Alicante, Spain is one of our first hidden gems in Europe. While most tourists will visit Barcelona or Madrid, Alicante is probably a destination you’ve never heard of. This city is filled with history, culture, and colorful homes. On top of Mount Benacantil and bordering the sea, visit Castillo de Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Castle) located in the center of Alicante. From the top, you can see the entirety of the city and the bay below. Castillo de Santa Barbara is free to walk around, but if you’d like to go inside and get a more in-depth tour, there are paid tours available. Choose from beer, wine or nougat tastings while on your tour, or opt in for a dramatized night visit to get a taste of what life was like back then. Afterwards, make sure to check out the Mercat Central d’Alacant (Central Market) to go shopping for local produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, breads and even flowers. Another cool thing to check out with free admission is the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts MUBAG (The Fine Arts Museum MUBAG). Their website describes the museum as, “[The museum] Occupies the 18th century Gravina Palace, which once belonged to the Count of Lumiares and housed the Provincial Archives. It exhibits works owned by the Provincial Council of Alicante , with collections comprising works of art created in Alicante from the Middle Ages through to the early 20th century.” -mubag.es 

Wuppertal, Germany is a unique destination in Germany and home to the world’s oldest electric elevated railway with hanging cars, the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn. If you’re into transportation and trying different ways of getting around, this is a must do! Take the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn to the Botanischer Garten Wuppertal (Wuppertal Botanical Garden) and see some of the local flora, including the salmon-pink Episentrum, which is its landmark. Afterwards, make your way to the Zaubertheater Wiepen, a magic show located in Wuppertal. Enjoy an intimate setting, drinks and snacks to get an up close view into the magic. Magician Jan Philip Wiepen says, “In my small theater with 56 seats I don't perform magic from above, but at eye level. My shows are approachable without being intrusive. Not every guest is just a silent observer. Some become part of the show, but never if they don't want to. I love to surprise my audience. I often leave them in a state of disbelief. Sometimes they can't stop laughing. From the entrance to the farewell I offer my guests perfectly staged lightness and stress-free entertainment. Light, music and background create a magical and unmistakable atmosphere right from the start. I look forward to enchanting you too!” 

Le Puy-en-Velay, France is home to Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy, a national monument that is a part of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. So if you’re religious or simply have an interest in the history behind Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy, it’s definitely worth a trip to visit. If you happen to find yourself in Le Puy-en-Velay in the third weekend of September, you will get to experience King & Bird. King & Bird is a celebration similar to a renaissance festival, where the locals dress up in traditional 5th century garb, camps are set up in the town square, and the food and activities are endless. Another unique feature of Le Puy-en-Velay is that they are known for their handmade lace. Bring back a handmade lace souvenir to commemorate your time in this historical and quaint city. 

Leiden, Netherlands is the last hidden gem on our list, and it is also full of history and culture without the big crowds. Leiden is about 20 minutes from Amsterdam via train and only 10 minutes from the Hague. Leiden is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to explore more of the Netherlands as the train system is very easy to navigate. Leiden itself is also full of history, museums and fun things to do. Check out the Hortus Botanicus at Leiden University to see one of the oldest gardens in the world, and where the first tulips were cultivated in the Netherlands back in 1590. Next, visit the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, a museum dedicated to science and medicine with a collection spanning five centuries. Visitors of all ages will find something interesting and educational. Lastly, if you’re in Leiden during a Wednesday or a Saturday, make sure you visit the Leiden Street Market where you can find local produce and even fresh stroopwafel. 

Interested in visiting one of these hidden gems in Europe? Contact one of our travel advisors at (314) 439-5700