Whenever someone plans a Europe trip, it is more often than not to popular cities like Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Venice, Barcelona or Berlin. However, there are many other magnificent cities in Europe rich with beautiful architecture, unparalleled history, amazing culture and vibrant nightlife.
While these cities seldom make their place in a tourist’s bucket list yet they can offer as wonderful an experience as the capitals and bustling metropolises. So, next time when you plan to visit Europe, don’t forget to consider these lesser known beauties.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, also known as Kongens village, is a coastal town replete with fascinating architecture, recreational parks, gourmet restaurants and other attractions. The virgin beaches that surround the city are best for relaxation and summer vacation.
The city is historic and at the same time very modern and lively with a number of museums, gardens and monuments to visit. The streets of Copenhagen come alive during May to September with lively crowd, music and events. The city also gives you immense opportunity to enjoy theater, music and various performances, as well as the classic outdoor activities and sports bars.
Best time to visit: May and September
Ideal Stay: 5-7 days
Attractions: Tivoli Amusement Park, Copenhagen Zoo, Öresund Bridge, The Blue Planet (National Aquarium Denmark), Bakken Amusement Park, The Amalienborg Palace, The Copenhagen Museum, National Museum, New Carlsberg Glyptotek, Museum of Art, Thorvaldsens Museum, The Hirschsprungske Collection, Amager Beach Park
Activities: Copenhagen Free Walking Tours, Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen, Netto Baadene Boat Tours, bungee jumping, blocs and walls climbing, diving, go-kart, hot balloon trips, kayaking, kite surfing, mountain biking, sky diving and waterski.
Food: Smørrebrød (open rye-bread sandwiches) with slices of cold meat, sliced sausage or hard boiled egg, hotdogs, apple pork, smoked ham
Restaurants: Noma, MASH, Halifax Frederiksborggade, Cofoco, Restaurant Marv &
Nightlife: The best nightlife is said to be found in Vesterbro, in Kødbyen and on Istedgade street
Book a flight to Copenhagen.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Situated off the Göta älv river on the Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg is known for its rich Scandinavian architecture, museums, sports and rich cultural history. One of the most breathtaking cities in Europe that offers super delicious seafood, high-class restaurants, a coastline and Nordic architecture to die for.
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This open, multicultural and growing city has a wide range of attractions, activities and events which make you forget the entire world.
Best time to visit: June to August
Ideal stay: 5-7 days
Attractions: Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg Museum of Art, Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Kronhuset (Old City Hall), Maritiman, Universeum, Världskulturmuseet (Museum of World Culture), Feskekörka, Röda Sten Kulturförening, Röhsska Museum, Volvo Museum
Activities: A day tour of the Gothenburg archipelago, waterside city tour, walking tours
Restaurants: Sjömagasinet, Cuckoo’s nest, Långedrag värdshus, Riverton View skybar & restaurant
Nightlife: Järntorget square, Jazzhuset and Feskekôrka offer the best nightlife in the city.
Book a hotel in Gothenburg.
Innsbruck, Austria
Known for its Imperial and modern architecture, Innsbruck is the capital of the Alps and host of two Winter Olympic Games. With a great range of leisure activities, cultural highlights and sports the place is just perfect for family holidays.
Squeezed between two impressive mountain chains, Innsbruck is replete with natural beauty and scenic locations. Karwendel Alpine Park or Zirbenweg trail on Patscherkofel offer picturesque surroundings full of natural charm for nature lovers.
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Best time to visit: May-August, December-April
Ideal Stay: 5-7 days
Attractions: Ambras Castle, Hofkirche, Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, Goldenes Dachl, Tyrolean State Museum, Hofgarten, Tiroler Landestheater, Patscherkofel, Armoury, Bergisel
Activities: skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, and skating
Food: Tiroler Speckknödel, Tiroler Gröstl, Kaspressknödel, Kasspatzln, Kiachl, Kaiserschmarren
Restaurants: Gasthof Buzihütte, Stiftskeller, Fischerhäusl
Nightlife: There are a number of clubs, pubs and casinos which offer a vibrant nightlife including Irish Pubs, Viaduktbogen, Couch Club, Theresienbräu
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Porto, Portugal
Set on the northern bank of the Douro River, Porto city is famous for its stately bridges and Port wine production. Porto, also known as Oporto in English, is the second-largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, and one of the major urban areas in Southwestern Europe.
Definitely one of the most underrated cities in Europe, agreed, but it surprises visitors with its vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants with gorgeous waterfront views and a blossoming cultural scene. Porto also has a long tradition in music, art and athletics and it hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as St. John (late June) and Queima das Fitas (early May).
Best time to visit: May to September
Ideal Stay: 5-7 days
Attractions: Duoro, Palácio da Bolsa, Clérigos Church, The Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis), The Porto Cathedral, Livraria Lello & Irmao, Casa da Música, Igreja de Santa Clara, Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, SEA LIFE Porto, Old town
Activities: Hiking, skiing, canal tours, bike tours, water sports
Food: francesinha, a gut-busting monster of an open sandwich made with linguiça (garlicky smoked pork sausage), roast meat and ham, topped with cheese and a fried egg and drenched in rich beer sauce.
Restaurants: Cafe Santiago, ODE Porto Wine House, Restaurante “O Paparico”, Dama Pe de Cabra, O Paparico, Wine Quay Bar
Nightlife: Porto has a lively nightlife with a number of pubs and clubs offering good quality drinks along with fine music.
So, which one of these will make it to your bucket list?
