Some of the best cities to visit in Europe are small. Here is my list of five small European cities that I love to visit.
Small European City #1 – Salzburg, Austria
Three reasons why I chose Salzburg, Austria as my favorite small city in Europe. First – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was from Salzburg. You will learn a lot about him when visiting there. Second – the mountains. Salzburg is located on the border near Germany, on the edge of the Alps. It is located in a beautiful region. In Salzburg, a huge fortress overlooks the city located on a mountaintop. Third – music. Salzburg is where the Sound of Music was filmed. If you like the movie, visit the city. Salzburg is packed full of sites. “I went to Salzburg and was bored”, said no one EVER! Sure it is a little touristy. There is a reason, Salzburg is awesome.
Small European City #2 – Rothenberg, Germany
Located in Bavaria, Rothenberg is the best-preserved medieval city in Germany. Rothenberg is a popular place to visit, and it is touristy, especially in the summer months. Busloads of tourists pack this small city during the day. The best way to visit Rothenberg is to arrive early, fight the crowds throughout the day, and spend the night. The city empties in the evening. Wander the empty streets and explore every nook and cranny of this wonderfully preserved city. Make sure to visit the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas store. Do a little shopping in this one-of-a-kind holiday place.
Small European City #3 – Bruges, Belgium
Many travel books will tell you that Bruges is better than Brussels. It is true – much better. What Rothenberg is to Germany, Bruges is to Belgium. It is an unbelievably well preserved medieval city. So much to see and do there, and it has wonderful food, chocolates, and beer. Take a canal tour – a great way to see this city. I have been to Bruges many times, and always have a wonderful time while there. Make sure you visit one of the breweries when visiting and pick up a special glass as a souvenir. I have a chalice glass that I bought over 20 years ago and that I still use today.
Small European City #4 – Colmar, France
Colmar is located in the Alsace region of France near the German border. I have visited Colmar many times and always enjoy experiencing this wonderful small city. It contains half-timbered houses, a walkable city center, and a world-class museum. Colmar is a great launching pad if you want to tour the Alsace wine road. I have taken many people to Colmar and they all respond the same way. WOW! What a wonderful place to visit.
#5 – Haarlem, the Netherlands
Haarlem is located just 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train. It is a fun small city nearby. Haarlem contains great architecture, churches, city gates, and squares. Located in Haarlem is one of my favorite breweries, Jopen. It was built in an old church, they make divine beer here. Word to the wise – buy another beer glass here.
Three quick questions about small European cities
- The small city I want to revisit the most – Girona, Spain. This place blew me away when I visited.
- The new small city I want to explore soon – Verona, Italy. It includes a Roman arena that they still use.
- The obscure small city I want to discover – Plymouth, England. Great place to start my trip to Cornwall.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.