One of my favorite, lesser-known places to travel is Heidelberg, Germany. Dasha Kofman
After traveling to over 50 cities in Europe, I have had the pleasure of visiting some lesser-known places.
Bath, England is a great place to visit for its Roman ruins and beautiful architecture.
I also loved traveling to Bruges, Belgium, which is both historic and romantic.
I have visited over 50 cities in Europe and, although I love global tourist hubs like London and ParisI also try to look for smaller towns and villages.
With more than 13 million Americans expected to travel to Europe this summer, it might be a good time to check out the off-the-beaten-path destinations on your travel list.
Here are five lesser-known destinations in Europe that I recommend you visit.
Bath, England is just a 90-minute train ride from London.
Bath is known for being home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Evannovostro/Shutterstock
As you might have guessed from the city’s name, Bath is known for its Roman Baths. These baths, dating back to 70 AD, are among the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
Bath is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture, which can be seen in places like the Royal Crescent, which features a crescent-shaped row of 30 houses.
I also loved visiting the Circus, which is made up of townhouses arranged in a circle. These areas showcase the Georgian architecture and give the walk in Bath a unique character.
If you’re a book lover, you can visit the town during the annual Jane Austen Festival in September, where people dress up and the town is transported back in time.
The train from London to Bath takes around 90 minutes, making the city an ideal day trip.
Mostar is a beautiful city in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Old Bridge in Mostar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dasha Kofman
Mostar really surprised me. It was unlike any other place I have been to, with its imposing old bridge connecting the two sides of the city. This 16th century bridge, rebuilt after the war in the 1990s, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city also has a well-preserved Ottoman quarter with charming cobblestone streets. During my stay in Mostar, I loved drinking Bosnian coffee, admiring the city views, and feasting on local dishes like ćevapi.
Bruges, Belgium, is a romantic city.
In Bruges I loved taking a boat ride on the canal. Dasha Kofman
Bruges is a very well-preserved medieval city. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visiting it feels like going back in time.
The best thing I did was take a boat ride on the canal, admiring the architecture while cruising through the Minnewaterpark, commonly known as the Lake of Love.
Bruges is a laid-back destination that makes an ideal day trip from Paris and Brussels. The city is perfect for couples looking to enjoy Belgian beer and chocolate.
Heidelberg, Germany embraces modern life without losing its historical charm.
Heidelberg is home to a centuries-old castle. SerrNovik/Getty Images
Heidelberg offers breathtaking views around every corner. The city is home to a centuries-old castle and Germany’s oldest university.
I really enjoyed walking along the Philosophenweg (also called the Philosophers’ Path), where professors sought solitude and academic inspiration. The path was particularly beautiful during my trip in the fall.
We loved spending time in the city, which is full of great restaurants and cool bars. Heidelberg does a great job of embracing newness while still retaining its historic charm.
Andorra la Vella is a hidden gem in the Pyrenees mountains.
Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra. Dasha Kofman
Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra, a country located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain.
All the restaurants we dined at offered dishes inspired by neighboring countries. If you want to sample authentic Andorran cuisine, head to a borda, a traditional house that was once used for farming. Today, these buildings are used as charming restaurants.
Andorra la Vella makes a great day trip from Barcelona, but the city deserves more than a day visit.
