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Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Europe's tourist invasion: Unbearable crowds clog up famed sites in Rome, Athens and Florence as selfie-hunting holidaymakers ignore mounting anti-tourist protests
Europe's most popular cities are being overrun, as record-breaking tourist numbers turn once-scenic streets into overcrowded, chaotic hotspots. Videos show locals and visitors alike struggling to navigate packed squares, endless queues, and overwhelming crowds across Greece and Italy - as selfie-hunting holidaymakers ignore mounting anti-tourism protests. In the Italian capital of Rome, tourists are crammed shoulder-to-shoulder as they try to take in the city's famous architecture, with one likening the experience to being 'part of one big sweaty herd'. Meanwhile, in Athens, known for its ancient ruins and historic streets, the crowds are so dense that visitors can barely squeeze past each other. And in Florence, the tourist crush has reached such extremes that some travellers are siding with protesters, with one saying the situation is 'out of hand'. Disappointed sunseekers have taken to social media to share how their dream city breaks fell far short of expectations. One woman posted a video showing a huge queue of people waiting to see the Parthenon in Athens. The caption simply read: 'This was painful'. Meanwhile, a tourist in Rome filmed a busy square and asked, 'why is it so crowded?' Viewers shared their thoughts in the comments section, with one person complaining that when they visited the city was so busy they couldn't even find a place to eat. Another said: 'I don't understand why people decide to visit Rome in the summer that's insane.' And, a tourist in Florence shared footage of a huge crowd and wrote across it, 'I don't blame the locals for wanting to protest against tourists'. The caption read: 'This has gotten out of hand ..as a fellow tourist right now.. I'm so sorry I'm annoyed for y'all.' Some areas have introduced special measures in an attempt to crack down on overcrowding following anti-tourism protests across Europe. Portofino has banned walking barefoot, picnics and drinking booze on the streets among a swathe of other prohibitions. Tourists risk being fined for carrying out a variety of actions typically enjoyed abroad. From July 15, travellers in Portofino will no longer be able to walk through the town barefoot, in swimwear, or topless - or sit in the piazza in such attire. Consuming alcohol on public streets has also been prohibited, with only restaurants, bars and designated areas left to booze in. Begging, sitting, or lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and parks has also been banned along with having picnics. The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will take effect during the summer season and temporarily expire on September 30. Anyone who is caught violating the regulations before then will be subject to a fine of between £22 and £433. The goal of the latest crackdown is to protect the 'peace and quiet of residents and tourists' in the exclusive coastal resort which brings in up to 100,000 tourists during peak season - despite the town only having a population of 400. The municipality had already attempted to combat troublesome tourists in 2023. During that period, stopping at particularly popular viewpoints across the picturesque town was prohibited. Santorini has also introduced new rules and measures to manage the influx of tourists. These include a tourist tax, restrictions on access and parking, and a proposed 'saturation law' limiting daily visitor numbers. Meanwhile, Spain's Balearic Islands have stopped using influencers to promote holiday hotspots and warned that 'selfie tourism' is ruining the region's most beautiful beaches. The move comes a year after jeering Mallorcan protestors descended on an Instagram-famous beach and blocked visitors from entering in a bid to combat mass tourism. Local authorities had originally hoped social media stars would help relieve the strain on some locations frequented by tourists by encouraging visitors to explore less popular sites. But the strategy has seemingly backfired, as some of these remote locations have now become flooded with selfie-snapping visitors, causing even more overcrowding and sparking further fury from locals contesting 'over tourism.' 'It has had the complete opposite effect to what was intended and runs contrary to government policy on containing tourism,' a spokesman for the Balearic tourism department admitted over the weekend. As Covid-19 restrictions lifted in recent years across Europe, tourism has returned close to the levels seen before the pandemic - but some locals have had enough. This return to normalcy has seen a rise in anti-tourism sentiment amongst locals living in the continent's travel hotspots, many of whom are urging officials to implement measures that limit the influx of visitors. Complaints range from a lack of affordable housing for locals (with dwellings instead being used as holiday accommodation), vast crowds making cities and towns unbearable during the busiest months, or simply the wrong type of tourists. While residents understand that tourism is vital for local economies, patience is wearing thin, and although such tensions have always existed between locals and visitors, this appears to have become particularly pronounced in recent years. Angry protests and demonstrations against tourism have sprung up across Europe this year. Last month, thousands of locals marched across Spanish Islands to tell Brits to 'go home' as part of widespread protests against so-called 'over tourism'. Holidaymakers were visibly stunned by the dramatic demonstrations in Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza on June 15. Thousands of fed-up locals were seen banging their drums and chanting slogans while marching by tourists enjoying their evening meals. The demonstration began at Plaza de España, in the heart of the tourist city, shortly after 6pm. Activists claim more than 30,000 people took to the streets to voice their frustrations about the impact of tourism on the island. Placards held up by marchers read: 'Tourists go home', 'Mallorca is not for sale' and 'Mallorca is not your cash cow… go home.' Footage shows Brits visibly shocked by the demonstrations, while some tourists were seen taking refuge on their accommodation balconies. Other signs read: 'Your vacations, our anxiety.' Dozens of placards read 'tourists go home… refugees welcome', while a group of teenagers could be heard chanting 'tourists go home!' as they marched through the city. Children taking part in the protest were seen carrying water pistols, with plans to spray holidaymakers as they pass on by. Protesters were heard chanting slogans against Airbnb and 'guiris' - the Spanish slang term used to describe Brits and other foreigners.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- The Sun
Our top ‘best of both' destinations in the UK and abroad – with a city AND beach to tick all the boxes
CHOOSING where to go on holiday can be a nightmare when you love city breaks but also enjoy a beach vacation. But there are several places across the world - including in the UK - that offer the thrill of a city and the serenity of a coastal retreat. 21 Here are our top spots across the globe for seeing a city or bustling town, while also getting beach time... Barcelona, Spain By Cyann Fielding, travel reporter Barcelona is my all-time favourite city to fly into - as the plane heads out over the city and the ocean, then turns back, you get a glimpse of what this city has to offer... golden beaches and incredible architecture. For those who love architecture, Barcelona is an absolute must. Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia may be the most well-known building in the city, the Spanish architect has also designed a number of other spots across Barcelona. For example, Casa Batlló in central Barcelona features a colourful tiled face and on the inside, feels like a stylish funhouse. There is also Park Güell - an expansive park designed by the architect between 1900 and 1914. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features numerous areas to explore, all of which boast bright colours and quirky features. The city's Gothic Quarter is also worth seeing and is full of pretty alleys and passageways with an array of independent shops and restaurants to discover. Make sure to dive into one of the restaurants here, as I found the tapas here better than back in the city centre. If you then want to do a bit of sunbathing, head to the seafront where you will find numerous beaches, well-equipped with restaurants, bars and deckchairs. My personal favourite is Somorrostro beach, which sits next to the marina s you can watch a number of glamorous boats coming and going whilst you relax. Top 5 cheapest European city breaks Brighton, UK By Cyann Fielding, travel reporter There is nothing quite like Brighton anywhere else in the world, let alone the UK. With long stretching pebble beaches, a historic and pretty pier and a bustling centre - there is so much to explore. Before heading to the seafront, make sure to check out The Lanes - one of the most famous spots in the city. This area is essentially a labyrinth of small alleys and lanes that boast a wealth of hidden squares, shops and jewellers. They date back to the 16th century and locally are known as twittens. 21 It is well-worth dedicating a decent amount of time to explore The Lanes, as you can find some real treasures in antique shops, independent boutiques and jewellers. when you want to grab a pint, head to The Cricketer Arms on Black Lion Street, which was built around 1545 and is thought to be the oldest pub in the area. Undeniably, Palace Pier is a must too, with a number of fairground rides, bars and restaurants. After exploring, grab some fish and chips and head to the beach to enjoy the sound of the waves lashing against the pebbles. 21 Palma de Mallorca, Spain By Alice Penwill, travel reporter Palma is one of those places that you think couldn't get any better, and then you turn the corner and you're at the beach. The golden city has a beautiful old town filled with designer shops (of which I like to window shop), ice cream parlours, cafes and restaurants. Then there's the historical cathedral and S'Hort del Rei, which is the lush garden below the Almudaina Palace. And just when you think you've explored enough, you turn the corner to find a busy harbour and beaches everywhere. The closest one to the city is Platja de Can Pere Antoni which is a long sandy strip and a great spot for a dip. 21 21 Bournemouth, UK By Alice Penwill, travel reporter Beach huts, sand, sea, a fairground and some occasional sun, Bournemouth is your classic UK seaside resort - which is why I love it. Everything you need is in one place like candy floss stands, the big Ferris wheel, mini-golf Bournemouth Pier and the town is only a ten-minute walk away too. I usually opt to grab a mint chocolate chip ice cream from one of the small trailers on the promenade and take a seat on the sand, where I either gaze out to sea or search for the herd of cliff side goats. 21 21 Valencia, Spain By Lisa Minot, Head of Travel Valencia is my all-time favourite beach city. Playa de la Malvarrosa is a vast swathe of golden sands lapped by Mediterranean waters, but there's so much more. The town and beaches are connected by the stunning Turia Gardens - a former riverbed turned green park that snakes between the two and is ideal for strolling or cycling. The gardens are also home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with its aquarium, museums and opera house. The gothic cathedral in the Old Town houses what many believe is the Holy Grail - the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Foodies will adore the Central Market (Mercado Central) set within a stunning Art Deco building and one of Europe's oldest and largest functioning markets. For a panoramic city view, climb the Micalet Tower and after dark, head to the Ruzafa neighbourhood, known for its cool cafes and restaurants and bohemian character. Nearby is the Albufera Natural Park, Spain 's largest freshwater lagoon and near the rice paddies that provide the main ingredient for the city's legendary paella dish. 21 21 Hastings, UK By Lisa Minot, Head of Travel Hastings may have been down-at-heel and outshone by its brighter, glitzier neighbour Brighton in years gone by but there's a huge amount of charm to this traditional seaside resort. Just like Margate, the town is having something of a renaissance with arty types adding a gritty edge to its traditional bucket-and-spade background. The historic Old Town - a charming maze of narrow streets and timber-framed houses - is at the heart of the revival with independent boutiques, antique shops and of course, those artisan coffee shops sitting alongside traditional pubs. The town's burgeoning food and drink scene has something for everyone from the historic Stag Inn in the Old Town to trendy new start-ups in little sister St Leonards. Pelham Beach offers classic seaside amusements and is really family-friendly but for those seeking a little peace and quiet, the shingle beaches towards St Leonards are perfect. Its historic pier was destroyed by a devastating fire in 2010 but a multi-million pound restoration project saw it rise from the ashes, with the new design even winning the RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture in 2017. The town now offers a combination of old and new - from Hastings Fishermen's Museum providing a glimpse into its maritime past to the Hastings Contemporary art gallery with its impressive collection of modern British art. 21 21 Sydney, Australia By Sophie Swietochowski, assistant travel editor Canberra may be Australia 's capital city, but Sydney is its beating heart - or at least in my opinion, after spending several months working there in my early twenties. It has a culturally diverse personality that's on par with London, New York or Paris, which you'll find in its vast restaurant scene or impressive entertainment (I implore you to find a music venue with a better view than that of the Sydney Opera House). What puts it in another league to the destinations mentioned above, though, is its 50 or so miles of unspoilt coastline and jaw-dropping beaches that are frequently named among the best in the world. Each one attracts a different crowd. Bondi, is undoubtedly the most famous, loved for its energetic surfer vibe and laidback brunch spots looking out towards crashing waves. 21 You won't find a Bondi dude hanging out at Manly, however. This beach, north of the main city, offers two kilometres of sand overlooking foamy teal waters. Milk Beach, a teeny shore backed by craggy rocks, is in a quieter patch and attracts more of a local crowd, however my favourite has to be Brontë. The grass-backed shores sit just south of Bondi. There's no end-of-the-weekend scaries here, thanks to weekly Sunday Sips sessions at the Surf Life Saving Club with live music and sausages being sizzled on the barbie. Lisbon, Portugal By Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel - Digital Portugal is spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside cities, but Lisbon is up there among my favourites across the whole of Europe, thanks to its walkability, fantastic food and stunning buildings. Nos Alive, the city's best-loved music festival, regularly features headliners to rival Glastonbury 's - this summer, Olivia Rodrigo, Muse and Nine Inch Nails were all on the bill. I went a few summers ago to see Radiohead and spent the days mooching on the beach or filling up on Portuguese grub, before heading to the concert at nighttime. And there was plenty of food to fill up on... my favourites include Pastels De Nata at the Confeitaria Nacional shop at Praça da Figueira and the indoor Time Out Food Market, with food stalls from some of the city's best restaurants. For something a bit fancier, there's the Seen Sky bar at the Hotel Tivoli, which arguably has the best views over the city, with live DJs and Mediterranean sharing plates. Finish that off with some fantastic nightlife in the Barrio Alto, a 15th century warren of streets that come alive in the evenings as locals head for drinks at the many bars. Work off your hangover the following day with a trip to one of the city's many nearby beaches - whether you're looking for picturesque coves like Praia dos Galapinhos or surfing at Praia de Carcavelos, there is something for everyone and many can be reached by train. 21 21 Edinburgh, Scotland By Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel - Digital Edinburgh is one of my favourite UK cities. Whether it's a chance to catch some of the UK's best comedians at the Edinburgh festival, a foodie break or a Christmas jaunt, the city shows off its best side at all times of year. Among my favourite places to eat are The Wedgwood restaurant, offering fancy food in unpretentious surroundings and Stockbridge Market - a farmer's market s elling everything from hot dishes to cakes and cheese. For sampling some of the country's best gins, head to the Edinburgh Gin factory, where you can even create your own custom-made gin in their bespoke lab. If you're looking for a spot of culture, then Edinburgh castle is obviously a must, as is the Real Mary King's Close which takes visitors through the old streets of Edinburgh that haven't changed since the 17th century. And then, the beaches. I always make sure to head out to one of the city's many beaches when I visit - admittedly more for a bracing walk than a paddle and sunbathe. Portobello Beach is a lovely sandy beach with a promenade, where you can buy a size of pizza and a cocktail, and enjoy the view. 21 21 Los Angeles, USA By Helen Wright, travel writer Los Angeles is surely the ultimate city by the sea. The infamous sunset over Santa Monica pier and cycle path to Venice Beach are equally as famous as the Hollywood Sign and palm tree-lined Beverly Hills. For me, L.A. is the ideal holiday destination if you want to pretend you've swapped life at home for a super glossy A-List lifestyle. There is so much to do in Los Angeles, absolutely everyone will find something they enjoy. If you love museums and galleries, you may be surprised to discover that Los Angeles has more museums than any other city in the world. From the Grammy Museum to the Getty, you are spoilt for choice. Of course, Hollywood is known for its star-studded history and movie studios. On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you can follow the stars along the boardwalk, take a behind-the-scenes studio tour at the Warner Bros. 21 Studio and get your thrills on rides and attractions themed around your favourite films at Universal Studios, which is right in the middle of the city. For me, the best thing about Los Angeles is the enviable California lifestyle. Head to West Hollywood for shopping and lunch at Mamie Kitchen. Grab an iced coffee from Or Bar Coffee on Santa Monica BLVD, before heading out to the beach. On Santa Monica beach you can grab a deckchair on the sand, stroll the beach path past the outdoor gym and famous pier, or rent bikes and take on the whole 26-miles from Malibu to Torrance. Just remember you have to come back… I tend to go as far as Abbott Kinney Blvd and stop for boutique and vintage shopping, excellent restaurants like Great White Cafe and atmospheric dive bars by night. At Hinano Cafe, drinks are cheap and you'll rub shoulders with bikers, students, tourists and city guys stopping for a cold beer on the way home. Blackpool, UK By Helen Wright, travel writer Blackpool is a stand-out city by the sea for so many reasons. A nation's favourite, this northern beach town has a hearty mix of British seaside history, iconic architecture, lively nightlife and its own waterfront theme park. All of this is perfectly set along a seven-mile-long golden sandy beach. Start the day with pancakes at HIVE café on Church Street, before a little potter around the quirky shops and vintage emporiums. I always take a relaxed ride on a vintage tram along the seafront from the Pleasure Beach to Fleetwood and back. It's like going back in time. If you're looking for a budget day at the beach, grab a spot on the sand and paddle in the gentle water before the tide goes too far out. Those who want to explore a bit more, Blackpool has some iconic buildings, including the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens, that celebrate the golden age of Brit beach life. The North Pier is the more chilled-out of the two piers on Blackpool seafront. For a more serene day in the 'pool, pick up a £2 Mr Whippy and wander along the pier above the waves. The Central Pier is my favourite, with family attractions, twinkly arcades and a fun ferris wheel. Theme park fans can't miss Blackpool Pleasure beach with its famous roller coasters, The Big One and the Big Dipper. But the best attraction is the Steeplechase, where you can race your mates on mechanical horses. I have been riding this one since I was tall enough to get on. There is no better time to check out Blackpool than during the Blackpool Illuminations festival. The whole city is lit up with a sea of rainbow fairy lights and it's beautiful. WHEN it comes to Agadir, the city is just under four hours from the UK, reports Kara Godfrey, deputy travel editor. As Morocco's largest seaside resort, it has huge stretches of beaches with some popular with surfers. Along with 300 days of sunshine, you can expect high temperatures even in winter, reaching highs of 25C. It is affordable too - a study by Which? last year found Agadir to be one of the cheapest for package holidays. Popular attractions include Souk El Had, one of the largest markets in Africa, as well as the many hammans in the city for an authentic Moroccan spa experience. Seven night, all-inclusive breaks were on sale for as little as £300 at four-star resorts. Otherwise the cheapest flights are with Ryanair, starting from £19.99, or Loveholidays have an all-inclusive week-long break from £299. There is also an overlooked European city that's a better summer holiday alternative with 'bread' saunas and new Ryanair flights. Plus, the UK's 'worst city break destination' is home to the country's cheapest pint. 21
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Brit who's travelled to over 50 European cities reveals the most underrated
A British man who has visited more than 50 cities in Europe has revealed where he thinks is the most underrated. Scott, who shares his travel views on his Instagram (@scottvisits), describes the cities on his list as 'the best' and 'most underrated' in Europe. The intrepid traveller has visited every country in the continent and previously revealed which country he thinks has the friendliest people. But where are Europe's most underrated city breaks? Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Europe's sixth most underrated city, according to Scott. Located in the south of the country, it's best-known for the iconic Stari Most bridge, which is a reconstructed medieval Ottoman bridge. Scott describes it as the 'most breathtaking world heritage site'. An annual diving competition is hosted in July and it's a tradition for the town's young men to attempt the jump. Next on Scott's ranking is Annecy in France, which the traveller dubs the 'Venice of the Alps'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scott Visits (@scottvisits) The Europe fan says he loves Annecy's 'stunning cobblestone lanes and perfect lakes'. An alpine town in southern France, Annecy's colourful buildings and canals make it a popular spot for Instagrammers. Ksamil in Albania lands just outside Scott's top three most underrated cities, in position four on the ranking. The traveller describes it as 'The European Maldives on a budget' which has 'the most beautiful coastline'. Part of Albania's Butrint National Park, Ksamil's crystal-clear water and cheap prices make it the ideal spot for a beach break on a budget. Next on the podium is Bled in Slovenia which is a 'real life fairytale', according to Scott. He dubs it 'one of the most peaceful places in the world'. The traveller adds that it's 'the most incredible spot with mirror-like lakes and so much more'. Bled is best-known for its lake which has an island with the picturesque Church of the Assumption of Mary in the middle of it. Tivat, a seaside spot in Montenegro, is Europe's second-most underrated city, according to Scott. The UK traveller dubs it 'the budget version of Monaco' adding that the 'ultimate luxury location' has 'so much to see and do'. Tivat is located in Montenegro's pretty Bay of Kotor with a multimillion dollar harbour that's often packed with luxury superyachts. And the most underrated city in Europe? That coveted accolade goes to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Scott claims it's the 'cleanest, safest' and 'most unreal place'. He adds that it's a 'true hidden gem that you must visit' with 'no crowds'. One commenter 'evaflerin' who said she was from Slovenia, writes: 'I am so happy to hear that. It really is a little hidden gem.'
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Daily Mail
TUI launches holidays to two of the best-value European cities - with prices starting from under £175 per person
Two exciting cities in Eastern Europe have become easier to visit this summer with new packages on offer from TUI. Europe's biggest tour operator has expanded its city breaks offering to include Riga, in Latvia, and the capital of Poland, Warsaw. The firm said that the new holidays are for 'travellers seeking destinations rich in culinary experiences, scenic beauty, and cultural attractions'. The Latvian capital Riga is known for its spectacular Art Nouveau architecture, blend of Baltic and European influences, and thriving nightlife. Last month, it was named as the best-value destination for Brits in the latest Post Office Travel Report. The study – based on the cost of 12 important aspects of a holiday, including accommodation, meals and drinks, city transport and entry to cultural attractions – found Riga demonstrated the best value, with a total price at £253. That's 15 per cent lower compared with the same costs last year. Meanwhile, Warsaw – which TUI described as 'one of Europe's most dynamic capitals', also offers incredible value for money, coming third in the Post Office's annual City Costs Barometer. The Polish city is home to Varso Tower, the tallest building in the European Union. An observation deck 750 feet above ground is due to open this summer. Visitors can also spend time in the story-soaked streets of the Old Town, strolling the industrial quarter Praga, and stop at the quirky Neon Museum – Europe's first and only museum of Cold War-era neon signs. A three-night TUI trip to Riga starts from £174 per person, including flights and hotel. Travellers could stay at Rixwell Elefant Hotel, a four-star property conveniently located between Riga International Airport and the city centre, and just six miles from Livu Aqua Park. Holidaymakers could also stay at A1 Hotel, which occupies the top floors of a historical building in the heart of Riga, and is just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town (and close to a number of museums). Excursions include scavenger hunts through the city using just your phone, as well as art and culture walking tours. Three nights in Warsaw cost from £186 per person, including flights and hotel. Highlights include cooking classes, where you can learn to make Polish dumplings, and private walking tours taking you past beautiful Baroque buildings and through the charming Old Town. Hotels include Polonia Palace Hotel, offering a four-star stay opposite the Palace of Culture and Science and only 2 km away from the old town. Another option is MDM Hotel City Centre, a comfortable spot on historic Constitution Square, surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops. Chris Logan, commercial director of TUI UK&I, said: 'The demand for TUI city breaks has never been stronger, with 61 per cent growth year on year reflecting a real urban experience desire from travellers. 'Riga and Warsaw are perfect additions to our expanding portfolio, offering a distinctive blend of history, cuisine and arts. 'Both cities have been climbing travellers' wish lists, with each offering unique attractions for foodies, culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 'With our TUI Cities collection now exceeding 50 destinations, we're excited to continue this momentum into 2025 with even more inspiring locations to come.'
The Sun
15-06-2025
- The Sun
I've visited over 100 cities across the world – here are my five European faves including 84p beers and £15 flights
HAVING been travelling the world for the best part of 15 years, it's safe to say I've racked up a fair few city breaks. And while that includes far-flung destinations from Colombia to Korea, these are a few that have taken my heart in Europe. 9 9 From amazingly friendly locals and cheap bars to beautiful streets and fun theme parks, here are my top five - and how to visit without breaking the bank. Seville One of my most recent ventures to Spain took me to the southern city of Seville and it quickly became my favourite place to go in the whole country. It felt much more uniquely Spanish than other, more touristy cities, and was perfect for wandering down side streets lined with historic buildings and tapas bars spilling onto the road. While this might have meant I ordered the wrong thing a few times (I swear I asked for fish only for chickpeas to arrive), it also means you can expect some Spanish prices. For example, rather than a large beer, locals drink cañas, which admittedly are smaller - but that means they're still cold by the time you finish. You can find these for as little as €1 (84p) in some bars. Along with one of the cheapest beers, you'll also want to head to 100 Montaditos for some cheap food. A Spanish fast food institution, they sell 100 different varieties of small sandwiches for €1 (84p) a pop every Wednesday and Sunday. And if you know where to look, you can even visit some top attractions for free. I love the the historic royal palace, the Alcázar of Seville, which has limited free tickets on Mondays between 6pm-7pm in April to September, and from 4pm-5pm in October to March. Only You Hotel Seville boasts Mediterranean-meets-Arabic interiors Similarly, the cathedral - the largest gothic cathedral in the world - has free tickets every day from 2pm-3pm if you're fast enough. Hotels might be on the pricier side but tour operators have some great deals. For example, easyJet holidays has a three-night package deal (with flights and a four-star hotel) for just £160 per personnext month. If you don't mind splashing out a bit, the newish Only U is one of my favourite hotels in Europe, feeling more like a fancy members club with outdoor pool and onsite florist and cafe. Gothenburg As the second city of Sweden, Gothenburg is sometimes overlooked in favour of Stolkhom. But it shouldn't be, and not least because it hosts an amazing music festival every summer that most people haven't heard of - Way Out West. I was lucky enough to see live music acts such as Chvrches and Sia there, and this year's line up is just as good, with Charli XCX and Chappel Roan appearing. Day tickets cost around £130, while three-days ones are £230 - much cheaper than Glastonbury 's £373. The best part? It isn't a camping festival so I was well-rested and comfy in my Airbnb every night. You can find hotels for around £65 a night, and Ryanair flights are around £15. If music doesn't take your fancy, the small city has its own theme park, Liseberg, which is opening a number of new rides in the next few years (entry starts from £7). 9 Meanwhile, the rest of the city feels like a fairytale town, especially the oldest neighborhood, Haga. My favourite cosy spot was Le Petit Cafe for a coffee and blueberry scone while people-watching and chatting to the owner. Locals are big fans of 'Afterwork' or AW - AKA cheap beers and food after finishing work on a Friday. For example, Kings Head lets you buy a beer for 59 SEK (£5) that comes with free access to the buffet - it's simple food, but one of the most affordable when visiting between 5pm and 7pm. Want to go full Swedish? Try the fried stömming fish, mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce from food truck Strömmingsluckan - even I was converted. Lille If you want all the great parts of Paris without actually going to Paris, then Lille is a great option. It has its own Arc de Triomphe, albeit on a much smaller scale, as well as the Palais des Beaux-Arts (nicknamed the Louvre of Lille). Once known as being the " Manchester of France" due to its textile and industrial history, the fifth-largest French city is also home to cheap weekend markets and an amazing food scene. A must-try is the Meert vanilla waffle, said to be loved by former president Charles de Gaulle, which costs less than £3. Lille Braderie Flea Market is the largest market in Europe, with more than 10,000 stalls, so you can find the perfect bargain souvenir. Just time your visit well as it only runs the first weekend of September. 9 Lille is also a great place to visit for nervous flyers, as it is one of the few destinations with direct trains from London St Pancras. Taking just 1hr22 on the Eurostar, you can find £39 tickets if you're quick (although some are as little as £31 right now). Be even savvier and go for Eurostar Snap for up to 50 per cent off tickets, as long as you don't mind not knowing the time of day you are visiting until nearer the departure. Make sure to pop to rooftop restaurant NU, which has beautiful views over the city and is right by the train station too. I love staying at the Mama Shelter hotels, and while the rooms start from £95 in Lille (including an extensive breakfast) they also often have 3-for-2 nights. If you want something cheaper, there are lots of Ibis budget hotels around the city, some as little as £57 a night. Copenhagen While Copenhagen is the one of the pricier cities to visit in Europe, it's still one of my favourites and I think worth the price. Getting there is cheap as Ryanair has £15 flights from the UK. And a must-visit is the famous Tivoli Gardens, which was said to have inspired Walt Disney. Tickets start from £19 for entry - a fraction of the price of Disneyland, but just as magical on a smaller scale. Copenhagen always feels extremely clean, and one of those cities where you constantly think: 'Should I move here?' 9 It is often named one of the happiest and most liveable cities, which is no surprise given how easy and safe it is to get around. My favourite place for brunch is Mad & Kaffe, where three small bowls of anything from protein, fruit or bakery items costs around £9, or try Grodwhich serves just porridge and risotto (hearty and warming when visiting in winter), for breakfast. Alcohol is expensive here, so I recommend heading to one of the city's bodegas if you really want a cheap drink. Or try the new Kissavesterbro cocktail bar, where you can find cocktails for just over a fiver. If you don't mind a small room for the night, one of the cheapest stays that isn't a hostel is the CityHub Copenhagen - a Japanese-like pod hotel with rooms from £50 a night. You'll have to share a communal bathroom but it's more stylish that you'd think, with your own robes, rowels and Rituals toiletries. Don't mind splashing out? I love the stylish Hotel SP34 which starts from £155 a night, but has a free wine hour every evening at 5pm so you can make some of that money back. Faro Most people fly into Faro as a stopping point to the Algarve, but it is a great affordable base to explore the nearby areas. For example, for a few euros and a 20-minute boat ride, you can visit an island nicknamed the Caribbean of Portugal. Ilha Deserta has golden sandy beaches where you won't see many other tourists - I was the only one there when I visited in May. Make sure to grab some fresh fish from Estamine, the only restaurant on the island as well. 9 There is also Ilha Armona, also just a few minutes from the mainland, with a only few houses and food stalls. Or just 15 minutes from Faro is the pretty fishing town of Olha, where you have to visit Terra i Mar for amazing seafood and massive glasses of local wine for £3. I stayed at 3HB, the first five-star hotel in the area with one of the few infinity rooftop pools in Faro - easyJet Holidays has seven night holiday packages for £724pp. Otherwise Loveholidays has seven-night stays with return flights for £279pp when staying at budget hotels like Best Western. Here are some of my other top tips, including the best Cotswolds town to visit and my favourite UK hotels. Struggle to pack light? Here is the travel bag I always take with me after travelling to more than 50 countries. 9
