Sick and tired of famous destinations in Europe invaded by hordes of tourists? Want to discover the hidden gems in Europe? We’ve crafted a list of the unique places to visit in Europe that are not only free from mass tourism but gives you a chance to feel the soul of the continent. Grab your favorite drink before we show you Europe you haven’t seen before!

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Best Hidden Gems in Europe

EUROPE. A beloved continent that’s home to insanely gorgeous destinations. From the lively cities of London and Paris to the coastal beauties of Amalfi Coast and Dubrovnik to the old towns of Bruges and Prague to the lakeside towns of Bled and Hallstatt to beautiful towns in the Alps like Stanserhorn and Chamonix to the historic and legendary destinations of Rome and Athens – Europe has everything a traveler’s heart desires.

All these famous European destinations are as busy as they are gorgeous, of course. You may ask, what about the travelers who don’t want to battle the crowds and want to go off the beaten path? Fret not. Europe has got you covered. There’s no dearth of underrated destinations in Europe.

We bring together the best of hidden gems of Europe based on the recommendations of travel experts for our readers.

Hidden Gems in the Netherlands

Volendam

By Fiona of Travelling Thirties

The Netherlands is well known for its gorgeous windmills, canals, and of course, the red-light district and coffee shops. When most people think of the Netherlands the first place that comes to mind is Amsterdam. However, there are many other places in the Netherlands that should not be overlooked during your trip.

Why not explore one of the best hidden gems in Europe while you’re in the Netherlands. This hidden gem is, Volendam.

Volendam is about a 20-minute drive from Amsterdam or an easy 45 minutes by bus. This close proximity makes it a perfect day trip from Amsterdam.

Volendam has the most beautiful green and orange buildings that are surrounded by canals and even has a beach. When you are in Volendam you need to visit Henri Willig Cheese and Clog Factory. At the factory, you can see how the cheese is made and how traditional clogs are made and worn by the dutch and of course, buy some cheese or a pair of clogs.

When you are strolling around the town center of Volendam you must visit the Stroopwaffle shop, watch as they make the Stroopwaffles, and eat them while they are warm and the caramel is gooey.

Walking around the streets eating Stroopwaffles is a fantastic way to warm up if you are visiting Europe in winter.

A day trip to Volendam is a must, you will head back to Amsterdam with some amazing memories and more cheese than you can eat.

Dordrecht

By Lara of The Best Travel Gifts

If you are looking for a beautiful hidden gem in The Netherlands, Dordrecht should be on top of your list!

Dordrecht is the oldest city of the provinces of Holland, and just like Amsterdam, it consists of beautiful small cobbled streets, canals, old houses and buildings, and charming restaurants and cafes that make you never want to leave Dordrecht again.

If you are looking for the beauty of Amsterdam without tourists, Dordrecht is the place to be.

Dordrecht can easily be reached by public transport from Amsterdam (1 hour and 45 minutes), Rotterdam (20 minutes), The Hague (1 hour), and other major cities in The Netherlands. You could easily visit Dordrecht as a day trip. However, that wouldn’t allow you to explore both the city and the beautiful National Park that is located right next to it. That is why it is recommended to spend the night at one of the cute B&Bs in Dordrecht.

One of the best things to do in Dordrecht is to simply wander through the city and explore some of the amazing architectural buildings such as The Grote Kerk (Large Church), Windmill Kyck over den Dyck, the Groothoofdspoort (City Gate), the medieval courtyard, the Damiatebrug (an iron drawbridge), and the city hall.

Some of the best places to sip a coffee or have lunch include Daantje, De Zusjes, and Koffiecorner Hartje Stad. For dinner or beers, café de Tijd and café t’Peerdt are popular stops too.

Dordrecht is also located next to the national park The Biesbosch, a stunning national park of grassland and willow forests, waterways, lakes, islands, and marshes. It’s a great park to walk, cycle, or kayak around. If you are lucky, you may even spot a beaver!

Maastricht

By Cosette of Kars Travels

Maastricht, one of the most underrated places in Europe, is located in the South of The Netherlands. It’s a city which can trace back to a settlement 2000 years ago. The atmosphere in the city is different from the other cities in The Netherlands, it has a Burgundian feeling. Meaning that it’s a city that abundantly enjoys life, food, and drinks. Upon arriving in Maastricht you’ll feel right at home.

There’s so much to see and do in the city. There’s something to do for everyone. Like history? Book a guided tour of Maastricht, or do a self-guided tour. On a tour, you can explore the historic downtown and the Vestingwerken (fortifications).

Maastricht has such old buildings that they have the oldest city gate and the oldest bridge, the St. Servaasbridge, in The Netherlands. If you’re into fashion, lots of fashion houses have a store downtown. Independent stores can also be found in the inner city. When you’re a museum geek go for the Bonnefantenmuseum, Maastricht Underground, or the St. Servaasbasilica.

When in Maastricht you have to get a kruisbessen schuim (gooseberry pie) or any other kind of schuim (pie). The kruisbessen schuim is local and seriously delicious. A great place to get this pie is Buvette ’t Piepenhoes. It’s an older building near the St. Servaas bridge.

Don’t worry about where to eat in Maastricht, there’s so much choice. Vrijthof is one of the hotspots with restaurants. The restaurants all have terraces which end in a lively square.

Maastricht is 2 hours and 25 minutes away from Amsterdam by train. Brussels is 2 hours and a 15-minute train ride.

Hidden Gems in Germany

Regensburg

By LeAnna Brown of Wander In Germany

Regensburg is truly a secret gem in Germany. It was one of the richest cities in the Holy Roman Empire and you can still see that influence even today. That’s why you’ll find stunning buildings, watchtowers, and courtyards that all look like they might be more suitable for Italy, than Germany.

Today, Regensburg makes for the perfect day trip from Munich, or even a great stop on the way up to Nuremberg. It is the perfect town to simply wander the cobblestoned buildings and take in a picture-perfect German town.

Stop at the stunning Regensburg Dom Cathedral, eat at the oldest Wurst Stand in the WORLD overlooking the Donau river, and see ancient Roman sites, like the Porta (an old Roman Gate to the city) dating all the way back to 179 A.D!

One of the reasons to visit Regensburg is because while a few cruise ships from the Danube River stop here, it is truly a gorgeous town with stunning architecture on every corner of the Altstadt.

And since this town isn’t as touristy as some of its neighbors, there are plenty of local gems to find as well. And what’s a more German thing to do than to find a local Biergarten! You can’t miss the Spital, where you can eat your Schnitzle, and drink your beer all while gazing out over the almost 900-year-old stone bridge and delight in the view of the pastel buildings.

Some people could easily spend a few days in Regensburg and just enjoy its local life, stunning Altstadt, and wonderful ambiance, but even those on a quick Bavarian trip should still make Regensburg a stop, even if just for a day.

Heligoland Island

By Katja of Places and Notes

Heligoland, also known as Helgoland, is a small archipelago around 70 kilometers off the German north coast and at the same time the smallest nature reserve in Germany. Besides breathtaking nature and lovely architecture both of which, to be honest, do not resemble other parts of Germany much, these incredible islands also have an interesting history.

They were considered to be a unique seaside spa for the upper class and have attracted many writers, poets, and other artists from different countries in the old times.

The easiest way to visit this lesser-known place is by fast boats from coastal towns such as Cuxhaven, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven for example. You can either do a day trip or splurge on a night or two on the island for that extra peace and quiet.

Today only one island, the largest one, is inhabited but you can take a special boat trip to the smaller ones around. It is easy to spot seal colonies lounging on sandbanks and observe marine life from up close. The best way to see the main island is to hike a circular, three kilometers long paved path called “Klippenrandweg”, which mostly takes you on top of the layered red and white cliffs, but also allows you to descend down to sandy beaches.

While hiking you get to see beautiful birds nesting, hairy sheep grazing, flowery meadows, lighthouses, and cute colorful wooden houses that used to be fishermen´s homes. Today, most of these are turned into traditional fish restaurants which are most famous for their special dish – the Knieper crab. Also, the main island is a duty-free zone, so it is great for shopping as well.

Due to its remoteness and relatively expensive boat connections, Heligoland is not overrun by tourists and remains a true hidden gem.

Blautopf

By Diana Lesko of The Globetrotting Detective

Blautopf is a karst spring which the source of the 22-kilometer-long Blau River, one of the tributaries of the Danube.

The drop-dead gorgeous Blautopf is located in the medieval town, Blaubeuren, in the Swabian Alps, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, south of Germany.

This dazzling water spot has day-tripping proximity to some of the most fascinating cities in Germany. Some of these starkly beautiful cities full of historical architecture are the Bavarian city called Ulm located 20 minutes far from Blautopf, Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, which is only 75 km from Blautopf and the famous Bavarian capital, Munich, situated 185 km away from Blautopf.

Blautopf is reachable either by car or train. If you come from nearby cities, you will need to change in Ulm, then take a local train to Blaubeuren. From the train station of Blaubeuren is a quick and lovely 20-minute walk to reach Blautopf.

The best time to visit this exceptional beauty is spring, summer, and early autumn when nature is all green and colorful.

To be more precise, the most amazing time of the day is in the morning when the colors and hues of the water of Blautopf are the most vibrant and gleaming.

For lunch, consider the café right next to the mesmerizing emerald green spring of Blautopf. It can take some time to get an awesome spot in the café but be patient so that you can have an authentic German local dish such as Flammkuchen (tarteflambée with bacon and onion straight out of the oven) and a good German beer with an epic view.

After your big German feast next to this little shiny magical spot, walk around the old town of Bleubueren. It’s home to half-timbered medieval houses from the 15^th century. The most remarkable part of the old town is Little Venice where you will definitely feel like you are in a fairy tale.

Last but not least, if you love nature, the surroundings of Blautopf will be a heaven on earth for you. You can take mountain bike rides and long walks on the unspoiled hills of the Swabian Alps. 

Lübeck

By Renata Green of Bye Myself

Under normal circumstances, Christmastime is the most popular season to visit Lübeck. During Advent, you can hardly see the lower part of Lübeck’s beautiful townhall from all the stands full of wooden toys, candied almonds, and mulled wine. Also, the gorgeous building of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit houses one of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets. People are actually queuing to get in.

One of the best hidden places in Europe and Germany, Lübeck has actually a very rich history. The so-called Queen of the Hanseatic League was the most important trading city in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. Right here, merchant circles installed the Hanseatic League to maintain the guilds’ economic interests, diplomatic privileges, and protect the trade routes in 1159.

The best way to learn about the heyday of this League is a visit to Lübeck’s fantastic European Hansemuseum.

With wealth comes beauty. To this date, Lübeck’s wealth is reflected in the beautiful townhouses built alongside narrow cobblestone alleys. Nicknamed the City of Seven Spires, there are amazing medieval churches like St. Mary’s, the epitome of the classic North German Brick Gothic. It actually set the standard for about 70 other churches in the Baltic region.

My favorite feature, however, is Lübeck’s cute corridors and courtyards. Due to lack of space, they were constructed in the backyards of the posh residential buildings rather than for the poorest city dwellers. But since they are so picturesque, today, they are sought after living space.

No wonder the “Altstadtinsel”, the Old Town Island, has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1987. This island forms a hill between the rivers Trave and Wakenitz. On the Trave, you can go by ferry all the way to the seaside resort Travemünde.

Hence, its vicinity to the Baltic sea makes summer the second popular season to visit Lübeck. Lübeck and Travemünde can be easily reached from Hamburg: There is a regional train going every 30 minutes and it takes less than an hour.

Fürth, Germany

By Nina of Plantiful Travels

Fürth is a real treasure in Franconia, Germany. The colorful mixture of great architecture and nature makes the city a great insider’s tip for all those who want to explore a somewhat less well-known city with a lot of charm. Take a leisurely stroll through the alleys, experience art and culture, and enjoy the cafés and bars in the old town.

The easiest way to travel to the city is by subway from Nuremberg. Traveling from Nuremberg to Fürth takes only 15 minutes with the subway U1 or 1.5 hours from Munich to Fürth by train! From Fürth main station it takes under ten minutes to walk to the center.

Probably the most beautiful sight to discover in the center of Fürth is the picturesque old town. The area around the Gustavstraße and the Grüner Markt is especially nice to look at. There are many cobblestone streets to explore on a city walk. Especially enchanting is the Pfarrgasse.

Gustavstraße is the most popular street in Fürth with the highest density of restaurants and pubs in the whole city. From local specialties such as Schäufele or Pfefferbeißer to freshly tapped beer, you don’t have to search long to find really good things to eat. A popular place for lunch or dinner is the restaurant called Stubenhocker.

Another highlight of the city is the town hall. From the surrounding tower balcony, you have an outstanding panoramic view of the entire city. The balcony can be visited several times a year during a guided tour of the tourist information.

The city park of Fürth is the heart of the Franconian city and is considered one of the most popular places to go for a walk, to do sports or to sit together with friends in summer and winter.

Hidden Gems in France

Menton, France

By Dymphe of Dymabroad

A place in France that can be considered a hidden gem is the town of Menton. This is one of the most beautiful places in France, but it is not well-known! You can find Menton along the French Riviera in the south of the country. There are many things to do and see here. For example, one of the things you have to do when you are in Menton is to go to the beach.

However, what makes the beach special is not the beach itself per se, it is the view behind it. The colorful houses next to the beach are unique and together they offer a beautiful view. Another great thing to do is to visit one of the gardens of Menton. Menton is a town that is known for its botanical gardens. You find several here that are really worth your time. One of these is the Jardin Botanique exotique de Menton.

You can find many plants here that are exotic. Besides that, just roaming around the town is lovely. The small streets of Menton and the houses, in typical French architecture, look amazing and are fun to walk along!

Furthermore, you can easily visit Menton as a day trip from cities near it. A day trip gives you plenty of time to discover the town. The largest city nearby in France is Nice and the most convenient way to get to Menton is by train, which takes just 40 minutes.

Another option is to go to Menton from Monaco! From Monaco, you can be in Menton in just 10 minutes, when you go by train!

Villefranche sur Mer, France

By Ophelia of Limitless Secrets

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a charming little town in the south of France. Situated in the French Riviera close to Nice, this place is still rather unknown to the tourists but deserves a visit! In fact, the Old Town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is very pretty. You will find here many pastel-painted houses with louvered shutters that seem to come out of a fairy tale!

Here are some of the best things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Firstly you can walk around in the narrow streets and stairways of the Old Town. There are many picturesque corners in this area! After your stroll in the Old Town, you can head to the port. Thanks to its ideal location, the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer was already used as a harbor in 130 BC!

Then, if you want to find a great viewpoint of the town, you can visit the Citadelle Saint Elme. Built-in the 16th century, this fortress is classified as a historical monument and offers great views of the bay from its ramparts. The Chapel of Saint Pierre also worth the visit. This previously neglected building from the 14th century has been painted and decorated by Jean Cocteau in the 1950s. This famous French artist fell in love with Villefranche-sur-Mer and spent here a lot of time. Lastly, you can take a look at the church of St Michel. You will be able to admire the pretty pastel colors and baroque style.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is only located 20 min from Nice by car so it’s perfect for a day trip! You can also go there by train.

Hidden Gems in Belgium

Mechelen, Belgium

By Caroline of Veggie Wayfarer

Mechelen is a beautiful little town located between Brussels and Antwerp in the heart of Belgium. With 85.000 inhabitants, it is one of Belgium’s larger cities, though it has retained a very village-like feeling to it. Often overlooked for its bigger and more well-known tourist-filled big brothers like Brugge and Brussel, the city is very authentic and will give you a real peek into the Flemish part of Belgium.

Mechelen is seeing rapid transformation with many investments in infrastructure and a strong policy to support local entrepreneurship. This translates into many very hip eateries and boutique stores for you to shop until your heart is content. If hip eateries are your thing make sure to try out Lief and the Kind Coconut for healthy breakfasts or pop unto the Vleeshallen to try one of the many food stalls that populate this covered market for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

The city is easily visited in one day and can be done as a day trip from either Brussels or Antwerp. Both cities are a mere 20-minute train ride away from Mechelen.

If your visit happens to coincide with good weather, be sure to climb the stairs of the Saint Rumbold’s tower (the cathedral on the main square) to get a stunning view over the Flemish landscape. If you are lucky you will be able to spot the Atomium and even the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe cathedral of Antwerp.

My personal favorite spot in the city is de Haverwerf, a small square tucked away behind the fishmarket nestled by the water. It has three beautifully colored houses dating all the way back to the 16th century. They are respectively called – from left to right- Saint Joseph, The Devil, and Paradise.

Ghent, Belgium

Maartje of The Orange Backpack

When visiting Belgium, you’ll probably think of Brugge and Brussels. Why not make a stop in between and visit one of Europe’s hidden gems? The city of Ghent is one of the most charming towns in Europe and definitely worth a visit.

The old city of Ghent charms any visitors with its historic architecture, charming streets, and monumental churches. The old city is dominated by castle Gravensteen. You can visit the castle to learn more about Ghent’s history and enjoy some panoramic views. Another must-do for the best views is climbing the Belfry tower. It’s 95 meters high, so you’ll have to do some work to get up.

Ghent is also known for its beautiful graffiti. You can find it all over the city. The tourist office at Gravensteen can provide you with a free map to find the best pieces. Many of the street artwork is located at the Graffiti Alley, so make sure to visit it if you like modern street art. Modern art lovers will also like visiting the S.M.A.K., Ghent’s museum for contemporary art.

If you prefer historic art, you’ll probably want to visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the famous Ghent altarpiece. And if you like to see it all? Buy the Ghent City Card to free access to all museums. Most public transport, a boat tour, bike rental, and much more are included as well.

Ghent is an easy day trip from Brugge or Brussels, but even from Dutch destinations like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

Hidden Gems in Spain

Setenil de las Bodegas

By Joanna of Andalucia in my Pocket

Setenil de las Bodegas is a true hidden gem located in the South of Spain. It is probably the most unique white village of Andalucia, due to its peculiar location, inside a canyon. Usually, the white villages of Andalucia have been built on top of hills, with tall fortresses from where the inhabitants could see the enemy approaching. However, Setenil de las Bodegas was built alongside a river, with houses carved into a network of caves that are still inhabited today.

Setenil de las Bodegas makes a wonderful day trip from either Malaga or the nearby town of Ronda. The easiest way to reach it is by car, so it’s recommended to hire a vehicle because public transport is not that great.

Once arrived in Setenil de las Bodegas, you can enjoy strolling along the narrow streets covered with boulders and dine at one of the cave restaurants. There are many private B&Bs in the village as well, for tourists who wish to spend the night and experience living in one of the caves, even if that’s just for a day.

Like most of the other villages nearby, Setenil de las Bodegas did have a majestic castle with 40 towers at its highest point. Today, only one tower survived the passing of time. One curious thing about Setenil de las Bodegas is that there are 5 churches in the village. Taking into consideration that only around 3,000 people live in the village, that number is very high. 

Ojén

By Linn Haglund of Andalucia Hiking

Tucked away in the mountains of Sierra Blanca in southern Spain, just behind the popular tourist destination of Marbella on Costa del Sol, there is a small, white village called Ojén, which certainly doesn’t get anything close to the attention it deserves.

The white, hillside village is not only a charming example of traditional Spanish, but there are several caves to explore. You can walk along the edge of the village and see how the houses are sitting on the far edge of the cliff that creates a cave below and pretty much looks like it could collapse any day.

Walk up to the higher part of the village to climb up a set of stairs to a small cave with mesmerizing views of the white village and the valley below leading down to the sea.

Go swimming in refreshing waterholes and rivers, and discover a myriad of hiking trails. Among them, Cruz de Juanar and La Concha hike are the most popular, where you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views of Marbella and the Mediterranean coastline.

On a clear day, you can even see across to Africa and Morocco. But you can also walk all the way to another charming white village, Istan also jam-packed with hiking opportunities. There are a few traditional tapas bars on the main square, where you can admire the village church, decorated with flat-trimmed lemon trees on the walls, making them look like live paintings. In fact, Ojén’s nickname is the Village of Lemons.

To get to Ojén, you can take the bus from Marbella or drive, it’s only about 15 minutes away. There is a huge free parking lot at the bottom of the village. 

Carmona

By Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Visiting Carmona is like visiting a hidden gem of Europe. This is a place people do not often travel to but is worth visiting. The color history of Andalusia it showcases is what makes the place so special. The city was known as Carmo during the First Century B.C. It has followed a rich history and has survived Catholic conversion, Moorish Invasion and has become one of the most flourishing cities of Europe. Due to its agricultural roots, people consider it a hidden gem of Europe. 

Located approximately 35Km east of Seville, this incredible city can be your one day trip. Thanks to all the diverse monuments, museums, annotated maps, tourist offices, and helpful hoteliers, Carmona is a place easy to travel to.

On your visit, you can experience a lot of things that include visiting its ancient and historical churches, the Roman defensive gate, the Puerta de Seville, the statues, palaces, bell towers, and many more. 

You can join the locals enjoying their normal life with vendors in the colonnaded Plaza de Abastos, children playing and running after each other through the alleys, parishioners devoting under the muted light of Iglesia de Santa Maria.

You can even wander in the streets of this historical and beautiful city to experience the local culture. One of the other must-visit places in Carmona includes Alcazar de la Puerta de Seville which offers far-reaching views from its top.

Apart from the forts and palaces, Carmona has some of the typical dishes that you need to try when in Andalusian Province. The food you must try there includes Choco Frito, Spanish garlic soup, huevos a la Flamenca and some drinks. Yes, enjoying all these dishes with a cool glass of white wine is a must.

Mijas Pueblo

By Cristina Reina of My Little World of Travelling

Mijas Pueblo, located in the popular Costa del Sol in Southern Spain, is a village in the mountain. Although the village has recently become more popular, it’s still a great place where you can have authentic and local experiences.

One of the most remarkable things about Mijas Pueblo is its beautiful white houses and buildings, but there are many more things that make this village charming and a must-see place.

My favorite area is the viewpoint next to the Grotto of Virgen de la Peña. You will get a panoramic view of the coast and mountains as well as perfect sunsets. Visiting the grotto is a unique experience too, the small chapel is inside a beautiful cave.

At the same time, you need to check its surroundings as there are beautiful small boutiques where you can buy unique gifts and souvenirs including colorful ceramic plates and pots, and plenty of bars and restaurants where you can chill and enjoy the delicious Andalusian dishes.

If you’re wondering what local dishes you need to try, salmorejo (a tomato cold soup similar to gazpacho), pescaito frito (a variety of fresh fried fish and squid) and almendras garrapiñadas (delicious candied almonds that you will mostly find in street stalls) are some of the best food to eat in Mijas.

Other experiences in Mijas Pueblo include donkey rides, watching a free flamenco show in Plaza Virgen de la Peña, and visit the wine museum.

Mijas Pueblo is an ideal day trip from more touristy places like Malaga (the capital), Torremolinos, or Marbella. You can go by car, although I wouldn’t recommend lesser experienced drivers driving there due to curves and uphill roads. Alternatively, you can book a private tour or get the bus from Malaga Central Bus station.

If you would like to discover more about Costa del Sol from a local perspective, check this post.

Hidden Gems in Poland

Zamość, Poland

By Kami of mywanderlust.pl

Not many international tourists know about Zamosc, Poland – the city located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Ukraine. Yet this is one of the most beautiful places in Poland and an easy day trip from Lublin or even Warsaw. Zamosc was founded in the 16th century by Hetman Zamoyski who wanted to create a perfect city, according to Italian theories of the “ideal town”.

And so even today when you look at the plan of Zamosc you can see those principles – the old town is like a human, with the head (Hetman Zamoyski’s residency), the spine  (Grodzka street), the heart (the town hall with the clocktower), the lungs (the cathedral and the academy), and arms and legs (the bastions).

In 1992 Zamosc was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique example of a Renaissance town in Central Europe. Wandering around the center of Zamosc, surrounded by the city walls and remnants of the fortress, is a pure pleasure.

The city is full of beautiful houses (like the colorful Armenian ones on Market Square), hidden yards, and winding lanes lined with arcades. The heart of Zamosc is the ideal main square with a beautiful town hall, one of the prettiest in Poland – its winding stairs are probably the most Instagrammable spot in the city.

If you get hungry you can find plenty of cafes and restaurants around – be sure to try the local cuisine from the Roztocze region or, for cebularz (the pastry with onion and poppy-seed). 

Poznan, Poland

By Or of My Path in the World

Poland is slowly but surely gaining a reputation as a visit-worthy budget-friendly European country, but the places that get most of the attention are cities like Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow, and Wroclaw. So if you’re looking for a hidden gem within another hidden gem in Europe, add the western Polish city of Poznan to your travel bucket list.

One of the best things to do in Poznan is to visit its Old Town. Not only is it the perfect spot to wander through enchanting streets packed with colorful buildings, but it’s also home to some of the city’s biggest landmarks. Those include the old Town Hall, the St. Stanislaus Parish Church, the Merchants’ houses, and the Royal Castle.

This city is incredibly interesting and fascinating because, in only 2-3 days, you can also visit the oldest Cathedral in Poland (dating back to the 10th century), stroll through the gorgeous botanical gardens, visit open-air markets, admire the beautiful Imperial Castle, visit the largest palm house in Poland, and the list goes on.

If you’re a foodie, you have another reason to love Poznan. Polish food is pure comfort food, and no one can resist dishes like Polish dumplings, potato fritters with mushroom sauce, soups, and stews. There are also plenty of bakeries in Poznan, selling Polish donuts and St. Martin Croissant – a local delicacy only bakeries with a special certificate can make. This croissant even has a museum dedicated to it.

How to get to Poznan: International flights arrive directly at Poznan’s airport, but it also makes a great weekend getaway from Wroclaw or Warsaw, from where you can travel by train.

Tarnow, Poland

By Diana of Travels in Poland

Located about an hour east of Krakow, Tarnow is a middle size town that is an absolute hidden gem in southern Poland.  Easily reachable by the highway directly from Krakow’s airport, as well as Rzeszow airport an hour east, Tarnow has a charm about it that is hard to pinpoint. 

The city has a deep historical significance as its central train station had the very first transport to Auschwitz, and its town was overrun early in the Second World War.  There are many areas throughout the city that preserve the historical memory of the war.

Tarnow has many walking areas in the center, that lead to the Rynek, which has a building in the center that houses a museum, as well as surrounding buildings that have bars, restaurants, and several more museums within a few meters of walking distance.

Ulica Wallowa is a street that stretched from the square all the way down the hill to the city’s main cathedral.
The views from the top of the street show the old fashioned cobblestone, the shops alongside the street as well as the high towers of the cathedral.  To see the prettiest view in the to