Tourism - DAILY WAFFLE

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 […]

Surprising European Laws that tourists need to know

July 11, 2025 Guest Writer 0

Tourists are being warned about the unexpected laws in eight popular European countries that could result in fines or imprisonment if ignored. With summer approaching […]

The Best Worldwide Locations For Astro Tourism

March 30, 2025 Guest Writer 0

From admiring crystal-clear constellations to witnessing the mesmerising Northern Lights, astro-tourism is rapidly growing in popularity. In 2025, the trend is set to reach new […]

How casinos in the UK attract international tourists

July 8, 2024 Entertainment Queen 0

The casino industry, especially popular ones like bof casino, in the UK plays a significant role in the country’s economy. Its contribution to GDP and […]

New AI-Designed Stamps Show What Tourists Really Think About Countries Around The World

October 25, 2023 Guest Writer 0

New research has shown that over 40% of people would still like to receive a postcard from friends or family who are on holiday, and surprisingly,millennials are the generation that […]

25 of the World’s Most Underrated Travel Experiences Revealed

December 11, 2022 Guest Writer 0

Adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide has researched over 350 hidden gems in over 130 countries across six of the world’s continents to reveal which ones are the most underrated. This article will share 25 of the World’s Most Underrated Travel Experiences Revealed! […]

brown bridge on green grass field near mountain

New research reveals 9 in 10 disabled people believe there are limited accessible accommodation options in the UK!

June 18, 2021 Guest Writer 0

There are 14.1 million disabled people1 in the UK and, for many, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable accommodation that allows them to explore […]

5 Reasons Why the Galapagos Islands Need to be on your Bucket List for 2020

November 12, 2019 Entertainment Queen 0

Visiting the Galapagos Islands should be on your bucket list for 2020. This amazing spot is made up of sixty one islands and islets with […]

Are you missing out on key experiences in London?

March 24, 2019 Guest Writer 0

New research undertaken by London hotel chain Amba Hotels, has highlighted just how little of London’s multicultural landmarks tourists are actually seeing. While almost two-thirds […]

Who Goes Where? – Study Reveals Who Spends the Most on Outbound Travel

March 21, 2019 Guest Writer 0

A recent study estimated the global expenditure on tourism to be just short of $1.5 trillion, with cheap flights and rising economies broadening the horizons […]

How to Book Weekend Getaways on a Budget

March 13, 2019 Entertainment Queen 0

Holiday trends tend to fluctuate in line with economic conditions, which is why families were less likely to travel abroad in the immediate aftermath of […]

Revealed: 5 Tourist Hotspots That Are Surprisingly Easy to Explore

August 31, 2018 Guest Writer 0

We’ve all been there. You go on holiday with the intention of having some much needed down-time only for it to end up being a […]

The Most Instagrammable European Tourist Attractions

July 13, 2018 Guest Writer 0

Millions of people from around the world regularly flock to Europe to experience its cultural landmarks and epic natural beauty. But have you really visited […]