Europe is a continent of convenience if you happen to be a tourist or a study abroad student with a severe case of wanderlust. Believe me, I'll be spending my first semester there and I'm already reveling in the abundance of possibility. Intercontinental flights are cheap (unbelievably so), and so are bus and train tickets.
Take each of these recommendations with a grain of salt; I've never been to Europe (or even outside the U.S.), so my concept of "nobody" taking these trips is entirely based on how familiar I am with the name of the destination! Additionally, each destination was chosen with the objective of experiencing the most culture, history, and authenticity as possible, so keep in mind that some of the cities mentioned are a little off the beaten path. And so, in no particular order, here are the top five European trips nobody takes:
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
One of the best preserved natural and semi-natural areas of the Mediterranean, Cinque Terre has avoided excessive housing development and the creation of major roadways. It hosts a unique landscape in which there is an extensive development of traditional stone walls. Cinque Terre is actually a string of centuries-old seaside villages, and in each of the 5 towns, colorful houses cling to steep terraces and harbors are filled with fishing boats. The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail links the villages and provides awe-inspiring views, making the Cinque Terre an incredible location to visit.
2. Tbilisi, Georgia
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi's cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history with periods under the Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture ranges from Eastern Orthodox churches and ornate art nouveau buildings to Soviet Modernist structures, and the streets are incredibly quaint and picturesque. Above the city is Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, as well as Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." Tbilisi is rich in culture and history and provides a long to-do list for the explorer.
3. Brno, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic's second largest city, Brno, offers a slower moving, small-town feel with its own cultural quirks and plenty of history. Home to the Brno Underground, a labyrinth of cellars including the second biggest ossuary (aka dead people) in Europe, Spilberk Castle, which houses a city museum, gardens, and a former prison with vaulted tunnels, and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Brno readily shares the culture and heritage of the Czech Republic.
4. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and features picturesque cobblestoned streets, castles, and cathedrals. Estonia's Nordic and medieval history contrasted with the folklore traditions of its ethnic minorities provides the entire country with an especially colorful and rich cultural diversity. Home to numerous cafes and shops, Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower, and St. Nicholas Church, a 13th-century landmark exhibiting ecclesiastical art, Tallinn is the cultural hub of Estonia and a must-visit.
5. Sighisoara, Romania
Few travelers have heard of Sighisoara, let alone visited, but there's no end to what you can see and do here. The city dates back to the 12th century and was home to many German merchants and craftsman. With cobbled streets, colorful buildings and a pedestrian-friendly Old Town, Sighisoara is the epitome of picturesque. Along with being an old Saxon city, it has another claim to fame: being the birthplace of Vlad III (also known as Vlad Tepes, Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Dracula).
There's something exciting about discovering the undiscovered, and traveling to these less well-known destinations is sure to be rewarding. Each provides their own unique narrative and history, and experiencing the cultural diversity within Europe is a must. Nevertheless, this list is not at all comprehensive of all the incredible European destinations and will certainly undergo many a revision (stay tuned for that!).
In the meantime, though. let's recognize these amazing cities!
