I've visited over 100 cities across the world – here are my five European faves including 84p beers and £15 flights
Read more about where to stay and what to do in each city from The Sun's deputy travel editor
SEE EU I've visited over 100 cities across the world – here are my five European faves including 84p beers and £15 flights
HAVING been travelling the world for the best part of 15 years, it's safe to say I've racked up a fair few city breaks.
And while that includes far-flung destinations from Colombia to Korea, these are a few that have taken my heart in Europe.
Advertisement
9
Deputy travel editor Kara has been to more than 100 cities around the world
9
Magical Copenhagen is one of the world's happiest cities
Credit: Getty
9
Kara loved the Only U hotel in Seville
From amazingly friendly locals and cheap bars to beautiful streets and fun theme parks, here are my top five - and how to visit without breaking the bank.
Seville
One of my most recent ventures to Spain took me to the southern city of Seville and it quickly became my favourite place to go in the whole country.
Advertisement
It felt much more uniquely Spanish than other, more touristy cities, and was perfect for wandering down side streets lined with historic buildings and tapas bars spilling onto the road.
While this might have meant I ordered the wrong thing a few times (I swear I asked for fish only for chickpeas to arrive), it also means you can expect some Spanish prices.
For example, rather than a large beer, locals drink cañas, which admittedly are smaller - but that means they're still cold by the time you finish.
You can find these for as little as €1 (84p) in some bars.
Along with one of the cheapest beers, you'll also want to head to 100 Montaditos for some cheap food.
Advertisement
A Spanish fast food institution, they sell 100 different varieties of small sandwiches for €1 (84p) a pop every Wednesday and Sunday.
And if you know where to look, you can even visit some top attractions for free.
I love the the historic royal palace, the Alcázar of Seville, which has limited free tickets on Mondays between 6pm-7pm in April to September, and from 4pm-5pm in October to March.
Only You Hotel Seville boasts Mediterranean-meets-Arabic interiors
Similarly, the cathedral - the largest gothic cathedral in the world - has free tickets every day from 2pm-3pm if you're fast enough.
Hotels might be on the pricier side but tour operators have some great deals.
Advertisement
For example, easyJet holidays has a three-night package deal (with flights and a four-star hotel) for just £160 per personnext month.
If you don't mind splashing out a bit, the newish Only U is one of my favourite hotels in Europe, feeling more like a fancy members club with outdoor pool and onsite florist and cafe.
Gothenburg
As the second city of Sweden, Gothenburg is sometimes overlooked in favour of Stolkhom.
But it shouldn't be, and not least because it hosts an amazing music festival every summer that most people haven't heard of - Way Out West.
I was lucky enough to see live music acts such as Chvrches and Sia there, and this year's line up is just as good, with Charli XCX and Chappel Roan appearing.
Advertisement
Day tickets cost around £130, while three-days ones are £230 - much cheaper than Glastonbury's £373.
The best part? It isn't a camping festival so I was well-rested and comfy in my Airbnb every night.
You can find hotels for around £65 a night, and Ryanair flights are around £15.
If music doesn't take your fancy, the small city has its own theme park, Liseberg, which is opening a number of new rides in the next few years (entry starts from £7).
9
Cafes, bars, restaurants and shops in Gothenburg's Haga district
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the rest of the city feels like a fairytale town, especially the oldest neighborhood, Haga. My favourite cosy spot was Le Petit Cafe for a coffee and blueberry scone while people-watching and chatting to the owner.
Locals are big fans of 'Afterwork' or AW - AKA cheap beers and food after finishing work on a Friday.
For example, Kings Head lets you buy a beer for 59 SEK (£5) that comes with free access to the buffet - it's simple food, but one of the most affordable when visiting between 5pm and 7pm.
Want to go full Swedish? Try the fried stömming fish, mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce from food truck Strömmingsluckan - even I was converted.
Lille
If you want all the great parts of Paris without actually going to Paris, then Lille is a great option.
Advertisement
It has its own Arc de Triomphe, albeit on a much smaller scale, as well as the Palais des Beaux-Arts (nicknamed the Louvre of Lille).
Once known as being the "Manchester of France" due to its textile and industrial history, the fifth-largest French city is also home to cheap weekend markets and an amazing food scene.
A must-try is the Meert vanilla waffle, said to be loved by former president Charles de Gaulle, which costs less than £3.
Lille Braderie Flea Market is the largest market in Europe, with more than 10,000 stalls, so you can find the perfect bargain souvenir. Just time your visit well as it only runs the first weekend of September.
9
The Braderie flea market is the largest in Europe
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
Lille is also a great place to visit for nervous flyers, as it is one of the few destinations with direct trains from London St Pancras.
Taking just 1hr22 on the Eurostar, you can find £39 tickets if you're quick (although some are as little as £31 right now).
Be even savvier and go for Eurostar Snap for up to 50 per cent off tickets, as long as you don't mind not knowing the time of day you are visiting until nearer the departure.
Make sure to pop to rooftop restaurant NU, which has beautiful views over the city and is right by the train station too.
I love staying at the Mama Shelter hotels, and while the rooms start from £95 in Lille (including an extensive breakfast) they also often have 3-for-2 nights.
Advertisement
If you want something cheaper, there are lots of Ibis budget hotels around the city, some as little as £57 a night.
Copenhagen
While Copenhagen is the one of the pricier cities to visit in Europe, it's still one of my favourites and I think worth the price.
Getting there is cheap as Ryanair has £15 flights from the UK.
And a must-visit is the famous Tivoli Gardens, which was said to have inspired Walt Disney.
Tickets start from £19 for entry - a fraction of the price of Disneyland, but just as magical on a smaller scale.
Advertisement
Copenhagen always feels extremely clean, and one of those cities where you constantly think: 'Should I move here?'
9
Copenhagen is often ranked one of the world's most liveable cities
Credit: Alamy
It is often named one of the happiest and most liveable cities, which is no surprise given how easy and safe it is to get around.
My favourite place for brunch is Mad & Kaffe, where three small bowls of anything from protein, fruit or bakery items costs around £9, or try Grodwhich serves just porridge and risotto (hearty and warming when visiting in winter), for breakfast.
Alcohol is expensive here, so I recommend heading to one of the city's bodegas if you really want a cheap drink.
Advertisement
Or try the new Kissavesterbro cocktail bar, where you can find cocktails for just over a fiver.
If you don't mind a small room for the night, one of the cheapest stays that isn't a hostel is the CityHub Copenhagen - a Japanese-like pod hotel with rooms from £50 a night.
You'll have to share a communal bathroom but it's more stylish that you'd think, with your own robes, rowels and Rituals toiletries.
Don't mind splashing out? I love the stylish Hotel SP34 which starts from £155 a night, but has a free wine hour every evening at 5pm so you can make some of that money back.
Faro
Most people fly into Faro as a stopping point to the Algarve, but it is a great affordable base to explore the nearby areas.
Advertisement
For example, for a few euros and a 20-minute boat ride, you can visit an island nicknamed the Caribbean of Portugal.
Ilha Deserta has golden sandy beaches where you won't see many other tourists - I was the only one there when I visited in May.
Make sure to grab some fresh fish from Estamine, the only restaurant on the island as well.
9
Faro in Portugal is a great base for exploring the surrounding area
Credit: Alamy
9
No wonder Ilha Deserta is known as the Caribbean of Portugal
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
There is also Ilha Armona, also just a few minutes from the mainland, with a only few houses and food stalls.
Or just 15 minutes from Faro is the pretty fishing town of Olha, where you have to visit Terra i Mar for amazing seafood and massive glasses of local wine for £3.
I stayed at 3HB, the first five-star hotel in the area with one of the few infinity rooftop pools in Faro - easyJet Holidays has seven night holiday packages for £724pp.
Otherwise Loveholidays has seven-night stays with return flights for £279pp when staying at budget hotels like Best Western.
Here are some of my other top tips, including the best Cotswolds town to visit and my favourite UK hotels.
Advertisement
Struggle to pack light? Here is the travel bag I always take with me after travelling to more than 50 countries.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
24 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Furious anti-tourist protesters blast holidaymakers & hotel workers with water guns & hurl smoke bombs in Barcelona
HUNDREDS of fed-up locals have descended onto the streets of Barcelona - blasting holidaymakers with waterguns and launching smoke bombs. Under the slogan "Tourism steals our bread, homes, and future", the demonstrations in the Spanish capital came amid a huge wave of anti-tourism protests across the country. 11 Protesters shoot toy water guns during a demonstration against mass tourism in Barcelona, June 15 11 A hotel worker reacts as demonstrators shoot water pistols and coloured smoke 11 Protesters use water guns as a symbol against mass tourism 11 A protester holds a banner that reads 'Tourism is killing Barcelona' Credit: Getty 11 The march in Barcelona come amid a wave of similar protests across the country Credit: Getty Similar protests occurred this time last year, with both demonstrations being organised by the Assembly of Neighbourhoods for Tourism Degrowth. A spokesperson for the group said they had encouraged members to bring water pistols, which he said had become "a popular symbol of resistance against the plundering of the tourism monoculture". Daniel Pardo Rivacoba added that the tourism industry was "incompatible with life", and demanded "tourism degrowth now". Astonishing images showed scores of furious activists calling for the decline of tourism in their city and across Spain. Pointing their loaded water guns in the air and at holidaymakers, they called for the boycott of AirBnB and the end of rampant tourism. Some were seen refilling their weapons using public water fountains, while others even taped up hostels in an attempt to keep tourists locked in their accommodations. Riot police lined up to monitor the situation and keep the marches in check. Demonstrators also used smoke flares and vandalised shops such as the Louis Vuitton store in Passeig de Gràcia. The march set off from Jardinets de Gràcia just after 12:30pm local time. Workers rights amid soaring overtourism were at the centre of the rally. Anti-tourist protesters take over sightseeing coach in Majorca with smoke bombs ahead of mass march tomorrow Unions representing migrant workers, street vendors and cleaners took part in the huge protests. Spokesperson Pardo also said that the tourism industry "subjects the people who work in it to the worst working and salary conditions". He cited the housing crisis as another devastating impact of mass tourism. The controversial expansion of Barcelona-El Prat Airport has also been a flashpoint for locals. A spokesperson for one of the campaigns against this expansion, called Zeroport, emphasised that this message was being delivered to politicians and not to tourists. Ariadna Cotèn said: "Tourists are not really to blame for this situation happening in Barcelona." But her message didn't stop the hundreds of raging tourists who shouted in English for tourists to "go home". 11 Demonstrators gather during the protest against mass tourism Credit: Reuters 11 People attach stickers against tourists during the demonstration Credit: Alamy 11 Riot police keep watch on in the demonstrations Credit: Getty They held placards with messages such as "one more tourist, one less neighbour", and "tourism is killing Barcelona". Anti-tourism protests also unfolded on Sunday in holiday hotspot Ibiza, Donostia-San Sebastián, Palma, Granada, and the Pyrenees. But they have also spread across Europe - with some taking place in Lisbon, Portugal and across Italy this weekend. It comes just one day after Spanish protesters held up a sightseeing bus in Palma de Majorca ahead of the major anti-tourism demonstrations. The raging locals said the popular Spanish island is overwhelmed by tourists and driven by profit over local needs. These demonstrations came after Spain's first major overtourism protests of the year kicked off in April after thousands of people across 40 cities took to the streets. Majorca, one of the centres of the protests last year, hosted the first mass protests of the year. Nearly 40 organisations from the Balearic Islands are believed to have marched in Palma. What is overtourism? Overtourism refers to the phenomenon where a destination experiences a volume of tourists that exceeds its manageable capacity The term is often used to describe the negative consequences of mass tourism, which includes overcrowding and environmental issues As a result, popular destinations have become less enjoyable for both visitors and locals Local communities, in particular, bear the brunt, facing rising costs and a depletion of resources In response, national and local governments have started to implement measures to reduce overtourism Some solutions include: Safeguarding historical and heritage sites Promoting off-peak travel Tourism caps and regulations Promoting lesser-known destinations Later, in May, thousands flooded the streets of the Canary Islands in Spain's third wave of protests of the year. Demonstrations took place across the Spanish archipelago's islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. The march carried the slogan: "The Canary Islands are not for sale, they are loved and defended." Other banners read: "The Canary Islands have a limit and so does our patience" and "Enough is enough!" Spain's anti-mass tourism movement began gaining serious momentum in April 2024 - particularly in popular tourist destinations. Locals have been demanding an end to the problems associated with mass tourism, including pollution, traffic chaos, the lack of affordable housing and low wages for tourism workers. 11 Red smoke bombs were used in the capital Credit: AFP 11 Protesters fill water guns on a fountain Credit: Getty
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
One dead and 19 tourists injured in Turkey balloon crash
One dead and 19 tourists injured in Turkey balloon crash The weather is believed to have played a part Hot air balloons in Turkey (file image) (Image: Pexels ) A hot air balloon has crashed in central Turkey, leaving its pilot dead and 19 Indonesian tourists injured, a local official said. In a statement, the governor's office said the balloon was affected by a sudden change of wind. It was trying to make a hard landing near the village of Gozlukuyu in Aksaray province when the pilot fell out of the balloon's basket and his feet got tangled in a rope, Aksaray governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoglu said. 'Unfortunately, our pilot got stuck under the basket and died,' he said, adding that the injured tourists were taken to hospital. Hot air ballooning is a popular tourist activity over the rugged landscape of central Turkey, which is dotted with ancient churches hewn into cliff faces. The attractions include the 'fairy chimneys' of Cappadocia – the tall, cone-shaped rock formations created by natural erosion over thousands of years that are a Unesco World Heritage Site. Article continues below Video from Ilhas News Agency showed one deflated balloon, its passenger basket lying on its side, as emergency services tended to injured people. An investigation is under way. State-run Anadolu Agency said another hot air balloon taking off from the same location of Ilhara Valley also made a hard landing early on Sunday morning, and that 12 Indian tourists were slightly injured and taken to hospital. Two Spanish tourists were killed in 2022 when a hot air balloon made a hard landing following a sightseeing tour of Cappadocia.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Anti-tourism protesters have an important message — and it's not for tourists
Protesters in holiday hotspots across southern Europe have swarmed the streets to condemn overtourism in an unprecedented show of unity. Thousands attended marches in the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, while events also took place in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, as well as Venice and Genoa, in northwest Italy. The Southern Europe Against Touristification coalition, comprised of activists from across the continent, wants to highlight the impact of mass tourism and how it is driving residents from their hometowns. But demonstrators and tourism experts agree that holidaymakers aren't the problem. The real enemy, they say, are the people profiting from it. As one organiser in the Basque city of San Sebastián says, 'people who go on vacation to one place or another are not our enemies…our enemies are those who speculate on housing, who exploit workers and those who are profiting handsomely from the touristification of our cities.' Protesters in dozens of locations have echoed this message. And Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, tells Metro that a coordinated response has been a long time coming. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. 'This is very unusual, the tourism and hospitality industry is not the most unified. But it's good, because as they are saying, the protests have never been about tourists,' she says. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'They're about businesses, and what they are doing with the money they get from tourists. Where is that profit going? It's clearly not going back into the local areas.' As policy analysts have long argued, Zoe says Europe's growing tourism problem is a housing and affordability crisis framed through a false lens. 'We've now got a situation where workers can't afford to live within any sort of rational distance to their job,' she says. 'The person behind the bar needs somewhere to live – if short-term rentals are everywhere, pricing people out, well then there's not going to be a bar. It's a vicious circle.' Zoe, who is from Portrush in Antrim, Northern Ireland, says she knows of people who will travel almost two hours for casual bar shifts when the town hosts the 2025 Open next month. 'They're going to be spending what they earn to get there and back. Something has got to change,' she says. Asked what can be done to fix the problem, Zoe says governments need to get serious about high-quality subsidised housing. 'You need to be able to offer staff somewhere to live, and somewhere that's decent,' she says. 'I'd like to see a policy in every bar and cafe that involves employing people who live within a five-mile radius. But if you tried to do that right now, you'd find hardly anyone living there. 'Ultimately, it needs to be about employing local, not just buying local.' Graffiti saying 'tourists go home' has become an increasingly common sight across the Mediterranean. Tensions around tourism exploded last summer, when tens of thousands took to the streets of Spanish hotspots and 'occupied' beaches on the popular holiday island of Mallorca. International travel spending in Europe is expected to rise by 11% to £617 billion this year, with Spain and France among the countries set to receive record numbers of tourists. Barcelona, which depends on tourism for 15% of its GDP, announced last year it would shut all short-term lets by 2028. Jaime Rodriguez de Santiago, head of vacation rental platform Airbnb for Iberia, said earlier this week that restrictions scapegoated short-lets, which he said can help redistribute visitor flows to less crowded parts of a city. Earlier today, tourist protesters surrounded the Generator Hotel in Barcelona and targeted holidaymakers with water pistols. More Trending Locals in the Catalan capital also used flares after congregating with placards claiming tourism was pricing them out of housing and robbing them of their futures. Staff at the hotel were forced to intervene and were seen shouting at the protesters to move away. Elsewhere in Barcelona, police stepped in to stop protesters reaching the city's famous Sagrada Familia and avoid clashes between demonstrators and tourists visiting the Gaudi masterpiece. Shouts of 'tourists go home' and 'one more tourist, one less local' could be heard as activists marched through the streets. MORE: All 9 countries on the UK Foreign Office 'no go' travel list MORE: I walked Spain's lesser-known camino — it surprised me in the best way MORE: Man arrested after Scottish gangsters shot dead in Spanish bar
