5. Gothenburg, Sweden
Sure, Stockholm has the sophisticated reputation, but don’t discount gritty Gothenburg (Göteborg) from your Swedish wish list. Situated on the west coast, it’s the second largest city in the country and noticeably more laid back than the capital. Gothenburg is a renowned foodie paradise. This is where celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson grew up, and the array of cafes, restaurants, bars and bistros is impressive. Not surprisingly, seafood dominates the tastes in this waterfront city. As a bustling university town, there is a thriving arts, culture and sports scene here. The annual film festival and Metaltown music festival also put Gothenburg on the must-see map.
6. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia doesn’t always make the cut on people’s European vacation plans, but its small capital city of Ljubljana warrants a visit. It’s one of the greenest cities in the continent, with a car-free pedestrian-friendly historic center. The river is spanned with elegant bridges and lined with eclectic cafes. The town boasts architecture from a wide range of styles, including Roman, baroque, Gothic, renaissance and art deco. Ljubljana castle watches over the town like a mighty fortress. This city hosts over 10,000 cultural events annually, and has an edgy alternative arts and music scene. Head to the Metelkova neighborhood to explore cutting-edge contemporary nightclubs, galleries and artist studios.
