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It’s no secret that Americans are traveling to Europe in record numbers this summer, with sold-out flights, booked accommodations and crowds thronging top attractions across the continent.
While hotspots like Rome and Paris certainly deserve their popularity, keep in mind that for every mega-popular destination Europe has, there are also countless underrated places to visit.
So if nudging your way for hours to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa or cramming the Acropolis with half of America as the sun goes down on you isn’t your vibe, consider some lesser-known sights instead.
Note: While these places are certainly not a secret to Europeans, they seem to be off the radar for American travelers.
So whether you’re looking to avoid the crowds, beat the heat, or simply be more original and get off the beaten path, all of these destinations offer a more exclusive trip than the hyped-up European itinerary of Rome, Paris, and Barcelona.
Here are 5 lesser-known European destinations that American travelers should visit this summer:
Bergen, Norway
Norway’s second largest city is by no means a secret destination, receiving more than 2.5 million tourists each year. But for some reason, Americans seem to miss it entirely, with only 6% of the city’s tourists coming from the US.
Despite being a big city, Bergen retains its small-town charm. Situated in Vestland county on the west coast of Norway, stunning Bergen is known as the capital of the fjords.
Don’t stop taking funicular cable car Go up the hill to enjoy the views, see the friendly mountain goats and observe the curious statues of trolls.
Take a day trip on a hydrofoil among the fjords, then eat in some of the historic wooden houses of the fishing port before your evening ride.
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Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
The Balkan country of Bulgaria has been gaining popularity of late, with many digital nomads and travelers coming to explore both the cities and the enchanting Black Sea coast.
However, one area that does not receive many international tourists is the historic city nestled among the hills along the Yantra River called Veliko Tarnovo.
Veliko Tarnovo is known as the City of the Tsars and was the capital of the second Bulgarian Empire. A famous attraction here is the Tsarevets Fortress, where you can wander the grounds for epic views.
Stroll the streets with undulating views along the valley and enjoy the many guest houses and restaurants overlooking the slopes.
Gdańsk, Poland
Poland has been raising its tourism profile with international visitors of late, and while Krakow and Warsaw seem to get all the attention, there are plenty of other cities worth a visit as well.
One such place is the storybook riverside city of Gdansk. Having been the cradle of the Solidarity Movement and a major factor in World War II, this place is steeped in history.
Gdansk’s appeal lies in the tall, narrow and colorful buildings that line the streets and the boats and restaurants along the river banks. Take a boat trip to Westerplatte for a dose of history, or visit the nearby seaside town of Sopot for some beach time.
@sandymakessense Don’t make these mistakes in Gdansk, Poland 😉🇵🇱 For me, Gdańsk is a beautifully modern city, which hasn’t forgotten its historical roots at the same time: ⛱️ Visit 100cznia for sunset beach vibes, street food, vintage shops and more 🏘️ Stroll through Gdańsk’s stunning and colorful Old Town and don’t miss: Neptunes fountain, Mariacka street to buy amber and The Green Gate ☕️ Have coffee, matcha tea and cakes at Drukarnia cafe 🍽️ Have a nice dinner or lunch at Canis 🥗 Eat delicious vegan food at Manna 68 🥟 Have fun with pierogi at pierogarnia mandu 🍻 Try Polish craft beer at browar pg4 🍸 Enjoy fun cocktails at mala sztuka 🚶🏼♀️Climb the 400 steps of St. Mary’s Church for the best views of the city 🛥️Take a boat ride and learn about the history of the city and its port 💭Visit the European Solidarity Center to learn about an important part of Polish history 💎Visit the Amber Museum (free admission on Mondays) The easiest way to get around Gdańsk is on foot. The whole city is easily walkable ❤️ Ready for an affordable European getaway in Gdańsk? 😀 Places to see in Gdańsk, what to do in Gdańsk, travel tips for Gdańsk – got you ❤️ Want more city break ideas? #gdansk #gdansk #gdanskoldtown #thingsmakingdansk #gdanskcityguide #gdansk2023 #visitpoland #visitingdansk #viajestiktok #wheretravelin2023 #europetraveltips #europeplacestovisit #citybreakideas ♬ Dance The Night (from the Barbie album) – Dua Lipa
Ulcinj, Montenegro
While Montenegro has finally started to gain some well-deserved international attention from tourists, most of it has been focused on and around the beautiful Bay of Kotor. One more southern city that should be added to any traveler’s radar is the stunning coastal city of Ulcinj.
Home to a stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town with stunning views and restaurants clinging to the sides of the cliffs, you can also find one of the longest beaches in Europe, appropriately named Long Beach.
The city is an excellent stopping point if you are traveling between Albania and Montenegro, as it is not far from the border.
Brac Island, Croatia
As there is no shortage of islands in Croatia, choosing which one to stay on can be a tricky task. While some of Croatia’s hotspots may see record-breaking crowds, there’s plenty left to explore without fighting for space. An island worth visiting lies off the coast of Split, connected via a short, comfortable ferry ride.
The island of Brac is home to the famous beach of the golden horn, Zlatni rat and Vida Gora, the highest point in Croatia. While it may not have the big draw of nearby Hvar, there’s a lot to love about Brac.
For those looking to stay in a quieter, more authentic fishing village, head to the other side of the island and look for Supetar or Sutivan.
Both offer laid-back island living with cobbled streets and local flavor. If the atmosphere is too relaxed for you here, you can easily go to the mainland and enjoy a variety of nightlife in Split.
@ciaobellatravel The perfect laid-back, laid-back addition to your Croatian island-hopping trips #travel tips #Croatia #summer2023 #summer2023loading ♬ How could we just be friends? – 🪐
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
