Europe is a mind blowing continent to visit, it offers everything for everyone and the explosion of culture owing to the free movement of people provides visitors with experiences that no continent can match.
The only problem I have is that far too often, the continents’ big boys like London, Paris, Milan, Barcelona and Munich often steal the thunder from some of the most beautiful cities on Earth, like these criminally underrated destinations.
Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. The city manages to combine the countryside and city-life all under one sky. Calton Hill resides right in the centre of the city and from the top you can the city’s full panorama. There are two main streets in the centre of Edinburgh is the Royal Mile, a street filled with whisky shops, tartan shops and the outlets that offer the best of Scotland. The second street is Princes Street, a bustling street filled with bars, chic treats such as tiffany lamps, restaurants and shops. By far the best month to visit Edinburgh is in August where they dedicate the entire month to comedy and theatre with thousands of gigs taking place in hundreds of novel locations across the city.
Warsaw
Poland is far too often disregarded as a destination worth visiting in Europe and having been there and seen what the country has to offer I am not entirely sure why. Warsaw in particular is a lively city that is filled with tradition and sheer beauty, both in body and soul. The women in Poland are some of the most beautiful I have seen on the planet, real classic beauty with amiable personalities. The City of Warsaw has a really relaxed feel to it and there is so much to see and do, museums, art galleries, historic parks and plenty of sports and music events to indulge in.
Newcastle
Newcastle, in the North East of England is a city often forgotten by visitors to the British Isles. The city itself is vibrant and steeped in the heritage of it’s shipbuilding roots, in the last 20 years the City has really stepped up to the cultural plate and possesses many iconic buildings and landmarks. The river Tyne sweeps through the city and the bridges that adorn are stunning, the grand Tyne Bridge is the main thoroughfare from Newcastle to neighbouring Gateshead and the newly built ‘Millennium’ footbridge operates like a closing eye when ships pass through.
The Sage arts building is a sight to behold, purpose built music centre with acoustics in mind The Sage plays host to some of the biggest names in the music world. Newcastle offers many historical and art museums and the Centre of Life is a museum that explores the world of science. Just 10 miles outside of the city is some of the most beautiful coastline that Britain has to offer, unfortunately this part of England can’t offer the warm weather of it’s southern counterparts but don’t let that put you off.
Croatia
The entire country of Croatia is massively underrated as a travel destination, it really offers something for every type of tourist out there, sun, snow and beauty. In it’s northern and eastern parts Croatia offers plenty of opportunities for snow lovers, with some fantastic pistes in areas near Split and Zagreb, during the Winter there is few better places to ski in the continent. The city of Zagreb is a pleasure for those who love their history, the city is filled with Gothic buildings and a medieval-esque skyline. Further to the South West of the country Croatia becomes a warm beach destination where the country meets the azure Adriatic Sea. Whatever your bag is, you are sure to find it in Croatia.
Budapest
The Hungarian city of Budapest has finally started to gain some respect amongst travellers in recent years as many flock to the city to witness what many describe to be the most beautiful city in Europe. The architecture is breathtaking and it’s proximity to the Danube River presents an astonishing back drop. Hungarian cuisine is also often overlooked, the mixture of slow cooked meat, stews and use of spices and traditional cooking methods leave a wonderful after taste. Budapest even offers over 100 thermal spas that occupy much of the cities, the perfect way to relax and take in the views.