It’s almost that time of year again for your Instagram feed to be flooded with stunning snaps of people sipping spritzes and living their absolute best lives galivanting around Europe. In the past, you might have enviously scrolled by these posts from your couch, wishing you could re-create your European summer Pinterest board IRL. The fact is that trips to major hotspots like Paris or London are just not in the summer budget for many of us. However, if you look beyond these busy tourist centers toward lesser-known destinations, it is possible to plan a fabulous European vacation that is budget-friendly. Below, we’ve rounded up the best underrated European destinations for an affordable trip that feels just as picture-perfect.
1. Leiden, The Netherlands
Leiden is a lovely Dutch town packed with Amsterdam-esque canals but without the Amsterdam-sized crowds. You could spend your whole trip simply ambling around the city and taking in its views, but there are also plenty of activities to pack your days with. For a tour of the whole town, walk through the Singelpark, a park dotted with greenspaces and art that wraps around the city. The entire trail will take a few hours to complete, so make sure to plan ample time. Once you’ve tired out your legs, see the canals in all their glory on a boat tour. Whether you opt for a sunset cruise or a booze cruise, it’s sure to be a wonderful time.
Another sightseeing experience unique to the Netherlands is the windmills. Leiden has multiple you can visit, and at De Valk Windmill, you can even climb the tower. If you’re in Leiden anywhere from March to May, the short drive to Keukenhof Tulip Gardens is well worth it to see the blooms. Known as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, it’s also easily accessible by public transportation.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
If you want a vacation where you can experience mountains, beaches, and lakes all in one, add Slovenia to your travel bucket list. Slovenia isn’t a huge country—just a bit smaller than New Jersey—but it has incredibly diverse landscapes. The capital of Ljubljana is a charming town located along the Ljubljanica River. Explore the city by walking through the pedestrian-only Old Town, lined with cafes and museums where you can grab a drink and see some beautiful art. While exploring the town on foot, make sure to stop by the famous Dragon Bridge, named for the four beautiful dragon statues flanking the bridge. Ljubljanica has been called the “city of dragons,” so keep your eyes peeled for other dragon imagery throughout the town.
After a day full of walking, head to Ljubljana Castle for the best views of the city. Soak in the history, then splurge on some delicious Slovenian cuisine at Strelec Restaurant, a famous dinner spot located inside the castle. Thanks to Ljubljana’s central location, it’s also easy to visit other Slovenian attractions on your trip. Don’t miss the nearby Lake Bled and Bled Castle, the Postojna Caves, and the Julian Alps.
3. Colmar, France
In northeast France, near the border of Germany, sits the hidden gem Colmar. Tourists who do stop by usually only allot time for a day trip, but the town has much to offer that can’t be squeezed into just one day. The first thing you’ll notice is its storybook architecture, complete with brightly colored, half-timbered buildings. Take it all in while walking down the Grand Rue, where boutiques, shops, and restaurants line the street. Pop into a café to grab a croissant and a café au lait to enjoy while exploring. If you want something a little more filling, the Covered Market is known for its cheese, wine, and fresh produce.
Once you’ve had a bite to eat, see some art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century at Unterlinded Museum, a convent turned into a museum. Another must-see in the area is the famous Alsace Wine Route. You can join the iconic trail by walking, hopping on a train, renting a car, or even riding a bike. The entire route spans over 110 miles and passes through lots of beautiful villages. However, if you want to have a glass without leaving town, the route passes right through Colmar.
4. Skopje, North Macedonia
Skopje is known for its diverse architecture that blends traditional and modern elements. Just walking through the town, you’ll stumble upon unique buildings and sights on every street. Start your morning at the Old Bazaar, the oldest part of the city, to grab a Turkish coffee and breakfast to take on the go. As you wander past the many shops and stalls of the market, you can find anything from jewelry to antique paintings. Next, make your way to Macedonia Square, which boasts plenty of sculptures and monuments to admire. Just a few minutes’ walk away, you can see the Mother Teresa Memorial House, where the saint lived until she was 18 years old. A short distance from there is the Porta Macedonia, a memorial arch engraved with stories of the history of Macedonia.
If you want to take in even more history, walk along the Art Bridge, which is lined with sculptures of prominent Macedonian artists and musicians. Before sunset, head to Skopje Fortress to watch the sun go down over the city. For even more breathtaking views, head just out of town to Mount Vodno, which is accessible via hiking trails or a cable car if you want to give your feet a rest.
5. Genoa, Italy
Genoa is a picturesque seaside town with all the museums, architecture, and delicious Italian cuisine you could ever need. It’s a far less popular tourist destination than cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice but still offers an authentic Italian experience against a stunning ocean backdrop. Begin your day at Piazza de Ferrari, a large square with a gorgeous fountain that makes the perfect photo op. The square lies at the center of several main streets, so it’s a great starting point for a day full of sightseeing. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and admire its detailed facade, which is reminiscent of the Duomo in Florence. It’s free to enter and is still an active church if you want the full experience of attending a service.
Once you’ve seen the cathedral, stop by one of the city’s more than 150 palaces. Located within Piazza de Ferrari is Palazzo Ducale, where you can tour art exhibitions, the main salons, and a tower that used to be a prison. The most opulent palace in Genoa is the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace). Tour the lavish furnishings and art inside, then head up to the rooftop for views of the city and sea. Speaking of which, you can’t leave Italy without experiencing some of its spectacular beaches. If you want to stay within Genoa, head to Boccadasse, an ancient fishing village with a small pebble beach. If you prefer sprawling sands, take a day trip to the famous nearby towns of Cinque Terre or Portofino.
Source: https://theeverygirl.com/underrated-european-destinations/