Underrated Places to Visit in Europe

Underrated Places to Visit in Europe

Europe has some of the most popular destinations on the planet, with millions of tourists travelling to the continent every year.

If you are in need of some ideas for some of the best places to visit which are not as well known as some of the more famous locations this article will help you.

View our list of some of the most underrated destinations to see and get inspiration for your next European destination!

 

1. Malta

I feel like a bit of a cheat talking about a whole country, but Malta (and nearby islands Gozo and Comino) is small enough to experience in one trip. I’m lucky enough to have visited there a few times – my grandparents once lived there – and have fond memories of every visit. The island has historic charm and warm and shallow waters.  Places that are worth a visit are the ‘Blue Lagoon’ off Comino, and Mellieha which has a charming small town feel and fantastic beaches.

 

2. Barcelona

Barcelona

Barcelona is, without a doubt, my favourite of the places I’ve visited in Europe so far. It has everything you could expect from a major European city: beautiful architecture, interesting history, and fantastic food. While you’re there I cannot recommend highly enough visiting Park Güell or taking the Funicular to the top of Montjuïc for incredible views of the city.

There are lots of fantastic museums, a beach, and plenty more to do besides, so it’s really for you to make what you will of your trip there. Don’t forget that it’s a legal requirement for all hotels in Spain to take a copy of guests’ passports; the Foreign Office recommends waiting until this is done rather than leaving your passport at reception!

 

3. Amsterdam

Amsterdam

More than just ‘Coffee shops’ and the Red-Light District, Amsterdam is a breath-taking city full of fascinating history and beautiful buildings. The Anne Frank House is a must-see attraction – a sobering and honest look at a major piece of European history (although the stairs are very steep, so bear that in mind if you have any accessibility requirements!).

There are many other interesting things to see or do, including the Heineken Museum and an unparalleled selection of some of the best art galleries in the world.  It’s one of the most bike friendly places in Europe, and it’s also very easy to explore on foot, making it a very green destination, too.

 

4. Vianden, Luxembourg

Luxembourg in general is not a place that is top of many people’s list of must-visit places in Europe, which is a shame to me. I visited several years ago and the charming town of Vianden in the Ardennes was my base for the week. The chocolate-box scenery of the town, which is built around a fourteenth-century castle, is breath-taking and best appreciated via a ride on the chairlift. It can be a major tourist hot-spot during high season, so if you’re after a quiet get-away avoid the summer months. Little Switzerland and Luxembourg City itself are both worth a visit while you’re there, too!

 

Rome to Madrid on a Shoestring

Rome to Madrid on a Shoestring

  • Multiple Destinations
  • 2 weeks - 3 weeks / From: £ 1000
London to the Mediterranean on a Shoestring

London to the Mediterranean on a Shoestring

  • Multiple Destinations
  • 3 weeks - 4 weeks / From: £ 2000
London to Istanbul by Rail

London to Istanbul by Rail

  • Multiple Destinations
  • 3 weeks - 4 weeks / From: £ 2500

5. Nice

Nice, France

Nice is, well, nice and it’s a great place to visit if you want a mixture of sand, sun, history, and a beautiful natural landscape. All this alongside the food, entertainment, and shopping you’d expect from a large city. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see much of Nice when I visited as I was only there for a short time and spent most of it in committee sessions of a Model UN conference. However, the fantastic food, friendly locals, and stunning beach left me desperate for more and Nice is near the top of my list of places to revisit in the future. As a major history nerd, I’d recommend taking the hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour!

 

Other Places You Might Want to Consider

 

This article has barely scratched the surface of what you can do in Europe but if this article has inspired you to travel to the continent, make sure to check the Foreign Office travel advice before you go. You should also sign up for a European Health Insurance (EHIC) card and take out comprehensive travel insurance, just in case.

 

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