Europe is not short of incredible cities. The fact that so many are accessible within just a few hours' travel from any point on the continent provides an almost endless list of great destinations for a weekend getaway. So much of Europe is overlooked due to seasonal travel trends, with certain cities being pegged as destinations to visit only in the summer.
Yet, the beauty of Europe, beyond its multi-culturalism and convenience of travel, is that so many of its cities hold year-round appeal, provided visitors know what to look for in any given destination. The following cities are fantastic choices for exploring throughout the year, come rain, snow, or sun, and offer a mixture of classic European charm and under-the-radar appeal that begs to be explored more.
Bilbao
For centuries, the Nervión River served as Bilbao’s lifeblood, carrying iron ore, ship parts and manufactured goods through the Basque Country to the notoriously stormy Atlantic coastline. By the late 20th century, deindustrialisation had left large parts of the city in decline, prompting a wholesale rethinking of Bilbao’s identity, seeing the city blossom into a wonderful example of rejuvenation. The Guggenheim Museum may dominate first impressions, but the city’s appeal lies equally in Casco Viejo, where narrow streets open onto small squares lined with bars specialising in pintxo, which are open throughout the seasons.
Food, as is the case in much of Spain, is a key ingredient to life in Bilbao, with markets such as La Ribera still operating at a local scale. Wine enthusiasts should take note that the world’s first underwater winery at Bodega Crusoe is on the outskirts of Bilbao, for a truly remarkable look at viticulture that defies all conventions. Walking across the river into Indautxu and Abando leads to much enjoyment of the local galleries, bakeries and neighbourhood restaurants filling the space between grand 19th-century façades. Hikes in the foothills or along the surrounding coastline for nature lovers, watersports in the summer, and Bilbao begs to be explored more.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a city built on resilience. Earthquakes, fires and political upheaval have come and gone, but the city endures, as is seen in its well-defined layers, from medieval alleyways to expansive Enlightenment-era squares, and buildings painted all colours of the rainbow. In the sunshine, Lisbon shines bright as a friendly oasis of culture. Noisy 19th-century trams trundling along through Alfama and Graça, while the waterfront has been reworked into a long pedestrian stretch connecting Belém to Cais do Sodré, dotted with seafood restaurants along the way as the city reaps the bounty of being located on the shores of the Atlantic.
Whilst Lisbon is popular and has no doubt been explored extensively, it also works well as a base for day trips to Sintra, Cascais or the Arrábida coast. Fans of extreme sports and surfing in particular should consider flying in during November and hopping up the coast for a day to see the big wave surfing take place at Nazaré. The largest waves in the world are surfed just a mile offshore, with crowds gathering during the biggest swells to watch from the cliffs to see the brave men and women attempt to ride these monsters. Lisbon is a city with options, and there’s always a new reason to go back.
Genoa
Thoroughly mischaracterised and left out of the pantheon of more popular Italian cities, Genoa is somewhat snobbishly referred to as “the south” by denizens of other cities in the north of the country. In reality, this should be viewed by outsiders as a compliment. Genoa has far more vibrancy and life to its streets than Milan. Architecture easily rivals the likes of Turin, and history is as well-rounded and intricate as Venice. To boot, it also has some of the most beautiful seaside towns in the whole of Italy within its city limits, giving it more in common with Naples and historically just as prominent. Wedged tightly between mountains and sea, as a powerful maritime republic, Genoa accumulated wealth through trade and banking, leaving behind multiple palazzi that speak to its former influence despite their often hidden entrances.
These caruggi, or narrow lanes, form a dense web where small shops, bakeries and bars operate in comfortable seclusion away from the main streets. Food is essential to understanding the city as pesto, focaccia and seafood are everyday staples rather than specialities. Speaking of which, a trip by train to the city’s outskirts and one of the aforementioned beautiful seaside locales, Camogli, is a must. The beaches and caruggi that interconnect the town and its small harbour are wonderful, but the best-kept secret is the focaccia, a local favourite and quite possibly the very best in all of Italy.
Riga
Riga’s position on the Baltic Sea has placed it at the crossroads of Germanic, Russian and Nordic influence for thousands of years. Founded as a trading port, the city developed under successive rulers and boasts a historic centre that sits alongside one of Europe’s largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings, creating a striking contrast between medieval and early 20th-century urbanism that’s breathtaking in both winter snow and ice, or under the warm summer sun. The old town is compact and easily walkable, while neighbourhoods such as Āgenskalns and the area around Miera iela are dotted with cafés, bookshops and markets, making it a firm fixture with the locals.
Riga’s food scene has matured into some truly exceptional fine-dining for lovers of fruits de mer. Baltic ingredients have a strong emphasis on smoked fish, rye bread and forest flavours (nuts, berries, foraged herbs), combining into some mouth-watering dishes. The city’s proximity to the beaches along the Gulf of Riga makes it a wonderful alternate seaside getaway during scorching summers, as the Baltic can become notoriously hot during July and August. Winter is for brave souls comfortable with freezing temperatures, but who want to experience the frozen landmarks in all their fairytale glory.
Sarajevo
Set in a narrow valley and surrounded by mountains, Sarajevo has long been a meeting point between traditions, religions and empires. Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav legacies sit side by side along the same street, creating a cityscape that feels beautifully layered and is criminally under-explored and appreciated as a result of Bosnia’s ongoing development post-war. With that said, the streets of Sarajevo are very much alive, with Baščaršija district known as the heart of the city, with copper workshops, mosques and small eateries continuing traditions that predate any modern borders.
The coffee claims tradition from ancient Baghdad, and is as relaxing to watch being made as it is to enjoy. Newer editions by way of art galleries, concert spaces and uplifted parks continue to change the city’s image into something more cosmopolitan. One of the most enjoyable additions to its tourism program is the option to ski nearby at Jahorina ski resort, just a half-hour drive from the city. With an elevation just below 2000m and a 40km ski area, it's perfect for a weekend ski break, with the bonus of nighttime ski runs to ensure one does not miss out exploring the beauty of Sarajevo at any given time.
The Hague
The Hague occupies a unique position in the Netherlands. Unlike Amsterdam, it developed as a seat of government rather than a trading hub, resulting in a much smaller city shaped by administration and bureaucracy, which, at first glance, lacks the vibrant appeal of the Dutch capital. However, this works to the Hague’s advantage, offering a break from the crowds of Amsterdam and Rotterdam with the bonus of proximity to the best beaches in the Netherlands, such as Scheveningen and Kijkduin’s beautiful golden sands.
Notable highlights include the option to tour the Dutch parliament (provided it isn’t in session) and the Escher museum, which displays many of the famous graphic artist’s original blockprints, and is housed within the beautiful Lange Voorhut Palace. The Kunstmuseum is another must-visit location for art lovers, as is the Mauritshuis for the chance to marvel at the work of Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. The Hague is a great, quiet escape for those wishing to experience the Netherlands outside of the crowded streets of Amsterdam.
