The good news is we're here to make it easier for you to plan your perfect summer holiday. In this blog post, we've put together a list of some of the most stunning and unique Insta-worthy destinations to enjoy exploring and taking perfect shots of to wow your followers with.
Lisbon
This beautiful city is rapidly increasing in popularity, so you'll no doubt want to get there one day. As well as being the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the oldest capital cities in Europe, meaning it's incredibly rich in history and culture.
The city is paradise for holidaymakers interested in architecture. With an array of colourful tiled buildings, a fantastic plaza known as Rossio Square and a large fountain with a unique wave patterned tiled floor, it’s a must-see for jetsetters from across the globe.
Lisbon is full of fantastic Insta-worthy shots, from eye-catching architecture to the quaint trams. But to take the whole of the city in, head up to Castelo de São Jorge. As well as being a fascinating visit in itself, this castle is set upon a hill which will give you views for miles. Alternatively, head to the Santa Justa Elevator, which is both one of the oldest elevators in the world and one of the most popular scenic viewpoints of the city.
Aside from the fantastic views and sights, there are plenty of other things to enjoy in the city. Try out some delicious and authentic Portuguese food, such as pastel de nata's and peri peri chicken, shop for souvenirs at one of the markets, and enjoy a drink by the waterfront at sunset.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of those places where it feels impossible not to fall completely in love with it. Not only does it have plenty of natural beauty, from the rugged cliffs to gorgeous sandy beaches, but it has some beautiful manmade sights too. The city's main attraction is the quaint old town. It's the most perfectly preserved walled historic town in Europe, and exploring it really feels like you're stepping back in time. There are plenty of unique sights to explore, from the Gundulićeva Poljana market, to a 700-year-old pharmacy with a beautiful interior (which is still running to this day).
If you're looking for views, the first place to go is Fort Lovrijenac. This 1000-year-old fort was built on a steep cliff and was used to keep an eye out for incoming enemies. Game of Thrones fans may even recognise the fort as it was a filming location for the second and third series of the hit show. As well as giving fantastic views of the city, you get some stunning sea views from the fort too.
You won't be stuck for things to do in this historic city either, no matter what your tastes are. Foodies will enjoy the great collection of cafes and restaurants, some of which have even been awarded Michelin stars. For adventure lovers, head to a beach to try out some kayaking or paddleboarding. And shopping fanatics will no doubt enjoy browsing the fantastic selection of boutiques, jewellery stores, and other shops in the Old Town.
Mostar
Many consider Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be one of the most underrated cities in Europe. While it has been increasing in popularity, this gem isn’t a key tourist hotspot like many other Eastern European cities, such as Prague and Budapest. However, Mostar has just as much going for it as some of the most popular European destinations. It has a rich history, there are plenty of things to do, and of course it's incredibly picturesque.
You may already recognise one of the city's main attractions, the Stari Most bridge. This iconic landmark is considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world and a triumph of Ottoman architecture, and it has even achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Stari Most looks like it's come straight out of a fairy tale, so it's easy to see why it's the country's most popular landmark. But there are plenty of other beautiful sights to wow your Instagram followers with, such as the quaint Stari Grad (otherwise known as the Old Town) and the natural beauty of the nearby Kravice Falls.
As well as these gorgeous sites, there are plenty of things to do in and around the city. Both the country and the city are rich in old and recent history, so you may be interested in checking out one of the many museums in Mostar. When it comes to finding souvenirs, there are some lovely shops in Stari Grad for you to explore. And if you're a fan of architecture, the city has some of the most beautiful mosques in Europe.
If you're looking for fantastic views, the Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque has a minaret which offers some of the best views of Stari Grad and Stari Most.
Hanoi
If you’re looking to take a trip somewhere further afield, Hanoi could be the perfect destination for you. Vietnam's capital city is an eclectic mixture of old and new. While it's one of the oldest capitals in the world, there are plenty of modern things to see and experience in the city too. So, if you're planning a trip with people who are all looking to do different things, you'll likely want to consider paying a visit to Hanoi.
There are so many great landmarks to visit and sights to see in the city. One particularly popular area is Hanoi's Old Quarter. Old colonial French architecture combines with Eastern architecture in this area to make a beautiful unique blend, which will make for the perfect Instagram post. Hanoi is also home to the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Turtle Lake), which is a great spot to watch the sunset or sunrise.
If you're looking to take a holiday from your holiday, you may want to book an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. This iconic tourist hotspot is known for beautiful emerald waters and islands covered in greenery. It's explored by boat, and excursions to the landmark can easily be booked in Hanoi.
There are lots of other things to do in the city centre too. The Hanoi Opera House puts on lots of different types of shows, from ballet to concerts, making it the perfect place to soak up culture. There are also lots of temples and museums to explore to give you a better understanding of the city's history. And you can't pay a visit to Vietnam without sampling the delicious cuisine. If you want to take a taste of the country home with you, why not give a cooking class a go?
Any one of the destinations above can help you elevate your Instagram grid to the next level, so make sure to bear them in mind when you're booking your next holiday. And when you're ready to start planning your trip, don't forget about your currency! Whether you're after Croatian Kuna or Vietnamese Dong, get your travel currency from H&T today.
And if you're looking to get your wardrobe ready for your big trip, you'll no doubt be looking for accessories to match. Here at H&T, we offer a wide range of jewellery for men, women, and children, as well as stunning watches for men and women, so browse our full range today.
