Forget popular spots like Paris and Rome... avoid the crowds and check out these other European gems for a more peaceful city break.
By JOANNA TWEEDY, ASSISTANT EDITOR, LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Published: 07:20 EDT, 1 November 2026 | Updated: 07:20 EDT, 1 November 2026
City break season is firmly upon us, with tourists descending on classic destinations such as Rome, Paris and Barcelona in their droves.
But there are plenty of spots that feel less busy and still offer amazing sights, beautiful hotels and some great experiences.
From UNESCO-recognised Valletta to magical Oslo, tourists are spoilt for choice in Europe.
Thessaloniki doesn't just have to be a summer destination either, and you'll be free to enjoy it while crowds flock to Athens.
How to get that autumnal fix of culture, shopping and gastronomy only with the crowds dialled down a little? Here's ten urban escapes that perfectly fit the bill…
Glasgow promises an artsy break away packed with beautiful architecture and pubs
Yes, it'll probably rain but dress for the weather and arty, affable, museum-filled Glasgow won't let you down.
Enjoy the architecture masterclass; there's Victorian, Queen Anne, Charles Rennie Mackintosh's early 20th-century handiwork and the glass-and-steel modernity of the The Riverside Museum.
Many attractions are free, including beautiful 22-gallery Kelvingrove Park, and the nightlife ticks, particularly in the pubs along Sauchiehall Street.
Don't miss: A moment of calm under the spectacular stained glass at Gothic Glasgow Cathedral.
Book it: Three nights' self-catering in a Native Glasgow studio apartment from £297 in November for two.
Head to Bordeaux, in France, for local cuisine and plenty of sightseeing
A little autumnal gastronomy? Oui! South western Bordeaux plates up fine food, big wines, and more cultural sights – over 350 – than you can squeeze into a weekend.
It's cheap to arrive, thanks to easyJet and Ryanair too. Enjoy grandiose architecture in the City's Places, including de la Bourse and de la Victoire, and shopping boulevard Rue Sainte Catherine is ideal for a spree.
A selfie to send back home? Head for La Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux's beloved 7,750kg city bell.
Don't miss: Drink in the knowledge at La Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated to Bordeaux's biggest export.
Book it: Three nights' B&B at the four-star Hôtel de Sèze and flights from £799pp.
Malta's Valletta offers a beautiful location for a getaway, and it's packed with history
The Maltese capital has a surprisingly valiant past to delve into.
Small but mighty, walled and 16th-century, UNESCO-recognised Valletta has historic sights in spades with St John's Co-Cathedral and the 16th-century Grand Master's Palace the major landmarks.
Blue skies are a distinct possibility too; Malta boasts an average of 300 sunny days a year.
Don't miss: A blast of modernity at City Gate, crafted by Italian architect Renzo Piano in 2011.
Book it: B&B doubles at five-star Iniala Harbour House Malta from £444 in November. Return flights to Malta from £172 with KM Malta Airlines.
Zurich, in Switzerland, has museums and waterside walking routes
Dismiss Switzerland's largest city as a 'business' destination at your peril (and also, don't let the suits have all the fun).
This German-speaking metropolis, at the easy-on-the-eye spot where Lake Zurich bumps into Limmat River, serves up crowd-pleasing attractions such as the Lindt and FIFA museums, plus waterside walking and hearty fare – who can resist bircher muesli for breakfast and Geschnetzeltes, veal with rösti potatoes, for dinner?
Don't miss: A little couture (window) shopping on swanky Bahnhofstrasse.
Book it: Doubles at the four-star 25 Hours Hotel from £250 in November. Return flights to Zurich for £128 with British Airways.
Cork, in Ireland, offers a crowd-free experience of Irish pubs and history
Dubbed by many as Ireland's 'real capital', Cork hits just like Dublin when it comes to centuries-old pubs, galleries and exuberant sociability – only without the 24/7 tourist masses.
What to see? Cork City Gaol offers a stark snapshot of what incarcerated Corkonians once faced, St Fin Barre Cathedral has gargoyles galore to spy and the Franciscan Well Brewery celebrates the city's strong links with making Ireland's amber nectar, as well as serving ales from across the world.
Don't miss: A gourmet sausage from O'Flynn's at the city's 18th century English Market.
Book it: Doubles with a full Irish breakfast at The Montenotte hotel from £166 in November. Return flights to Cork from £122 via Aer Lingus.
Check out the Modiano market in Thessaloniki or walk along Nea Paralia
Athens wins the tourist dollar but Greece's second city has much to shout about.
Thessaloniki is buzzy, small enough to conquer on foot and beats its ancient sister hands down on gastronomy – foodies will be in seventh heaven at artisanal Modiano market.
Nea Paralia, the city's three-mile cycle and walking promenade, comes with a Mount Olympus view.
Don't miss: Climb the 96 steps of the stocky 15th century White Tower for a full 360° panoramic.