Paris
,
Barcelona
,
Amsterdam
,
Venice
,
Berlin
Europe’s top city destinations are swarmed with visitors for valid reasons.
However, as we manage this sensitive period for travel, during which various locations are reacting against overcrowding from tourists,
News Globe
aims to highlight under-the-radar destinations that are currently open and inviting tourists.
We’ve been engaging in this quite frequently recently.
After
Venice
doubled
its day-tripper tax
To €10 (£8.30), we explained how you can visit it.
small but charming neighbour
instead. Last month, after
Barcelona has declared a new tourism district.
, we presented your favorite selections from our readers
underrated Spanish cities
.
This week, we invited you to tell us about lesser-known European cities that are frequently ignored. These suggestions will also be added to our travel wish list.
Readers from News Globe share their thoughts
Subscribe to The Getaway mailing list
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.
Sign up here
.
Firstly, Craig Jones had high praise for
Ljubljana
,
Slovenia
is the nation’s capital and most populous city. Vânia Ricardo concurred, referring to the Central European country as a ‘jewel.’
Renowned for its picturesque Old Town and relaxed café scene, Ljubljana stands out as remarkably budget-friendly when contrasted with other major cities in Europe.
For comparison, a three-course meal here could cost approximately €25 (£21.25). A big pint of beer would be about €1.62 (£1.38).
In Paris, things unfold differently. At a moderately priced eatery, dinner might set you back anywhere from €35 to €70 (£29.76 to £59.51) per person. For a pint of beer, expect to pay approximately €6.50 (£5.53).
A few years back, Linda Taylor visited Slovenia and mentioned that the capital city stood out as a highlight during her trip.
She exclaimed, “I was amazed at how affordable everything was, including meals, beverages, and lodging. The historic district is located along the river, and sitting there sipping wine while engrossed in my book made me feel incredibly serene. I’m certainly planning to return sometime.”
Linda suggests that if you have some free time, Kranjska Gora is worth checking out. This Alpine destination in northwestern Slovenia is popular among skiers.
Further to the east, Kate Silk was fond of Ohrid in
North Macedonia
The inland Balkan nation shares its borders with several well-known vacation destinations like
Greece
,
Albania
and
Bulgaria
, which means it frequently gets overlooked.
Yet, a single search about Ohrid and you’ll promptly start arranging your trips: the town features Ottoman-period residences painted white along its shoreline, with its historic center also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Many of our readers from Bulgaria have been enthusiastically talking about
Plovdiv, the ancient city with the longest continuous history in Europe
Up north in the Baltic region, Angela Jane Holding suggests
Tallinn, Estonia’s fairytale capital
.
Three holidays in one
News Globe
recently took a
deep dive into Lithuania,
The small nation known as Europe’s ‘hidden gem.’ Due to its location, it serves as an ideal destination for vacations encompassing multiple countries.
In December 2023, Lithuanian Railways launched a daily service with trains running from
Vilnius
to
Riga
, the capital of
Latvia
You can arrive at the city in merely six and a half hours, with second-class tickets priced at €24 (£20).
After spending a few days exploring the area, take a five-hour train ride to Tallinn, completing your tour of the three Baltic countries in one journey. The tickets are equally affordable, costing €30.50 (£25.30).
Meanwhile in
Scandinavia
Robert Edwin Wareham emphasized Århus.
Denmark
’s second largest city.
The Danish capital,
Copenhagen
gets all the accolades, yet many argue that Århus possesses an ‘edginess,’ making it a top choice for Generation Z travelers.
In addition to its historic districts, breathtaking rooftops, and acclaimed cafes, Århus also boasts beautiful shores and lush woodlands. How could anyone resist such charm?
In another instance, Rob Whitehead argued in favor of Valletta, which serves as Malta’s capital city.
The previous year, the Mediterranean island had been
leading hot spot for the summertime
, owing to its pristine white sandy shores, crystal-clear azure waters, and picturesque cliff trails.
News Globe’s
Chris Rickett
was always one step ahead, having explored Malta back in May 2023. He generated some impressive inspirational material, including a
crammed schedule for exploring the nation within 48 hours
.
Italy stands out as one of Europe’s premier travel destinations, yet many visitors converge on well-known attractions such as
Venice
,
Rome
and
Lake Como
.
Reader Steve Tucker invites you to cut some slack for the major destinations and explore Lucca in the Tuscany area instead.
Angela Jane Holding concurred, though she is not yet prepared to disclose what she refers to as one of Italy’s most closely guarded secrets. She hinted, ‘Keep this under wraps.’
The saying goes that sharing is showing care.
And lastly, Campbell Hendry expressed his affection for Leipzig.
Germany
. He said: ‘It is a beautiful city. I was there at Christmas several years ago, and in the train station were loads of shops selling Christmas decorations.’
He similarly characterized the city as possessing ‘a number of beautifully adorned structures,’ whereas Linda Reed mentioned that Leipzig was ‘up next’ on her itinerary.
Been to Leipzig and eager to explore more of Germany’s allure?
News Globe’s
Sophie May Williams
has spent years
exploring Bavaria
.
Featuring fairy tale castles, extensive woodlands, and stunning vistas of the Alps, Sophie suggests visiting Würzburg for its wines, Rothenburg ob der Tauber for its architectural beauty, and Sommerhausen as a charming hidden treasure known for its festivities.
An enticing getaway to a dual-city destination
If you’re dreaming of Paris but constrained by your budget, Bucharest in Romania has earned the title of
‘Paris of the East.’
The city received its moniker visually due to its architectural resemblance to Paris, France. Among the numerous structures inspired by French design, the most prominent example is the Arcul de Triumf, which mirrors Romania’s take on the iconic Arc de Triomphe.
Following your stay in the capital for a few days, take a train journey to Brasov, located in the Transylvania region.
News Globe’s
Alice Murphy
she cherished her experience in the city, praising it for its perfect blend of old-world allure and urban contemporary living.
Brasov features embroidery of medieval structures such as the Gothic Black Church and the Council House, and it also houses Rope Street, which holds the title of being the narrowest lane in Romania.
The journey from Bucharest to Brașov by train lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with ticket costs varying from £5 to £14.
What activities can you enjoy in Ljubljana?
Similar to numerous compact capital cities, Ljubljana tends to be underestimated. This petite and cozy urban center features an array of terraced cafés, open-air markets, quaint lanes, and delightful façades, all bathed in serene tranquility.
No matter if you choose to leisurely wander through the stone-paved lanes throughout your day or admire the ancient castles and vibrant 1800s architecture, you will question why you hadn’t come earlier.
The historic Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, might be the most appealing and charming section of the city. It is also home to numerous tourist spots worth visiting.
This encompasses the Triple Bridge, connecting the Old Town with Prešeren Square, the heart of the city. Additionally, there’s Ljubljana Cathedral, Ljubljana Castle, and the Ljubljanica River Canal, offering a 45-minute to one-hour boat cruise for as low as €10 (£8.49).
The capital city of Slovenia boasts a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary landscape, merging classic tastes with cutting-edge methods. In 2021, Slovenia received the title of European Region of Gastronomy.
While eating throughout the nation, you’ll encounter Alpine, Mediterranean, Pannonian, and Balkan flavors. You can find substantial stews, soups, and pastries such as Prekmurska gibanica and potica at numerous cafés and eateries across the town.
What activities can you enjoy in Leipzig?
News Globe
Reader Tom Thornton is a resident of Leipzig, having relocated here from elsewhere.
Isle of Wight
three years ago.
As we approach the warmer seasons, he suggests visiting Palmengarten and Clara-Zetkin-Park. ‘These verdant areas are ideal for enjoying picnics and unwinding during the afternoon,’ he remarks.
For family outings, Zoo Leipzig is a favored destination. Situated in the heart of the city, visitors can admire tigers, elephants, and flamingos for a regular admission price of €24 (£20.44). For those watching their budgets, Tom shares a tip: “Most days, I stroll through the park adjacent to the zoo, where they maintain clear views of the giraffes by keeping the trees well-trimmed.”
Unknown to those who aren’t from around here, Leipzig offers a delight for quick-service food lovers. If you’re looking for a late-night Döner, Tom highly recommends a cozy spot named Olive Tree. According to him, it was so delicious that he ended up eating there twice in one evening. A standard kebab at this place costs just €4.50 (£3.83).
When it comes to nightlife spots, no visit to Leipzig is considered complete without stopping by Beyerhaus.
‘It’s my all-time favorite pub,’ Tom remarks, calling it ‘a large historic structure with excellent energy.’
He highlights Am Kanal, the go-to pub for locals, where you can enjoy an outdoor seating area and observe the boats passing through the canal. The prices are affordable here as well; a 0.5-liter serving of pilsner costs €4.20 (£3.50).
For those who appreciate Classical, Baroque, and Romantic music, Leipzig will be akin to a kid in a candy store, being recognized as the musical hub of Germany. The city not only witnessed the birth of Richard Wagner but also employed notable composers such as Bach, Mendelssohn, Bartholdy, Schumann, and Mahler.
During the complimentary walking tour of Leipzig, you will discover various musical eras and gain insight into what daily life was like for a composer.
To enhance your experience, each June brings a complimentary classical performance at one of the city’s parks. This event features the esteemed Gewandhaus Orchestra, and their lineup for this year comprises pieces by Johann Strauss II, honoring what would have been his 200th birthday. “Regardless of whether classical music is typically your preference, it stands out as a significant highlight within the Leipzig events schedule,” remarks Tom.
What activities can you enjoy in Lucca?
The Tuscan region of Italy has consistently attracted visitors seeking picturesque rolling hills, exceptional cuisine, and renowned wines. Additionally, it is the cradle of the Italian Renaissance.
While cities such as Florence, Siena, and Pisa often top the list, an excellent alternative is Lucca.
Situated in the Serchio River Valley, this medieval town is encircled by a varied terrain including the Apuan Alps to the north and west, and lush woodlands to the south. The historical city walls serve not only as significant landmarks but also function as favorite paths for hikers and cyclists, offering excellent views of numerous 16th-century palaces.
Explore the Piazza Anfiteatro, which used to be an ancient Roman amphitheater, and ascend the Guinigi Tower for breathtaking overlooks of the city.
The winding streets and stores in the heart of the city provide a charming setting for an evening walk, whereas the lively Piazza Napoleone offers
the
place to savor Tuscan cuisine.
If you’re craving something comforting and hearty, consider trying Pappa al Pomodoro, a delicious bread and tomato soup. Meat lovers might enjoy the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a hefty, barely cooked charcoal-grilled T-bone steak seasoned minimally. Accompany your meal with a glass—or perhaps even two—of fine Tuscan wine.
News Globestaff share their top picks of lesser-known ‘hidden treasures’
Television correspondent Pierre Willix and travel editor Alice Murphy represent Ireland with pride. Pierre endorses Galway, whereas Alice has a soft spot for Cork.
Pierra has a fondness for Innsbruck in Austria and Funchal in Portugal, whereas our video editor Chris Rickett adores Arosa, located in Switzerland.
Rosy Shearman points out that Tallinn and Gdańsk provide ‘significantly cheaper flights and Airbnbs when compared to most other places in Europe.’
Regarding Noora Mykkanen, she had a fondness for ‘beautiful’ Lyon. She mentioned that it was ‘much easier to navigate compared to Paris,’ yet it maintained a similar atmosphere to the City of Light.
Ellie Hutchings mentioned that ‘Ghent is far more pleasant and peaceful compared to Brussels.’ Meanwhile, Chris Buswell recommended Akureyri in Iceland, describing it as ‘extremely beautiful and very calm, with the added bonus of being able to spot the Northern Lights.’
Luke Bright advocated for visiting Spain, stating, “Both Vigo and A Coruña are definitely worth seeing.”
Tori Brazier finally mentioned that Regensburg in Germany is ‘one of the most breathtaking locations I have ever seen.’ She further commented, ‘The city has a distinct Austrian-Italian flair – surprising for me since I spent my childhood in Germany yet somehow unaware of this place until now!’
To receive exclusive weekly travel news, features, and inspiring content directly in your inbox, subscribe to News Globe’s The Getaway newsletter.
Leave a Reply