Hidden Gems in Europe: Pt 1 - Děčín, Szeged & Montenegro Travel Guide
Ever wanted to visit a country and truly experience its culture, sample local food, explore independent eateries, and venture off the beaten path without paying inflated prices? We’re not talking about day trips to known tourist hot spots - although check out our favourite trips and tours on GetYourGuide here - we’re talking about some of our most memorable travel moments, which came from little-known towns we stumbled across with no expectations, yet left with unforgettable memories.
But where do you begin to find these hidden gems? Stick with us as we share some of our absolute favourite underrated places across Europe. These destinations may not show up on typical itineraries, but they’re exactly the kind of places you’ll wish you’d discovered sooner!
Děčín, Czech Republic – A Scenic Surprise by the Elbe 🇨🇿
Oh Děčín - what fond memories we have of our beautiful three day stay! Děčín was our first long stop on our six week European roadtrip. Děčín is a small but perfectly formed city, with its beautiful architecture, stunning surrounds and that true local feel.
At first glance, the outskirts might not leave a strong impression — they can feel a little tired in places. But once you reach the heart of the city, what a hidden gem it is! With the River Elbe flowing past, the impressive Děčín Castle standing tall, and colourful buildings set on a backdrop of hills and forest, we couldn’t wait to dive in and explore this undiscovered city.
How to get to Děčín?
We drove to Děčín as part of our summer road trip, but unless you’re driving across the full width of Northern Germany, you’re probably going to struggle getting to Děčín by car! Děčín is a border city located in the north of the Czech Republic, the closest city is actually Dresden, Germany - about an hour north. Prague is around 1 hour and 20 minutes to the south and there are plenty of options from both via rail, with fares from Prague starting from around £5/$7.
Where to stay in Děčín?
Our initial attraction to Děčín came in the form of this cute, modern Airbnb which allowed us all to rest and work for a fews days to break up our long days of driving. Our search initially focused on nearby Dresden but prices were trending up due to the summer and we ended up saving around 50% on an equivalent apartment, while still ticking off all the must-do’s in the area! There are plenty of options on Airbnb allowing a central stay which provides access to great coffee shops, bars, restaurants and the many attractions in Děčín.
Top Things to Do in Děčín, Czech Republic
Who knew there would be so much on offer in and around this lesser known spot? Děčín has lots to offer locally and within a short drive. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Děčín:
Děčín Local weekly music festival
…it always pays to ask your host for recommendations! A memory that will stay with us forever! Our Airbnb host kindly informed us of the weekly festival, held in the main square where there would be live local performers, as well as plenty of food and drink options! We were blown away by the sense of community spirit and such a great turn out! Groups of friends, families, adults and children enjoying the fun, and music. Food was available from the many nearby bars and bistros, we took advantage of a few drinks while sitting on the grass - it was hard to refuse with beer for £1, Aperol Spritz or Prosecco at £1.50, and cocktails only £3. Events run weekly on Wednesdays from Mid May, through September.
Děčín Castle (Zámek Děčín)
Perched on a cliff above the Elbe River, the historic castle offers guided tours showcasing its rich history and architecture. We did not visit the castle interior itself as the only option was with guided tour, and we felt the kids would not appreciate it. Despite this, ticket prices were reasonable at around £25 for a family ticket.
Děčín Zoo
Set on a wooded hillside, the zoo offers a compact but well-kept collection of animals, ideal for a half-day visit. The enclosures are thoughtfully designed, and there’s a nice mix of local and exotic species. A highlight for kids was the small petting area and the outdoor playgrounds scattered throughout. The walk is quite hilly but manageable, even with little legs! Entry was surprisingly affordable, with a family ticket costing just under £20.
Děčín Lido (Letní koupaliště Děčín)
The outdoor pool complex in Děčín was a welcome break on a warm summers day. There’s a large main pool, a children's splash area with slides, and plenty of space for lounging and relaxing. While a little dated in places, the facilities were clean and the atmosphere relaxed. The kids loved the water slides, and there were drinks, snacks and ice cream available. Entry was inexpensive, at just a few pounds per person.
Explore the River Elbe
Our Airbnb overlooked the Elbe, and our evenings were often spent walking along the bank, enjoying views of the castle, and the peace of the nearby park! Within a short walk of our front door were 3 or 4 parks which the kids enjoyed - Děčín truly had a very welcoming family feel. For the more adventurous - check this canoeing and biking tour which departs right from Decin!
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Děčín
As we were road tripping around and exploring the local and nearby area we didn’t have much opportunity to fully explore the culinary scene in Děčín. However, our top three recommendations would be:
☕️ OKR Espresso Bar - fantastic coffee and snacks right on the main road and only a minute from our Airbnb and the river side.
☕️ Coffee & Books - a short walk through the town, but worth the walk, offering a great range of coffees, light bites and deserts, a must visit.
🍔 Karls Grill Bar - situated on the opposite side of the river looking directly at the castle, Karls offers a casual menu centred around their extensive burger menu.
Best Day Trips from Děčín (or Dresden)
🏰 Pillnitz Castle
Around an hour by car from Děčín, but well worth a visit is Pillnitz Castle. It offers a fascinating and pretty rare mix of Baroque and Chinese (Chinoiserie) architectural styles. Set in manicured grounds on the banks of the River Elbe, Pillnitz is one of the best suriving examples of this style. We really enjoyed touring the gardens and admiring the unique structures.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Not far from Pillnitz Castle — lies Saxon Switzerland National Park. This region is best known for its iconic sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and one of Germany’s most famous landmarks: the Bastei Bridge. We loved combining a visit to Pillnitz with a hike through Saxon Switzerland.
Szeged, Hungary – Sunshine City with Soul 🇭🇺
Szeged, where is Szeged I hear you ask? Dubbed sunshine city (as its Hungarys sunniest!), Szeged is located in Southern Hungary bordering Romania and Serbia. It’s actually the third most populous city in Hungary - but you’re forgiven for having never heard of it! When we booked our stay in Szeged we knew nothing about it either, and as with Děčín above; we simply needed a few nights break from driving. Little did we know we were turning up to what would become one of our favourite stops of the entire 6 weeks!
How to get to Szeged?
We made the easy 2-hour drive from Budapest to Szeged, but if you're not driving, don’t worry - Szeged is easily accessible by train or bus, with FlixBus offering a convenient service from the capital. While Szeged does have a small regional airport, most travellers will likely pass through Budapest on their way. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore both the bustle of Budapest and the charm of Szeged, which offers a refreshing break from the crowds. Check out our Budapest blog for the ultimate stay - we loved it so much, we’re heading back again this year!
Where to stay in Szeged?
There are an abundance of super affordable Airbnbs and hotels in the centre of this quirky city. The affordably of Szeged is what enticed us to this area and that carries throughout with hospitality and activities. Our Airbnb host (shout out to Nora!) was one the most attentive we’ve ever had - she gave us so much information and was clearly so passionate about her home city, its was a great welcome.
Things to Do in Szeged, Hungary
We spent three nights in Szeged during August and can confirm its billing as the sunshine city - the weather was clear blue skies and HOT ☀️! If you want to avoid heat visit in shoulder season but even in peak season the city was not over crowded and still a joy to explore. If you’re staying in the area for a few days be sure to explore the historic streets, with many fountains and water features, open park areas and the charming buildings of Szeged - doing a walking tour, official or unofficial is a great activity in itself!
Dóm Square (Széchenyi Square):
This grand square is the heart of Szeged, dominated by the impressive Votive Church (Szeged Cathedral). Take some time to admire the towers and intricate details. The square itself is often host to festivals and events, especially during summer.
Anna Thermal Bath
After exploring the city - take the opportunity to cool off and relax at the Anna Thermal Bath. It's a beautiful, historic bathhouse offering a number of thermal pools, saunas, and wellness treatments.
Napfényfürdő Aquapolis Szeged (Aquapolis Szeged):
Especially if you're visiting in the hotter months, this is a fantastic option for families or anyone looking for some fun in the water! It's a large water park complex featuring numerous slides, pools, and relaxation areas, both indoor and outdoor. We chose to take advantage of the evening ticket which allowed entry and around 3 hours use of the facilities for around £20.
Walk along the Tisza River
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the banks of the Tisza River, which flows through the city. There are pleasant promenades and green spaces and nearby bars and cafes, offering a refreshing break and lovely views.
Szeged Zoo
Sadly, we didn’t have time to visit the zoo ourselves, but with it located just 2.5 km from the city centre and tickets starting from as little as £12, it’s a fantastic day out when visiting Szeged. Expect to see a great variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and bears!
Eating and Drinking in Szeged
Eating and drinking out in Szeged was comparatively cheap, we found a glass of wine for £1.50, beer and homemade soft drinks for similar, lunch for around £6, ice creams for around £1. Szeged took the title for best value glass of vino across our 6 week road trip! We ate out multiple times during our time in the town, and (rightly or wrongly!) because we found it so good - we never looked beyond Rudi és Fickó.
Day Trips from Szeged
Your staying in in Szeged for awhile and want to spread your wings and plan some days out away from the city? Szeged boarders both Serbia and Romania so why not visit a new country for the day? or a few nights?
Visiting Romania from Szeged
We crossed many country borders on our travels but we wont skirt over the truth, the Hungary-Romania boarder was….overwhelming! We were warned that the crossing would be busy and not the smoothest experience and that’s exactly what we found. We set off early but still hit long queues, all in we were at the border for around two hours. Be prepared for lots of impatient lorry drivers and a generally unorganised border crossing. Have your car papers and passports at the ready, and don’t be surprised if they ask to keep your documents for 10 minutes to check over them while you park 100m away - something that made us feel a little uneasy but apparently entirely normal!
We only spent the day in Romania on our way to Belgrade but managed to visit two cities - Arad and Timisoara:
Arad: As the first major city over the border, Arad was our first stop. It's a city with grand architecture, particularly along the Mureș River and in its central squares. We admired the impressive City Hall and the State Philharmonic building. It felt like a good introduction to the country.
Timisoara: known as the City of Flowers and the European Capital of Culture in 2023, Timisoara lived up to its reputation. We parked close to the main squares - Union Square (Piața Unirii) and Victory Square (Piața Victoriei), which are incredibly vibrant and picturesque, lined with colourful Baroque buildings and many cafes. We spent most of our time here, exploring the pedestrianised areas, and appreciating the architecture and the tulips. It was fascinating to see the blend of historical elegance and modern vibrancy.
Visiting Serbia from Szeged
Ever fancied visiting Serbia? Well the capital - Belgrade, is drive able from Szeged in just over 2 hours. Belgrade is a city that we wished we had more time in for sure - the city’s rich history, with its varied influences, makes it an intriguing destination for anyone passionate about culture, food, and architecture. We crossed in to Serbia from Romania via the rural Point Foeni border - thankfully that border crossing was infinitely less chaotic than the one we’d experienced earlier in the day!
While we only had 24 hours in Belgrade, it was a big highlight on our road trip, we stayed in this floating hostel on the Danube, and visited the nearby, and highly recommended Stara Koliba - its a little hidden on both google and apple maps, but we found it on trip advisor and its well worth a visit.
Had we had more time in Belgrade, we would have toured the socialist apartment blocks - while maybe not the most interesting for kids - the architecture and style of many of the buildings is fascinating. The so called, concrete utopia of the Blokovi is something not to miss if you ever visit.
Donja Brezna, Montenegro – Mountain Retreat in the Balkans 🇲🇪
Montenegro is has become and continues to be one of those must visit travel destinations, and it’s no surprise - it seems to be high on nearly everyone’s bucket list! We were lucky enough to drive through this breathtaking country on our European summer road trip, though, be warned, the roads are definitely not for the faint of heart! While most travellers will flock to popular spots like Kotor, Tivat, Budva, and the capital, Podgorica, these places are undeniably beautiful and worth a visit, but we’d highly recommend renting a car and venturing north! Montenegro has so much more to offer away from the crowds and cruise liners, from canyons and mountain villages to stunning hikes and epic landscapes.
Despite being in the area for a few days, we only booked one night in a log cabin in Donja Brezna — a decision we quickly (and still!) regret! It’s not often you arrive somewhere and feel the need to pinch yourself - surrounded by mountains, streams and forests (sure bears live nearby — but we were assured - and reassured - they rarely come close). Donja Brezna offers a peaceful, remote escape and despite its tranquility, it’s still within easy driving distance of Montenegro’s top sights like Tara Bridge and the Black Lake.
Where is Donja Brezna, Montenegro?
Donja Brezna is in Northern Montenegro - close to Zabijak, the Durmitor National Park, the Black Lake, and the highest peak in the region: Bobotov Kuk - peaking at over 2,500m. Its a tiny rural village set in a mountain landscape, which offers visitors a glimpse into Montenegrin countryside life. Places like Donja Brezna are often overlooked by tourists heading straight to the coast or Durmitor's main sites, but Donja Brezna is a perfect base for hiking, nature photography, and exploring the hidden beauty and peacefulness of the region.
How to get to Donja Brezna, Montenegro?
If you have the time and are looking to explore Montenegro we’d recommend renting a car to allow full flexibility, the drive is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from Podgorica, and the views en route are spectacular! There are excursions from the south to the Durmitor National Park and other parts of Northern Montenegro (links below) - the national park is an adventurers paradise with rafting, ziplining, hiking and many other outdoor pursuits available
Why you need a car in Montenegro?
If you are wanting to explore this country you will 100% need a car! Public transport options are available in Montenegro, but accessing a place like Donja Brezna is not directly possible on public buses - options will get you as close as the nearest towns such as Niksic, Savnik or Zabljak. Driving is certainly the most efficient and cost effective option, BUT - be warned, - driving in Montenegro is not for beginners! Road surfaces generally are fairly good, but the other drivers are some of the most extreme we’ve found!
When is the best time to visit Montenegro?
Due to its gain in popularity in recent times, we’re more inclined to recommend a shoulder season visit! We were in Montenegro for around a week in August 2024 as part of our summer road trip. As it was peak summer holiday season, and we found the roads, and beaches to be packed - roads were routinely gridlocked between popular spots. While the coastal areas are arguably no longer hidden gems, the north felt a lot more undiscovered.
Things to Do Near Donja Brezna
The charm of Donja Brezna lies not in a packed itinerary, but in the peace and simplicity of its natural surroundings. This tiny mountain village is the perfect retreat if you're looking to slow down, disconnect, and reconnect with nature. There are no shops within walking distance, and amenities are limited — but that’s part of the magic.
What you will find is room to breathe: wide-open space, dense forests, and babbling mountain streams. We spent our time walking scenic trails, wading in cool streams, and trying to avoid bears!
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat out, don’t miss Etno Village Montenegro — a traditional restaurant set just a short drive away. The food is homemade and hearty, showcasing Montenegrin countryside cuisine, and there’s even a spacious outdoor area with a fantastic kids' playground, making it a great spot for families to relax and enjoy a wonderful evening.
Top Sights Near Donja Brezna
Though Donja Brezna itself is all about serenity, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of northern Montenegro’s most breathtaking landmarks. A scenic 90-minute drive will take you through winding mountain roads to a trio of must-see sights:
Tara Bridge – Spanning the dramatic Tara Canyon, this iconic bridge offers stunning views and adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining across one of Europe’s deepest gorges.
Black Lake (Crno Jezero) – Located just outside Žabljak, this glacier lake in Durmitor National Park is the region’s crown jewel. Surrounded by pine forests and rugged peaks, it’s perfect for walking, picnicking, or simply taking in the scenery.
Durmitor Ring – For those with a car and a spirit of adventure, the Durmitor Ring is a circular mountain route offering epic vistas at every turn. Expect panoramic views, peaceful villages, and plenty of chances to pull over and explore.
If you're staying in Donja Brezna, visiting these spots is an absolute must — just make sure to bring a camera, some snacks, and a full tank of fuel! For those so inclined to try something a little more exhilarating - we saw many groups Canyon rafting below Tara Bridge - which looked a lot of fun, assuming of course you’re not touring with a 5 year old!