Seeking Destination Suggestions
 

Went to Portugal a couple of years ago based on Fodor recommendations and absolutely loved it, so I’m back for suggestions for my next Europe trip :)

Will only have time to visit one city this time round, with maybe a day trip away.

Hoping to find somewhere
- pretty/scenic (prefer old towns/architecture over nature)
- with good food
- walkable, or with very easy public transportation
- with plenty of interesting things to see or do
- with good history (but not really into art/museums)
- preferably not too expensive
(just preferences - not strict criteria!)

Currently researching Budapest, Prague and Croatia (not sure where exactly) based on first impressions, but not sure how well they fit the above descriptions.

All thoughts and/or suggestions very much welcome! Thanks in advance :)

August? January?

Amsterdam
Edinburgh
Barcelona

... or umpteen others.

Naples is an inexpensive city in Italy, with plenty to see and do, and Pompei is quite close by train.

If you use AirBnb or rent an apartment it can be inexpensive to stay in Verona or Padova, both of which are quite pretty and have interesting things to do and see, and also have excellent train connections for short trips to beautiful small Italian towns.

Likewise Ferrara, and even Pisa can be quite a good but inexpensive bases for exploring amazing towns in Italy using the trains, and they each have wonderful architecture and secret corners.

(Maybe I should add that of the cities I mentioned above, only Naples is comparable in size in Lisbon. But the others are rich in atmosphere, have a variety of sights, plus extremely easy and short train rides to neighboring towns and cities with yet more beautiful architecture and fascinting things to see, do and eat)

What type of year? Are you OK with very hot weather or cold weather? Do you speak/understand any other languages?

Without knowing anything about the above or you I would reco as fantastic cities that are not too expensive: Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Munich - or areas such as Alsace (Strasbourg, Colmar and wine villages easily moving from one to another by train or bus).

Thanks for all the suggestions so far!

This will probably be in June and I'd prefer somewhere not too cold.

No language skills other than English unfortunately