I’ve visited 50 cities in Europe, and while I love popular destinations like London and Paris, I always try to seek out beautiful hidden gems around the world.
With over 13 million Americans predicted to travel to Europe this summer, there’s never been a better time to check out the off-the-beaten-path destinations on your travel bucket list.
These are 5 underrated destinations in Europe I recommend visiting.
Bath, England is just a 90-minute train ride from London.
As you probably could have guessed from this city’s name, Bath, England, is known for its Roman baths. These baths, dating back to 70 AD, are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
Bath is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture, which can be admired in places like the Royal Crescent, which features a crescent-shaped row of 30 houses.
I also loved visiting the Circus, which is made up of townhouses arranged in a circular pattern. These areas showcase Georgian architecture and are what makes walking around Bath feel unique.
If you’re a book lover, you can visit during the annual Jane Austen Festival in September, where people dress up, and the city is taken back in time.
The train from London to Bath takes about 90 minutes, making this city the perfect day trip.
Mostar is a beautiful city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mostar is a city that really surprised me. It didn’t look like anywhere else I’d ever been, with the towering Ottoman Bridge connecting both sides of the city. The 16th-century bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city also has a well-preserved Ottoman quarter with charming cobblestone streets. During my time in Mostar, I loved drinking Bosnian coffee, taking in the views of the city, and feasting on local dishes like ćevapi.
Bruges, Belgium, is a beautiful and romantic city.
Bruges, Belgium, is a well-preserved medieval town. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visiting feels like stepping back in time.
The best thing I did was take a boat ride on the canal, admiring the architecture while cruising through Minnewaterpark, commonly referred to as the Lake of Love.
Bruges is a laid-back destination that makes a convenient day trip from nearby Paris and Brussels. In my opinion, the city is perfect for couples looking to indulge in Belgian beer and chocolate.
Heidelberg, Germany, embraces modern life without losing its historic charm.
Heidelberg, Germany, has striking views around every corner. The city is home to a centuries-old castle as well as the oldest university in Germany.
I enjoyed walking along Philosophenweg (also called Philosopher’s Way), where professors sought solitude and academic inspiration. The path was especially beautiful during my trip in the fall.
We loved spending time in the city, which had lots of nice restaurants and cool bars. Heidelberg does an amazing job of embracing the new while holding on to its historic charm.
Andorra La Vella is a hidden gem in the Pyrenees Mountains.
Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra, which is located in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.
Every restaurant we dined at featured dishes influenced by the surrounding countries. If you want to try authentic Andorran food, head to a borda — a traditional house once used for agricultural purposes. Now, these buildings are used as charming restaurants.
Andorra la Vella is a great day trip from Barcelona, but in my opinion, the city deserves more than a one-day visit.
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