10 of the most interesting, innovative and sustainable cities in Europe for a citytrip this summer
No plans for the summer yet and up for making a citytrip in Europe? These ten cities, some of which are more established destinations and some others rather unknown, will most definitely please you.
1. Valencia: parks, city and sea
Valencia has it all. Buzzing citylife, large beaches of which some are more popular and others more hidden, a historic beautiful town and buildings that are architectural masterpieces. Though what sets Valencia even more apart is the spacious feeling one can have here. It’s less touristic than some other Spanish cities, but the large availability of greenery and parks such as the Jardín del Turia, a former river that was turned into a park, makes this one of the most interesting destinations for a citytrip in Europe. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
2. Berlin: innovation, fashion, art and sustainability
In almost any field regarding sustainability and innovation, Berlin is showing the way. The rich cultural and art scene in this city is reinventing itself time over time. When it comes to fashion, Berlin is showing the way to a more ethical and slow way of doing things. Whether its great food, shopping, art, music concerts, local life or something else you’re after, Berlin is always a good choice. And in summer the city gets particularly lively, an ideal moment to go into some local neighbourhoods of the city and soak up the innovative atmosphere. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
3. Ghent: beautiful historic town and great veggie food
Ghent remains quite undiscovered, even though some major travel blogs have been recommending it over the years. It’s one of Belgium’s most authentic cities, with a beautiful historic town, charming canals and young and active citizens that are open to the world. It’s one of Europe’s capitals when it comes to vegetarian and vegan food, but not just that, it’s a city with an incredible amount of social and sustainable initiatives. If you want to see the city in full action, you’d have to go when the festival “Gentse Feesten” is held, a time in which the city turns into one big scene of music, culture, art and more. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
4. London: state of the art in all fields and a specialty coffee haven
London is certainly one of the most famous citytrip destinations. But while during the year London’s weather can get quite annoying, the summer is a great moment to discover another spirit of London. London is blessed to have state of the art innovation in almost any field, including sustainability. Summertime, with the parks shifting to the center of life, foodtrucks, open air festivals, markets and more, gives a great view on the city. Moreover, London remains one of Europe’s specialty coffee havens, so please, skip all those chains and go and check out what the Londoners are doing. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
5. Barcelona: so many different sides to this city
In 2016 Barcelona will be once again Europe’s most visited city. Though we recommend to skip the touristic part of the city. Leave those selfie-sticks, tourist buses and segways for what they are, and go to discover the other sides of Barcelona. The huge veggie scene, the booming craft beer, slow fashion, specialty coffee, cultural and local scene. With a city that is very walkable, go into some of the more local neighbourhoods and visit some of the small and independent stores and eateries. You’ll discover real and authentic Barcelona, and will certainly fall in love with that part of the city, and Barcelona’s citizens with you. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
6. Budapest: history, craft beer and wellness
Budapest is innovating quickly. Young entrepreneurs are starting initiatives in various areas of society, and often go back to the roots (such as quality and authenticity). The craft beer scene is booming in Budapest, but so are many other fields. But Budapest also remains a beautiful historic town, with a strong focus on wellness and aesthetics. Budapest’s citizens are welcoming and active, making it a great place to go, socialize and learn about the real life in this up and coming city. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
7. Antwerp: the ultimate summer feeling in a city
Antwerp is perhaps one of the least known cities in this list, even though it’s one of Europe’s most active ones, including when it comes to sustainability. Some of Europe’s most innovative specialty coffee places can be found in this city, but the main reason to check them out in summer is the event held here, called “Zomer van Antwerpen“. Various summer bars, cultural events, open air dancing, music and other events create an intimate, festive, and wonderful summer feeling. When the sun hits the city, the citizens can be found outside. Won’t remain this undiscovered for much longer we suspect. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
8. Milan: authentic Italian food, local life and greenery
Milan is quite known as a fashion destination and for its economic importance, but less so as a travel hotspot. It might have fewer typical highlights in the city as for instance Rome and Venice, but Milan offers wonderful local life. Get out of the heart of the city and wander in the local streets. You’ll encounter the incredibly friendly Milanese people, the huge amount of pure, authentic Italian eateries working with regional, organic and seasonal products. And as a small nice extra: Milan’s citizens make it one of Europe’s most green cities thanks to their provision of plants about everywhere. A real surprising destination if you go for the local life. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
9. Vienna: dynamic and and diverse
Perhaps Vienna has a quite static image. And even though the old town of the city quite meets this image, other areas in the city are really buzzing with dynamism and diversity. Sometimes the city resembles Berlin, other times Prague, but it’s just Vienna. Vienna is innovative and accessible, with quite some local cafés, independent shops and a rich cultural life. Don’t miss these local areas of the city, they’re the best part of Vienna. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
10. Madrid: buzzing city that is never disappointing
The midst of summer is not a great time to check out Madrid cause it can get really hot here. But for instance September is perfect to discover this city. Friendly citizens from all around Spain and the world, a buzzing city, but still with quite some local charm, that is Madrid. Madrid is also one of Southern Europe’s innovative leaders, whether it’s in the fashion, culture & art or foodie scene. No beach in Madrid, but the abundance of parks and the citizens creating a warm atmosphere outside make it a must visit city in Europe. If you go, don’t forget to check these places.
For other cities and sustainable places and projects in Europe, check out goodgoal.org. For more sustainable news and travel tips, give a like on our . Cheers! 