Germany and France are the most famous destinations in the world of travel and Paris and Rome are well known globally and attract an average of millions of visitors each year. From the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to the Colosseum and Vatican City, these cities are still popular for good reason. But for different European sights, travellers can head off to a lot of lesser known places that are historic, beautiful, have a whole lot of history, a lot of people and have good culture and some really great places that all too often do not have so many people.
A decade or so later European cities are still largely unrepresented but some of the best overlooked European destinations are worth visiting from medieval towns and coastal escapes to mountain towns and picture-perfect villages.
Ljubljana, Slovenia: A Charming Capital Surrounded By Nature
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is a good place to go for travellers who want to enjoy the city attractions and also be close to nature. The compact city centre is known for its riverside cafes, bridges, historic buildings and easy pedestrian access.
Ljubljana Castle looks out over the city and has panoramic views of the surrounding area. Tourists can also use the city as a base to see Slovenia’s natural attractions (Lake Bled and Julian Alps). Its laid back aspect makes it particularly attractive to those who can travel at a slower pace.
Porto, Portugal: Colourful streets and Riverside Views
Porto is an alternative to Lisbon, Portugal's better-known capital. It is situated along the Douro River and is known for its colourful buildings, historic streets, bridges and port wine cellars.
Ribeira is one of the city’s most atmospheric areas, with narrow streets and buildings on the river. The trip might also be on the Douro or in the wine-producing region nearby.
Porto mixes history, food and architecture with a relatively compact city centre, making it convenient for a short European holiday.
Krakow, Poland: History, Architecture And Culture.
Krakow is one of Poland’s most fascinating cities and offers travellers a chance to engage with centuries of European history. The Old Town of the city is centered in the Main Market Square and home to historic buildings, churches and traditional cafes.
Wawel Castle is another main attraction, while the former Jewish district of Kazimierz is known for its historical character and cultural atmosphere. Krakow can also be a base for visiting important historical sites outside the city.
The destination is particularly attractive to travellers interested in history and architecture.
Kotor, Montenegro: A Dramatic Adriatic Escape.
As long as one is in Montenegro for mountains and sea in the same place, Kotor is an eye catching place. The ancient town lies just on the opposite shore of the Bay of Kotor and is surrounded by mountains.
Stilettos, narrow streets and historic churches are everywhere in the Old Town. When hiking one can climb the ancient fortress above the city to get panoramic views of the bay.
Kotor is a contrast to Europe’s more visited coastal destinations in terms of Mediterranean landscapes and historical architecture.
Ghent, Belgium: Medieval Charm Without The Crowds
Ghent, Belgium’s Ghent often gets less international attention than Brussels and Bruges, but it is a perfect mix of medieval architecture and modern city life.
The city’s historic centre has canals and old guild houses and landmarks like Gravensteen Castle. Ghent has a large student population so it is more modern.
Travellers can explore much of the central area on foot while discovering cafes, museums and local food along the way.
Tallinn, Estonia: A Fairytale Old Town.
Tallinn has a different European culture with its charming medieval Old Town. The Estonian capital has cobbled streets, historic towers, colourful buildings and views above the city.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and very atmospheric during the colder months. Tallinn also has a strong contemporary food, design and technology scene beyond its medieval centre.
The combination of historic place and modern culture makes the city an appealing destination for travellers seeking something different.
Mostar, Bosnia And Herzegovina: History And Scenic Beauty.
Mostar is known mostly for the historic Stari Most, or Old Bridge, that spans the Neretva River. Modern Ottoman architecture meets Mediterranean and dramatic surroundings.
Walking through the old town allows visitors to discover stone streets, traditional markets and historic buildings. The surrounding area offers visitors the chance to visit waterfalls, mountains and other natural places.
Mostar is especially suitable for travellers who want to combine cultural exploration with scenic experiences.
Plan beyond Europe’s famous Capitals
Visiting Europe doesn’t have to mean visiting the continent’s capital cities. Smaller cities and lesser known places can give equally memorable experiences while introducing you to local customs and regional foods and distinctive landscapes.
We will need to study seasonal weather, transportation and accommodation prices in order to determine a trip itinerary. Some are really popular in summer and some are easier to visit in shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.
For Indian travellers, visa requirements for the Schengen Area and individual European countries should also be checked before booking flights and accommodation. Flight connections can vary dramatically depending on the destination, so combining nearby cities into a single itinerary can sometimes make a trip more convenient.
From Ljubljana's riverside streets and Kotor's dramatic mountains to Porto’s colorful neighbourhoods and Tallinn’s medieval roads, Europe’s lesser known destinations offer a lot of opportunities to travel beyond Paris and Rome. And for those who don’t have to get lost on the tourist map of Europe, these cities can make an everyday European holiday a more unique one.
