You’d have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by the little streets of Paris, the palaces of Vienna, or the twisting canals of Venice. After all, there’s a reason these iconic cities are as timeless and as popular as they are. But Europe is more than just these well-known destinations. In fact, some of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities are often also some of the continent’s smallest or most unassuming.
“Europe is such a great place to visit to enjoy the varying cultures, food, and history,” Sofia Markovich, a Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor specializing in European travel, tells T+L. “It is easy to get around Europe, but the key to taking advantage of the diversity is to pick a region and travel throughout that area.”
As Markovich suggests, it’s a good idea to plot out your stay by region — think Western, Eastern, or Southern Europe. Markovich says this will “allow a traveler an opportunity to visit several countries on one trip,” or at the very least, experience some of the continent’s best cities in one go.
To maximize your next European vacation’s day trip potential, Markovich also suggests narrowing down your home base to a major city where public transportation is a mainstay.
“Choosing larger cities as a hub provides the most flexibility and easy access to surrounding areas,” she says. “For example, Munich is a great spot to stay in order to have easy access to Austria in addition to many must-see areas of Bavaria. Staying in a large hub opens the opportunity for many out-of-town tours and easy transportation options without having to spend countless hours traveling back and forth.”
Indeed, Europe is incredibly easy to get around thanks to its various modes of transport, from bus to ferry, and of course, by hopping aboard its famed trains, which whizz you from one glamorous city to the next in mere hours.
For example, while visiting London, visitors can make their way to the medieval city of Bruges via a three-hour ride with Eurostar. Similarly, Poland’s Szczecin is a beloved waterfront city that’s just a quick, two-hour train trip from Berlin. Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, isn’t as popular a destination as Vienna, but it’s an easy day trip from the famous Austrian metropolis (only an hour away by train) and is a perfect home base for wine-tasting expeditions in the surrounding countryside.
All of the European detours listed here are easy, convenient trips, with no private drivers or even car rentals necessary. But, perhaps more importantly, all of the cities included — few of which get the attention they deserve — offer intrepid travelers the chance to have a unique, under-the-radar European experience. Below, find 13 spectacular European second cities that are absolutely worth the day trip during your stay.
Munich to Salzburg, Austria
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Perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Mozart (as well as the setting for “The Sound of Music”), Salzburg lies just on the border with Germany. A fully preserved embodiment of Baroque architecture, few modern buildings have been allowed a place in the inner city, meaning today it looks almost identical to how it did 400 years ago.
The Route: The Munich-to-Salzburg route is a quick cross-border train journey: prices begin at $27 each way, and it’ll take you just under two hours to arrive. If you opt for the bus (go for Flixbus) it’ll cost $13 each way with a journey time of two hours.
Where to Stay: If you’re in Salzburg, you want historical luxury, and if you want historical luxury, you want Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron. The hotel, which served as the filming location for the von Trapp family residence in “The Sound of Music,” is set inside a stunning 18th-century palace with a beautiful interior and remarkable surroundings.
Where to Eat: It’s no palace, sure, but S’Kloane Brauhaus serves classic, rustic Austrian cuisine (think wiener schnitzel and venison stew) and home-brewed beer in a warm, traditionally decorated environment.
What to Do: Take a ”Sound of Music” tour, or visit the birthplace of Mozart, which is now a museum. Or just head down to the Alter Market and dedicate your day to eating as much Austrian street food as you can.
Berlin to Szczecin, Poland
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As the country’s seventh-largest city, Szczecin often finds itself in the shadow of some of Poland’s more popular destinations, such as Warsaw or Kraków. Nonetheless, this port city (located just on the Poland-Germany border) is as well loved by German tourists as it is by locals, chiefly for its gorgeous riverfront and locally made beer and vodka.
The Route: Luckily, Szczecin is as easy to get to as it is hard to spell. You can catch a bus from Berlin’s central bus station to central Szczecin for about $17 one way, and you’ll arrive in just over two hours.
Where to Stay: The Park Hotel is a little slice of luxury situated right in the middle of Szczecin’s Old Town, only a short distance away from pretty much everything in the city worth seeing — including that aforementioned riverfront.
Where to Eat: You won’t have to go far for this one: the Park Hotel’s restaurant is one of the highest-rated in the city and offers up a range of Polish and international dishes.
What to Do: The Szczecin Philharmonic hosts a number of events throughout the year, and the striking building itself is a wonderful example of Poland’s architectural eccentricity.
Paris to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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One of Europe’s smallest capital cities (in one of Europe’s smallest countries), Luxembourg City is known as the “Gibraltar of the North” for its vast series of medieval fortifications.
The Route: The high-speed train will get you there from Paris in just two hours, with one-way fares starting at $34.
Where to Stay: Effortlessly stylish yet also undeniably cozy, the Hotel Parc Beaux Arts is made up of rooms that feel like they’ve been lifted straight out of a charming, local cottage and is located near the Palais Grand Ducal in Luxembourg’s historical city center.
Where to Eat: Take advantage of the country’s unique gastronomic culture with traditional Luxembourgian fare (think beer-braised pig’s trotters and sauerkraut) at Mousel’s Cantine — and don’t forget to try the local beer.
What to Do: The Bock casemates are a series of tunnels, running beneath the ruins of the old city fortifications, that leads out to large, cliff-side openings that offer not only some of the best panoramic views in Luxembourg but also a fascinating look into the city’s history.
Venice to Pula, Croatia
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An ancient city full of Roman ruins, Pula is still flourishing thanks to the same industries that put it on the map over 2,000 years ago: winemaking, fishing and leisure.
The Route: Many ferries to Pula are seasonal, and only run from April to October. (Note: You can find the odd ferry over the winter, but they are very few and far between, so don’t count on being able to find a ride.) During those months, Venezia Ferries or Adriatic Lines will take you across the Adriatic in just over three hours, at $170 round-trip.
Where to Stay: Scaletta provides a touch of fun to a stay at Pula. Its colorful rooms and central location make it a perfect place to rest during your quick stay.
Where to Eat: The charming Restaurant Oaza serves up locally sourced seafood (a specialty in Pula) and traditional Croatian dishes.
What to Do: History buffs, take note: the city’s many Roman ruins are a must-visit, especially the massive Pula Arena, Temple of Augustus, and Triumphal Arch. Visitors should also head down to the waterfront paths that lead out of town to try to find some of the many dinosaur footprints that are still preserved in the rocks today.
London to Bruges, Belgium
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Bruges is a classic medieval city, which comes lined with twisting cobblestone streets, crisscrossed by canals, and towered over by the iconic Belfry of Bruges. One of Europe’s prettiest secrets, the city is the perfect short getaway from the hustle and bustle of London.
The Route: The 3.5-hour Eurostar trip starts at about $140 for a one-way ticket. You’ll need to change trains in Brussels.
Where to Stay: Don’t be put off by the strange name — the very reasonably priced Hotel Bla Bla in the city center is one of the coolest, friendliest hotels in Bruges.
Where to Eat: Check out Soup, a small restaurant near Bruges’ Market Square that serves beer, panini, and, of course, soup. Cap off the day with a Belgian waffle at the nearby Chez Albert.
What to Do: Climb the Belfry, of course. It’s the city’s most famous sight, and the views from the top are nothing short of breathtaking.
Zurich to Vaduz, Liechtenstein
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Liechtenstein, with its bizarre history, powerful monarchy, and tiny population, might be one of the most intriguing countries in Europe, and its Lilliputian capital city (population: 5,700) is an underrated gem for alpine travelers.
The Route: Getting from Zurich to Vaduz takes about 90 minutes. You’ll need to catch a train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Sargans, just on the border. From there, it’s a short bus ride to Vaduz. Expect to pay around $30-$40 for the whole trip.
Where to Stay: Liechtenstein is one of the few countries left in the world that still takes its monarchy very seriously, so you might as well live like royalty yourself while visiting. And the 29 beautifully appointed rooms and suites at the luxurious, bucolic Parkhotel Sonnenhof are certainly fit for a king.
Where to Eat: You won’t have a better meal in Vaduz than at the Parkhotel Sonnehof’s elegant, Michelin-starred Restaurant Marée.
What to Do: Hike out of town and take in the mountain views on the Grüschaweg Trail, or stop in on the personal cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein for a wine and whiskey tasting.
Bern, Switzerland to Lausanne, Switzerland
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Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is one of Switzerland’s most scenic cities. The surrounding Vaud region is famous for its wines, cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, and, as the largest French-speaking region in Switzerland, provides a French-Swiss cultural experience that nicely complements a visit to the more Germanic-leaning city of Bern.
The Route: Trains run from the center of Bern straight into Lausanne for around $20 each way, and the journey takes about an hour.
Where to Stay: The Hôtel du Port is located in Lausanne’s vibrant marina and has rooms overlooking Lake Geneva.
Where to Eat: Two Michelin stars, a legendary French chef, and some of the finest lake views in town: Anne-Sophie Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace is where you want to be.
What to Do: Board La Suisse, an authentic turn-of-the-century paddle steamer, for lunch and a tour of the lake.
Vienna to Bratislava, Slovakia
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The wonderful thing about Vienna is just how close it is to so many of Europe’s best cities — Prague, Budapest, and Munich being just a few — but Bratislava might well be Vienna’s most exciting and convenient neighbor. The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is the cultural heart of one of the world’s most underrated countries.
The Route: You can get to Bratislava from Vienna in an hour on the train. The cost? A whopping $12.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Michalská Brána, in the city’s historic center, has an inconspicuous, traditional exterior, but is thoroughly modern on the inside. The city’s most popular bars and clubs are only seconds away, as is the magnificent Bratislava Castle.
Where to Eat: Modra Hviezda does atmospheric Central European dining at a surprisingly low cost and is frequently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the city. Make sure to try something off of their list of traditional Slovak specialties.
What to Do: It’s worth heading out of the city to take a tour of the surrounding vineyards and wineries. (Slovakia, ever the underdog, has a tremendously underrated winemaking industry). And if wine isn’t your thing, the Slovaks aren’t exactly strangers to beer-making either.
Bilbao, Spain to Biarritz, France
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Don’t let the Pyrenees get in your way. Travelers staying near the Spanish-French border should take the chance to hop over to the country next door. Biarritz, on the Bay of Biscay, is a French surfing town marked by thriving nightlife and the sort of glitz and glamour you’d normally be hard-pressed to find outside of the French Riviera.
The Route: Local bus companies will sell you a ticket from Bilbao, Spain for anywhere between $9-$20 each way. The trip should take just under three hours.
Where to Stay: You’re never going to want to be too far away from the seaside while you’re in Biarritz, so book a room at the Hotel l’Ocean, which offers affordable luxury in the city center, only seconds away from the beach.
Where to Eat: Treat yourself to a fantastic post-surf meal at Bistro Toqué Anglet, which offers a seafood-forward menu and lighter fare.
What to Do: Surf, of course. Biarritz is as good a surfing spot as anywhere else in France or Spain, and the city has a prominent surf culture. If you’re a rookie, don’t panic — the École de Surf Hastea offers lessons and camps throughout the year for surfers at any level.
Amsterdam to Ghent, Belgium
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Ghent is obscure enough to enjoy a relaxed, relatively quiet atmosphere, but also entertaining enough — thanks largely to its university and thriving student scene — to keep any errant partiers from Amsterdam happy.
The Route: Traveling via train will take only slightly over three hours and costs about $50-$100 each way. Buses also run to Ghent at around $15-$40 for a single ticket, and the journey will take 2.5 hours.
Where to Stay: Spend a night or two in the Boatel, a floating hotel in a converted riverboat.
Where to Eat: The Belgians do few things better than steak and frites, and Gillis probably does it best of all.
What to Do: If you’re taking a break from the mile-a-minute Amsterdam nightlife, check out the Museum of Fine Arts to soak up a bit of medieval, Renaissance, and modern culture. Otherwise, head down to Korenmarkt for some of Ghent’s more central bars and pubs, or out towards Blandijnberg for the city’s student nightlife.
Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn, Estonia
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Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, lies on the southern shores of the Gulf of Finland. Although less well known than its northern counterparts, Tallinn is often regarded as one of the most cultured, developed, and technologically advanced cities in Europe. Perhaps not the best destination if you’re trying to get away from Finland’s biting cold, Tallinn is certainly a must-visit for lovers of the northern reaches of the continent.
The Route: Getting there from Helsinki will require a short trip on a ferry; the Viking Line or Eckerö Lines tend to have the cheapest tickets (from $20-$30 one-way), and the crossing will take about two hours.
Where to Stay: Set in an elegant, Soviet-era building, My City Hotel is one of Tallinn’s higher-end establishments, but its sumptuous interior and unrivaled location in the city’s Old Town will more than justify the slightly higher price tag.
Where to Eat: Kohvik Moon is only a short distance from the Old Town and serves high-end, modern Russian cuisine at incredibly affordable prices.
What to Do: Tallinn has a long history of producing alcoholic beverages — from beers and vodka to classic Estonian liqueurs. Explore the city’s spirited traditions during a private tasting tour.
Tangier, Morocco to Tarifa, Spain
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Okay, so Tangier isn’t quite Europe, but it’s rather close — and how often do you get to go on a quick jaunt over to the continent next door? Tarifa, in the province of Cádiz, near the Strait of Gibraltar, lays claim to some of Spain’s prettiest beaches and is one of the best spots for wind sports in the country.
The Route: You’ll need to get the ferry across, of course. FRS runs a few sailings a day from Tangier Ville to Tarifa. The crossing takes an hour and will set you back around $80 for a round-trip.
Where to Stay: Koala Tarifa is a guesthouse located in the city’s historic center that offers five apartments in a 300-year-old, perfectly preserved building.
Where to Eat: Travelers and locals go to Vaca Loca, a small, friendly, and typically Spanish restaurant known for serving steak and grilled meats in a beautiful, traditional setting.
What to Do: Try out kitesurfing (or other wind sports) down at the beach. KitePassion Tarifa offers private lessons for $65 per hour.
Lisbon to Cáceres, Spain
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Cáceres is a mish-mash of cultures: the city was founded by the Romans, yet it’s dotted with medieval streets and Renaissance palaces and surrounded by Moorish city walls. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the whole town itself is not only foodie heaven — it was named the 2015 gastronomy capital of Spain by the Spanish Hospitality Federation — but is also just far enough out of the way to remain relatively tourist-free.
The Route: Since the rail route was shut down, getting to Cáceres from Lisbon takes a while — the bus journey is a five-hour trip. Nonetheless, it’ll cost around $30 with GoEuro and will take you through some of the most stunning countryside in Iberia.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Parador, which is part of that UNESCO Heritage Old Town, feels more like a palace than a hotel, which probably comes from the fact that it actually is one.
Where to Eat: Cuisine is what Cáceres does best, and Restaurant Javier Martin offers up a sterling tasting menu from one of the freshest and most exciting new chefs in town.
What to Do: Take a walk around the Old Town. In addition to being unspeakably beautiful, the area is home to market stalls and boutique shops selling all the sweets, wines, liqueurs, and street food a traveler could ever want.
