4 Fabulous Second Cities
Capital cities! Across the world, great metropolises draw huge crowds year round. Weโve had our fair share of wonderful capital city experiences and still love them. BUT, capitals can be crowded, expensive and time consuming to get around. So, let’s mix it up a little! Why not visit one of the many very cool second cities. They can actually provide a more authentic experience, being smaller, with less crowds and queues for attractions. Enjoy our suggestions of 5 โmust doโs in 4 fabulous second cities of Porto, Bruges, Krakow and Cuzco.
Visit for a weekend city break or incorporate into a longer trip. Weโve found our 4 fabulous second cities offer many of the same cultural highlights as their big sister capitals and more in terms of good value accommodation and eating out.
Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugalโs second city is around 3 hours drive from Lisbon and has rapidly risen in the ranks of European destinations in recent years. Itโs amazing to think it was established by the Celts, ruled by the Romans and was provisionally the capital before establishing itโs own identity.
With itโs mix of old and new, itโs setting on the river Douro is hard to beat for a weekend jaunt(from within Europe) or as part of a longer trip to Portugal. Itโs great value for visitors and benefits from plenty non stop flights from across Europe. On arrival, take the Line E (Purple) which runs from the airport into town every 20 or 30 minutes.
Use Our How to plan 3 days (4 nights) in Porto post for more details of things to do and see.
5 Must Do’s In Porto
- Explore the city from up high. Explore on foot and, if you can, climb the 200 steps of the Torre dos Clรฉrigos for panoramic views of the city and itโs many bridges.
- Take a tour on the Gaia cable car. A fun excursion for all ages, the cable car is centrally located and lasts 5 minutes. An Adult ticket is 6โฌ single / 9โฌ round trip.
- Go Wine-Tasting. If you enjoy wines, book a tasting and delve into the rich range of Portuguese wines and of course Port.
- Get lost in Bolhรฃo Market. Yes, itโs a bit rundown (we like to call it authentic), crammed with local farmerโs produce, flowers, and fish of the day! Over 100 years in operation, itโs worth making time to enjoy the experience.
- Spend an evening in Ribeira. Admire this colorful part of town from an outdoor terrace of a local restaurant. The views are gorgeous – Don Luis I Bridge and the Vila Nova da Gaia where cellars sparkling with night lights.
Where to Stay in Porto
We stayed at Pestana Hotel right on the waterfront.ย This was a great location and by choosing to travel out of season in late April, you can take advantage of great rates. ย Check out our TPoP Tips Post on snagging a deal to help you find that ‘cant’ beat deal. ย
Bruges, Belgium
For the second of our 4 Fabulous Second Cities, we’re continuing our medieval theme. On to Belgium and beautiful Bruges. This ancient city in North West Belgium is surrounded by canals and distinctive gothic brick buildings, connected by cobbled streets and countless bridges.
With a population of around 100,000, itโs the perfect size for exploring without getting overwhelmed.
How to Get to Bruges
Itโs easy to get to Bruges by train, car or plane. Oostende-Brugge (OST) airport is around 30 minutes from the city, but we travelled with Eurostar.
The station is about 20 minutes walk to the main Centre and easy to navigate. Coming from London by Eurostar, you transfer in Brussels to a domestic train but itโs all one ticket so super easy.
5 must do’s in Bruges
- Walk the historical city. In the year 2000, the entire historical city was designated UNESCO protected and when you arrive in the Market Square you’ll see why. Check out the Belfry, 83 meters tall, and if you climb to the top you will get an amazing birds eye view!
- Book a chocolatier class. Well, weโre in Belgium and we love chocolate, so why not. There are many different classes on offer. Of course, if you prefer, there are many places just to sample and buy chocolate. We did both!
- Hire bikes and cycle along the city ramparts. This is a great 7km route with a cycle path that takes you out of the main center and past medieval city gates, Lovers Bridge, Gunpower Tower and more. Itโs a relaxing ride so soak up the pretty city views and snap some great photos as you leisurely pedal along.
- Crisscross the many bridges. There are some stunning bridge spots around the city to meander over and enjoy at all times of the day. The stone Meebrug Bridge built in 1390 is one of the most romantic as sun sets. You will likely pass over the main Augustijnenbrug with its three arches, originally built to give the friars a path into the city.
- Sip a local Belgian Beer. With a global reputation for great brewing, it would be an oversight to leave without sampling the local brew, whether a beer drinker or not. There are a couple of brewers downtown to sit and taste away, or if you are a fan, visit a brewery to learn more about this ancient craft.
Where to Stay in Bruges
We stayed at theย Navarra Hotelย in the centre of Bruges.ย This was another great location with superb breakfasts.ย
Krakow, Poland
It’s time to check the next stop o our 4 Fabulous Second Cities ideas. Another city with a legacy of once being the capital and seat of Polandโs royalty, Krakow sparkles with pride and so it should.
After several visits we find the city, the second largest in Poland, has nurtured its past while embracing a path forward as a modern city. There is so much to do and see – at least a long weekend for a first visit.
We flew from London with BA, but there are cheaper and likely better options from regional airports around Europe. The airport is 17km from the city and the airport train takes you directly there. If you arrive late (it doesnโt run after midnight) then a taxi with flat rates is the best bet.
Weโve also taken the train from elsewhere in Poland to Krakow. Book tickets on-line via Polish Trains Site. You’ll arrive right in the centre.
5 must do’s in Krakow
Start Your Day With a Sip a morning cappuccino in Rynek Gลรณwny.
This medieval square is huge! Occupying 40,000 square feet. Many walking tours start here. Observe locals start their day as you listen to traditional polka melodies and debate which of the many restaurants, shops and bars youโll head to later!
You will see plenty of stalls with wood carvings, amber jewellery and ceramics that reflect traditional crafts. But, they are pricey here, so shop outside the center for more affordable prices eg. in Kazimierz.
Next Walk the Royal Route to Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Work off a hearty breakfast as you make your way up from the river Vistula to the elevated site of the stunning 14th-century castle. The views over the city are fantastic. You can tour the castle and then visit Wawel Cathedral, pivotal in Polish history – religious and royal!
After a Break, Pay Your Respects. Visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory and Kazimierz (The Old Jewish Quarter). These are extremely emotional and difficult experiences but on the other hand, paying respect to those who suffered, was a โmust doโ. Schindlerโs Factory houses a display of the horrors of the time and how the owner worked to save 1200 Jewish citizens.
Trips from Krakow
A short drive out of town takes you to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Both Ruby and I found it extremely difficult trying to absorb the atrocities here and we will never forget the images encountered.
Another out of town trip to try is to Go Underground to the Wieliczka” Salt Mine! Bus tours take you out to the worldโs longest active salt mine but thereโs so much more than just seeing dark caves. Hundreds of incredible sculptures from salt reflect Polandโs culture – past to present – you can even get married in a grand hall underground! Yes! all carved out of salt.
Try Some Polish Treats!
Eat Polish food and toast with Polish Wodka. Krakow has grown in stature in terms of contemporary cuisine as well as offering traditional โheavierโ options such as pierogis. Numerous places will try to tempt you in around the main square but go a little further afield into Kazimierz or check out where locals like to go to eat and you will likely find more memorable restaurants. And, meet some locals!
Where to Stay in Krakow
We happily recommend both hotels we’ve stayed at: ย Hotel Francuski 600m from the train station and right on the main old city. ย And Art Garden Residence ย – about a 10 minute walk from the main square.ย ย
Cuzco, Peru
Our final of the 4 fabulous second cities we love is in the heart of Peru!
So, getting to Cuzco can either involve a plane ride or a long bus trip from the capital Lima where most international flights land.
Flying here is a bit of an adventure as the airport is nestled in a steep valley. Pilots who fly in/out of here need a special certificate because they have to do it manually. The flight over the Andes from Lima has to be experienced as words just donโt do it justice.
Okay, Cuzco wonโt be a sole destination for most of us! Most likely youโll be here for a few days en route to or returning from Machu Picchu. At an elevation of 3,399 m (11,152 ft) above sea level, itโs important to prepare in case of altitude sickness when planning your visit.
But, this Inca built city is a fascinating exploration of Peruvian Andean history and 21st century mountain life in the country and in our Top 25 places weโve visited.
5 must do things in Cuzco
Start with a Stroll around Plaza de Armas.
Originally established by the Incas, everyday life buzzes around you on all sides of the square. Spanish colonialists constructed the Cathedral of Cusco and Inglesia de la Compania de Jesus, both protected as world heritage sites. There are many coffee shops around the square so take a break as you adjust to the altitude. Donโt forget to try an empanada! Cheap, delicious and sold everywhere around the city.
Next Admire views and artwork in quaint San Blas Neighborhood
A 15-20 mins walk from the main square, San Blas holds a special place in the hearts of locals with its outstanding views that inspired painters and artists for centuries. A great spot for sunset too!
Shop for Souvenirs in San Pedro Market. A short walk from Plaza de Aramas, this is when your Duolingo efforts to learn โun poco espanolโ will be rewarded.
The market is fantastic to explore in the morning with food and handicrafts from local and other regions of Peru. Alpaca scarfs, hand sewn pachamama dolls, fresh avocados and more empanadas tempt at every turn. Do bargain, itโs the custom!
Things to Do Outside Cuzco
Be astounded in Sacsayhuaman.
Just 2 kilometers away from central Cuzco sits an incredible Incan era Ceremonial Fortress. Built with stones so large, historians believe each would have required 1000s of men to move them into place.
Despite centuries of neglect and earthquakes, the quality of stonework remains evident. Some walls are 5 meters wide and 4 meters thick and we thought Aberdeen’s granite walls were robust!
Star Gaze at the Planetarium. Tucked in the hills that surround Cusco this small facility, offers a brilliantly unique place to learn about Incan astronomy as well as stargazing. It is a personalized experience as itโs small with limited numbers, so do book in advance. You can take a shuttle for the 2 mile ride from the Plaza de Armas.
Where to stay in Cuzco, Peru
We stayed at Casa San Blas,ย a small boutique hotel, tucked in a side street, with rooms that had fantastic views to the mountains.ย
Fun Point! Hotels offer a delicious coco tea (legal here) to help with you combating high altitude! Pop the kettle on ๐
