Many of our friends and some people we’ve met during our travels would always ask us this question: ‘What are your favorite places in Europe?’.Β To be honest that question is somewhat difficult to answer since there are many cities around Europe that are genuinely amazing. It’s easy to name some popular and beautiful cities like Paris, Venice and a lot more. However for us it is a different story. Derick and I usually gets attracted to places less traveled which are laid-back, quaint and peaceful.
After spending our summer vacations in Europe in the past two consecutive years, Derick and I had been to a number of beautiful cities within the continent. We can say some of those places captured our hearts dearly. To narrow it down, there were 7 places in Europe we fell in loved with and we really want to visit again. As a traveling couple we selected these places based on our personal experiences. Definitely it’s perfectly romantic, charming, serene, historical and most of all it has breathtaking views.
If you want to know what these places are, keep reading!
Brugge, Belgium
Brugge isΒ the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium. The historic city center is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It is also known as the Venice of the north because ofΒ its canals. The cobbled streets and medieval buildings certainly made this charming city a beautiful destination.
- Things to do: Cruise along the canals, climb the Belfry tower, visit the Historium and museums and shop at the Markt.
- Food to try: Belgian chocolates and don’t go home without tasting their waffles.
Wilderswil, Switzerland
This quaintΒ Alpine Village is situated in the close vicinity of Interlaken. It’s not really a popular tourist destination, Β however since it is located at the footsteps of Jungfrau, it is a goodΒ base point for the Β Top of Europe adventure and other attractions in the Bernese Oberland. The views of the Swiss alps and the lakes will definitely capture the hearts of people who seek peace and at the same time connected to nature.
- Things to do: Visit the ruins of Unspunnen, trekking, day trips to Jungfrau and Interlaken.
- Food to try: Cheese fondue,Β Raclette, Swiss chocolates and cheese.
Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is known as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Germany which I couldn’t agree more. In an instant I fell in love with the place, not only with the views but also the interesting history and stories it holds from the past.
- Things to do: Visit the Heidelberg Castle, explore the Altstadt (Old Town), enjoy a cup of coffee at the Marktplatz (Town Square).
- Food to try:Β Gulyassuppe (German goulash/beef stew) and Sausages.
Related post:Β Heidelberg Germany | Why Is It An Interesting Place To Visit?
Salzburg, Austria
Have youΒ seen the movie, “Sound of Music?” If you did, I’m sure you would admire the beautiful landscape of Salzburg which was the setting of the movie. And seeing it up close and personal will make you sing the famous lineΒ ‘…the hills are alive with the sound of music…’. Aside from that, Salzburg is the birth place of the famous composerΒ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
- Things to do: Visit the Mozart’s museum, Hop-on the bus and enjoy the Sound of Music 3 hours tour. Explore the Mirabelle Palace and the Salzburg Fortress.
- Food to try: Schnitzel and strudels. Also don’t forget to grab some Mozart Balls for gifts to bring back home.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is little town in the Alsace region of France. Known for its old historical charmsΒ with culture and architecture blending German and French influences. The minute you explore this town, you’ll be surely mesmerized by its beauty.
- Things to do: Explore the Grand Ile by cruising along the canals, visit the palace museum and admire the Old Town’s remarkable architecture.
- Food to try: Nothing in particular but many restaurants in the area that serves delicous French cuisine.
Boppard, Germany
Boppard is a small town located in the middle upper Rhine known as the Rhine Gorge which has been declared asΒ UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is an ideal base point for castle hopping. This place might be flooded with people during the day but has a laid-back and romantic vibe that any couple would love.
- Things to do: Cruise the Rhine River, castle hopping, look for Lorely and satisfy your taste buds Germany’s premium wines.
- Food to try:Β Β Schweinebraten (Roasted Pork) and Black Forest Cake. Don’t forget to try the Riesling Eiswein.
Nafplio, Greece
This picturesque seaport town of Nafplio is situatedΒ on the Argolic Gulf in the northeast Peloponnese. Guarding the town is the mighty Palamidi castle that overlooks towards the sea.Β Β The picturesque narrow streets with the neoclassical buildings, the amazing views of the promenade and the fortified Bourtzi islet that guards the entrance of the port of Nafplion made this town truly mesmerizing.
- Things to do: Explore the city and visit the formidable Palamidi castle. Have a relaxing stroll at the sea-front promenade and enjoy a cup of coffee Β along the picturesque Β narrow alleyways.
- Food to try: Fresh grilled seafood and souvlaki.
Great list – haven’t visited some of these locations. Thanks for giving me an idea… or rather an idea I’ll pass on to my husband *wink
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Thanks April! Yeah pass the idea to the husband so he won’t be surprised if you booked the trip already hahaha. π
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Nice post… great locations… very picturesque… π
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Thank you Johnny! π
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Salzburg β€ β€ β€
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Aysa, isama mo na buong Austria, Vienna is very beautiful city. Marami pa nga kaming hindi napuntahan doon at gusto naming balikan. π
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OMG! Ang gaganda lahat Joy! Youre giving us major envy! Haha… so laid back, pretty and prang ang sarap mgspend time jan while hhww π Thanks for sharing this, honestly, im not familiar with some. Now my wanderlust was woken up! β€
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Thank you Nina! Marami pang lugar sa Europe na magaganda pero hindi pa namin napupuntahan. We’re taking it easy lang, one at a time lang muna. Work, Save, Travel… Repeat! π
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Ok Wilderswil it is for us!
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Awesome! π
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Great post, I want to go to all of those places.
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Thanks Michelle! π
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Beautiful places and pictures! I am always amazed how beautiful and stylish some places can be. I wonder how much it impacts the people that really live there, if they care and how their households look like.
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Nice post ! Wonderful pictures. Definitely places to visit here !!
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Thank you for dropping by, Syama! Hope you can visit some of them too. π
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All of these towns and cities look amazing π
Strasbourg looks like my type of place! I can just image how romantic a walk along that river would be.
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Thanks for dropping by, Kassie! Strasbourg is just 2 hours train ride from Paris. It is, plus the charming ginger bread looking houses lined along the canals. π
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I enjoy smaller towns as well – Strasbourg has caught my eye recently and I really want to visit!
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Thank you, Leigh! I hope you can visit it soon. π
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Wilderswil sounds beautiful.. I love Alps and plan to visit soon. Great pictures too. Thanks for sharing π
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Thank you! There’s so much to see in Switzerland. Enjoy and safe travels! π
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I’ve only been to Europe once, and never to any of these destinations. They all look lovely. And now I totally want to go back to Europe and explore a little!
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I hope you’ll get that chance soon, Erica. I still have a lot of places in Europe that I haven’t been to yet. Ticking it off one at a time. π
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love this! so many of these places look like a fairy tale!
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Indeed! Thanks for dropping by, Megan! π
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I would love to visit all these places! I really need to see more of Europe
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I’m glad you were inspired by this post. Cheers to more travels! π
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So many wonderful hidden gems! I’ve only been to Salzburg (of the places listed here)…and knowing how wonderful it was, I can’t wait to check out the others!
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Hi MJ! Thanks for dropping by. Keep exploring and safe travels! π
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Wow, these all look so amazing. I cannot wait to visit Europe someday. I would love to visit quaint areas like these.
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I hope you’ll get that opportunity soon. There’s so much to see in Europe. I’m excited for you. Thanks for reading my post! π
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beautiful photograph.
cant wait till summer so we can spend all the money in vacation in europe,
wonderful post and I would love to go to all these places!
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Oh thank you! I’m so excited for you! Enjoy and safe travels! π
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I am dying to go to Switzerland! The pics are gorgeous!
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Thank you, Hal! I’m sure you will love Switzerland. π
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This was a pretty good list. I look forward to trying out your great suggestions for food.
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Thanks for taking time reading my post. You should try them, they’re heavenly! π
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All of these places look and sound wonderful. I wish my husband and I could make it to Europe. We would love to visit several (all) of these. π
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I hope you guys can make it. Europe has a lot of beautiful and romantic places you will love. π
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Brugge is totally on my list of places to visit when I got to that side of Europe again! It looks so quaint and beautiful!
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It is! Can’t wait for you to see it! Eat some Belgian chocolates and waffles for me! Hihi! π
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I only been to two of the cities, so I have a few more to visit. Thanks for giving me more ideas.
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Awesome! Cheers to more travels! Keep exploring and safe travels! π
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WOW I wish I could go to all of those places they all look beautiful!!
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Thanks for dropping by, Bobbi! Just plan for it one at a time! π
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These places looks amazing! I am adding them to my bucket list for sure!
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Yay! Awesome. Can’t wait for you to explore them. π
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Ahhhh kanindot aning mga lugara Ate! I bet every spot and every corner is very Instagram-worthy gyud! β€
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Tinuod Janine! Mao bitaw na in love jud ko aning mga lugara. I hope you too can visit any of these places. Salamat for checking my blog, I know busy kaayo ka. So happy nag spend gihapon ka ug time para nako. β€
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I hd the most amazing time in Heidelberg! I think it’s best going there in summer, what d0 you reckon? To make the most of that wonderful city! π
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I agree, summer is the perfect time to visit Heidelberg. The views from the castle is breathtaking and perhaps a romantic walk along the Nekar river is a good idea. π
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Nice list π But if I could recommend something – visit the Balkans, the most romantic part of Europe π Forget Paris – when you see Gjirokaster in Albania you’ll thin, you’re in a fairy-tale, Mostar in Bosnia is like a fantasy film, Dubrovnik in Croatia is the most beautiful town I’ve seen (no wonder it was featured in Game of Thrones), Ohrid in Macedonia is full of amazing architecture and beaches – and a bit further – Batumi in Georgia with its moving monument of love is the most illuminated seaside town I have ever visited π Pity no one ever talks about those places… When you have Europe in mind – it usually means only the west…
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Hi Tom! Thanks for visiting my blog and for the recommendations. Those places you’ve mentioned are all in my bucket list. My husband and I could have visited Albania and Bosnia last year if not because of the visa issues. Unfortunately as PH passport holders, we need to obtain separate visa for these countries apart from the Schengen. Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia are on the pipeline.
We’ve been to Georgia and I agree with you that Batumi is beautiful but for me Signaghi in Kakheti Georgia is more romantic and has a gorgeous views of the Caucasus Mountains. Another thing, Georgia might have a European culture but geographically it is located in Asia. So I can’t put it in my Europe list.
As soon as we can visit those places, I’ll be doing another round of list of places in Europe worth visiting. π
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Your Boppard picture has brought back so many memories – it was the first place I visited as a kid on a school trip to improve my German. I think that actually German villages and towns are intensely romantic, especially along the Rheine. Heidelberg looks beautiful and I’d add that to my travel list!
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Oh lovely! Yeah Saint Goar too has the biggest hanging Cuckoo clock and also Koblenz. Thanks for droppng by, Sam! π
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All of these places seem simply delightful! I have a good friend that lives in Strasbourg that I can’t wait to visit now!
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Thank you! You should take that opportunity. There are so many beautiful fairy tale places in the Alsace region in France. Keep exploring! π
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These all do look like really charming places. I have been to Bruges and Salzburg and I agree that they are two of the prettiest places I have ever seen. I hope to at least go to Strasbourg and Heidelberg sometime soon. My stepmother was born in Heidelberg, so I’ve always wanted to go.
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Strasbourg and Heidelberg aren’t that far from each other, actually. Might as well explore some little towns along the way. Rhine Valley is also near the area. π
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Oh my your list is indeed very romantique! Austria reminds me of the movie The Sound of Music.. I would be happy to have a picnic with my beau in that hill.
-blairvillanueva
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Hi Blair! Finally got your comment. Thanks! π
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I agree with this list… I have been to 5 of them. They are yet to be discovered by tourists I think. Particularly Nafplio… it is so quiet, I loved the town atmosphere there.
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Yeah, that’s what I thought too! Thanks, Indrani! π
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I might be moving to Europe in a few months so this is all super helfpul!! I love little quaint places that aren’t overwhelming with tourists. Can’t wait to find some of the places you mentioned!
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That’s cool! Excited for you. Keep exploring! π
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I’d be really miserable if I had to choose only one location to go to among the locations you featured in your post. Beautiful landscapes, great things to do, culture, food to taste,… Everything looks great!
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Thanks for dropping by Miriam! Just plan for it, one place at a time. π
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I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to base my honeymoon around this! Fantastic!
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Yay, awesome! Thanks, Christopher! π
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Love this post! Been to some, and most recently in Strasbourg two weeks ago! π
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Oh wow! I hope you had a great time in Strasbourg. My husband and I wasn’t able to explore much of Alsace region. Would love to go back and visit Colmar. π
Thank you, Tanya! π
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Nafplio would definitely be something for me! It really looks lovely and rustic… except for the open roof bus, which looks extremely modern π
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Hahaha I wouldn’t mind taking a tour of the city in a modern bus and enjoying the views of a quaint city. π
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I have not been to Europe but all these places are on my bucket list. I wanna spend good quality time at all these places as they all are fantastic. Thanks for this list.
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You’re welcome and thanks for dropping by! π
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Interesting perspective. I have only been to Bruges and I would love to check out the rest of the places β€
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Hi there, thanks for stopping by. There are many places in Europe that I need to check it out too and perhaps add them to this list. Hopefully you’ll get the chance to some of the places I’ve mentioned above. π
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What a lovely post, I really want to see Germany and Austria! Beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing. My name is Brandy, and I am new to the blogging community, its nice to meet all of you! Have a blessed day! http://whimsicalwolfblog.com/
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Thank you, Brandy! Welcome to blogosphere! I’ll definitely check your blog from time to time. π
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Awww thank you Joy, how sweet!
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Wow!! Now I have a serious case of wanderlust LOL loved this post!
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Hi, Nicole! I’m glad you liked this post. For sure you’ll get that opportunity of visiting these places one at a time. Thanks for dropping! π Travel on and keep exploring! π
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Beautiful scenery and town. We would love to live in a place like this. π
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You have a beautiful blog. would love if you visit my blog https://valoniapiresblog.wordpress.com/
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Beautiful list! And I have only visited Brugges and for some of the places, is the first time I read about them. Nice to discover so many beautiful destinations. I also like the small communities better than big cites, laid back and that don’t consume one’s energy during the holidays.
Julia
https://egodiary.com
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Soooo sooo pretty!!!! β€
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If only the Philippines could be as clean and preserved as these places. πππ Ang ganda. Sobra. πππ
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Wishful thinking… sana nga talaga! Ambot nalang jud sa Pinas ug nganong na ingon ana. Hahaha
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Hahahaha.
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