There's is definitely a lot to be said for second/third cities. Bergen is a wonderful city (if you can handle the sky-high Norwegian prices) on many, many levels. Salzburg is probably as busy as Vienna on the tourist front (certainly in summer), and Innsbruck certainly has the wow factor.
Given Warsaw's grim history, second and third cities are much more attractive. Gdansk is fantastic on many levels and Poznan is much underrated. And while Rotterdam lacks the beauty of Amsterdam... it's vibrant, has some wonderful new architecture, it's a lot cheaper to stay in, and only a 40 minute train ride from the capital.
Interesting insight, and two new places to visit! But, as an exception to the rule, I would say Barcelona is both rather expensive and full of tourists, though a great place to visit. For Spain, third or fourth tier cities might be better, such as Zamora, Logroño, La Coruña, Vigo, Valencia or Cadiz. (But check cruise ship schedules for coastal cities to avoid temporary influxes!)
Tend to agree. I went to Cologne and thought it was great. The only tourist attraction there is the cathedral and the bridge which can be covered in two to three hours. Leaves you with time to explore the bars and shops.
When working as an Immigration Officer at Gatwick in the 90s BA had a couple of flights a day from Copenhagen, and they started one a day from Aarhus. Being an ignorant bunch, none of us IOs knew much if anything about Aarhus. I was nominated to question the first Dane off the flight as to the attractions of said city. He gave a one word answer to my question. Legoland. Now, to this day I'm not sure if he was being serious or not, but that was enough for the us at the time.
Travelled around Denmark and thought Aarhus was lovely. From your list I have also been to Antwerp, Barcelona and Milan and all are recommended. I assume you have done Munich?
Spent 8 days in Czechia prior to Covid and wished I’d spent more than 3 days in Brno. It was everything you said and an excellent jumping off point for visiting the Austerlitz battlefield. Almost empty of tourists and a beautiful city. I can recommend the hotel in your picture.
I am a massive fan of Birmingham and get very annoyed by the cultural snobbery about it and it’s accent.
In Birmingham, you’ll discover the most kind and funny people, generous to a T, a brilliant Museum and Art Gallery, fantastic restaurants, and a sense of ease with themselves that is very attractive.
I hugely recommend Bergen in Norway! Not sure if it’s the second city but that’s well worth a visit. The Hague in The Netherlands is a nice alternative to Amsterdam, too.
Travelled through Aarhus but unfortunately didn't have time to stop. Too much distraction with visiting other tapestry weavers! But the journey from Hamburg to Copenhagen by train is brilliant. Never been on a train that goes on a ferry! ...just an excuse to feel like a 5 yr old! Copenhagen is amazing!
I’d add Cracow to the list. Teeming with Polish history from Dragons to Copernicus to Pope John Paul II to the Nazi occupation of Hans Frank.
There's is definitely a lot to be said for second/third cities. Bergen is a wonderful city (if you can handle the sky-high Norwegian prices) on many, many levels. Salzburg is probably as busy as Vienna on the tourist front (certainly in summer), and Innsbruck certainly has the wow factor.
Given Warsaw's grim history, second and third cities are much more attractive. Gdansk is fantastic on many levels and Poznan is much underrated. And while Rotterdam lacks the beauty of Amsterdam... it's vibrant, has some wonderful new architecture, it's a lot cheaper to stay in, and only a 40 minute train ride from the capital.
Interesting insight, and two new places to visit! But, as an exception to the rule, I would say Barcelona is both rather expensive and full of tourists, though a great place to visit. For Spain, third or fourth tier cities might be better, such as Zamora, Logroño, La Coruña, Vigo, Valencia or Cadiz. (But check cruise ship schedules for coastal cities to avoid temporary influxes!)
Nice, to read this in the morning with the first cup of coffee.
Shows, that the world is not only bad....,
if you are able to see the right places 👍😊
Bologna should be on your list for sure
Tend to agree. I went to Cologne and thought it was great. The only tourist attraction there is the cathedral and the bridge which can be covered in two to three hours. Leaves you with time to explore the bars and shops.
Consider Valencia rather than Barcelona, which is also a victim of its own success.
Ghent is great, so is Antwerp. If you choose Belgium please remember to bring back some chocolate!
When working as an Immigration Officer at Gatwick in the 90s BA had a couple of flights a day from Copenhagen, and they started one a day from Aarhus. Being an ignorant bunch, none of us IOs knew much if anything about Aarhus. I was nominated to question the first Dane off the flight as to the attractions of said city. He gave a one word answer to my question. Legoland. Now, to this day I'm not sure if he was being serious or not, but that was enough for the us at the time.
Travelled around Denmark and thought Aarhus was lovely. From your list I have also been to Antwerp, Barcelona and Milan and all are recommended. I assume you have done Munich?
Spent 8 days in Czechia prior to Covid and wished I’d spent more than 3 days in Brno. It was everything you said and an excellent jumping off point for visiting the Austerlitz battlefield. Almost empty of tourists and a beautiful city. I can recommend the hotel in your picture.
I am a massive fan of Birmingham and get very annoyed by the cultural snobbery about it and it’s accent.
In Birmingham, you’ll discover the most kind and funny people, generous to a T, a brilliant Museum and Art Gallery, fantastic restaurants, and a sense of ease with themselves that is very attractive.
I hugely recommend Bergen in Norway! Not sure if it’s the second city but that’s well worth a visit. The Hague in The Netherlands is a nice alternative to Amsterdam, too.
Travelled through Aarhus but unfortunately didn't have time to stop. Too much distraction with visiting other tapestry weavers! But the journey from Hamburg to Copenhagen by train is brilliant. Never been on a train that goes on a ferry! ...just an excuse to feel like a 5 yr old! Copenhagen is amazing!
You might add Geneva and Graz to your list. And Cork or Belfast, depending on your assessment of the Irish/Northern Irish dichotomy.
Westminster, as London's second city, has a great deal to offer. And the martinis are considerably better than the Edgbaston Reviver.