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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The westernmost town in Estonia, Kuressaare on Saaremaa island retains its medieval charm, with Kuressaare Castle as its centerpoint.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hallstatt existed as a settlement some several thousand years ago as an area for salt production. Today it’s an idyllic lakeside village.
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.
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.
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.
Europe is a jolly place to be any time of the year. But when Christmas time rolls around, some places become nothing short of magical. It all starts at the Christmas markets sprinkled throughout the continent. From Finland to France, unwrap the wonder of European Christmas markets with this gallery. Then, find your way here in December to experience it firsthand.
Europe’s beaches are rated amongst the world’s best for a variety of reasons: their stunning scenery, their unique nature and their lively entertainment offerings. Here is a selection of some of the most unique spots Europe’s coastline has to offer.
Venice is arguably the most romantic place in the world. With serene rivers and canals winding through the city, there are unforgettable sights at every turn. But it’s not the only romantic city in Europe. Get to know the European cities that claim to be the “Venice of the North” by browsing through this gallery.
Europe is full of iconic sites and landmarks. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to flower fields of the Netherlands, there’s always something new and exciting to see. In this gallery, you’ll find just some of the must-see landmarks scattered throughout Europe in this gallery. Get to know a little about them here so you know which ones to add to your trip itinerary.
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6th largest Roman amphitheater in the world!
Europe’s cities are filled with every style of architecture imaginable. Oftentimes, these styles coexist side by side and somehow make each city even greater than the sum of its parts. Government buildings, hundreds of years old, stand in regal fashion next to sleek, modern museums and libraries, making for an enjoyable juxtaposition that just begs to be captured by your camera. From old castles in San Marino to grandiose Lithuanian cathedrals, you’ll be inspired by the markedly different buildings designed by the famous architects of Europe.
The Montreux Jazz Festival: Paying venues on the A-side, remastered free events on the B-side; a rich heritage, carefully polished.
There were notable culinary migrations during the Austrian monarchy, long before the EU and a united Europe. Therefore, we owe a debt of gratitude for this deliciously tender Rostbraten (roast beef) to the famous family of the Esterházys, all of whom were not only generous sponsors of the arts and successful politicians, but also connoisseurs of fine dining.
Greener by train, by foot, and by bike.
