City breaks without the crowds: Europe’s top ‘second cities’ to visit

Congested capitals, tourist taxes and unending queues to see iconic landmarks are enough to make any traveller rethink taking a much-needed holiday altogether.

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Rather than flocking to Europe’s popular capitals, many tourists are turning to the so-called “second cities” that are growing in appeal.

Observers of this trend have said that travellers are on the lookout beyond familiar itineraries. Instead, they are searching for places that feel more personal, connected and rewarding to explore.

Whether you’re someone who is looking for a quieter alternative to Barcelona, or want to swap London’s bustling streets for a slower, more relaxed pace of travel, these destinations offer a stronger sense of local life, the country’s rich heritage, culture and food – but without the crowds.

What is a ‘second city’?

These are the destinations that sit outside of a country’s most popular city, region or area, that may be overlooked by visitors, despite offering a chance to connect with local culture and discover unique experiences.

While the term suggests that it refers to a country’s second most famous or populous city, HuffPost said that it has expanded more generally to “lesser-known destinations”, too.

Think more family-owned places to eat over chain restaurants, smaller art galleries, local food markets offering farm-to-table delicacies – all with the backdrop of stunning landscapes.

While the bright lights of the major destinations have their own allure, travelling to second cities avoids crowded streets and struggling to get a table at the local favourite restaurant. There are also more opportunities to explore untouched neighbourhoods rather than generic tourist hubs.

Second cities are also typically friendlier on travellers’ wallets. Accommodations, meals and entertainment can often be less expensive.

Europe’s top second cities to visit

From culinary and creative hubs, to scenic coastal destinations, here are our top 10 picks for the second cities in Europe that should be your first choice to visit.

Split, Croatia

Centred around the stunning architecture of the preserved Diocletian’s Palace, Split blends 2,000 years worth of history with an Adriatic lifestyle. Here, visitors can wander alleys from the Roman Empire that lead to waterfront promenades and casual cafés.

For views of the city, climbing the reconstructed bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius is an unmissable experience.

The coastal Croatian city also offers no shortage of beaches, cycling paths, spas and centres for wellness, making it easy to combine experiences all in one trip.

Cork, Ireland

Located in the southwest of Ireland, Cork packs plenty into a walkable city centre.

Visitors can shop for local produce at the historic Cork English Market, which was created in 1788. Here you’ll find freshly caught fish, confectionery, spices and fruit and veg. From there, you can stroll along St Patrick’s Street all the way to Fitzgerald’s Park, which is also a stone’s throw away from the Cork Public Museum.

Cork is also a gateway to Ireland’s southern coastline of colourful harbour towns and scenery of the Atlantic, including dramatic sea cliffs.

Graz, Austria

Graz is a melting pot of Renaissance courtyards, eclectic architecture and a bustling gastronomy scene.

Aboard the Schloßbergbahn, the iconic cable funicular running since 1894, a €3.30 ticket unlocks unbeatable views of Graz, including of the Old Town.

Meanwhile, the futuristic Murinsel, a floating island, connects visitors to the river Mur and houses an amphitheatre and a café.

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is Germany’s largest port city and pairs its maritime heritage with a lively street art scene. There are plenty of murals and installations across neighbourhoods like St Pauli, Schanzenviertel and Karoviertel.

While Berlin may have its currywurst and Bavaria has its pretzels, the fish sandwich reigns supreme in Hamburg.

Whether the humble herring, mackerel or crab, freshly caught fish sandwiched in between a roll is a very popular snack. Hamburg Tourismus recommends stopping by the Goedekens Kombüse restaurant for this local popular snack.

Brno, Czechia

Often overshadowed by Prague, Brno’s medieval landmarks and hidden underground passages pack centuries of history into a walkable city.

From the top of Špilberk Hill, you’ll be able to see Špilberk Castle, which is home to the Brno City Museum. Concerts, theatrical performances and festivals are also held there.

Beneath the streets, you can also explore the city’s labyrinths and underground reservoirs, including the Žlutý Kopec Water Tanks where an excursion is split into three experiences, unpacking the histories from the oldest to newest water tanks.

Ypres, Belgium

Steeped in First World War history, Ypres is in Belgium’s Dutch-speaking region of Flanders.

The Yper Museum explores 11 centuries of Ypres and the surrounding Westhoek’s history through a collection of archeological finds, maps and handicrafts. The museum also offers a playful cat hunt through the city centre.

Cyclists and hikers can also relish in its sophisticated network of routes that weave past preserved trenches, memorials and green landscapes.

Cambridge, England

Best known for its centuries-old university, Cambridge offers much more than just a day trip from London.

The River Cam runs through the city and boasts views of the famous Cambridge College Backs while leisurely cruising in a punt vessel.

The city is brimming with independent bookshops, museums and greenery – making it ideal for wandering on foot.

Visitors can also explore lively markets including the All Saints Garden market, where you’ll find wares from art, jewellery and pottery every Saturday.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Think Byzantine churches, Roman ruins and a picturesque waterfront with a relaxed atmosphere.

There are plenty of must-see landmarks to be explored, including the Arch of Galerius, Aristotelous Square and the White Tower of Thessaloniki which journey through the city’s history.

When in Thessaloniki, some must-try bites include koulouri, sesame bread rings, bougatsa, a filo pastry snack, and trigona which are crispy friend pastries filled with a velvety cream.

Basel, Switzerland

Located right where Switzerland meets France and Germany, Basel is home to one of the continent’s finest art scenes.

Home of the Art Basel fair, which featured 90 galleries and attracted 16,000 visitors in its inaugural edition in 1970, today, visitors can still attend the illustrious gathering of creative minds.

Meanwhile, the Kunstmuseum Basel museum boasts the oldest public art collection in the world, dating back to 1661, with a collection of more than 300,000 works.

While on the banks of the Rhine river, the city also provides easy access to neighbouring countries.

Lille, France

Lille’s unique Flemish heritage is seen throughout the city’s architecture and cuisine. Elegant squares, colourful townhouses and a bustling art scene also add to its charm.

Meanwhile, the cobbled streets of Vieux-Lille are perfect for a stroll to the picturesque Quai du Wault, a great waterside setting for a picnic or watching the sunset after a day of sightseeing.