Europe is endlessly varied, and I’ve been visiting and detouring into the unexpected for many years now. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a list of some favourites, from recent trips, you might not have thought of.
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The kind of European places I want to keep writing about
As 2025 draws to a close, I’m sharing some European destinations I’ve visited over the last couple of years. Some I’ve written about already, others I haven’t, but they’re all favourites, albeit for different reasons. I tend to avoid labels like ‘hidden gems‘ or ‘underrated‘. Not because these places lack…
And here’s some destination guides grouped by country.
Andorra
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Beyond Duty-Free Shopping – 21 Best Things to Do in Andorra
So yes, you can shop in Andorra, but there’s so much more! Here’s the things I found to do on my solo short break to this little country, high in the Pyrenees,…
Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Things to Do in Sarajevo: 20 Best Attractions and Local Tips
“When you go to Sarajevo, what you experience… is life”. Mike Leigh, English Film Director Sarajevo had been on my list for a long time. After a few days in Belgrade, we…
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Things to Do in Tuzla, Bosnia: A City Built on Salt
Tuzla is Bosnia’s third-largest city, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of it. I certainly hadn’t, until I started looking at options for travelling between Belgrade and Sarajevo, when…
France
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Things to do in Carcassonne – Here’s what I did, what I skipped and what I wish I’d known
The old Cité of Carcassonne looks like it’s been lifted straight from a medieval movie set – and to be fair, it has. Most famously, it stood in for Nottingham Castle in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), A guide, with everything you need to know for the independent traveller
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Toulouse and the Machines – A Guide to A Fascinating City with a Steampunk Twist
Planning a trip to France’s Pink City? This guide to Toulouse Machines covers the city’s unique mechanical wonders alongside the must-see squares, churches, and day trips.
Greece
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Alternative Athens: Neighbourhoods, Street Life & Technopolis
I’ll be honest: the first time I visited Athens (a long time ago), I wasn’t particularly taken by it. I remembered pollution, scruffiness, crowds, and intense heat. But I’ve been back several…
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Classic Athens: Top Sights and Ancient Landmarks for your First Trip to The Greek Capital
As the birthplace of Western Civilisation and democracy, Athens makes a compelling case for your attention. The Greek Capital is named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. And you’ll feel…
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10 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki: A Walkable Guide to Greece’s Second City
It’s easy to underestimate Thessaloniki. Athens takes most of the limelight, along with the islands, but if you’re looking for an easy, good-value city break in Greece, Thessaloniki should make it onto…
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Visit Meteora: An Unforgettable Trip to Greece’s Cliff-Top Monasteries
First off, this place is jaw dropping. Put it on your bucket list! Meteora means ‘hanging monasteries’ and the monasteries certainly do look like they are suspended from the sky as they…
Kosovo
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Best Day Trips and Places to Visit in Kosovo from Pristina
The capital, Pristina, makes a great base for exploring central Kosovo. The country’s small enough to get around easily, and most of the main towns are linked by bus. For some of…
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Why You Should Visit Pristina: Kosovo’s Surprising Coffee-Fuelled Capital
Europe’s newest capital, Pristina, intrigued me long before I arrived, and after exploring Kosovo’s biggest city, it still does. If you imagined Pristina would be beige or boring because the “things to…
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10 Things to Do in Prizren, Kosovo – Why It Deserves a Spot on Your Balkan Itinerary
Prizren’s cobbled streets, riverside cafés, and mountain backdrop give it an easy charm that’s hard to resist. Compact and full of character, it’s one of those cities that wins you over straight…
Liechtenstein
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15 Things to do in Liechtenstein and the capital, Vaduz
Are you thinking about visiting Liechtenstein? Or maybe you need to know more before deciding? Maybe you’ve heard that it’s boring? Well I didn’t think so, and after two days there, I…
Moldova
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Best Things to Do in Chișinău: A Complete Guide to Europe’s Least Visited Capital City
Discover the best things to do in Chişinău, from leafy parks and quirky Soviet landmarks to affordable Moldovan food and wine. Follow my two easy walking routes with maps, plus tips for day trips and local eats.
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Visiting Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi): Moldova’s Cave Monastery & Dramatic Landscapes
A cave monastery, ancient ruins, and dramatic valley views — Old Orhei is Moldova’s most spectacular day trip from Chișinău.
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Moldova Wine Tours: Our trip to Cricova and Castel Mimi wineries plus more wineries you can try
Vast underground tunnels, endless wine, and a history that runs deep — discover why Cricova is Moldova’s most famous winery or visit French Chateau style Castel Mimi
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Transnistria Day Trip from Chișinău – Worth It?
Part Soviet time capsule, part breakaway state – here’s what I found on a surreal day trip to Transnistria
Monaco
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Things to do in Monaco: And why it’s not as expensive as you think
Nestled at the eastern edge of the French Riviera, Monaco has a reputation: yachts, casinos, supercars and eye-watering prices. We arrived in February expecting to tread carefully. The plan was simple: see…
North Macedonia
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Visit the Millennium Cross and Mount Vodno from Skopje by Public Bus
Mount Vodno and the Millennium cross provide a striking backdrop to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. And a visit to see them both, up close and personal, is an essential part…
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Visit the Painted Mosque in Tetovo From Skopje by Public Bus
In the foothills of the Šar Mountains, Tetovo’s Painted Mosque dazzles with colour — and it’s an easy bus ride from Skopje, making it one of the most rewarding day trips in North Macedonia
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Best Things to Do in Skopje: Your Comprehensive Travel Guide to Europe’s Most Kitsch Capital
Skopje mixes kitsch statues, Ottoman charm and Balkan buzz. This guide on things to do in Skopje covers the city highlights both in the Ancient City and beyond including the modern facades and statues created as part of Skopje Project 2014
Norway
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Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter: Your Guide To The Arctic Capital
I went to Tromsø expecting icy landscapes and auroras – I left with memories of warmth, whales, and a city that feels unlike anywhere else in Europe. If you’re planning a trip…
Romania
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Best Day Trips from Bucharest: Castles, Mountains, the Black Sea and Cross Border Adventures
Bucharest might surprise you – behind its traffic and grandeur lies a convenient base for day trips. From fairy-tale castles in the Carpathians to the breezy Black Sea coast, it’s easy to…
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23 Best Things to Do in Bucharest – and One I’d Avoid Right Now
In this guide you’ll find all the best things to do in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. It’s a vibrant city with a fascinating history and one of Europe’s most affordable capitals….
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Best Things to Do in Iași: Discover Romania’s Cultural Gem
In this guide you’ll find a map and a walking route through Iași’s historic centre, plus a few finds further out. Itineraries, food and drink recommendations, and practical tips for your visit are included here too.
San Marino
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Best Things to Do in San Marino (and Why You’ll Want to Stay for Sunset)
San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe and proudly calls itself the world’s oldest surviving republic. Perched high on Mount Titano, it’s a maze of steep medieval lanes, arched gateways…
Serbia
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Top Things to do in Belgrade: Beyond the Nightlife
Serbia was one of the last European countries we hadn’t explored, so that made it reason enough to plan a visit. We were aware of Belgrade’s reputation for lively nightlife along the…
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Things to Do in Novi Sad: An Easy Day Trip from Belgrade
Visit Serbia’s second city by high-speed train. If you’re spending time in Belgrade and want to explore somewhere new for the day, Novi Sad should be at the top of your list….
And here are some pointers on travelling light to help you on your way.