Le migliori città europee alternative per il 2017

Why resign yourself to hordes of tourists and skyrocketing prices when it is possible to visit lesser-known but no less fascinating cities? For long or short holidays, discover the best European cities to visit in 2017… you will be pleasantly surprised!

Bristol, England

Step aside, London! Bristol is leaving its industrial past behind by reinventing itself as England’s new creative hub.

Impossible not to notice the love of this city for street art. Along narrow passages and alleys, on bridges and building walls, graffiti is sure to catch your eye. One of Bristol’s rebellious sons, the world-famous Bansky, has adorned numerous city walls with his unmistakable graffiti. The Stokes Croft outdoor graffiti gallery is a good starting point to discover the many faces of Bristol.

From street art, so loved by Instagram, you will go straight to Bristol’s underground music scene. Former The Island Police Station, Cosies Electronic Music Venue and Bristol Fringe Live Jazz Pub are just a few of the city’s new English music venues.

For refreshment, indulge in Mediterranean delicacies in ( Bellita ), try local innovations in ( Bulrush ) and discover your new favorite bread at ( Hart’s Bakery ), all within 24 hours.

Graz, Austria

By combining architectural diversity and experimental art, Graz is obtained: the second largest city in Austria. Here, the architecture ranges from Renaissance courtyards to Baroque palaces, passing through avant-garde buildings.

Strolling through the cobbled streets of the old town you can admire beautifully preserved 17th and 18th century palaces, such as the majestic Landhaus and its Renaissance-style arcaded courtyard, the stuccoes of the Haus am Luegg and the clock tower, 28 meters high, on Schlossberg, the hill overlooking the city from above.

However, Graz’s architecture is not just a thing of the past: the spaceship-like structure of the Kunsthaus Graz and the Murinsel, the metal island floating on the Mur River, demonstrate the other side of the city, the ultra- modern and innovative. With events like the Steirischer Herbst , an avant-garde festival in which 650 artists participate, and experimental exhibition centers like the Forum Stadtpark, you won’t be bored.

Wroclaw, Poland

Located on the banks of the Oder River, Wroclaw is made up of 12 islands, 130 bridges, countless rivers and riverside parks. For a moment, you will feel like you are in Venice.

Due to its complex history, the city boasts Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The beautiful market square, Rynek, brings together all these different styles: as you wander around, you will notice the 13th century Gothic town hall and the many mansions with richly adorned facades. As you stroll, keep your eyes peeled: the city is carpeted with over 300 gnome statuettes that have appeared since 2001 in the Orange Alternative anti-communist movement. Wroclaw is not just another postcard city: its cultural heart beats like never before. Theaters, prominent festivals, a vibrant nightlife and affordable restaurants are just some of the highlights of this city.

Aarhus, Denmark

Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city and self-styled ‘happiest city in the country’, is making a name for itself with a rich cultural range and innovative cuisine.

The ARoS museum houses the largest Danish art collection outside of Copenhagen and, thanks to “Your rainbow panorama”, the permanent art installation by Scandinavian artist Olafur Eliasson on top of the building, is now one of the most iconic structures in the city. Lots of festivals take place throughout the year and, to top it off, Aarhus will be one of the two European Capitals of Culture in 2017, which means even more cultural events to attend. Between one event and another, recharge your batteries with superfine specialties. The Michelin-starred restaurants Frederikshøj, Substans and Gastromé have revolutionized the gastronomic landscape of the city.

Funchal, Portugal

Funchal (literally, “fennel plantation”) is the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira. The first settlement dates back to the 15th century and, over time, the city has transformed from a small port town gripped by pirates to a thriving commercial hub and an important stop for caravels. The Madeira Story Center tells the turbulent history of Funchal through multimedia exhibits, even recreating the scent of a specific environment.

Art and history intertwine in the oldest district of the city, Zona Velha, where the doors of the old houses have been painted by different artists in an attempt to revive a now desolate area. Locals gather in the beautiful Art Deco hall where the Mercado dos Lavradores takes place, a market where farmers from neighboring villages flock to bring fruit, vegetables, flowers and fresh fish every week. Have a healthy feast of fresh figs and mini bananas.

Turku, Finland

Although Helsinki is the capital of Finland, as well as its largest city, this has not always been the case. When Russia conquered Finland in the early 19th century, the capital was moved closer to the Russian border, to Helsinki. Until that time, Turku, on the country’s southwestern coast, had been Finland’s largest city, as well as its main administrative center.

Founded in the late 13th century, Turku can easily be described as a classic medieval European city: it has a castle, a cathedral, a river flowing around it, and a market square. However, it is not only this, also thanks to the large group of students who reside there.

The riverside of the Aura is the beating heart of the city: when the weather permits, the inhabitants of Turku gather here to eat, drink and listen to live music. Along the shore there are numerous restaurants aboard boats, where you can taste delicious specialties while enjoying an incomparable panorama.

Throughout the summer, music festivals and cultural events unfold in the city: from one of Europe’s oldest festivals, Ruisrock , to the reenactment of Turku’s Medieval Market , the possibilities seem endless.

Bologna, Italy

Why limit yourself to visiting Pisa for its leaning tower or Venice for its famous canals, when you can find all this (but without crowds of rowdy tourists and higher prices) in Bologna?

The city boasts the oldest university in Europe and all the cultural and creative events that gravitate around it. Thanks to kilometers and kilometers of arcades, you can walk undisturbed through the medieval streets sheltered from the sun and bad weather. Visit the famous Fountain of Neptune, rest in the shade of romantic palaces or imposing basilicas, browse the craft shops of the old Jewish ghetto and discover the contemporary art scene in the Zaragoza district.

Let yourself be pampered by a gargantuan aperitif and chat with the friendly managers of trattorias and inns, omnipresent in the Emilian capital.

Glasgow, Scotland

Lively but down-to-earth, just like its inhabitants: in Glasgow, a strong working-class tradition marries a bright modern hedonism, amidst austere Victorian buildings and refurbished 19th-century warehouses.

Watch passersby at Barras Market, feast on seafood at Merchant Square, and spot the Art Nouveau tributes sprinkled across the city by local luminary Charles Rennie Mackintosh. When the sky (inevitably) turns gray, visit the eclectic museums of the city (almost all free), go in search of vintage vinyls or enjoy a shot of whiskey in one of the many bars and clubs animated by live music and infectious charm of the Scottish personality.

Cordoba, Spain

Spanish guitar notes echo in the covered courtyards. The scent of oranges and palm trees hovers over the shady terraces. The old Jewish and Muslim quarters wind through a cluster of narrow and winding streets. Once the largest and most important cultural center in Europe, today this ancient city jealously guards its Moorish charm and the serenity that mystically envelop it.

The most interesting attraction is undoubtedly the Great Mosque of Cordoba , a testament to its worldly and sophisticated past, as well as a masterpiece to be discovered and rediscovered on every visit. For a taste of modern Andalusian life (and its exquisite gastronomy!), Stop at Plaza de las Tendillas or the bustling Guadalquivir riverside.

Bergen, Norway

The pure Nordic grace of the historic center of Bryggen, with its wooden walkways and rows of buildings with sloping roofs leaning against each other, is surpassed only by the sublime surrounding landscape, in a riot of steep mountains and dizzying valleys. Nature in all its splendor.

Nestled between fjords and hills, Bergen surprises with its liveliness despite its remote location. Watch artists paint idyllic seascapes, savor a giant crab sandwich at Fisketorget and indulge yourself with a skillingsbolle (cinnamon bun) in one of the many cozy bars by the sea. For lovers of high culture, don’t miss KODE 3 , where you can find the largest collection of Edvard Munch’s works outside of Oslo. Cherry on the cake? Visiting this wonder has never been so cheap.

Utrecht, The Netherlands

Just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Utrecht is the Netherlands’ best kept secret: a quintessentially Dutch city, chock full of students and therefore cheap, young, relaxed and progressive. What to do in Utrecht? Explore the city by boat, cycle through the green of the parks and enjoy some croquettes along the Oudegracht before tackling the 465 steps of the imposing cathedral tower to enjoy a spectacular panorama. Philosophers, poets and wanderers fill the cobbled streets while the canals calmly reveal an extraordinary underground life: restaurants, musical performances, art shops… the cellars of the city are overflowing with a cosmopolitan culture waiting to be discovered.

Montpellier, France

Sun-kissed, multicultural, self-confident, refined yet easy-going: Montpellier exudes an elegant Mediterranean charm, without giving up its youthful spirit. Majestic boulevards with elegant private homes and picturesque squares contrast with the ramshackle streets of the older quarter and the sunny beaches just a few meters away. Stroll through the pedestrianized historic center, hunt for antiques, enjoy a coffee on Place de la Comedie or cross the city aboard the trams designed by Christian Lacroix. Immerse yourself in the art of the Musée Fabre, marvel at the progressive architecture of the Antigone district or venture into the urban jungle of the Jardin des Plantes. Of course, you cannot miss a tasting of the typical wines of southern France. Health!

Leipzig, Germany

Inhabited in the past by illustrious personalities such as Bach, Wagner, Goethe and Nietzsche, and defined The City of Heroes for its fundamental role in the fall of the Berlin Wall, Leipzig continues to demonstrate not only great style, but also great substance.

The city landscape is populated by woods and lakes flanked by buildings of any architectural style, from baroque to postmodern. Young creative talents are certainly not sitting idle : check out the artists’ workshops in the Baumwollspinnerei (the old cotton spinning mill), cool off with a beer at MoritzBastei, or rock out to the rhythm of techno in the clubs nightlife of the city. You will soon understand why everyone is talking about it.

Antwerp, Belgium

In the city of Antwerp, an international port with a rich commercial past, it is still possible to spot boats of all shapes and sizes. At the center of a labyrinth of streets stands the Grote Markt, the large square overlooked by the ancient houses of the guilds which, with their precious ornaments, still symbolize the mercantile prestige of Antwerp today. Experience first-hand the proud Flemish cultural heritage in the harbor area or in the home of the great master Rubens, marvel at the turn-of-the-century central station, Antwerpen-Centraal, and marvel at the sparkling diamonds that made famous the city. No trip to Belgium would be complete without a good portion of mussels and fries… and Belgian waffles, of course!

Bratislava, Slovakia

Surrounded by vineyards and forested mountains at the crossroads of Vienna, Prague and Budapest, the Slovak capital is a mix between a dormant rural town of the past and a decidedly avant-garde European city. Much cheaper and less crowded than its neighbors, Bratislava exudes a rustic charm with its onion bell towers and Habsburg hunting lodges, while outdoor bars and nightlife spots portray a distinctly cosmopolitan image. A boat ride along the winding course of the Danube is a wonderful way to see the city, while the castle ramparts offer postcard views. Soup with garlic and bryndza (a creamy sheep’s milk cheese) are fundamental dishes of the tradition. Do not miss the opportunity to join the friendly but reserved locals,

Basel, Switzerland

Basel is a small city with a great artistic flair. Its culture of beauty is reflected everywhere, from high-level museums to elegant architecture, passing through sophisticated restaurants and classy boutiques.

Go wild at the Petersplatz flea market to find used books, vintage clothing and odds and ends; set sail on a ferry that uses the current of the river to navigate; finally, after admiring the Romanesque Gothic style, go up to the cathedral of Basel to follow the winding course of the Rhine towards Germany with your eyes. Visit Basel in February to witness the impressive Basler Fasnacht , the spring carnival. To discover the gritty side of the city, visit the metropolitan bars of the Kleinbasel working class district.

Are you looking for other great travel ideas? Visit momondo Inspiration and discover our best low cost destinations and alternative holiday locations to visit in 2017.