Best lesser-known European cities for a cheap spring getaway
Go off the European beaten track for alternative city breaks, says Sarah Marshall, with Lucca, Gniezno, Bucharest and Nantes hotly tipped as quieter, but pretty places to visit
Slowly unfurling after months of grey days and darkness, Europe’s cities are a joy to explore in spring. Days are getting longer, temperatures are warmer, and green spaces are blossoming – setting a scenic stage.
But rather than stick to the usual suspects of Paris and Amsterdam, try exploring some of the continent’s lesser-known urban hubs where crowds are fewer and prices cheaper. From royal birthplaces to incubators of underground art, these are the places to check out.
Lucca, Italy
Why? While cities like Florence and Pisa groan under the weight of over-tourism, this historic Tuscan hill town remains magical without the masses. Decorated with a mixture of medieval, Roman and Renaissance architecture, this is one of the prettiest spots in northern Italy.
Walk or cycle around the city walls, converted into a promenade, and browse small shops circling the ancient Roman amphitheatre Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. The Puccini Museum focuses on the life of composer Giacomo Puccini, who was born here, and performances of his works often take place at the Teatro del Giglio.
Don’t miss: On May 20, the annual Giro d’Italia bike race will pass through. Earlier in the month (May 2-4), 16th-century Villa Bottini will host artisans and designers from all over Italy, with street food, wellness and beauty workshops, as part of the Fashion In Flair event.
Book it: Doubles at the Hotel Palazzo Alexander from £208, including breakfast. hotelpalazzoalexander.it. Fly to Florence with British Airways from £55 return. ba.com.
Gniezno, Poland
Why? Although the name won’t be familiar, this west-central city was seminal in the early formation of the Polish state. Boleslaw the Brave, the nation’s first king, was crowned here 1,000 years ago in April.
One of Poland’s oldest towns is set on five hills and surrounded by lakes. Of all the sights, the city’s 14th-century Gothic cathedral is the most famous. Its intricately carved bronze Gniezno Doors tell the story of patron saint St Adalbert. From April 25-27, celebrations for the Name Day of Gniezno will be held, with musical concerts and Wojciacho (seasonal pastries) sold in local bakeries.
Don’t miss: Lech Hill, a fabulous viewpoint where Poland’s mythical founder Lech supposedly saw a white eagle and established his settlement.
Book it: Doubles at Hotel Awo, a restored 19th-century burgher’s house, start from £53.70 per night, including breakfast. hotel-awo.pl/pokoje. Fly to Poznan from London Luton with Wizz Air from £28.98 return. wizzair.com.
Bucharest, Romania
Why? Romania’s capital blooms with colour and fresh scents during April’s magnolia season. Catch the tail end in May when the city’s fountains begin to gush.
Communist-era monuments stand alongside grand Belle Epoque buildings in a destination that sums up Romania’s tumultuous past.
Hang out in cafes and bars spread throughout the lively old town (also known as Lipscani), where prices are far cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. For peace and contemplation, head to the Byzantine Stavropoleos Monastery or the leafy Herastrau Park.
Don’t miss: Carturesti Carusel in the downtown area was once a bank headquarters but is now regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores with spiral staircases, marble colonnades and more than 10,000 books. There’s also an in-house cafe.
Book it: Regent Holidays offers a five-day luxury short break in Bucharest from £1,495pp, including B&B, private transfers and flights. regent-holidays.co.uk
Nantes, France
Why? Between April and June, warehouses on the Ile de Nantes host a series of live performances, dance shows and workshops as part of the annual Printemps des Nefs (Spring of the Warehouses) event. Many are free.
This former maritime hub on the Loire river is a centre for offbeat creative arts. The Machines de l’Ile (also on Ile de Nantes) brings the city’s industrial heritage to life with a collection of mechanical animals including the Great Elephant.
Wander through the Passage Pommeraye, a Renaissance-style 19th-century shopping arcade, and visit the Musee Jules Verne to learn about the sci-fi novelist who was born here.
Don’t miss: Le Voyage a Nantes, a permanent collection of more than 120 artworks running for 22km along a painted green line from the heart of the city through vineyards and out to the ocean.
Book it: Doubles at the Sozo Hotel, housed in a converted chapel, start from £150, including breakfast. sozohotel.fr. Travel by train with the Eurostar to Lille and connect to the TGV via Lille or Paris from £98 return. eurostar.com.