Looking to get away somewhere this summer but don't have much time and don't want to spend much? There are many European destinations that could be just right. Whether you're a family that enjoys outdoor activities, museums or eating out, you'll find some true gems that won't cost the earth.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is a Baltic beauty. A city of almost 1 million inhabitants, it's always a hive of activity yet still provides plenty of hideaways for those seeking a bit of peace and nature. Families will love visits to the Ethnographic Museum just outside the city centre, and Mezaparks park and zoo. The Museum sprawls across a vast plot of land on the shores of Lake Jugla. It features traditional farmsteads, churches and other historic buildings transported there from all across the country. You can let your kids run riot in the green fields surrounding the many quaint buildings, while building up your knowledge of Baltic history.
Mezaparks' highlight is the zoo, a modern adventure park with exotic animals from as far away as Australia. Next door is Kisezers lake where families can enjoy an array of water sports. The beauty is it's just a short tram ride away from the city centre.
Parents and kids will enjoy the new Riga Bourse museum showcasing historical art and artefacts from around the world. The Central Market is almost like a living museum in itself. Its pavilions are set in old zeppelin sheds. You'll be tempted to splurge on all the lovely fresh fruit and veg on offer for unbelievably cheap prices!
Some of the city's best family-friendly places to eat are Fazenda cafe and restaurant, Kitchen restaurant and Kukotava bakery and patisserie. As these places aren't smack bang in the city centre, visiting them will also let you see more sights.
Hotels offer good rates throughout the summer. Avoid the Old Town for accommodation as it tends to get very loud in the summer as tourists descend on the city to party till dawn.
Manchester, UK
Manchester is one of Britain's most cosmopolitan cities. Its multicultural community means there are almost always festivities and celebrations going on.
Kids will love the Museum of Science and Industry where you can let them roam free and try out all the interactive displays, while you either explore it yourself or sit back with a cuppa at the cafe. Families will also enjoy Manchester Police Museum with its exciting exhibitions on the history of policing from Victorian times to the 21st Century. You can also visit the IMAX cinema in the centre of town. All these activities are great if the weather doesn't treat you that well.
If you're hoping to spend time outdoors, head on down to the canals around the Castlefield area that has a rich industrial heritage that can now be explored.
Be sure to make at least one trip to the famous Curry Mile with the biggest concentration of ethnic South Asian restaurants in the UK. The best indicator of a good restaurant is the amount of people eating there. If it's empty, avoid it. The best ones reel in the experienced crowds.
In Manchester it's best to stay in a central hotel so you can avoid using public transport as much as possible. Surprisingly for such a big city, many areas are accessible on foot. Look for a Manchester Piccadilly hotel as the area's about as central as it gets.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is a Baltic beauty. A city of almost 1 million inhabitants, it's always a hive of activity yet still provides plenty of hideaways for those seeking a bit of peace and nature. Families will love visits to the Ethnographic Museum just outside the city centre, and Mezaparks park and zoo. The Museum sprawls across a vast plot of land on the shores of Lake Jugla. It features traditional farmsteads, churches and other historic buildings transported there from all across the country. You can let your kids run riot in the green fields surrounding the many quaint buildings, while building up your knowledge of Baltic history.
Mezaparks' highlight is the zoo, a modern adventure park with exotic animals from as far away as Australia. Next door is Kisezers lake where families can enjoy an array of water sports. The beauty is it's just a short tram ride away from the city centre.
Parents and kids will enjoy the new Riga Bourse museum showcasing historical art and artefacts from around the world. The Central Market is almost like a living museum in itself. Its pavilions are set in old zeppelin sheds. You'll be tempted to splurge on all the lovely fresh fruit and veg on offer for unbelievably cheap prices!
Some of the city's best family-friendly places to eat are Fazenda cafe and restaurant, Kitchen restaurant and Kukotava bakery and patisserie. As these places aren't smack bang in the city centre, visiting them will also let you see more sights.
Hotels offer good rates throughout the summer. Avoid the Old Town for accommodation as it tends to get very loud in the summer as tourists descend on the city to party till dawn.
Manchester, UK
Manchester is one of Britain's most cosmopolitan cities. Its multicultural community means there are almost always festivities and celebrations going on.
Kids will love the Museum of Science and Industry where you can let them roam free and try out all the interactive displays, while you either explore it yourself or sit back with a cuppa at the cafe. Families will also enjoy Manchester Police Museum with its exciting exhibitions on the history of policing from Victorian times to the 21st Century. You can also visit the IMAX cinema in the centre of town. All these activities are great if the weather doesn't treat you that well.
If you're hoping to spend time outdoors, head on down to the canals around the Castlefield area that has a rich industrial heritage that can now be explored.
Be sure to make at least one trip to the famous Curry Mile with the biggest concentration of ethnic South Asian restaurants in the UK. The best indicator of a good restaurant is the amount of people eating there. If it's empty, avoid it. The best ones reel in the experienced crowds.
In Manchester it's best to stay in a central hotel so you can avoid using public transport as much as possible. Surprisingly for such a big city, many areas are accessible on foot. Look for a Manchester Piccadilly hotel as the area's about as central as it gets.