Longing for an enchanting city break away from the crowds? Marriott Bonvoy has revealed a list of European lesser-frequented destinations that offer all the attributes of a great city break from culture to style, history, gastronomy and nightlife.
These gems offer the charm and authenticity of our go-to favourites with smaller crowds, more affordable travel routes and fantastic hotels. Whether you’re travelling with friends or family or planning a solo getaway, these cities promise to offer a memorable city break.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Why go?
Once an industrial port town, Rotterdam is entering a new era through its urban regeneration, cutting-edge design and sustainable innovation. Now the first stop on the new Eurostar route to Amsterdam, Rotterdam is easier than ever to explore and offers a fresh alternative to the bustling capital. The city has a dynamic food and drink scene with cool cafés, Michelin Star restaurants, trendy food markets and buzzing bars.
Where to stay
The Slaak Rotterdam, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a design-led boutique hotel housed in a former newspaper pressroom where guests can experience the freedom and authenticity of the 50s with all the comforts of modern day. Situated on the east side of the city, in the vibrant neighbourhood of Kralingen, the hotel is just minutes away from the Markthal and the Old Harbor and close to public transport with the centre just 10 minutes away.
The 74 loft-style guestrooms and suites are sleek and spacious, with executive rooms featuring balconies and bathtubs. Restaurant and Bar Didot34 is open throughout the day, offering a relaxed yet upscale environment with locally sourced, healthy dishes on the menu. After an action-packed day, travellers can re-energise in Studio34, the 24-hour fitness studio with state-of-art equipment.
Sitges, Spain
Why go?
Although classed as a coastal town, the hidden gem of Sitges is located just on the outskirts of lively Barcelona, offering travellers a more calming, sun-drenched escape than the hustle and bustle of the city. In the heart of Spain’s Catalonia region, Sitges enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year and has 17 sandy beaches, with an idyllic cobblestoned town centre.
Where to stay
Sabàtic, Sitges, Autograph Collection is a stylish Mediterranean haven with chic neutral interiors that have been designed by Barcelona-based interior designer, Sandra Tarruella. The hotel’s 90 suites are both stylish and comfortable, with a balcony or sea view terrace overlooking the Balearic Sea. Pasatempo, the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant led by renowned Catalonian chef, Rafa Peña serves seasonal cuisine and features an idyllic outdoor terrace. An adults-only outdoor pool is the perfect place to soak up the Spanish sunshine. Guests can also enjoy daily wellness activities including yoga and Pilates.
Toledo, Spain
Why go?
The ancient city of Toledo is a Unesco World Heritage Site and is known as the ‘city of three cultures’ due to its Muslim, Christian and Jewish roots. The city offers an array of cultural discoveries including the Alcázar fortress, Toldeo Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter and many museums, as well as world-class dining and live music events.
Where to stay
Formerly the palace of the Empress Eugenia de Montijo, Eugenia de Montijo, Autograph Collection combines stunning historic details with sophisticated elegance, located in the centre of the city. For the ultimate city break, the Tiffany junior suite features a relaxing aromatherapy shower and private balcony overlooking the city. Sample authentic Spanish cuisine in a charming setting at Restaurante Federico, or a creative cocktail in the lobby bar under a majestic glass dome ceiling. Guests can seek relaxation after a busy day exploring at the Natura Bissé wellness centre, a restorative spa designed to renew the senses with indulgent treatments.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Why go?
Tbilisi is the culture-rich capital of Georgia, located right on the edge of Asia, making it a striking European city to visit. Its streets are lined with museums, churches, grand art nouveau buildings, and impressive squares, with oriental alleys adorned with some of the world’s best restaurants and boutique shops.
Where to stay
Moxy Tbilisi has one of the best locations in the city, nestled in the hipster Saaruecken Square right in the vibrant centre. Old Tbilisi, Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue are just a few minutes’ walk away. The Moxy guestrooms are the perfect combination of style and comfort, where guests can relax and connect. The hotel’s large lobby is the place to socialise, with an upbeat lounge serving wine by the glass and local brews, a video wall and quirky furniture. Puri Guliani, the hotel’s pastry shop offers delicious delicacies, fresh sandwiches, ice cream and fresh bread and there’s a 24/7 pantry that has snacks and drinks.
Lucca, Italy
Why go?
Known as the city of a hundred and one churches, charming Lucca is set in the heart of Tuscany, at the foot of the Apuan Alps, less than half an hour drive from the wonderful Versilia coast. This historic walled city has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to its neighbouring cities of Pisa and Florence. Climb to the top of the Torre Guinigi Tower for breath-taking views over the city and beyond.
Where to stay
Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection is a 55-guestroom boutique hotel, complete with nine unique suites, that combine a unique blend of timeless style and contemporary sophistication. Overlooking two of the most beautiful piazzas in Lucca, the hotel’s location is perfect for discovering the stunning city.
Grand Universe Lucca’s traditional Italian restaurant Legacy serves local Italian cuisine accompanied by fine wines. At the rooftop bar Sommitá, guests can enjoy a digestif named after historic personalities of the city along with panoramic views of Cattedrale di San Martino and beyond. For a truly unique experience, guests can visit the Symphony Lounge to personalise their own theme song composed as part of the hotel’s ‘Prelude of Existence’ experience.
Bordeaux, France
Why go?
Many will know Bordeaux as the wine capital of France, but there’s far more to this enchanting city than a good glass of wine. Offering fine art galleries, excellent food and drink, and great shopping, Bordeaux is the perfect place for a vibrant city break without the crowds of other popular French cities. Compact and largely pedestrianised, it is easy to explore its gracious stone houses and welcoming squares on foot, or alternatively take a drive into the surrounding countryside of châteaux’s and vineyards.
Where to stay
Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel offers a new perspective on the chic French city of Bordeaux. With a storied history that forms part of the neighbourhood’s industrial heritage, the 149-guestroom hotel offers a rooftop terrace and pool providing dazzling 360-degree city views across the harbour and city, and a unique sense of enchanting Bordeaux. The Wet Docks quarter is packed with buzzing bars, trend-setting restaurants and leading museums including the mesmerising Cité du Vin, a building shaped to mimic the movement of wine inside a glass, which provides an immersive tour through the world of wine.
Cologne, Germany
Why go?
Often overshadowed by the larger German cities, Berlin and Munich, Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city on the banks of the Rhine River that has so much to offer. Reasons to discover this gem of a city include its gothic architecture, annual carnival, many festivals and museums, traditional Kölsch beer and dazzling Christmas markets. Towering over the Rhine River is the must-see Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those with a sweet tooth must visit the city’s renowned Chocolate Museum and thrill seekers can head to Phantasialand, a magical theme park.
Where to stay
The newly opened Moxy Cologne Muelheim is located in Cologne’s Mülheim district, just a short drive to the beautiful Old Town and Cologne Cathedral. Housed in the former site of the Cologne Mülheim freight station, the hotel’s public spaces play on its heritage, taking inspiration from trains with industrial materials like wood and steel to create an urban feel, and a fun graffiti mural of an old freight train. The 222 stylish guestrooms feature everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Guests can enjoy cool cocktails and drinks at ‘THE NOW’, the hotel’s 24-hour bar and relax at the cosy outdoor terrace. The hotel also offers a fitness centre for those that want to stay fit during their travels.
‘S-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
Why go?
‘s-Hertogenbosch, otherwise known as Den Bosch, is a relatively undiscovered Dutch city with historic cobblestoned streets, a stunning cathedral, trendy bars and a thriving creative scene. Head here to discover its unique underground tunnel canals, or relax in one of the many cafés, sampling coffee and traditional Dutch delights. The monumental Sint Jan’s Cathedral, built in 1530, is the most impressive landmark in the city.
Where to stay
The Den, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel distinguishes itself with its modern, stylish design that reflects the city’s historical water canals. The dining scene cannot be missed in this Burgundian destination with two restaurants and three bars. The Den, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offers comfort dishes throughout the day from breakfast to a mouth-watering lunch, and dinner with dishes like fish tacos and specialty burgers.
Current, a rooftop bar and restaurant on the ninth floor, is complemented by a Skybar and two large outdoor terraces with unbeatable views of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, its green surroundings and spectacular sunsets. Looking to stay fit on the road? This hotel is the place to stay, the Movement, the hotel’s urban gym is a 150m2 fitness studio offering state-of-the-art Matrix fitness and CrossFit equipment, including a multifunctional cable station, dumbbells, squat benches and rowing machines.
Exeter, United Kingdom
Why go?
A small ancient city in the southwest of England, Exeter is full of independent shops and restaurants and only a short train journey from some of Devon’s most beautiful beaches. Home to one of the finest medieval cathedrals in the region, the city’s must-see attractions include Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery and the historic underground passages.
Where to stay
The 250-guestroom Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park is set in a distinctive location in the vibrant city of Exeter, and great for sports lovers wanting to catch a game of rugby. The hotel’s modern interiors, complete with timber walls and blue hues, create a welcoming ambiance, and the artwork and carpet design are a nod to the hotel’s famous neighbour, the Exeter Chiefs rugby club.
Guests have three dining outlets to choose from managed by executive chef, Richard Hunt. The Kitchen and Bar is an all-day dining venue offering international comfort dishes cooked with the very best of local produce, accompanied by local craft beers and spirits. The View restaurant is located on the top floor of the hotel with unbeatable, panoramic views of Devon’s countryside and coastline. Local produce will take pride of place on the menu with the finest local seafood, meat and vegetables.
The Match Day Bar opens its doors on match days, perfect for gathering for a pre or post-match beverage. The hotel also offers a 24-hour gym and a car park with electric-car charging ports.
