Every tourist planning to visit Europe looks at cities like Barcelona, Paris, Rome, London and other popular cities on the continent. But do you know there are many hidden yet amazing places you can explore? This is especially for people who enjoy their own company and try to avoid crowded places as much as possible.
Check out 10 non-touristy places you can visit in Europe
- Peniscola, Spain
Peniscola is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Perhaps the fact that it is hidden helped preserve its beauty. The fortified city features medieval castles, natural reserves, Mediterranean beaches, and past museums. This great place is just about three hours’ drive from Barcelona. So, you can retreat here after a fair dose of the hustle and bustle the city of Barcelona offers.
- Galway, Ireland
The Irish city of Galway makes it to our top non-touristy places in Europe. Many tourists visiting Ireland often head straight to Dublin, making a few side trips to popular places like the Cliffs of Moher. However, they are missing on this calming and very peaceful city. A great place for your much-needed getaway, if you ask us.
- Moldova
Maldova often ranks first and sometimes second on the list of the least-visited country in Europe. Despite some of the amazing tourist attractions there, one might wonder why the country is not a hit for most tourists. It is believed that the country hasn’t been intentional about tourism, especially because it has been struggling since independence. Moldova is located just in between Ukraine and Romania. Moldova has really great vineyards and wineries. So, if you’re a sucker for great wines, here’s where to find one of the best.
- Toulouse, France
Toulouse is often time the place many residents of Paris think of when they want to escape the bustling city for a while. This is not a mere coincidence. The sunny town, located in the South of France, offers them serenity with many attractions ranging from the local delicacies to the museums and galleries. Join any of the award-winning tours to France to see what the town has to offer. You surely will not regret it.
- Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small country bordered by Belgium, France and Germany. Despite that these neighbouring countries attract a tonne of tourists from time to time, Luxembourg has gone unnoticed over the years. It is especially strange knowing that this country has so much to offer with its rolling forested hills and medieval castles. The Upper Sûre National Park, Mullerthal Park, and Chateau de Vianden are attraction centres that offer you nothing short of what you would get in the popular places and cities.
- Brno, Czech Republic
Many travellers and tourists often limit their exploration to Prague when they visit the Czech Republic. Little do they know that Brno, the country’s largest city after Prague, holds many experiences they would long to relive. The city hosts many national cultural heritages of the Republic. You will have a good time exploring the Brno Underground, the Spilberk Castle, which was formerly the major royal castle in Moravia and the seat of the Margraves of Moravia. The city is no less exciting than Prague itself
- St Wolfgang, Austria
Located about 30 kilometres east of Salzburg, St Wolfgang is a small village located at the tip of Wolfgangsee Lake. the city is famous for the iconic views of the lake, gothic churches and many more. You can travel from Prague to Vienna by train to explore this hidden gem of Austria.
- Riga, Latvia
Surprisingly, many tourists do not have their eyes on Riga despite being the host to some of the largest and most impressive art nouveau architecture in the whole of Europe. Riga is your best bet if you’re looking to tour the best of Europe’s art nouveau architecture and escape the crowd.
- Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Located in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, the Lauterbrunnen valley houses more than 70 waterfalls. This large nature reserve is a paradise for lovers of unspoiled nature. You should plan your visit during winter for a wholesome experience. You surely will like it and long to return some other time
- Braga, Portugal
Braga is the third largest city in Portugal and is about 1-hour journey away from Porto by train. Braga is home to several historical attractions in Portugal, including the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Consider spending a few days in Braga to explore the beautiful Guimaraes castle or hike in Paneda-Geres National Park.
All these places and many more promise you as much fun as you’d get in the popular cities and places. So. why follow the crowd when you can personalise your travel itinerary and enjoy your adventure with your very few loved ones?
