12 unusual cities to add to your bucket list

Picturesque Reims is the unofficial capital of Champagne, so, naturally it would be rude not to tour its numerous world-class Champagne houses. Aside from knocking back the best bubbly in the world, there are a cluster of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit, including the stunning Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims and a fabulous shopping district.

Visit Reims in the company of TV wine critic Jilly Goolden

The underrated Swiss capital of Bern feels more like a provincial town than a capital city, with its cobbled streets and the turquoise Aare River that becomes a popular swimming spot in summer. In winter, you can soak up the UNESCO–listed Old Town’s covered arcades and world-class museums. Be sure to visit the clock tower which inspired Einstein’s understanding of the theory of relativity, as well as the bears at BärenPark animal sanctuary.

Visit Bern, Lucerne and Interlaken and ride the Glacier Express on our exclusive trip

Tbilisi has only recently garnered significant interest among Western Europeans and we’ve been missing out. Safe, historic, decorative and progressive, Tbilisi has a lot to offer. Visit the Centre of Folklore for gorgeous rugs and Silk Road treasures, learn about Georgia’s Ottoman period at the ornate Sulfur Baths and feel the warmth of Georgian hospitality by eating soupy khinkali dumplings with your hands.

Take in the best of Georgia, including Tbilisi, on a tour with Good Housekeeping

A melting pot of delicious seafood, urban beaches, mighty mountains and bubbling hot springs, South Korea is a must-see. Its second-largest city is a loud, friendly port town boasting everything from trendy designer cafes to busy local fish markets. A walk around the colourful culture village of Gamcheon is a great opportunity to sip organic coffee and lick brown rice ice creams in quirky cafes. Don’t forget to visit Beomeo-sa Buddhist temple.

See the best of Busan on a cruise to Japan and South Korea

Lyon is undoubtedly one of France’s best gastronomic cities: with meats, cheeses and seasonal veg featuring in the plat du jour of each restaurant. Squares are populated year-round for chatting and sipping delicious red wines, while a walk to post-industrial Confluence - where the Saune meets the Rhône - will give you a glimpse of experimental architecture.

Explore Lyon on a river cruise with Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr

Often coupled with a journey on the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer train, a visit to Calgary is one to remember. This is one of Canada’s cultural capitals, evident in its eateries and festivals. Craft beer houses, modern cocktail bars and top-notch restaurants serving international foods are sure to keep you busy and satisfied. Plus, don’t miss out on a free tour of the New Central Library, an architectural masterpiece filled with natural light.

See Calgary after experiencing Canada's Rocky Mountaineer with Good Housekeeping

Described as ‘the most Italian city north of the Alps’, Regensburg is a delight to stroll through. Its Medieval Old Town is inspiring, with narrow streets and alleyways contributing to an air of enchantment. The Bavarian Forest lies just outside of the city, as does the Walhalla monument - a ‘wall of fame’ listing Germany’s most distinguished figures.

Explore it on a Danube cruise with Strictly Come Dancing's Darcey Bussell

Copenhagen has been flavour of the month for… well, years. But few foreigners know that Malmö, which lies just 40 minutes away across Øresund Bridge, has its own very special charm. This laidback Swedish city is brimming with quality restaurants, bistros and cafés. Head to the design city in August to catch Scandinavia’s biggest music and arts festival, Malmöfestivalen, or visit in winter if planning to head north towards the aurora.

Find the best hotels in Malmo from Booking.com

Zadar is a much calmer alternative to Dubrovnik, with space to explore away from the crowds. On the waterfront, local artist Nikola Basic created a solar-powered dancefloor for the public to enjoy, and a sea organ allows visitors to hear music created by the crashing waves. Aside from taking a dip in local lakes and visiting the charming old town, restaurant-hopping will give you a taste of Croatia’s foodie delights.

Take a city break to Zadar with Expedia

At the crossroads of eastern and northern Europe, Riga is characterised by gothic spires and art nouveau delights. Take a day trip to the surrounding Latvian countryside or sip cocktails and local beers on hipster strip Miera Iela (Peace Street). A neo-baroque façade and rococo interiors compete for your attention at Splendid Palace cinema, built in 1923 and screening a range of independent films.

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A mixture of futuristic bridges, medieval palaces and communist blocks, Bratislava is a grand modern capital. Its heritage architecture can be admired over coffee in the grand square of Bratislava’s historic old town while cultural events at Kultúrne Centrum Dunaj give you a sense of Slovak film, poetry and live music.

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This underrated city is a melting pot of cultures, where you can take a multicultural food walking tour and visit the heritage buildings which are being re-opened for gigs and film screenings. A tour of ancient Athens is a must, with the legendary Acropolis, Parthenon and Odeon of Herodes Atticus some of the top sites to visit.

Grab a city break to Athens with easyJet