The tourist industry in Europe is massive. People from all over the world travel to this continent — mostly to visit the usual hotspots of London, Paris, Barcelona, and Rome. While those places are lovely, there are some other spots situated around the continent with their own charm, culinary delights, and intrigue. Here are five spots you may want to consider visiting the next time you head to Europe.
Galway, Ireland
Galway sits on the West Coast of Ireland — about a two-hour train ride from the capital city of Dublin. It’s quite easy to get here, and it’s more than worth the trip. Unlike Dublin, which is crowded and bit lackluster, Galway is a smaller, charming city with cobblestone streets, lively bars, and dozens of establishments playing live music on a nightly basis. If you make the trek to Galway, hop on a bus and check out the famed Cliffs of Moher. Only an hour away, these cliffs offer some of the most stunning scenery anywhere in the world.
Budapest, Hungary
Did you know the city of Budapest is actually split into two parts? One section is called Buda — whereas the other is known as Pest. Buda is more suburban and quiet. Pest is lively — with a young population. The city is very affordable for travelers on a budget. Far more of a cosmopolitan city than given credit for, you can essentially chow down on food from anywhere in the world (and it’s really good to boot). There are famous ‘ruin’ bars to check out (abandoned buildings turned into bars/clubs). When looking for a leisurely activity, nothing beats the famed thermal baths. It’s a great place to meet people while being utterly relaxed. Lastly, a labyrinth exists under the Buda Castle overlooking the entire city. It’s said to be the place where Vlad the Impaler — aka the ‘real life’ Dracula — was held prisoner.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Switzerland as a whole is inherently picturesque. Among the beautiful cities exists Luzern — a place looking akin to the most beautiful postcard. Visiting in the summer and winter months offers something uniquely different. Sitting on Lake Lucerne, you’re offered the chance to take a cruise with snow-capped mountains surrounding you. In the summer, the weather warms — resulting in hoards of people walking around. In the winter, you’re transported to a real-life snow globe setting. The Christmas markets here are spectacular (as is the chocolate). It’s not a major city in the same way that Zurich is. However, for those wanting a more intimate setting, Lucerne is a very good choice.
Greve in Chianti, Italy
Florence is a major tourist spot for people across the world. By proxy, many are enthused about checking out the region of Tuscany. Well, nestled within Tuscany is a charming village called Greve in Chianti. It has a beautiful town square with little stores. It includes a butcher chop (Antica Macelleria Falorni) considered to be the oldest in the world. This is a beautiful day trip location where you can relax, drink fantastic wine, and enjoy some delicious food in a stress-free environment.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Let’s say you’ve just visited Prague and Vienna. You’re looking for somewhere else to travel to. Why not Bratislava? From Vienna, it’s roughly an hour’s ferry ride down the Danube River. The Slovakian capital is a mix of Central and Eastern Europe. The architecture is beautiful, and the prices are far less expensive compared to Vienna and some of the other major cities in the region. The garlic soup is a Slovakian specialty and should be tried when in Bratislava. Interestingly, there are a handful of very good Cuban restaurants in the city itself. Aside from being very walkable and safe, one noteworthy attraction to check out is the Bratislava Castle. You get stunning views of Slovakia from atop the location.
