The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Everyone knows that visiting Copenhagen can be overcrowded and often comes at a price too. If you’re looking for a weekend break that won’t set you back – but you’re still feeling tempted by the laid-back, Scandi vibe – we’ve got you covered.
Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to beat the crowds and immerse yourself in a new, exciting lifestyle for the weekend. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat or a solo adventure, we’ve listed three of our favourite city break destinations in Europe below.
You might want to escape the UK by air if you’re heading away for the weekend, but why not save some cash and consider Scotland? With frequent and direct trains to Glasgow, it’s easy to reach from further south too.
Edinburgh might be the most popular Scottish city for retail therapy and independent thrifting but, if you’re looking for a seriously good time with some great shopping to boot, Glasgow is a strong contender.
With an impressive selection of high-street stores, local bars and expert restaurants, Glasgow is a real dark horse. Host to the 2023 UCI World Championships in cycling, there’s an aura of prestige in the city that transcends well beyond the historical buildings like the Central Chambers. For a taste of luxury from leading chefs in the city, get booked in at a Michelin-rated restaurant.
Most tourists head to Berlin for a German city break, but there’s so much to discover in Hamburg. Its irresistible charm is shaped by an infrastructure set upon intermingled rivers and canals: consequentially, there are around 2,500 bridges in Hamburg.
In addition to being the European city with the most bridges, there are tens of breweries and independent businesses here too. There are libraries on buses in Hamburg, and lovers of the arts can get immersed in panoramic acoustics at the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, one of the largest in the world.
The city is teeming with history, too. Strolling around the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world, is enough to transport you straight back to bygone eras. Hamburg’s industrial heritage spans from copper to maritime machinery, renowned for innovation in almost every niche.
If you’re looking for a true alternative to Copenhagen, you don’t need to leave Denmark in the dark. As the country’s second-largest city, Aarhus is certainly worth keeping in mind. It’s just three hours away from the capital by rail and offers an impeccable array of local cuisine, live music, and cultural events to get involved with.
Local architecture is built around the town’s namesake river, with inviting bars backing onto a gorgeous waterside setting. Expansive parkland and a lively university community make Aarhus the perfect sister destination to Copenhagen. Why not visit the Central Food Market for an authentic lunch?
Those tempted by Copenhagen usually seek a relaxed, contemporary experience among like-minded people. If you’re looking for a weekend away or a staycation that leaves you with plenty of room to discover new sights, stories and experiences, you can still think outside the box.
Glasgow, Hamburg and Aarhus might not be the most popular choice among British tourists – but that’s part of the appeal. When you escape the crowds, you’ll find authentic encounters that challenge the status quo and shape your character too.
