Everyone dreams of visiting the latest trendy holiday hotspots, but often, these popular destinations come with crowds that are busy and stressful.
Sure, the Instagram snaps may look idyllic, but they rarely capture the throngs of people jostling for that perfect Santorini sunset shot.
That's why travel enthusiast TikToker @sandymakessense has shared some lesser-known European destinations. The quieter the place, the more you can truly unwind and enjoy.
According to the Savvy Backpacker, Paris is Europe's most visited city, drawing over 50 million visitors annually. Hot on its heels are London, with 40 million visitors, and Rome, with over 35 million sightseers.
But if you're after a less frenzied experience than these beautiful - yet bustling - cities, Sandy has some suggestions. "Here are three budget-friendly destinations to avoid the crowds in 2025, starting with this underrated city break," she revealed.
Riga, Latvia
Sandy added: "If you're seeking a vibrant and cosy spot brimming with coffee shops, flea markets, vintage shopping opportunities, and a quirky bar and art scene, add Riga and Latvia to your list".
Riga's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its Art Nouveau/Jugendstil and 19th-century wooden architecture.
Travel enthusiast Claire from the blog Claire's Footsteps highlighted that "The Latvian capital city of Riga is brimming with historic buildings, museums and attractions."
She also recommended it as a worthwhile visit for a "couple of days".
Andalusia, Spain
Turning to Spain, fellow blogger Sandy praised the region of Andalusia, likening it to Morocco due to its blend of cultures.
She elaborated: "Arab cultural influences and Spanish traditions make Andalusia in Spain one of my favourite places in Europe. Haggle at the souks and admire the architecture and fun local customs."
According to Lonely Planet, "Andalucía is a year-round destination. Long daylight hours, plenty of sun and sand, and year-round sunshine are just some of the reasons to come to Andalucía. Water sports dominate all year, with kayakers, snorkelers, swimmers and kitesurfers flocking to the beaches of the Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol."
Gdańsk and Sopot, Poland
Lastly, she urges travellers to give Gdańsk and Sopot in Poland a go, describing it as an ideal spot "where you can have a very trendy, colourful and cool city holiday".
In addition to this, it offers an opportunity for "followed by a relaxing Baltic spa break in one of Europe's best spa towns officially."
Where Goes Rose blogger Rose waxed lyrical about visiting Gdańsk, stating that "all the buildings are beautiful," the entertainment scene is incredible, and the affordability is a bonus.
Are any of these lesser-known gems on your radar? Drop us a comment below and share your thoughts...
English (United States) ·