Travel expert Dale Peterson has visited every capital city in Europe, but there are three cities in particular that left him feeling underwhelmed and he wouldn’t rush to get back to
With so many stunning European cities just a short flight or train ride from the UK, there’s never been a better time to explore the continent.
While popular destinations like Paris, Lisbon, and Barcelona continue to attract tourists, there are also plenty of underrated gems waiting to be discovered – especially when you can get there for as little as £20. As concerns about overtourism grow, with protests erupting in some of Europe’s major cities, you might want to reconsider your next destination.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and discover somewhere new, one seasoned traveller has shared his expert insights after visiting every European capital city.
Dale Peterson, a full-time travel writer, revealed in an article for Business Insider that three cities left him feeling “underwhelmed” after his visits. With some pre-trip research, you can avoid disappointment and discover hidden treasures instead.
Travelling during peak season can be overwhelming, so considering a trip during the shoulder season can lead to a more relaxing experience.
Despite the incredible range of cities Europe has to offer, from exploring the medieval old town of Prague, taking in the street art on the Berlin Wall, or visiting the ancient ruins of Rome, here are the cities Dale would choose to skip, reports the Express.
London
With its iconic landmarks and world-class museums, London attracts approximately 20 million international visitors annually, yet Dale believes the city is “overhyped and expensive”.
The travel writer asserts that there are “so many other worthwhile destinations in the UK”, particularly in the “UK’s picturesque countryside”, such as the Cotswolds or the Lake District.
However, another adventure traveller who runs the blog The Bucket List Mermaid has a vastly different opinion about London, claiming the city is “absolutely” worth the hype.
Amsterdam
Boasting more than 100km of picturesque canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North”, and with more bicycles than residents, Amsterdam also features on Dale’s list of cities he wouldn’t revisit.
Despite drawing an estimated 20 million tourists annually, the travel writer remains unconvinced.
“Unfortunately, though, I thought the centre of Amsterdam felt like an overpriced theme park full of souvenir shops and crowds,” he stated.
However, one traveller on Tripadvisor had a glowing review of Amsterdam, describing it as a “wonderful city” with “helpful citizens”.
They praised its compact size, making it easy to explore on foot, and its efficient public transportation system. They also highlighted the city’s great museums, interesting neighbourhoods, and numerous places to eat and drink.
Helsinki
Located in Finland, the happiest country in the world, Helsinki is an ideal destination for exploring Nordic sauna culture. Last year, it was named the world’s most sustainable travel destination by Condé Nast Traveller.
However, Dale found Helsinki to be lacking in excitement, saying: “There’s no denying Helsinki is a clean city. But in my opinion, it feels a little too sterile, lacking in liveliness and exciting things to do.”
On the other hand, Jessica, who runs the blog Bon Traveller, believes Helsinki is perfect for those looking to slow down and connect with nature.
She highlights the city’s incredible design scene, which makes a trip to Helsinki “an experience to remember”.