OPTIONS | European Break

1. Seville, Spain

Temperature: 21 degrees

Food prices: Average meal price 20 euros

Recommended duration: 2-3 days

Flight information

Prices: Approx. £200

Airport: Stansted/Gatwick

Times: morning flights available but late night flight back

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes 

Things to do

Royal Alcázar of Seville

@suitcase_squirrell

What is it? If you do nothing else in Seville, visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville. This is the oldest royal palace in Europe, full of incredible Moorish and Christian architecture and design, and its fascinating history stretches back over a thousand years. Why go? History buff or not, you’ll love it here. Every nook and cranny to discover and every minute detail in the mosaics make it worth the trip, and you’ll want to get lost for hours in its high ceilings, peaceful waters and serene green gardens.

Add to

Details

Catedral de Sevilla

@suitcase_squirrell

In the morning, the lineup for the Cathedral was long, it looked like it would easily take an hour. Luckily, after lunch, there was no lineup at all. You can also book online to skip the lines if you know what your schedule is going to be like. You do have to pay to get into the cathedral and the bell tower known as the Giralda.

Add to

Details

La Giralda

@suitcase_squirrell

What is it? The largest church in the whole world, this cathedral will have you swooning whether you’re a seasoned church-goer or not. The Sevillanos purposely built it so that it would be absolutely massive, with a plan that everyone would ‘think they were mad’. They succeeded. Why go? Columbus’ tomb (no, we cannot confirm nor deny whether his actual skeleton is in there), is really something to behold, and is surrounded by picturesque orange trees. You should also climb the Giralda bell tower which gives you incredible views of the city.

Add to

Details

Alameda de Hércules

@suitcase_squirrell

What is it? Alameda is now possibly Seville’s hippest, alternative neighbourhood, packed with funky shops and bars. The centrepiece is the Alameda de Hercules, a tree-lined square crowned by a pair of Roman columns. Why go? Come for a stroll along the Alameda de Hercules, a peek at the art in the Convento Santa Clara, coffee at an offbeat café such as Gigante (also great for cocktails), and then a spot of vintage shopping (Buhoneras is a treasure trove of funky finds).

Add to

Details

Triana

@suitcase_squirrell

What is it? Triana is a traditionally humble neighbourhood across the Guadalquivir that retains lots of authentic charm despite recent gentrification. Long famous for its ceramics (check out the Centro Cerámica museum) and flamenco taverns, its riverfront bars are perfect for cooling off on hot summer nights. Why go? Potter around the fantastic food market, pick up some ceramics (Cerámica Triana has a fantastic choice), then eat lunch somewhere like century-old Mariatrifulca.

Add to

Details

Where to stay?

We need to try to be within walking distance to the Cathedral so you don’t have to worry about public transport. Staying in the Triana neighbourhood would also be reasonable as it is a short walk and has many tapas bars and restaurants to choose from.

Two bedroom apartment in the centre (near the cathedral) is around £350 for 3 nights (£175 each)

If looking to go here, prices are slightly cheaper in February

2. Sarajevo, Bosnia

Temperature: 12 degrees

Food prices: Said to be one of the cheapest European capitals. Average meal around 5-10 euros

Recommended duration: 3 days

Flight information

Price: £40

Airport: Luton

Times: Morning depatures

Duration: 3 hours

Things to do

Latin Bridge

@selenabahto

A beautiful stone bridge from the 1790s, formerly known as the Principov Bridge. Named after Gavrilo Princip, who was near the bridge when he assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, an event that ultimately led to the beginning of the First World War. Just next to the bridge, you can visit the actual spot where Princip stood, as well as the Museum Sarajevo 1878 - 1918.

Add to

Details

Sarajevo City Hall

@selenabahto

Sarajevo's City Hall, locally known as Vijećnica, is a significant landmark that opened in 1896. The architecture pays tribute to the city's Muslim heritage. It served as a city hall, parliament house, and the National and University Library. During the devastating Siege of Sarajevo, the city hall was tragically burned down, resulting in the loss of an astonishing amount of books, manuscripts, and other historical documents. However, thanks to donations, the building was restored and reopened as a City Hall in 2014. Today, it stands as a national monument and hosts two museums: one dedicated to the Siege of Sarajevo and another showcasing international contemporary art.

Add to

Details

Bazar 6 BAŠČARŠIJA

@suitcase_squirrell

Add to

Details

Yellow Fortress

@selenabahto

Once a fortress, this site now provides one of the best views of the city. It's located just a short walk from the old town of Baščaršija. From here, you can admire the captivating panorama of the old town, the majestic Vijećnica (city hall), and the distant mountains.

Add to

Details

Trebević

@suitcase_squirrell

One of the best things about Sarajevo is that you can easily escape the bustling markets and crowded streets to the lush green forest and be among beautiful nature in just a few minutes by hopping on the gondola to the top of Trebević, a mountain peak towering over the city.

Add to

Details

Mostar

@suitcase_squirrell

Day trip outside of the city. The trip will often take you to Mostar, home of the beautiful stone arched bridge, Kravice Waterfall, a beautiful oasis surrounded by waterfalls and lush green forest you can swim at, Blagaj, a small village, home to the 16th century Dervish house carved into a cliff, and Pocitelj, a medieval stone town built in the 16th Century that act as an open-air museum full of stunning architectures, and more.

Add to

Details

Where to stay?

To get the most out of Sarajevo, the best neighbourhoods to stay in are Baščaršija, southern Centar, Marjin Dvor or Bistrik

Two bed central apartments for £140-£170 between us for 3 nights (so around £85 each)

3. Sofia, Bulgaria

Temperature: 12 degrees

Food prices: Average 10-20 euros

Recommended duration: 3-4 days

Flight information

Price: £60

Airport: Stansted/Luton

Times: Morning and/or late in the evening

Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes

Things to do

Seems like mainly churches to visit or day trips out of the capital but here are some of the main places below:

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

@suitcase_squirrell

One of the most famous landmarks in Sofia is St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an impressive Orthodox cathedral. Looming over the entire cityscape, it claims to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the region, located right in the heart of the capital city. It is one of the top 50 largest Christian churches in the world and it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria. St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century to honour the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.

Add to

Details

Orthodox Church of St. Paraskeva

@suitcase_squirrell

Not too far from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, you will find the Church of St Paraskeva, a massive unique-looking church built in the early 20th Century with a similar architectural style to the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral but smaller and with its own unique take. The church has a large central dome and inside are bright paintings to tell the story of St. Paraskeva. There is no entrance fee and it is open every day.

Add to

Details

City Garden

@suitcase_squirrell

The City Garden is a beautiful scenic park with fountains, park benches, and greeneries, surrounded by some of the prettiest European-style buildings in the city.

Add to

Details

Vitosha

@suitcase_squirrell

A popular thing to do in Sofia is take a trip up Vitosha, the best-known mountain in the area. When taking the life, you must check in advance if they are operating!! They often don't out of season.

Add to

Details

Where to stay?

Centrum is the best place to stay in Sofia for first timers

4. Istanbul, Turkey

Temperature: 12 degrees

Food prices: £5-£10

Recommended duration: 3-4 days

Flight information

Prices: £115

Airport: Gatwick

Times: Early morning and after/evening

Duration: 4 hours 10 minutes

Where to stay?

1. Sultanahmet · 2. Sirkeci · 3. Taksim · 4. Karaköy & Galata · 5. Maçka & Nişantaşi · 6. Kabataş.