Europe is a hotspot for some of the world's most beautiful cities. Paris, Rome, Berlin, Barcelona - the list goes on.
But once you've ticked off the usual suspects, you'll soon find yourself pining to visit somewhere a little more out-of-the-ordinary.
Unique European City Breaks for 2025
Here are my recommendations for unique European city breaks that'll fuel your travel excitement and get some cool stamps in those empty passport pages.
From quirky cultural hotspots to serene getaways, 2025 is the year to skip the usual tourist traps and embrace the unexpected.
Here's how you can swap the well-trodden path for the off-the-beaten track.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is a fast-rising star on the city break scene for 2025.
But it hasn't quite yet been discovered as a top tourist destination.
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A three-hour flight from the UK, it's ideal for a long weekend or even a week away.
Its heady mix of grand Belle Époque elegance, brutalist grit and electric nightlife will have you hooked.
Walk its wide boulevard-style streets and see where centuries-old monasteries meet Soviet-era blocks and every street hums with untamed energy.
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On the never-ending list of things to do are touring the inside of the largest parliament building in the world, browsing the incredible art at MNAC, rowing a boat under the bridges and willow trees in Cismigiu Gardens and digging into some traditional Romanian food in the decadent surrounds of neo-Gothic restaurant Caru Cu Bere.
Your trip isn't complete without a day spent lazing in Therme Spa.
This glass paradise, located close to the airport, is a short taxi ride from town.
Dip in and out of the pool and try the eight different types of sauna in between sampling top-quality skincare products and lazing on a cabana.
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Sip a cocktail as the palm trees sway above and the sun goes down. Urban paradise.
Top tip: Take a 12-hour trip with local Romanian tour operator Travelmaker Tours to see two castles. It includes the castle made famous by Dracula and the intriguing city of Brasov.
Unbelievable views over the Carpathians are a happy bonus.
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Tirana, Albania
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Kicking things off, let's take a look at the vibrant capital of Albania.
Tirana is about as colourful as it gets, with pastel-coloured buildings and stunning murals splashed across the city.
For a taste of Balkan history, take a short bus ride into the mountains to Bunk’Art.
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As fascinating as it is eerie, this bunker-turned-museum tells the story of everyday life in a country under communist rule for almost 50 years.
Deep underground behind blast-proof doors, explore lingering history in dimly lit tunnels and stark concrete chambers.
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After all that time underground, visitors can do the opposite and head to the skies with Tirana's Dajti Ekspres cable car.
Sauntering over the city's Dajti mountains for around 20 minutes, it's the longest cableway in the Balkans, at an impressive 4.7 kilometres.
It's also incredibly scenic, even on a dull day - taking in forests, hilltop farms and, if you look closely, a bunker or two.
Tirana at night is as entertaining as it is by day. The busy Blloku district comes alive, offering everything from lively beer joints to sky bars and well-made cocktails.
One of its finest nightlife spots is a bar dedicated to Ernest Hemingway. Sit among old typewriters, storm lamps and memorabilia while sipping cocktails named after the writer's novels.
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For longer stays, heading outside of Tirana also has its rewards.
Albanian coastline is some of the finest around. And visiting the likes of Durres and Ksamil Beach will remind you that this country sits on the glittering Mediterranean.
The three-hour flight from the UK is more than worth it. If there's a city on your list in 2025, Tirana should be it.
Kaunas, Lithuania
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Kaunas might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of unique city breaks in Europe.
But this Lithuanian gem is quickly becoming a magnet for those who appreciate great art, culture and architecture.
Nicknamed "little Paris", Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and is famous for its interwar modernist designs.
Much like Tirana, the whole city is a gallery of jaw-dropping street art. Murals here aren't just wall decorations - they're city landmarks.
And if it's food you're after, then look no further. Kaunas' flourishing food scene is booming with all kinds of delicious delicacies, from Baltic traditions to experimental dishes, both popping with local flavours.
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Top tip: Take a seat in one of the cafes in Town Hall Square, try some traditional food and acorn coffee then head out for a self-guided tour of the city's street art.
Graz, Austria
Ever heard of Graz? If not, it's time you did.
Often hailed as Austria's most underrated and overlooked city, this hidden gem is a must-visit for travellers who want to experience Austria from an alternative point of view.
While Vienna drives the majority of Austria's tourism, closely followed by Mozart's birthplace of Salzburg, Graz is just as beautiful and has plenty to offer.
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From medieval streets and modern-day architecture to the panoramic views over Schlossberg Hill, there's loads to see in Austria's second-largest city.
But the real treat is the uber-modern Kunsthaus Graz art museum, known as the "friendly alien" for its quirky - and slightly weird - avant-garde design.
Leeuwarden, Netherlands
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Forget Amsterdam. The capital city of the Netherlands gets so many tourists in a single year that it recently launched a campaign to discourage "nuisance tourists".
So, if you're looking for canals but don't want the chaos of a busy capital city, Leeuwarden is the place to go.
This Dutch city is bursting with character and was the European Capital of Culture in 2018 - with good reason.
Its canals are just the beginning. You'll find art galleries, boutique shops and a refreshing, laid-back vibe.
For something quirky, check out the leaning Oldehove Tower. It's the lesser-known Dutch cousin of Pisa's leaning crowd-pleaser.
And if you're a lover of great food (who isn't?), Leeuwarden's local eateries and bars offer everything from stroopwafels to craft beer.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Plovdiv is a city more than worthy of your 2025 travel list.
It's a place where ancient amphitheatres flirt with dazzling street art and quirky cafés.
Kick things off with a visit to its sweeping Roman amphitheatre, which still hosts performances from rock gigs to classical music concerts.
Wander over to Kapana, Plovdiv's boho district, where indie shops and eye-catching street art and murals bring it firmly into the 21st century.
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As for the food? Think hearty meze platters and Mavrud wine, which you'll sip while wondering why this place isn't already overrun with tourists.
Which it probably will be once the secret's out.
Zagreb, Croatia
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Sitting in the north of the country along the banks of the scenic Sava River, Croatia's Zagreb is severely underrated as far as European capitals are concerned.
While Dubrovnik gets the limelight, Zagreb is an underdog worth rooting for.
Stop what you're doing at 11:50, cover your ears and join the small crowds that gather to hear the Grič cannon being fired - something that has happened almost every day since 1877.
Afterwards, take a walking tour to explore the city's highlights, such as the open-air Dolac Market, cultural hotspot Tkalčićeva Street with its boutiques, traditional shops and cafes and the photogenic courtyards and alleys of Zagreb's Upper Town.
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This is also the opportunity to dig into northern Croatian cuisine.
Try a Zagrebački odrezak, or a Zagreb cutlet. This is basically cheese and ham between slices of rolled, breaded and lightly fried veal.
For afters, grab an orehnjača, a cake filled with nuts and seeds and specific to the region.
Love Christmas? Zagreb's Advent festival is regularly crowned one of Europe's best.
It's also the perfect excuse to sip on a mulled wine, or two or three, while browsing handmade trinkets.
Zagreb's blend of history and modern mindset makes it a unique European city you'll want to add to your list.
Braga, Portugal
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Move over Lisbon - there's a new kid on the block. It's called Braga and it's here to steal the Portuguese show.
This youthful city blends old-world beauty with a livelier modern vibe.
Its religious landmarks - like the Bom Jesus do Monte - are breathtaking.
But it's Braga's thriving cafés and boutiques that give it its buzz.
Top tip: If you're visiting in June, don't miss the Festas de São João, where the city comes alive with over one million visitors, colourful parades and street parties.
Valletta, Malta
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Valletta might only be small, but it sure packs a unique punch.
This Mediterranean capital is bursting with history, culture and killer sea views.
Stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a view that'll knock your socks off.
Dive into the city's thriving culinary scene and fill up on some incredible Maltese dishes.
From pastizzi - flaky, cheesy pastries - to fresh seafood, Valletta is a food lover's dream.
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And thanks to its compact size of less than 1km², you can see the best of the city in no time at all.
Small but mighty, Valletta is a must-visit.
One Last Thing - Sort Your Data with an eSIM
Exploring these unique European city breaks is a breeze when you're online.
Make sure you have uninterrupted access to your maps, QR codes, gig and museum tickets by buying data in advance of your trip.
Nowadays, you don't need to scramble around looking for local plastic SIM cards.
eSIMs are already embedded into your phone. All you have to do is choose an affordable package, install and activate.
Stay online on your unique European city breaks from as little as £4 a GB.
Visit the Airalo eSIM store here to tick data off your holiday to-do list.
