15 Alternatives To Paris I Would Visit Again + 5 That Did Not Live Up To The Hype
Paris may get all the attention, but it’s far from the only place in Europe worth visiting. After exploring cities across the continent, I’ve found that some of the most memorable experiences come from spots that don’t dominate Instagram feeds or bucket lists.
While certain destinations absolutely exceeded my expectations, others felt more like overhyped photo ops than places with real substance. Some I’d revisit in a heartbeat—others, not so much.
1. Lyon, France
Hidden between two rivers lies a gastronomic paradise that captured my heart immediately. Lyon offers all the charm of French culture without the tourist hordes.
Ancient traboules (secret passageways) wind through the old town, while world-class restaurants serve dishes that will make you forget Paris entirely.
2. Dinan, France
Stepping onto these narrow streets feels like walking into a fairytale that time forgot. The medieval charm of Dinan captivates visitors with its 13th-century ramparts and artisan workshops.
Perched above the River Rance, this Brittany gem offers spectacular views and authentic Breton crêperies that make Paris cafés seem ordinary by comparison.
3. Piran, Slovenia
Jutting into the Adriatic on a narrow peninsula, this hidden treasure stole my heart at first glance. Venetian Gothic architecture frames a postcard-perfect main square.
Piran’s seafood restaurants serve fresh catches while church bells echo across terracotta rooftops. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views that rival any Mediterranean hotspot without the crowds.
4. Bordeaux, France
Elegant limestone facades reflect golden sunlight along the Garonne riverfront, creating an atmosphere of refined beauty. The wine capital of France offers sophisticated pleasures without Parisian prices.
Bordeaux’s revitalized waterfront and pedestrian-friendly center make exploration a joy. Sip world-class wines at neighborhood bars where locals outnumber tourists ten to one.
5. Florence, Italy
Walking these Renaissance streets feels like strolling through an open-air museum where art history comes alive. The compact center of Florence makes masterpieces accessible without the overwhelming scale of larger cities.
Climb the Duomo for breathtaking views, then wander across the Ponte Vecchio as sunset paints the Arno River gold. Local trattorias serve Tuscan cuisine that outshines anything in Paris.
6. Kraków, Poland
Medieval charm radiates from every corner of this surprisingly affordable gem. Kraków’s massive market square buzzes with energy while underground salt mines and preserved Jewish quarters tell powerful stories.
Local milk bars serve hearty Polish comfort food at prices that seem impossible in Western Europe. The genuine warmth of locals makes even first-time visitors feel like returning friends.
7. Córdoba, Spain
Sunlight filters through ancient columns, creating hypnotic patterns in what was once the world’s greatest mosque. Córdoba’s Mezquita-Cathedral stands as a breathtaking symbol of cultural fusion.
Flower-filled courtyards hide behind unassuming walls in the old Jewish quarter. May brings the spectacular Patio Festival, when residents open their homes to showcase courtyard gardens that put Parisian parks to shame.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Colorful harbors and bike-friendly streets create an urban playground where design excellence touches everything. Copenhagen balances historic charm with cutting-edge innovation in a way Paris can only dream of.
The Danish concept of hygge (coziness) infuses cafés and restaurants with irresistible warmth. World-class dining experiences await at every price point, from street food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants.
9. Annecy, France
Crystal-clear canals wind through a storybook setting framed by snow-capped Alpine peaks. The “Venice of the Alps” offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and medieval architecture. Annecy’s turquoise lake provides a stunning backdrop for waterfront dining.
Markets spill through narrow passages of the old town, filling the air with the scent of regional cheeses and fresh-baked treats.
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
Dramatic castle views dominate a skyline where medieval and Georgian architecture create perfect harmony. Edinburgh’s compact size makes its cultural riches easily accessible on foot. Cozy pubs tucked into ancient stone buildings welcome visitors with Scottish warmth and whisky expertise.
The city’s literary heritage comes alive in bookshops and cafés where famous authors once worked, offering intellectual stimulation Paris can’t match.
11. Prague, Czech Republic
Spires and towers create a magical skyline that seems plucked from a fantasy novel. Prague preserves its architectural heritage with remarkable completeness, spanning Gothic to Art Nouveau.
Cross the statue-lined Charles Bridge at dawn to experience the city before tour groups arrive. Hidden courtyards and local beer gardens offer authentic Czech experiences at prices that make Paris seem like highway robbery.
12. Valencia, Spain
Futuristic architecture rises from dried riverbed parks in this sun-drenched Mediterranean jewel. Valencia blends historic charm with forward-thinking urban design unlike anywhere else in Europe.
The birthplace of paella serves Spain’s most beloved dish in its authentic form. Pristine beaches lie just minutes from a medieval center, offering a lifestyle balance that puts Paris to shame.
13. Vienna, Austria
Imperial grandeur graces wide boulevards where coffee house culture elevates relaxation to an art form. Vienna’s musical heritage resonates through concert halls where Mozart and Beethoven once performed. Elaborate palaces and gardens showcase Habsburg splendor without Parisian prices.
The Viennese approach to life—appreciating beauty, music, and pastries in equal measure—creates a civilized atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and accessible.
14. Ghent, Belgium
Medieval towers rise above tranquil canals in a city that feels authentically Belgian rather than tourist-oriented. Ghent combines the architectural beauty of Bruges with the lived-in feel of a university town.
The famous Ghent Altarpiece draws art lovers, while vibrant food markets showcase local specialties. Evening canal-side lighting creates magical reflections that outshine Paris’s Seine views.
15. Strasbourg, France
Half-timbered houses line waterways in a perfect blend of French and German influences. The cultural crossroads creates a unique atmosphere where two culinary traditions merge deliciously.
Strasbourg’s magnificent cathedral towers above a perfectly preserved old town. During December, the Christmas market transforms the city into a winter wonderland that outshines any Parisian holiday display.
16. Lucerne, Switzerland
Picture-perfect views come with a hefty price tag in this admittedly stunning lakeside setting. The postcard beauty of Lucerne attracts hordes of tour groups that crowd its famous wooden bridge. Souvenir shops dominate the historic center, selling overpriced Swiss clichés.
While the mountain and lake scenery remains undeniably gorgeous, the commercialized atmosphere and astronomical prices left me feeling Switzerland offers better alternatives.
17. Hallstatt, Austria
Instagram fame has transformed this lakeside village into a daytime tourist circus. Busloads of visitors crowd the tiny main street, all seeking the same photo opportunity. Behind the famous viewpoint lies a place struggling with its own popularity.
Hallstatt’s genuine Alpine charm gets lost amid selfie sticks and souvenir shops. By afternoon, when day-trippers depart, you glimpse what made this place special before social media discovered it.
18. Mykonos, Greece
White-washed buildings look stunning in photos but hide an island that caters almost exclusively to wealthy party-seekers. The authentic Greek experience has largely disappeared beneath designer boutiques and overpriced beach clubs.
Mykonos charges Paris-level prices for mediocre food and service. Unless your vacation goals include $30 cocktails and crowded beaches with minimum spending requirements, Greece offers dozens of more rewarding islands.
19. Nice, France
Rocky shorelines replace the sandy beaches many visitors expect upon arrival at this famous Riviera destination. Nice looks magnificent from viewpoints but disappoints at street level with tourist traps and uninspired dining.
The promenade offers pleasant strolls, but uncomfortable pebble beaches make swimming less enjoyable than expected. For similar Mediterranean views without the drawbacks, numerous less-hyped coastal towns offer better value and authenticity.
20. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Massive cruise ships disgorge thousands of daily visitors into narrow medieval streets built for a fraction of that number. The stunning walled city featured in Game of Thrones now struggles under tourism’s weight.
Dubrovnik’s beauty becomes hard to appreciate when shuffling through crowds in summer heat. Restaurants within the walls serve mediocre food at premium prices. Visit in off-season or explore Croatia’s equally beautiful but less famous coastal towns instead.