European City Guides
Europe’s cities are endlessly diverse – elegant capitals, gritty gems, and places that deserve far more attention than they get. These guides focus on the walkable, affordable and slightly off-beat with the odd exceptions thrown in. The kind of trips where you can explore by foot, bus, or tram rather than tour bus.
Whether it’s Bucharest, Toulouse, or Skopje, each has its own rhythm and its own surprises once you wander beyond the postcard views.
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Alternative Athens: Neighbourhoods, Street Life & Technopolis
I’ll be honest: the first time I visited Athens (a long time ago), I wasn’t particularly taken by it. I remembered pollution, scruffiness, crowds, and intense heat. But I’ve been back several times since, and by avoiding the chaos of high summer it’s been much easier to relax and enjoy the city. And that’s especially true once you’ve seen the classic sites. Ancient history may make Athens one of the…
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Classic Athens: Top Sights and Ancient Landmarks for your First Trip to The Greek Capital
As the birthplace of Western Civilisation and democracy, Athens makes a compelling case for your attention. The Greek Capital is named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. And you’ll feel like you’re part of the story as you wander through the city which, in parts, feels like a living museum. The Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora earn their place at the top of every list, but the city…
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10 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki: A Walkable Guide to Greece’s Second City
It’s easy to underestimate Thessaloniki. Athens takes most of the limelight, along with the islands, but if you’re looking for an easy, good-value city break, Thessaloniki is absolutely worth considering. We visited in February and enjoyed crisp blue skies and comfortable daytime temperatures of around 14°C, perfect for exploring. It’s a relaxed year round destination, and, as a smaller city, you won’t be chasing your tail, ticking a long list…
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Best Day Trips and Places to Visit in Kosovo from Pristina
The capital, Pristina, makes a great base for exploring central Kosovo. The country’s small enough to get around easily, and most of the main towns are linked by bus. For some of the more rural or scenic spots, you might need to hop in a taxi or join a local tour, but that’s part of the fun. Or you might prefer to drive and hire a car. You’ll find a…
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Why You Should Visit Pristina: Kosovo’s Surprising Coffee-Fuelled Capital
Europe’s newest capital, Pristina, intrigued me long before I arrived, and after exploring Kosovo’s biggest city, it still does. If you imagined Pristina would be beige or boring because the “things to do” list looked short at first glance, don’t be surprised if you find yourself changing your mind, as I did. Pristina isn’t polished, it’s raw, creative, and full of murals and modern art. Some buildings will divide opinion,…
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10 Things to Do in Prizren, Kosovo – Why It Deserves a Spot on Your Balkan Itinerary
Prizren’s cobbled streets, riverside cafés, and mountain backdrop give it an easy charm that’s hard to resist. Compact and full of character, it’s one of those cities that wins you over straight away. In this guide, I’ve included the 10 best things you can do in Prizren, along with practical advice and a map to help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful Balkan city. Planning a…
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Best Things to Do in San Marino (and Why You’ll Want to Stay for Sunset)
San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe and proudly calls itself the world’s oldest surviving republic. Perched high on Mount Titano, it’s a maze of steep medieval lanes, arched gateways and stone terraces with sweeping views across Italy. And those views are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Europe. Read on and I’ll share with you the best things to do in San Marino plus tips…
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Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Liechtenstein
Are you thinking about visiting Liechtenstein? Or maybe you need to know more before deciding? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the capital Vaduz and beyond. Including how to get there, where to stay, day trip tips and what’s actually open on Sundays and Mondays, Along with a few honest tales from our own visit. Planning a Trip To Liechtenstein? Here’s Where You’ll Find Things Most recently visited…
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Best Day Trips from Bucharest: Castles, Mountains, the Black Sea and Cross Border Adventures
Bucharest might surprise you – behind its traffic and grandeur lies a convenient base for day trips. From fairy-tale castles in the Carpathians to the breezy Black Sea coast, it’s easy to escape the city for a day of history, scenery or total relaxation. There’s some cross border opportunities too if you want to add another country to your itinerary too. Here are my favourite day trips from Bucharest, all…
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23 Best Things to Do in Bucharest – and One I’d Avoid Right Now
In this guide you’ll find all the best things to do in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. It’s a vibrant city with a fascinating history and one of Europe’s most affordable capitals. I’ve included practical information and tips to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re drawn to grand avenues, history, a buzzing café scene or simply somewhere to let your hair down, this Balkan capital has…
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Visit the Millennium Cross and Mount Vodno from Skopje by Public Bus
Mount Vodno and the Millennium cross provide a striking backdrop to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. And a visit to see them both, up close and personal, is an essential part of any trip to the capital. We visited the Millennium Cross by catching a city bus to Sredno Vodno, then taking a cable car to the top, instead of taking one of the popular organised tours. This Guide…
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Visit the Painted Mosque in Tetovo From Skopje by Public Bus
In the foothills of the Šar Mountains, Tetovo’s Painted Mosque dazzles with colour — and it’s an easy bus ride from Skopje, making it one of the most rewarding day trips in North Macedonia
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Best Things to Do in Iași: Discover Romania’s Cultural Gem
In this guide you’ll find a map and a walking route through Iași’s historic centre, plus a few finds further out. Itineraries, food and drink recommendations, and practical tips for your visit are included here too.
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Best Things to Do in Chișinău: A Complete Guide to Europe’s Least Visited Capital City
Discover the best things to do in Chişinău, from leafy parks and quirky Soviet landmarks to affordable Moldovan food and wine. Follow my two easy walking routes with maps, plus tips for day trips and local eats.
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Transnistria Day Trip from Chișinău – Worth It?
Part Soviet time capsule, part breakaway state – here’s what I found on a surreal day trip to Transnistria
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Things to do in Carcassonne – Here’s what I did, what I skipped and what I wish I’d known
The old Cité of Carcassonne looks like it’s been lifted straight from a medieval movie set – and to be fair, it has. Most famously, it stood in for Nottingham Castle in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), A guide, with everything you need to know for the independent traveller
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Toulouse and the Machines – A Guide to A Fascinating City with a Steampunk Twist
Planning a trip to France’s Pink City? This guide to Toulouse Machines covers the city’s unique mechanical wonders alongside the must-see squares, churches, and day trips.
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Beyond Duty-Free Shopping – 21 Best Things to Do in Andorra
So yes, you can shop in Andorra, but there’s so much more! Here’s the things I found to do on my solo short break to this little country, high in the Pyrenees, I’ve included a map and a list of things to do in Andorra, (the things I did and the things I ran out of time for). Plus all the ways you can get to Andorra. If you visit…
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Best Things to Do in Skopje: Your Comprehensive Travel Guide to Europe’s Most Kitsch Capital
Skopje mixes kitsch statues, Ottoman charm and Balkan buzz. This guide on things to do in Skopje covers the city highlights both in the Ancient City and beyond including the modern facades and statues created as part of Skopje Project 2014
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Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter: Your Guide To The Arctic Capital
Tromsø in winter is pure Arctic magic. From chasing the northern lights to spotting humpback whales and orcas, it’s a destination that feels like another world. Add in a ride up the cable car for sweeping views of the snow-covered fjords, and you’ve got a trip that combines wild nature with unforgettable city charm.
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