Planning a European vacation next year? Skip the popular cities like Rome or Italy and head somewhere a little more secluded, but equally as exciting. We’ve put together a list of 12 cities our EWR Airport parking company thinks are worth a visit:
Bruges, Belgium
Visiting Bruges is like traveling back in time. The small city is lined with cobblestone streets and boasts beautiful medieval architecture. In addition, you’ll find a variety of shimmering canals that wind through the whole city, deeming it the “Venice of the North.”
Helsinki, Finland
Nestled along the Gulf of Finland, this coastal town is not only charming, but it’s filled with things to do and see, including parks, museums, theaters, and plenty of historic cathedrals and monuments. You can also relax by the harbor and enjoy some local fare while you watch the ferries go by.
Porto, Portugal
Another coastal town, Porto is built into a hillside located along the Douro River. The city’s architecture is a mix between several varieties with endless bursts of color. From baroque churches to medieval bell towers to romantic shops and boutiques, there’s plenty to see. Porto is also a wine-lover’s paradise and the birthplace of port wine.
Innsbruck, Austria
When people want to go skiing or snowboarding in Austria, they head to Innsbruck. Nestled in a valley, the city is surrounded by gorgeous, towering snow-capped mountains, giving you a scenic view from start to finish. Visitors also love to hike, bike, climb, and spend time ducking in and out of the local pubs.
Budapest, Hungary
Even though it’s the largest city in Hungary, many tourists overlook Budapest on their European travels. Rich in history, Budapest sits along the Danube River and offers its visitors a distinct flavor of architecture, culture, cuisine, and antiquity.
Genoa, Italy
For a taste of romance, skip Rome or Venice and head to Genoa, Italy. Built along the beautiful teal waters of the Ligurian Sea, Genoa is filled with winding cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, rolling hills, palm trees, cafes, plazas, and cathedrals that can transport you back to a simpler time.
Ermoupoli, Greece
There are many popular islands in Greece, and one often overlooked one is Syros. Home to its capital, Ermoupoli, this island is bursting with neoclassic architecture (unlike the many white stone homes of the Cyclades islands), marble streets, beautiful churches, seaside fare, and an overall liveliness year-round.
Freiburg, Germany
Situated in the southwest corner of Germany, Freiburg is a thriving university town known for its wines, spas, local cuisine, and medieval squares. It’s also one of the greenest cities in the world, both in nature and in energy; it sits at the entrance of Black Forest and boasts eco-friendly housing, solar power, and plenty of public transportation.
Lyon, France
For sophistication outside of Paris, spend some time in Lyon, France. With loads of shopping, art galleries, museums, gardens, and a famous opera house, you’ll have plenty to do. Just don’t forget to dine at one of the many fine restaurants that boast world-renowned chefs.
Bergen, Norway
Most people think of Oslo when they think of Norway, but Bergen is a great place to go if you’re looking for an exciting nightlife, lively locals, and delicious restaurants. It’s also surrounded by mountains and the gateway to the beautiful Norwegian fjords.
Kiruna, Sweden
If the Northern Lights call to you, take a trip to a town nestled in the Arctic Circle. In Kiruna, you can see the aurora borealis in all its glory during the winter months and enjoy skiing and snowboarding down one of the two nearby mountains. The city is also home to the world’s first ice hotel and holds a Snow Festival every year, complete with dog sledding.
Logrono, Spain
Once a medieval city, Logrono is rich in both architecture and history, laden with beautiful carvings, statues, cathedrals, churches, and more. Logrono is also a trade center for wine, so it’s known for its world-class wine varieties and flaunts a reputable dining scene as well.
Which city sounds like a place you want to explore? Wherever you choose, our EWR Airport parking company can help you start your adventure off right. Skip the parking at EWR and make a reservation with us today.