City corners — hidden gems — page 6

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

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

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

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom

City corners

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

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom

City corners

Instead of London: York, the Medieval City Where the Vikings Left Their Mark

Roman walls, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe and the Shambles — the medieval street that inspired Diagon Alley. York is English history, alive.

Jul 5, 2026

Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

City corners

Beyond Florence: Lucca, the City Inside the Walls Where Everyone Rides a Bicycle

Four kilometres of Renaissance ramparts turned into a park, a hundred churches, and a Roman amphitheatre reborn as a piazza. Tuscany at a human pace.

Jul 5, 2026

Porto, Portugal

City corners

Beyond Lisbon: Porto, the City That Named Both a Country and a Wine

Azulejos on every wall, the Douro meeting the Atlantic, and centuries-old port wine cellars. The northern rival that Lisbon can't overshadow.

Jul 5, 2026

Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain

City corners

Instead of Seville: Córdoba, Where Three Religions Built the Same Wonder

The Mezquita's 856 columns and bicolored arches, the Jewish quarter and flower-filled patios. Moorish Spain at its most intimate, without Alcázar queues.

Jul 5, 2026

Cheongunhyoja-dong, Seoul, South Korea

City corners

The Cheongun Literature Library: reading in a hanok at the foot of Inwangsan, Seoul

Jongno's first public hanok library, at the foot of Inwangsan: a courtyard, a pavilion and a waterfall a few steps from Gyeongbokgung.

Jun 28, 2026