State of the Art
Admire the works of da Vinci, Rembrandt and Klimt firsthand at some of the finest classical art museums in the world.
There’s so much more to Europe than just the big cities and landmarks. Go off the beaten track and discover some of Europe’s lesser-known cities, hidden towns and secret villages that are rich in natural beauty and history.
Interactive Map
© ORT Région Moselle Luxembourgeoise / ONT
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Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
Grevenmacher is a picturesque town on the bank of the Moselle river, just across from Germany. It has an old-world feel with its 13th century belfry and medieval battlements, but it’s best known for its wineries.
© Peuky Barone-Wagener / ONT
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Echternach, Luxembourg
Founded as an abbey in 698 AD by St. Willibrord, Echternach is still surrounded by its medieval walls and towers. Though the original abbey burned down, the Basilica of Echternach seen here was built in 1737 and still houses the remains of St. Willibrord.
© Visit Estonia
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Tartu, Estonia
Home to Estonia’s oldest university, Tartu is an intellectual hub of eastern Europe. It has an eclectic-yet-charming mix of architecture due to its sovereignty changing hands throughout the years.
© NTO Roamnia
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Sibiu, Romania
Named a Capital of Culture in 2007 by the European Union, Sibiu is one of the most idyllic places to visit in Romania. Walk down the historic Stairs Passage that links the two sides of the city.
© Gadag
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Kuressaare, Estonia
The westernmost town in Estonia, Kuressaare on Saaremaa island retains its medieval charm, with Kuressaare Castle as its centerpoint.
© Shutterstock
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Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor has rapidly become a popular destination for visitors on cruise ships. The region of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with much of the medieval city still preserved.
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Pécs, Hungary
The area now occupied by Pécs has been occupied since ancient times, and has remainders from Roman, medieval and Ottoman periods. It’s varied architecture and historical sites make it a must-visit.
© Milan Gonda
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Kosice, Slovakia
The European Capital of Culture in 2013 , Kosice is home to many well preserved Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings. The gothic cathedral of St. Elisabeth Cathedral , one of the major landmarks in Kosice, dates back to 1230.
© Nickolay Stanev
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Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Nicknamed “City of the Tsars,” Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. It’s known for its impressive renaissance churches and other historical buildings and landmarks.
© canadastock
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Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt existed as a settlement some several thousand years ago as an area for salt production. Today it’s an idyllic lakeside village.
© Konstantin Aksenov
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Marsaxlokk, Malta
A traditional fishing village on the Mediterranean island of Malta, one of Marsaxlokk’s major attractions is its fresh fish market. Grab a bite to eat straight from the sea.
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Kaunas, Lithuania
Nestled between the Neris and Nemunas rivers, Kaunas is one of the most scenic cities in Lithuania. Its old town is home to some stunning Gothic and Renaissance-style architecture.
© Baciu
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Niš, Serbia
Established by the Scordisci people in 279 BC and with evidence for neolithic settlements as far back as 2,000 BC, Niš is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans. Not much remains from those days, but churches and other historic buildings still stand from as far back as the 4th century.
Galleries
Oktoberfest & Beyond: Beer & Wine Festivals of Europe
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Shopping off the Beaten Track
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
Best Waterfalls in Europe
Sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Some of Europe’s most magical natural wonders come in the form of waterfalls. From raging falls in Iceland to babbling brooks in Hungary, they come in many forms. See some of the favorite falls here before seeing them firsthand on your trip to Europe.
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European Heritage Sites
European Heritage Sites include archives, monuments, archeological sites, and places of seminal cultural or political value, from the classic age to the present. Since the label’s inception in 2013, thirty-eight sites have been designated, bringing passages in Europe’s history to the foreground to honor, celebrate, and remember who built Europe, how, and why. They are lessons from the past to guide the future of Europe.
Oktoberfest & Beyond: Beer & Wine Festivals of Europe
Much of Europe is known for its beer and wine production. But we don’t just know how to make them; we know how to drink them. From energetic beer festivals to exquisite wine gatherings, there’s plenty to celebrate. Drink up six of the best beer and wine festivals throughout Europe with this gallery.
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