12 Beautiful Places To Visit in Europe That Are Not Paris

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It’s no secret that Europe is jam-packed with beautiful places to visit. However, if we tell you to consider visiting Europe, there’s a high chance your mind will quickly picture destinations like Paris, Milan, and London. While nothing is wrong with that, there is much more to see in Europe than just places like Paris.

Europe is home to fairytale-like towns, picturesque coastal cities, colorful mountain towns, and more. Therefore, you should know more about Europe’s less popular destinations. To learn more, here are 12 beautiful places to visit in Europe that aren’t Paris. These destinations are simply places you need to add to your bucket list.

Menton, France

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You don’t have to travel that far from Paris to experience something completely different in France. Take Menton, for example. This colorful French Riviera town on the French-Italian border doesn’t have high-rise buildings, large crowds, or world-famous monuments. Instead, it’s home to a gorgeous stretch of coastline, a picturesque port, and fascinating pastel-colored buildings.

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This beautiful seaside town is the perfect beach getaway for travelers seeking French charm and Mediterranean vibes. When you’re not wining and dining at one of the upscale restaurants or shopping in the designer shops, you’ll find yourself lounging on the beach and admiring local architecture. Points of interest in Menton include Jardins Biovès, Old Port Of Menton, and Les Sablettes Beach.

Ponza, Italy

Once a playground for Romans escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, Ponza island has gone largely under the radar as travelers head to more popular Italian destinations like Sardinia and Capri. Therefore, if you want to enjoy Italy at its finest, away from the crowds, plan a vacation to the island.

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The sea rules life on the small island. When tourists aren’t swimming in or sailing on it, they often sit overlooking it with an Aperol Spritz in hand. When you’re not lounging on the beach or swimming in one of the natural pools, explore the vibrant town. You’ll find local grocery stores, family-run restaurants, quaint cafes, and traditional Italian architecture in the town.

Manchester, England

Another beautiful British city popular with European travelers is Manchester. Located in northwest England, this lively city has a rich industrial heritage, the largest metropolis in north England, and an 18th-century canal system. However, Manchester is better known for its music culture, impressive architecture, sports culture, and famous shopping districts.

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In the Arndale Shopping Centre, shopping enthusiasts can shop until their heart’s content, and history buffs can learn more about the city at the Manchester Museum. Meanwhile, sports fans can watch the famous Manchester United at Old Trafford, and music lovers can listen to live music in Deansgate. Overall, Manchester is a city where anyone can find anything they want to do.

Annecy, France

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris but still want to visit France, Annecy, a scenic town in the French Alps, is perfect. Located in southeastern France, this picturesque Alpine town sits at the junction where the Thiou River feeds Lake Annecy. As such, the area is surrounded by natural beauty.

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In addition to the town’s immense surroundings, Annecy has a lovely Old Town called Vieille Ville. Here, you can find narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and winding canals. As if that wasn’t enough, the town is overlooked by the medieval Château d’Annecy, which is now a museum. Popular activities in Annecy include exploring the Old Town, hiking, and kayaking.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is famous worldwide for its historical architecture, vibrant narrow houses, beautiful canal system, and unique cultures, making it one of the most visited cities in Europe. Amsterdam has everything from the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum to Dam Square and the Van Gogh Museum.

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Along with its rich history and beautiful scenery, Amsterdam has a renowned nightlife scene, which centers mainly around the lively but controversial Red Light District. The best way to experience the city is to simply get lost down the narrow cobblestone streets, hire a bicycle to cycle around the city, and travel along the canal on a small boat. Trust us, it doesn’t get much better than that!

Krakow, Poland

Filled with delicious cuisine, beautiful architecture, and exciting history, Krakow in south Poland is arguably one of the most underrated places in Europe. Best known for its Jewish Quarter and well-preserved medieval Old Town, this city is a beautiful place to explore.

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The main square in Krakow’s Old Town is Rynek Główny. You’ll find local cafes, restaurants, landmarks, and museums here. Often dubbed the largest medieval town square in Europe, most of the architecture dates back to the 13th century. Keep your eyes open for Cloth Hall, Town Hall Tower, Adam Mickiewicz Monument, and the Church of St. Adalbert. Other notable attractions in the city include St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Cathedral, and Wawel Castle.

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a post-communist city in southern Romania. The nation’s capital is dotted with buildings and landmarks with a French influence, which has led to its nickname “Little Paris.” For starters, Bucharest is home to its very own Arc de Triomphe. You’ll likely spend most of your time in Bucharest exploring the Old Town’s narrow streets, strolling through the many parks, and admiring the street art.

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Significant points of interest in the city include Cismigiu Park, the Romanian Athenaeum, The Triumphal Arch, and the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest building in the world. The Stavropoleos Monastery, built in the 1700s, is also well worth visiting.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Lithuania’s capital turned 700 in 2023, so there’s arguably no better time to experience the city’s fascinating history. Best known for its baroque architecture, Vilnius is an enjoyable city to explore. Start your visit at Gediminas Hill, where you’ll find the best views of the city’s Old Town.

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Then, head into the Old Town to explore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Vilnius is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Wandering through the cobblestone streets and marveling at the history that surrounds you is a joy. Look out for Vilnius Cathedral, the Gothic St. Anne’s Church, the Gate of Dawn, and the Church of St. Theresa.

Bled, Slovenia

Bled is a picture-perfect Slovenian resort town nestled away in the foothills of the Julian Alps. Set along the glacial Lake Bled, the town is most recognized for the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, which sits in the lake’s center. You’ll have seen this church on many screensavers.

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Bled is an excellent place to visit to escape the daily grind. Popular with couples, families, and outdoor enthusiasts, the most popular things to do in the town include swimming, hiking, rock climbing, and simply relaxing. Fill your time admiring the lush scenery, walking around the lake, trying Slovenian food, and visiting the 11th-century Bled Castle.

Tartu, Estonia

In Eastern Estonia, Tartu is a vibrant city famed for its prestigious 17th-century university. Named one of the European Capitals of Culture of 2024, the city is defined by its rich history, urban green spaces, Old Town, and the Emajõgi River, which divides it in two.

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In the city, wander the old streets, searching for the finest examples of architecture. Landmarks to look out for include the Leaning House, the Kissing Students fountain, the Town Hall, and Town Hall Square. If you visit in summer, enjoy one of the many outdoor festivals. Tartuff, a festival dedicated to romantic films, is one you don’t want to miss. Finally, learn more about the city at the University of Tartu Museum and the Estonian National Museum.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Like Paris, Edinburgh is famous for its rich history and ancient architecture. The Scottish capital offers a fascinating combination of historic architecture and modern amenities. For example, the Old Town is home to breathtaking architecture dating back over 1,000 years, while the elegant Georgian New Town features neoclassical buildings, shopping centers, and high-end restaurants.

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This hilly city is best explored on foot. Admire the architecture in the Grassmarket, visit famous landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, walk up Arthur’s Seat, and watch the sunset at Calton Hill. Don’t forget to stop by some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and St. Giles Cathedral.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is much-loved for its magnificent architecture, historic landmarks, picturesque neighborhoods, and beautiful coastline. Offering the best of all worlds, you can do almost anything you like in the city.

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History buffs can visit the museums, and sports lovers can watch Barcelona F.C. Architectural enthusiasts can admire the work of Antoni Gaudi, and foodies can visit one of the many food markets. Oh, and beachgoers can soak up the sun at Barceloneta Beach and Marina. You’ll find famous landmarks and attractions in the city at every turn. Highlights include La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria Market, and Tibidabo.