5 European City Escapes You Should Consider This Summer

A cluster of nations rich in culture, history, architecture, food and good people, there are hundreds of travel experiences in Europe, but if you want something truly extraordinary, the following cities hold a dazzling array of adventure that you may not have even considered. Say goodbye to the day-to-day and get lost in time with these European city escapes.

Munich

Bright orange rooftops, Bavarian cuisine and beer gardens galore, Munich is easy on all of the senses. When bathed in sunshine, this German city comes to life with beautiful water fountains, striking architecture and an awful lot of greenery (there are trees everywhere!) The city streets are welcoming with bars and cafes serving frothy coffee or beer in relaxed and comfortable environments, and whether you order a pint or a bottle, the beer goes down very well here.

Budapest

Sitting alongside the Danube River, Budapest is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. Over 100 thermal springs and baths both inside and out, eight beautiful bridges joining the two halves of the city together, breath-taking buildings and World Heritage sites, and even underground caves for your inner explorer, Budapest really does offer more than your average city.

Basel

Feeling more like the Mediterranean than a Swiss city, Basel is a tourist’s delight in the summer. Shutters on boutique shop windows that don’t open until noon, an engineless boat that moves with the tide to get you across the river, hidden street graffiti that would seriously give Melbourne a run for its money, free public transport for visitors, and macaroons you would die for, you will never tire of this idyllic city. On the Swiss border next to Germany and France, there’s also a great deal of multiculturalism and languages if your Swiss isn’t up to scratch.

Nice

While you may consider Paris or Marseille for your French escape, Nice offers the best of both worlds. With a variety of restaurants and boutiques beside white pebble beaches, you can shop ‘til you drop and then mosey on over to the blue waters of Cote d’Azur. This is the French Riviera at its finest, so prepare to splash out for a little bit of luxury. With the backdrop of the hills, the views are unmatched from many elevated points including Castle Hill.

Sofia

The roads are bustling with trams and buses, the mountain of Vitosha stands intimidatingly close and the buildings are some of the oldest in Europe, but Sofia is remarkably modest for such an enthralling city. The capital of Bulgaria, many would say the nightlife is unmatched, and the mix of grey architecture with splashes of colour create something to look at every which way you look. With surprising shopping opportunities and restaurants good enough to require food tours, you should skip the ski slopes and stay in Sofia.

Images courtesy of Toby 87, Mr Pany Goff and Einstein 2