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5 Undertouristed European towns to escape in Summer 2020

A new phenomenon has been taking place quite recently. Many top-rated touristy cities are imposing restrictions and setting boundaries to control tourism related disasters like never before. Venice has announced to charge Tourists an entry fee, no more than 2 cruise-ships will be entering into Bruges and the most recent, Paris municipal corporation banning the tourist buses in the city center. While the popular touristic destinations are desperately trying to keep the tourists away, their smaller counterparts are inviting travelers to come and get Instagram worthy pictures in their towns. These “undertouristed” destinations are knowingly or unknowingly giving rise to sustainable tourism so that countries continue to sustain their tourism economy while not getting the cities exploited beyond its threshold. Below is the list of few cities you can visit while ditching their popular neighbors or capitals.

 1.      Colmar :

Source: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/colmar-alsace-france/

This small town in the Alsace region is very close to the German border. This town is so pretty that it doesn’t feel real. Cobblestones streets running next to the canals, lined with 14th century looking houses of various pastel shades that smell of freshly baked croissant and pain au chocolat gives it a dreamy look straight out of a Disney movie. Locals are proud of their windows lined with wrought iron flower pot holders and carefully raise their geraniums. The center of the town is full of local boutiques selling gourmet wines, cheeses, chocolates, jars of sauerkraut and pretzels. The best way to enjoy your morning is to hire a bicycle and ride to the nearby village of Eguisheim to check out the chateau where they make their famous Alsace wine. This dreamy fairytale town only 2 hour 20 minutes away from Paris by the TGV so you better not have any excuses of not visiting it.

 2.      Bilbao :

Source: Getty/iStock,

Who would have though that this small town in the Northern Spain would have 50 of the Worlds Best restaurants as of 2017? Apart from housing one of the best restaurants in the world Bilbao is also home to one of the most remarkable museums in Spain, The Guggenheim Museum which holds more than 7000 works of collection ranging from 12th century to the modern day. The unique architecture of this magnificent museum is revered throughout Europe for being the most futuristic piece of architecture. The Seven streets of Bilbao in the oldest part of the city known as Casco Viejo has numerous incense whiffing stores, boutiques and bakeries where you can pause for a cheap Txakoli (local sparkling wine) There is a funicular railway which takes you up the Artxanda Mountain where one can enjoy the sweeping views of the city extending till the sea.

3.      Neuchatel :

Source: Deposit photos

Close to the western borders of Switzerland, Neuchatel or Neuenberg (its German name) has rich cultural and architectural past. The interiors of the Collegiate shows a glimpse of past and cities impeccable architecture. Creux Du van is a natural Creux or crater which the most important natural tourist attraction of the city. This is approximately 1400 meters wide and 15 meters deep. Caumont Funicular is a fun way to ride along the city while enjoying its beauty. Lake Neuchatel cannot be missed while here, its picturesque views and clear waters has gained tremendous popularity after being a favorite location for movie shootings. One could easily spend 2 nights here in this pristine town of Neuchatel as there is something for everyone right from Natures marvels of scenic landscapes or be it in the form of castles, churches or museums.

4.      Cesky Krumlov:

Source: https://www.timetravelturtle.com/cesky-krumlov-czech-republic/

This Bohemian town in the south of Czech Republic is also fondly called as the distant cousin of Prague. It would be recommended to spend good two days here since it’s not at a day’s drive from its cousin yet, less crowded and more friendly. The town is so small that you can walk from one end of the city to another in 20 minutes. The river side bars and plenty of picnic-spots are favorite hangouts for locals and back-packers alike. There are plenty of biking and hiking trails around this mystical little town and bicycles can be easily hired from one of the vintage looking shops on its many cobbled alleys. From atop the Cesky Krumlov castle you can have a birds eyeview of this entire town and might also be able to spot your hotel all for just under US$ 5. This city of less than 15,000 population is home to one of the largest castles of Czech Republic, second on to Prague Castle. Legends say it once held Bears in their moats, you might want to find out yourself if there are still Bears within?

 5.      Dresden:

Source: PTNorbert / Pixabay , https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/how-to-spend-24-hours-in-dresden-germany/

Capital of the Saxony region and the third largest city of Germany, its hard to imagine that this city was once completely resurrected after the war. These cities offers innumerable masterpieces form the renaissance era that one could hardly squeeze into one trip. The majestic Frauenkirche church boasts of one of the largest Church Domes in Europe. It was totally destroyed in 1945. The present version of the church that we see was completed in 2005. The Zwinger Palace, which was an Orangery is now home to a host of museums, state collections and a theater with fountains and rich ornamental gardens and pavilions. The Semperoper is Dresden’s most respected opera house and performing arts venue. The façade houses famous statues of Goethe, Shakespeare and Mollier and reminds us of the rich history and heritage of this small yet magnificent town.

 So what are you waiting for! Book your tickets now and make space in your smartphones for those Instagram posts. There are plenty of destinations which deserve your time and attention other than those expensive and popular yet crowded destinations which might probably not give you any surprises since you have already seen so many pictures and videos all over your social media and other travel websites.