Ten best cities for walking

A good article from Ben Groundwater on the world's ten best cities for walking. I agree New York and Barcelona are great for a good stroll. 

We walked in Los Angeles and we got funny looks - nobody walks in LA it seems.

The world's 10 best cities for walking

Date

May 28, 2014 

The Backpacker

Ben Groundwater is Fairfax's globetrotter on a shoestring
.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/the-worlds-10-best-cities-for-walking-20140528-39396.html#ixzz332ohC4a6


The Backpacker

Two feet and heart beat: A stroll through a city can unearth some great finds. Photo: Getty Images

No one walks in LA. Tell people you’ve decided to stroll even a few blocks and they’ll look at you like you just announced you’re swimming to Hawaii. You’re what? Just take a taxi.

It’s a city of long distances over shimmering hot concrete. The car rules in LA, and there’s little point trying to fight it.

I find that pretty disappointing, given my love of a stroll. I feel at home in cities that allow you to walk from place to place. I feel comfortable knowing I don’t have to rely on a public transport system, or tangle with the local cabbies. 

Lost in an immersion of culture: The Bab Kasbah Gate to the Medina in Fes, Morocco. Photo: AFP

A few weeks ago I listed my favourite cities for cycling, so this time I thought I would go for the ones that are best for travellers who like to get around on two feet and heart beat.

Istanbul, Turkey

The Turkish metropolis might just be the ultimate walking city, a place where numerous major, bucket-list attractions – sights like the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazaar and Galata Bridge – are all within a very short stroll of each other. And there’s more to discover outside the suburb of Sultanahmet, a whole city of small alleys and pedestrian thoroughfares, tea shops and cafes, bars and restaurants. Best thing to do is walk it. 

New York City's crowded choas: This city that doesn't sleep provides the elements for a good stroll.

Barcelona, Spain

There’s a reputation for pickpockets in Barcelona, and there are certainly a few parts of town that you’ll want to avoid. But get to know a little about the city and you’ll find it’s ideal for walking – its huge tree-lined streets in the newer parts of the town and the narrow alleys in the Gothic Quarter and El Born will give you days of enjoyment on foot. 

Fes, Morocco

Colonial heritage doesn't go amiss: The Sacatepequez in Antigua, Guatemala. Photo: AFP

There are some cities in which you’re told you might get lost. In Fes, the ancient city of winding alleys in a labyrinthine medina, you will get lost. Without a guide, the chances are 100 per cent. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of your efforts, because to get lost in Fes is to become immersed in another culture and another time, among spice sellers, camel butchers, leather tanners, and everything in between. 

New York, USA

There’s a bizarre feeling of recognition as you walk the streets of New York, the scenes so familiar because they’ve appeared in hundreds of movies you’ve watched since you were a kid. Forget the “I’m walkin’ here!” stereotype of foot traffic in NYC – it might be busy, but it’s always exciting, and usually friendly. New York is huge and its subway system extensive, but the best way to see it is on foot.  

Buenos Aires, Argentina

From the colour and edginess of La Boca to the classic streets of San Telmo, the busy pavements of Recoleta to the tree-lined boulevards of Palermo, Buenos Aires is made for walking. Discover the little cafes, check out the cool shops, pick out spots to eat dinner, and soak up the flavour of some of South America’s most attractive streets.  

Mexico City, Mexico

This might sound like a funny one, given its sprawling nature and its reputation for street crime, but Mexico City is a fascinating place to walk around. Start in the Zocalo, the city’s main square, and then fan your way out, hitting the Bellas Artes galleries, the street taco stands, and all the hidden secrets of a heaving metropolis. Mexico City’s streets have life, they have excitement. Once the sun goes down, however, maybe think about calling a taxi.

London, UK

The ease of London’s Tube system can work against the city, in a way, because it can take a while to realise how simple it is to walk from place to place rather than head underground. Wander the Monopoly board – Piccadilly Circus to Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square to Oxford Street, Mayfair to Park Lane. As long as it’s not raining, you’ll have a ball. 

Rome, Italy

Like Istanbul, almost all of Rome’s major attractions are within walking distance of each other. You don’t even need a map – just wander around the old town and you’ll stumble across the Coliseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Vatican City. And when you get tired, there are gelati shops. So many gelati shops.

Esfahan, Iran

There’s little that can beat a stroll over Esfahan’s Siosepol Bridge as evening sets in. However, there are plenty more walkable attractions in the Iranian city, from the huge and impressive Imam Mosque to the ancient covered bazaar just near it, where you’ll find everything from bolts of chador fabric to high heels to spices to leaves of tea. This is what Middle Eastern travel is all about.

Antigua, Guatemala

The Spanish conquistadors weren’t exactly angels but they knew how to build an attractive town. Antigua is maybe one of Central America’s finest colonial settlements, a place of paved streets and brightly coloured houses set to the backdrop of a couple of massive volcanoes. Check it out on foot – it’s the best way.

Which do you think are the best cities in the world for walking?

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/the-worlds-10-best-cities-for-walking-20140528-39396.html#ixzz332oAwF1S

Lesser known Spanish cities

As you know I'm a big fan of Spain as evidenced by my last trip to Spain where I visited Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Seville. The food, the sunshine, the art, the people, the architecture, and the way of life is all very appealing. 

Holiday guide to La Coruña, Spain

Urban beaches, fish to die for and a boho vibe in this often overlooked city in north-west Spain

• The Guardian, Saturday 24 May 2014

It may be overstating things to call La Coruña a "shrunk-down Rio", which one website does. Brighton may be a more fitting comparison, given the dramatic weather that can hit this city, located as it is on an exposed isthmus in the far north-west of Spain. But it does have some of the best urban beaches in the country, and there's a bohemian feel in the bric-a-brac and street-fashion shops of grungy Orzán district behind the sea front – this is where global high-street fashion brand Zara was born. There's also a buzzing bar culture, with the Estrella Galicia brewery based here, and good dry white wines from the local Albariño grape.

Sleep

Recently renovated Hotel Lois offers a capsule-sized sleepover, with 10 modishly minimalist, bright white bedrooms within a few minutes' walk of the old town and Riazor beach. The restaurant, on the ground floor, serves traditional Galician fish and meat dishes, and there's a bar on the lower floor with a good local wine list.

Eat

As you'd expect with a major port, fresh seafood is on most restaurant menus. Abica is a stylish tapas joint-cum-delicatessen, where customers can sit at the bar or at the communal table on the shop floor and eat octopus (fresh from the city's Plaza de Lugo fish market) with potatoes – a local staple – or tuna with sun-dried tomato pesto. Or you can try grilled octopus with piperrada (stewed peppers) at Alma Negra (Calle Barrera 13A), last year's winner of the La Coruña best tapas competition.

Drink

Like most Spanish cities, La Coruña has a bar-hopping tradition, with tapas providing ballast for the booze. The main runs are in Calle Galera, Calle Franja, Calle Barrera and Calle Estrella. Share a plate of prawns and a jug of Ribeiro – the local white wine, drunk from white china bowls. And Tasca a Troula, at Calle Barrera 24, even serves crocodile tapas.

See

Domus Casa Del Hombre (mc2coruna.org/domus, daily 10am-7pm, entry €4, €2 concs) is an interactive museum of the human body, in a srtiking sail-shaped building facing Riazor bay. It was designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, who was also the brains behind Barcelona's Olympic stadium. It is worth seeing for the building alone, but inside there are 200 interactive exhibits relating to the human body, from genetics to sensory faculties.

The Nordic countries

I must admit I've been inspired to visit the Nordic countries after reading Steg Larsson's excellent Millenium Series novels (eg Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). Probably not on this trip, but one day.

Scandinavia: Scandimania, takes hold

Date

May 17, 2014

Ute Junker

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/scandinavia-scandimania-takes-hold-20140514-388zm.html#ixzz321rCqNib

Overview of Alesund, the art nouveau-style Norwegian town. Photo: Getty Images

Inspired by Nordic crime novels, chefs - and more flight options - Australians are flocking to Europe's deep north, writes Ute Junker.

For many years, it was a long-distance love affair. Australians sang along to ABBA and shopped at Ikea, but the countries of Scandinavia, lands of the midnight sun and frozen winters, seemed a forbidding destination - far away, expensive, difficult to reach.

That's all changed. As we find more things to adore about Scandinavia - groundbreaking chefs, dark Nordic crime dramas, chart-toppers such as Robyn and Icona Pop, screen stars Mads Mikkelsen and Game of Thrones' Nikolaj Coster-Waldau - we're also embracing it as a travel destination.

Kayaking in the Oppland region of Norway. Photo: ERIK JORGENSEN/visitnorway.com

Australians are visiting Scandinavia in increasing numbers. Visitor numbers to Sweden are up 27 per cent from 2008, while Finland has seen a 25 per cent increase since 2010. The number of Australians heading to Denmark has more than doubled since 2005, while twice as many Australians visited Norway in 2013 than in 2012.

Visit Denmark's director, Flemming Bruhn, says a number of factors are driving Australian interest. High on the list is the Princess Mary effect, but Bruhn also cites the Opera House's 40th anniversary and TV shows such as The Killing. He says the two countries also share a natural affinity. "We are alike with much of the same humour and approach," he says.

At Bentours, which has been organising Scandinavian vacations for more than 30 years, they have also noticed a significant growth in interest in Scandinavia. Chief executive Caroline Kennedy says her clients tend to be mature travellers with a high disposable income, "looking for a unique destination that offers a strong mix of natural scenery and cultural experiences". Popular destinations include the Norwegian fjords in summer and the northern lights in winter.

Santa at Rovaniemi.

One of the key reasons why more Australians are adding Scandinavia to their itineraries is that it's now easier to get there. FinnAir has long offered one-stop flights to the region; since 2011, Emirates has also got into the game, and as of September this year, Oslo will join Emirates' existing regional hubs, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

"Australians have become much more adventurous about exploring other parts of Europe," says Bryan Banston, Emirates' vice-president Australasia. He says Australians have been quick to adopt the new routes, often flying into one gateway and out of another.

"We've seen double-digit growth in the destinations we have opened to date, and expect the level of growth to continue."

Utzon Center in the Danish city of Aalborg.

Banston says that despite its extreme climate - or, more accurately, because of it - Scandinavia is proving itself to be a year-round destination. "In the European summer, the cruise market is big, but many people love going for the winter activities."

For first-time visitors, the trickiest part is often assembling an itinerary. With so much to choose from - from Norwegian fjords to mediaeval towns, world-renowned restaurants and the indigenous Sami culture - narrowing options can be difficult.

We've put together a number of hit-lists based on different themes - design, families, food and the great outdoors. Each itinerary includes highlights from the three Scandinavian countries - Denmark, Norway and Sweden - as well as neighbouring Finland, which makes a natural add-on to any Scandinavian itinerary.

Visitors look at a model of the warship Vasa at the Vasamuseet museum in Stockholm, Sweden. Photo: Scanpix / Reuters

Use our hit-lists as the basis for a trip, or mix and match to create your own itinerary.

One important tip - when you're putting together your itinerary, keep a map open in front of you. Given the way the countries nestle around each other, the shortest route to a destination may be from a neighbouring country. For instance, the Swedish city of Malmo is much closer to Copenhagen than it is to Stockholm.

Architecture and design

Sights: Atlantic Puffin. Photo: Alamy

A talent for design seems to be part of the Scandinavian DNA. Those distinctive clean lines can be seen in everything from buildings to fashion boutiques, while fans of masters such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobson and Joern Utzon will find plenty to explore.

Oslo: Contemporary cool

As Europe's fastest-growing capital, Oslo is also experiencing something of a building boom. Striking recent additions to the city's skyline range from Snohetta's striking Opera House to Korsgata 5, a contemporary apartment building that adds a new dimension to its 19th-century surroundings.

Lightning strikes the 190-metre Turning Torso building in Malmo. Photo: Scanpix/Reuters

Also worth a visit: the converted power station that houses DogA, the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture; and the superb Vigelandsparken sculpture park.

Alesund: Art nouveau

In 1904, the small Norwegian town of Alesund burnt down - which may be the best thing that happened to it. The town was rebuilt in the then cutting-edge art nouveau style, making it something of an open-air museum that architecture fans will certain adore.

Copenhagen: Great Danes

Fans of Danish design will find plenty to love in Copenhagen, from the Danish Design Centre to striking contemporary buildings such as the Black Diamond, housing the Royal Library; the Tivoli Concert Hall; and the National Aquarium, inspired by the form of a whirlpool. Fans of Danish designer Arne Jacobson will want to stay at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - Jacobson designed the building and all the furnishings.

Aalborg: It's Utzon

For admirers of Joern Utzon, a side trip to Utzon's home town, the Danish city of Aalborg, is a must. The attraction is the Utzon Centre, a series of striking pavilions designed by the man himself.

Malmo: Skyscraping

The southern city is home to one of Scandinavia's most talked-about buildings. Santiago Calatrava's remarkable Turning Torso, a skyscraper rotates 90 degrees, will delight contemporary architecture fans.

Helsinki: Grand designs

Helsinki's architectural highlights range from a good collection of art nouveau buildings to contemporary masterpieces such as Alvar Aalto's Finlandia Hall, Steven Holl's light-filled Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum, and the underground Church in the Rock. The Arabia housing development is a magnificent showcase for incorporating art into daily life (a self-guided walking tour is available on the Visit Helsinki website.) Take a half-day excursion to Hvittrask, studio home of Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen and his colleagues. Every aspect of the log and stone building, from the exteriors to the furniture, was done by Saarinen and co.

Jyvaskyla: All Aalto

Even more famous than Saarinen, Alvar Aalto was the consummate Finnish designer, turning his hand from glassware to furniture to architecture. His home town, Jyvaskyla, has 30 of his buildings, including the Experimental House, the Aalto family's summer home, and the Alvar Aalto Museum.

The great outdoors

Summer in Scandinavia can seem like one long Norska ad, with strapping Nordic types hiking, biking and climbing anything they can find. This selection of adventures helps you make the most of Scandinavia's scenic landscapes.

The Aland archipelago: Freewheelin'

Halfway between Finland and Sweden, this group of 6700 islands, mostly uninhabited and covered with pine forest and moors, is a favourite destination for cyclists, who occasionally spot moose on their rides. Bridges and ferries connect the islands, and green and white bicycle signs mark popular bicycle routes.

Lysefjord: Fab Fjords

The great outdoors doesn't get much more glorious than Norway's fjordlands, and the Lysefjord, near Stavanger, is beautiful and accessible. There are excellent full-day hikes, such as the trek to the top of the Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, and the Kjerag mountain. Other options include kayaking, or exploring the area on horseback.

Kungsleden: Trailblazing

In the northern reaches of Swedish Lapland, the 450-kilometre King's Trail is the country's most famous walk, wending its way past deep mountain precipices and gushing mountain streams. The 100-kilometre stretch between Abisko and Nikkaluokta is a week-long hike that takes you through birch forests and lush alpine meadows, finishing at the Sami camp at Nikkaluokta, where you can explore the culture of the indigenous Laplanders.

Jutland: Going underground

This Danish province has turned a number of abandoned mines into unlikely tourist attractions, with kilometres of underground passages open for exploration. Monsted Limestone Quarries, Daugbjerg Limestone Mines and Thingbæk Limestone Mines are open to visitors, but you won't be alone down there - large colonies of bats live in some of them.

Gjesværstappan: Bird safari

While many people get a thrill out of standing on the Nordkapp, or North Cape, the northernmost point of Norway, the truth is there's not a whole lot to see in this bleak, windswept landscape. However, to the west, the islands of Gjesværstappan are home to Norway's largest puffin colony. Take a bird safari to see the 1 million- strong puffin population, along with other birds such as cormorants, kittiwakes and guillemots.

Family-friendly

From kayaking Stockholm's archipelago to hair-raising train rides that plummet deep into fjords, Scandinavia is filled with child-friendly activities the whole family will enjoy. And the little ones will be thrilled by the chance to visit Santa at home.

Roskilde: Vikings ahoy!

The most famous attraction in Denmark's mediaeval capital is the Viking Ship Museum, which features vessels as diverse as a deep-sea trader, a warship and a longship. The highlight of any visit is climbing aboard a Viking ship to sail along the fjord. Children will also love Roskilde Cathedral's animated clock, where St George charges a dragon on the hour, and PIXL PARK, a digitally enhanced playground where movement triggers sound and light effects.

Billund: Lego love

There's no way to visit Denmark without treating the kids to a trip to Legoland Park, located in the village of Billund. As well as the rides, children will love the elaborate models of palaces, planes and animals.

Stockholm: Outdoor playground

The pretty Old Town and the enchanting archipelago, with about 30,000 islands, make Stockholm a favourite with families. A visit to Djurgarden island will easily eat up a day as you explore the museums, the forest and meadows, and the amusement park. A kayaking tour is also a lot of fun - choose an overnight option to enjoy a barbecue dinner and a wood-fired sauna.

Flam railway: Making tracks

The journey from Oslo to Bergen takes in some of loveliest scenery, but it's once you reach the town of Myrdal and hop on the Flam Railway that things get really exciting.

In under an hour, the track spirals down 900 metres past gushing waterfalls - it's reassuring to know that the train has five separate sets of brakes.

The fun doesn't stop with the train ride. From here, you cruise along the beautiful Sognefjord until you reach Bergen.

Rovaniemi: Dear Santa

Perhaps the only thing guaranteed to get the kids more excited than a trip to Legoland is the chance visit Santa at home. This northern Finnish town, right on the Arctic Circle, has created a tourist boom for itself with the creation of Santa Claus Village and Santa Park, where you can see reindeer, sign up to get a Christmas letter from Santa, and meet the man himself.

While you're in town, visit the Arktikum, a museum dedicated to the native Sami culture - kids will be fascinated by trousers made from polar bear hides.

Culinary delights

Scandinavia's dining boom has changed the way locals eat. Even smaller cities such as Aalborg and Helsinki offer plenty of options to keep food fans happy.

Copenhagen: Take it to the streets

Yes, Noma has again been named best restaurant in the world, but unless you booked months ago, there is very little chance of getting a table. There are plenty of other high-end restaurants worth trying, such as Geranium and Le Sommelier, but Copenhagen's simpler foodstuffs are also worth exploring. Drop in to the Gammel Kongevej branch of Meyer's Deli, where you can browse on tapas-style Danish treats, or grab a hot dog from Dop, the organic hot dog stand that has a passionate following.

Aalborg: Local flavours

The North Jutland region of Denmark is known for its superb produce, from Limfjord oysters and pink lobsters to air-cured ham from Albæk, all of which are showcased in the restaurants of its largest city, Aalborg. Standouts include the acclaimed Mortens Kro and Provence. Aalborg's restaurant boats, such as the converted houseboat Den Fede Aelling, also offer a memorable dining experience. North Jutland is known for its microbreweries; the Aalborg Beerwalk lets you take taste tests at six breweries.

Gothenburg: Fish feast

Gothenburg is Sweden's second-largest city, and a favourite destination for foodies. As you would expect of a port, seafood is a specialty. Drop in to the historic Feskekorka, or fish church market (yes, it's a converted church), to admire the amazing array of fresh seafood. If that's whetted your appetite, head to Sjomagasinet restaurant for a lunch that might include lobster claw with bacon bits, pine nuts and raisins. Other local restaurants worth checking out are Thornstroms Kok and Norda Bar and Grill.

Oslo: Starry nights

Oslo's dining scene is known for its cluster of Michelin-starred restaurants and its steep prices. Fauna is known as being the most reasonably priced, offering five courses for about $135. Other standouts include Ylajali and the eye-wateringly expensive Maaemo.

Helsinki: Safe harbour

For a small city, Helsinki packs a big gourmet punch. Restaurants such as Luomo and Chef & Sommelier excel at showcasing local ingredients, while the Alvar Aalto interior at Restaurant Savoy and the stylish Havis seafood restaurant combine the Nordic passions of food and design. During the warmer weather, summer restaurants spring up on many of Helsinki's islands; NJK is the place to munch on seasonal treats such as crayfish. For lighter bites, grab a fish sandwich from one of the boats moored at the harbour, or graze your way through the beautiful Old Market Hall and the Eat & Joy Farmers' Market.

FIVE MORE DESTINATIONS WORTH A DETOUR

AARHUS

The mediaeval streets of Denmark's cultural capital make this one of Scandinavia's prettiest towns.

TURKU

Built around a tree-lined river, Finland's oldest town has a striking cathedral and castle and a friendly buzz.

VISBY

To get the real impact of Visby, an ancient walled city on the Swedish island of Gotland, arrive by boat.

LOFOTEN ISLANDS

Soaring mountains, simple fishing villages and a laidback ambience make these northern Norwegian islands a great place to chill.

KALMAR SLOTT

Perched on its own island in south-eastern Sweden, the moat and drawbridge, turrets and dungeons make this 12th century castle a delight to explore.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/scandinavia-scandimania-takes-hold-20140514-388zm.html#ixzz321ohnQK9

Lesser known European cities you must visit

On my last trip I visited Ghent in Belgium, about half an hour from Brussels, and I had a really good time there. From there it's about a half an hour to see Bruges, the fairytale town, as in the film, In Bruges. 

On my next trip I'll be visiting Dresden in Germany, which is only two hours north of Prague where we will be basing ourselves.

Sometimes it's best to base yourself in a lesser-known city to get a better feel for a country, and it's usually cheaper too.

Beyond Paris and Rome: the lesser-known European cities you must visit

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/beyond-paris-and-rome-the-lesserknown-european-cities-you-must-visit-20140403-3602f.html#ixzz31dJNZf8l

Europe's lesser-visited cities are just as eye-catching, fascinating and fun as their more well-trodden counterparts, writes David Whitley.

Europe's capitals tend to get most of the attention, but prepare to venture a little bit further and their overshadowed smaller sibling cities can pack in just as much fun. We've picked 10 of the best B-team options that can put a different, slightly under the radar spin on your Euro jaunt.

GHENT, BELGIUM

Temptation in the gourmet heaven of Lyon. Photo: Corbis

Pretty to an almost unimaginable degree, and surrounded by waterways, mediaeval Ghent is ideally suited to a boat trip orientation. Boat in Gent does story-packed 90-minute cruises. See boatingent.be.

Continue the swooning at the Design Museum, which switches between "want one!"-inducing art nouveau glassware and period rooms that take in design trends throughout the ages. It's a one-stop shop for understanding the major differences between rococo, classicism and more.

See designmuseum.be.

Stunning Innsbruck. Photo: Getty Images

The Museum Dr Guislain, inside a swoony old monastery complex, goes into the unexpectedly gripping history of psychiatry. It's equal parts gory - trepanned skulls to straitjackets - and terrifyingly barmy. You'd not want to be in the hands of the doctor who thought everything was determined by the shape of your face.

See museumdrguislain.be.

Getting there: Etihad flies to Brussels from Sydney and Melbourne via Abu Dhabi. See etihad.com or phone 1300 532 215. Trains from Brussels Airport to Ghent take less than one hour.

Don't miss: the Pfund Molkerai dairy shop in Dresden.

See belgianrail.be.

Staying there: The waterside Marriott Ghent has king rooms with rollaway beds for kids for from €109 ($164).

See marriottghent.com. The arty Grand Hotel Reylof has doubles from €125.

The Piazza Maggiore in Bologna. Photo: Getty Images

See sandton.eu/gent.

More information: visitgent.be.

SEGOVIA, SPAIN

Join the queue: one of the many bike parking stations in Amsterdam. Photo: Penny Bradfield

There are few more astonishing examples of Roman ingenuity than Segovia's enormous - and hugely photogenic aqueduct. Stretching 894 metres across the city, with 163 arches and not a single drop of mortar to hold it together, the 2000-year-old behemoth doesn't half provoke an inferiority complex.

At the other end of Segovia's narrow warren of lanes is the Alcazar, a Disney-esque castle with tremendous views out over the surrounding plains. It's just as lavish inside - especially the portrait-lined Hall of Kings.

See alcazardesegovia.com.

Porto in Portugal is one of the oldest European centres. Photo: Getty Images

But eating is what Segovia does best - particular when it comes to pork. The cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) here is famed throughout Spain. Try it at obsessive specialist Casa Duque. See restauranteduque.es.

Getting there: Flying via Bangkok, Thai Airways has one-stop flights to Madrid from Sydney and Melbourne. See thaiairways.com.au, 1300 651 960. High speed trains connect Madrid and Segovia. See renfe.com.

Staying there: The Sercotel Infanta Isabel has a babysitting service and family rooms for from €77. See hotelinfantaisabel.com. La Casa Mudejar revels in its 15th century heritage looks and small spa, with doubles from €85.

Sunset in Dresden, on the Elbe river. Photo: Getty Images

See lacasamudejar.com.

More information: turismodesegovia.com.

CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC

Under the radar: the rebuilt magnificence of Dresden.Photo: Alamy

Cesky Krumlov is built scenically around a loop in the Vltava River, and on a sunny day there's no better way to enjoy the water than on a raft gently gliding downstream and bobbling over the odd light rapid. Malecek rents out rafts for the lazy float-a-thon and smuggling a bottle of bubbly on board is not unheard of.

See boat-rental.malecek.cz.

The whole town is painted with Renaissance flair, but the castle gets the most lavish treatment. Gorgeous from the outside, the OTT rooms and one-of-a-kind rococo theatre inside take it to another level.

See zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu.

The Czech Republic is beer heaven and the historic Eggenberg brewery is one of the best small operations in the country. The brewery tours, of course, include a hearty tasting session.

See eggenberg.cz.

Getting there: Emirates flies from Sydney and Melbourne to Prague via Dubai. See emirates.com or phone 1300 303 777. CK Shuttle offers transfers from Prague airport to Cesky Krumlov. Seeckshuttle.cz.

Staying there: Junior suites sleeping four at the centrally located Bellevue cost from 3650 koruna.

See bellevuehotelkrumlov.cz. The Ruze has full-on 16th century atmospherics shtick, with doubles from €171. See janhotels.cz.

More information: ckrumlov.info.

BOLOGNA, ITALY

Other Italian cities have stunning set-piece buildings, but as a combined whole, Bologna is surely the most beautiful city in the country. Thirty eight kilometres of porticos, handsome red-brick palaces and churches and a series of dreamy squares make just walking around an intense pleasure.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND

For the sweet-toothed, Birmingham should be a pilgrimage site - it's where the Cadbury chocolate empire was born. Tours of the gigantic Cadbury World complex stuff in plenty of tastings among the history, family backstory and production line gawping sessions. See cadburyworld.co.uk.

The Lord of the Rings books were also born in Birmingham. Author J.R.R. Tolkien grew up there, with the area around Sarehole Mill and Moseley Bog providing the inspiration for Hobbiton and the Shire. Maps pointing out the key Tolkien sites make a great self-guided tour. See bmag.org.uk/sarehole-mill/Tolkien.

Want your precious? Well, the Jewellery Quarter is where about 40 per cent of Britain's jewellery is made, and is ripe for bargains on gold and silver. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter allows you to watch craftsmen at work.

See bmag.org.uk/museum-of-the-jewellery-quarter.

Getting there: Emirates flies to Birmingham via Dubai from Sydney and Melbourne.

Staying there: Away2stay's canal-moored houseboat is a quirky alternative, costing £160 ($290) for a family of four. See away2stay.co.uk. The pop art-inspired apartments at Staying Cool have fabulous city views for from £100. See stayingcool.com.

More information: visitbirmingham.com.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Few cities have a better collection of eye-popping modern architecture. Highlights include Piet Blom's skewiff cube-shaped apartments at the Overblaak Development, the Swan-esque Erasmus Bridge and Renzo Piano's KPN Telecom HQ. Rotterdam ByCycle runs two-wheeled architecture tours.

See rotterdambycycle.nl.

Some of the skyline is best seen from the water, and Spido runs cruises that also take in the gigantic port area. Shipping containers suddenly get kinda sexy when you see the scale of the operation. See spido.nl.

The works by the Flemish and Venetian masters in the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen ensure it's one of the greatest art collections in the world. Van Eyck, Hieronymus Bosch, Titian and Rembrandt contribute to the culture fix. See boijmans.nl.

Getting there: Malaysia Airlines flies from Sydney and Melbourne to Amsterdam, changing planes in Kuala Lumpur.

See malaysiaairlines.com. Trains from Amsterdam Airport to Rotterdam take less than an hour. See ns.nl.

Staying there: The Hotel New York in a former shipping line HQ offers art nouveau splendour for €151. See hotelnewyork.nl. MyCityLofts offers kitchen-equipped apartments sleeping four, from €106. See mycitylofts.com.

More information: rotterdam.info.

INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA

Innsbruck's greatest quality is how close it is to the Alps. A cable car from the city centre will take you all the way up to the Hafelekar station, and a short walk from there leads to the 2334-metre Hafelekarspitze peak.

See Nordkette.com.

The cable car stations have been designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, and she's also responsible for the Bergisel ski jump. The photo exhibition on winter sports history at the bottom is great, but the views from the top are something special. It's worth noting that the first thing jumpers see as they prepare to set off is a graveyard at the end of the slope. See bergisel.com.

Lovers of ridiculously opulent palaces will dig the Hofburg - a baroque masterpiece of stucco and gilding overload. The neighbouring Hofkirche features Emperor Maximilian's absurdly pompous tomb, lined by 28 gigantic bronze statues. See hofburg-innsbruck.at.

Getting there: Fly to Munich in Germany from Sydney or Melbourne via with Singapore Airlines. See singaporeair.com or phone 13 10 11. From Munich, a train to Innsbruck takes less than two hours. See bahn.de.

Staying there: Spacious quad rooms at the Weisses Rossl cost from €140. See roessl.at. The Grand Hotel Europa hits that sweet spot between classic romance and modernity, with doubles from €156. See grandhoteleuropa.at.

More information: innsbruck.info.

LYON, FRANCE

For the French - who know a thing or two about food - Lyon is regarded as the country's premier gourmet city. Localers offers tasting tours that take in some of the city's most interesting restaurants, but also speciality cheese, chocolate and winemakers. See localers.com.

The Croix-Rousse area is famous for its silk-weavers and many of the small workshops can be visited. The Atelier de Passementerie and Atelier de Tissage, where you can watch the vintage looms in action then see the modern operation respectively, can be lumped together in a joint ticket. See soierie-vivante.asso.fr.

The old city is jam-packed with gorgeous mediaeval and Renaissance buildings, but if picking just one, dip inside the 16th century mansion hosting the Musees Gadagne. The museums cover an odd mix of local history and puppetry.

See gadagne.musees.lyon.fr.

Getting there: From Sydney and Melbourne, Emirates flies via Dubai to Lyon.

Staying there: Kids stay free and have play areas at the Novotel Lyon la Part Dieu, where rooms cost from €99. See novotel.com. The dazzlingly white, minimalist College Hotel is the hip couples option, with rooms from €130. See college-hotel.com.

More information: lyon-france.com.

DRESDEN, GERMANY

Before World War II, Dresden was regarded as arguably the most beautiful baroque city on Earth. Carpet bombing changed that, but the meticulous rebuilding of the key buildings is arguably more astonishing than the initial construction. The awe-provoking Frauenkirche, finally rebuilt in 2005, is the most potent symbol of rebirth. See frauenkirche-dresden.de.

The Zwinger complex is the other great baroque treasure, and contains the Porzellansammlung, the world's largest porcelain collection. It's a pretty spectacular nod to Dresden's historic role as Europe's key porcelain-making centre. See skd.museum.

For a more contemporary edge, Nightwalk Dresden runs walking tours around the best murals and stencil art of the city's burgeoning street art scene.

See nightwalk-dresden.de.

Getting there: Virgin Australia offers flights to Berlin from Sydney and Melbourne via Abu Dhabi, using codeshares with Etihad and Air Berlin. See virginaustralia.com or phone 13 67 89. Trains from Berlin to Dresden take just over two hours. See bahn.de.

Staying there: Two bedroom apartments, kitted out with washing machines, are available through Aparthotels Frauenkirche for from €130. See aparthotels-frauenkirche.de. In the old town and stacked with original art works, the Art'otel has doubles from €80. See artotels.com.

More information: dresden.de.

PORTO, PORTUGAL

The Sao Francisco church is 14th-century Gothic on the outside, 18th-century Rococo bling inside. But it's the catacombs, containing thousands of human bones, that make the experience truly freaky. See ordemsaofrancisco.pt.

For art lovers, the Museu de Arte Contemporanea has developed a reputation as being one of the best spots for contemporary art in the world.

The less culturally inclined will be just as happy frolicking in the grand park surrounding it. See serralves.pt.

Theoretically a separate town, but realistically a suburb just over the bridge, Vila Nova de Gaia is where Portugal's main port wine producers trade their wares. About 30 offer tastings, but the terrace at Graham's has the best views and Calem goes into depth about the production process and historical background. See grahams-port.com and calem.pt.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/beyond-paris-and-rome-the-lesserknown-european-cities-you-must-visit-20140403-3602f.html#ixzz31dIb9jae
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/beyond-paris-and-rome-the-lesserknown-european-cities-you-must-visit-20140403-3602f.html#ixzz31dHyvMPO