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These 7 European cities are set to be the hottest weekend destinations this year
Published 08:51 14 Apr 2017 BST
Updated 08:55 14 Apr 2017 BST
Add us as a preferred source on Google »Yeah, yeah, sure we all know how great and fabulous London and Paris and Barcelona are (and they really are), but this year, if you want your weekend break Instagram snaps to have any bragging rights, you need to look outside the box a little.
These seven cities are pegged as future urban hotspots, so if you hurry up and book yourself a trip here, you will be well ahead of the city break curve.
And the best bit? They all have everything you look for from your urban weekend away – in abundance.
1. Valencia
3. Salzburg
Elegant, progressive and beautiful Valencia might not (yet) be as popular a destination as big sis Barcelona, but this city is confident enough to know that while it might not have Gaudi, it’s got style.
Don't miss the spectacular steel and glass City of Arts and Sciences, built by ‘starchitect’ Santiago Calatrava as a monument to forward thinking.
Enjoy a jog or cycle through the three-mile park that runs along the city, stop of tapas or a lemon ice 'granita' and just soak up the glorious Spanish sunshine.
www.visitvalencia.com
2. Gotenburg
Gothenburg is Sweden's second largest city and an important seaport in Scandinavia.
Come here for the fantastic green parks, the leafy boulevards (where you can stock up on amazing Swedish brands like Acne, Dagmar - oh, and did you check out children's wear from Livly yet?!) and the relaxed and stylish atmosphere.
www.goteborg.com
3. Salzburg
The hills are alive with the sounds of Salzburg! This Austrian city is the birthplace of Mozart and backdrop to Julie Andrews singing her heart out in the Sound of Music.
Even better? Coffee and cake are both considered culture here; so hurry up and find a café, order chocolate Sachertorte, and just soak up all the amazingness.
This beautifully elegant city is best explored by just wandering the (stunning) street on foot.
www.salzburg.info
4. Thessaloniki
Whenever us frozen Northern Europeans head west to Greece, it tends to be the beautiful islands with their sandy beaches and glorious sunshine that tempt us the most. But Greece has some fantastic cities as well, and Thessaloniki is no doubt one of them.
This stunning port city, on the Gulf of the Aegean Sea, has an intriguing history, and evidence of its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history remains, especially around Ano Poli, the upper town, despite the fact that much of the city center was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917.
Today, though, Thessaloniki is a modern European city, and a hub for international trade and culture. The food is amazing, the nightlife spectacular and you will never forget the sunsets over the bluer-than-blue ocean.
www.thessaloniki.travel
5. Lisbon
4. Thessaloniki
Whenever us frozen Northern Europeans head west to Greece, it tends to be the beautiful islands with their sandy beaches and glorious sunshine that tempt us the most. But Greece has some fantastic cities as well, and Thessaloniki is no doubt one of them.
This stunning port city, on the Gulf of the Aegean Sea, has an intriguing history, and evidence of its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history remains, especially around Ano Poli, the upper town, despite the fact that much of the city center was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917.
Today, though, Thessaloniki is a modern European city, and a hub for international trade and culture. The food is amazing, the nightlife spectacular and you will never forget the sunsets over the bluer-than-blue ocean.
www.thessaloniki.travel
5. Lisbon
With its technology and arts scenes building up steam, laid-back Lisbon has quietly become one of Europe’s most dynamic cities over the past few years. And we can't say we are surprised. This place has some serious charm. Oh, and the sun, sea and lively vibe, combined with it being good value for money sure doesn't hurt either.
Lisbon is built on and around seven hills, and make sure you get the famous tram up to the top for the view before you head home.
Soak up the sunshine on the cobbled streets, shop in the elegant boutiques, and make sure you enjoy some of the city's many amazing restaurants.
www.visitlisboa.com
6. Grenada
Nestled beneath the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalucia lies Grenada, a Spanish city so breathtakingly beautiful you will wonder why you haven't made the trip before.
The rich history will draw you in, and make sure you visit the spectacular and ancient Alhambra Palace, listed on Unesco's world heritage list.
Oh, and did we mention that the best tapas is all of Spain is to be found right here?
www.lovegrenada.com
7. Ljubljana
Slovenia’s relaxed capital was voted the Green Capital of Europe last year - and this fairy-tale-like city is a must-visit.
Although it is pretty much pint-sized and relatively low-key compared to many other European cities, Ljubljana packs a lot into a pretty and unusual cityscape of Baroque points and twirls and modernist buildings.
Up on the hill, there’s an impressive castle, a great place to get your bearings from. But the real wholesome fun is down in the city centre, totally car-free and great for even the wobbliest cyclists to explore.
www.visitljubljana.com
6. Grenada
Nestled beneath the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalucia lies Grenada, a Spanish city so breathtakingly beautiful you will wonder why you haven't made the trip before.
The rich history will draw you in, and make sure you visit the spectacular and ancient Alhambra Palace, listed on Unesco's world heritage list.
Oh, and did we mention that the best tapas is all of Spain is to be found right here?
www.lovegrenada.com
7. Ljubljana
Slovenia’s relaxed capital was voted the Green Capital of Europe last year - and this fairy-tale-like city is a must-visit.
Although it is pretty much pint-sized and relatively low-key compared to many other European cities, Ljubljana packs a lot into a pretty and unusual cityscape of Baroque points and twirls and modernist buildings.
Up on the hill, there’s an impressive castle, a great place to get your bearings from. But the real wholesome fun is down in the city centre, totally car-free and great for even the wobbliest cyclists to explore.
www.visitljubljana.com
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