Vauban Citadel, Arras

The GuardianSep 4

‘It feels like Italy with the volume turned down’: readers’ favourite (smaller) city breaks in Europe

You share your low-key alternatives to overcrowded hotspots, from an island city in the Med to a Norwegian art nouveau gem • Tell us about your trips in Europe’s mountains – the best wins a £200 holiday voucher Ferrara in Emilia-Romagna won me over precisely because it feels like Italy with the volume turned down. I stayed in a small family-run hotel near Via delle Volte , where mornings began…

Unesco world heritage site

25 things in this story

belfry of the Hotel de VilleSightUnesco world heritage site in Flemish style
Vauban CitadelSightUnesco world heritage site
the BovesSight10th-century network of tunnels
Elsewhere
PoettoQuarterCagliari, Italyone of Europe's prettiest city beaches
Via delle VolteNeighborhoodFerrara, Italycobbled streets with smell of fresh pastries
Palazzo dei DiamantiAttractionFerrara, Italyalmost empty, space to enjoy Renaissance art
pumpkin cappellacciRestaurantFerrara, Italytraditional pasta dish served in tiny trattorias
SprengelArts centreHanover, Germanymodern art gallery, one of the best in Germany
Great Garden at HerrenhausenSightHanover, Germanyone of Europe's best-preserved baroque gardens
the EilenriedeTrailHanover, Germany640 hectares of city forest, nearly double Central Park
ListNeighborhoodHanover, Germanywell-heeled art nouveau district with independent shops
LindenNeighborhoodHanover, Germanymulticultural district with independent shops
BallhofplatzSightHanover, Germanyrelax in a deck chair with tea and cake
Loulé CriativoArts centreLoulé, Portugalcommunity artisans preserving traditional crafts
Malmö KonsthallArts centreMalmö, Swedenfree arts centre with contemporary exhibitions
Turning TursoSightMalmö, Swedentwisted skyscraper, architectural gem
HollandiaRestaurantMalmö, Swedenoffered classic Swedish cakes and lovely atmosphere
Disgusting Food MuseumMuseumMalmö, Swedeninteresting cultural experience showing unusual foods
Bastione St RemySightCagliari, Italydelineates ancient Castello district, serves rooftop views
Trattoria LillicuRestaurantCagliari, Italytempting reason to hurry back for chargrilled bream
León cathedralMuseumLeón, Spainstained glass worthy of heaven, another level
San Isidoro churchPlace of worshipLeón, Spainhumble ninth-century building, important romanesque
House of Weaving (Casa da Empreita)SightLoulé, Portugal
Watchmakers (Oficina do Relojoeiro)SightLoulé, Portugal
Stringed Instrument Workshop (Oficina de Cordofones)SightLoulé, Portugal

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Vauban Citadel

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‘It feels like Italy with the volume turned down’: readers’ favourite (smaller) city breaks in Europe