When it comes to travel, Europe is a popular destination for many people. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to the continent each year. However, while many popular destinations like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona are certainly worth a visit, there are many other destinations in Europe that are often overlooked. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most underrated destinations in Europe and why they are worth considering for your next trip.
- Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal is a beautiful and historic city located on the northwest coast of the country. Known for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Porto is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Portugal.One of the most iconic landmarks in Porto is the Clérigos Tower, a baroque bell tower that offers stunning views of the city from the top. The tower is located in the historic district of Miragaia, which is also home to the beautiful São Bento railway station, famous for its intricate tile work.Another must-see attraction in Porto is the Palácio da Bolsa, a 19th-century neoclassical building that serves as a symbol of the city’s commercial power. The building is now home to several museums and art galleries, including the São Bento Museum, which showcases the history of the railway station.
In addition to its historic landmarks, Porto is also known for its delicious food and drink. The city is famous for its port wine, a sweet red wine that is produced in the Douro Valley and aged in oak casks. Visitors can take a boat tour of the Douro River to see the terraced vineyards and wineries that produce this famous wine.
Porto is also home to some of the best seafood in Portugal, with fresh fish and shellfish dishes being a specialty of the city. Be sure to try the traditional dish “tripas à moda do Porto,” which consists of beef tripe cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, served with potatoes and vegetables.
When it comes to nightlife, Porto has something for everyone. The Miragaia district is home to many bars and clubs, while the Ribeira, a riverside area of the city, is a popular spot for a night out with live music and street performers.
Overall, Porto is a vibrant and charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historic landmarks, sampling its delicious food and drink, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of its lively streets, Porto is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, is a vibrant and historic city that offers a unique blend of culture, architecture, and nightlife. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Vilnius is known for its stunning baroque and Gothic architecture, as well as its rich history and cultural heritage.One of the most iconic landmarks in Vilnius is the Gediminas Tower, a medieval castle that dates back to the 14th century. The tower is located on top of a hill in the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many historic buildings and churches. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town, which are lined with charming cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Another must-see attraction in Vilnius is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus, a stunning baroque cathedral that dates back to the 18th century. The cathedral is known for its intricate frescoes and stained glass windows, as well as its impressive dome and tower.
In addition to its historic landmarks, Vilnius is also known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural events. The city is home to many bars, clubs, and live music venues, as well as a number of museums and galleries that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.
One of the most unique aspects of Vilnius is its vibrant street art scene. The city is known for its colorful murals and graffiti, which can be found throughout the city’s neighborhoods and public spaces. Visitors can take a street art tour to learn more about the city’s artistic culture and see some of the most impressive murals and installations.
When it comes to food and drink, Vilnius offers a wide range of options, from traditional Lithuanian dishes to international cuisine. Be sure to try the city’s famous salmon, which is smoked and cured according to a traditional recipe. You can also sample some of the city’s delicious beer, which is brewed in a number of local breweries.
Overall, Vilnius is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historic land marks, experiencing its vibrant nightlife, or immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage, Vilnius is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
One of the best times to visit Vilnius is during the winter holiday season, when the city is decorated with festive lights and ornaments. The city’s Christmas markets are a must-see attraction, with vendors selling traditional handicrafts, gifts, and holiday treats.
In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Vilnius is also a hub for business and education. The city is home to a number of universities and research institutions, as well as a thriving startup scene.
Overall, Vilnius is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historic landmarks, experiencing its vibrant nightlife, or immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage, Vilnius is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is a charming and historic city that offers a unique blend of culture, architecture, and technology. Located on the northern coast of the country, Tallinn is known for its stunning medieval architecture, as well as its vibrant tech scene and nightlife.One of the most iconic landmarks in Tallinn is the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 13th century. The Old Town is known for its charming cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque squares, as well as its many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the Old Town’s many attractions, including the Gothic-style Tallinn Cathedral, the charming St. Nicholas’ Church, and the impressive Toompea Castle.
Another must-see attraction in Tallinn is the Kadriorg Palace, a beautiful baroque palace that was built in the 18th century for Catherine the Great. The palace is surrounded by stunning gardens and is home to a number of art museums and galleries.
In addition to its historic landmarks, Tallinn is also known for its vibrant tech scene and startup culture. The city is home to a number of tech companies and startups, as well as a thriving digital community that hosts events and conferences throughout the year.
One of the most unique aspects of Tallinn is its digital infrastructure. The city is known for its advanced digital services, including its e-residency program, which allows anyone in the world to become a digital resident of Estonia. The city is also home to a number of tech-related attractions, including the Tallinn Music Tech Meetup and the Tallinn Digital Summit.
When it comes to food and drink, Tallinn offers a wide range of options, from traditional Estonian dishes to international cuisine. Be sure to try the city’s famous blood sausage, which is made from pork blood and suet, or sample some of the city’s delicious craft beers.
Overall, Tallinn is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historic landmarks, experiencing its vibrant tech scene, or immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage, Tallinn is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Riga, Latvia
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is a vibrant and historic city that offers a unique blend of culture, architecture, and nightlife. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Bucharest is known for its stunning architecture, as well as its rich history and cultural heritage.One of the most iconic landmarks in Bucharest is the Palace of the Parliament, a massive government building that was completed in 1997. The building is one of the largest in the world and is known for its opulent design and impressive size. Visitors can explore the building’s many attractions, including its grand hall, its massive conference rooms, and its underground tunnel system.
Another must-see attraction in Bucharest is the Old Town, a charming neighborhood that is home to a number of historic buildings and landmarks. The Old Town is known for its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque squares, as well as its many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the Old Town’s many attractions, including the charming St. Nicholas Church, the impressive Royal Palace, and the historic Lipscani district.
In addition to its historic landmarks, Bucharest is also known for its vibrant cultural scene and nightlife. The city is home to a number of museums and galleries, as well as a thriving music scene that includes everything from classical music to hip-hop.
One of the most unique aspects of Bucharest is its food and drink culture. The city is known for its delicious Romanian cuisine, which includes dishes like mititei (grilled sausages), sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), and papanasu (a traditional Romanian dessert). Bucharest is indeed a lovely place to visit.
- Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city with a rich and diverse history. Located in the western part of the country, the city has been inhabited for thousands of years and has a long and varied history. The city’s medieval old town, which dates back to the 5th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a number of impressive landmarks, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the St. George Rotunda.In addition to its rich history, Sofia is also known for its vibrant arts scene and its delicious food. The city is home to a number of art galleries and cultural institutions, and hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Sofia International Film Festival and the Sofia Music Weeks. The city’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Bulgarian and Balkan flavors, and includes dishes like shkembe chorba, a type of yogurt-based soup, and banitsa, a traditional Bulgarian pastry.Overall, Sofia is a unique and charming destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Bulgaria. With its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and delicious food, it is a city that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
- Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a city with a rich and storied history. Located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, the city has been inhabited for over 7,000 years and has a long and varied history. The city’s medieval old town, which dates back to the 12th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a number of impressive landmarks, including the Belgrade Fortress and the Church of Saint Sava.In addition to its rich history, Belgrade is also known for its vibrant nightlife and its delicious food. The city has a lively bar and club scene, with a number of venues staying open late into the night. Belgrade is also home to a number of traditional Serbian restaurants, where visitors can try dishes like ćevapi, a type of grilled meat, and sour cabbage, a popular Serbian side dish.
Belgrade is a city that is full of energy and excitement, and offers a unique and authentic experience for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history or experiencing its vibrant nightlife, Belgrade is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is a city with a rich history and a unique culture. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city has a long and storied history, dating back to the 9th century. It was the capital of the Bohemian Kingdom and the Holy Roman Empire, and was a center of culture and learning during the Renaissance. The city’s architecture reflects its rich history, with a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.Today, Prague is a bustling city with a population of around 1.3 million people. It is known for its stunning architecture, including the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square. The city is also home to a number of museums, including the National Museum of the Czech Republic and the Jewish Museum in Prague.In addition to its rich history, Prague is also known for its vibrant arts scene and its delicious food. The city is home to a number of art galleries and cultural institutions, and hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Prague Spring International Music Festival and the Prague Writers’ Festival.
- Valletta, Malta
Valletta is the capital of Malta and is a city with a rich history and a unique culture. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to its rich history, Valletta is also known for its vibrant arts scene and its delicious food, which includes dishes like pastizzi and rabbit.
The city was founded in 1565 by the Knights of St. John, a Christian military order, and was named after the Grand Master of the Order, Jean Parisot de Valette. The city’s fortifications, which include a series of bastions, curtains, and ditches, were designed by the military engineer Francesco Laparelli and were some of the most advanced in Europe at the time.Today, Valletta is a bustling city with a population of around 6,000 people. It is known for its stunning architecture, including the impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Malta, and the Auberge de Castille. The city is also home to a number of museums, including the National Museum of Archaeology and the Palace Armoury, which houses a collection of historic weapons and armor.In addition to its rich history, Valletta is also known for its vibrant arts scene and its delicious food. The city is home to a number of art galleries and cultural institutions, and hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Valletta International Baroque Festival and the Malta International Arts Festival. The city’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean and Maltese flavors, and includes dishes like pastizzi, a type of savory pastry, and rabbit, which is a popular local dish.
Overall, Valletta is a unique and charming destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Malta. With its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and delicious food, it is a city that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
In conclusion, while many popular destinations in Europe are certainly worth a visit, there are many other destinations that are often overlooked. From Porto, Portugal to Valletta, Malta, these underrated destinations offer a unique and authentic experience for travelers looking to explore Europe. With their rich history, vibrant cultures, and delicious food, these destinations are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
This coming holiday season, a time for sharing and spending time with loved ones, why don’t you give yourself and your family a treat visiting one or more of these locations.
Our professional staffs are here to guide you through the process, from application to arrival.Kindly reach us on the following number: 09030215020 | 07031592553