When people
think of Europe, the same three or four cities usually come to mind: Paris,
Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam. These cities are beautiful — but in summer they get
so crowded that what you see is often not the view, but the phone screen of the
person in front of you. After years of helping people plan their travels, I've
noticed one thing: the most unforgettable memories usually happen in places no
one talks about.
Porto, Portugal
A city that
lives in Lisbon's shadow but is far warmer than it. Old neighbourhoods along
the Douro River, cellars of the world's finest port wines, and surprisingly
affordable prices. April–May or September–October is ideal; midsummer is both
hot and more crowded.
Ghent, Belgium
While everyone
heads to Brussels and Bruges, this medieval city between them is often skipped.
Its canals are as beautiful as Bruges', but the tourist density is far lower.
Being a student city, it has a lively, young atmosphere.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
One of Europe's
most charming capitals, yet many people can't even pronounce its name. A
car-free centre, dragon bridges, lush green surroundings. You can take a day
trip to Lake Bled from here.
Matera, Italy
With cave
dwellings thousands of years old, one of the oldest continuously inhabited
places on earth. In Italy, yet completely away from the Tuscany crowds. When
the evening lights come on, the city turns into a stage.
Tallinn, Estonia
This medieval
jewel of the Baltics has one of northern Europe's best-preserved old towns.
Fairy-tale-like in winter, magical with its long days in summer. As a world
leader in digitalisation, it's also very easy to navigate practically.
If you're
thinking of visiting one of these cities and don't know where to start, we can
map out a personalised route for you — from flight connections to which
neighbourhood to stay in. We're just a message away.