I've visited over 50 cities in Europe. London and Paris were great, but these 5 lesser-known locations are worth a visit.

I've visited over 50 cities in Europe. London and Paris were great, but these 5 lesser-known locations are worth a visit. One of my favorite lesser-known locations to travel to is Heidelberg, Germany. Dasha Kofman I've visited over 50 cities in Europe, and although I love global tourist hubs like London and Paris, I also try to seek out smaller cities and towns.Here are five lesser-known destinations in Europe I recommend visiting. Bath, England, is just a 90-minute train ride from London. Bath is known for having some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Evannovostro/Shutterstock As you probably could have guessed from this city's name, Bath is known for its Roman baths. These baths, dating back to AD 70, are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.The city is full of beautiful Georgian architecture, which can be admired in places like the Royal Crescent — a crescent-shaped row of 30 houses.I also loved visiting the Circus, which is made up of townhouses arranged in a circular pattern. In my opinion, these areas are part of what makes walking around Bath feel unique.The train from London to Bath takes about 90 minutes, making this city the perfect day trip. Heidelberg, Germany, embraces modern life without losing its historical charm. Heidelberg is home to a centuries-old castle. SerrNovik/Getty Images Heidelberg has striking views around every corner. The city is home to a centuries-old castle as well as the oldest university in Germany.I enjoyed walking along Philosophenweg (also called Philosopher's Way), where professors sought solitude and academic inspiration. The path was especially beautiful during my trip in the fall.We loved spending time in the city, which had lots of nice restaurants and cool bars. In my opinion, Heidelberg does an amazing job of embracing the new while holding on to its historical charm. Bruges, Belgium, is a romantic city. In Bruges, I loved taking a boat ride on the canal. Dasha Kofman Bruges is a laid-back destination that makes a convenient day trip from nearby Paris and Brussels. In my opinion, visiting the medieval city feels like stepping back in time.The best thing I did was take a boat ride on the canal, admiring the architecture while cruising through Minnewaterpark, commonly referred to as the Lake of Love.The city is perfect for couples looking to indulge in Belgian beer and chocolate. Mostar is a beautiful city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Old Bridge in Mostar is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dasha Kofman Mostar really surprised me because it didn't look like anywhere else I'd been. The towering 16th-century Old Bridge connecting the two sides of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.The city also has a well-preserved Ottoman quarter with charming cobblestone streets.During my time in Mostar, I loved drinking Bosnian coffee, taking in the views of the city, and feasting on local dishes like ćevapi. Andorra La Vella is a hidden gem in the Pyrenees mountains. Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra. Dasha Kofman Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra, a country in the Pyrenees between France and Spain.Every restaurant we dined at featured dishes influenced by the surrounding countries. If you want to try authentic Andorran food, head to a borda — a traditional house once used for agricultural purposes. Now, these buildings are used as charming restaurants.Andorra la Vella makes a great day trip from Barcelona, but, in my opinion, the city deserves more than a one-day visit.This story was originally published on July 3, 2024, and most recently updated on October 22, 2025. Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Dasha Kofman is a New York City-based content creator and writer, born in Paris to immigrant parents from the Soviet Union. Balancing a full-time job with her passion for travel, she shares her journey on TikTok, offering tips, recommendations, and inspiration along the way. You can follow Dasha on TikTok @dashakofman and Instagram @dashakofmantravels Travel Europe