There's far more to experience in Europe than its most popular (and most Instagrammed) cities. or every Paris or London, there is a yet undiscovered city located off the beaten path. And you can be the one to unlock its secrets.
Ahead, I've selected some cities you may not have considered for your next European jaunt - but should. All are relatively affordable and worth a trip, even if it's just for a long weekend. Sure, you can still go to Paris (and photograph the Eiffel Tower), but sometimes, it's good to try something new.
Naples, Italy
Rome and Florence are the typical tourist destinations in Italy, but for a different vibe, consider heading to Naples. The nearby Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum are the first obvious must-visit stop, but Naples' historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its ancient architecture. The city's many art museums are worth exploring, as are its streets, which you'll want to stroll for hours on end. Of course, you're also in Italy for the food, and you will find plenty of it here.
Cork, Ireland
Located on the southern coast of Ireland, Cork was originally a monastic settlement in the 6th century. It's changed a lot since then, and is now a great place to see a variety of historical sites and partake in cultural activities. The English Market, a covered food market, offers a slew of local fare, including fresh seafood, and is the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs for all your friends and family. For a stranger experience, the Cork Butter Museum details the history of the dairy industry. When you're ready for a drink, head to the Franciscan Well Brewery to sample some local brews and then move to Sin E, an established pub that is the home of traditional Irish music in Cork.
San Sebastian, Spain
Just 12 miles south of the French border, San Sebastian is a seaside Spanish city that draws a lot of visitors, especially during summer. It's a cultural hub, with numerous festivals and artistic events throughout the year, and was selected as the EU's European Capital of Culture for 2016. San Sebastian is also a good choice for food lovers, especially as it's home to Basque cuisine. If you have money to spare, check out Arzak, a three Michelin star restaurant that is considered on of the most innovative in the world. Mostly, though, you'll want to head to one of the beaches, probably Playa de Gros or Playa de la Concha., and make your home in the sand.
Oslo, Norway
Norway's capital is one of Europe's fastest growing cities, and has so much to do, you may need an entire week to see it all. Vigeland Museum and its neighboring Vigeland Park reveal the history of the acclaimed Norwegian sculptor, while the Viking Ship Museum displays several actual Viking ships, Once your done exploring the tourist sites, check out Grunerlokka lufthavn, a cultural organization housed in an old school building, where you can check out out art and drink at the local cafe. Lokk restaurant is known for its soups, and Mathallen is a massive indoor food market where you can find the best of Oslo's local food scene. For cocktails, grab a stool at Sense or Baroque.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is slowly becoming one of the must-see cities in Europe, largely because of its historical architecture and artistic legacy. The city, Austria's capital, stretches alongside the Danube River and is known as the "City of Music," thanks to its longtime contributions to art and its many theaters and opera houses. If you're not inclined to spend your vacation at a classical opera, you can sightsee at the baroque Schonbrunn and Belvedere Palaces. St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the 826-foot-high Danube Tower. When it comes to nightlife, try to score an invite to Extrazimmer, a speakeasy cocktail bar that requires some digging to access. Naschmarkt - Vienna's largest market, with over 120 stalls and a Saturday flea market - is also worth a visit.
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