Three European Destinations That Are Off The Beaten Track

Three European Destinations That Are Off The Beaten Track

When you start planning your next European holiday, which destinations spring to mind first? More often than not, the places associated with Europe are the tried and tested favourites Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome...all cities rich in culture and history, but perhaps a little too well explored in the past. This year, why not consider a European destination that's a bit more unique? With the added bonus that you'll have less tourists to compete with, you might also be able to witness another culture that is largely untouched by visitors.

For starters, why not avoid the well trodden path of Western Europe and head for somewhere a little more central? Hungary is home to the beautiful city of Budapest, which is brimming with history, culture and awe-inspiring architecture. Made up of the ancient sites of Buda and Pest, straddling the Danube River, the city has long been highly regarded by visitors for its sheer variety in terms of beautiful architecture and places to see. From the Gothic Mathias Church to the relaxing thermal baths at Gellrt, there's something for everyone and lots to explore.

Another option is to eschew the tried and tested destinations in France, Spain and Italy and head instead for Krakow, Poland. The capital of Poland until 1596, when Warsaw took over, the city is full of things to do and see. For example, why not explore Europe's largest medieval market square at Rynek Glowny, or perhaps take a stroll around the old Jewish Quarter, where you can find the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery. For those visitors with an interest in the country's history, Krakow is also situated near the site of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, which now houses a Museum about the Holocaust.

For any travellers wishing to experience a bit of Europe that isn't often flooded with tourists, set your sights on Tallinn, Estonia. An interesting mix of ancient city and modern architecture thanks to the influence of the Soviet regime, Tallinn is unlike many other European cities. Visit the TV Tower, a monument of Soviet architecture, which was built in 1980 on Soviet Revolution Day and has an observation deck 170m up which provides a great view across the city. For a taste of "Old Tallinn", there's plenty of options to choose from - stroll along the old city walls, explore the city's Latin Quarter, or lose yourself in a huge Orthodox church like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It may not have the reputation for beauty that, say, Paris and Rome do, but Tallinn is certainly beautiful (and fascinating) in its own right.

There are certainly many unusual European destinations just waiting to be explored. Get stuck in and do some research, as you can easily find yourself a great holiday spot which won't cost you the earth. Sites like Lastminute.com offer great deals on travel, and companies such as Octopus Travel have many options when it comes to everything from accommodation in Hungary to Krakow hotels. Grab yourself an unusual European holiday on the cheap, and you can feel smug to have discovered a part of the world your friends know nothing about!

POST COMMENT

Destination: Dubai A Comparison of Nook 3G to Kindle 3G Enjoy greater freedom to explore when you let your baggage travel separately Atlantic City Travel Deals On Hotels & Pubs Summer Trip to Budapest Have The World At Your Feet With Barge Rental Paris Top Attractions To Visit On Your Singapore Tours Registry Booster--A Shocking Comparison With RegInOut Ferry Building Is The Beginning Spot Of Sf Tours-1 Laura Robson has made considerable gains as a pro on the WTA tour Take a Shopping Trip to Mexico! Get away from boredom with singles trips Package Tour Operators In Bangalore