Tiny underrated town 'just like Amsterdam' has pretty canals and no crowds
Brits may flock to Amsterdam for its picturesque canals, waterfront bars and bicycle tours, but there's one tiny underrated town that's giving the holiday hotspot a run for its money.
I headed to Papenburg, Germany, to watch Disney Cruise Line float out its newest ship, but I wasn't expecting to find a direct Amsterdam dupe. Pretty canals? Check. Plenty of restaurants and bars? Check. Tourist attractions? Check.
Sure, Papenburg doesn't quite have the buzz and nightlife to rival the Netherlands' capital, but it definitely had the advantage of offering up the gorgeous scenery without the crowds of tourists. (Although it's worth mentioning that Amsterdam is taking some major steps to combat overtourism).
The German city has a population of just under 40,000 so there's quite a laidback vibe. The main stretch of canals in the centre is where you'll find the bulk of the attractions, all of which pay tribute to its 230 years of maritime history. Cars aren't allowed alongside the canal so it's purely cyclists and pedestrians, which only contributes to the quieter, calmer atmosphere to the region.
If you walk up what I'd describe as the 'touristy' bit of the canal, you can do the whole stretch in about an hour. A nice touch is that there's a little walking trail with signs along the way to point out any historic buildings or quirky spots that are well worth a photo opp. For example, there are plenty of historic bridges, while the canal banks are lined with colourful flowers and lush green trees that make for a backdrop which wouldn't be out of place on a postcard.
One highlight is also the number of historic ships that are still moored in the canals, with boards explaining their significance and the role they played. One of these is the impressive Friederike replica which looks like it belongs on the set of any pirate film, with its impressive masts and stern. There are plenty more nods to the maritime ties of this city, including statues and large anchors to be found along the walk.
Meanwhile when it comes to restaurants and shops, I was pretty impressed with the wide array on offer considering it's such a small patch of the city. There are heaps of boutiques selling plenty of nautical-themed souvenirs, including one shop in a restored windmill where you can get plenty of merch.
The quirky Alte Drostei - the oldest standing historic building in the city of Papenburg - is also worth a stop as it's filled with historic artefacts, and hosts plenty of events such as readings, exhibitions, and guided tours.
Meanwhile if all of the exploring leaves you with an appetite, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés serving up local fare from currywurst to salads. Just make sure to leave space for the all-important Spaghettieis - ice cream that is made to look like spaghetti. Think vanilla ice cream for the 'pasta', strawberry sauce for the 'tomatoes' and white chocolate shavings for the 'parmesan'.
One of the members of our group was German and assured us that this isn't a tourist dish but rather one that everyone in Germany has from childhood. It's not difficult to understand why - it was ridiculously tasty!
For cruise fans, one of the big draws of Papenburg is that it's a short drive from the Meyer Weft shipyard. You can book tours of the shipyard and get a sneak peek at what goes into actually building these huge cruise ships. This means that there are buses of tourists that stop off at Papenburg as part of wider coach holidays, but even when there were a few coaches in the city it still didn't feel too crowded.
Where Papenburg doesn't rival Amsterdam is the nightlife. There are a handful of pubs - Jameson's Pub was popular with locals and tourists alike - but the vibe here is more relaxed.
Book the holiday
Get there: The nearest airport is Hanover which is about a 2.5-3 hour drive away. British Airways offers direct flights with a flight time of approximately an hour.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Lesser-known national park has turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs and no crowds
Brits looking for a postcard-perfect spot for their next holiday may want to check out the breathtaking destination that's been proving a hit with the social media crowd Brits planning their next adventures on France holidays may want to bookmark a breathtaking national park that's home to fjords full of crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs and almost no crowds. The Calanques National Park in France looks like something out of a storybook thanks to the turquoise waters that make up the landscape, with a range of quiet sandy and pebbled beaches lining its shores. The region can only be reached by boat or on foot, meaning that it's a lot quieter than other French hotspots as there are smaller crowds of visitors who flock to the area. The clear waters mean you can get a great look at what's been described as an "underwater garden" thanks to the diverse array of plants and wildlife that reside there, including the likes of octopuses, sea breams and anemones. (Just keep an eye out for urchins!). It's one of those beautiful areas that rivals the likes of Europe's coolest seaside town that's just three hours from the UK. READ MORE: Gorgeous UK beach is 'hidden gem' with no tourists that 'goes under the radar' It's therefore no surprise that the Calanques have become increasingly popular with the social media crowd, who have been tempted by its postcard-worthy landscapes. The good news is that it's still relatively quiet compared to plenty of other hotspots because it's not as easily accessible, so even with the influx of tourists it's easy to find plenty of peaceful spots. One of the best ways to explore the region is by boat, so you can leisurely make your way along those crystal-clear waters and take in the dramatic scenery. In fact, an increasing number of holidaymakers are opting for boat trips to explore Europe's hidden gems. According to recent data from SamBoat, bookings via its UK site rose by 75% last year, with most Brits opting for day trips as part of their travel plans. Of those, 89% of boats were rented without a skipper, with prices around £340 a day proving appealing for families or groups of friends wanting a memorable day out. As for the Calanques, these remain a firm favourite with those who love to experience destinations off the beaten track. The SamBoat insiders explained: "Swap the busy city streets for sea cliffs if heading to Marseille and take a day trip to the Massif des Calanques, a dramatic stretch of limestone coves and turquoise waters nestled between Marseille and Cassis. "Only accessible by boat or on foot, these secluded inlets offer wild swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing far from the crowds. Hiring your own boat for the day from the Old Port is a great option, offering total flexibility for you to explore at your own pace." For Brits, Marseille is the best destination to visit if you're planning to head to the Calanques. There are plenty of direct flights with the likes of easyJet and Ryanair with a flight time of just under two hours, and then it's approximately a 35-minute drive to the national park. Alternatively you could get the Eurostar from London to Paris and then change on a train to Marseille in France, with the total journey time being around seven hours.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a travel writer and I can't get enough of one overlooked town by the sea'
If you're a sucker for a charming market town, particularly one that boasts independent boutiques, an artsy atmosphere, and a bakery that's worth the journey, I have the perfect place for you If you're a fan of quaint market towns, especially those that feature independent boutiques, an artsy vibe, and a bakery worth travelling for, then Cardigan (or Aberteifi in Welsh) ticks all these boxes. Nestled on the west coast of Wales, this historic port town is often overlooked, but it truly deserves more recognition. It's the gateway to the Teifi Valley and both the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coastal paths, making it a perfect base for exploring this breathtaking coastal region. Senior journalist Portia Jones recently visited this beautiful town and it's safe to say she'll be back. Cardigan is the second-largest town in Ceredigion and it's a cultural hotspot, having transformed from a significant 18th-century Atlantic seaport into a trendy, artistic sanctuary brimming with theatres and galleries. Brits warned of 'bogus' Ibiza parties as tourists turn up to empty venues Brit steals towels from sunbed hoggers at 1:30am because 'they deserved it' Portia said: "Cardigan is the second-largest town in Ceredigion. It packs a punch culture-wise, having transcended from a significant 18th-century Atlantic seaport to a swish, artsy enclave with theatres and galleries. It's fast becoming one of my favourite spots for a weekend break for excellent eats, coastal walks and a spot of culture. As I'm now in my history era, it's also grabbed my attention with its rich heritage and handsome stone castle. Found on the bend of the River Teifi, Cardigan has a long and varied history." Henry VIII bestowed Cardigan with its charter in 1543; by the 18th century, it had emerged as southern Wales's most significant seaport. It flourished with a thriving herring trade and shipbuilding sector, whilst its merchant vessels carried fish, slate, bricks, tanning bark, grain, and beer, reports the Express. The town's rich past is mirrored in its diverse architecture, where Georgian structures can still be found, including the renovated Castle House and authentic 17th-century archways. Now, it enjoys a lively small-town character with specialist shops, an independent bakery, a renowned hotel, and designated coastal paths that guide you along the breathtaking coastline. Despite the active community's many draws, it hasn't gained the fame of beloved tourist spots like Tenby or the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This could be down to the Cardigan Bay area remaining one of Wales's most forgotten coastal regions, tucked between the eye-catching beauty of Pembrokeshire and the Llyn Peninsula. In 2023, Time Out magazine even dubbed its main town, Cardigan, the "most underrated" spot in west Wales. Here, tourists can experience Wales at its most authentic, hopping between secret bays to spot dolphins, trekking the coastal path and savouring hot fish and chips in charming fishing villages. Ceredigion, with its comparative isolation and the proud, determined spirit of its communities, has long been a stronghold of Welsh language and heritage. Here, visitors can delve into historic fortresses, shop for regional handicrafts, and savour local cuisine at food festivals. Cardigan is the main hub in this region and serves as an excellent base for exploring the Ceredigion coast. Known as the birthplace of the Eisteddfod, Wales's leading cultural festival, the town has always been a hub for storytelling, music, and art. Wandering through its streets, you'll find charming cafes, pubs, and a thriving selection of independent shops and businesses. The beautifully restored Cardigan Castle, the first stone castle built by a Welshman and the site of the inaugural Eisteddfod in 1176, sits at the heart of the town. This ancient Norman fortress, originally rebuilt in 1244, underwent a £12 million refurbishment in 2015, restoring its status as the town's crowning glory. With a history that spans over 900 years, the Castle has weathered numerous fierce power struggles between Wales and England. Today, it stands as a vibrant heritage site featuring a museum, restaurant, open-air concert venue, and Grade II-listed pleasure gardens. According to Discover Ceredigion, the Castle also holds cultural significance. Lord Rhys hosted the first recorded Eisteddfod, a festival of music and poetry, to celebrate the Castle's completion. This competitive arts festival is a uniquely Welsh tradition that thrives locally and wherever Welsh communities are found. Portia said: "After stomping the castle grounds, I always head for my favourite cafe spot - Crwst. This swish Cardigan cafe and deli has garnered a cult following for its banging brunch and bakery items and has also caught the eye of food by husband and wife Osian and Catrin Jones, it is a swish 80-seater cardigan cafe and deli that attracts customers from miles around. Five years ago, a married couple decided to pack in their jobs and make a living out of what they loved doing the most: baking and drinking coffee. Crwst is the happy, bricks-and-mortar result of this foodie journey." Following their 2018 debut, this enterprising couple has expanded their operation and culinary brand, securing a second location at Poppit Sands at the beginning of the Pembrokeshire coastal trail, where they offer Crwst's most sought-after pastries, frozen treats and beverages. The Cardigan establishment remains consistently crowded after earning recognition in the Good Food Guide. Visitors flock there for its delectable meals and freshly prepared baked items, featuring sourdough breads, brioche donuts, and cinnamon spirals. The Cardigan venue also presents an appetising brunch selection with offerings spanning from harissa halloumi sandwiches to pancake towers and Turkish-style eggs, earning rave critiques from culinary journalists. Portia's recommendation is the french toast. She said: "My personal favourite, though, is the rum and Banana French Toast, loaded with brule banana streaky bacon and topped with creamy Barti Rum Caramel ice cream. It's sweet and salty goodness with a lovely rum kick, which is exactly what you want at 10 a.m." Beyond baked goods, there's a wealth of dining options in and around the town, as The Financial Times has hailed Ceredigion as a 'hotbed of culinary wizardry'. The piece highlighted the vast range of top-quality dining establishments on offer throughout the county and the food scene surrounding Cardigan town. This encompasses bakeries such as Crwst and Bara Menyn, the Brat supperclub at Ffrorest Ffarm, Caws Teifi, and Llys Meddyg, situated just across the border in Newport, Pembrokeshire. Retail therapy represents another key attraction of the region. Whilst it's not an enormous scene, Cardigan features a modest collection of shops and boutiques selling crafts, surf gear, and books. The majority of stores and enterprises are positioned along or just off High Street and further up on Pendre, with numerous shops at Black Lion Mews off the main thoroughfare. Cardigan's indoor market serves as the retail focal point, housed in the historic Guildhall building. Initially functioning as the town's meat and dairy marketplace, the two-storey market hall now operates as a thriving shopping destination for residents and visitors alike. Featuring over 50 stalls operated by independent local merchants, it provides a remarkable selection of goods and gifts. Despite its quaint size, Cardigan is a hub of artistic activity, boasting two theatres and a plethora of music venues dotted around the town, including the Castle grounds. Theatr Mwldan Arts Centre, nestled in the heart of Cardigan, is an impressive cinema complex with three fully digital screens, making it the only truly independent multiplex in Wales. The centre also accommodates a gallery and café, and serves as the headquarters for Gwyl Fawr, the town's Eisteddfod, which hosts a variety of concerts and competitions in music, literature, and dance. In addition to Mwldan, St Mary's, a Grade II-listed church dating back to the 12th century, serves as the main venue for the November Other Voices festival concerts, featuring contemporary Welsh musicians of international acclaim. A medley of smaller venues, from cellar bars to art galleries and bakeries, contribute to the vibrant atmosphere along the festival's music trail around town. Nearby, Small World is an eco-conscious theatre company that creates giant puppets, public events, and art commissions. This wildly inventive, near-zero-carbon space hosts family-friendly events such as children's theatre shows featuring live music and puppetry. For a truly unforgettable experience, Cardigan Castle hosts a variety of performances. The Castle's breathtaking surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for choirs, bands, opera performances, and concerts. Beyond the town, there's a wealth of exploration opportunities as Cardigan Bay stretches over 129 miles, from Bardsey Island off the Llyn Peninsula in the north to the rugged headland of Strumble Head in the south. It's home to Europe's largest dolphin population and its nutrient-rich waters serve as a haven for wildlife, including seals and seabirds. For those with a passion for wildlife, this is considered Europe's top spot for dolphin sightings, especially when skimming across the waves on an adrenaline-pumping RIB excursion through the bay's choppy waters. You can book a reasonably priced Bay Explorer boat trip with local experts, 'A Bay to Remember'. Setting off from nearby St Dogmaels, this hour-long adventure takes you along the coastline on high-speed RHIBs, where your seasoned captain will be on the lookout for wildlife. This was one of Portia's favourite wildlife expeditions, and she managed to snap numerous breathtaking photos of seals and seabirds. As you speed across the waves, you're likely to see herring gulls and razorbills flying overhead and perched on rocky ledges. Your vessel will also sail past Mwnt, a sandy cove that's one of Ceredigion's best spots for dolphin encounters, so keep your eyes peeled for those distinctive dorsal fins slicing through the water. These rapid boat trips also reach secluded, pebble-strewn bays where Atlantic grey seals lounge contentedly on the rocks. These year-round inhabitants are readily recognisable thanks to their distinctive heads. Their scientific name actually translates to "sea pig with a hooked nose." The Ceredigion Coast Path, a 60-mile section of the 870-mile Wales Coast Path, represents a walker's paradise. It provides some of the most varied terrain and vistas along the entire route, from gentle dunes and sandy bays to dramatic cliffs and exposed promontories. This waymarked trail can be split into seven achievable segments, each concluding in a town or village offering lodging and transport links. You can also opt to complete the entire route over a week or pick shorter segments, such as New Quay to Aberaeron or the 11.7-mile section from Cardigan to Aberporth. Remarkable highlights en route include the striking Mwnt headland, Birds Rock's avian life, the tidal island of Ynys Lochtyn, and the expansive Ynyslas dunes. Wildlife encounters are common; watch for bottlenose dolphins, seals, and even porpoises along the stone-scattered cliffs and inlets. The path starts in Cardigan at its southern terminus, where the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Coast Paths meet. This ancient town, formerly the biggest port on Wales's western shore, gives its name to Cardigan Bay. A bronze otter sculpture, positioned beside a harbourside wall bearing verse by local author Ceri Wyn Jones, signals the official beginning of the route. As you leave the town, the route takes you along the north bank of the River Teifi, past farmland and the likely location of the original wooden Cardigan Castle, hastily built to control river and sea access. The journey carries on past the Cardigan Golf Club and the Victorian-era Cliff Hotel, once part of a grand scheme to turn this coastline into a rival for Brighton. From there, it's a picturesque clifftop stroll towards Aberporth, offering expansive sea views and a coastline dotted with caves, sea stacks, and rock formations bearing intriguing local names like Hatling Bigni, Pen Peles, and Pencestyll. These rocky landmarks were once vital reference points for sailors navigating this wild stretch of coast. Planning a weekend stay? The town and surrounding area offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, B&Bs, cottages, and campsites. You can compare prices and book on Airbnb and Portia's top hotel choice is conveniently situated right in the town centre. Tucked away on the riverside in Cardigan, The Albion Aberteifi blends nautical charm with maritime design. Just four months after its grand opening, The Times and The Sunday Times named it the Best Place to Stay in Wales 2023. This stylish spot is the latest venture from the team behind Forest. Each en-suite room is reminiscent of a captain's cabin, featuring reclaimed wood-panelled walls, 150 year old oak floors, Welsh wool blankets, bespoke furniture, and river views from every window. Breakfast is served in the relaxed resident lounge, where you can also enjoy evening cocktails and daytime coffee and cake. Yr Odyn restaurant, famed for its weekend dining in the guest lounge, is soon moving to a stunning new riverside location nearby. Just across the river, a short walk will lead you to fforest's Pizzatipi and the cosy Smwglin pub.
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
I've been a travel agent for 35 years and booked over 6,000 holidays - these are the travel essentials I never fly without
Claire Le Moigne has spent 35 years as a TUI Retail Manager and has now shared the top packing hacks she's learnt from over three decades working in the travel industry. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Whilst she's worked in stores in Leeds, Wakefield and Selby, she's also holidayed across the globe to more than 20 destinations including the popular TUI hotspots of Jamaica, The Canary Islands and Turkey. She's booked well over 6,000 holidays for her customers and is still booking trips for the same families she did 35 years ago. Claire says: 'Over the years I've been on my fair share of trips, but I've also helped all of my customers prepare for their summer holidays. I've picked up lots of tips and tricks along the way when it comes to the essentials we should take away, but I've also seen firsthand some of the biggest mistakes that travellers make with their luggage.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From avoiding overweight cases and forgotten chargers, to preparing for mid-trip Marmite cravings, here are Claire's tried and tested summer holiday packing tips which have helped her customers get from check-in to sun lounger hassle free. Keep the clothes light 'Avoid the trap that 88% of Brits fall into and don't pack clothes that you won't wear. Before you pop clothes in a suitcase plan out which items you can use for which outfit and try them on – take a quick picture and then you'll be able to remember exactly what options you have. I tend to do this a couple of weeks before I pack, ensuring I've got myself covered for evening outfit changes too. I make sure to leave plenty of room for shoe options! It's also a good idea to pack outfits that can be mixed and matched. For example, three different tops that go with two different pairs of shorts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I always weigh my bags ahead of time too and add on any extra luggage before I travel if I needed.' Take you creature comforts 'Brits are known for bringing teddies, slippers and even ketchup on holiday – so lean into it. If bringing a few items as part of a comfort kit will help ease homesickness for you or your family, then why not make room for the jar of Marmite! I can never leave for my holidays without a stash of my favourite teabags. They don't take up lots of space or weight, so why not chuck them in!' Ditch folding for rolling, bundling or filing 'Nobody wants to spend their time ironing on holiday. I always opt to roll my clothes to help avoid creases and to save space. If you need that extra bit of compression you can try the 'bundle method' where you wrap larger items around smaller ones. That said, if you're someone who doesn't like to unpack their suitcase when you get to your destination, filing your clothes vertically lets you see everything in your case at a glance – you just might need to take more advantage of a travel iron!' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sticky notes are your best friend 'Every holiday, the average Brit forgets two essential items. They're usually things like travel adaptors, chargers or toothbrushes. So, before you zip up your bag, physically check off your essentials: phone, passport, charger, swimming costume, and, yes, underwear! A sticky note checklist on your front door works wonders to jog your memory. 'The week before I travel, I write a list of things I need to buy, the essentials like suncream and insect repellent. It keeps me super relaxed on the way to the airport knowing everything is already in my case.' Don't leave things hanging 'The worst packing mistake I've ever heard was by a lady who packed for her partner and left their clothes hanging up at home ready to go in the case! At the end of the day, the clothes are all going in the suitcase, so sitting in there for an extra few days won't hurt. Better that than being left with nothing to wear.' Downsize Your Toiletries 'Most destinations sell shampoo and bodywash, so there's no need to pack the whole bathroom cupboard. Instead, swap out bulky bottles for travel-size refills or reusable containers. Make-up wipes and solid toiletries like shampoo bars can also save space and prevent leaks. If in doubt, it's worth wrapping up a bottle in a plastic bag to prevent any spillages in transit.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In-flight essentials 'It's a given that eye masks, earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones are essential for comfort on a plane, but one thing a lot of people forget to bring is a reusable water bottle. You can refill it after security, and cabin crew are often able to top you up during long flights too – this is a great money saving hack so you don't end up spending extra pounds on disposable bottles for the whole family! It's also really important to stay hydrated during a flight – the air can get quite dehydrating. That's also why I like to bring a little facemask for a long flight. An hour or so before landing I'll pop it on to properly wake me up after any naps and I always feel so much more refreshed.' Room for extras 'I never travel without a foldable tote bag when I go on holiday. They pack away super small, but they're so handy for any items I accumulate over the day – whether that's souvenirs or even dirty clothes from the kids! Whether I need some extra room whilst trekking around a city or want a beach bag on a fly and flop break, it always comes in handy.'
