City break now-ish

[DarlingNikita]

DP and I had a quiet and somewhat dull Christmas and I've got itchy feet! Where in Europe would people recommend for a short break in Jan or Feb?

Not bothered about it being warm, although it'd be nice if it wasn't raining a lot or prohibitively cold as I'd like to do some exploring outdoors. We are both keen on galleries and museums, especially smaller/quirky ones; interesting areas like old towns and historical districts; lively places with interesting culture, shops and art; good cafes. A seaside or waterfront town would be nice, although it's not a deal-breaker.

[BarracudaSharkNose]

There's a train from malaga to granada. change at antequera.

[MinnieMountain]

Malaga has a smaller moorish palace- The Alcazabar.

[DarlingNikita]

Bus, train... my point was that DP gets anxious about making/missing connections.

Thanks, MinnieMountain. I have heard from a few people that Malaga is nicer and more interesting than one might expect!

[MurrayTheMonk]

Re Barcelona-lovely but lots of the touristy stuff is closed or reduced hours during the winter months-so worth checking before you go.

I came on to say Krakow.

[DarlingNikita]

Have been to Barcelona, albeit a good few years ago. I went in late spring and think that was a better time, what with the beach and all.

Maybe Krakow, yes.

[BarracudaSharkNose]

Sorry, I missed that about connections. Malaga itself is lovely, great food, interesting museums - lovely cafes and places to stay. I was surprised by how much I liked it.

[Ohyesyoudid]

Rome at this time of year is great, not too busy and it isn't freezing!

[Chochito]

Another vote for Málaga, there is an art gallery, also Picasso's birthplace museum and gallery, the Alcazaba (Moorish ruins, very pretty), and the Moorish Gibralfaro castle which gives great views over the coast, the impressive cathedral, as well as the beach, the pretty town centre, and other museums. And it's cheap, plenty of nice food.

[Whatelsecouldibecalled]

we’Ve just come back from cologne for New Years and loved it. Short flight. Good accommodation. Lovely place. Not expensive when you’re there. Highly recommend

[DarlingNikita]

Thanks again all!

[caperplips]

We have also been to Krakow and I would 100% recommend it. It is a fabulous city. I am happy to recommend restaurants / cafes / bars etc if you decide to go there.

[MinnieMountain]

It really is. My PILs live in the area and we always go when we visit them.
The beach is nice to stroll along in Winter as there's plenty of cafes.

[fussychica]

Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Granada all fit the bill. Cheap flights to Malaga. Warm, perfect sightseeing weather, around 15 degrees and bright most days though obviously rain is always a small possibility. Great food .

[tentative3]

Ghent is fab although I know you said maybe when it's warmer. Just endorsing it for whenever you do decide to go! B&B de Waterzooi is amazing as a bit of a splurge.

[TooleyVanDooley]

Malaga is really lovely and has plenty to do and see for a short break. I just try to avoid recommending it on these threads because I don’t want everyone and their dog turning up there and spoiling it

[TooleyVanDooley]

Posted too soon! There are plenty of companies doing coach day trips to Granada and the Alhambra from Malaga, if DH would find that less stressful than making your own way. Definitely see the Alhambra at some point in your lifetime, you won’t be disappointed.

[DarlingNikita]

Thanks Tooley, that might not be a bad idea!

[Funf]

www.donthibernate.co.uk/liverpool/

Prague?

[kittykatkitty]

Get to Budapest!
Fabulous city

[MurrayTheMonk]

I've been inspired by this thread (and after having a crummy Christmas) to go to Krackow in Feb.
So yes please to pp who offered Krakow reccomendstions

[caperplips]

Hi MurrayTheMonk that was me, perhaps amongst others.

We went to Krakow in March the year before last and had a fantastic time. We are very interested in history and had a lot planned around that, so if that interests you, we visited the following:

We stayed in Kazimeriz, the old Jewish Quarter, it's really interesting and full of old building and lots of cool bars / restaurants.

We had a drink in a bar called 'Once Upon A Time in Kazimeriz' which is 4 old trades peoples houses knocked together into one big room but one area is the baker, the butcher, blacksmith and tailor. It was fun and interesting.

We visited Schindlers Factory which is now a museum of the history of Poland and it is really well done.

From there we went into the Jewish Ghetto and saw Heros's Square and the Eagle Pharmacy - now a museum and really worth visiting.

The main Square is fab and has the cathedral and the old market building - make sure to schedule in a stop at E. Wedels Chocolate Shop for hot chocolate with a nip of brandy / whiskey in it - delicious!

Have a coffee / beer in the Bunkier Cafe in the Planty Gardens

We ate in really good pizza place one evening but there are lots of them and we had an excellnt steak in Moo Moo Restaurant in the Old Town - terrible name but really good food!

We spent a day at the Salt Mines and I'm glad we saw it but it wasn't really my thing.

Hope you really enjoy it as much as we did!

[chilimartini]

Porto?

[Reginabambina]

Paris, best time of year for it. Not hot, short lines, no obnoxious Americans in berets (or less than usual).