Where To Hide From Tourists: 10 Alternative Cities In Europe

Authentic restaurants, non-trivial routes, deserted parks - advice from travel guides is difficult to follow if you are spending your vacation in one of the most popular cities in Europe. So, in Paris or Barcelona it is difficult to find even a basement eatery, where a lost tourist will not wait for his lunch. And in Prague or Berlin it is almost impossible to find a place where you can indulge in thoughts about the eternal, without being distracted by the voice of some guide. All these problems are solved if you turn off the beaten path and choose another city in the same country where you are aiming. Rest will not suffer from this, but will only become emotionally brighter (and the wallet will not empty). Together with the experts of the international travel metasearch momondo.ru, we have selected 10 alternative cities in the most popular destinations in Europe.

France: Nantes instead of Paris

Paris is the dream of any romantic. But for those who come here in a red beret and a flared skirt, the French capital can be a disappointment: the crowds in front of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower are such that there is practically no chance to imbue the atmosphere of the place. Instead of spending half your vacation in queues at the checkout, it is better to go to a quieter and "French" place - for example, Nantes. The romance of this trip will begin on the way to the city, because the bus from Paris will pass through the picturesque Loire Valley, dotted with medieval castles. However, the architecture of the past centuries is not all that the city can boast of. Also noteworthy are the Museum "Machines of the Isle of Nantes" and the fishing village of Trantamou in the suburbs.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 5 497 rubles. This is 32% less than in Paris.

Spain: Seville instead of Barcelona

Barcelona is the most popular destination in Spain and one of the most sought after in all of Europe among Russians. Naturally, the prices for accommodation here bite: a night in a 3-4 * hotel costs on average 8.5 thousand rubles. To save money (and at the same time come to the city where they will sincerely delight you, and not smile indifferently), you can go to Seville. Here it will be possible to save almost a third of the budget only from paying for the hotel. The capital of Andalusia will delight you with excellent weather even in autumn and an amazing union of Eastern and Western motives - not only in architecture, but in all culture. Judge for yourself, even the city's cathedral was built on the basis of an old mosque.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 5 893 rubles. This is 30% less than in Barcelona.

Italy: Naples instead of Rome

Naples is a huge house where the Italian romance has settled. Bright and slightly shabby facades, the unbearably bright surface of the Gulf of Naples, the incessant ballads of street musicians and, of course, the teasing aromas of pizza - all this is about the capital of the Campania region. Rich Italian museums (start with the Royal Palace), legendary theaters, half a thousand churches and - where without them - the sad but majestic ruins of Pompeii are responsible for the cultural program here. In Naples, you can spend the whole vacation in its entirety - and never remember the eternal city with its eternal crowds of tourists.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 5,737 rubles. This is 2% less than in Rome.

Portugal: Evora instead of Lisbon

One and a half hour drive from Lisbon, and you find yourself in a quiet, but full of mysteries Évora. This city, located in the east of Portugal, has long been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its quiet cobbled streets cannot be walked for five minutes without encountering some impressive sight. Either the ruins of the 2nd-3rd centuries, or one of the arches of an even more "adult" aqueduct, or the majestic Gothic cathedral, or the chapel decorated with bones and skulls ─ there are antiquities for every taste.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 5,826 rubles. This is 15% cheaper than in Lisbon.

Czech Republic: Olomouc instead of Prague

Russians most often choose Prague as the main European destination for late autumn and winter. There are, of course, many reasons for this: a relatively low price, a warm atmosphere of Christmas fairs, beautiful views, interesting sights … However, not only the capital, but also the province can boast of all these riches. Olomouc in the east of the country is a place with a rich history, baroque architecture, aromatic beer and savory cheese. But its main treasures are peace and quiet, not disturbed by the hum of the tourist crowd. Town halls and fountains, quiet parks and vibrant festivals, an atmosphere of livability and a sense of unity with ancient times ─ Olomouc has everything for which people go to Europe, and even more.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 3,760 rubles. This is 22% less than in Prague.

Turkey: Izmir instead of Istanbul

The third largest city in Turkey, Izmir, is spread around the ancient city of Smyrna. This metropolis is rapidly gaining popularity among our compatriots, but so far it is still far from Istanbul - the main destination for urban tourism in the country. In the meantime, Izmir has everything the traveler could wish for, from ancient treasures in rich museums to hot parties in nightclubs, from the warm waves of the Aegean to breathtaking views from observation decks, from leather goods for the price of a good dinner to fun water parks. where you can get lost for the whole day.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 2 847 rubles. This is 11% less than in Istanbul.

Montenegro: Kotor instead of Budva

On the one hand, surrounded by a mountain ridge, and on the other - by a deep bay, the city of Kotor will be a real boon for those who do not want to endure long flights or bother with a visa. This place is an excellent and budget replacement for the equally picturesque, but more densely populated Budva. The old town of Kotor is a huge labyrinth of narrow streets surrounded by medieval walls. The cathedral, which is almost a thousand years old, a stately fortress, a ducal palace - even if you are suddenly unlucky with the weather, you will definitely have something to do here.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 6 340 rubles. This is 21% less than in Budva.

Germany: Leipzig instead of Berlin

Leipzig is a city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Tourists don't get there so often, but in vain! Do you want to shop in a passage that was built in the middle of the last millennium? Go to Mädler's Passage! Dinner at a restaurant that inspired Goethe to write the famous tragedy? Welcome to Auerbach's Cellar. Strolling through art workshops in a former factory? Visit the Spinnerei Art Center. The largest city in Saxony has hidden ample surprises between its alleys and made sure that its guests never get bored.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 5,771. This is 1.5% less than in Berlin.

Bulgaria: Plovdiv instead of Sofia

Sofia is a good choice for a short weekend trip. But the capital, of course, is not the only destination in Bulgaria for quality urban recreation. Thus, the second largest city in the country, Plovdiv, will appeal to those who value cultural leisure. In the Roman amphitheater, which was built here in the II century BC. e., concerts are still held, and hot music and art festivals are regularly held in local squares. It is not for nothing that Plovdiv will receive the title of one of the cultural capitals of Europe in 2019.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 3,729 rubles. This is 3% lower than in Sofia.

Holland: Utrecht instead of Amsterdam

People go to Amsterdam for cozy bike rides and a sense of unconditional freedom. But sometimes you can't fully enjoy this city because of the huge number of tourists who also make promenades along the embankments. You can escape from them to the wonderful city of Utrecht. A charming network of canals, cozy cafes, beautiful architecture - Utrecht is in no way inferior to the capital. Unless there are significantly fewer foreigners here, and nights in hotels are cheaper.

The average cost of one night in a 3-4 * hotel for two is 7,214 rubles. This is 25% less than in Amsterdam.

Clarification: Popular destinations are based on hotel search data, prices are based on visits from all momondo sites to hotel booking pages in the respective European cities between 8/1/17 and 7/31/18, with different travel dates in 2018. Average prices are for one night in a double room in a 3 or 4 star hotel. Prices vary and may not be available at the time of search.