UNDER-THE-RADAR EUROPEAN GEMS

With so many ways to travel around Europe and so many destinations opening up to holidaymakers, it really does pay tobranch out on a European break. Though there’s certainly something to be said for ticking off the bucket list cities and weighing up the world-famous sights for yourself, trying somewhere new can be immeasurably rewarding – finding afresh aspect of a country you love or even visiting a different country altogether are both worth exploring.

If you’re in control of seeking out a new place, it means you also have more control over your budget, allowing for greater peace of mind and likely a more relaxed trip. That’s why we’re recommending four unexpected cities, some you may not have heard of, and some of which probably just aren’t on your holiday radar – but really should be. While visiting Europe is rarely ‘cheap’, each city is good value, with affordable accommodation and dining, plenty of free and cheap activities, and sensible travel options. Exploring on a budget has never been so much fun.

RIGA, LATVIA

Latvia’s vibrant capital boasts many worthwhile free and budget-If you’ve done Budapest and Prague, and want a different Eastern European fix, Latvia’s capital has everything – and it won’t cost you as much as Hungary and the Czech Republic’s popular capitals.

Start in the old town – the Historic Centre of Riga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Admire the winding rows of colourful buildings and cosy restaurants, and enjoy the ambience.

Dining out and drinks in Riga are both refreshingly affordable if you’re visiting from the UK, but if you want to scale down the cost an extra notch, stock up at Riga Central Market. This cavernous site is one of Eastern Europe’s largest marketplaces and still a local favourite, being visited by around 80,000-100,000 daily. Even if you’re not buying, it’s a fantastic place, but do grab some fresh rye bread, at least – it’s a delicious staple in Riga and throughout Latvia.

NANTES, FRANCE

Although largely untapped as a holiday destination, this westerly French city is ideal for a weekend break, offering a crowd-pleasing mix of arts and culture, history, and great food and drink, especially when it comes to le vin.

The highly impressive Castle of the Dukes of Brittany sits in the centre – complete with its own moat – and offers as deep or as shallow a historical dive as you like, since you can walk around sections of it for free. A roster of galleries and museums includes the excellent Musée d’Arts de Nantes (housing contemporary and classic work), Musée d’Histoire de Nantes (which traces local urban history) and, uniquely, Les Machines de l’île, a site inspired by the works of Jules Verne, where visitors can ride a truly fantastical giant mechanical elephant. It’s as bizarre and fun as it sounds.

When it’s time for a glass of wine, drinking local is the smart move. Since Muscadet is the region’s local grape, most bars and restaurants sell it by the bottle or glass for prices that’ll induce a double take.

GENOA, ITALY

Being located close to so many classic Italian towns, and seemingly without the star quality of limelight-grabbers like Rome and Venice, this port city is unfairly overlooked. But Genoa can provide the quintessential Italian experience. Although it’s not the cheapest city on our list, it’s certainly cheaper than those limelight-grabbers.

The source of pesto (hence pesto alla Genovese), Genoa is also home to a bustling port that reflects both its history and modern-day nautical clout, as well as endlessly impressive architecture, ancient buildings, over 30 museums (some quietly exhibiting world-class artworks – the National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola is dripping in 16th-century opulence) – and that’s before you’ve explored the food.

A sightseeing must is striped Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Even if you don’t enter for a tour, its intricate façade makes fantastic viewing. And head to via Garibaldi, an elegant street in the historic heart, for a free way to see Genoa at its smartest.

LÜBBENAU, GERMANY

After a few days in Lübbenau – possibly a few hours – you’ll wonder how this small town, an hour’s drive south of Berlin, has stayed under-the-radar for so long. But you’ll probably hope it remains that way, so that you can just as easily enjoy a return trip.

Being set in the Spreewald – a vast forest designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – is a big part of Lübbenau’s appeal. As well as creating a sense of faraway escapism, the seemingly endless swathes of green surrounding the town provide many activities, too: hiking, cycling and running all take on an added dimension. But that’s not to say that Lübbenau itself isn’t oozing traditional charm from every corner.

The picturesque old town is all cobbled streets and half-timbered houses and while 16th-century Lübbenau Castle is converted into a plush hotel, the grounds and gardens are still freely available for all to explore. Or there’s the Spreewald-Museum Lübbenau, which recreates a department store in the region from 1900. And then there are the Spreewald gherkins. The area is known for producing exceptional pickles, regarded as some of the best on the planet, explaining why you’ll see gherkin shops and stalls galore, gherkin vodka and even the self-explanatory Gurkenmuseum.