We have a huge soft spot for Amsterdam, but there are other places you can wander canals and admire those higgledy-piggledy houses that the Dutch are so known for.

Alkmaar, situated in North Holland, has beautiful architecture and is famous for its cheese markets – something we can definitely get behind. 

Puglia is definitely having a moment. The southern region that forms the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’ has been all over our Instagram feeds, with friends and influencers posting images of the area’s typically white-washed buildings and paradisiacal waters. 

Bari is the capital, and being a port city, puts you right in the middle of the action. Think tiny, winding streets and stunning architecture. Oh, and of course, lots of fresh seafood.  

If we say cosmopolitan capital city, you might think Paris and Milan before you think Moscow. But, with a wealth of history, staggering architecture, enough galleries and museums to spend all day in and lots of shopping opportunities, this is a city break well worth considering.

Famous for its pastel-hued buildings, Albania’s capital would be at home in a Wes Anderson film, and makes a perfect backdrop for holiday snaps. 

Although the city itself is busy and bustling with lots to see and do, it’s enclosed by hills and mountains which add another dimension to your break, as does the coast which you could drive to in about an hour. 

Even though you probably wouldn’t pick Albania for a beach holiday, its location near the Mediterranean Sea actually makes it one of the sunniest cities in the whole of European. So make sure your pack your sunglasses and SPF. 

Looking to explore Lithuania? Kaunas is a lovely option because of its pretty, historic old town and Neris and Nemunas rivers, which snake through the city. 

Visit tourist attractions like the ornate Kaunas Cathedral Basilica and gothic Hanseatic House of Perkūnas, and stop by Laisvės Alėja, a central street lined with cafes. 

Lisbon has been one to watch for a few years now, with many an Instagram pro bagging a picture by the city’s iconic yellow trams. With gorgeous view points boasting live music from locals and sangria stands, brunch spots so cool they put east London to shame and the best tile game we’ve ever seen, what’s not to love? 

Previously, Krakow has always been known as the most popular travel destination in Poland, but it looks like Katowice could be about to knock it off the top spot. 

It’s much smaller than the other, more well known cities in Poland, coming 11th in size and there isn’t as much of that charming Eastern European architecture to see, but Katowice has become much more dynamic in the last 10 years. The city centre is well designed with social spaces to relax in and there’s some lovely parks, too. 

Architecture buffs will love Kosice, a city which sits next to the Hungarian border in east Slovakia and dates back to the medieval period. With the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe and the largest church in Slovakia, taking a tour of its historic buildings are an absolute must. 

Plant fans will also be pleased to hear that the city is home to a botanical garden, with pretty outdoors gardens and a leafy greenhouse. 

A trip to Antalya is, yes, a city break, but it’s also the chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful sea and sand in Europe. There’s the Old Harbour which is filled with yachts and the coves of paradise to explore, which look out to the aptly named Turquoise Coast, famous for its bright blue waters. 

Looking at the picture above, there’s a chance you’d place this scene in Paris, not the Ukraine. But Lviv’s beautiful architecture is inspired by both Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Germany and Italy, making it hard to put your finger on (not that we’re complaining).

Those paying the city a visit should make sure they climb up to High Castle Park, a panoramic view point within the ruins of a 14th century castle with spectacular sights of the Lviv’s green-domed churches.