Some cities are bold and in your face, some cities reveal themselves slowly as you turn a corner or emerge from a door. When I travel I’m drawn to places where I can wander slowly, not rush. It is totally possible to visit someplace for a few days and still come back relaxed and happy. Cites, or towns and villages, where you can spend an afternoon simply walking and noticing, or sitting in a pretty cafe and people-watching are places that stay with me long after I’ve returned home. The colours, shapes and scenes inspire me so much and being able to illustrate these beautiful places makes my heart happy.
Architecture
Many European destinations have beautiful well-preserved old towns which I find particularly appealing. The buildings hold layers of history in their stone, plaster and brick. They feel lived in rather than staged. I’m always intrigued by the stories of the people who called these places home over the centuries. The tapestry of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles found in cathedrals and town houses combined with the colourful pastel palette of the surrounding buildings, with the intricate doors, the black wrought-iron railings, and window boxes filled with vibrant flowers are the details that catch my eye and naturally find their way into my designs. One such place is Lucca in Italy which utterly stole my heart.
Walkability
Walkability plays a huge part in how I like to experience a city, especially on shorter trips. I’m drawn to places where everything feels close enough to explore on foot, where streets are designed for people rather than traffic. Walking allows you to slow down and notice the details that are easy otherwise like a hidden courtyard, a tiled street sign or a cute cafe in a quiet squares These moments are the ones that stick in your mind long after you return and I find it so much more satisfying that ticking attractions off a list.
Details you only notice when you slow down
Slowing down is when the real character of a place reveal itself. When you’re not rushing from one sight to the next you start to notice the details that give a place its personality. The shutters left slightly open, the date carved into the hidden doorway, the laundry hanging above a narrow street, the hand-painted sign fading in the sun. You might spot a a flower basket of pinks and oranges, patterned tiles on the floor of an old church, bicycles resting on the ancient walls or the worn steps of an old doorway. Immerse yourself in the winding lanes and alleys, the bustling squares and the cute and colourful cafes. This is where you really feel the vibe of the place, you see how different cultures live, and how the locals go about their day.
Colour palette
As an illustrator, colour plays a powerful role in how I see a destination. Many European cities have a natural pallet shaped by age, materials and light. Soft pastels, warm stone, muted greens and sun-faded tones sit comfortably alongside one another. The colours have developed time influenced by local materials and tradition. As you walk through a city you start to notice how one street differs from the next. A role of pink painted buildings, terracotta rooftops glowing in the afternoon light or weathered shutters in shades of sage and blue. The golden light of late afternoon, as the sun begins to set, or the pastel tones of the rising sun mix the buildings look particularly beautiful and it’s the perfect time to go for a stroll.
Unplanned exploration
Some cites and towns seem to almost invite you to slow down. They are the places where it feel natural to take a turn down an unfamiliar street, linger a little longer in a quiet square or follow the curve of the city wall just to see where it leads. There’s no pressure to rush or tick things off a list. The pleasure comes from moving at an easy pace and immersing yourself in local life. These are the places where getting slightly lost feels like part of the adventure and where the most memorable moments come from simply allowing yourself the time and freedom to explore.
Every city and town has its own rhythm and character and the ones that stay with me are those that reward curiosity and slow exploration. From the textures of old buildings to the colours of sun-warmed streets, from hidden details to winding lanes that invite wandering, it’s the small, often overlooked elements that make a place memorable. Short trips don’t need to be rushed to be fulfilling. Sometimes all it takes is slowing down, noticing and letting their city reveal itself. These are the moments that stay long after you return home along, and convince you to go on and book another trip.
