It can be easy to get frustrated at the crowds that put a damper on your capital city trip. Unfortunately, the most popular destinations in the world are almost always going to be full of tourists who want to have the same special experience as you. However, there is a solution. Beat the crowds by visiting one of these 6 hidden gems across Europe. Forget Paris and Amsterdam, and instead fall in love with these underrated European destinations, free from hoards of tourists but still just as dreamy.
Some of these destinations will be great for an entire holiday, and others make the perfect day trip from more popular cities if you want to get away from the crowds for a little while.
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Santander
The north of Spain is often left in the shadow of the sunny south or the coastal cities like Barcelona, but it has so much to offer! Santander is the capital of the region of Cantabria and is on the northern coast. The south side of the city sits cushioned in the Bay of Santander, and the north boasts impressive cliffs and landscapes that look out into the Bay of Biscay.
Although it’s a bit colder, temperatures can still reach the mid-20s in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to sunbathe in April and May. To avoid crowds and enjoy Santander in peace (which I recommend), it’s best to take this gamble and visit Santander in the late spring. The city is very popular with Spanish people, and they flock here during the peak season. Even if you can’t sunbathe, you can still enjoy the beaches and the many other things to do in Santander.
When in Santander, take time to wander along the coast, and visit the Magdalena Palace and the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse. In the morning, make like the locals and watch the world go by with a coffee at one of Santander’s best coffee shops. Take a boat tour, and visit the cool waterside museum Centro Botín. You have to try pinchos (also known as pintxos in Basque) – the north’s answer to tapas. Try La Esquina del Arrabal or Casa Lita. In Santander, you’re also surrounded by amazing places to take a day trip – why not visit Santillana del Mar, known as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Bilbao or Santoña.
Santander has found its way into this list of underrated European destinations because of its bright open spaces and beaches that make it the perfect peaceful Spring getaway. It also gives an opportunity to see the culture and landscape of northern Spain that many miss.
Bordeaux
Although definitely not a hidden treasure, being one of the biggest cities in France, Bordeaux is a destination that finds itself quite low on many people’s France bucket list. Cities like Paris, Nice and Toulouse are much more popular. However, Bordeaux has a lot to offer for a city break, especially if you’re partial to a glass or two of wine. Its historic beauty has even earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
In Bordeaux, visit the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum where you can learn all about wine production and culture around the world. At the end of your visit, you can enjoy a wine tasting in their panoramic 8th-floor bar. See the amazing reflections of the Place de la Bourse from the intriguing water mirror, and explore the beautiful architecture of the city. The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and the Cailhau Gate are notable. Also, be sure to visit Bordeaux Cathedral and La Grande Roue des Quinconces, a large outdoor area often used for markets or funfairs.
Underrated but full of culture, with very relaxed vibes, Bordeaux is the best place to start expanding your knowledge of France beyond Paris. Best enjoyed as a city break or as part of a week long trip to France, Bordeaux is easily reached by train or plane.
Book your Bordeaux activities here!
Annecy
France deserves two spots on this underrated European destinations list, as more people need to know about this fairytale town. Nicknamed ‘The Venice of the Alps’, Annecy sits about an hour outside of Geneva, at the northern tip of Lake Annecy. It’s a mixture of mountainscapes, cute colourful houses, canals, and breathtaking views.
Being in the Alps, Annecy can be a chilly destination, but in the summer the temperatures rise high enough to tempt everyone to go for a swim in the beautiful lake waters. Annecy gets busy during the summer months as it’s a popular holiday destination for the French. If swimming and water-sports is important, brave the crowds to enjoy the hot weather. Otherwise, enjoy the peace of the spring, when the weather is still pleasant.
In Annecy, wander extensively around the lake as well as along the canals through the old town. Visit the city’s Basilica, try out some hikes, or water-sports if the weather permits. Alternatively, rent a boat for a relaxing afternoon on the water.
Annecy is, put simply, the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. It’s great if you love a peaceful holiday, as you can relax every day with the mountains around. If you’re looking for a more active holiday Annecy is still a great destination, with opportunities to swim, hike, cycle, and more. Of course, if you like a holiday that’s somewhere in between the two, there couldn’t be a better place to go.
Rotterdam
The perfect day trip from Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a wonderful city full of art and culture. Although Amsterdam is a fantastic destination, full of great museums and many other things to do, many tourists don’t leave the capital, and so miss out on much of what the Netherlands has to offer.
Rotterdam is known for its bright colours and innovative architecture. Most famous are the yellow cube houses, tilted at a 45-degree angle, and truly one of the most unique architectural pieces to exist. You can visit the show home to see how people live life at an angle, but almost all of these houses are residential accommodation. Also worth seeing are Witte Huis, the world’s first high rise building, the incredibly diverse Markthal, and the Euromast tower to look over the city. Everything in Rotterdam has a story, whether it’s an interesting history or innovative design, and it makes for an absolutely fascinating visit.
Rotterdam is the perfect place to add a little extra something to your Amsterdam trip. Burst out of the tourist bubble and spend the day exploring this much quieter, quirkier city. To plan your trip, you can check out my perfect guide to spending a day in Rotterdam below. It has all the transport and practical information that you’ll need, as well as all the best things to do in Rotterdam to fill your day. Of course, Rotterdam is great for a weekend, or several day, trip as well. You can use the guide to help structure your trip itinerary.
What to Do in One Day in Rotterdam (Rotterdam Day Trip Guide)
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Ghent
Sandwiched between Belgium’s two most famous cities, Ghent is usually somewhere passed on the train by those on a day trip from Brussels to Bruges. However, those that know this wonderful city understand its charm and know exactly why it deserves to be on your European bucket list.
The best way to describe Ghent is a ‘more realistic’ Bruges. It shares a lot of Bruges’ beauty, with the Flemish architecture and charming cobbled old town, but it’s a much more authentic place, and the charm of the people creates a great atmosphere.
When in Ghent, make sure to visit Gravensteen, a medieval castle with a moat that still stands in the middle of the city. The castle has been converted into a museum to learn about the history of Gravensteen. Also on your itinerary should be the gothic Saint Nicholas’ Church and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. The area by the water is absolutely beautiful. Go to Sint-Michielsbrug and then grab a Belgian beer by the water on Graslei street. You might even want to take a boat tour, and if street art is your thing, you’ll love Graffiti Street
Start planning a trip to Ghent with 10+ Unique and Free Things to do in Ghent!
While I still recommend visiting both Brussels and Bruges, taking a day trip to Ghent is an easy feat, and will be more than worth it. You could even take a half-day trip if you’re tight on time. However, for the atmosphere, history and culture, Ghent deserves to be visited for however long you can manage.
Glasgow
Whenever I tell any foreigner that I lived in Glasgow for a while, they say they’ve never been, and a fair few haven’t even heard of this city! Scottish tourism seems to revolve around Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and the North Coast 500. Whilst they are incredibly beautiful places, Scotland’s true spirit lies in Glasgow.
Much like Ghent, Glasgow is the liveable city of Scotland. Full of art, museums, nightlife and delicious foodie spots, you’ll have the chance to see a completely different and more authentic side of Scotland. Glasgow was even once voted the World’s Friendliest City, giving you an indication of the kind of people you’ll meet here.
In Glasgow, visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Lighthouse. Wander down to the river to see the iconic Finnieston crane. Have a relaxing afternoon at the Botanic Gardens or discover Glasgow’s thriving street art scene with the Glasgow Mural Trail. Grab brunch/lunch at one of many incredible spots like Singl-end, Where the Monkey Sleeps, or Kember or Jones. Of course, in the evening you have to discover the nightlife of the West End.
Get to Know the Glasgow Mural Trail
The last instalment on this underrated European destinations list earns its place due to its authenticity and welcoming nature. Glasgow is guaranteed to be a fun trip, be it at museums, discovering history in the streets, or mixing with the locals in great bars. Visit Glasgow as a complete trip of its own, or add a day trip into your Scotland itinerary.
What do you think of my choices for these underrated European destinations? Have you ever visited any of them? Tell me your top choices, and I’ll be sure to add them to my bucket list.
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