7 minute read
Discovering Europe’s Second Cities
While the allure of Europe’s famed capitals is undeniable, it’s the continent’s second (and third and fourth) cities that are getting some much-deserved attention.
By Dave Lank
Think of traveling to Europe’s second cities like snagging a backstage pass to authentic local life, bypassing the tourist-heavy headliners like Paris and London for their lesser-visited, yet equally captivating, urban siblings. The trend, known as second-city tourism, is your ticket to untrod paths and the hidden treasures that truly define a place — without the crowds.
“People want to feel like something belongs to just them for that moment,” says New York-based travel advisor Angela Adto Tepper on the rise of second-city travel. “That includes not feeling like one of thousands of tourists.” So, for your next trip, sidestep the usual suspects and let these second cities take the lead.
Marseille
France
A Mediterranean melting pot, France’s second-largest city exudes a rugged charm and unabashedly animated spirit. The past and present don’t just coexist, they collide: Bustling ports, aromatic markets and the storied Le Panier district invite you to delve into the city’s rich history, while contemporary art galleries, bold architecture, like the modernist La Cité Radieuse apartment complex, and pulsating nightlife jolt you straight into the city’s vibrant, creative present. Then, there’s the food: The sacred home of bouillabaisse (a love letter to the sea in the form of a rich soup) is undergoing a gastronomic metamorphosis with a wave of talented young chefs establishing the city as a hub for diverse, innovative and approachable cuisine.
See the Classic Sights
Old Port of Marseille
Dive into the heart of Marseille at the Old Port, where traditional fishers’ boats and yachts bob side by side, and the air is thick with maritime history.
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Perched atop a hill more than 500 feet above the city, this stunning Roman-Byzantine basilica offers breathtaking panoramic views and a peaceful respite from the busy port below.
Le Panier
Wander the narrow, winding streets of Marseille’s oldest district, filled with colorful street art, hidden boutiques and café terraces around every corner.
Aarhus
Denmark
Aarhus may be just a train ride away from Copenhagen, but it stands alone as a powerhouse of Danish culture, design and all things hygge. This vibrant coastal city seamlessly blends its Viking roots with new-wave architecture and a buzzing culinary scene. Compact and easy to navigate, Aarhus is best explored on foot or bike. Dive into the medieval Latin Quarter, marvel at eye-catching buildings like the iceberg-inspired Isbjerget and indulge in New Nordic cuisine at Michelin hot spots, such as the two-starred Restaurant Frederikshøj.
Take in the Architectural Wonders
ARoS
One of northern Europe’s largest art museums, ARoS captivates with its iconic (and highly Instagrammable) rainbowcolored skywalk and diverse, world-class exhibitions spanning ten stories.
The Infinite Bridge
Located at Varna Beach south of the city center, this circular wooden walkway bridges nature and design, creating an endless path from land to sea.
Havnebadet (Harbor Bath)
Plunge into Danish life at this Bjarke Ingels Group-designed facility in the Aarhus harbor. The circular diving pool is the place for year-round plunges, followed by stints in one of the two saunas.
Valencia
Spain
Valencia, affectionately dubbed the “City of Joy,” more than lives up to its name. With 300 days of sunshine a year, golden beaches, rich culture and outstanding food, there’s a lot here to make even the most seasoned European traveler smile. At every turn, Valencia is a feast for the senses: Meander through orange-scented streets, sample paella in its homeland and soak up centuries of historic charm alongside striking new architecture like the iconic City of Arts and Sciences.
Focus on Food
Horchatería de Santa Catalina
Think of horchata as Valencia in a sip. The sweet, creamy drink is made with tiger nuts and is best paired with a long, sugar-dusted bun called fartón. Sample the combo at Horchatería de Santa Catalina, among the oldest horchaterías in the city.
Mercado Central de Valencia
Mercado Central, one of the largest and oldest surviving food markets in Europe, is a food lover’s paradise. Taste your way through the roughly 1,000 stalls, which sell everything from locally grown produce and artisan bread to fresh snails, and get the inside scoop on how locals shop.
Paella cooking class
Grab an apron, roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in the art of Spanish cooking with a paella class, blending history and flavor as you craft the dish of saffron-infused rice, chicken, rabbit and beans in its birthplace.
Manchester
United Kingdom
Manchester, once the heartbeat of the Industrial Revolution, has dusted off the soot to reveal a cultural gem. Old warehouses and factories now buzz with the dynamism of art galleries and live music venues. While Manchester is steeped in a rich history of pop culture, from iconic football clubs to ground-breaking music (The Smiths and Oasis were born here), it’s the influx of fresh Mancunian creativity that’s steering the city into a thrilling new chapter: Creative industries are booming in Manchester, growing faster here than in any other U.K. city or region outside London. The best way to experience the energy firsthand is by exploring the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, alive with street art, designer boutiques and restaurants at the cutting-edge of one of the U.K.’s most exciting food scenes.
Go on a Gallery Hop
Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International
This new venue and exhibition space, the U.K.’s largest cultural project since Tate Modern, is the place for a show, hosting everything from adaptations of children’s books to touring comedians and musicians.
Manchester Art Gallery
The renowned gallery’s collection of historic masterpieces and contemporary works spans six centuries.
The Whitworth
Set in a Victorian park, the Whitworth impresses as much as the more than 60,000 pieces of art, textiles and wallpapers it houses.
Leipzig
Germany
Berlin, watch out: Leipzig makes a compelling case for why this second city (actually, it’s the country’s eighth largest) deserves first place in Germany’s battle for coolness. Once home to musical giants like Bach and Wagner, the east German city continues to be a magnet for creatives of all types, thanks to affordable housing and studio spaces. Diverse and electrifying arts offerings have taken over former factories and plants — such as multimedia museum Kunstkraftwerk, located in a repurposed power station — helping to establish the city as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking contemporary German culture.
Cruise the Cultural Institutions
Bach Museum Leipzig
Discover the life, legacy and genius of Johann Sebastian Bach at this comprehensive museum, a pilgrimage site for music lovers and a highlight of Leipzig’s historic offerings.
Spinnerei
Step into what was once Europe’s largest cotton mill, now transformed into a bustling hub of creativity, with 14 galleries, more than 100 artist studios and an ever-changing array of exhibitions showcasing a mix of German and international talent.
Leipzig Opera House
Enjoy top-notch performances at this impressive and historic venue that’s driving Leipzig’s cultural scene forward with a diverse range of modern programming, from poetry slams to musicals and ballet.
