When studying abroad or traveling through Europe, there seems to be an unspoken pressure to see and do everything. Countless articles list the “must-see” attractions in every city, making it feel like every minute of a trip must be optimized. If you’re not waking up at 5 a.m. to see every landmark and hitting 30,000 steps before dinner, it can feel like you’re somehow traveling wrong. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
A different approach to travel is gaining traction, especially among Gen Z, called slow travel. Alongside the broader shift toward slow living, slow travel embraces a more relaxed pace. It focuses on actually enjoying the places we visit. Travelers take in the atmosphere, admire small details, and spend more time in fewer places. Instead of rushing through a packed itinerary, the focus is on slowing down.
While studying abroad in Paris, France, during Fall 2025, I realized my favorite experiences didn’t happen in Europe’s biggest cities. Instead, they happened in smaller towns. Wandering aimlessly became the activity, dining in cafes wasn’t rushed, and the scenery felt as memorable as any landmark. Slowing down made it easier to have meaningful experiences instead of simply checking off attractions from a guidebook.
These lesser-known European towns offer something different than a checklist of monuments; they offer peace. They invite travelers to slow down, find beauty in the everyday, and experience a destination the way locals might. And don’t worry, choosing a quieter place doesn’t mean missing out. These towns still offer incredible food, breathtaking scenery, and rich culture. Without the overwhelming crowds and frantic pace of major tourist hubs.
Èze, France
Located just east of the bustling city of Nice sits the magical medieval village of Èze. Filled with narrow cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques, local restaurants, and breathtaking views of the French Riviera, Èze feels like stepping into another time. Perched high above the Mediterranean, the village offers a peaceful escape from the busy crowds. Allowing visitors to slow down and truly take in the scenery.
One of the highlights of Èze is its famous Jardin Exotique d’Èze. For a small entrance fee, visitors can explore the stunning cactus-filled gardens while climbing to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region. At the top, the panoramic views stretch across the sparkling Mediterranean and along the Riviera coastline. The garden sits high on the hillside, and as you make your way up the winding paths, the views only become more breathtaking.
After visiting the garden, I’d recommend wandering back through the village and stopping at one of the local restaurants for a leisurely meal. Take some time to browse the art galleries and small shops tucked along the stone pathways. Whether you’re admiring the views or simply strolling through the quiet streets, Èze makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon slowing down and enjoying the moment.
Lucerne, Switzerland
The city of Lucerne feels like it was pulled straight out of a fairy tale. Located in central Switzerland and surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Lucerne sits along the shores of Lake Lucerne.
If the scenery isn’t enough, Lucerne also offers plenty to explore. The city has boutique shopping, cozy restaurants, colorful historic buildings, and the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). I vividly remember walking across the wooden bridge, decorated with flowers and stretching over the river through the city. It was one of the most peaceful moments of my entire trip.
Lucerne also happens to be home to one of my favorite meals from my four months in Europe at Restaurant Bündnerland Luzern. It was an amazing cheese ravioli with caramelized pear and truffle. The food was so delicious that I would happily return to Lucerne just to eat there again.
Beyond exploring the old town, visitors can take a relaxing boat ride across Lake Lucerne, hop on ferries that connect to nearby mountain villages, or ride cable cars up into the Alps for incredible panoramic views. With its stunning landscapes and relaxed atmosphere, Lucerne is truly a magical place that ensures some peaceful time.
Bellagio, Italy
Perched along the shores of Lake Como sits the charming town of Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como.” With bright-colored buildings climbing the hillside and small boats drifting across the water, Bellagio looks exactly like the kind of Italian lakeside town you imagine when dreaming about Europe.
One of my favorite parts of visiting Bellagio was simply walking along the waterfront and through the quiet streets, stopping occasionally for a coffee or gelato while taking in the scenery. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down without even realizing it.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the town itself, many ferries stop in Bellagio and offer scenic routes across Lake Como, connecting visitors to nearby towns and giving a full view of the lake’s stunning shoreline. That said, spending the day simply wandering around Bellagio was more than enough for me. The relaxed pace, beautiful scenery, and charming streets make it easy to enjoy the moment without feeling the need to rush anywhere else.
When it comes to food, you really can’t go wrong. Many restaurants are tucked into quiet corners of the town, often with incredible views of the lake. One standout for me was Ristorante La Punta, where I had an absolutely delicious fish dish paired with a great selection of Italian wines. Sitting there with a view of the water, enjoying a long meal, felt like the perfect example of what slow travel is all about.
Bruges, Belgium
Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a small Belgian city known for its canals, medieval architecture, and fairytale-like charm. During the day, the historic center can get a bit busy with visitors, but the real magic of Bruges appears later in the evening. As night falls, the city quiets down, revealing glowing streetlights reflecting off the canals and peaceful cobblestone streets that feel almost frozen in time.
Bruges is full of simple pleasures and is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment. Cozy cafés, famous Belgian waffle stands, and countless chocolate shops line the streets, making it nearly impossible to walk far without stopping for a sweet treat. Whether you’re wandering along the canals or sitting in a café watching the city pass by, Bruges has a way of making visitors feel instantly at home.
Saint-Malo, France
On France’s northern coast in the Brittany region sits the historic town of Saint-Malo. Completely enclosed by towering stone walls and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Saint-Malo feels unlike your typical seaside destination. Its rugged coastline and dramatic tides give the city a powerful, almost cinematic atmosphere, while centuries of history seem to echo through its streets.
Walking along the city’s famous ramparts is one of the best ways to experience Saint-Malo. From the top of the walls, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the sea, crashing waves, and nearby islands scattered along the coastline. When the tide is low, it’s even possible to walk across the sand and explore some of these small islands on foot.
Saint-Malo is the perfect place for a daylong escape from the chaos of busier French cities. I would highly recommend taking a guided tour through the city at the start of your visit. With so much history, from pirates to wartime stories, it’s fascinating to learn about the past before exploring on your own. Afterward, you can wander through the narrow streets where restaurants, local shops, and small bars line the historic center. Of all the places I visited in France, Saint-Malo stood out for its completely unique character and strong regional identity.
Why slow travel is worth your time
Travel doesn’t always have to be about checking off a list of famous landmarks. Some of the most meaningful experiences come from slowing down and finding where you feel best. Taking time to wander, relax, and enjoy everyday moments often reveals more about a place than rushing through it ever could.
These towns show that you don’t have to visit the biggest cities to have an unforgettable trip. Sometimes the most memorable experiences happen in the quiet places in between.
