summary
- Visit Bruges, Belgium for a unique canal experience and experience the charm of Venice without the crowds.
- Visit Cambridge instead of London for a less crowded vacation spot with lush scenery and beautiful architecture.
- Discover Granada, Spain, a cultural gem alternative to Barcelona, with stunning mountain views and beautiful architecture.
Europe is full of cool summer destinations, hidden gems, and plenty of culture to explore around every corner. Exploring Europe’s best locations will be an adventure you’ll remember forever. However, it tends to get stuck in tourist-oriented areas. Fortunately, there are alternatives out there that offer a similar experience.
Ticket prices are calculated from New York City. More popular tourist cities often cost less per round trip than the alternatives we recommend, but that’s because they’re more off-the-beaten-path spots. Please rest assured. You will save money on lodging and food once you arrive.
France’s hidden gem is Europe’s Grand Canyon
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Les Gorges du Verdon, Europe’s very own Grand Canyon. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
7 Skip Venice, Italy to Bruges, Belgium
Visit the ‘Venice of the North’ and sail through the canals avoiding Venice’s crowds
Millions of people visit Italy, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. If Venice’s idyllic canals beckon, consider Bruges, Belgium. There are so many great things to see and do as you walk the streets and cruise the canals. You can also enjoy the atmosphere of Venice without the crowds. Plus, you’ll have the chance to drink Belgium’s most famous beer.
6 Skip London to Cambridge, England
When you’re invited to London, think of Cambridge, where you can enjoy the idyllic scenery of England without the crowds.
London is a very beautiful city, but the city center can be very crowded, especially in the summer. Why not consider Cambridge, England instead? Cambridge is home to lush, vibrant greenery, stunning architecture, and plenty of opportunities to cycle through the city center and see it all. An ideal holiday destination in the UK.
High-speed rail is one of the best ways to get around the UK and a great way to make the most of your time. If you don’t want to choose between London and Cambridge, no problem. Look at both!
Five Skip Barcelona to Granada, Spain
With its stunning mountain views, Grenada is an ideal alternative to Barcelona.
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations and is constantly visited by tourists, but overtourism and unruly visitors are a problem. There’s no doubt that Barcelona is beautiful, but there are several options to experience Spanish hospitality and charm without the crowds.
Granada is an idyllic mountain paradise nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is a cultural gem, with stunning monasteries, museums and churches.
10 most exciting things to do in Navarre, one of Spain’s hidden gems
Navarra is one of the most magnificent, historic and beautiful places in Spain, as well as a hidden gem. These are some of the best things to do in Navarre.
Four Skip Prague, Czech Republic to Tbilisi, Georgia
The old Silk Road city of Tbilisi is a smart alternative to bustling Prague
Prague is regularly visited by many foreign tourists. This Eastern European city arguably has some of the best architecture and best food in the region, but it can get very crowded at times. If you want a little more peace and just as much culture, check out Tbilisi, Georgia. Georgia’s capital offers plenty of activities, great wine, and great hospitality.
3 Skip Lisbon, Portugal to Split, Croatia
Split is a jewel of the Adriatic and the perfect place to experience a similar Lisbon atmosphere.
Lisbon, Portugal has some undeniable charms, but it is the country’s most popular tourist destination. Lisbon has great food, a beautiful coastline, and a great culture, and Split has the same characteristics, with stunning water views and plenty of great things to see and do. Festivals are always held and the city is lively.
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city: |
lisbon |
Split |
|
Main features: |
Coastline, great restaurants and vibrant nightlife |
adriatic, festival, architecture |
|
Airfare: |
$819 |
$797 |
|
Main highlights: |
Tower of Belem |
diocletian’s palace |
2 Skip Berlin, Germany and head to Budapest, Hungary
Skip cool and sophisticated Berlin to historic and creative Budapest
Berlin is one of the most exciting cities in all of Europe, with great nightlife, great history, and an exciting atmosphere that you’ll remember forever, but it can also be crowded with tourists. If you’re looking for another option with plenty of activity options, including hot springs and beautiful architecture, Budapest is the place for you. Additionally, there are several other things to see and do in other parts of Hungary.
1 Skip Paris, France to Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria is as romantic and world-class as Paris
Paris, France may be synonymous with eternal love and romance, but Vienna, Austria is just as stunning. Paris is one of the most visited destinations in Europe and is visited by millions of tourists each year.
In Vienna, you’ll find an incredible variety of things to see and do, allowing you to experience the best of Europe without the crowds, plus take part in Vienna’s fantastic café culture and see some of the best architecture in Central Europe.
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city: |
Paris |
vienna |
|
Main features: |
History, food and romantic atmosphere |
Majestic churches, palaces and cafe culture |
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Airfare: |
$603 |
$766 |
|
Main highlights: |
eiffel tower |
hofburg palace |
