Looking for some uncrowded hidden gems in Europe? Lucky for all of us, the continent is packed full of mysterious cities and secret landscapes that are the material of legends, especially for those of us who grew up an ocean away.
Who among us hasn’t dreamed of strolling the streets of Paris when reading about the Belle Epoque, fantasized about exploring the Acropolis in Athens when learning about Greek mythology, or imagined being awestruck by the Colosseum in Rome?
Beyond these iconic landmarks, though, there are endless hidden gems in Europe to explore, and if you have a chance to get off the beaten path during your trip to Europe, you most certainly should.
Having been lucky enough to spend years traversing Europe and even enjoying a year or so living in Portugal, we’re well aware that the number of gorgeous places to visit in Europe without crowds numbers into the thousands, and is indeed much longer than the continent’s (admittedly also long) list of hotspots.
To broaden this blog post beyond our personal favorites, we teamed up with several other travel bloggers and asked them a simple question: if you were recommending your favorite European hidden gems to travelers from a different part of the world, who aren’t intimately familiar with all of Europe’s nooks and crannies, where would you suggest they go?
The answers stretched across the continent, from a remote Scottish island to capital cities that are far less visited than heavy hitters like Paris and London.
And, of course, we mixed in a few of our own favorite places to go in Europe off the beaten path!
Here are some of the best hidden gems in Europe–plus what popular destinations you can combine them with for the ultimate trip.
Table of Contents
Wonderful Western Europe Hidden Gems
Mechelen, Belgium
From Tea Gudek Snajdar of Culture Tourist
Located in the heart of Flanders, right between Brussels and Antwerp, you’ll find the charming small town of Mechelen.
Mechelen is as beautiful as some of Belgium’s more famous towns, but it’s not as crowded with tourists. That’s why you should definitely add Mechelen to any list of the best hidden gems in Europe!
Back in the 16th century, Mechelen was a prominent place, and served as the capital of the Low Countries (roughly today’s the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg).
With so many beautiful old buildings, you can still feel the history on every corner.
Most of the city center is a pedestrian zone, so you can easily wander around. The most interesting attractions in Mechelen are the Large Beguinage (which is under UNESCO protection), the Hof van Busleyden Museum, and Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral. Be sure to climb the cathedral’s tower for a fantastic view of the city.
If you enjoy beer, be sure to visit Het Anker Brewery and try a local Gouden Carolus beer.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
You can easily visit Mechelen on a day trip from Brussels.
It’s easily reachable by train from there, and it will take you around 30 minutes to get Mechelen from Brussels.
Though it’s a bit further, you could also reach Mechelen in 1-15.5 hours from Ghent.
Isle of Lewis, Scotland
From Susanne of Adventures Around Scotland
Rugged and beautiful, the Isle of Lewis is located off the northwest coast of Scotland and forms part of the Outer Hebridean island group. It can be reached in just over 2 hours by taking a CalMac ferry from Ullapool on the Scottish mainland.
Lewis is at the heart of Gaelic culture, and many inhabitants are native Gaelic speakers. The island has a variety of historic attractions worth visiting, including the 5000-year-old Callanish Stones, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, and Dun Carloway Broch.
The island’s main town of Stornoway is well-equipped with supermarkets, independent shops, a cinema, theatre, pubs, cafes, and restaurants, many of which specialize in locally caught seafood.
The island is also home to many beautiful beaches and walks, including clifftop trails where it is possible to spot whales and dolphins in the surrounding sea.
For a close-up view of the marine wildlife, you can also join a local boat tour.
Finally, a visit to Museum nan Eilean is a must. In the museum, you can view 6 of the highly detailed Lewis Chessmen, part of a hoard of 93 pieces which were found on the island. It is believed they are gaming pieces dating back to the 12th century.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
The Isle of Lewis can easily be combined with a city break in Inverness, which is located about a 90-minute drive or bus journey from the ferry port at Ullapool.
Guernsey, Channel Islands
From Teresa of Brogan Abroad
Guernsey is a completely underrated destination in both the UK and Europe as a whole.
Located in the English Channel between Britain and France, this beautiful island is part of the Channel Islands archipelago.
This is the sort of destination that tends to surprise visitors. The pristine beaches, the spectacular cliffs, and the emerald green waters are the kind of sights that you’d expect in a Mediterranean island.
Let’s not forget St. Peter Port, the main town, with its beautiful harbor and quaint narrow streets decorated with bunting.
With so much to do in Guernsey, the island is a real gem of a place, and you will feel like you’ve discovered a very well-kept secret travel destination in Europe.
Guernsey has recently been enjoying a bit of the limelight thanks to the popular book and film The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, which is based on the island.
The actual filming locations are in mainland England, but, as the story is set during a historic time for the island, and you can take tours that show you around the places the book is based on.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Guernsey is not near any big destinations, but if you are traveling to London, you can combine your visit with a two-day escapade to Guernsey, as direct flights are just over an hour.
Château de Fontainebleau, France
From Theresa of Fueled By Wanderlust
The Château de Fontainebleau is a magnificent French castle that flies under the radar compared to tourist magnets like Versailles.
This chateau is unique for its diverse rooms and corridors, which result from the varying tastes and styles of French monarchs spanning 800 years.
A visit to Château de Fontainebleau offers travelers a chance to sample the grandeur of French palaces without competing for space with thousands of people. It is also less expensive to visit than Versailles, which is a plus for travelers visiting France on a budget.
Château de Fontainebleu is also the only castle that every French ruler called home–for 800 years straight. Between the 12th and 19th centuries, the rooms of Château de Fontainebleu were ornately designed for the likes of people like Napoleon and Marie Antoinette, and were the backdrop for royal life events from marriages to births.
As you wind your way through the long halls of this castle, you’ll see the contrasts in styles for yourself, along with beautiful antiques, artwork, and tapestries.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
A visit to Fontainebleau is the perfect addition to a Paris trip.
Simply hop on the Transilien train from Paris’ Gare de Lyon station, and take the hour ride to Fontainebleau-Avon station. From there, take the Aerial 1 bus to the Chateau stop, and the castle is just a two-minute walk further.
If you’d rather have the context of a tour or are hoping to squeeze more into your day, this popular day trip to Fontainebleau also stops at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a chateau and garden so beautiful that it inspired the construction of Versailles!
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
From Frankie of As the Bird Flies
Hoping to ditch the crowds and storybook canals of Amsterdam and get a different perspective on Dutch life?
Rotterdam is considered the Netherlands’ second city after Amsterdam, and a visit there can easily be added on to a trip there. The distance between the 2 cities is just a short 45-minute train ride!
Despite the proximity, Rotterdam is very different. This is immediately obvious as a short stroll from Rotterdam Centraal Station will show you how much wider the streets are and how much more modern the architecture is.
As Europe’s main port and once the biggest harbor in the world, Rotterdam was heavily bombed in the Second World War.
As rebuilding began in the decades that followed, Rotterdam’s architecture took on a life of its own. The city’s famous cube houses are just one example. There really aren’t many other places in Europe that have such a varied and unusual cityscape.
As well as a tour of Rotterdam’s harbor and architecture, there are many other cool offbeat things to do in Rotterdam.
You can explore the city’s street art scene, walk along the community-built Luchtsingel (a raised walkway and bridge, similar to New York’s Highline), and you can take a food tour that includes some of the international cuisine available in Rotterdam.
Since Rotterdam is home to over 170 different nationalities, making it on paper more multicultural than Amsterdam, the city is very proud of its diversity, including in its food.
While there is a semi-serious rivalry between Rotterdam and Amsterdam, those from Roffa (the local nickname for the city) will always see themselves and their city as much cooler than Amsterdam could ever be, and you may find it’s hard to argue with them!
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Rotterdam can easily be combined with a trip to popular Amsterdam.
Though it can be visited as a day trip (and the train is the best way to get there), you may find yourself tempted to stay longer!
Ring of Beara, Ireland
Want to drive one of Ireland’s magical ring roads… possibly without passing any other cars while you do?
If so, skip the Ring of Kerry and head right to the Ring of Beara (conveniently located on the next peninsula over from its more famous cousin) instead!
With an atmosphere that feels far more remote than what you’ll find on the Ring of Kerry or even on the Dingle Peninsula’s Slea Head Drive (which is easily one of our favorite spots in Ireland), Ring of Beara feels like paying a visit to a very different side of Ireland.
Be sure to stop by the adorable village of Castletownbere for a quick walk and lunch, and to pull off the road at Dzogchen Beara, a Buddhist meditation center that is open to visitors and whose grounds boast some of the most beautiful views on the Ring of Beara.
(And if you do stop in Castletownbere, consider having lunch at McCarthy’s and then reading the travel memoir that’s named for it! The food was tasty, too.)
Combine This Hidden Place in Europe With…
The Ring of Beara is located on the peninsula just east of the Ring of Kerry in southern Ireland, and is fairly easy to fit into a traditional Irish road trip.
You can drive the Ring of Beara in a day, and Kenmare or even Killarney make good bases to depart from.
Offbeat Places to Visit in Southern Europe
The Towns of the Bologna Apennines
From Lori of Travlinmad
If you love Italy and are looking for a new, more offbeat destination to visit, with more Italians and fewer tourists, consider a trip to the small towns of the Bologna Apennines.
The Apennine mountain range runs the length of Italy from the north in Liguria, down the peninsula into Sicily, with landscapes ranging from craggy and mountainous to rolling green hills.
The hills near Bologna featured here are also referred to as the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, since they straddle the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.
Tucked between the hills and valleys are dozens of small towns, called borgos—many of them hundreds of years old and indeed some with few residents—that still reflect the history and very local culture within each one. It’s quite possible to find locals who have never strayed far from their own town in quite some time, if ever.
Angelo nastri nacchio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Towns like Monteveglio and Lizzano in Belvedere are delights to discover, though the real joy here is to travel without a checklist.
Equally fascinating are the unexpected, out-of-place architecture like Rocchetta Mattei, castles, markets, B&Bs, trattorias, and even Michelin-star restaurants that make you shake your head and wonder why more adventurous travelers aren’t there!
Traveling the Apennines is indeed for adventurous travelers: those who aren’t afraid of not speaking the language or knowing exactly where they’re going.
While a good GPS and Google Translate work wonders, this kind of authentic travel makes you fall in love a place even more.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
A trip through the Bologna Apennines could easily be combined with a tour through Tuscany, or a broader Emilia-Romagna trip that includes Bologna itself.
Évora, Portugal
When it comes to places in Europe to visit off the beaten path, I’m tempted to list just about everywhere we love in Portugal that isn’t Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, or Lagos/the more famous spots in the Algarve… but in the interest of not making this solely a post about hidden places in Portugal (and Italy), I’ll focus on Évora!
As the capital of the arid and rural Alentejo region, Évora is most famous for its Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones.
Built in the 1600s by Franciscan friars, it is an unforgettable place and one of the most memorable ossuaries we’ve visited in Europe.
Other top things to do include visiting the Évora Cathedral (including its cloister and rooftop), stopping by the city’s Roman Temple, and sampling queijadas de requeijão de Évora, a hyper-local pastry that’s far less famous than the country’s iconic pastel de nata (but also delicious).
Want to get even further off the beaten path in Évora? Set your GPS to the Cromlech of the Almendres, walk down a trail lined by cork trees in various states of harvest, and pay a visit to Évora’s 7,000-year-old megalithic complex!
Combine This Hidden Place in Europe With…
Évora makes an excellent day trip from Lisbon, though getting there and back (and visiting the megalith complex) is simpler if you rent a car and drive than if you take one of the limited daily trains.
With careful planning, though, you definitely can visit by train!
Palermo, Sicily
Vibrant and laid-back, opulent and rough and around the edges, enjoying the capital of Sicily is to enjoy an exercise in contradictions.
We absolutely love Palermo, from its food to its sunshine to its architecture, but we’ll be the first to say that if a particularly clean and refined city is what you’re after, Palermo may not be the best hidden gem in Europe for you.
Graffiti and crumbling buildings aren’t hard to find, especially if you step outside the usual tourist trails. Take a wrong turn, and you might suddenly find yourself looking at a very different version of Palermo.
On the other hand, the highlights of Palermo are incredible. Be sure to tour the 12th-century cathedral, visit the Norman Palace, admire the picturesque (and bustling) Quattri Canti, and step inside the magnificent, mosaic-covered Church of Martorana.
If you’re interested in the spookier side of travel, the Capuchin Crypt of Palermo is one of the most unique places we’ve ever visited, and it is truly unforgettable (expect to see a lot of mummies).
Of course, no trip to Palermo is complete without exploring its food scene and incredible outdoor markets.
We took one of our favorite food tours of all time here, and highly recommend it (this is the exact tour we loved).
Whenever you’re ready to hit the beach, Mondello Beach is about a 25-minute drive (or longer bus ride) from the city center.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Palermo is fairly well-connected to other major European (and especially Italian) cities by budget flights, but it’s not terribly close to any major icons.
Taormina, with its status as a cruise ship stop and White Lotus filming location (this is the exact hotel where season 2 was filmed), is a few hours away by car.
Valencia, Spain
From Lauren of Always Find Adventure
Instead of busy Barcelona, try getting off the beaten path in Europe and going 3 hours south to Spain’s 3rd largest city, Valencia.
Valencia has the metropolitan feel, but has an added coziness of an old, charming Spanish town.
Two must-see and do things in Valencia include taking a paella-making class (this classic dish originated in Valencia!), as well as riding bikes through Turia Gardens, one of the largest parks in Spain.
There, you can enjoy some of the best places to visit in Valencia, including admiring the gorgeous, futuristic structures at the City of Arts & Sciences campus, and biking to all the old towers.
Some neighborhoods to explore include El Carmen (the Old City), Russafa (the hipster district), City Center, and Malvarrosa (the beach).
There’s always something to celebrate in Valencia, so you might even catch fireworks during March for Las Fallas. This event is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and it features incredible art structures in the streets that are lit on fire.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Valencia is easily accessible from Madrid or Barcelona via plane, train, or bus!
It’s technically close enough to Madrid to enjoy as a day trip via high-speed train, but Valencia is big enough that it’s better to spend a few days there if you can.
Central + Eastern European Hidden Gems
Nuremberg, Germany
From Yulia of That’s What She Had
When planning a trip to Bavaria, most people opt to visit the region’s capital, Munich.
Meanwhile, only a short distance to the north lies the second-biggest city in the region, which is also well worth your time—Nuremberg. Nuremberg is the largest city and unofficial capital of Franconia, a smaller German region located within Bavaria.
The city is probably most famous for its Christmas market, one of the oldest in Germany.
This is when Nuremberg is most crowded, with over 2 million tourists arriving to drink gluhwein, eat traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies), and shop for Christmas decorations.
However, Nuremberg has a lot more to offer throughout the year. It’s a great destination if you are interested in the history of WWII, as both the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the courthouse where the Nuremberg Trials took place are located here.
If you are more interested in history reaching back to the Middle Ages, pay a visit to the beautiful Old Town with its Gothic architecture. Between the three main churches, the castle, and dozens of half-timbered houses, the Old Town will easily take you a whole day to explore.
For food lovers, Nuremberg restaurants offer Franconian specialties like wedding soup with pancake strips and semolina dumplings, schäufele (pork shoulder with crispy skin), and Nuremberg-style bratwurst (small sausages that are protected by European law and can only be made within city limits).
Last, but definitely not least, pretzels come from Franconia, so Nuremberg, being its unofficial capital, is probably the best place in the world to try them.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Nuremberg is best combined with a trip to Munich and/or Germany’s Romantic Road.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
From Ellis of Backpack Adventures
Sarajevo is arguably Europe’s most multicultural capital, and yet, it’s possibly also one of the most underrated capital cities in Europe!
With its long history of religious and cultural diversity, the city is sometimes called the Jerusalem of Europe. It’s a place where mosques and churches stand next to each other, and where you can easily recognize the different time periods of building the city went through as you explore.
In the scenic old town, called the Bascarsija, you can go back to Ottoman times. They left behind the beautiful bridges, mosques, madrassahs, and caravanserai’s that dot the city.
Their legacy is also still present in Bosnian cuisine, from the delicious bureks to baklava.
Outside the old city, you will find elegant and colorful Austro-Hungarian buildings and Tito’s socialist apartments from when Sarajevo was part of Yugoslavia.
Sarajevo is also famous for its role in the Bosnian War when the city was under siege for more than 3 years. Traces of the war are everywhere, and there are some excellent museums to learn more about this time.
While there are a lot of interesting things to do in Sarajevo, it is also a great starting point for outdoor adventures in the mountains.
During the summer, the surrounding mountains are a great place for hiking, while in winter they are the center for winter sports with ski resorts in Jahorina and Bjelasnica.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Sarajevo can easily be added to a trip focused on visiting popular Croatia.
Tallinn, Estonia
From Lesia of Dutch Wannabe
If you’re looking for a city break that offers amazing gastronomy, plenty of history, and comfort at a great budget price, look no further than the delightful European hidden gem of Tallinn, Estonia.
Tallinn is famous for its medieval city center, which is exceptionally well-preserved. The cobblestone streets will take you from the giant city hall square up the hill to cathedrals and watchtowers.
The Toompea Hill offers impressive views of Tallinn’s red-tiled rooftops, but once you venture beyond the old city gates, you will find a vibrant modern city.
There are many things to do in Tallinn. With many mainstream malls, handmade fairs, and artisan shops, the shopping experience is varied. The city is also famous for its spa hotels (like the luxurious Hotel Telegraaph) and its access to the sea.
Those interested in culture can learn all about Estonia’s history, including the city’s time as part of the USSR, thanks to museums like the KGB Museum.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
You can combine your trip to Tallinn with a cruise of the Baltics.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland is only an overnight ferry ride away.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
From Elizabeth of Anchored Adventure Blog
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most tranquil off-the-beaten-path places in Germany, and one of the most unforgettable hidden gems in Europe.
It’s the perfect spot to connect with Mother Nature–and at all times of the year, too. The grass seems greener, the mountains steeper, the snow whiter, and the water bluer.
All fitness types can enjoy the outdoors here. A simple yet scenic hiking trail runs through the crystal blue waterfalls of Partnach Gorge.
For experienced hikers, trek up Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. You can also ascend via cable car, where you are greeted with stunning panoramic views of the mountains. There’s even a beer garden at the top!
The former King Ludwig II’s castles, particularly the popular Neuschwanstein, are not too far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Referred to as the “Disney Castle,” Neuschwanstein is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
The Old Town, which converts to a Christmas market in December, is filled with authentic Bavarian restaurants and local shops.
Consider picking an accommodation just outside the Old Town, so you can watch the sunset over the mountains each evening.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Garmisch-Partenkirchen can be easily combined with a trip to Munich.
The journey takes under 90 minutes via car, and the town is even accessible via bus and train.
Lviv, Ukraine
From Ivan of Mind the Travel
November 2025 Update: This blog post pre-dates the war in Ukraine. The US State Department currently lists the region of Lviv as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” and the country of Ukraine overall as a “Level 4: Do not travel.” Personally, we would not travel to Lviv at this time. That being said, some independent travelers are still visiting Lviv, and at the moment, it is technically possible to do so at your own risk.
The western Ukrainian city of Lviv has many faces. Lviv embraces multiculturalism as it has borrowed other cultural practices from its invaders.
Anyone who has made their way here will find a stark contrast to the brutal architecture that dominates elsewhere in the country.
Located about 70km from Poland, the beautiful city of Lviv lies on the foothills of Carpathian Mountains, and boasts charming city squares surrounded by brightly colored Baroque buildings, cobblestoned streets, 60 museums, 100 cathedrals/churches, and numerous unique restaurants.
The colorful, lively Rynok Square is the centerpiece of a compact historical city center that abounds with art galleries, monuments, cathedrals, and museums.
Lviv is a walkable city where you can wander into narrow streets surrounded by bright houses, rustic bars, chocolate and coffee manufacturing units, and many more.
Climb to the top of the Lviv Town Hall observation deck: it’s tough, but well worth the glorious views.
If you can grab a ticket, the Baroque opera offers world-class performances for little more than the price of a beer.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Outside of wartime, Lviv is easily accessible via plane, train, and/or bus from other major cities in Europe.
As of November 2025, it’s best to reconsider visiting Lviv and to consult local, on-the-ground resources for transportation if you choose to do so at your own risk.
Cavtat, Croatia
From Sinead of Map Made Memories
The pretty seafront town of Cavtat in Croatia’s southern Konvale region is a European hidden gem in the popular tourist destination of Croatia.
This charming small town lies around a wide, palm tree-lined harbor lined with several cafes and restaurants, all of which offer stunning views of the Adriatic.
Visit the town’s two historic churches or the museum dedicated to local 19th-century artist Vlaho Bukovac. View the 35,000 historical artifacts at the Rector’s Palace or climb the cobbled lanes of Cavtat to the Racic Mausoleum, with its fantastic views of the coastline.
Afterward, enjoy a stroll around Cavtat’s two wooded peninsulas with access to the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic from wherever you choose to flop!
Finish off a perfect day with ice cream from the famous House of Ice Cream whilst watching local teams compete in the open-air water polo pitch in the harbor, or mingle with post-work locals who flock to the harbor to swim after work.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Combine a visit to Cavtat with a trip to nearby Dubrovnik.
You can reach Dubrovnik by public bus from Cavtat, or even better, enjoy a short, scenic 45-minute ferry trip to Dubrovnik along the Adriatic coast.
If you’re looking for a less crowded place to base yourself in Croatia, you could even choose to stay in Cavtat and take a day trip to Dubrovnik, rather than the more popular other way around!
Poznan, Poland
From Or of My Path in the World
Poznan is, without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous and charming cities in Poland.
With remarkable historical landmarks, beautiful architecture, amazing traditional restaurants, countless parks and gardens, and many more incredible things to do and see, it makes the perfect budget-friendly place to explore Europe off the beaten path.
Like in many other Polish cities, one of Poznan’s highlights is the Old Town. Beyond the maze of colorful streets filled with restaurants and cute cafes, there are plenty of museums and landmarks to visit in this area. From the Old Town Hall to the Royal Castle to the stunningly pink St Stanislaus Church, Poznan’s Old Town is full of surprises.
As for the food, Poznan prides itself in a historical local pastry called St. Martin’s croissant. It even has a museum dedicated to it, and bakeries must have a special certificate to be able to sell the St. Martin’s croissant.
More delicious foods to devour in Poznan includes Polish donuts, pierogis (Polish dumplings), potato pancakes, soups, and stews.
This little city is also full of other surprises, such as the oldest cathedral in Poland, the largest palm house in Poland, open-air markets, botanical gardens, and much more.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Poznan can be visited as a 2-3 day city break or as an addition to a trip to the city of Wroclaw.
Birgi, Turkey
From Pascale of Slow Travel Guide
With some offbeat destinations, you wonder how they managed to remain under the radar. That is the case with Birgi, a beautiful little Turkish town featuring the most amazing Ottoman houses, cobblestone streets, and friendly people.
If you’re looking for ‘the authentic Turkey’, this is it! And the bonus is that it comes with lovely accommodation choices too. In Birgi, you’ll get to stay in restored Ottoman mansions at bargain prices.
After your generous Turkish breakfast, get ready to stroll the streets of Birgi.
Our top tip? Visit on a Monday. That’ll allow you to taste the local produce sold at the weekly market.
After that, walk to Çakırağa Konağı. This 18th-century mansion will blow you off your feet.
Once you’ve seen this masterpiece, enjoy the beautiful and narrow streets in the old town, devour lots of delicious Turkish food, and feel like you are stepping back into time, surrounded by the finest examples of Ottoman architecture.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Combine a visit to Birgi with one of Turkey’s main attractions: the UNESCO site of Ephesus is only an hour and a half away by car, and Istanbul can be reached in roughly 7 hours of driving or via a domestic flight.
Hidden Places to Go in Northern Europe
The Fjords of Norway
From Bret Love and Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
Located in the country’s eastern half, Oslo might be the most popular destination in Norway for travelers from outside Europe. However, the fjords that line Norway’s western coast are truly spectacular, and exploring their stunning natural beauty makes for one of the world’s best road trips.
The colorful historic buildings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bergen, whose maritime history dates back centuries, make a great place to begin your journey.
From there, head north on endlessly winding roads along the coast, with countless glacier-fed lakes, monolithic mountains, waterfalls, gigantic fjords, and a few ancient stave churches along the way.
The trip can also follow the Sognefjellet National Tourist Route, which is Northern Europe’s highest mountain pass (at 1,434 meters above sea level).
It begins in the lush cultural landscape of the Bøverdalen Valley, and runs across the mountain plateau, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of glaciers and towering mountains, before descending to the tranquil hamlets of the Sognefjord in the west.
Whether you’re a die-hard nature lover, a history buff, or are simply fond of charming villages and folkloric culture, this region of Norway is truly a must-see for any traveler visiting Oslo or Bergen.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Norway’s fjords are a standalone destination in their own right, but they can also easily be combined with popular cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo for travelers coming from outside Europe who are looking to start their trip at an international flight hub.
Helsingør, Denmark
From Derek and Mike of Everything Copenhagen
A short train ride north of Copenhagen lies a quaint Danish town with a deep history and rotten reputation. In fact, you may not recognize the name, but you have probably heard of Helsingør, Denmark. That’s because it was in Hamlet by the name Elsinore Castle.
That castle is the real-life Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark, and it’s one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Europe. The town has about 60,000 residents, a famous castle, and a plethora of other attractions.
You could easily spend a few days in Helsingør to see the city museum, Oresund Aquarium, and the Danish Maritime Museum.
The town also has a sister city located just a short ferry ride across the Oresund Sound in Sweden which makes a great half-day trip. On weekends, there is also a vibrant street food market in Helsingør.
Kronborg Castle is still the main attraction in Helsingør. There are free guided tours included with admission, and in the summer months, there are even Shakespearean actors performing with guides.
When you visit, make sure to spend some time in the underground dungeon and climb the cannon tower.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
Helsingør is easily visited as a day trip from Copenhagen, and the best way to get there is to take the train.
Bratislava, Slovakia
From Ann of The Road is Life
The capital of Slovakia may not come to mind as your top pick for your next European destination, but there are plenty of reasons why it deserves a spot on your itinerary for Central Europe!
Bratislava is a vibrant and fun city packed with fascinating sites to discover and a lively nightlife scene.
One of the highlights of visiting Bratislava is exploring the pretty streets of the old town center, you’ll come across beautiful squares with fountains and pastel-colored facades.
Make sure to check out Michael’s Gate in the Old Town. It dates back to the 14th century, and it’s the only gate to survive from the town’s original fortifications.
Of course, you cannot miss a visit to Bratislava’s main attraction, the castle on a hilltop that sits on the edge of the Danube River and towers over the city below.
Make sure to climb up one of the castle’s towers for a spectacular panoramic view of Bratislava and the surrounding countryside.
Combine This Hidden Gem in Europe With…
The good thing about visiting Bratislava is that you can easily combine it with a trip to Budapest, Prague, or Vienna, or some combination of those.
Bratislava is conveniently located only a few hours away from all of these major European cities by train or bus.
Read More About Visiting Europe Off the Beaten Path
Looking for more ideas on how to avoid the crowds in Europe?
Even in the continent’s most famous destinations, there are plenty of secret corners and hidden places to explore!
Here are a handful of our blog posts about how to get off the beaten path in Europe’s popular places:
- ROME: 33 Epic Hidden Gems in Rome (Off the Beaten Path!)
- PARIS: Paris Off the Beaten Path: 31 Uncrowded Hidden Gems!
- VENICE: Secret Venice: 21 Off the Beaten Path Spots + Hidden Gems
- LISBON: 21+ Hidden Gems in Lisbon: Secret Spots + Offbeat Treasures
- FLORENCE: Secret Florence: 17 Hidden Gems + Off the Beaten Path Spots
The reasons to visit L’viv are numerous and compelling, but I’m not so sure mutli-cultualism is one of them, unless you mean the several African med students or the American IT business folks.
I’m not so sure to whom you’re referring as invaders. Poland or Austria did not “invade” L’viv. They built much of it. Are you thinking of the Nazis or Soviet communists? By the end of WW2, and certainly by the time of its short-history as part of the USSR, Eastern Galicia had become perhaps the most culturally homogeneous of its long history. The same is true of many places following the WWs, the shifting of borders, and their associated refugee crises.
As for getting here from the States, Polish LOT is the best way. I’m not sure when UIA is starting yet, but in almost all cases the airports you mention have international transfers, so you don’t need to go through immigration before connecting.
As for our architecture, there is some Baroque, but it’s not the dominant form. The opera house, for example, is much more recent and is a generous mix of styles commonnwith Viennese architects of the time.
Thanks for another interesting blog. It’s amazing to think that I have visited many of the better-known locations that are just a short train ride away but (with the exception of Nuremberg) have visited none of those hidden gems listed in your story.
I found your second photo from the top interesting as its location isn’t revealed in your story. However I went there last year and the 35 minute walk up along a sometimes loose rocky surface to that magnificent viewpoint is well worth the effort. I won’t reveal your secret other than to say that I believe that its name starts with “K”.
Ha, I didn’t mean to keep it secret! It’s just a filler photo of sorts. Kotor is an amazing place, though–we love it there! 🙂
What a great list! We’re going to be in Belgium and Germany in May so definitely will add some of these places to our list. And couldn’t agree more with Nuremberg and Seville. We were just in Seville earlier this month and it is the most charming!
Oh how wonderful! We’re hoping to make it back to Seville next month ourselves. And perhaps we’ll see Nuremberg for the Christmas markets this year…