From browsing in Porto to Ljubljana’s fairytale structure: readers’ favorite European metropolis breaks | Europe holidays

Inside a mirrored ark, Rotterdam

A museum retailer – however not as you understand it… The minute you see the big mirrored ark that’s Rotterdam’s Depot, you understand you’re in for one thing extraordinary. Open to the general public, its Escher-like staircases are designed to encourage guests to get misplaced; to find objects from under, from above, to take a look at the backs of images. Excursions (you get to put on a white coat for this bit) give guests perception into the storage of objects and the advanced strategy of a museum mortgage. And when you find yourself stuffed with surprise, you’ll be able to refill on scrumptious teas and meals on the rooftop restaurant, having fun with metropolis views from the roof backyard. Tickets are €20.Lydia Thornley

The library from the long run, Helsinki

Our December journey to wintry Helsinki was fairly superb – my thoughts was blown by a parkrun in a snowy forest, heated pavements within the metropolis centre, Portaloos with radiators on the Christmas market, however then we got here throughout what’s probably the very best library ever! There’s the standard books and magazines and pc utilization, however at Oodi Central Library you too can lease assembly area, photographic studios, recording studios, gaming area and kitchens/eating rooms, have lunch, use massive format printers/cutters, stitching machines, musical devices, do your ironing and (my favorite) lease energy instruments! How cool is that?Lisa J

The cheeky dwarves of Wrocław

For me it must be the bronze dwarves of Wrocław. With greater than 600 now within the metropolis (they began to emerge in 2005, when there have been just a few dozen), they are often discovered doing all types of mischievous actions on store fronts, road corners and in public gardens. They make a incredible recognizing exercise for a strolling tour, and you’ll even get guides and maps that can assist you tick them off. Search for the cheeky ice-cream eater and the valiant firefighting group.Sophie

City surf, Porto

In Porto, wild and stylish collide. Hop on the town metro and whiz previous Unesco-listed cobbled streets, cafes brimming with flaky, custard-filled pastries and darkish, fragrant port cellars. You’ll shortly end up within the suburb of Matosinhos – dwelling to a few of Europe’s finest city surf. Seize a board and wetsuit from an area surf faculty and paddle head-first into the wild Atlantic spray. Whole learners can guide classes from simply €25. The comfortable, sandy-bottomed seashores are nice for studying and draw far fewer crowds than hotspots, reminiscent of Ericeira and Peniche farther south.Vicky

An intoxicating fairytale, Ljubljana, Slovenia

On an Interrailing journey with my boyfriend, we made our third cease at Ljubljana. We had comparatively low expectations, however we have been blown away by the meals, tradition and friendliness of the locals. We stayed within the Fuzzy Log Hostel for 3 nights and researched “low cost eats” to assist us keep on with the price range. The town is small and clear, however thriving and youthful, with a mixture of fairytale structure and laid-back Mediterranean tradition. We have been particularly pleased to find that Slovenia is likely one of the nice wine capitals of the world, one thing we actually made essentially the most of!Isabelle

Porticos and pizza, Bologna

Italy’s “fats metropolis” is a dream for anybody who enjoys meals. Stroll via the streets stopping off for pizza by the slice, the proper marriage of oily however crispy and woodfired. Spend a relaxing morning shopping classic items on the antiques market in By way of Santo Stefano, and regretting solely reserving hand baggage. Seize lunch at Mò Mortadella Lab for a ham-packed sandwich whereas taking within the views of Bologna’s Two Towers. Feeling full? Meander via the Porticos of Bologna, 664 arches winding via the streets, a Unesco world heritage web site. Signal the time off with tagliatelle al ragu in a comfy restaurant with a bottle of crimson..Emily

Reeling within the years, Copenhagen

To see Copenhagen in a special gentle, earlier than you go or whilst you’re there, take a look at the Danish Movie Institute’s silent movie archive at stumfilm.dk. Lots of the movies embrace components shot on location, such because the extract from The Cocaine Rush, which has a sequence involving the tower at Copenhagen Zoo, or the social democratic propaganda movie From Darkness In direction of Mild, which reveals off numerous services constructed by the social democrats. It’s an enchanting approach to examine the town from 100 years in the past to what we see at this time.Byron

Munich’s historic hills

I noticed Munich in a brand new gentle after climbing to the highest of the “Schuttberg” hills, dotted throughout the town centre. These actually imply “rubble mountains”, and have been made after the second world struggle when mounds of particles left over from bombings have been planted with greenery. They’re not small: the tallest (Olympiaberg) is 56 metres excessive. The hills have far-reaching views throughout the town. However the web site additionally provides a stark reminder of Germany’s historical past and its rebirth after 1945. The opposite hills are known as Luitpoldhügel and Neuhofener Berg.Sarah Collings

Linger in Palma, Mallorca

I can extremely suggest Palma. Typically it’s someplace holidaymakers fly into however then shortly go away as they zoom off to the island’s resorts. However they need to linger. The town boasts good structure, cafes in tree-lined boulevards and a very spectacular cathedral. A day can simply be misplaced wandering the outdated streets within the metropolis centre. Our sudden discovery throughout our latest go to was the good journey on an open-sided 1912 practice from Palma to Sóller, via lovely mountains, that includes orange timber, olive groves and lovely views right down to Port de Sóller – a stunning place for a day journey.Tom

Successful tip: lovely Sarajevo

My companion and I couldn’t have loved this lovely metropolis extra. Winding, cobbled Ottoman-era lanes immediately transition into dazzling Austro-Hungarian splendour as you discover its wealthy, tragic historical past. Be sure you take the cable automotive as much as Trebević to get nice views and see the outdated bobsled monitor. The meals is incredible and extremely good worth – from scrumptious grilled ćevapi (£5 a portion), to varied flavours of burek (£2-3 a slice), and velvety Bosnian espresso (£1).Stuart