Top Secret City Breaks: Long weekends without the crowds in Europe’s beautiful small towns

Paris, Barcelona, ​​Amsterdam and Venice will always top the long weekend hit lists.

But we found four quieter alternatives, each just a direct flight or short train ride away. Expect fewer crowds, just as many attractions, and plenty of great places to eat, drink and watch the world go by.

COLORFUL POSTAGE

Everyone loves Lisbon. But Portugal’s second-largest city is gaining fans as a new mini-breakaway wonder.

Porto’s colorful buildings nestle on steep slopes on either side of the Douro River. In the north, buskers play outside a row of cafes perfect for people-watching.

In the south you’ll find food markets (we like the Mercado Beira-Rio), street art and 100-year-old wine and port warehouses for tasting.

Experience the thrill of crossing the river on the Dom Louis I wrought iron double-decker bridge. Stop in the middle and watch trams whiz by as they face a dizzying 150-foot drop.

Then hop on the municipal cable to get to the waterfront. From here you can take a boat trip (often with another wine tasting along the way) along the Douro.

Portugal’s classic blue and white ceramic tiles (azulejo) provide the perfect backdrop for photos. 20,000 can be found at Porto Train Station, which is worth a visit even if you’re not traveling.

The red carpets, gilded ceiling and winding central staircase of the Livraria Lello bookstore is a marvel. It has been dubbed “the most beautiful bookstore in the world” and is so popular that you need an entry ticket (redeemed with a purchase).

Then head to the Rua Miguel Bombardo area for craft shops and quirky galleries by day and a bustling bar scene by night.

And in the summer there is even a city beach full of hip cafes and restaurants.

HISTORICAL DIVISION

Grab an ice cream and explore the streets of Split and you will travel back in time more than 2000 years.

Historic Split architecture waterfront view, Dalmatia, Croatia

Because not only are you walking on the world’s most perfect promenades, you’re walking the same gleaming marble slabs that Roman centurions once marched over.

The sunny Croatian city has more Roman ruins than almost anywhere else in the world except Rome.

In fact, the history of Split is ubiquitous. The old streets, cellars and city walls are still alive, all packed with shops, cafes, market stalls and entertainers.

Visit Diocletian’s Palace – a shining wonder of white stone and Italian marble – to see how Roman rulers lived. Then climb the bell tower of the gilded Domnius Cathedral to see the city from above.

And cool off while ordering a Croatian beer from a rooftop bar – watching the sun set over the Adriatic Sea.

On a long weekend you can hop on a hydrofoil to one of the Croatian islands. Hvar and Brac (where you will discover the beautiful Zlatni Rat beach) are the closest. Or stay in town and join the locals at the always busy Bacvice beach.

And did we mention the ice cream? Split’s many fans insist it is the best in the Mediterranean.

TUSCANY JEWELS OF PISA AND LUCCA

Why stick to one sight when you can see two?

Fly to Pisa, where the Leaning Tower is open to visitors again after repairs (strong nerves are required as the slope makes it feel higher than it is). Numbers are limited so you must book in advance.

Out in the field of wonders you are surrounded by intricately carved marble buildings. Enter the circular baptistery and if you’re lucky, the guards will close the doors, ask for silence and sing to demonstrate the exceptional acoustics.

For the second part of the perfect long weekend, take the train for a 30-minute journey to the sleepy Tuscan city of Lucca.

There is another great tower to climb, the medieval Torre Guinigi, which has trees growing on top. Climb the medieval city walls and take the city tour.

Guinigi Tower of the Bell Tower, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

The car-free center comes alive at night as bars spread across quaint squares. Head to the Piazza Napoleone, where big name concerts are held, or the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – so named because it was built on an ancient Roman amphitheater – and its lively markets. Or simply explore the old streets of the city.

One thing you’re sure to find? Italy is legendary.