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Unusual Detours in Europe's Major Cities: Fun and Games Not to be Missed

13 Nov 2024
Europe offers some of the most beautiful, atmospheric, and historic cities in the world, such as Paris, London, and Rome. While you likely have many bucket list activities you want to scratch off your travel itinerary, it is wise to leave a little room in your schedule for a detour. It will allow you to embrace a more authentic experience while providing plenty of fun and games along the way. If you are eager to learn more, here are the most unusual detours in Europe’s major cities.
Unusual Detours in Europe's Major Cities: The Hague © Pixabay, Zerov12

Travel From Berlin to Leipzig

Many people have their hearts set on Berlin when visiting Germany for the first time. While the capital provides many superb sights and attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie, it is worth taking the journey to Leipzig, which is a little over an hour away by train.

After all, it is home to one of the oldest coffee shops in the continent, Coffe Baum, which dates back to 1717, or you can catch a glimpse of some of the 850 species at Leipzig Zoo. You can even attend a football game at its famous Red Bull Arena, the largest stadium in Europe. Of course, if you are looking for a burst of adrenaline when watching a sporting event, you can casually enjoy a spot of sports betting as you relax for the night in one of the underrated city’s luxurious hotels, such as Park Hotel Leipzig or The Westin Leipzig.

Travel Through Sicily to Villa Romana del Casale

Villa Romana del Casale is a hidden gem tucked inside the centre of Sicily, as it is rich in breathtaking countryside, history, and art. It is arguably the best place to visit in Europe for beautiful Roman mosaics. For instance, UNESCO once claimed it is home to “the finest mosaics in situ anywhere in the Roman world,” which is high praise.

It is worth heading off the beaten track to find this historic attraction, which is 3km from the town of Piazza Armerina in Sicily, and you will quickly realize it is worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, leave at least two hours in your itinerary to explore the town and its grounds and examine the mosaics’ beautiful details.

It is a great destination to visit throughout the seasons, as the palace’s grounds are covered, protecting you from the elements. Also, you could organize a day tour from Palermo and combine it with the Valley of the Temples to save yourself time and money.

Take a Short Journey From Amsterdam to The Hague

Amsterdam is the most popular city to visit in The Netherlands due to its ample museums, scenic parks and canals, and cycling culture. However, if you are eager to explore the best of the country, we recommend jumping on the train to The Hague, which is less than an hour away.

This hidden gem is one of the coolest European destinations you can visit, and you don’t need to worry about tackling crowds as you explore the city. However, you might want to spend more than a day here, as it is bursting with fantastic attractions, such as LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Madurodam (a miniature park), Scheveningen Beach, and Peace Palace. It is an ideal place to visit if you are looking for a fun detour close to Amsterdam or prefer a more relaxed, quieter base for exploring the capital.

Don’t miss out on fun experiences on your next city break and consider taking a fun detour that will introduce you to new sights, sounds, and attractions. You will be glad you headed off the beaten track.

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