For great-value city breaks, look past the capitals and big names; some of Europe’s liveliest cultural scenes are in its smaller cities

Ghent, Belgium

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Lyon, France

Musee des Confluences, Lyon.

Leipzig, Germany

The Spinnerei Galerien complex inhabits one of Leipzig’s old cotton mills.

Segovia, Spain

The cathedral at Segovia.

Porto, Portugal

A gallery in Rua de Miguel Bombarda, Porto Portugal.

Linz, Austria

Ars Electronica Center and Postlingberg Church, Linz.

Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Swing low … Showroom Mama is a hub for the modern arts scene in Rotterdam

Turin, Italy

Turin's Egyptian Museum has one of the largest collections of artefacts in Europe.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg’s Haga area is a warren of old buildings, cafes and small shops.

Belgrade, Serbia

KC Grad, a popular hangout for young travellers and local creatives in Savamala, Belgrade.