The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

5 Alternative European City Break Ideas for 2021

03/12/20 ᛫ 3 Comments

After spending so much time in our own homes this year, it’s safe to say that we are all really looking forward to taking a holiday in 2021. Whilst cautious travellers are still holding off on making any bookings, it can still be fun to plan and research potential trips. This blog has always been about providing travel inspiration, so I’ve teamed up with AXA Insurance to provide you with 5 alternative European city break ideas for 2021.

I have personally visited each destination within this guide and have written a city break guide for each one. All photos featured are my own. Follow the links for the individual city guides.

5 Alternative European City Break Ideas for 2021


This blog post has been sponsored by AXA Insurance.

1. Athens, Greece

Great for: hidden rooftop bars, cafe culture and ancient history

In my opinion, Athens is one of the most underrated city break destinations in Europe. It’s a fascinating city that has a great contrast between old and new. The ancient ruins are a striking backdrop to many of the cities’ modern and trendy rooftop bars. Another bonus of an Athens city break is that you’re likely to get sunshine and plenty of Vitamin D (something we are all craving in the UK).

My top things to do in Athens include visiting the Acropolis, exploring the backstreets of Anafiotika, street dining in Plaka and hunting for treasure in Athens Flea Market.

Read my Ultimate City Guide to Athens 

2.  Bern, Switzerland

Great for; slow travel, boutique shopping and history

Many people do not realise that Bern is the capital of Switzerland and is a key location for Swiss politicians. It is a also the birthplace of Albert Einstein. Bern is a great city break option for people who want to explore a new city at a slower pace, without any hustle and bustle. Bern is a small city and the vibe is very laid back. The distinctively turquoise Aare River runs through the heart of Bern, so imagine relaxed riverside dining and boutique shops a plenty.

My top things to do in Bern include exploring the old town, visiting the Albert Einstein museum, climbing up to the Rose Garden, going swimming in the Aare River and climbing the 222 steps of Bern Minster.

Read my blog A City Break Guide to Bern, Switzerland 

3. Bilbao, Spain

Great for; modern art, ancient old towns and amazing street food

Of all the amazing destinations in Spain, Bilbao doesn’t get nearly enough air time. As it’s in the North of Spain, good weather isn’t guaranteed. However, this once industrial Spanish city is now a hub of art and foodie culture. Bilbao is famous for being home to the Guggenheim Museum and is also well known for its Pintxos (a style of Tapas synonymous to the Basque region of Spain).

My top things to do in Bilbao include visiting the Guggenheim, doing a food tour of the old town (Casa Viejo), visiting the Ribera food market, going for drinks in the Plaza Nueva and catching the funicular up to Mount Artxanda.

Read my 48 Hour Guide to Bilbao 

4. Salzburg, Austria

Great for; stunning viewpoints, classical music and Austrian tradition

Salzburg is a historical Austrian city and is well known for being the birthplace of composer Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music. As a big Sound of Music fan, I was totally captivated by the city. Salzburg is full of picturesque streets, pastel coloured buildings and fascinating Austrian traditions. The streets are full of live music and many of the locals wear traditional Austrian clothing such as the Dirndl.

My top things to do in Salzburg include visiting the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, The Fortress Hohensalzburg (where they originally wanted to film Game of Thrones), The Museum of Modern Art and ordering a ‘Hugo’ cocktail (a delicious Austrian cocktail).

Read my blog posts 11 Reasons to visit Salzburg and The Ultimate Guide to Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Great for; castles, fortresses, colourful buildings and good wine

I have such fond memories of our city break to Lisbon and would definitely return in a heartbeat. With its wide boulevards, pastel coloured houses, vintage trams and winding cobbled backstreets, Lisbon is a city of effortless European charm. It’s built upon 7 hills, providing visitors with spectacular panoramas from every angle of the city. There is a slice of history around every corner and the quaint piazzas and al fresco eateries set the scene for the romantic city-break you’ve always dreamt of.

My top things to do in Lisbon include visiting Castello de Sao Jorge, exploring the colourful coloured streets of Alfama, going up the Torre de Belem and visiting Pasteis de Belem for the best Pasteis de Nata (Portugese custard tarts).

Read my City Guide to Lisbon 

Do you know about the Schengen Area?

All destinations featured within this guide are part of the Schengen area of Europe. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border controls between each other. These include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Poland, and Scandinavian nations, but not the U.K. and Ireland. Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway are not in the EU but are inside of the Schengen Area.

After 1st January 2021, British travellers will not need a visa and will be able to stay in most EU countries for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. If you are visiting the Schengen area from any other county outside of the EU, click the link in the above paragraph to see if a VISA is required.


What are your travel plans for 2021? Will you be heading for a beach break or a city break first? I’d love to hear what destinations are on your wish list. Let me know by leaving a comment in the box below. Jess x

This blog post has been sponsored by AXA travel insurance. All words, travel tips and photos are my own.

3 Comments

Related Posts

  • A Romantic City Guide to Florence
  • 7 Things To Know Before Visiting Dubai
  • Photo Diary: Wine Tasting in Bandol
« My Big News – November 2020
A Review of the Micralite ProFold Pram »

Comments

  1. Bryson Fico says

    3rd May 2021 at 1:21 pm

    Considering a trip to Europe, but we are concerned about crowds in the :typical destinations. Thank you for providing alternative options. Each city sounds wonderful.

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      11th May 2021 at 8:13 pm

      You’re welcome! Glad it has come in handy for you 🙂

      Reply
  2. Laura says

    10th February 2021 at 12:30 pm

    I would give anything to be exploring a new city now! Hopefully soon, until then reading things like this definitely helps!

    Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning UK travel blogger based in North Yorkshire, providing you with inspiration for both local and global adventures.

Read More

Looking for something in particular?

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary: Visiting 6 ports in 7 days

Family-friendly glamping in the Lake District with Feather Down Farms

An Indulgent Escape at Columbia Beach Resort, Cyprus

Follow on Instagram

What can I say, ya gals a foodie 😝🍴 #trave What can I say, ya gals a foodie 😝🍴 

#travelfoodie #eattheworld #globaleats #worldeatery #eeeeats #worldfood
Hello 2023! 🤍 A clean page, a fresh start. I h Hello 2023! 🤍 A clean page, a fresh start.

I had too many words about 2022 for a caption, so I’ve put them all into a blog post. 

My “2022 year in review” is live on The Travelista. It’s a longer, personal blog post about lessons, learnings, achievements and travels from year just gone, as well as my hopes and goals for 2023. I’ve put a link on stories for anyone interested. 😊

Wishing you a healthy, happy, adventure-filled New Year ✨

Photo: collecting shells on Cleethorpes beach during Twixmas 🐚
My 2022 travel recap ✨ 17 destinations across My 2022 travel recap ✨ 

17 destinations across 9 countries. My son stepped foot in 3 new countries and I got to bring him on 6 trips with me, including his first cruise. Wow ♥️

I’m finding a new rhythm for travelling with (and sometimes without) a little one and can’t wait for what’s to come in 2023.

Whether you’re new here or you’ve followed my journey for years, thank you so much for being here, for every like, comment and share. It is this amazing, supportive and loyal community that has enabled me to quit my job this year and return to doing this full time again post Covid. 

What was the most memorable place you’ve visited in 2022? ♥️

Where I went in 2022: 

Abu Dhabi
Cyprus 
Marbella 
Bruges 
Amsterdam
Guernsey 
Lake District 
Newcastle
Edinburgh 
Whitby
Lake District II
Almuñécar
Barcelona 
Gibraltar 
Marseille 
Rapallo
Florence

That’s a wrap! See you in 2023 🎥
A little snapshot into our Christmas, the first on A little snapshot into our Christmas, the first one in our new home, blending our families and hosting for 9. ☺️🥂 Hope you all had a lovely day 🎄

Merry Christmas from my family to yours ♥️.
Before I sign off for a little Christmas social me Before I sign off for a little Christmas social media break, here’s a festive photo dump of the past week + sharing my favourite poem🕯🎄🥂

Featuring 

➕ A lunch to @bettys with the girls. Making a new tradition. 
➕ A family visit to @castle_howard for their spectacular #IntotheWoods Christmas experience. Phenomenal. We go every year and it just gets better and better.
➕ Carols by candlelight at our local church - magic - but so many layers because the heating was broken!
➕ Dust if you Must by Rose Milligan. The perfect tonic in the (potentially stressful) build up to Christmas. 

We are hosting family this year and I’m excited! I’d love my house to look like a festive show home but it doesn’t, and that’s ok. (I have a 4 year old making mess twice as fast as I can tidy it). 

Fellow hosts, don’t be so busy ‘dusting’ that you miss all the little moments of magic! I’m reminding myself of this too. Swipe to read the poem and you’ll get it. ♥️

Wishing you a perfectly imperfect Christmas 🎄 

Love Jess x
ad Come with me and my Mum to do some last minute ad Come with me and my Mum to do some last minute Christmas shopping at @junction32. 🎁 

We are all feeling the pinch this year with the rising cost of living, so I set myself a challenge to find gifts for under £30. By shopping at outlets like Junction 32, which has over 80 brands offering up to 60% off the retail price, your money truly does go so much further. ♥️

What gifts I bought;

✔️ Slippers from @radleylondon RRP £40 J32 Price £20
✔️Himalayam charcoal gift set from @thebodyshop RRP £36.00 J32 Price £29.50
✔️Wax cheese wheels from independent retailer @themousehouse_lincoln £3 for £16
✔️Children’s cutlery set from @procookuk RRP £10 J32 Price £7

As usual J32 had some brilliant items on offer and a huge amount of choice, even this far into December.

Have you got any last minute Christmas shopping to do? I think I am finally done! 🛍 

#outletshopping #junction32 #junction32shoppingcentre #j32 #yorkshireoutletshopping

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

The Travelista on YouTube

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 9865followers
  • 2070subscribers

Copyright © 2023 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2023 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact