Cultural adventures in Europe: 5 surprisingly good destinations

In the age of Instagram, globalisation and rapid travels, over tourism has made the already popular destinations overwhelming to visit and similar in terms of what they have to offer. But there are still some hidden destinations in Europe where there is a chance to slow down, learn about different cultures and gain a fresh perspective of the world: In short, a chance to enjoy a culture trip in Europe and go back to the origins of travelling, which was always to explore and discover the unknown!

What to do on a culture trip?

●Research the area: A culture trip is a milieu of historical palaces, museums, traditions, folklore, food and more, so a bit of research before going is recommended to make sure what kind of cultural experience you are looking for.

●Festivals and Events: Being part of the popular local festivals and events or carnivals is a great way of taking a cultural trip as most of these celebrations revolve around keeping traditions alive. 

●Taste the local cuisine: Food is one of the most crucial elements in a cultural trip. A taste of the local cuisine or traditional holiday meals is like getting a taste of how it is to live a normal life in the area.

●Immersive Experiences: Immersive experiences allow one to relive cultures that probably do not exist in real life anymore, such as experiencing a pure sense of travel in time with period performances at Predjama Castle or enjoying local culture with vineyard stays in Slovenia.

●Home Stays: After food, the best way to experience life like a local as well as the culture is through a homestay. Are there different cultures in Europe? Book a holiday home in Europe and find the answer!

Now the list…

With unique cultural experiences ranging from the medieval ages to the modern 19th century and up until the Second World War, these destinations are easily some of the well-hidden gems in Europe for a cultural trip!

1. Ieper, Belgium

Lakenhalle, a stunning example of medieval Gothic Architecture in Ieper, Belgium

With its iconic Belgian Medieval Gothic Brick Architecture to marvel, Ypres, or Ieper, is home to one of the largest Cloth Hall buildings, the Lakenhalle. Located in the city’s old town centre and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Lakenhalle retains its original architecture and is surrounded by the Grokt Market of Ieper. In the market, slow down and sit at one of the open-air cafes to enjoy the placid pace of life accompanied by famous Belgian waffles or beer. 

Ieper is also a fascinating destination for all curiosos of WWI and WWII. Destroyed completely during the First World War, Ieper, pays homage to all the fallen soldiers at the Menin Gate war memorial. The Menin Gate, which was once the pathway for allied forces to reach the frontline, is a remembrance of the devastation caused by one of the most significant wars in human history. 

The illumined monument of Menin Gate leading to the old town centre of Ieper

Today, this 97-year-old memorial holds *The Last Post Ceremony at 20.00 every day to honour all the British and Commonwealth soldiers of the war, with hundreds of spectators showing up every day to witness the moving experience. For those who want to take the journey further into their explorations must also visit the Flanders Field Museum, the British trenches and the memorial to Gurkha and Indian soldiers.

The city is close to other beautiful coastal towns with World War history on the West Coast like Nieuwpoort and Oostende. Find holiday homes on the Belgian Coast to soak up art, culture and history.

*Please note that the Menin Gate is temporarily under restoration and all of it may not be accessible. However, the Last Post Ceremony will continue to take place as usual.

2. Kotor, Kotor Bay, Montenegro

A picturesque aerial view from the old town of Kotor

Not only one of the least crowded summer holiday destinations, but Kotor is also one of the nicest and most friendly cultural trip contenders. The city, crowned by the lush Dinaric Alps and hugged by the crystal waters of the sea, is ideal for those who love culture as much as nature. 

Located a couple of hours from another historic city, Dubrovnik, Kotor promises a dive into various cultural intrigues, including food and wine, orthodox churches, hiking trails to fortresses and a charming old town full of, CATS! Alternatively, the town offers many fests and events to actively take part in the culture of Montenegro in February, July and August. 

Immerse in the traditional folk dance in the old town of Kotor, Montenegro

In February, the traditional festival with celebrations including masking in ancient style is held, while in summer the international arts carnival adds a celebratory vibe to the city in July-August. With over 200 programmes and international artists, the International Festival KotorArt Festival in summer highlights Kotor’s culture and includes various categories like the Klapa Music Festival, Sea Rock Festival and the Kotor Children Festival.

For gastronomic explorations, dive into the local Montenegrin cuisine that consists of delicacies like the fish brodetto: a white and blue fish done several ways and served with Swiss Cheese and potatoes, or the roasted octopus, black risotto, clams, and shrimps. Don’t forget to top it all off with the traditional wine Vranac!

Stay on Kotor Bay and visit other stunning jewels around like the baroque city of Perast, Budva or Igalo!

3. Rogatec, Slovenia

A charming example of old-style sun-Pannonian house in the Rogatec Open-air Museum

Just half an hour from the cultural capital of Ptuj is this hidden gem that transports travellers to the good old days. Home to the largest open-air museum in Slovenia, Rogatec has made it to the list for its sheer charm and authenticity. The small town offers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience at the Muzej na Prostenm Rogatec, where life as our ancestors knew it remains alive and available to be experienced with many activities and workshops like “Bread my nana baked”. Another structure reminiscent of Slovenia’s past is the manor house, Duorec Strmol, which also has exhibits and activities to let visitors be part of the day-to-day life of the past.

Feel truly like a local at Rogatec with the farmhouse with sauna and explore its surroundings and other hidden Slovenian destinations like Celje.

Tip: Experience the cultural richness of Slovenia with other exciting stops like Ljubljana and Bled!

4. Sirmione, Lake Garda

A captivating aerial view of the Scaligero Castle in Sirmione

One of the biggest lakes in Italy, Lake Garda invites tourists to explore its two-dozen little villages and towns even in the off-season. But amongst them all, Sirmione, located on a peninsula jutting out of the land around the lake, is considered the prettiest. And with good reason. 

Sirmione’s Scaligero Castle, with its moat, drawbridge and fortified harbour, towers over the tiny Lake Garda village and is its very own cultural icon. The 13th Century Castle is unique for its fortified harbour, the only one in Italy, and has recently come into the public eye for its stunning location and preservation, which happened just 5 years ago! The Castle gives a vast panorama not only of the lake but also of the history of Italy, wherein towns and cities were always up for grabs by powerful families, which in this case was Sirmione.

Apart from the imposing castle, the lakeside village’s lovely 15th C Church of Santa Maria Maggiore allows visitors to explore Italian Gothic architecture. Meanwhile cosy squares like Piazza Carducci serve as hub of restaurants to try the typical lake cuisine that consists of dishes with lake fishes as the main hero and some excellent regional wines and everyone’s favourite, the Italian Gelato!

The famous Piazza Carducci brimming with café goers on a lovely day in Sirmione

Sirmione also has efficient ferry services to reach 16 villages on Lake Garda, which includes the famous Riva del Garda and the windsurfing hub Torbole. Discover the famous holiday resorts of Lake Garda with the best holiday homes.

5. Lake Balaton, Hungary

Live it up with Lake Balaton’s famous white mineral wines

Castle, caves, lake and lavender. Lake Balaton is a multi-faceted destination where culture trip enthusiasts would find their thing as much as party lovers would do. From wines and traditional food to immersive castle experiences and hikes on volcanic hills, Lake Balaton is a destination of experiences as varying as exciting.

Nicknamed “the nectar of gods” the Hungarian white wine is produced in the Badacsony region, one of the most famous Hungarian Wine regions with volcanic hills and home to the full-bodied mineral white wine and many wineries with tours. For other hedonistic pleasures, visit the village of Kaptalantoki Liliom Village with its traditional Hungarian market and products.

The impressive exteriors of the Festetics Mansion in Upper Lake Balaton

For nature seekers who love encountering culture on the way, there are hiking trails that lead to ancient ruins and castles, which have undergone major renovations only in the past few years: like Szigliget; known locally as the Balaton Castle with a Baroque Kitchen, Castle Chapel and weapon exhibition, Sümeg; restored in 2022 and now giving real-life opportunities to soak up Historical Equestrian Games, the Knight’s Big Hall, Castle Tavern, exhibitions and more and the jaw-dropping Festetics Mansion in Keszthely. 

There are many more things to do at Lake Balaton. Book your holiday home and discover the lake!