If you think about taking a trip to Europe you’d be forgiven for getting as far as the likes of Prague and Ibiza. It’s all too easy to visit just the places everyone talks about but if you’re looking to get the most out of your travel experience and money then sometimes it pays to get off the beaten track and visit somewhere a little different.

I’ve picked out 5 absolutely stunning cities that are well worth a visit. Each has plenty to see and do and are what your parents would label as ‘up and coming’.

1. Leipzig, Germany

Leipzig is home to about 40,000 students and has become the go-to place for those looking for cheaper living, good coffee, lots of art and vegan food. There’s literally something for everyone here, the city even hosts a goth fest and then the exact next week puts one on for classical music too! Villa Hasenholz is highly recommended as the go-to place for a mixture of beer, art and music.

2. Krakow, Poland

Krakow is especially to get to if you are travelling Europe by rail with links from Warsaw, Berlin and Budapest. The area of Kazimierz is the place to visit for those into a more unique visit. The former Jewish district is lined with modern boutique shops, bars and plenty of street art. If you head down the backstreets and cobblestone lanes you can find dive bars, underground jazz venues and even techno clubs.

3. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

From Soundwave to Hideout, Croatia is definitely leading the Eastern European festival scene. Other festivals including Love International and Selectors both take place in Tisno, with beach facing stages and DJs performing sets on boats that cruise up and down the coat. If festivals aren’t your thing the Croatian coast is also full of medieval towns, quieter beaches and beautiful national parks.

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi in Georgia is one of those places that still looks and feels authentic. There are plenty of locals that love sitting outside, drinking and talking into the night. It’s an incredibly affordable place to stay with local wine and accommodation both being easy on the pocket, result. If you prefer a slightly faster pace, it’s club scene is ever growing with venues such as Bassiani and Vitamin Cube playing host to some top DJs.

5. Riga, Latvia

Although Riga has a bit of a rep for being your normal European port location and a popular stag party venue, there is actually a lot more than meets the eye. The city is full of stunning gothic churches, high castle, cobbled street and historic squares. Its centre is very cosmopolitan with a mixture of modern art and music festivals scattered throughout the city. There’s also a number of brilliant coffee shops and a gorgeous beach for when it really warms up, what more do you need?

There we have it folks, 5 awesome cities that you can visit in Europe, each with its own vibe and plenty of fun to be had. So if you’re already dreaming of next summers travels then why not add one of these little beauties to your list?