Big, famous cities often mean big crowds, big waits, and big budgets! You don’t want to spend your entire summer vacation waiting in line in the hot sun to get into that amazing museum! That’s why on the map of your trip planner, you should consider less famous and crowded places. Avoid the crowds and make the most of your summer vacation with our list of the best alternative city getaways for 2017! And trust us, these are also equally amazing places, they just haven’t been as discovered yet, so you need to get to them before they are!
1. Go to Vienna instead of Berlin
The classical music capital of the world! Vienna was home to the likes of Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, and many more musical geniuses. But it’s not just a city with a rich musical heritage, it’s a city that oozes culture – from museums to theaters and concert halls to smaller fringe venues, if you’re a culture vulture this is the place for you! Summer in Vienna will be less expensive and less packed than a trendy city like Berlin, but will not be lacking at all – in addition to the culture, the city is brimming with hip modern cafes and bars, sprawling parks and rich history. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this magnificent European capital.
2. Go to Prague instead of Paris
Imagine yourself walking along a picturesque river, crossed by eclectic bridges, and surrounded by history – Paris? No – Prague! Prague boasts breathtaking scenery and parks, rich history, and unique culture. You can spend days just wandering the city, watching the sunset from the Charles Bridge, exploring the castle, and getting lost in the Old Town. In the evening, kick back in one of its great bars, enjoy an authentic Czech supper, washed down with some local beer – we recommend Pilsner!
3. Go to Budapest instead of Krakow
Culture, history and castles. Wine, food, spas, and beer. What more could you ask for out of a vacation? Another of our alternative city getaways is Budapest. Take a trip to the Hungarian capital for the summer of a lifetime. Sample authentic local treats, especially the pastries. Drink local wines. Explore the countryside. And best of all, treat yourself to a day (or four) in one of the country’s renowned spas!
4. Go to Dublin instead of London
Summer in London is noisy, crowded, hot, and expensive. Take the path less traveled and hop to the next island – plan a trip to Ireland! And head to the capital, Dublin. With all the perks of a major city, Dublin is also near some truly amazing hiking and nature. Make a friend in a pub over a pint of Guinness (you can actually tour the factory!). It’s really easy to make friends as the Irish are great fun! While you’re sipping your pint, make sure you’ve picked a spot where you can hear some traditional Irish music for a truly authentic Dublin experience!
5. Go to Lisbon instead of Southern Spain
Entire cities pick up and relocate to the Costa del Sol (the south coast of Spain) for their summer holidays. Avoid the rush, but still enjoy sunny beaches and rich history in Portugal’s capital. Lisbon’s eclectic architecture, wealth of historic sites, and great museums make this city truly special. Cool down at Lisbon’s idyllic beaches, where you can relax on the sand or enjoy some water sports. Dance the night away in this vibrant city, known for some of Europe’s hottest nightlife!
6. Go to Dubrovnik instead of Greek Islands
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of ancient history and idyllic beaches, look no further. Take a trip back in time as you walk the cobbled streets of Croatia’s stunning capital city. Recognize some of the pictures below? You’re probably a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones – King’s Landing is filmed in Dubrovnik! Learn about actual Croatian history, or take a Game of Thrones tour of the city.
7. Go to Reykjavik instead of Stockholm
Take advantage of every moment of your summer vacation by heading north to the Land of the Midnight Sun! In the summer in Iceland, you can enjoy up to 20 hours of daylight. That gives you tons of time for exploring Reykjavik’s museums, parks, theaters, and bars. Iceland’s capital is just a short ride to some of the most spectacular nature in the world, including some of the world’s most unique beaches – some with black sand!
8. Go to Sicily instead of Rome
If you’re dreaming of Italy, your thoughts probably go to Rome. But what is it that you want out of your Italian vacation? If the answer is rich history, delicious food, and quality wine, look no further than Sicily. This island has everything that you’d want from Rome, but without the crowds, noise and cost. Not only does Sicily have all of the things that make Italy special, it also boasts pristine beaches, sprawling vineyards, and stunning nature. Climb Vesuvius whose eruption led to the destruction of the Roman city Pompeii, and then treat yourself to some vino Italiano, and some delicious arancini, a Sicilian specialty.
9. Go to Ljubljana instead of Brussels
Both European capitals, set on the water, with charming architecture and lovely locals – why have more people not discovered Ljubljana yet? Discover Slovenian history through world-class museums and magnificent architecture. Make sure to check out the amazing Predjama Castle, which is actually half in a cliff-side cave. Slovenia is also known for its beautiful vineyards and fine wine. No trip to Slovenia is complete without a visit to the town of Bled, which is under an hour from Ljubljana. For the perfect summer afternoon, take a stroll through this romantic town and then a boat out to the island in the middle of the lake!
10. Go to Kotor instead of Athens, Greece
And finally, on our run down of Europe’s best alternative city getaways, we have Kotor. Trade the Acropolis for Acruvium with a trip to Motenegro! Historians believe that the city of Kotor is built on Acruvium – a city that is older than Homer! Discover ancient history around every corner, surrounded by towering mountains, golden beaches, and bright blue water. The weather is great, the locals are friendly, the food is to die for, and there are no crowds!
So there you have it, these alternative city getaways are truly just as beautiful as anything else you’ll see in Europe. Get to them this summer before the crowds do! And if you do, let us know what you think!
What are your recommendations for alternative city getaways?
