Forgotten Places Of Europe

With a globe completely mapped and all for all explored, the only hope we really now have of discovering something new is re-discovering those places that have been forgotten.

Just like a middle child these cities have all but been neglected, maybe they’ve been forgotten because of a bad reputation that they can not seem to shake, maybe because of long held stereotypes of something dark in their past or maybe these spots are simply avoided because of their unusual sounding names.

That’s the reason why people avoid me. Well that’s what I like to tell myself!

These places are worth a chance; some I think are worth seeing over well known popular places.

Let’s rediscover the forgotten cities of Europe! First up Rome… I’m kidding that was a joke.

First up London… Oh double joke you didn’t see that one coming did you!

Bratislava - Slovakia

First up Bratislava, now that name doesn’t at all sound like a dark and evil empire does it!?

Tell me and be honest, when was the last time you thought about Bratislava? Seriously when was the last time? .…. That’s what I thought .

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, less than 100km from the very popular and wealthy Vienna, and it is a great contrast. A curious place to see, with a medieval city centre, cosy laneways and colourful buildings. It’s a really interesting place to explore, The old town is full of restaurants and bars but it’s the back streets I found the most charming, empty of life and falling to bits, it can feel like a movie set.

Two main things to see while you’re there, the big old castle that overlooks the old town and the blue church… do I really need to explain what the Blue Church is all about? Okay so there’s this church and it’s blue.

When I arrived off the train the first thing I saw was a dead man on the street surrounded by police but I’m sure that was just a strange occurrence and not common place., I felt rather safe here - I had heard stories and those stories were wrong.

Ljubljana – Slovenia

Unfortunately due to past wars, Slovenia has had a bad reputation which is hard to shake.

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, I really don’t know why this one is avoided, the old town is really beautiful with its stunning fountains, bridges, statues and vibrant buildings - it’s simply stunning! Its city centre is alive with atmosphere with food markets and buskers

The edge of the city may be in decay, but I think it adds to its charm.

The men in Ljubljana do like their leather jackets, and if I was casting a movie and looking for people to play Euro bad guys I’d probably look here.

But honestly they are so welcoming to tourists. If you’re making your way from Italy to Croatia or vice versa give it a chance, I think it has a lot to offer.

Make sure to climb the hill up to the castle - you won’t miss it, and it also offers beautiful nature. I’m sure you’ve heard of Lake Bled that’s where it is, you may need to navigate local buses but the locals are more than happy to help.

Luxembourg - Luxembourg

Luxembourg, Luxembourg is odd, I’m just going to say it.

Cosily squeezed in between Germany, France and Belgium, it is nothing like its neighbours.

There is a lot of history packed into this micro state, many cafes and restaurants, it’s a lovely place to walk around, although it is very hilly and there is a lot of walking up and down hills so take your Fit Bit, you’ll get your steps in.

Staying here I felt like the only tourist in the country, it’s really forgotten by all, though not far from major cities all around, I kind of get why, it’s incredibly expensive to visit and you can see that at face value with its museums, palaces and gardens but that being said it’s something different to experience that’s for sure.

Matera - Italy

Matera is a lost gem, if you are an avid traveller, you need to visit Matera it is one of the best places in Italy.

Built on the side of a dusty canyon, and into the side of the canyon, I don’t know how this place isn’t more famous - it’s epic!

Walking through Matera is like walking through a labyrinth. In the old town there aren’t any roads, simply stone paths which weave by houses, under bridges, up stairs, and down the canyon side. It’s spectacular!

You feel like you’re in a time gone by.

Matera is unfortunately situated on its lonesome in a not very touristy part of Italy, if you happen to be cutting across from the Amalfi Coast to Bari, stop there.

Helsinki - Finland

Helsinki where the sun never sets, or never gets up depending on what time of year you’re visiting. I arrived in Helsinki thinking nothing of it and when I arrived the first thing I thought was, I haven’t booked enough time here.

Built on a port, for a tourist there’s a lot to walk around and see, many churches, trams and parks, they have really cool markets and some curious foods that you can taste, lots of fish, reindeer and even bear.

Be careful though - they do put liquorice in things, I’m not too sure why, but they love it.

I don’t know if they get a kick out of tricking tourists who can’t read Finnish and take a bite into what looked like a delicious ice cream on a hot day but turned out to be disgusting. I’ll never forgive you Finland.

If you’re looking to go to Scandinavia it’s a great place to start your journey. You’re right on the balls of Scandinavia and you can work your way down the shaft to Stockholm and Oslo, see the fjords up to Lapland then fly out from Helsinki.

Reykjavik – Iceland

You’re too scared to pronounce it aren’t you? So instead of trying to say it to the Travel Agent you’re just going to skip it entirely.

Let’s pronounce it together Reykjavik (Ray-kya-vik)

Iceland is epic, although the travel brochures really should warn you about all the ice and snow!? Reykjavik is a great base if you’re seeing Iceland as most tours leave from here. It’s a tiny little city of 120,000 people which makes it feels much more like a village. The cities of Iceland are not very old and there are some ultra modern buildings to be seen. Be sure to check out Reykjavik Cathedral there’s no other church like it, if you’ve never been to a winter destination put this at the top of the list.

There are also many traditional Icelandic foods to try, whale, puffin, dried cod, fermented shark and breakfast - which I’m sure will make a brief re-appearance in your mouth after trying them.

It’s also a great place to move if you’re wanting to become a millionaire quickly, the conversion rate is ridiculous!

I feel like I’ve forgotten some places I just can’t remember to remember.

If you have time I really wouldn’t forget these places, it can be a real adventure going to the unknown, if they’re not on the top of your list just remember if there is ever an alien invasion, (which is inevitable) they are great places to go, you’ll never see the likes of an alien invasion attacking somewhere like Bratislava now will you.

That’s all!