'I've travelled all over Europe. Here's why I recommend its "second cities."'

I've ticked off all the big-name cities in Europe — Rome, Paris, London — and yet some of my favourite memories and experiences have happened in Europe's 'second cities'.

These are the cities with all the character and charm, minus the tourist mobs and inflated price tags. Think of them as the cooler, more laid-back siblings of Europe's capitals—the ones throwing a backyard BBQ while their big brothers host a stuffy black-tie dinner. They're full of surprises, local flair, and enough personality to make you wonder why you ever thought Berlin was the only option (spoiler: it's not).

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So, forget ticking boxes and start exploring the cities that don't try so hard to impress. Here are five to start with.

Hamburg.

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If I could sum up Hamburg, I would say it's a city blending its industrial past with its contemporary, fast-paced European identity.

There are fewer fairytale castles and cobblestone squares and more waterfronts with photogenic red brick buildings and canals. There's a mix of classic art nouveau architecture, with a gothic cathedral here and there, but lots of sleek modernist structures too.

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The food scene is equal parts fancy and fun. You can splurge at The Table, a three Michelin-starred restaurant with a single communal dining experience or keep it casual at one of the city's legendary food halls. Start with Le Big Tam Tam, a visual representation of a retro-design Pinterest board, packed with street eats the locals can't get enough of. Pro tip: Try the fish roll at Underdocks. Trust me on this one.

The beauty of Hamburg is its size—it's big enough that every neighbourhood feels like its own mini city. Schanzenviertel and Karolinenviertel, once working-class hubs, are now where the cool kids hang out, offering vintage shops, cafes, and plenty of places to sip craft cocktails. For something a bit fancier, head to Rotherbaum near Alster Lake. It's a leafy enclave of pre-war mansions and quiet wealth, but you don't need a trust fund to enjoy the lakefront strolls.

Ljubljana.

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Ljubljana might just be the perfect European city. With cobblestone streets, mediaeval charm, and a river that screams romance, it's like Paris and Prague had a chilled-out cousin.

Add in a killer food scene that's still delightfully under the radar, and you've got yourself the perfect European escape. Even better? Lake Bled, one of the most photographed spots on the continent, is just a quick 45-minute trip away.

For sweet tooths Fetiche Patisserie is a must. Think Cedric Grolet-level artistry without the €20 price tag. And don't leave without trying moji štrukjli, Slovenia's answer to comfort food: soft, cottage cheese-filled dumplings that cafés serve by the plateful.

Watch: Some of the delicious food in Ljubljana.

Slovenia's slow food ethos runs deep here, with menus ruled by the seasons. If mushrooms aren't in season, you won't see them. Simple as that. Innovative yet unpretentious, the chefs are cooking up food worth travelling for.

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Bonus tip: The city's top chefs come together for Odprta kuhna (Open Kitchen) festival, every sunny Friday from March to November. It's a great way to sample the city's top restaurants for around €10.

Gothenburg.

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Stockholm might get all the love, but Gothenburg is just as deserving. Sweden's second city is transforming into a hub for modern living, tailored to today's tastes. While it's not as walkable as Ljubljana, public transport is a breeze, and it's been named the world's most sustainable destination seven times.

It has all the usual tourist staples—museums, botanical gardens, and stunning architecture—but so much more. Liseberg amusement park (voted best in Europe), feels straight out of a 1920s movie and is especially magical during the holidays.

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In Gamlestaden, a neighbourhood with roots in its slaughterhouse days, you'll find Wine Mechanics, Sweden's first urban winery, and Cityysteriet, a chic urban cheesemaker.

In the historic Haga neighbourhood, you'll find some of the city's oldest buildings, cafés perfect for Swedish fika, and locally-owned boutiques offering everything from handmade soaps to knitted mittens.

And then there's Feskekörka. This "fish church" is part seafood haven, part design wonderland, where you can slurp oysters in style. Gothenburg is Stockholm's cool, creative sibling, and it's absolutely worth the visit.

Cork.

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Cork has plenty of reasons to steal the spotlight from Dublin. For starters, it's easier on the wallet — cheaper dining, cheaper transport, cheaper everything.

It's also the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the countryside and Ireland's most colourful coastal towns like Kinsale, Clonakilty, and Cobh. Not to mention, Ireland's most famous castle, Blarney Castle, is just a short drive away.

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While Dublin has its share of museums, Cork's butter museum is the real MVP. The city was practically built on butter, and you'll see its influence everywhere — including The Montenotte, a chic hilltop hotel that once belonged to a butter baron, complete with a restaurant even the locals rave about.

As Ireland's official food capital, Cork has no shortage of Michelin-starred dining, alongside standout Italian, Japanese, and vegan eateries. Don't miss the English Market, Ireland's oldest covered food market, where you can sample the best local bites.

Glasgow.

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Honestly, I loved both Edinburgh and Glasgow, so if you can, visit both, they're just an hour apart. That said, Glasgow brings a grittier, cheekier vibe, less about poetry and more about personality.

Case in point: the statue of the Duke of Wellington in Royal Exchange Square. It's not the Duke himself that's iconic, but the traffic cone perched on his head. This quirky tradition started in the 1980s, and no matter how often authorities remove the cone, locals always sneak it back. It's peak Glaswegian humour in a nutshell.

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Culture is Glasgow's calling card. As a UNESCO City of Music, live gigs are practically a way of life here. There's no shortage of museums, but when the rare Scottish sun makes an appearance, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a gorgeous spot to enjoy it. I also recommend a street art walking tour to explore the city's iconic murals.

Thanks to the large student population in the city, there are plenty of cheap eats. Think neon-lit ramen bowls and messy, mouthwatering burgers galore. Yet, it's not all casual dining. The city's more polished side shines with award-winning restaurants and bold international flavours.

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