Europe has so much to offer with many cultures, languages and landscapes crammed into one continent. The character of Europe’s cities and towns can vary wildly from one neighbouring country to the next and this is what makes a trip across Europe such an adventure. Many travellers will head straight for the big names – London, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam. These cities are all popular with travellers and tourists for a reason, but there is so much more to Europe too. Below, I share some of my favourite towns and cities outside of the usual suspects.
1. Vienna, Austria
Budget rating: ££
I adore Vienna and everything about it. It has everything a great European city needs – cosy coffee shops with decadent cakes and pastries, breathtakingly beautiful palaces and museums galore. The city also has some of the best designer shopping opportunities in Europe. To me, Vienna combines Paris’ relaxed, laidback atmosphere with the grand architecture of German cities such as Hamburg or Cologne. The best highlights from my September 2019 trip were Schonbrunn Palace and it’s magnificent gardens, as well as Pratar amusement park, one of the oldest in the world.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Budget rating: £££
Copenhagen was the destination of my first solo trip abroad, and it was the perfect choice. The city is friendly, easy to navigate on foot, and most importantly – safe. The ideal destination for solo female travellers. Along with the colourful buildings of Nyhavn, Copenhagen oozes scandi-cool and there is so much to do. It’s true that Copenhagen is one of the pricier cities in Europe, but if you plan your time and spending wisely, you can jam so much into one weekend here. The city offers miles of waterfront streets to explore, and large green spaces like the unique Christiana Freetown. There are plenty of high-spec hostels to choose from to keep your costs down too, including the Steel House Copenhagen.
3. Haarlem, Netherlands
Budget Rating: ££
For those who love Amsterdam but need a break from the hustle and bustle, Haarlem is the ideal destination. Known as “Little Amsterdam”, Haarlem offers much of the same in terms of architecture, canals, cycling and culture, wrapped up in a more tranquil atmosphere. I could spend hours wandering the cobbled shopping streets lined with independent boutiques and cafes. Just 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam’s Centraal station, it’s a pleasant place to stay if you’re looking for something more peaceful, as well as making a great day trip from the city.
4. Berlin, Germany
Budget rating: ££
Berlin is an absolute dream for history geeks like myself. With museums, historical buildings and monuments everywhere you turn, you could fill several days exploring Berlin’s tumultuous past. In the modern day, Berlin is a countercultural hub within Europe. It’s nightlife is famed across the continent and by day, the city offers a thriving arts scene, including the street art of the East Side Gallery.
5. Dublin, Ireland
Budget rating: ££
Combining that old Irish charm with modern city living is Dublin. The ideal first stop on a trip to Ireland, the home of the Guinness Storehouse and Jamesons Distillery offers a ton of activities to keep tourists busy by day. But it’s in the evening that Dublin really comes alive. The lively Temple Bar area provides so many choices for bars and restaurants. Even just a walk through this area on a weekend evening is an experience in itself. Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find numerous authentic Irish pubs offering warm hospitality and live folk music most nights, so pull up a bar stool, grab a pint and join in with the sing-a-long.
6. Budapest, Hungary
Budget Rating: £
Budapest is ever rising in popularity with tourists and it’s a great destination for a first time trip to Central Europe. One of the main highlights from the city of two halves (Buda and Pest), is the comforting traditional Hungarian food. If I could eat Chicken Paprikas and egg dumplings every day, I would. I definitely gave it a good try on my last visit to Budapest! To walk off all that beautiful food, a must visit is Margitsziget, the city’s main public park. There are endless things to do on this peaceful island in the middle of the Danube river and I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises. Just make sure you have a whole day free to explore because you’ll need it! Another option is Gellert Hill, offering 360 degree views of the entire city.
7. Krakow, Poland
Budget Rating: £
Excellent dining, buzzy bars and intriguing history are at the heart of Krakow. This often overlooked city in Poland has plenty to keep you busy for several days and I will definitely be going back to follow up on my short weekend visit. Krakow is another very walkable city due to its compact size, however there is also an efficient tram system getting you from A to B quicker, so you can cram more in to your stay. Read more about my Krakow weekender here.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Budget Rating: £££
This friendly little city on the waterfront is the most northerly capital in the world. The brightly coloured buildings of central Reykjavik contrast against the often grey skies. A trip to the Icelandic capital is worth every penny to experience its relaxed atmosphere and the phenomenal nature on the doorstep. There are plenty of free walking tours available to explore the city, and excursions outside of the city have pick up points at most of Reykjavik’s hotels. If you’re on a budget, keep costs down by preparing your own food where facilities allow. Other delicious but affordable food options include the beef sandwich from Bonus (just trust me on this one!) and the super popular hot dogs sold from stalls all over the city.
9. Santillana Del Mar, Spain
Budget Rating: ££
This traditional little Spanish town in the Cantabrian countryside looks like it belongs in a storybook. Pretty honey-toned buildings line narrow cobbled streets where you can spend hours browsing the gift shops and boutiques. Santillana Del Mar has an undeniably quaint atmosphere and slow pace, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed adventure. Whilst the town is nestled amongst farmland, there is easy access via car to the beach and coastal city of Santander for those looking for a mixture of quiet days as well as city hustle and bustle.
