This month’s Wanderlist features 30 places in beautiful, bohemian cities where you can spend warm days and cool evenings exploring their lively cultural scenes. If you love the romance of losing yourself in arty, atmospheric districts this one’s for you.
If you share Laurence’s passion for cool, contemporary style, you’ll love her three apartments in Caen’s cobbled centre. Caen is a great little French city to explore on foot so forget the car; the Cathedral, galleries and museums, restaurants, boutiques and Friday’s bustling market are all nearby.
Annalise and her daughter’s passion for decoration shows in every detail of their guest house and the artsy atmosphere they have created is a joy to experience. Head out and visit the Botanical Gardens where everything blooms, or Sunday’s vintage market at the Marina. With its Arab-Norman-Byzantine heritage, the history of Palermo is fascinating.
This typical Andalucian townhouse is based in the ancient Alameda district, perfect for exploring the jaw-dropping gothic cathedral, Alcázar palace, galleries, food markets and tapas bars. The fiery capital has long been renowned for its tapas and the evening tapeo (tapas bar crawl) is still central to social life in the city.
The National Portrait Gallery, the Playhouse and the Botanic Gardens are close, and you are a skip away from Broughton Street, which bustles with artisan cafes, irresistible restaurants and quirky shops. This beautiful flat dates all the way back to 1819 and has all its original features. It’s fabulous location and elegant interiors make it the perfect bolthole for a romantic weekend away.
You’ll stay in a gleaming Georgian townhouse that’s walking distance to the city centre. Browse the Kettle Yard Museum’s remarkable collection of modern art, enjoy a pint of ale in the Cambridge Union and try the renowned Chelsea buns from Fitzbillies, a city institution. There are also a handful of characterful cocktail bars dotted around, perfect for a post-dinner nightcap.
Add a little decadence with a stay at one of the original gin palaces of London. Start with brunch, then take a bus to leafy Holland Park, or pick up antiques at Portobello Market and Notting Hill. Shepherd’s Bush certainly has an arty vibe, thanks to the famous Bush Theatre and the concert venue Bush Hall – both of which have shows on all year round.
