You miss out on most of the cities’ appeal due to the massive crowds. And in Summer temperatures in Southern European countries can climb up to 45°C, which is unhealthy, even dangerous.
So, in case you’d like to see something different than your friends and family, while still just as amazing, these are the countries I would recommend.
These alternatives to popular tourist destinations have all been tried and tested by yours truly. And if I tell you that these are worth the bother, you better believe me! I’ve actually lived in many of these countries.
- Slovenia – The unknown diamond of Europe
With famous tourist destinations all around it, very few people think to travel to Slovenia. This is a shame, because even though it may be a small country, it certainly has a lot to offer!
Bordering countries like Italy, Croatia and Austria, Slovenia has historically been influenced by some of the biggest empires in European history.
But from being a vital part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to becoming one of the favourite holiday destinations for the Yugoslavian dictator, Tito, Slovenia has stayed true to itself, its people and its culture.
It’s a success story that very few people even in Europe know about. The thing to know when planning to travel to Slovenia, is that you should actually discover the whole country.
No no, that’s the whole point, it’s a small enough country to discover in under a week! And since the trend of the decade is Slow Travel, this is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with it.
- Finland – The underestimated Nordic pearl
Next on the alternatives to popular tourist destinations is Finland. First things first; forget about Helsinki!
It may be the capital but it’s been the capital for only a short while, and thus doesn’t have much more to offer than over-prized views of the sea. Also, by ditching Helsinki altogether you save a lot of money.
Instead of Helsinki I recommend visiting a much more extraordinary city. It’s among the biggest cities in Finland, and has held the position of the country’s capital for over 600 years before Helsinki. That city is Turku.
Turku is a city with a very long, even royal history. There aren’t many cities in the happiest country in the world with such a varied historical landscape as the former capital.
Today the 5th largest city in Finland, this travelers’ gem sits by the Baltic sea on the South-West coast of Finland. With such a great location Turku is an ideal destination for Summer travel.
Summers in Turku are in general very nice, and nowhere near as stiflingly hot as in Southern European countries, like Italy. You can expect temperatures between 20-30 degrees in June and July.
- Estonia – The most developed country in Eastern Europe
For a lot of people the words ‘Estonia‘ or ‘Tallinn‘ don’t ring any bells. And in a sense it’s understandable;
- the country has been independent for about 30 years
- it’s very small
- and it has been shadowed by its big neighbours, Russia and Finland.
But after the Soviet Union fell apart, Estonia has been the fastest developing country in Europe. Lonely Planet has even chosen Tallinn “the best value destination in the world“ to visit. And as good alternatives to popular tourist destinations go, this tiny country has something for everyone.
From incredible restaurants in Tallinn to the Atlantis of the North and from waterfalls to alpacas I truly recommend renting a car while there. You can find extraordinary accommodation options all around the country while getting to know this unknown gem.
- Slovakia – The best parts of Central Europe but cheaper
Prague is a city that everybody knows, right? But also that has become over-infested with tourists and the city has started to lose its authenticity. So, what are the best alternatives to popular tourist destinations for Prague? Naturally Bratislava in its neighbouring country, Slovakia.
It’s often referred to as the Czech Republic’s little brother, but having lived there for two years myself, I think the country deserves more respect. Like Slovenia, Slovakia is a rough diamond that people don’t often even consider.
But this is a country that has everything to offer that the likes of Austria and Germany do, except much cheaper:
- Tatra Mountains are the perfect alternative to the Alps
- Bratislava has an interesting and eventful history, just like Prague
- Slovakia hosts almost 200 castles with legends and stories that rival the Dracula castle in Romania (the country allegedly produced the world’s most notorious female serial killer)
- There are adorable small mining cities, such as Banská Bystrica, that offer fun experiences for the whole family.
This is a country that should not be underestimated!
- Montenegro – Like Croatia but cheaper and less crowded
When considering the best alternatives to popular tourist destinations like Croatia, my recommendation is its immediate neighbour: Montenegro.
This small country by the Mediterranean Sea is a paradise that not many would expect to find on the European continent. For example, Montenegro boasts mountains that rise up to 2 kilometres, picturesque forests and villages, lakes and beautiful beaches that are NOT overcrowded.
The country gained its independence as late as 2006 and has several Unesco World Heritage sites, such as the former royal city Cetinje and the Kotor Old Town. It is one of those rising stars in Eastern Europe, which will probably host bigger and bigger crowds of tourists every year.
- Scotland – The Summer destination you never considered
When it comes to Summer, considering alternatives to popular tourist destinations is the smartest thing to do. And while Summers down in Southern Europe are getting unbearably hot, up North we have plenty of overlooked holiday destinations. Like Scotland!
Known for its rather rugged climate, Summer is the best time to travel to this magic-infused country. Scotland holds a very warm place in my heart. I spent one of my happiest years there studying in the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
I fell completely in love with the Scottish way of life, which is much more chill than, for example, the London lifestyle. And of course I love the amazing Scottish nature and their wonderful pubs. And the people!
It’s a perfect holiday destination for those who love epic sceneries while hiking and enjoy peaceful surroundings. Of course you also have the big cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, but out in the wilderness you will find the true spirit of Scotland.
- Lithuania – A small country with big potential
In addition to Estonia, Lithuania is a Baltic Country that is gaining momentum in the travel sphere. In terms of best alternatives to popular tourist destinations Lithuania is actually one of the most interesting and underestimated contenders.
Did you, for example, know that Lithuania was once upon a time a significant empire in Europe? Oh yes, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania covered big chunks of modern day Poland, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. Thus, this destination is a great option for history nerds.
But Lithuania has a lot to offer for other kinds of tourists as well! Castles, beaches that are even better than the ones you find in Greece or Italy, and vibrant cities full of Summer festivals and events.
And instead of being just a great option for Summer, why not opt for a Lithuanian Christmas Market instead of the ones in big European capitals? A much smarter choice because you get exactly the same epic Christmas Market experience but without the crowds and overflowing tourist knick-knacks.
- The Netherlands – NOT Amsterdam!
The Netherlands is by the Atlantic Ocean, which guarantees a milder Summer climate than the Southern European superstars, like Spain. In addition, the over-crowded streets of Amsterdam are actually NOT the best that the country can offer.
Instead there are many other cities with rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and unique attractions. These are my recommendations as alternatives to popular tourist destinations, like Amsterdam:
Rotterdam
This city is known for its modern architecture, including the Cube Houses and Erasmus Bridge. It’s also home to the largest port in Europe.
In terms of attractions and things to do there you can consider the Maritime Museum, Markthal, and the Euromast Tower.
Utrecht
This city boasts a medieval old town and beautiful canals with wharf cellars. It’s like Amsterdam but without the mass-tourism.
For things to do I could suggest the Dom Tower, which is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. It offers panoramic city views. In addition, check out the Rietveld Schr?der House, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Leiden
And last but certainly not least on my best alternatives to popular tourist destinations list, Leiden is a picturesque university city with beautiful canals and historic buildings.
As the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) this is a dream destination for art enthusiasts. Then there is also the Hortus Botanicus, which is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Best Alternatives to Popular Tourist Destinations – Conclusion
Here you have them, my ultimate alternatives to popular tourist destinations! All of these completely worthy rivals for the most famous tourist traps, many of them actually even better.
Traveling to these countries you can enjoy your travels to the fullest because you avoid the two main issues:
- huge tourist crowds
- unbearable heat waves.
