If destinations were records, these seven cities would be the B-sides. It’s a well-known fact that the Japanese Import B-side always sounded more authentic and made you look way, way cooler in front of your friends
Another fact is that travel nowadays is cheap. It’s never been easier to hop on a plane and experience new cities in other countries. But let’s skip the obvious, the usual suspects – Paris, Rome, Berlin, London, Barcelona. Be unique and try discovering some other vibrant cities that can be experienced during a quick weekend jaunt, like Zadar, Olbia or Carcassonne. So, we’ve compiled our perfect mix tape, seven cities bustling with energy, food, music and that, most importantly, can be reached by low-cost carriers less than a taxi ride. And yes, that is a return trip.
Flights to Cologne, Germany, from £19
Cologne is one of those cities that you will be in awe of as soon as you step off the plane. An architect’s dream, this historical city is dotted with a mixture of medieval churches, gothic towers, world-famous art galleries and, of course, Cologne’s famous cathedral. Once you’ve had your cultural fill, you can celebrate in the traditional German fashion with a local Kölsch beer (get the local serving size, it looks tiny next to a pint but knock back the equivalent amount of liquid from these small glasses and the beer will stay ice cold the whole time). Don’t worry, even though the city is famous for its art, history and culture there are beer halls a-plenty in the Altstadt (Old Town) allowing you to forget about all the intelligent things you just learned.
KAYAK Tip: Look up! You may be walking through one of the cities medieval gates, intact since 1800. There were 12, but only Eigelsteintorburg at Ebertplatz, the Hahnentor at Rudolfplatz and the Severinstorburg at Chlodwigplatz still stand today.
✈ London – Cologne from £19
✈ Southend-on-Sea – Cologne from £38
Find your own castle in Carcassonne, France
If you Google ‘Carcassonne’, owing to the fact you haven’t heard of the quaint French town before, you’ll get two results. Information about the town….. and information about a board game also called Carcassonne. So why is there a board game dedicated to this seemingly random town in Southern France? – Oh, because the city is located inside a giant, intact, medieval fortress. Carcassonne is a real life fairy tale, action film set and historical fantasy all in one. If you’re feeling a bit ‘boxed in’ then take a five-minute stroll down to the Lac de la Cavayère for a quick swim and check out some of the local vineyards for a tasting on your way back to the city. Well, if you can get back in.
KAYAK Tip: Can’t get enough of castles? Pop just 20 minutes north of Carcassonne, where you’ll find, buried in the picturesque French mountains, some of the region’s most stunning Cathar castles, particularly Châteaux de Lastours.
✈London – Carcassonne from £14
✈Glasgow – Carcassonne from £26
Simply choose your budget and Explore will show you all the places you can go; there is a whole world out there of amazing deals and undiscovered destinations. Explore will also show you when there are great deals on other amazing and lesser-known destinations. Have you been to Cluj-Napoca, Bratislava or Toulouse? Let Explore tell you how cheap you can get your flights.
Sun, sea and culture for cheap in Zadar, Croatia
Getting away from a hectic city life for sun, sea and culture can sometimes mean you end up in another hectic city, albeit with sun, sea and culture. Zadar is the undiscovered jewel of the famed Dalmatian coast. With the average high temperature staying in the 20°C range from May to October you’ll find the sun, sea and culture here – just without the crowds. Explore the city’s historical past by walking through the centre and seeing its mishmash of building styles. Experience it’s quirky installations like the ‘Sun Salutation’ a solar panel circle that produces a light show at night that always draws revellers, or you know, just sit on the beach with a cocktail (and a book if you really want to go for that culture triptych), you can do it all in Zadar.
KAYAK Tip: The Sea Organ, located on the waterfront, is a must-see. Relax in the sun on the stone steps that descend into the sea and actually ‘hear’ the ocean as it pushes in and out of the pipes and whistles beneath you.
Treat yourself to a cheap weekend break in Arrecife, Spain
Arrecife is the quaint heart of Lanzarote, but don’t let its lack of fanfare dissuade you. If what you need is relaxation, you’ve got it in spades in Arrecife. An inviting Mediterranean style harbour surrounds the coast, dotted with beaches and fishing boats pulling in the freshest catches to stock up the local boutique restaurants. Take a stroll to the Chardo Charco de San Ginés to visit a lagoon of natural seawater in the centre of the city, surrounded by gorgeous fisherman’s cottages it’s the best place to take a load off and enjoy a beer on the promenade.
KAYAK Tip: Take a quick trip to Timanfaya National Park, a desert scattered with previous volcanic eruptions where, amazingly, lava was still flowing in the 1820’s. It’s too hot to walk on the ground so take a coach tour to see this once-in-a-lifetime oddity.
✈ Newcastle – Arrecife from £34
Not sure how to get to Timanfaya National Park or any other destinations outside of our mix-tape of city break suggestions? Why not hire a car? I mean, car hire in Arrecife start from just £4 a day!
Discover Wroclaw, Poland for as little as £30
If Wroclaw was a passport, it would have a lot of stamps filling its pages. This historic city has at one point been part of Bohemia, Hungary, the Austrian Empire, Prussia, Germany and now is considered the multicultural hub of Poland. Take a stroll around the colourful buildings of Market Square, venturing down the Niepolda passage to visit some of the city’s most popular clubs. If you’re peckish, then visit the old City Hall houses to visit Piwnica Świdnicka, a restaurant that has been operating since 1275. If you’re looking for a more low-key vibe, then Wroclaw has an abundance of craft breweries serving some of the most delicious and interesting beer in Europe.
KAYAK Tip: Visit the traditional Wroclaw Market Hall between Mon-Sat. Not only does it stock an array of local cheese, meat and fresh fruit, but upstairs you’ll find bric-a-brac and other knick-knacks to buy as mementoes from your trip.
✈ Newcastle – Wroclaw from £30
Whisk yourself away to Olbia, Italy with a weekend deal
In Olbia, you’ll find authentic Italian culture everywhere; crammed into the wine bars, piazzas and the fascinating local history. Refreshingly unheard of, Olbia is the place to really discover the heart of Italy without queuing, waiting or compromising any of your time waiting on other travellers. Right on the tree-lined harbour, even the most uninterested historian couldn’t ignore the Museo Archeologico, a fascinating mixture of local history and maritime discoveries with most of the exhibits coming from shipwrecks that have washed up on the shore. Soak up the atmosphere of this unique location slap-bang on the coast of Sardinia, perfect for exploring the heart of the island.
KAYAK Tip: Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, on a dusky hillside, is the Basilica of San Simplicio. Built in the 11th century, this romantic church is one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in the region. Bonus, when you leave you get a great view of Olbia, best enjoyed at dusk.
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Be unique and explore Cork, Ireland as a city break
Cork has a little of everything Ireland represents as a country; music, entertainment, culture, relaxation, nightlife, historical importance and beautiful scenic views. It’s difficult to pack that into one city but somehow Cork manages. Kick off with a walk down the cosmopolitan St. Patrick’s Street, known for its range of shopping outlets as well as its architecture. As the night rolls around head to one of the traditional Irish pubs located on the waterways that dominate the city centre for some local foodie fare, music and a few pints to round off the evening. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to capture the spirit of Cork in one visit, but it’s guaranteed that you’ll be taking some back with you.
KAYAK Tip: Blackrock Castle may look ancient from the outside, but these days, inside the refurbished building, lives a science centre and an observatory. Plus it hosts a restaurant and bar, you might have trouble leaving.
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.co.uk on May 4th, 2017. The prices are quoted in GBP. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
