City corners — hidden gems — page 4

Instead of London: Bath, the Georgian City Where England Made Itself Elegant

Roman baths, flawless Georgian architecture and the Somerset countryside at arm's reach. England at its most beautiful, without London's chaos.

Jul 5, 2026

Strasbourg, Alsace, France

City corners

Instead of Paris: Strasbourg, Where France Meets Germany and the Result Is Magnificent

The UNESCO Grande Île, half-timbered houses, the European Parliament and winstub where Riesling flows freely. Alsace is a world apart.

Jul 5, 2026

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

City corners

Instead of Paris: Lyon, the Gastronomic Capital That Lives for Pleasure, Not Pretence

Two rivers, a UNESCO Renaissance quarter and the most celebrated cuisine in France. Lyon is grandeur without the tourist arrogance of Paris.

Jul 5, 2026

Utrecht, Netherlands

City corners

Instead of Amsterdam: Utrecht, the Canals with Cellar Terraces Where You Drink Above the Water

Double-level canals with waterside terraces, the tallest tower in the Netherlands and a vibrant cultural scene — all without the city-centre crowds.

Jul 5, 2026

Delft, South Holland, Netherlands

City corners

Instead of Amsterdam: Delft, the Blue Pottery City Where Vermeer Painted the Light

Silent canals, the Nieuwe Kerk and workshops where blue porcelain is still hand-painted. The real Netherlands, fifteen minutes from The Hague.

Jul 5, 2026

Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy

City corners

Instead of Florence: Pistoia, the Renaissance Without the Uffizi Queue

Medieval squares, Della Robbia ceramics and a cathedral with Giovanni Pisano's pulpit — all just twenty minutes from Florence, without the crowds.

Jul 5, 2026

Girona, Catalonia, Spain

City corners

Instead of Barcelona: Girona, the Medieval Catalan City That Game of Thrones Discovered Late

Colourful houses on the Onyar, the best-preserved Jewish quarter in Europe and a Michelin-starred food scene — one hour from the Rambla, another world entirely.

Jul 5, 2026

Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy

City corners

Instead of Florence: Arezzo, the City of Piero della Francesca off the Tourist Circuit

The frescoes of the Legend of the True Cross, Piazza Grande and the antiques market: Arezzo is the Tuscany that doesn't stand in line.

Jul 5, 2026

Medina (Mouassine), Marrakech, Morocco

City corners

Le Jardin Secret in Marrakech: two Saadian gardens behind a doorway on Rue Mouassine

In the heart of the Marrakech souk, a Saadian palace restored up to 2016: two gardens and a tower with views over the rooftops and the Atlas.

Jun 28, 2026