Best European Districts for Short Trips
May holidays are coming, hurray! Time for big and small trips. Big ones are clear, but for the small ones, we have the inside scoop.
Many go to Europe, and it's understandable — it's very nice there in spring. But you want to see as many places as possible where there aren't too many tourists. That's why this article is about European districts that will tell you more about a city than a popular landmark.
Stockholm, district Södermalm
In the last century, Södermalm was a slum district; now it's a trendy spot for alternative culture. It's located in the central part of the city on the island of the same name. You walk right through it when you disembark from the ferry.
There are many second-hand and vintage shops here where you can dress in Scandinavian style. Designer boutiques, shops with huge vinyl collections, bookstores with rare vintage postcards — entertainment and impressions for the whole day!
To eat well or just grab a snack, you don't have to leave the district — everything is nearby. If you go to Kaffebar, sit by the window and observe — the most fashionable and beautiful people of Stockholm are outside. In warm weather, have a picnic in Tantolunden park, and if you want to update your musical background, check out Debaser — popular bands and local favorites perform there. And of course, you can't do without modern art. For conflicting emotions, go to the Fotografiska photography museum.
London, district Peckham
Every district in London is special, but the most happening one is Peckham. It attracts music and art lovers. Besides numerous art colleges, there are many street food spots, cafes, and art objects here, and the main highlight is the art project Bold Tendencies. It's a public space with galleries, opera music, architectural projects, workshops for children and adults.
There's another creative spot — CLF Art Cafe with a strong focus on music and cinema. And at Peckhamplex cinema, they show modern and old films, so if you're good at English — you'll enjoy it.
Rome, district Pigneto
Rome is very noisy. Some love it for this, others avoid it. But there's an alternative little district in the eternal city. Pigneto — a working-class district, but it looks different depending on the time of day.
During the day, there's a fruit and vegetable market stretching along Via del Pigneto. You can and should talk to the vendors — they are friendly and good-natured people! Right nearby, there's a place for those who support healthy eating — Vitaminas 24 cafe with a vegetarian menu. And at Gelateria del Pigneto gelateria, you'll find the most delicious ice cream. Vinyl record and vintage old book enthusiasts are also in for a pleasant surprise — the shops have a large collection, it's hard to choose!
And at night, the musical madness begins. From different corners, you'll hear indie, then jazz, then grunge and punk. Strolling here with a cocktail in hand, nodding to the music — that's a lovely thing to do. You haven't seen Rome like this before.
Paris, district Belleville and Menilmontant
In a recent Fantastic Beasts film, an evil wizard gathered his followers at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Right next to it are the districts of Belleville and Menilmontant. A place where different nationalities converge.
Chinese, migrants from North Africa, Greeks, and even Armenians live here. As you can imagine, the variety of eateries is off the charts — you won't find such multiculturalism in postcard Paris.
Art is also abundant here. You can visit small, niche galleries, or you can check out one — Les Ateliers d'Artistes de Belleville. It features works by over 200 artists using various techniques.
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Barcelona, Poble Sec
Between Montjuïc mountain and the port, the Poble Sec district is hidden away. Like many others, this was a poor district; there were almost no schools, only fishermen and ordinary workers lived here. But the Civil War changed everything: cabarets and theaters appeared, and people became interested in the place.
Now people come here to indulge in gluttony — restaurants and taverns for every taste and budget await around every corner: Tickets, Quimet & Quimet, Carrer Blai, and others.
Besides shops, there are places for relaxation — parks. And they're all different! If you want to feel like you're in Arizona among cacti, go to Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera. Love roses? Then Jardins del Teatre Grec is for you. Feel free to grab a blanket and settle down for a picnic.
Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Noord
Tourists, admiring the gingerbread-like cramped houses of typical Amsterdam, don't make it to the Amsterdam-Noord district. And that's a shame! Although it differs greatly from classic Amsterdam, the atmosphere here is maximally urban. In a couple of years, this place will definitely be in guidebooks.
To save time, head straight to the mini-district NDSM Werf. This is where you'll find a hotel in a crane and Europe's largest flea market, IJ Hallen — you won't believe what's there!
Since this is a former shipyard area, many establishments are made from containers. Bars, restaurants, concert venues — everything is stylish. There's even an observation deck with swings on the roof of the A’DAM Building. Walking among the containers, look around and keep your camera ready — quality street art awaits at every turn.
Budapest, Erzsébetváros (District VII)
The seventh district used to be the Jewish Quarter: a synagogue, a Memorial, and the Jewish Museum still stand there. Oh, how much this quarter has been through! After the war, it was a real ghetto here; walking at night was unsafe, residents moved to more prosperous areas. But everything eventually ends, and it ends well.
The 'decompression' began in the 2000s when a so-called ruin bar opened in an abandoned building. One space housed a bar, shops, music venues, bike rentals, a cinema, a mini-market, and so on. The idea caught on and developed, with more and more abandoned houses, warehouses, and factories turning into creative spaces. Young people caught on to the trend, and more and more gatherings started happening there. Check it out yourself. And if you don't like it, the Parliament, zoo, and baths will be waiting for you in their usual places.
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Not enough? Read detailed articles about Japan, Dublin, Estonia, India and Portugal.
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