Europe has plenty of travel destinations for globetrotters like you to choose from. However, there may be some that fly below the radar. It may be a great idea to plan your awesome European adventure in cities that are not named Paris, London, or Munich. Whether it’s traveling to one destination or a few, it’s possible to make it happen.
If you think about it, there are plenty of places in Europe that may not be as crowded. The question is: where?
1. Budapest, Hungary
One of the first destinations where you can find PU luxury hotel promotions and can enjoy Europe is Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. This place is known for being the “Paris of the East” and rightfully so. The architecture is breathtaking, and the nightlife is perhaps one of the most vibrant and underrated of any other city on the continent. You’ll also be paying a fraction of a lot of things compared to major Western European cities.
Public transportation is affordable, and the meals in Hungarian restaurants are satisfying without the sticker shock. Don’t be surprised that you’re vacationing like a royal, even on a budget, here.
2. Krakow, Poland
Poland is perhaps another underrated destination that should earn its rightful place on this list. Maybe it’s because it also is located in the Eastern half of Europe, where the cost of things is much cheaper than in the Western part of it. The Old Town section is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to numerous cafes, market squares, and old-style cobblestone streets. The accommodations here are also competitively priced, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to stay if you’re going to be here for a few days or a weekend, if you are traveling from one city in Europe to another.
If you are a bit of a cultural geek, you may want to give Polish food a try. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also worth trying out as well if you want something a bit more exotic. Imagine a hearty meal after spending the day touring the museums and cultural sites that Krakow offers.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has old-style architecture that is really eye-catching and has that modern charm that draws in travelers from many places. If you are someone who is a bit of a beer aficionado, you can smile at the fact that the prices are quite cheap here. Public transportation is also easy to use, so you can spend the rest of the day getting around the Czech capital without spending too much or getting lost. Take the day to visit the Gothic-era cathedrals and walk along the bridges that have been a part of Prague’s history for centuries.
This place is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. You’d be hard-pressed to find a destination that is steeped in history while also being one of Europe’s hidden gems.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Up to this point, we haven’t crossed into the Western part of Europe. Now, we venture to one of the most beautiful places in that part of the continent. Before you say anything, you don’t need to worry about the costs skyrocketing. Lisbon, for the most part, is one of the cheapest places of all Western European capitals. It’s no wonder that it has become one of the increasingly popular travel destinations in Europe (and will likely be a target destination for budget travelers or those getting away from the much crowded tourist destinations).
Portugal is known for its sun, sea views, vibrant culture, and much more. Imagine waking up and stepping out onto your hotel room balcony with the sea greeting you in the morning. You know it’s going to be an excellent day when that happens.
5. Porto, Portugal
Well to the north of Lisbon is the city of Porto. If you want to stay in the country and truly amplify your Portugal experience, this is the place. The best part is that the flights are cheap and you’ll be in Porto from Lisbon in less than an hour. Sometimes, going from one underrated travel destination to another has its advantages. If you think about it, you could spend the day in Lisbon and then jet out to Porto later on in the day (with the right planning).
Nonetheless, Porto offers that beautiful charm that Portugal could offer, but with a twist. You’ll be seeing colorful houses, trying out port wines that are a hidden gem, and riverfront views where the pictures don’t do it justice.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to travel to Europe but want to travel to some of the less frequently talked about cities, you’ll be glad that you have come across this. Whether it’s a trip to one city on a week-long itinerary, you’ll want to make sure these cities are on the list of places to go. With the right planning and strategy, your next European trip will certainly be a great one (and a memorable one at that).
