There is no denying that Europe is the most accessible destination for most international travellers.
Most avid seekers have been to Paris, London, Berlin, Amsterdam but Europe holds several other discovered and yet to be undiscovered gems. If you are going to Venice or Florence, why not pop over to Cinque Terre? Dublin? Hop in a car and head to County Galway.
Budapest? Try Hungarian wine country in Eger.
There are hundreds of Top things to do in Europe lists, so here is another for your future trip planning enterprises.
These cities are slightly off the beaten track, less touristy, cheaper, but still offer just as an amazing experience as all the most famous more well known cities.
1. Granada, Spain
Yes, they eat dinner at 10 pm, go to the clubs at 2 am, but Granada also is home to the very famous and amazing Alhambra Palace. An extremely amazing example of Islamic architecture built when Granada was ruled by the last of its Muslim Emirs. This is one of the best destinations to visit in Spain.
2. Riga, Latvia
A brilliant capital city where the sun sets past 10 om in the Summer. Don’t miss the turn of the century art nouveau architecture and lack of tourism.
3. Salzburg, Austria
The hills are alive in this gorgeous mountain community. Castles, parks, lakes and much more is afoot in the majestic scenery which is Salzburg. This city is also home to some of the best architecture, museums and art galleries in Europe.
4. Split, Croatia
Move over Dubrovnik, Split is the new new hotspot for summer travellers who want crystal clear waters, cheap accommodations and food and a place off most others radars. View more of my Croatia travel tips.
5. Eger, Hungary
Okay if you haven’t been to Hungary before, a couple days in Budapest is a must. But why not board a train to Hungarian Wine County? Eger is a very quaint town that is the gateway to the many varieties of red and white wine for which Hungary is fast becoming known.
6. Krakow, Poland
Poland still receives a fraction of the tourists compared to neighbouring counties. The cultural center of Poland, Krakow, was miraculously saved from destruction by the Nazi’s in WWII. Krakow is well worth a couple days of exploring. Auschwitz camps are an hour away for a sobering piece of history. View my Krakow travel guide.
7. Grasse, France
Perfume capital of the world smack in France’s Provence region with the fields of Lavender to awaken your 5 senses and only a half hour from the lively city of Cannes on France’s Cote D’Azur.
8. Istanbul, Turkey
The ‘must-see’ city in Europe currently. With the 500 + years of history, the mosques, the art, and the museums, Istanbul is worth a chunk of your next itinerary.
