spend your time enjoying local nature, you’ll be pleased to hear that Marseille sits on the banks of the stunning French Riviera. Stroll through the gorgeous Calanques National Park, or take a shuttle boat to the Château d’If, a 16th-century former prison that features in Alexandre Dumas’ book The Count of Monte Cristo.
2. Córdoba, Spain
Only a short train ride from Madrid, Malaga, and Seville, Córdoba is a beautiful city nestled in the sunny south of Spain. With a walkable city centre and plenty of bars and restaurants for you to sample, the Andalusian city is the perfect destination if you’re seeking a fun and unique holiday.
Known for its religious history, Córdoba is home to the Mezquita, a magnificent building that was transformed from a mosque to a cathedral in 1236. Visit the interior to see the dazzling architecture and climb the bell tower for amazing views of the city.
And if you travel to the Jewish Quarter, be sure to visit the Synagogue of Córdoba. Dating back to the early 14th century, the temple is one of only three medieval synagogues remaining in Spain today. Although they no longer hold religious services there, it is still open to the public as a historic site.
Even in spring, the daytime temperatures in Córdoba are pleasant for wandering through the city. By July and August, though, expect average daily highs of around 38 degrees. And if you visit in May, you can experience the wonderful Festival of the Patios, where Córdoba opens its colourful patios to the public.
3. Thessaloniki, Greece
When visiting Greece, most tourists travel to the city of Athens. But a trip to the northern metropolis of Thessaloniki will reward you with a deeper appreciation of Greek culture and history.
Situated next to the Aegean Sea, the long promenade that stretches across the harbour gives you marvellous views of the beach. And if you head up to the City Walls or the ruins of the Byzantine Heptapyrgion Fortress at dusk, you can watch the sun set over the water.
For keen shoppers, the Modiano Market and the Kapani Market merge to create one vast labyrinth of delis and stalls, which sell everything from fresh fish and fruit to jewellery, perfect for finding a souvenir to take home.
The local architecture is also fascinating, as modern buildings blend into the crumbling ruins of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman monuments. And for evening entertainment, you can visit the Rotunda. Part of a 4th-century palace, the former mosque and church now hosts live performances from local musicians and theatre groups.
4. Zagreb, Croatia
When people think of Croatia, they picture gorgeous seaside holidays. But Zagreb is a beautiful and often overlooked city break destination.
To find your bearings when you arrive, you can take the “Free Spirit” walking tour. The free guided tour lasts two hours and delves into the history of the city along with its local legends. And if you join the morning tour, you’ll be lucky enough to hear Zagreb’s famous Grič cannon being fired over the city.
Zagreb is also home to St. Mark’s Church. The 13th-century building’s roof is covered in striking blue and red tiles and features the medieval coat of arms for Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia alongside the emblem of Zagreb.
The city centre boasts some unusual activities for you to take part in, including the shortest funicular in the world – only 66 metres long! And you must visit the Museum of Broken Relationships while you’re there, which is a tear-jerking and hilarious tour through failed romances from around the world.
5. Kutaisi, Georgia
Although Kutaisi attracts a respectable number of tourists thanks to its international airport, most people tend to travel straight to Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. But Kutaisi is the largest city in Georgia’s western Imereti region, and it is shamefully overlooked.
The city centre is easily explored on foot, but you can also ride the cable cars across the river for brilliant views. And there is a wide selection of restaurants and cafes for you to enjoy, which serve delicious regional food and drinks from local wineries.
If you want to take a day trip during your visit, Kutaisi is close to several other interesting locations, including Tskaltubo, a former Soviet spa resort, and the old mining town of Chiatura.
And if you want to explore the nearby natural scenery, the city is only a short ride away from complex cave systems, waterfalls, and breathtaking canyons.
6. Aarhus, Denmark
Despite being the second biggest city in Denmark, Aarhus does not attract many international tourists. Only a three-hour train ride from Copenhagen and with its own small airport, a trip to this delightful city allows you to experience a traditional Nordic town without the crowds.
Aarhus is most famous for its two museums. ARoS Art Museum has been displaying fascinating modern art installations since 1859 and is the second most-visited museum in Denmark.
Den Gamle By, on the other hand, is dedicated to transporting you back in time through Danish history. The name translates to “The Old Town”, and the open-air museum consists of 75 historic buildings, which walk you through local history from 1550 to the 1970s.
It’s also located in the magnificent botanical gardens, so once you’ve finished exploring the miniature city, you can enjoy the 53 acres of gorgeous wildlife.