Before you say you have no intention of going to Paris only to end up sitting on a bench in some random park, hear me out.
I don't think you should miss the Louvre and the croissants, but Paris (and any other destination, for that matter, especially in Europe) has so much more to offer than the famous tourist spots.
If you're willing to step away from the chaos, you could end up in Bois de Vincennes, which has lakes that are so quiet you'll literally hear the ducks arguing.
I'm not saying to replace the entire city with lakes and woods; I'm saying to give it a chance.
The famous and not-so-famous spots, particularly the ones in nature.
Outdoor Adventures in Famous European Cities
There are plenty of indoor attractions to see, and you should see all of them.
But if that's all you end up doing, you'll miss out on a lot of other things European cities have to offer. Here are a few suggestions.
Stroll Through Hyde Park in London
Hyde Park is one of Europe's most famous parks, and the moment you come close to it, you'll see why.
It occupies more than 350 acres right in the heart of London, and it's an actual escape from all the noise and the chaos of the city (even the good kind).
The great thing about it is that you're still in London, but you have a chance to take a breath and enjoy the greenery. 20 minutes is all you need to relieve stress, but I GUARANTEE you won't want to leave so soon.
Another thing that's absolutely stunning is the Serpentine Lake, where you can spend hours upon hours. Just be cautious of the swans. I never knew swans hiss.
They sound like a furious cat. It's strange seeing such beautiful and magnificent creatures hiss.
But anyway, it's something that'll stay with me. The lake is absolutely stunning. Hard to put into words.
There are also plenty of seasonal events going on in the park.
Walk Along the Danube in Budapest
The Danube River connects Buda (which is hilly) and Pest (which is flat), and it's the pulse of Budapest.
This city has some truly breathtaking views, and what better way to experience some of them than by walking along the Danube's scenic promenades?
You can't miss the Chain Bridge and the Elizabeth Bridge, which frame the water in both directions.
You'll notice that the riverfront changes as the day goes on, which makes for some stunning views. And when you get tired of walking, no biggie; stop at a cafe near the river and rest for a bit.
Hike the Cliffs of Howth Near Dublin
If you want to be a bit more active and you don't mind coastal scenery that's a bit on the rugged side, you'll love the fishing village of Howth.
It has cliff paths that go around the edge of the Irish Sea, and the ocean views they provide…Man. It's a whole experience.
The main loop trail will take you past an old lighthouse and down towards the harbor.
This area also has a staggering amount of wildlife, so get ready for some seabirds keeping you company.
If you're really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a seal in the water below!
Explore the Wetlands Around Venice
Take a break from all the smelly little alleys and canals packed with gondolas to explore the Venetian Lagoon. This is one of the most fascinating natural ecosystems you'll find in all of Europe.
There are salt marshes, shallow waters, tiny islands, and an incredible number of all kinds of birds.
Look into Venice lagoon tours, you won't regret it.
But the reason these wetlands are so important and must be protected isn't just the wildlife (although that would be reason enough, as far as I'm concerned), but also because they serve as a natural barrier that protects Venice from the sea.
Spot Flamingos in the Camargue Near Arles
Arles is a beautiful little town, and it deserves more attention than it gets.
But another place that gets barely any attention, and it's actually a gem, is the Camargue region, which is just a short drive away from Arles.
It's a protected natural area that stretches along the Mediterranean coast.
What you'll see there are vast wetlands, salt flats, and marshes, all brimming with both life and color. It's a sight to see.
But what makes this place stand out from the rest is its residents – bright pink flamingos.
Flamingos are very rare in Europe, let alone in the area. And to see them in person is… wow.
It's SOMETHING. You can also see white horses there and black bulls, both of which are quite iconic.
And one of the best things about it is that you won't have to spend half a day waiting in a dang line to enjoy it.
Conclusion
If you're ready to ditch your computer (or the museum) for something spectacular. You can do both, which is exactly what I wanted to tell you here.
Once you've traveled enough, all those crowds and lines will become tiring.
And seeing things that everyone else sees just because they're famous/popular will also become unexciting.
What you'll start longing for are hidden gems. Those rare nature experiences are the world's best to offer.
And when that happens, taking a break surrounded by nature is just what you'll need.
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