As a travel writer, especially one who's had the good fortune to wander through countless corners of this planet, I often find myself drawn to Europe. Not just for its grand, iconic cities – though they are undeniably magnificent – but for the quiet charm of its lesser-known locales, too. There’s something truly special about peeling back the layers of history and culture that define this continent, isn't there? It’s a journey that reveals, sometimes quite unexpectedly, the soul of a place.
Take, for instance, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. It's a city that, for me, truly embodies the phrase "fairytale charm." With its dragon-guarded bridge, a picturesque river winding through the heart of the city, and the majestic castle perched above, it feels almost as if you’ve stepped into a storybook. And, dare I say, it's perhaps one of Europe's most underrated capitals. You might find yourself lingering longer than expected, simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Then there's Belgium, a country often overshadowed by its more celebrated neighbours, but brimming with its own unique character. Ghent, with its medieval core and vibrant student life, offers a captivating blend of old and new. It’s less polished, perhaps, than Bruges, but that’s precisely its appeal – a genuine, lived-in feel. And while we’re on the subject of Belgium, don’t overlook Antwerp. It’s a city that truly buzzes with a creative energy, known for its fashion, diamonds, and a rather impressive cathedral. I found the sheer scale of the architecture quite breathtaking, to be honest.
Italy, of course, needs little introduction. Beyond the perennial favourites, lies Bologna, a city often hailed as Italy's culinary capital. And for good reason! The food scene here is simply unparalleled. It's also home to one of the oldest universities in the world, giving it a youthful, intellectual vibrancy that I found particularly engaging. While in Italy, you should also consider venturing south to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. It's a place of beautiful chaos, rich history, and incredible street food – a true sensory overload, in the best possible way. And for something entirely different, Turin, nestled at the foot of the Alps, offers a more refined, elegant experience, known for its baroque architecture and chocolate. Genoa, a port city with a storied maritime past, also offers a fascinating glimpse into Italy's historical power.
Portugal, too, holds a special place in my travelogue. Porto, with its cascading colourful houses along the Douro River, is simply enchanting. The port wine cellars, the Fado music drifting from open doorways… it’s a place that just begs to be explored slowly, perhaps with a glass of local wine in hand. And, of course, Spain. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Barcelona and Madrid, cities like Seville – oh, the flamenco and the orange trees! – and Valencia, with its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences contrasting beautifully with its historic centre, are utterly captivating. For something a little different, Bilbao, a city transformed by the Guggenheim Museum, showcases a remarkable blend of art and industry. And let’s not forget Malaga, on the Costa del Sol, blending beach life with a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene, and Zaragoza, a historical treasure trove on the Ebro River.
Venturing east, Poland offers a rich tapestry of history and resilience. Krakow, with its stunning Old Town and Wawel Castle, is a true gem – a city that survived the ravages of war with much of its beauty intact. And a little further north, Gdansk, a Hanseatic city on the Baltic coast, carries a palpable sense of history, particularly its role in the Solidarity movement. While we are in Poland, it would be remiss not to mention Warsaw, a city that has risen from the ashes with incredible determination, offering a poignant look at modern European history.
Scandinavia, though often perceived as expensive, offers an unparalleled quality of life and stunning natural beauty. Gothenburg in Sweden, a laid-back alternative to Stockholm, boasts beautiful canals and a thriving culinary scene. Speaking of Sweden, Malmo is another delightful option, easily accessible from Copenhagen and offering a blend of historic and modern architecture. In Norway, Bergen is simply breathtaking, surrounded by seven mountains and fjords – I think it’s one of the most picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. And, of course, the grand capitals: Stockholm, spread across 14 islands, is undeniably elegant, and Oslo, Norway’s capital, blends modern architecture with stunning natural surroundings. Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital, with its colourful Nyhavn harbour and commitment to hygge, is pure delight. And just across the water in Denmark, Aarhus offers a dynamic cultural scene and a charming old town.
Back in Central Europe, Zagreb, Croatia's capital, surprised me with its Austro-Hungarian grandeur and lively café culture. It has a real sense of local life. Similarly, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, often overlooked, offers a charming old town and a castle with panoramic views of the Danube. It's an easy day trip from Vienna, but perhaps deserves more time to truly appreciate its unique character. The Baltics, too, are full of surprises. Riga, Latvia's capital, is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, while Vilnius in Lithuania, boasts a stunning baroque old town. And then there's Tallinn, Estonia's capital, which feels straight out of a medieval fairy tale – truly magical, especially in winter.
The Netherlands, beyond Amsterdam, offers a wealth of diverse experiences. Utrecht, with its unique wharf cellars and vibrant student population, provides a more intimate Dutch experience. And The Hague, the governmental heart of the Netherlands, showcases impressive architecture and a sophisticated, international atmosphere.
Southeast Europe also offers incredible value and authentic experiences. Belgrade, Serbia’s bustling capital, is a city with a raw energy and a fascinating history, especially its nightlife, some say. Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, offers a captivating blend of ancient Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and Soviet-era monuments. And Bucharest, Romania’s "Little Paris," is undergoing a fascinating transformation, with grand boulevards and a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. In Hungary, beyond Budapest, Debrecen, the country's second-largest city, offers a more local perspective, known for its Great Church and thermal baths. And in the Czech Republic, while Prague is a must-see, Brno offers a more relaxed, authentic experience with its impressive Špilberk Castle and lively student scene. Over in Finland, Tampere, often called the "Manchester of Finland" due to its industrial past, is now a vibrant cultural hub, surrounded by beautiful lakes. And, of course, the serene capital, Helsinki, with its unique blend of Scandinavian and Russian influences, is a delight, especially in the summer.
France, of course, is endlessly alluring. Beyond Paris, cities like Lyon are a gastronomic paradise, while Marseille, a vibrant port city, offers a grittier, more authentic slice of French life. Nice, on the French Riviera, simply oozes glamour and charm, with its azure waters and pastel-coloured buildings. Bordeaux, the world's wine capital, speaks for itself, really. And Strasbourg, with its Franco-Germanic heritage and charming canals, feels wonderfully unique. For a taste of classical Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, boasts a rich Byzantine history and a lively waterfront. And finally, for something truly out of this world, there’s Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. It’s a city that feels both small and cosmically vast, with its colourful houses, vibrant arts scene, and incredible proximity to some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. It's a place that will, I think, forever stay with you.
So, whether you're seeking ancient history, culinary delights, artistic inspiration, or simply a charming stroll through cobbled streets, Europe, it seems, has an endless supply of wonders waiting to be discovered. Sometimes the most rewarding journeys are those where you venture just a little bit off the well-worn path. Happy travels!