Millions of Britons are planning to book urban breaks in Europe over the coming months as temperatures skyrocket on the continent. Many will undoubtedly flock to the most obvious destinations: Paris, Venice, Florence, Barcelona. But they miss hidden gems that offer the same experience at some cost.
Ahead of the spring holiday boom, the Daily Express has compiled a list of the seven most underrated urban breaks in Europe, including Spain, Greece, France and our own UK cities.
Do you agree with our choice? Do you think we're mad at us? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
Athens
Athens is the most criminally underrated destination in Europe. British tourists steal the Greek capital in favour of Santorini, Naxos and Mykonos. They're making newcomers' mistakes.
It may not be the richest city in Europe, but Athens has everything that a savvy tourist would want, including ancient history, amazing food, cheap liquor, great weather and more.
Flights from London to Athens in April start at just £97. It's also easy to find a nice hotel room for around £100 per night.
History enthusiasts should visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum (ignoring the cry of Elgin marble).
If you're a foodie, grab a gyro with Caropsimenno and then have dinner at Mablo Probert. Enjoy a quick drink after dinner? Go to Clams and park a bottle of wine outside of Oynocent in search of one of the best cocktails in the world.
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the famous wine capital, but that's not all this French city has to offer. It samples several 700 million bottles each year, and each year it incorporates stunning Gothic architecture in one of the bustling squares of the Old Town.
Walking along the winding cobblestone streets will undoubtedly become just along the banks of the Garonne River and the bustling markets of the city. The Pouyanne market is recommended early on Sunday before heading to Boulangary for fresh madeleines. For retail therapy, St. Catherine is lined with independent vintage boutiques.
Every day, one of the many bistros serves delicious steaks paired with a bordellay sauce, washed off in a red glass. With temperatures above 25c in summer, this gorgeous medieval city should be on anyone's bucket list.
(Image: Getty Images/Image Source)
Bucharest
Let me be in front of you – if you are looking for a place as clean as Florence, Dubrovnik, or Bruges, then Bucharest is not.
And if you want to guarantee good weather, it cannot compete with Seville, Lisbon, Valletta, etc.
But if you want a light weekend with a group of fellow teams in a bustling city, Bucharest is hard to beat.
The old town is bursting with seams in bars and restaurants that appear to be unclosed.
It is also an architectural gem, with beautiful old buildings that justify its nickname as a small Paris in the east.
And most importantly, it's cheap. It's cheap, like it's back in the 1990s.
If you can stretch your weekends for up to a week, Romania will have incredible views from its capital to its magnificent mountains to swept mountain ranges.
All Bucharest is an underrated city in an underrated country.
(Image: Getty Images/istockphoto)
Budapest
After a relaxing city break, look no further than Budapest.
Cheap pints, thermal baths and stunning architecture await you. From classic open-top bus tours to museums that explain the rich history of the Hungarian capital, the city offers much to it.
Taking sexuality to Buda Castle (or climbing the hill if you want to take your stairs) is mandatory, and then visit the fisherman's fortress. It boasts impressive views on the Danube River and the pest side of the city.
At night, dozens of abandoned bars can collapse, and many restaurants serve traditional dishes such as goulash.
Budapest is a beautiful city to visit and is suitable for weekend breaks in all seasons – so what are you waiting for? It's a 2-hour flight from London at a price that doesn't destroy the bank.
(Image: Getty Images/istockphoto)
Durham
Durham is a strong field and is the most beautiful place in the UK.
Anyone who crossed the river wear through the Flamwell Gate Bridge at night can prove this. This is extremely difficult to avoid the views of the 11th century castles in the city's lighting. Built under the orders of William the Conqueror, Norman's fortress is located across from the more impressive structure, Durham Cathedral. This Gothic architecture marvel holds the tomb of the venerable saint bed, which wrote the definitive history of early English in 731 AD.
If you don't mind such things, you're clearly wrong. But fortunately, you can also cut down the cobblestone streets of Durham, drink in a historic pub, and even collide with a core collision of etching around your neck that there is a “Harry Potter vibe” throughout the city centre.
(Image: Getty)
Girona
For those who crave a city rich in history but are far from the chaos of Barcelona and Seville, look farther than Girona in Catalonia, Spain. The fact that it was chosen as the main location for Games of Thrones is a testament to its incredible architecture, including the old Roman fortress that have existed since the first century BC. The picturesque home overlooking the river is an important feature of Girona, where you can wander the colorful streets and stop at charming shops selling quirky figurines.
But that's not all that Girona has to offer – it continues to modern life as well. A mix of stunning coastal views and challenging hill climbs has become a favorite cycling stop for all abilities.
Finish your day of exploring with foodies that satisfy your foodie. Local dishes include hearty escadera stew and fried Xuxos for dessert.
(Image: Getty Images/istockphoto)
