Alternative city break inspiration for 2019

The term ‘city break’ is synonymous with classic destinations like Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Venice. And these places are popular for good reason – we’ve even written an article that showcases many of these fantastic cities. But perhaps you’ve explored them already or are looking for an alternative destination… then why not make 2019 the year you go off the beaten track?

You can get some real bargains in January and if you choose to travel off-peak, then the majority of destinations will be a lot quieter too. Here’s some top-drawer ideas to fire your imagination in 2019…

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana has been transformed over the last 10-15 years into one of Europe’s greenest cities, making us like it even more! The core of the city is now almost entirely pedestrian, so you can stroll carefree through the pretty medieval streets, enjoying the wide range of culture and cuisine that Ljubljana has to offer.    

GP’s top tip: Eat like a local, with a local. LjubljanaNjam offers food tours which will introduce you to the local cuisine, helping make your stay memorable, tasty and craving for more.

2. Sofia, Bulgaria

If you’re looking for a laid back weekend break, then look no further than Bulgaria’s capital. While the pace of the city is relaxed, you’ll need to do your exploring with a sense of purpose to take in all the museums, galleries, restaurants and clubs that Sofia has to offer. Once you’re done sightseeing in the city centre, you can head to the ski slopes and hiking trails of the mighty Mt Vitosha, just a short bus ride away.

GP’s top tip: Stop by Vitosha Boulevard, which is home to the city’s high-end boutiques and fashion houses. If you’re not much of a shopper, it also offers stunning views of Mt Vitosha - grab a coffee at one of the cafés and take it all in.

3. Gothenburg, Sweden

Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg, is superbly situated on the west coast with a stunning archipelago just around the corner. As well as some high-thrill attractions such as the Liseberg amusement park (reputedly the largest in Scandinavia) located in the centre of the city, Gothenburg also offers visitors in warmer climes the opportunity to sun themselves and relax at one of several canal-side swimming pools.

GP’s top tip: Time your visit to coincide with Way Out West 2019, which runs from 8-10 August. The music festival takes place in Slottsskogen, located centrally in the city. Last year’s headline acts included the Arctic Monkeys and Kendrick Lamar.

4. Bergen, Norway

Bergen might officially be Norway’s second largest city, but with just 280,000 or so inhabitants, the vibe is anything but metropolitan. Instead, Bergen has a small-town charm and atmosphere, where friendly locals are more than happy to direct you to their favourite parts of the city. The city is surrounded by water on one side and mountains on the other, with a plenty of excellent restaurants, pubs, craft shops and museums to explore in between.

GP’s top tip: Take the funicular from the city centre to the top of Fløyen, one of the seven mountains around Bergen, and steal some fabulous views of Bergen from up high. Visit mid-June to catch Bergenfest: a four-day open-air music festival in the heart of the city centre, in the grounds of a medieval fortress and castle.

5. Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck, referred to by some as the capital of the Alps, is everything you’d expect and more from a city that’s set in a majestic mountain range. Once you’re done exploring what Innsbruck has to offer at ground level, you can take a cable car to see Innsbruck in all its glory from 2,000 metres above sea level. If you’re the active type, there are winter sport options for every taste and fitness level while you’re up there.

GP’s top tip: Step into Eddie the Eagle’s shoes (or should that be skis) for a minute and visit the Bergisel ski jump. Designed by the late, great Zaha Hadid, this piece of modern architecture gives you a sense of what competitors see, standing at the top of the 50m-high jump.

6. Antwerp, Belgium

Prefer a more refined getaway? Antwerp, with its cobbled lanes lined with hip, independent cafés, will suit you right down to the ground. Belgium’s second city (there’s a theme emerging here) is a magnet for those with a taste for the beautiful things in life. The vibrant fashion and entertainment scene is in keeping with the city’s striking architecture and rich, cultural history.

GP’s top tip: Pay a visit to Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest animal parks, established way back in 1843. Popular attractions at the zoo include a loved-up koala couple who live together in a thatched cottage with their offspring, Sydney.

Power up with GP

You’ll be using your smartphone a lot during your getaway, so don’t forget the colourful, sleek and powerful GP M-series PowerBank – it makes charging devices on the go so simple, and so stylish! It even allows you to charge up to three devices at the same time. You’ll thank us later…

Which alternative city is top of your must-visit list in 2019?