Bologna, Italy
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna. Photo: mauritius images GmbH / Alamy When I imagine Bologna, it is always bathed in golden hour light that makes its walls glow red. But what lies beneath the surface is just as enchanting. Exploring the university’s small and quirky museums reveals ancient courtyards. Diving into hidden doors and archways leads to secrets – or food. Live music and discussion evenings in the main square. And the welcome. On my last trip I watched locals chat passionately, take turns taking stools in Piazza Maggiore. Not trusting my Italian, I declined an invitation to contribute, but happily accepted the cherries being handed out to the crowd. Siobhan Maher
Lucca, Italy
In Guinigi Tower. Photo: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy Lucca in Tuscany has deep roots and many surprises: a Roman amphitheater transformed into a square with cafes and shops. The city walls were never breached in the war, so now you can cycle the entire 4km. The city fascinates with every visit – from holly trees atop the Guinigi Tower to cartoon exhibitions. The music is eclectic – daily Puccini recitals in churches or international rock stars playing in the city squares or walls. The maze of medieval streets reminds it of the past, but it has the ability to change its face, perhaps as a result of overcoming competing Italian medieval city-states to remain independent. Rosie Edwards
Melilla, Spain/North Africa
City walls and harbor in Melilla. Photo: William.M/Alamy Melilla, the Spanish enclave on the north coast of Morocco, is a remnant of Spain’s colonial past with a character determined by its geography. Facing the Mediterranean on one side and the Rif Mountains on the other, and surrounded by a formidable border fence, it is definitively multicultural, with Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu communities living side by side with a large force of Spanish legionnaires. The urban landscape is equally diverse: the streets of small Moroccan houses give way to wide boulevards with art deco wonders. It is even home to Africa’s only genuine Gothic church. Weird really doesn’t come close.Digby Warde-Aldam
Belgrade, Serbia
Skadarlija, a neighborhood in Belgrade. Photograph: Alamy We’ve just returned from Belgrade – unlike any other European capital and an unexpected treat, from the shabby but charming old town perched between the Sava and the Danube, to the new town with a stunning array of futuristic modern architecture that includes striking examples of concrete brutalism . Everywhere we went, the people were unmistakably kind, simple and helpful. Public transport is ubiquitous and easy to use (who doesn’t love an hour and a half of unlimited rides for 50p?), making the city and its unusual attractions easy to explore. Easy to reach by plane or train and a great base to explore the Balkans if you have the time and energy. William Gage Profile
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Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Amphitheater of Philippopolis. Photo: Maya Karkalicheva/Getty Images Plovdiv is charming. The beautiful Roman amphitheater provides a backdrop to the snow-capped Rhodope Mountains – we enjoyed an afternoon there, a friendly wedding shoot that adds to the romance. The custodian at the Bishop’s Basilica gave us a private tour of the acres of magnificent mosaics and everywhere the welcome was spontaneous and warm. We kept seeing trees and bushes adorned with red and white bracelets called “martenitsa” – we learned why when another guard put a pair on our wrists. Martenitsa brought happiness and Plovdiv certainly did that for us. Bruce
Cadiz, Spain
Plaza de San Juan de Dios, Cádiz. Photo: Luis Dafos/Alamy Visit Cádiz – Andalusia concentrated in a densely developed, highly photogenic old town, reputed to be one of the oldest settlements in Europe. It is full of history, flamenco, gardens and bastions, towers and squares. The quality of the food is consistently high, from a dish at the Mercado to modern high-end restaurants, all with an emphasis on local produce. Outside the Land Gate is the modern town with the mile-long Playa de la Victoria and a wide variety of chiringuitos, tapas bars and fish restaurants. Or take a ferry across the bay to El Puerto de Santa Maria, the closest of the three sherry triangle towns, for a wine tasting or a visit to the three-star Aponiente or its more modest sister restaurant. Jane McGurk
Wales, Somerset
Vicars’ Close, Wells. Photo: Zefrog/Alamy England’s smallest city, Wells, with its Gothic cathedral, is at the heart of this tiny metropolis, with its clock famous for its 24-hour astronomical dial originally set for knights playing every quarter hour. Enter Vicars’ Close, said to be the oldest purely residential street in Europe, and admire the old Deanery herb garden. Walk through the historic gates of the unfinished porch into Wells Market. And take a walking tour of the film location – the town has featured in many productions, including Hot Fuzz. Hayley Robinson
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Traditional Bosnian coffee. Photo: Bepsimage/Getty Images The most memorable city I have visited was Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and an incredibly beautiful, welcoming and culturally rich place with much more than its tragic recent history. From the historic and fascinating bazaar – Baščaršija – that runs through the heart of the city, to the beautiful mountains that surround it, there is so much to see and explore. We met many kind people in the sidewalk cafes, willing to help us understand more about the rich local food and traditional Bosnian coffee. It’s not a city that seems to be talked about much, but it’s not like anywhere else I’ve ever been. Rachel
WINNING TIPTtarragona, Spain
Tarragona is known for its sandy beaches and Roman remains. Photo: Gerold Grotelueschen/Getty Images Tarragona is one hour south of Barcelona by car or train. As Barcelona’s poor cousin in fame and wealth, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s unworthy of our attention. But you would be sadly mistaken. Everything is on your doorstep and most of it within walking distance: beaches for those who need their tan. an old quarter to while away the afternoon sipping vermouth amongst stunning Roman ruins (arguably the best in Spain). and some cheap but excellent bars and restaurants along la Rambla. We stayed at the lovely Pigal Hotel in the heart of the city in a double room with balcony for £60 a night in July. Nigel Maguire Use the comments to share details about exciting cities you’ve visited
