If you’ve never visited France, but want to visit some of Europe’s most picturesque towns, you should take some time to discover Lille, which borders Belgium. The capital of Hauts-de-France region, Lille is a vibrant and cultural hub. This university town is home to Gothic churches, cobbled pedestrian streets, and a large central square. If you’re interested in architecture, you’ll love Lille’s old town, or Vieux Lille, which is composed of 17th century brick town houses.
Szentendre
Szentendre is an hour’s drive north of Budapest. The town has colourful buildings and cobbled streets, and is easy to explore by car. Stop by the Retro Design Center for some Hungarian souvenirs or try the delicious seafood at From Sea. You can visit both museums and galleries in Szentendre, but the old town is the best place to eat. After a day of sightseeing, you can return to Budapest and take the HEV back to the Hungarian capital.
Pecs is another attractive town in Hungary, situated close to the Croatian border. This town is a lively place in the evenings. The Bloff Bisztro in the historical district is a good place to gorge before hitting the town’s nightlife. You can also visit the Victor Vasarely Museum, which houses computer-generated masterpieces from the 19070s. And don’t forget to take in the beautiful architecture of Szentendre’s town squares, including the famous Name of Mary Church.
Budapest
The largest city in Hungary is Debrecen, which served as the capital for a few years at the end of the Second World War. The city is filled with important institutions such as the University of Debrecen, Hungary’s oldest continuously running university, and the Great Church, a symbolic representation of Protestantism in the country. The Deri Museum is one of the town’s most famous buildings, housing a collection of local art and handicrafts.
The Hungarian capital is one of Europe’s most beautiful towns, offering a wealth of historic attractions and picturesque landscapes. Many of Budapest’s sights can be seen on foot and from public transport. The most popular sights include the Castle Hill and the Parliament Building, which have UNESCO World Heritage status. You should also head up Gellert Hill for a stunning view of the city. After you’ve taken in the city’s beauty, head back down to the Danube for an awe-inspiring sunset.
Prague
In the past, Prague was an important center of trade in Europe, and its fortification of a castle hill began in 916. The city then developed and added monasteries, churches, and palaces. Its famous Charles Bridge, featuring statues of saints, links the castle to the Old Town, located on the other side of the river Vltava. There’s also the Old Town Hall tower, considered one of the best examples of medieval architecture, with its astronomical clock and clockwork figures of the apostles.
The historic center of Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the main attractions include the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Prague Castle. The city also boasts world-class restaurants and nightlife, as well as a thriving arts and culture scene. If you’re on a budget, Prague is one of the most affordable cities in Europe. The historic center and the stunning architecture make it one of Europe’s most charming towns.
Giethoorn
For lovers of beautiful landscapes and charming towns, Giethoorn is a must-see. With steep wooden bridges and old Dutch farmhouses, this town is a picture-perfect destination. No automobiles are allowed in the center, so you can enjoy a peaceful walk or a moonlight cruise. You can even dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
For a more adventurous getaway, check out the nearby city of Dinant. This picturesque town is nestled between a majestic castle and the Meuse River. From the fortress, you can see the town’s medieval castle and breathtaking views. It is also home to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. This town is one of Europe’s most beautiful, yet hidden gems.
The town of Giethoorn is a popular day trip from Amsterdam. While in the city, you can visit the Museum de Oude Aarde, where you can see an impressive collection of gemstones, and the museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, a replica of a typical Dutch farmhouse. In addition to Giethoorn, visit the charming town of Alberobello, located in the Puglia region. The town’s conical-roofed houses are called trulli. Its population is about 10,000 and is a popular destination for tourists.
