Tallinn
The capital of Estonia has become something of a stag-do favourite in recent years, but don’t let that put you off. Tallinn has a healthy dose of culture and lovely old buildings; including the Lower Town, which is among the best preserved old towns in Europe. There are plenty of lovely cobbled streets, and everything is within walkable distance.
Situated as it is on the Gulf of Finland, it is often considered to be an unofficial suburb of Helsinki. So if you fancy popping for a brief nose around the latter, it’s just a short ferry ride across the water.
Though there may be architectural, atmospheric and linguistic similarities, the real difference between the two is the price. Despite recent popularity pushing up prices (Tallinn is certainly not as cheap as many Eastern Bloc countries), shopping, eating and drinking costs a fraction of what it would over in Helsinki. Plus, if you visit, see if you can find the Mr Benn-style costume shop full of vintage Soviet army gear – where the owner is apparently more than happy for you to dress up as a cosmonaut.
Paris
Ok, so it’s a bit obvious – but obvious for a reason. If you’ve never been, then it’s fair to say that you will return from The City Of Light spellbound. And if you’ve been dozens upon dozens of times, then there is always something new to see. Regardless of if you’re into architecture, history, art, fashion, food or entertainment, your eyes will boggle at the Parisian banquet on offer.
Kraków
This is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Dating back to the 7th century, it was the nation’s capital for over 500 years at the beginning of the last millennium. Littered liberally with iconic and striking old buildings, it’s no wonder that Kraków attracts around seven million visitors every year.
Our resident travel addict’s eyes lit up at the mention of Kraków, and he rhapsodised excitedly about the city at length. Everything being within walking distance and the inability to spend any significant amount of money – no matter how hard you try – were just two of a long list of the city’s plus points.
“If you have to go to one place before you die,” he told us, “go to Auschwitz-Birkenau. It’ll completely change your outlook on life.”
Berlin
The German capital is the third most-visited tourist destination within the EU – its popularity in no small part influenced by its rich heritage. The scars of recent history – such as stretches of that wall – still stand around the corner from hubs of modern culture, entertainment and fashion.
And when the festive season rolls round, there is a wonderful Christmas market at the Schlossplatz, by the museum island. The lovely old surrounding buildings confer a feeling that you have taken a step back in time. The market itself is full of lavishly decorated huts and exceedingly friendly folk spreading the festive cheer. So why not plan ahead, and spend some time over Christmas there in future?
Bilbao
Located halfway along the northern edge of Spain, the port of Bilbao has in recent years undergone large-scale urban renewal, and is now a major attraction. Its new features include a metro system and, more strikingly, the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum of contemporary arts, designed by Frank Gehry. And it’s fair to say that – as buildings go – there is nothing quite like this spectacular structure.
There’s plenty to do here, and plus it has the added advantage that – if you’re not one for flying – it is accessible by ferry from Portsmouth. Clocking in at 29 hours though, it’s a bit of a trek – so you’d best take a good book.
(Photo by Álvaro Ibáńez – licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
New York
In spite of the eight hour flight, New York is nonetheless a popular choice among weekenders. This is no doubt helped by the pound’s strength against the dollar at present; but also owes a debt to the city’s undeniable charms.
For a splendid view, go to the Rockefeller Center, which has a fabulous viewing platform with an outdoor ice-rink at its toes. Alternatively, for the vertigo sufferers, take in Grenwich Village – a nice break from the otherwise towering high-rise areas.
And for the money saving fans, a couple of thrifty tips:
- Rather than take the tour of the Statue of Liberty, you can take the Staten Island ferry – which sails right past the statue, and – if you’re a foot passenger – it won’t cost you a bean.
- Don’t travel around in the yellow cabs. The subway is very easy to use. Or, better yet, just walk. The grid-like structure of the city means that all the best bits are easy to find.
The UK
And, lest we forget, there are an abundance of fab cities within the UK to visit for a weekend break – be it for shopping, the social life, or to take in some culture. There’s lovely Bath, for example – a world heritage site, choc-full of great architecture and independent shops. Plus you can soothe your weary soul at the Thermae Bath Spa, and feel your woes evaporate.
Then there’s Oxford or Cambridge. With countless enchanting buildings, parks and college grounds, it’s easy to see why these centres of learning evoke such inspiration. Plus, if you happen to be flying from Stansted at any point, Cambridge is only half an hour away – so why not extend your holiday with a day or two of Pimm’s and punting?
In fact, Britain is peppered with wonderful cities, full of independent shops, culture, great places to eat and things to do – Newcastle, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester... not to mention The Big Smoke. We could go on all day. But suffice to say, heading overland to a British city is more carbon conscious than hopping on a plane, and is lending support for British tourism. So get out and about! We all know what change is as good as...
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