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The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Why you should swap Prague for the Czech Republic's underrated second city
I can't help but let out an audible sigh of relief as I leave Prague behind, melting into a seat on a RegioJet train speeding southwards. The city I loved twenty years ago has lost its charm for me. And that's not Prague 's fault – it's mine. I wilt in crowded places these days. Staring out of the train window at the forested hillsides, the wagons whizz towards Brno, the Czech Republic 's second city. As the capital of Moravia, one of the large historical Czech land regions, Brno is not short on medieval sites and picturesque pastel coloured buildings. Today the city has a teeming live music scene, thriving art museums and, of course, excellent beer halls. Most importantly, there's not a hen or stag-do in sight – this is a city that's yet to be discovered by the crowds of tourists. These are the sites to see, and where to stay for a slice of city break heaven. Get gothic The pretty city is home to a cache of churches, a cathedral and a rather spooky ossuary. The 600-year-old Church of St. James has a bell tower to ascend, but my tip is to visit the forgotten and recently excavated ossuary holding centuries-old bones of plague, cholera and war victims that are now carefully piled up in four small chapel rooms in the crypt underneath St. James'. It's one of many subterranean spaces to visit in Brno – the former prison under the 13th-century Špilberk Castle, and the labyrinth under the food market are also creepy underground places to cool off from the heat of the summer. Savour the hops Brno is similar to Prague in a number of ways: architecture, language and the same flowing beer culture. Fantastic Czech beers that everyone knows and loves are sold on every corner – but without the drunk groups of sightseers. Overall, Brno is around 10 per cent cheaper than Prague, but you might experience something different during a night out sampling the flavours at Pivni Burza, aka the Beer Exchange, a pub modelled on a stock market. The prices go up and down as the night goes on, so purchase your pints at the right time or risk it and see the stock (beer) price rise. Meander through art museums Exceptional art museums and galleries are dotted around Brno's city centre. The Museum of Applied Arts, hosts a number of shows, one of which, a ceramics and glass exhibition Made by Fire, shows off the country's tradition of artisanal homewares. (These skills are still alive in the city: head to Ya Sama to try crafting with locals). Downstairs at the Museum of Applied Arts there's a robot serving drinks in the cafe, which is both novel and a bit uncanny. Next door in Pražák Palace there's a snazzy show about Czech metro design – font fans rejoice. The contemporary art show stopper is House of the Arts; the current group show Uncertain Domesticities features a yurt installation, a sculpture compiled of wooden furniture, and a photo wall of house cats. Catch some galore Brno is a Unesco Music City, receiving this nod thanks to its gigs and events throughout the year. Brno Music Marathon, held in mid-August, books a selection of world music – including jazz, folk, acoustic and experimental music – from more than ten countries. Outside of its festivals, Brno's live music scene buzzes with energy. From indie and punk bands at Kabinet MUZ to jazz nights at Stará Pekárna and big gigs at Sono Centrum, most genres are covered. You can even perform yourself – head to Music Lab for its Monday jam sessions that occur weekly at 8pm. Entry is 100CZK (£3.50) but every musician who takes part gets 150CZK (£5.30) at the bar. Win, win. Gawk at the functionalist architecture Brno is a gem for architecture nerds; think sleek lines, open spaces and a love affair with function over fluff. The star of the show is undoubtedly Villa Tugendhat. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930, this steel dream is mind bogglingly well preserved. It's also very popular – tickets sell out months in advance, so book in as soon as you start planning your trip. Just around the corner, Arnold Villa brings a transitional flair where Art Nouveau elegance meets early modernism. And don't miss Villa Stiassni, a 1920s beauty that once hosted visiting royalty. There are free tours on the hour in Czech but most guides will give you a brief version in English if you look puzzled. How to get there Lucie was travelling a guest of ByWay travel who arranged her train travel to Brno – taking the Eurostar to Brussels where she picked up the European Sleeper to Prague. This new night train route departs Brussels three days a week and arrives in Prague the following morning after a cosy night's sleep. From Prague, Brno is a 2 hour train ride heading south. There are also direct trains from Brno to Hamburg, Graz, Budapest & Prague. Alternatively, there are direct flights to Brno from London via Ryanair. Flight time is around 2 hours. Where to stay Hotel Grandezza Luxury Palace This boutique hotel is nestled in Brno's historic Zelnýtrh square, beautifully restored with a stunning hand-painted glass ceiling and marble mosaics in the lobby. Most of the large rooms have views of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and Špilberk Castle in the distance. Don't miss the homemade desserts at Cosmopolis Café downstairs. Grandhotel Brno This classic, upscale hotel blends history with contemporary comforts. Located in the heart of the city, its stylish rooms allow easy access to the city's attractions. There's great dining in-house at GARDEN, which serves a mix of Czech and international dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Times
21-07-2025
- Times
15 of the best hotels in Athens under £200
Athens is one of the world's top city breaks and with good reason: the climate is mild, the food delicious and affordable, the ancient sights, museums and art galleries are world class, and the nightlife remains as vibrant as ever. Plus, most of the city's hotels are conveniently located in or near Plaka and Monastiraki, the lively antiquity-filled neighbourhoods under the Acropolis, within walking distance of almost everything you'll want to see and do. Many have rooftop bars with views of the Parthenon, gorgeous sunsets guaranteed. As Athens has become more popular, hotels have upped their offerings. Greek taste naturally tends towards minimalism, and even the city's budget hotels are (mostly) models of contemporary cool. Prices have upped as well, but you can still find a good deal, often in the neighbourhoods just outside the ancient core, including the nightlife vortex Psirri and the quieter, residential districts of Thissio and Koukaki. But staying even further away from the tourist hotspots to get a better sense of daily Athenian life is an option, thanks to the city's excellent and inexpensive metro system. Besides, the Acropolis is so dominant you can see it from nearly anywhere in the city. Here are our picks of the best affordable hotels in Athens. Rates for hotel rooms in Athens are very dynamic, but in general the prices of these affordable places are based on a midweek stay in low season (October to March); at other times prices may be significantly higher. That said, even if you're travelling in high season, you can bag a great deal if you book well in advance. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for being in the heart of action With a touch of 1960s flair, this little hotel is located near Monastiraki Square and the buzzing nightlife of Psirri, but also right off the main shopping streets of Ermou and Athinas. Rooms have parquet floors, colourful pop-art wallpaper and handy mini fridges; rates include a generous buffet breakfast and access to the rooftop bar with the view of the Acropolis at its nearby big sister hotel, the 360Degree. Add to the mix great staff and it's no surprise this is a hotel that gets a lot of repeat guests. Best for alternative Athens Located near the National Archaeology Museum, the Exarchia is the vibrant bohemian alternative neighbourhood of Athens. Nicknamed 'Anarchia' by the stodgy and old fashioned, it's full of bookshops, cafés, bars and small restaurants on narrow lanes where tourists seldom venture. This super-friendly little hotel, one of the very few in the area, has ship-shape rooms, tea and coffee makers, walk-in showers and a very affordable family suite, sleeping four. • Discover our full guide to Athens Best for young travellers You'll find this pad just off Omonoia Square in the former KKE (Greek communist party) headquarters. It's full of bright colours (especially shades of red), with industrial-style exposed walls, pipes and neon lines. Funky retro touches add to fun, including dial phones and vinyl albums in the rooms; if romance is in the air, book the Foxy Room with its round bed. Other goodies include Nintendo and Pac-Man consoles, hammocks, pool tables and a roof terrace sundeck, hot tub and massage room. SPA | POOL | Best for a super spa This urbane little hotel with only 16 rooms is in Psirri, a web of narrow streets filled with restaurants and bars just north of Monastiraki. Rooms have good soundproofing, Coco-Mat beds and linens, balconies and staff who will make you feel perfectly at home. The spa includes an indoor pool, hammam and sauna; last but not least, on the top there's a hot tub and bar, where breakfast is served with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. SPA | ACCESSIBLE | Best for vintage cool This hotel in a stylish neoclassical building is on the metro-equipped Omonoia Square in the heart of modern Athens — but the design is a throwback to the 1960s and early days of Greek tourism, in burnt orange and brown. Along with the usual mod cons, rooms have vinyl record players, trolley bars and dial phones. Breakfast is excellent and there are great Acropolis views, which you can enjoy day or night from a sunbed, hammock, or one of four strategically placed hot tubs. Best for Acropolis views Centrally located in the heart of ancient and early 19th-century Athens, in easy walking distance of the sights and the Monastiraki and Syntagma metro stations, the Plaka Hotel is a reliable old favourite for its immaculate rooms and helpful staff. The real standout here is its fabulous rooftop bar, perfect for sipping a cocktail (they are delicious) while contemplating a view of the Acropolis, which seems so close you can almost reach out and touch it. ACCESSIBLE | Best for nightlife This cheerful hotel opened in a conversion of a commercial building, on a quiet street, a short walk north of lively Monastiraki Square and all the main sights of ancient Athens. Rooms, white and bright with dashes of colour, come in a range of configurations that sleep up to four — if your budget stretches to a splurge, book the Penthouse Hot Tub Acropolis View. There's a bar and a little library in the lobby, a good breakfast buffet and excellent staff full of useful tips to help you make the most out of visiting Athens day and night. Best for service On the edge of the historic Plaka district, just two streets away from Syntagma Square, the Marblous is a complete renovation of a building that dates back to 1934 — the name is a combination of 'marble' and 'marvellous', which aptly fits the sleek black marble façade. Rooms are designed for comfort, some sleeping up to four, some with views of the nearby Acropolis. The staff couldn't be more friendly and helpful, and serve an exceptional à la carte breakfast until 11am in the breakfast bistro. ACCESSIBLE | Best for hanging with the cool kids The once undesirable neighbourhood by the evocative ancient cemetery of Kerameikos has evolved into a vortex of edgy bars, clubs, galleries and murals. This new hotel is around the corner from the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, a five-minute walk from the Thissio metro. Rooms are minimalist and luminous, with views of the Acropolis or the hilltop National Observatory; even the economy rooms have king-size beds with Egyptian cotton linen, climate control units, fridges, tea and coffee makers, and ergonomic desks. Added bonuses are the fitness room in the basement and the breakfast box, with a menu to order from the night before. Best for families Located in the lively residential Thissio neighbourhood, just west of the Ancient Agora and a five-minute walk from the metro station, this stylish contemporary hotel has a range of 14 budget rooms in minimalist charcoal and white tones and marble and pine that can sleep families of all sizes, from triples to two-bedroom suites in the nearby annex that can sleep up to six. The hotel has a beautiful rooftop terrace, and rents out Coco-Mat wooden bikes for exploring. SPA | ACCESSIBLE | Best for a central location It's hard to be more in the centre of Athens — a minute's walk from Monastiraki Square and its very useful metro station, linked to both the airport and the port of Piraeus, and within walking distance of the city's main attractions. Soothing, contemporary rooms, including interconnecting rooms for families, come in shades of taupe and cream. There's a beauty spa and cocktail bar and creative restaurant on the roof with fabulous views; you can enjoy DJs on Friday and Saturday nights and tango nights on Thursdays. Best for the market vibe If you love big city markets, you can't get much closer. Located on a pedestrian street by the fruit section of Athens's central market, this hotel is a landmark with its colourful outdoor lighting. Rooms are classic and modern (try to bag one on the eighth floor) and there's also a roof terrace with panoramic views. The breakfast buffet is excellent, including many Greek choices, and ample enough to keep you going; the nearby Taverna Klimataria is good fun, and often has live music. The Monastiraki metro with its direct link to the airport is a seven-minute walk. POOL | ACCESSIBLE | Best for a rooftop pool The big Stanley is away from tourist Athens next to the Metaxourgio metro station, so it's within minutes from the sights. But what it gains in being removed from the vortex of tourist Athens is the remarkable, wide-ranging view from Cloud 9, the largest rooftop terrace in the city, with a good-sized pool, bar and excellent restaurant, and views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and Mount Hymettos. Room choices include family rooms and two-bedroom suites; rare in a budget hotel, there's parking on site. Best for cosiness Athens is a busy, noisy city, and it's a bonus having a cosy room to return to kick off your shoes. One of the first boutique hotels to open in Athens, the 22-room O&B gets all the essentials right: comfortable beds and Egyptian cotton linens in ample rooms, all in calming shades of ochre, brown and beige. There are great showers, made-in-Greece Korres toiletries, an all-day bar-restaurant and great staff — all near the Thissio metro and Ancient Agora. Best for getting to the beach This stylish hotel, run by a very charming couple, is a short walk from the Acropolis Museum, the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, so it's handy for getting a good dose of ancient Athens — and for taking the tram (the stop is just down the street) to the beaches of the Athens Riviera. Everything is immaculate, every room, from the economy to the family apartment, comes with useful kitchenettes, and you can choose between six different delicious breakfast menus delivered to your room. • Best hotels in Athens• Best things to do in Athens Additional reporting by Oliver Berry
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
7 reasons why you need to make this curious European city your next city break
When you touch down in Bergen - and before you even leave the airport's car park – you'll discover something incredibly curious. A bright, optimistic and yellow-lettered question that, without you even knowing it yet, will shape your entire city break. Directly on the mountainside, it reads: 'Bergen?'. I learned later that this short but sweet question is a permanent art installation by the Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson. Bergen? art installation outside the airport (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) Can you guess what it means? Now, the answer will become clear to you very soon, but I'll keep you curious a while longer. Meanwhile, here are 7 very obvious reasons that you need to book a trip to Bergen for 2026 (but believe me, it was hard to whittle these down). Why you should visit Bergen 1. Convenient When it comes to city breaks, we Brits look for convenience, and Bergen ticks all of those boxes. You can fly to Bergen in under two hours from the UK, making it ideal for a weekend jaunt. It couldn't be a better time to explore Norway either, as launches its biggest ever Bergen programme. The popular airline flies to Bergen from seven UK airports, so it's handy to get to from wherever you are in the country, including Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle International, and London Stansted airports. From next year, you'll also be able to fly to Bergen from three new airports (Belfast International, East Midlands and Liverpool John Lennon). Jet2 is similarly expanding its programmes to the Norwegian city from Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and London Stansted. If you want to learn more, check prices and even book your next city break to Bergen (which I couldn't recommend more), visit the Jet2 website. 2. Eco-friendly I was completely taken with how green Bergen was as a destination. Considered as one of the most sustainable cities in the world (Global Destination Sustainability Index), it's actually the largest place in the Nordics that holds a Sustainable Destination certificate. The city champions sustainability across the board, from its cruise to recycling industries. Unbelievably, 80% of car sales in Norway were electric vehicles (2023). Frankly, they're putting the UK to shame with only 4.6% o of our roughly 34 million cars being fully electric. Bergen is an inspiring place to be, but its passion for sustainability doesn't just benefit the locals. Tourists can enjoy free use of the Light Rail and buses as well as discounts at attractions, activities and accommodation which can be reached by walking or via public transport. You can pick up a Bergen card online, tourist information office or at selected hotels, hostels and campsites too. I didn't use it myself on my trip, but if I were going again – even for just 24 hours (you can pick up a pass for 48, 72, 96 hours too) – I would definitely be picking up a card for the convenience and the savings. You get free or discounted entry to over 30 museums and attractions, including the Fløibanen funicular, Bergen Science Centre VilVite and Bergen Aquarium. A 48-hour adult pass will cost you 504 NOK (£39.51), meanwhile, a child's pass will set you back 106 NOK (£11.97). If you get the digital version, you can activate it whenever you want, so it's ideal for saving money on those sightseeing days. In my days there, I found Bergen to be an incredibly walkable and compact city, although it wasn't my favourite way to get around, but more on that later. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen is postcard-perfect (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) 3. History Speaking of museums and attractions, Bergen is overflowing with history to uncover. When you think of this Nordic city, you might picture its iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen. It's the ideal Instagram pic or a classic backdrop on your postcard to home, but it's so much more than that. This colourful harbour spot has something for everyone. History buffs will be able to get a glimpse into Bergen's trading past as they explore the incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture. If you're more into shopping, you can spend hours browsing for the perfect souvenir in one of its many shops. If you're peckish, I couldn't recommend a visit to Baker Brun more. Their staff were incredibly friendly and the pastries were delicious! The composer Edvard Grieg's home has been turned into a museum, exhibition and concert hall (Image: Newsquest) But beyond the city centre, I'd recommend a trip to Troldhaugen – the home turned museum of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and his wife, Nina. If you haven't heard of Grieg, don't worry – neither had I before my visit. However, it's more than likely that you have heard at least one of his songs if you have been to one of the UK's most popular theme parks, Alton Towers. I was a little embarrassed that the only way I knew Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King" was because of the adverts for a British roller coaster resort. However, a guided tour around his home, the exhibition centre and his garden composing hut set me straight. Edvard Grieg lived in the house for 20 years (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) It's very reasonably priced at NOK 175.00 ( £12.54) for an adult ticket, and children under 16 go free. If you visit in the summer, they host daily concerts, which you can buy tickets for separately on their website. If I had to choose another historic highlight for me on this trip, it would have to be the Fantoft Stave church. This striking church was unlike anything I had ever seen. I was taken aback by the beautiful wooden medieval architecture, which became more important still when I learned that only 28 Stave churches still exist in Norway today. There used to be over 1500 in the country, but over the years, they have tragically disappeared. This church, located just 6km from Bergen city centre, was originally built in Fortun in Sogn in 1170. Fantoft Stave church celebrates elements of Norse religion and Christianity within its architecture (Image: Newsquest) Over the years, there have been many changes to the building before it was moved to Fantoft in the late 19th century. In June 1992, the church made headline news after it was set on fire and burned to the ground. Lucky for us, a quick decision was made to rebuild it. Re-opening in 1997, visitors and locals alike were able to visit and take in the architecture and celebrate the beautiful blend of Christianity and the Old Norse religion. Take a trip up Mount Ulriken on the Ulriksbanen (Image: Newsquest) 4. The views Coined as the city of the 7 mountains, Bergen is not short on incredible views. Lucky for us tourists, we don't need to go far – or hike very high – to find them either. After arriving at Bergen airport in the early morning, we were quickly whisked off to the city's highest mountain, Mount Ulriken. As a Scot, I'm no stranger to a hike or two, but I was relieved to see that a shiny yellow cable car was taking us to the top of the steep 643m high mountain. Riding the gondola is an experience in itself. The short but smooth trip lets you take in the most spectacular vista of the city and sea, mountains and fjords. Once you reach the top, you can take a few selfies before indulging yourself with a truly unforgettable dining experience at the Skyskraperen restaurant (but more on that later). The view from the top of Mount Ulriken at the Skyskraperen restaurant was breathtaking (Image: Newsquest) If you don't want to leave the comforts and convenience of the city centre, you simply must take the trip up Mount Fløyen. Norwegians really do put the fun in funicular (sorry). The 6-minute trip treats you to breathtaking views of the city below and the surrounding fjords and mountains. The Fløibanen funicular is a 6-minute journey with incredible views (Image: Newsquest) At the top, you can enjoy a bite to eat at the Fløirestaurant or the exclusive eatery Schou. If you prefer a smaller snack before heading out to explore, it's worth visiting the Fløistuen shop and café. There's plenty to entertain you at the top, including various beautiful walking and cycling routes (you can rent bikes up there), Lake Skomakerdiket (where you can canoe), a large playground and even a Troll forest! I went on a tour around Bergen's city centre on two wheels (Image: Newsquest) 5. Adventurous activities If you love a sense of adventure from a city break, you won't be disappointed with the offering in Bergen. I have never ridden a bike abroad, and now it's something I want to do in every city I go to. A tour with Bergen Bike Rent on our first evening completely converted me to the charms of seeing a city on two wheels. Our fantastic guide showed us the sights of the bustling city centre from the Cathedral to the fish market. We went through picturesque alleys and across the pretty city square. I'm not a confident cyclist, but our knowledgeable guide showed us the ropes of riding an electric bike and reassured us throughout. We did the Bergen Downtown route, but there are also two others you can do – a dark blue route designed for the more active amongst us and a new route through the largest bike and pedestrian tunnel in the world. I can't wait to go back because I'm simply desperate to try it. Special thanks to Bergen Bike Rent for the guided tour (Image: Newsquest) Beyond biking, Bergen and the west of Norway boast access to amazing activities like kayaking and rafting, golf courses, zip lines, glacier tours and more. You can find out more and book your next adventure via the Visit Bergen website. 6. Delicious places to eat When I used to think of Norway, I simply pictured the snow-dusted landscapes, jaw-dropping fjords, Norse Gods and Viking hats. Truthfully, I had never considered Norway as a foodie destination, but how wrong I was! I didn't have a bad meal when I was there, but there were a few standout meals that I have to mention. Norwegian pastries are the perfect snack to enjoy as you mooch about the city (Image: Newsquest) Snacks and pastries As I teased earlier, I couldn't recommend a visit to Baker Brun. Their service was incredible, especially with a group of hungry journalists with lots and lots of questions. No traveller's day is complete for me without a taste of a traditional pastry and a mooch about a city centre. Bergen's answer was a delicious Skillingsboulle, which scored very highly with the entire group. The menu at Skyskraperen is seasonal and beautifully made. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)Lunch I'm not about to forget lunch at the Skyskraperen restaurant in a hurry. Lunch at the top of Mount Ulriken was our welcome meal, and what a welcome it was. Between the spectacular view and the delicious seasonal menu, I was completely speechless. Whilst we enjoyed the 3-course menu of modern Norwegian dishes, the restaurant caters for both hikers and visitors from the cable car. The food was divine, but I must recommend treating yourself to a glass bottle of Alde cider. We raved about it the entire time we were in Norway, and we all bought ourselves a bottle at Duty Free to take home. All in all, you simply can't go to Bergen without experiencing this wonderful restaurant for yourself. You've got to pick up a bottle of Alde (Image: Newsquest) Dinner When it comes to dinner, I couldn't recommend a visit to Bryggen Tracteusted more. Located in one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden buildings in the UNESCO site, everything about it feels warm and welcoming, from the staff to the traditional Bergen recipes. We ate here on our last night, and it was a very fond farewell feast indeed. Take a look inside Bryggen Tracteusted (Image: Newsquest) 7. Gateway to the Fjords I can't write a story about a trip to Norway without mentioning its beautiful Fjords. A bucket list experience for many, Bergen is the ideal gateway to the West of Norway and some truly breathtaking scenery. Simply hop on the train at Bergen station and enjoy the delights of one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. You're going to want to get a window seat for the journey to Flåm through Myrdal (trust me). Snow-dusted mountains and stunning waterfalls can be seen throughout the journey (Image: Newsquest) From snow-dusted mountains almost all year round to traditional colourful wooden houses decorating the mountainside, my jaw dropped and my nose was pressed to the window for almost the entire time (which must have been a sight for the other passengers, I'm sure). Travellers can enjoy a 5-minute photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall (Image: Newsquest) A highlight of the journey – before you even get to the Fjord village of Flåm - has to be the 5-minute photo stop at the truly stunning Kjosfossen waterfall. The picture above speaks for itself. This memorable train journey connects you to the beauty of the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. This electric cruise from Flam to Gudvangen is probably the most peaceful two hours I've spent in a long time. The 20km Fjord gives nature lovers plenty of time to try and spot some seals and porpoises from the deck. Spot seals and porpoises from the deck of the Nærøyfjord cruise (Image: Newsquest) The route has plenty of points of interest, including one of the smallest churches in Scandinavia – Underdal church – which fits only 40 people. The cruise showcases the very best of Norway in a neat nutshell and is an absolute must for your trip. Recommended reading Is Greece still the place to go for the best holiday? Here's my salty experience I went skiing and had an amazing yet terrible experience The 'foodie paradise' 3 hours from the UK that should be on your bucket list There you have it, 7 reasons why you absolutely need to make Bergen your next city break. As Europe's rainiest city, you might not get guaranteed sunshine, but you can be assured that you'll experience culture, history, beautiful views, delicious places to eat and wonderful people to show you the way. Special thanks to all of our guides and our new Norwegian friends, Linn and Stein, for welcoming us with open arms. Other cities will give you your bog-standard welcome sign, but not Bergen. This delightful, curious and vibrant city gives you an invitation as soon as you step off the plane. But it's more than an invite; that question mark is a challenge. You've arrived in Bergen, what will you do now?
Times
15-07-2025
- Times
Jump in! Europe's ten best cities for swimming
Ever heard that song by the Lovin' Spoonful? 'Hot town, summer in the city, back of my neck gettin' dirt' and gritty …' I think of it every time someone suggests a city break at this time of year. But it needn't be like that. Not if you visit one of these ten European cities, and throw yourself into the nearest lake or river, just as the locals do. Each one of them has a vibrant summer swimming scene — as well as waters that are, usually, clean: provided you follow two golden rules. Check the water quality websites first and, after heavy rain, avoid taking the plunge for a couple of days. So pack your swimmers and get ready to transform your understanding of what a summer city break can be. No longer 'hotter than a matchhead', as Lovin' Spoonful put it, but outdoorsy, adventurous and even refreshing. Hotel prices are for August dates. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue With the sun out, and its lakes and harbours a-glitter, Stockholm's summer scene has few rivals. Bike rides beckon through leafy Djurgarden park. Waterside photography exhibitions at Fotografiska, a cool, converted customs house, bring creative flair. And whenever you need a swim, you're never far from a beach or a pontoon. Brunnsviksbadet is one of the loveliest — up by the university and on a tree-fringed lake (free; Meanwhile, down on fashionable Sodermalm Island, the cute Hotel Hellstens Malmgard is close to the Tunnelbana metro line that will whisk you there. Details B&B doubles from £107 ( Fly to Stockholm Temperatures have already hit 35C in Berlin this summer. So it's good to know the German capital is surrounded by swimming lakes, where the water quality is monitored every fortnight ( High on your splash-list should be the Schlachtensee (free; for its clear waters and forest vibe, as well as the historic Strandbad Wannsee, which is home to a buzzing, 1,200m beach (£4.50; Both are in the western suburbs, near the Nikolassee S-Bahn stop. So the central 25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is a canny perch. Not only does its proximity to the Zoo station railway hub make catching suburban trains a cinch, its hip rooftop bar has sensational views B&B doubles from £146 ( Fly to Berlin • Discover our guide to the world's best city breaks After a £1.2 billion clean-up, the Seine in Paris opened this month for public swimming. It closed again the following day (for four days), thanks to pollutants released by heavy rain. But whenever the weather settles you'll be able to take the plunge in one of three lifeguarded areas until August 31; at the Bras Marie, the Bras de Grenelle and the Quai de Bercy ( Water quality is tested daily and only 600 swimmers are allowed in at any one time. In other words, don't expect just to show up and swim. But bring your bathers anyway — because you can always swim in the Canal St Martin if the Seine itself is too busy. The highly rated La Planque Hôtel, in the trendy 10th arrondissement, is ten minutes' walk Room-only doubles from £108 ( Take the train to Paris • I swam in the Seine. Was it magnifique or murky? Yes, Copenhagen's seafront districts are edged with beaches, but the real thrill here is dunking in one of its harbour baths, in the heart of the city. Islands Brygge is the pin-up venue. In a defiantly urban setting, it offers both a swimming and a diving pool — with the bars and restaurants of the old Meatpacking district beckoning across the water when you're done (free; The quayside Kanalhuset nearby is a characterful place to sleep. As with all the city's harbour pools, water quality is monitored daily ( Room-only doubles from £208 ( Fly to Copenhagen Munich's swimming scene is a thrill thanks to the Isar River. A five-mile stretch was rewilded between 2000 and 2011 and strenuous efforts were made to improve its water quality (in part with UV sterilisation). The result is a long and self-regulating streak of rapids, gravel banks and greenery that doubles as a summer water park. Not all of it is open. Wassily Kandinsky's incandescent, early 20th-century art, on view in the Lenbachaus, is your cultural counterpoint (£9; Not far from the river the elegant, oak-floored Hotel Deutsche Eiche is a restful overnight B&B doubles from £183 ( • Read more about the top Adventure holidays Abandon those buttoned-down banker stereotypes. In summer Zurich is awash with swimsuits and bikinis, as the locals flock to lakeside lidos such as Seebad Enge (£7; as well as the River Limmat, which rushes through the city centre. Here, you can float past Werd Island at the Au-Höngg pool or swim some current-assisted lengths past the crowds at the Flussbad Oberer Letten outdoor pool (both are free; Water quality is checked monthly ( Nearby, on the west bank, the Landesmuseum's collections of art, design and archaeology offer insight into Swiss culture — and it has a summer exhibition devoted to techno music (£12; The smart, unfussy Hotel Helmhaus is close to Room-only doubles from £301 ( Fly to Zurich A sauna isn't your typical hot-weather treat, but in Oslo, where you'll find them floating alongside every city-centre quay so you can dive straight back into the fjord when you're done (from £23; Meanwhile, pick of the city's three urban beaches is the Operastranda, which backs onto the museum devoted to everyone's favourite art master of angst, Edvard Munch. So don't forget to scream when you jump in off the diving platform (see for the latest water-quality reports). The contemporary Clarion hotel is close both to the beach and the city's iceberg-shaped opera B&B doubles from £167 ( We know Vienna for many things: waltzes, wedding-cake architecture, Gustav Klimt's shimmering masterpiece The Kiss. But can we please add bouncing to the list? Because the world's largest floating trampoline park lies just beyond the city centre on the New Danube (from £4; A 13-mile canal that's part of Vienna's flood defences it's a lot cleaner than the actual river and plays host to urban beaches, alfresco bars and diving platforms — as does the Old Danube just north of it ( Go to for water-quality updates, while the bright, buzzy Ruby Lissi Hotel is a canny place to stay. It's only four stops from the water on the U1 underground B&B doubles from £114 ( Fly to Vienna It's known as Le U Lacustre — the big U formed by the shoreline at the western end of Lake Geneva — and it's dotted with beaches and swimming pontoons. Some are right inside the city. So you segue from the glittering boutiques of the rue du Rhône to taking the plunge at Les Bains du Jet d'Eau — by the famous 450ft fountain ( Others are more suburban, such as the cool, doughnut-ring Pontons de Cologny. But in summer they're all served by the new 29 bus service ( All have extraordinarily clear waters too — which is no wonder, given 90 per cent of Geneva's drinking water comes from the lake. The Ruby Claire hotel is close to both the swimming and the Room-only doubles from £100 ( Fly to Geneva In Amsterdam city-centre swimming took a big step forward this year — when the Binnenhaven harbour pool became an official swimming spot. With a replica Dutch East India Company sailing ship moored next door, and the Maritime Museum beckoning beyond, it's a deeply nautical spot. Visit for daily updates on water temperature and quality. But if you prefer somewhere leafier, head to de Oeverlanden, on the Nieuwe Meer lake, just outside the city (see for water quality). Near the Binnenhaven, the Hendrick's Hotel has lashings of canalside Room-only doubles from £155 ( Fly or take the train to Amsterdam Have we missed your favourite swimming city? Let us know in the comments
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Moose burgers, reindeer hot dogs and home of a Chelsea icon – is this the most underrated footie destination in Europe?
MARSEILLE, Dortmund and Barcelona perhaps come more readily to mind when thinking of a footballing city break. But after spending two days in the rainiest city in Europe, I'm convinced you should be heading to Scandinavia for your next European football fix. Welcome to Bergen in Norway - home of SK Brann. WHERE A CHELSEA ICON STARTED For football fans who can't get enough (and the Club World Cup doesn't quite do it for them) then Norway is perfect with the football season still in full flow over the summer due to the unplayable winter conditions. Set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping fjords and steep mountain ranges, Bergen is where SK Brann play – a club with one of the most scenic stadiums and passionate fan bases I've ever come across. I was invited out by the team at FotMob, a leading Bergen-based football app, for a behind-the-scenes look at the city's football scene. I didn't expect much more than a tidy stadium and a polite crowd. What I found was a football culture bursting with pride, passion and some interesting food choices… It was at passport control I first realised how much football meant to the people of Bergen. What is usually a fairly intimidating process in which you explain you're not going to outstay your welcome or harm anyone, I told the guard I was here to watch SK Brann and he burst into life telling me how much I was going to enjoy it and how he's a huge fan and more about the team and city. The football on the pitch is good too, the biggest name to come from SK Brann is likely Tore Andre Flo, who moved from there to Chelsea where he became a cult hero. But they have also just produced local lad Aune Heggebo - who has signed for West Brom in the last week, and I got a glimpse of him in action on my trip. The physicality that has seen some excited Baggies fans comparing the striker to Erling Haaland was clear to see. A SEA OF RED The stadiums in Norway are sublime, and really the crux of what makes it such a special country to watch football in. The Brann Stadion is tucked away just outside the city, surrounded by colourful, traditional houses, steep hills and pine trees. It's those hills that see it rain 202-239 days of the year. And fans of Man Utd and Man City thought they had it bad! The city is nothing but a damp squib on match-days with the area a sea of red scarfs, flags and knitted jumpers as the Bataljonen ultras sing non-stop throughout the game. It's the kind of raw, unfiltered, European football atmosphere you simply don't get at the Emirates or Craven Cottage. 5 5 It's not just SK Brann though, Norway is home to some of the most fascinating football stadiums in the world. While Bergen is in the south, you can travel north to get a glimpse of more grounds that look like something fitting for a footballing fairy tale. WHALE OF A TIME Away from the pitch, the place is sublime - colourful wooden houses, a nightclub that looks more like a ski-chalet than the crumbling boozers you get at home, and a funicular that will give you some of the best views you'll find in Europe, let alone Norway. You can indulge in some rather out-there cuisine, perhaps a whale burger, reindeer hot dog or moose burger tickles your fancy? I had the reindeer and was pleasantly surprised by how good it was when paired with some peppers and ketchup. Although I will say the aftertaste of guilt and shame was less welcomed - sorry Rudolph… Cheap flights, affordable tickets, talented players, stunning views, and a fan culture to rival anywhere in Europe - this place really has it all.
