Summers are perhaps the best time to visit Europe, and everyone is already firming up their vacation plans. While the typical tourist hotspots such as Paris, Rome and Barcelona will continue to attract millions, the LFAL team put our collective experience together to enlist unique places to go to and quaint towns that you should put on your radar for a healthy dose of scenic beauty, culture and history.
Here are our top picks of European cities to visit this summer that will make you dream of Europe long after you come back from your trip.
Segovia, Spain
Head to Segovia for a single stunning Roman View and a to see a Roman engineering marvel. The huge aqueduct built in First century AD on a row of double-decker arches is almost 30 meters tall and still lies in the middle of the modern town. Segovia is also a World Heritage Site for its medieval architecture, monasteries, palaces and cathedrals.
Where to stay?
Ever stayed in a monastery? San Antonio el Real is located right next to the aqueduct in an old monastery of San Antonio El Real. It houses a unique collection of Mudejar tracery coffered ceilings from many centuries ago.
Earn Bonus JPMiles when you book here.
Reims, France
Less than an hour from Paris and you are in the champagne central of France, Reims. All your favourite champagne houses such as Dom Perignon, Lanson and Tattinger are located here. Stay on the edge of the vineyards, tour the cellars and learn about the art of champagne making. Some of these cellars date back to the 4th century and may we say that every tour ends with a glass of bubbly to enjoy.
Where to stay?
Stay in the heart of the champagne region and live with a Champagne connoisseur at Les Suites Champenoises. Nourie, the owner is always happy to share her knowledge of the bubbly with in-house guests and can also organize a private tasting session.
Earn Bonus JPMiles when you book here.
Porto, Portugal
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city. The city is filled with old houses, ancient cobbled streets and lots of family-owned bars. Make sure you peep inside a Port cellar and book yourself a port tasting tour, that let you sample the finest Port vintages while learning the traditional brewing process.
Where to stay?
Live lavishly like the locals and rent this newly renovated Private Villa Porto. that can accommodate large families. Eat breakfast in the beautifully manicured gardens and indulge in local bars in the evenings.
Book here to earn bonus JPMiles.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is another place in the Balkans to put on your list. Bucharest has the largest ‘relaxation centre’ in Europe and also the most diverse botanical garden in Romania.
In the summer season, the parks are green and loaded with flowers. Their street art game is on point too! This Romanian city also has a buzzing nightlife with restaurants and rooftop bars open until late.
Where to stay?
There is a stylish boutique hotel named Epoque that is tucked away from Bucharest’s noisy boulevards where you can enjoy a drink on one of the large terraces and forget about the world. Yet if you want to hop into town the metro station is just a few steps away.
Book here to earn Bonus JPMiles.
Ohrid, Macedonia
A Roman amphitheatre, medieval churches, monastery, quiet streets and a fortress worth hiking up for the views describes Macedonia. Though Lake Ohrid is the charm of this place and every time you head into the old town, the clear blue waters will entice you to come back for a swim or take ride a boat.
Where to stay?
With such beautiful waters, you can’t think of staying anywhere else but next to Lake Ohrid. Check into Accommodation Jovan and choose between studios and apartments. The shores and the city centre all lie just 50 meters away.
Earn Bonus JPMiles when you book here.
Leipzig, Germany
Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich still define German cities. Leipzig often does not feature on the traveller’s radar. Yet, This ‘Hero City’ that kickstarted the 1989 protests against the East German regime has a pretty cool multicultural scene.
Check out the 16th-century old city hall in the market square and listen to the choir in the gothic churches. Over the years Leipzig has become a famous artists enclave and has quite an offbeat nightlife.
Where to stay?
Stay in a historical building that was once a former exhibition centre in Leipzig. Walk out of the chic Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof hotel and within 5 minutes you are in this charming city’s central market.
Earn Bonus JPMiles when you book here.
Lille, France
Bordering Belgium and an hour’s train ride from Paris, lies Lille, an enchanting city. Lille is very popular for its street market fest named Grande Braderie de Lille, which takes place every September. This is one of the best places to enjoy Belgian and French delicacies. Eat your heart fill of warm waffles and mussels steamed in wine.
Where to stay?
Romance with French architecture and stay at the beautifully restored La Villa Carree. Built-in 1932 by the famous architect Andre Guillon, La Villa Carree is listed in the heritage of this city and is tastefully furnished in French art deco style.
Book here to earn Bonus JPMiles.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Irrespective of whether you visit the Balkans for the first time or the tenth, you’ll always be in awe of the beauty of Dubrovnik’s old town. A UNESCO world heritage site, Dubrovnik is one of the most romantic places in Europe. Overlooking the calm blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, the city is known for its stunning sunsets, beaches, top-notch seafood and its rich history.
Where to stay?
Think beach, think about the UNESCO listed Dubrovnik’s Old Town and think of streets lined up with bars and Apartments Silva checks all the boxes. All rooms here come with a private terrace with sweeping views of the seas and the gardens.
Earn Bonus JPMiles when you book here.
Annecy, France
4-hours by train from Paris lies Annecy in southeastern France. This quaint town is nestled on the banks of the beautiful Lake Annecy and overlooks the snow-capped French Alps. It’s almost like you are in Switzerland, but you are still in France.
Rent a bike and spend the day cycling around the lake. Take a stroll along the canals. Also known as the “Venice of the Alps”, the cobblestone streets lined up with pastel coloured houses will make you fall in love with France. Stop by a local bakery and grab a croissant, sip café-au-lait and watch the world go by. Or gorge on delicious Swiss Raclette Cheese.
Where to Stay?
There isn’t a better place to stay than right by the Lake Annecy with a view of the French Alps in the backdrop. Privilodges Le Royal – Aparthotel, a beautiful apartment hotel offers studios for short stays and apartments for those wanting to linger around in the town longer.
Book Here to Earn Bonus JPMiles.
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Have you ever been in any of these cities? They pretty tpuristy. Hardly off beat.
@Fonzi, debatable. Most people still would head up to London and Paris first. So this is long down their list. I’m not talking from a Westerners’ perspective by the way.
Not completely offbeat.. but good list! I love some of them.