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London

The rise of the 'destination dupe' trend means many travellers are swapping Europe's busiest tourist hotspots in favour of lesser-known destinations. With peak holiday season upon us, these hidden gem alternatives offer a similar atmosphere and experience with a more relaxed pace and less crowds. To help holidaymakers discover their next getaway, travel experts at eShores have revealed the underrated European destinations that offer all the appeal of some of the continent's most popular holiday spots. 6 popular European destinations and the underrated alternatives worth visiting: Paris Paris remains one of Europe's most visited destinations thanks to its famous landmarks, rich history and renowned food scenes. However, travellers often encounter large crowds and long queues, especially during peak travel periods. Destination dupe: Toulouse Known as 'The Pink City' thanks to its distinctive terracotta architecture, Toulouse offers much of the charm and romance associated with Paris. Visitors can combine elegant boulevards, bustling café culture and beautiful riverside views with a more relaxed atmosphere. Wander historic streets, enjoy local markets and dine al fresco along the Garonne River. London London is packed with iconic landmarks, cultural attractions and a vibrant nightlife scene. But, its popularity means many visitors can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the pace and scale of the capital. Destination dupe: Manchester For travellers looking for a UK city break with culture, history and a vibrant atmosphere, Manchester is a fantastic alternative to London. Known for its iconic music heritage, impressive Victorian architecture and thriving food and nightlife scene, the city offers plenty to discover without the scale and pace of the capital. Visitors can explore world-class museums, browse independent shops in the Northern Quarter and enjoy everything from live music venues to renowned sporting attractions. Rome Rome remains one of Europe's most iconic city-break destinations. However, its global appeal means many of its most famous attractions can become extremely busy. While these attractions are must-sees, some visitors find the crowds and queues can make it harder to fully soak up the city's atmosphere. Destination dupe: Verona For travellers looking to experience Italy's culture and romance without the intensity of Rome's busiest tourist areas, Verona is a charming alternative. Best known as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the city offers beautiful piazzas, Roman architecture and a rich cultural heritage, all within a compact and walkable centre. Athens Athens' popularity and extreme heat during summer months can mean key attractions, such as the Acropolis, become particularly busy and uncomfortable. This is a concern, especially when exploring the city's historic sites and steep streets. Destination dupe: Thessaloniki For travellers looking for a Greek city break filled with history, culture and Mediterranean charm, Thessaloniki is an excellent alternative. Set on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf, Greece's second-largest city is known for its rich Byzantine heritage, vibrant waterfront and thriving food scene. Visitors can explore ancient landmarks, wander through colourful neighbourhoods and enjoy bustling cafés and tavernas while taking in sea views along the city's famous promenade. Lisbon Lisbon has become one of Europe's most sought-after city-break destinations in recent years. However, its growing popularity means visitors can encounter crowded viewpoints and busy attractions during peak travel periods. The city's famously steep hills can also make exploring on foot more challenging, particularly during the warmer summer months. Destination dupe: Coimbra For travellers looking for the history, culture and colourful streets that make Lisbon so popular, Coimbra offers a quieter and more authentic alternative. Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, the city is packed with historic architecture, charming alleyways and traditional Portuguese character. Visitors can explore centuries-old libraries before wandering along the Mondego River without the crowds often found in the capital. Vienna Renowned for its grand palaces and rich musical heritage, Vienna has long been considered one of Europe's most elegant city-break destinations. While the city offers an abundance of historyand world-class museums, some visitors find that the most well-known areas can feel crowded and heavily geared towards tourism. Destination dupe: Graz The city of Graz offers a charming alternative with a more relaxed atmosphere. Austria's second-largest city is known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Renaissance courtyards and colourful buildings create a similar sense of grandeur to the capital. Visitors can enjoy a thriving food scene, explore independent boutiques and galleries, and take in panoramic views from the iconic Schlossberg Hill. Gavin Lapidus, Company Director, at eShores comments: "While iconic destinations like Paris, Rome and Lisbon remain popular for good reason, many travellers are starting to look beyond the obvious choices in search of more authentic and less crowded experiences. The rise of destination dupes reflects a growing desire to experience the culture and atmosphere of a place without the queues, inflated prices and packed tourist hotspots that often come with the most famous cities. What's particularly appealing about these alternative destinations is that they're not compromises. Cities such as Toulouse, Verona and Graz offer their own unique character while delivering much of what travellers love about their more famous counterparts. These lesser-known destinations often allow visitors to experience a place at a more relaxed pace and connect more closely with the local culture." For more information on eShores, and how they can help you plan and book your dream holiday, visit https://www.eshores.co.uk/

Europe’s best-kept travel secrets: the hidden gems replacing tourist hotspots

September 12, 2026 Guest Writer 0

The rise of the ‘destination dupe’ trend means many travellers are swapping Europe’s busiest tourist hotspots in favour of lesser-known destinations.  With peak holiday season […]

These are the 10 best parks to visit in London

These are the 10 best parks to visit in London

September 8, 2026 Guest Writer 0

With summer about to go there is still so much to see, Londoners and visitors alike are set to make the most of the capital’s […]

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NQ64 opening the doors to its biggest venue yet in Soho

September 1, 2026 Guest Writer 0

NQ64, renowned retro arcade bar group is expanding its London presence with its biggest venue yet, opening on 11 September at Orange Yard, Manette Street in Soho. Spanning two floors, the new space will deliver NQ64’s […]

Estrella Damm returns to Gala Festival 2026

Estrella Damm returns to Gala Festival 2026

May 21, 2026 Entertainment Queen 0

Festival season is officially open, and GALA Festival is once again bringing its signature mix of world-class DJs and culture to Peckham Rye Park this […]

Forget the Coat Check — This New London Bar Wants to Look After Your Goat Instead

Forget the Coat Check — This New London Bar Wants to Look After Your Goat Instead

May 10, 2026 Guest Writer 0

A new competitive socialising bar, The Lucky Goat, is opening in London and bringing with it a ‘GOAT Check’, a new take on the traditional coat check. This […]

The Best Musicals to See in 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to a Year on Stage

The Best Musicals to See in 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to a Year on Stage

May 7, 2026 Entertainment Queen 0

From dark comedies and dazzling revivals to world premieres and circus spectaculars, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in […]

Beyond London: The UK Cities That Are Quietly Becoming Food Capitals

Beyond London: The UK Cities That Are Quietly Becoming Food Capitals

April 11, 2026 Guest Writer 0

As diners increasingly seek out global flavours and more adventurous food experiences, rising costs mean they are also becoming more selective about where they choose […]

Winter city break in London: weather, packing and travel tips

December 5, 2025 Entertainment Queen 0

In this guide we take a practical look at what London weather is really like in winter, how to pack smart rather than heavy, and […]

London Eye Named One of the World’s Top Proposal Spots

London Eye Named One of the World’s Top Proposal Spots

November 30, 2025 Guest Writer 0

A new study A Diamond Is Forever ranked 30 of the world’s most romantic proposal destinations, The London Eye in the UK was included among the destinations, […]

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Christmas in a snap: The most Instagrammable Christmas markets in the UK

November 16, 2025 Guest Writer 0

Brits love a festive market stroll, but when it comes to finding the prettiest Christmas scenes, some Christmas lights sparkle more than others. New research […]

27% of Brits think they could win Squid Game

27% of Brits think they could win Squid Game

October 26, 2025 Guest Writer 0

The ruthless world of Squid Game might be fictional, but millions of Brits are convinced they’d survive it.  New research, commissioned by Squid Game: The Experience – London, has revealed […]

The Ultimate Haunted Road Trip Revealed for 2025

The Ultimate Haunted Road Trip Revealed for 2025

October 16, 2025 Guest Writer 0

The research, conducted by Kent motorhome specialists Choose Leisure, analysed multiple destinations across the UK, ranking them based on six eerie factors to calculate an overall […]

Exploring London Like a Visitor: Top Activities for Locals

September 26, 2025 Entertainment Queen 0

Even for Brits, it can be refreshing to explore the capital with the curiosity of a tourist. While many residents may feel they know the […]

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