Travel

While many travelers often flock to larger destinations for city breaks or long-term stays, smaller cities provide an abundance of unique experiences. Monocle magazine has curated its selection of the world’s best small cities, known for offering an optimal mix of cultural richness and space for relaxation. Here are the top five destinations on its list.

Nov 30, 2019 • 8 min read

Endearing yet slow, Russia’s old-school sleeper trains are gradually being replaced by a new generation of faster daytime trains, reminiscent of those utilized throughout Europe. Moreover, a gradual transformation of smaller cities and towns, long overlooked, creates opportunities for adventurous travelers to discover this captivating region in Russia. In particular, Russia’s northwest is now more accessible than ever, with new Lastochka trains connecting key tourist destinations. This triangular route begins in St Petersburg and links Petrozavodsk in Karelia with the ancient cities of Novgorod and Pskov to the south.

Unlike their revered, rail-bound cousins, long-distance buses are often viewed as a necessary evil rather than a rewarding travel experience. These unsightly, lumbering machines tend to be associated with discomfort and the very worst in musical radio.