Why Spend a Fortune? Visit These 12 Amazing Travel Dupes Instead
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1. Dubrovnik instead of Venice
Set your sights on Dubrovnik for a marvelous coastal experience that mirrors Venice’s charm. This Croatian city boasts marble streets lined with Renaissance buildings, where you can enjoy a seaside adventure without the hustle of Venice.
Dubrovnik’s old town, encircled by massive stone walls, invites you for a pleasant walk with stunning views of the Adriatic. It’s a scene right out of a storybook with fewer people and an equally rich history.
2. Ljubljana instead of Paris
Exploring Ljubljana offers a fresh twist on the charm you’d find in Paris. It’s like a hidden cafe, tucked away and just waiting for you to discover its cozy spots. Ljubljana boasts a vibrant cafe culture, much like Paris, minus the overwhelming hustle.
Your day can be filled with serene river views and art without jostling through a crowd. Ljubljana’s castle views and the works of Jože Plečnik rival the historic beauty of Parisian streets.
For a taste of culture, the city’s festivals will spice up your getaway with their spirited displays, all while keeping a relaxing pace.
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3. Bruges instead of Amsterdam
If you’re seeking a city with charm and culture, Bruges is your spot. This Belgian town is brimming with canals and cobblestone streets that give off an Amsterdam vibe without the crowds. You’ll discover charming markets, chocolate shops, and serene boat tours along the waterways. Bruges is compact, so you can see the sights without all the hustle. It’s a relaxed alternative, offering you a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere to explore at your leisure.
4. Matera instead of Santorini
Matera beckons travelers seeking the charm of a Mediterranean getaway without the steep Santorini price tag. In southern Italy, this UNESCO-listed city offers a unique landscape with ancient cave dwellings called sassi. The sassi are former homes carved into limestone, now turned into cozy hotels and restaurants.
Your camera will love the contrast of Matera’s pale stone structures against the deep blue sky. The city’s rich history, dating back to Paleolithic times, creates a fascinating backdrop for your Italian adventure. Plus, with fewer crowds, you can explore the cobbled streets and historic churches at a leisurely pace.
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5. Plovdiv instead of Rome
If Rome’s charm calls to you but not its crowds, consider Plovdiv in Bulgaria. Like Rome, this city is brimming with ancient history, showcased through its impressive Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which echoes the grandeur of the Roman Colosseum.
Your walk across the cobbled streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town envelops you in a romance similar to that of Italy’s capital—minus the hustle and the wallet strain. Plovdiv shines with its cost-effective allure, where your dollar stretches further, letting you enjoy more without worry.
6. Porto instead of Lisbon
If Lisbon’s charms allure you, Porto will captivate your heart with its unique allure. Swapping the bustling streets of Lisbon for Porto’s tranquil ambiance, you’re in for an equally rich cultural adventure.
Enjoy Porto’s picturesque Douro riverside, lined with colorful houses and bustling with life. Your wallet will breathe easier too, as Porto offers a more affordable alternative without skimping on the experience of authentic Portuguese culture.
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7. Valletta instead of Naples
If you’re charmed by the allure of Mediterranean cities, but Naples’ buzz is a bit too much, Valletta is your ideal spot. Malta’s capital boasts streets full of history and is easy to explore on foot.
Its stunning architecture, like the impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral, rivals the historic marvels you’d find in its Italian counterpart. Enjoy waterfront cafes and enjoy scenic views, all at a pace that’s laid back and relaxed.
8. Gdansk instead of Stockholm
If you’re craving a vibrant city brimming with history and charm, Gdansk is your perfect match. Nestled on the Baltic coast, Gdansk’s colorful facades and rich maritime past are as enchanting as Stockholm’s, but without the hefty price tag.
Your visit to the European Solidarity Centre will fill you with stories of heroic struggles for freedom. And don’t miss out on the lively Long Market – it’s a bustling hub where you can pick up unique crafts and taste local flavors.
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9. Tallinn instead of Copenhagen
Tallinn, the Estonian capital boasts colorful buildings and a cozy Nordic atmosphere, often reminiscent of Copenhagen, but with a more gentle tug on your wallet. Discovering Tallinn is like uncovering a hidden spot that’s been waiting just for you, minus the crowds you might battle in Denmark’s darling city.
As you wander through Tallinn’s cobbled lanes, you’re treating yourself to a cultural feast that feels like a secret shared between friends. Explore this medieval charm for a special getaway that you won’t soon forget.
10. Bergen instead of Oslo
Exploring Norway’s charm, Bergen offers a breath of fresh air if you’re seeking an alternative to the bustling city vibe of Oslo. Wrapped in a cozy blanket of mountains and fjords, Bergen provides a warm embrace of traditional Norwegian culture.
Your days here can be filled with idyllic wanders along cobbled streets, lined with colorful wooden houses, something you might not find amidst Oslo’s modern landscape.
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11. Lecce instead of Florence
If Florence has been on your radar, consider Lecce as a refreshing alternative. This southern Italian gem beams with baroque architecture and a relaxed atmosphere, without the dense crowds of its northern counterpart.
Your days in Lecce can be filled with discovering historical marvels and indulging in the rich flavors of Puglian cuisine. It’s a place where every corner holds a story, and the locals greet you with warm smiles. For a slice of Italian charm, Lecce is worth visiting and might just steal your heart with its quiet splendor.
12. Granada instead of Barcelona
Step into Granada and find a vibrant city with a rich history and stunning architecture that rivals Barcelona. Your afternoons can be spent wandering through the Alhambra, a breathtaking fortress with lush gardens that echo tales of past royalty.
Granada offers a treasure trove of Moorish heritage and culture without the bustle of Barcelona’s crowded streets. Enjoy authentic tapas in quaint cafes and absorb the laid-back atmosphere.
