Posts Tagged ‘architecture’
Beyond The Classics: 5 Alternative Destinations to Visit in 2025
In Europe, you’ll find plenty of iconic cities, from the romantic canals of Venice to the impressive monuments of Paris. But why not visit somewhere a little different for your next holiday? If you’re looking for a unique experience this year, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 5 alternative destinations to get you started…
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital, nestled between Austria, Italy, and Croatia. Unlike its more well-known European counterparts, this city offers a very laid-back atmosphere, with interesting medieval architecture and an eco-friendly environment that locals take pride in. Ljubljana is compact in size, so it’s very easy to navigate and the welcoming locals are sure to make you feel right at home. Stroll along the Ljubljanica River and take in the fresh Alpine air, or visit Ljubljana Castle which offers stunning panoramic views. Relax and enjoy the superb café culture where you’ll find several quirky spots along the riverside.
Why Visit?
- Rich history & stunning architecture
- Various parks and green spaces
- Laid-back cafes and local produce markets
Osprey Recommends
City Hotel Ljubljana
2. Porto, Portugal
While Lisbon has been a long-standing favourite for travellers around the world, Porto in northern Portugal is a perfect alternative. Known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural heritage, Porto offers all the beauty of its southern counterpart. Wander through the colourful streets of Ribeira, visit the famous Livraria Lello bookstore, and of course, indulge in the region’s renowned port wine at one of the many wine cellars lining the Douro River.
Why Visit?
- Scenic river views
- Fewer crowds
- Port Wine
Osprey Recommends
Editory House Ribeira
3. Valencia, Spain
While Barcelona and Madrid dominate the Spanish tourism scene, Valencia is a hidden gem on Spain’s eastern coast. This vibrant city boasts a rich blend of modern and historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine – think paella! The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex worth exploring, while the Turia Gardens, a park created in the former bed of the Turia River, is perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.
Why Visit?
- Architecture, nature and beach
- Home to the birthplace of paella
Osprey Recommends
Hospes Palau de la Mar
4. Ghent, Belgium
Bruges often steals the spotlight in Belgium, however Ghent is also worth a visit. It’s an artsy city with a quieter charm, well known for its stunning canals, impressive castles, and fascinating history. The Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Museum of Fine Arts are just a few highlights. Here there’s a lively cultural scene, with many festivals, art galleries, and craft beer bars which adds a modern touch to the historical landscape.
Why Visit?
- Beautiful medieval city
- Vibrant arts scene
- Belgian beer!
Osprey Recommends
Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof
5. Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital of Latvia, offers a fantastic alternative to the popular cities of Eastern Europe like Prague or Budapest. Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, medieval Old Town, and lively nightlife, Riga provides a mixture of the old and the new. Stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, take in panoramic views from the St. Peter’s Church tower, and enjoy the cosy cafes and boutiques scattered around the city.
Why Visit?
- Medieval and modern architecture
- UNESCO-listed Art Nouveau buildings
Osprey Recommends
TRIBE Riga City Centre
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Whether you’re looking for historic charm, cultural richness, or scenic beauty, these hidden gems prove that Europe has so much more to offer beyond its famous counterparts.
To find out more about these cities or to request a tailored quote, call our team on 0131 243 8098 or email [email protected].
Daria Visits Venice
I was lucky enough to explore the iconic city of Venice and meet some of our lovely new and existing partners. I arrived at Venice Marco Polo Airport early in the morning and took a bus no. 5 to Piazzale Roma and then a Vaporetto (water bus) no. 2 to San Marco. This is the quickest way to get to Venice by public transport, but I’d recommend taking an Alilaguna water bus (blue line) instead. It takes slightly longer, but it’s a direct water bus from the airport to Venice city centre so it’s much more comfortable, especially if you’re travelling with luggage.
I checked-in at the 4-star Hotel Kette where I was treated to a Superior Room with a Canal View. This elegant hotel is in a perfect location and is just a 5 minute walk from St Mark’s Square. It’s situated on a quiet side street, yet it’s still right in the heart of the city with amazing attractions on your doorstep. The interior is decorated in classic Venetian style with dark wood, Murano glass, marble floor and charming, traditional guest rooms. The hotel staff were incredibly friendly and helpful which made my stay all the more special!
After a quick break, I headed out to visit some of our featured hotels. I have to admit that I was slightly concerned about getting lost in the narrow streets and bridges of Venice… but it’s actually a very easy city to get around! Its a lot smaller than I had thought, so it was super easy to wander around.
On day 1 and 2 of my trip, I visited the following hotels:
- 5-star Baglioni Hotel Luna
- 5-star Hotel Metropole
- 4-star Hotel Kette
- 4-star Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
- 4-star Hotel Ai Reali
- 4-star Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
- 4-star Hotel Savoia & Jolanda
- 3-star Unahotels Hotel Ala Venezia
- 3-star Hotel Firenze
- 3-star Hotel Flora
After the site visits on day 2, I treated myself to some mouthwatering gelatos at Gelateria Paolin dal 1760, and it didn’t disappoint! With outdoor seating, it’s perfect for sunbathing and watching the world go by while you enjoy your lunch or gelato.
In the evening, I strolled along the canals to Ponte dell’Accademia bridge and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and watched the sun setting behind the buildings of Venice, it was truly unforgettable.
On day 3, I headed to St Mark’s Square for a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. A guided tour is a great option to load yourself with historical information you wouldn’t hear otherwise and to bypass the entrance queues. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative and the tour itself was absolutely fantastic.
After the tour, I had a tasty lunch by the Grand Canal, then went back to the hotel to collect my luggage and headed back to the airport after a wonderful adventure.
The city is packed full of charm, I really fell in love with it. From its rich history and beautiful architecture to its picturesque bridges and canals at every turn. My best advice would be to just wander…and no matter which street you go down, you’ll always discover something incredible.
To find out more about my visit to Venice or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
