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Posted on by Cameron Hewitt

Favorite (and Least Favorite) Places in Europe

When people find out I’m a travel writer, their first question is usually this: What are your favorite places? I take this as a coded way of asking: Where should I go on my next trip?

My new travel memoir, The Temporary European, is all about my favorite places. Along with the wonderful Europeans who’ve brought meaning to my travels, it’s the places — beautiful, bewildering, exciting, frustrating — that are the stars of my book. And for the appendix, I brainstormed a roundup of my favorite (and least favorite) places in Europe.

As s special sneak preview, I’ve excerpted that list here. Of course, any list like this is arbitrary and cheeky to the point of foolhardiness. It’s admittedly subjective; your mileage will vary. If you wonder “why?” for any of these, in many cases, you can divine the answers from my book. (I’ve also linked a few of these places to blog posts I’ve written about them.)

Favorite Country: Slovenia, followed by any one of a half-dozen countries I’ve been to most recently (Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Iceland…)

Countries I’ve Visited Briefly and Would Love to Know Better: Ireland, Portugal, Estonia, Serbia

Countries I’ve Had Enough of for the Time Being, Thanks All the Same: Spain, Romania, Slovakia, Austria

Most Misunderstood Countries: France, Hungary, Poland

Most Perplexing Country: Russia

Most Perplexing Non-Russian City: Budapest

Favorite Big Cities: Budapest, London, Berlin

Favorite Small Cities: Ljubljana, Slovenia; Gdańsk, Poland; Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Favorite Towns: Sarlat, France; Eger, Hungary; Canterbury, England; Nafplio, Greece

Most Underappreciated Cities: Oslo, Norway; Salamanca, Spain; Sofia, Bulgaria; Antwerp, Belgium; Bern, Switzerland; Erfurt, Germany; Porto, Portugal; Olomouc, Czech Republic

Most Overrated Cities: Salzburg, Austria; Milan, Italy; Vienna, Austria

Least Favorite Cities: Bucharest, Romania; Catania, Sicily; Bratislava, Slovakia

Cities that Initially Seemed Meh, but Have Gotten Under My Skin: Warsaw, Poland; Palermo, Sicily; Reykjavík, Iceland

Favorite Hipster Neighborhoods: Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin; Psyrri, Athens; Brick Lane/Spitalfields, London; Seventh District, Budapest; Monti, Rome; Chiado, Lisbon

Favorite Natural Areas: Val d’Orcia (Tuscany), Italy; Julian Alps, Slovenia; Mývatn geothermal area, North Iceland; Dalmatian Coast, Croatia; Sognefjord and Lustrafjord, Norway

Favorite Road Trips: Iceland’s Ring Road; Slovenia’s Vršič Pass and Soča Valley; pretty much anywhere in the British countryside (especially North Wales, Dartmoor, and the Cotswolds)

Favorite Seaside Escapes: Rovinj and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Salema, Portugal; Collioure, France; Kardamyli, Greece

Favorite and Least Favorite Seaside Escape: Italy’s Cinque Terre

Most Dramatically Situated Towns: Reine, Norway; Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria; Santorini, Greece; Ronda, Spain

Most Overrated Dramatically Situated Town: Taormina, Sicily

Favorite Hedonistic Activity: Thermal baths (Hungary or Iceland)

Favorite Food Experiences: Pasta-making class at Cretaiole, Tuscany; browsing London’s street markets; truffle pasta in Istria, Croatia

Favorite Castles and Palaces: Alhambra (Granada, Spain); Peleș Castle (Romania); Château de Chillon (Lake Geneva, Switzerland); Hermitage (St. Petersburg, Russia); Konopiště Castle (Czech Republic)

Favorite Houses of Worship: Gaudí’s Sagrada Família (Barcelona, Spain); Church on Spilled Blood (St. Petersburg, Russia); Mezquita (Córdoba, Spain); Hopperstad Stave Church (Vik, Norway); Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey); Viscri Church (Transylvania, Romania)

Favorite (Lesser-Known) Museums and Sights: Vigeland Park (Oslo, Norway); Zlatyu Boyadzhiev Museum (Plovdiv, Bulgaria); frescoes at Monte Oliveto Maggiore (Tuscany, Italy); European Solidarity Center (Gdańsk, Poland); Herring Era Museum (Siglufjörður, Iceland)

Favorite Places to Feel Far from Civilization: Norway’s Lofoten Islands, Iceland’s Westfjords, Romania’s Maramureș, rural Bosnia-Herzegovina, Orkney (Scotland)

Weirdest Places I’ve Been: Chernobyl, Ukraine, followed by the places listed above

Favorite US Escapes: Central Oregon Coast; Kaua’i, Hawai’i

Favorite International Destination Beyond Europe: New Zealand

To answer that overarching question, there’s a special spot in my heart for underrated gems — places that I’m confident any traveler would fall in love with, if given a chance. Topping that list is Slovenia. I’ve never met someone who went to Slovenia and didn’t adore the place, and come home kicking themselves that they didn’t allow more time there.

The many people zipping to Iceland for a 48-hour “layover” really should consider extending that by a week or two; impressive as Iceland is on a short visit, it’s even better on a long one.

And I believe that anyone interested in historical, beautiful northern European cities would fall in love with Gdańsk, Poland, as I have.

In general, I’m a fan of what I call Europe’s “third-rate” towns. These aren’t the top-tier cities (London, Paris, Rome), or even the “next most popular” destinations (York, Nice, Milan). They’re the ones much farther down the list. Several of these appear on the list above; others include Dresden or Freiburg, Germany; Albi, Honfleur, or Colmar, France; Delft or Leiden, the Netherlands; and so on. Even if you’re determined to hit some of the biggies, mix in a few of these lesser-known gems.

Your list will certainly differ from mine. That’s the joy of travel: Each of us finds places that resonate with us, and places that we clash against. And that’s OK.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this excerpt from The Temporary European. To learn more about why I chose some of these places, pick up a copy of my book and do a little armchair travel to these places yourself. Currently, the print edition of The Temporary European is available exclusively at Ricksteves.com, and the Kindle edition is already on sale. The book will be available everywhere on February 1 — preorder a copy at your favorite local bookshop.

73 Replies to “Favorite (and Least Favorite) Places in Europe”

  1. May favorite small town is Dinant Belgium in the Walloon region. The town’s claims to fame are: the battlefield where Charles de Gaulle was wounded in WWI, the home of Leffe bier (my personal favorite Brune), and, the hometown of Adophe Sax the inventor of the saxophone. All along the banks of the powerful Maas River. And oh there is a castle at the top of a huge cliff!

  2. I love reading lists to begin with – but reading travel lists & such specific categories! This was a delight. Thank you for sharing!

  3. I loved Slovenia too and was lucky to be there for several days. Lake Bled is magical!

    1. I have told friends that Slovenia is the hidden gem of Europe. I want to return again.

    2. We agree totally with all of the positive comments about Slovenia. We have been there twice and loved it. Lake Bled is absolutely beautiful.

  4. I live in Astoria, Oregon.
    If you think the middle of our coast is beautiful come check out Astoria, the Columbia River and our North Coast ❤️

      2. Oregon made his list. You wouldn’t have made a your comment had you actually read the article.

      4. Read more closely. Rick said his favorite US escape was the central Oregon coast where I’m privileged to live. Most spectacular drive is from Yachats(pronounced Ya hots) to Florence.

    3. We love Astoria! I live in Seattle & we try to visit you every year – in the winter! Nothing like a cold coastal town with cozy pubs and craft beer!

  5. You really have to discover Lithuania. Vilnius is a gem and the history is compelling. And they really know how to do Christmas right!

    1. Several years ago, maybe ten, I wrote Rick Steve’s and asked him to go see Latvia. I still don’t think he’s seen the Baltics.

  6. I love Murren in Switzerland, Valley of Castles and Palaces in Lower Silesia in Poland, Zakopane also in Poland. Ramatuelle in France.

    3. My wife and I have been blessed to visit 30 European countries. Nearly all of the places we have seen are featured in Rick’s books, and we’ve never seen a place we didn’t like. The most beautiful area we have ever seen is the Berner Oberland area, especially Jungfrau (the destination and the trip),the hike from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, and Schilthorn. Murren is adorable and the perfect place to stay.

  7. Had enough of Slovakia? ? ? I am not aware you’ve even been through the country, other than maybe a short stop in Bratislava. You are missing out on some of the most beautiful places in Europe… Castles, mountains, quaint villages etc. please explain why you have NEVER done ANY TRAVELOGUE to Slovakia.

  8. My favorite small town is Dunkeld, Scotland. It is on the beautiful River Tay and has lively traditional pub music, a lovely church, a stunning river walk, and a connection to Beatrix Potter.

  9. Your list gives me more places to add to my travel wish list. I love hearing about favorite small town and neighborhoods to visit. We’ll be in Spain and Portugal this summer and will definitely check out your spots! A favorite small place I loved was Stirling in Scotland. The castle, the William Wallace monument, the place the King James Bible was translated….the scenery…it is a magical place.

  10. I have comments on two places from your lists:

    – I lived in Monti in Rome in the early 1960s (on Via Napoleone III), and it was very different from the Monti of today, but both Montis are still the best district in Rome!
    – I agree with your dislike of Catania, but have you ever visited Ortigia, a charming Baroque district of Siracusa? For its history, charm, and beauty, Ortigia would have to be on my list for best small towns. I found Palermo to be somewhat threatening and “raw.”

    Oh, and I do agree with you about Nafplio, Greece!

  11. Luxembourg is a small gem, particularly in the fall when the leaves turn. Luxembourg City is dramatic with its deep gorge cutting the city in half. We stayed in LaRochette, a former resort area with a ruined
    Castle overlooking the town. It was a last minute choice, but quite lovely and scenic.

    1. I came to see if anyone would mention Luxembourg. The week I spent in Luxembourg was too short, but it made an imprint on me nonetheless.

  12. Thank you for this list!!! We leave for Iceland in two months. Rick’s first book of Iceland did not offer much for winter travelers or people seeking outdoor adventure. I look forward to reading your blog about your experiences there. We will be in West Iceland for 8 days chasing the Aurora and dipping into thermal pools.

  13. I’d hate to draw too much attention to Grindelwald for fear of attracting crowds, but it’s too wonderful to be left out!

  14. I adored Vigeland Park in Oslo, Norway. We were impressed by Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik, Norway.

  16. I love Ireland. Maybe our guide Stephen made the trip a wonderful experience as well as sharing the adventure with friends. Favorite places were Dingle, seeing the book of Kells, seeing River dance in Dublin. So much history!
    But I would go back to Norway tomorrow if I could. This is my heritage! Loved Vigeland. In fact I wrote 3 articles for our local newspaper about some of the figures that dealt with older adults and generations. Also went to Lyngdal in southern Norway and saw graves of my ancestors including Vikings. The country is so clean and beautiful.

  18. Very surprised to see Kardamyli on the Seaside Escapes list. Great place! Would add Finikounda, also in the Peloponnese.

  19. Some of my favorite overlooked places:
    Ghent (Gent), Belgium -within easy travel to Bruges and Brussels but a more authentic place to stay
    Porto, Portugal – I don’t like Port but tge Roberto district in town and the Douro Valley are great places (good wine too)
    Beaune, France – center of the Côte d’Or wine region of Burgundy and great restaurants

  20. Rick: I’ve followed your suggestions for a number of trips. Some were great and a few bad.
    One problem I found is in that you have become so popular some of your restaurant choices have lost their charm, as they mostly attract your readers.
    We had an incident in Spain when one of our friends became I’ll. I asked if anyone in the restaurant spoke English. Every hand went up.
    When asked about Spanish every hand went down.
    All Americans, Canadians, or from UK.

  21. Not too many issues w/ your list. Agree with an awful lot of it. But can’t agree with you on Taormina. I am ready to go back there again.

  23. I love Slovenia too! Ljubljana, Sarajevo and Gdansk are some of my very favorite cities too! Great list.

  24. I can’t say enough about Lyon, France. Not only is the city accessible and walkable, there are countless places for day trips nearby. We spent a month there and were sad to leave.

  25. Rick Steves: I know Europe is your balliwick. But when COVID permits, visit the most beautiful spot in the world: Iguazu Falls, 8th Wonder of the World. Don’t miss it!

  27. Cameron Hewitt lists more negatives then positives about Sicily. This Cameron disagrees. Enjoyed every place we visited there. Go see for yourself.

  28. I love Norway, as I enjoy visiting family there. Oslo, Arendal and Lillehammer are all wonderful. Favorite big cities would probably be Zurich or Dublin. Heidelberg, Germany is a great mix of old and new. Next trip, Spain!

  29. Cameron,

    As I mentioned when I saw you in Edmonds, the Snaefellsness Peninsula is a gem in Iceland, about two and one-half hours from Reykjavik. I think three or four days in Iceland will show people a lot and, as you said, two weeks to do the Ring Road. I strongly recommend stopping at Costco, Ikea and Bonus en route (they are near each other). Another “mandatory” stop is the little mall in Borgarnes (Bonus and Netto grocery stores) where there is a public restroom.

    Northern Spain doesn’t get a lot of love. It should. I was in France and Portugal last fall. Much of France was not terribly exciting — reminded me a lot of the midwest and Pacific northwest. I saw more grunge than fashion and strip malls and home improvement stores like home. That said, Lisbon and nearby areas in Portugal were little gems (and affordable). Covid test kits were like $3 each in Lisbon stores.

  30. Hi Rick. I watch your shows on pbs all the time. I’m just wondering, actually long time now. I see you’ve been to Greece , Slovenia, Serbia. Did you ever thing about going to Albania? We’re a small country but very important in Balkans and with a great history. I believe you would love it.

  31. Oops…hit “post” too soon.

    Another little gem is Den Haag (The Hague), a 29 minute train ride from Amsterdam. Amsterdam gets the bulk of attention but Den Haag has some nice museums, the Peace Palace, Mauritshuis and even a couple of smaller red light districts. Utrecht and Leiden are also worth a visit. Delft is on the tram line from Den Haag.

  32. My favorite romantic village is Taormina, Sicily, with its old monastery and ancient, pink marble Greek amphitheater at the top of the mountain; to its quaint village overlooking the Ionian Sea at midway down; to the pebble beach and the low-tide land bridge connecting it to the island villa which was rumored to have once been Sophia Loren’s residence. Went there in 2000 at the suggestion of some Roman bankers I met on the train from Florence to Rome. They said it was the playground of the Romans about 500 years ago. I wasn’t disappointed. Stay at Hotel Villa Schuler (German Owned). It has wonderful views.

    1. The main street reminds me of Gatlinburg TN. Back streets are nice. Great views though. Loved the wineries on the Mt Etna Slopes. But the rest of Sicily is outstanding.

  33. What a great perspective about the favorites and otherwise of Europe. After taking the 21 day BOE tour in 2019, I’m very happy that we saw many of the Best Places. Many took my breath away and invoked a very strong emotional reaction. After all, I had lived my entire adult life dreaming of visiting and seeing these famous places and sights. Next time in Europe I hope to follow the authors advice and visit some third rate places too.

    The one part of the article that I really enjoyed reading was the Favorite US Escapes, The Central Oregon Coast. I completely agree with that recommendation. I live about 70 miles from the heart of the Central Oregon Coast. It is such a beautiful place that must be experienced.

  34. Thanks Rick for this list of recommendations and for the inspiration. And a belated thank you for your powerful documentary on fascism. Award worthy indeed.
    Best wishes from a longtime fan.

  35. Halstadt, Austria is such a beautiful mountain village and not too touristy, probably because it isn’t best to get there.

  36. Agree with Rovinj as an outstanding seaside escape.
    Stunningly beautiful, culturally rich, great dining and super-nice people.
    Slovenia is our next destination planned after spending 2 glorious weeks in Croatia last year.

  37. Agree with Rovinj as an outstanding seaside escape.
    Stunningly beautiful, culturally rich, great dining and super-nice people.
    Slovenia is our next destination planned after spending 2 glorious weeks in Croatia last year.

  39. Salzburg Austria and Taoromina Sicily on least favorite???. Are you kidding. You lost me there. Those were two of my favorite cities, and definitely NOT overrated. And how about Bruge In Belgium. A fabulous place to visit.

  40. What an inspiring post! I so look forward to traveling again. I hope to go on two trips this year, from Edmonds (where I live), to the Dordogne region of France and Sicily and Calabria.

    On my list of favorite places I’ve visited I would include Parga (Greece), Stockholm, and the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. After reading your post, I also look forward to planning a trip to Slovenia! Thank you.

  41. For the last three years, we have split our time between Texas and the Costa Blanca in southeastern Spain. What I’ve discovered is that even the small towns in Spain are overflowing with festivals, ancient sites of interest, great places to hike and bike, and wonderful food. In addition, for a long stay or as a place to live, the “third-rate cities,” as you call them, are very inexpensive. A great meal, including wine, in Torrevieja is easily available for €15/person, or even less many places.

  42. My three favourite places in Europe are Chester, England; Aachensee, Austria and the best – Echternach, Luxembourg.

  44. Totally agree about Slovenia. We loved it and wished we had more time. Weirdest place for me — Andorra.

  45. I understand you not being partial to Bratislava.

    But I have to ask:
    *1) Exactly how long were you there?
    2) Where did you go in Slovakia that YOU MISSED so much of Slovakia’s beauty, culture and history?

  46. Very interesting text, Slovenia is the top of my list now. There is another little gem in Europe that wasn’t mentioned here but is well worth visiting – Montenegro. It’s my favourite place in the world, with amazing sceneries, friendly people and still undiscovered.

  47. Colmar is a gem! Happened to be there during the Christmas holiday period with lovely Christmas markets. Bern and Bruges are also faves. But maybe the most surprising was Kraków. The Main Square is fantastic with wonderful restaurants all around. (I think we ate our way around the Square) We also visited Auschwitz while there, an experience I’ll never forget.

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