‘The real life of Athens is here’ – hidden gems beyond and beneath the Acropolis
The Acropolis Museum’s underground lab, the ancient Hadrian aqueduct and an arts festival in an old factory offer a more personal view of the Greek capital
10 of the best European city breaks with a difference
Whether your ideal trip involves trying local food, nightlife and culture, or just kicking back in pretty surroundings, these unsung spots cover all bases
A local’s guide to Palermo: sardines, spumante and spontaneous dancing
City food guide Marco Romeo on the sardines, spumante and street dancing that give the Sicilian capital its distinctive vibe
A local’s guide to Bilbao, Spain: home of the Guggenheim – and so much more
Gaizka Zuazo, director of the city’s school of design, knows where to find the best steaks, late-night bars and post-industrial cool
A local’s guide to Narbonne, France: late-night dancing, seafood and seaside cycle rides
Winemaker and rugby player Gérard Bertrand on the best 6am steaks, nightlife and coastal action in this relaxed Mediterranean town
‘Brilliant and ever-changing’: readers’ favourite street art in Europe
From Penge to Sardinia, exuberant street art makes neighbourhoods more vibrant and casts light on local history and culture – or just gives you a laugh
A local’s guide to Vilnius: gardens, bars and a castle on a hill
The Lithuanian capital is a destination on the rise, with a thriving nightlife and food scene. Chef Liutauras Čeprackas shares his highlights of his home city
A local’s guide to Leipzig: dumplings, diversity and delightful G&Ts
With glorious boat trips on its canals and sumptuous food, from traditional Saxon to Vietnamese, this is a destination ripe for a city break, says restaurateur Nancy Naumann-Hirt
‘More than UB40 and heavy metal’: Birmingham’s alternative arts and entertainment
The Commonwealth games has kickstarted an explosion of culture in England’s second city, with loads to look at and listen to, as well as eat and drink
Let the games begin: Birmingham, then and now – in pictures
A look at Birmingham’s history before the Commonwealth Games start
A local’s guide to Naples: pizza, palazzos and dancing under the stars
Restoration architect Mariano Mazzella knows where to find the best pizzerias, palazzos, bars and views of Vesuvius in Italy’s most vibrant city
How a holiday in Poland can help support Ukraine
Warsaw, Kraków and Gdańsk are home to atmospheric cafes, a history of resistance and a rich cuisine – and by visiting now you can boost Poland’s heroic efforts to help Ukraine
A local’s guide to Prague: the best beer, cool architecture and hunting for fossils
Actor and gallery curator Pavel Lagner leads us to Renaissance pavilions, fun cocktail bars and delicious, stinky cheese
I took the train to Brno, Czech Republic – here’s my guide to the city
We continue our celebration of Interrail’s 50th birthday with a visit to a relaxed, youthful city that’s deeply into music and food
A local’s guide to Lausanne, Switzerland: cafes and beaches on Lake Geneva
With its Alpine views, lakeside frolics and cafe culture, the Swiss city is perfect for a summer break, says novelist Caroline Bishop