Looking for something a bit more unique to do on your next break to Europe? Here are ten unusual things to do in Europe that you may not have tried yet. From adrenaline-fuelled adventures to interesting restaurants and cute animals, Europe has something for everyone!
1. Bungee Jump Near Prague
About 75-minutes outside of Prague, Czechia, is the beautiful Zvikov bridge, which at 48 metres high is the perfect place to try a bungee jump. Not only is the drive to the bridge from Prague scenic, the bridge itself is breathtakingly beautiful. Bungee jumping off it definitely took my breath away, literally! It’s a memory to last a lifetime and something different to what you might usually do in Prague. To get to Zvikov from Prague, you can drive, or book the jump with a company that also provides transport.
2. Have Avocado for Starter, Main and Dessert in Amsterdam
I wondered if the avocado obsession of our generation was getting out of hand when my friend insisted we visit the Avocado Show in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I love avocado as much as the next person, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from the restaurant that serves avocado in every dish. Yes, including in the desserts and cocktails! However, all my doubts vanished as we enjoyed course after course of simply amazing food. Top tip: arrive early to add your name to the list on the door- the place gets packed, so you will likely have to wait a while.
3. Follow the Footsteps of Criminals by Visiting an Old Prison in Dublin
Entering the Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison in Dublin, Ireland, you can almost feel the presence of ghosts past. The prison housed everyone from petty criminals to more serious offenders, and many were executed in the prison. It even housed those with mental illnesses, treated the same as criminals. Visiting the prison is a great way to peek into the history of Ireland, as it’s filled with stories just waiting to be heard. It’s definitely a must on the list of unusual things to do in Europe, as Dublin is the perfect place to spend a weekend.
4. Swim in the Baltic Sea in the Middle of Winter in Helsinki
Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki, Finland, is open year round, despite the temperatures that often plunge into negative territory. You can choose between a (heated) freshwater or saltwater pool, if you feel brave enough to dip into the freezing Baltic Sea. You can also warm up in a sauna after. Allas is also obviously a great option in the summer, if you’re not a fan of the cold! They have a restaurant on site, so why not make a day out of it.
5. Find Gregos in Paris
Gregos is a Parisian artist who has planted over a thousand of his self-portraits around Paris, France, and other cities in the world. His portaits are small and easy to rush past on the street in a hurry, but when you look closer, their vivid colours will make you wonder how you ever missed them in the first place. Each piece is unique and represents a different mood/emotion. How many Gregos can you find?
6. Zipline in the City in London
Looking for a unique way to see some of the sights in London in the UK? Then try a bird’s eye view on your next visit! A summer pop up, the Zip Now is the world’s fastest inner-city zipline. Over 200 metres long and over 30 meters high, the ride is fast and exhilarating. If you’re not too terrified, you can catch a glimpse of the London Eye as you glide in the sky. The zipline is suitable for the whole family, from 8 years and up.
7. Work on Your Tan in the Middle of Bucharest
When I visited Bucharest, Romania, for a weekend, I didn’t imagine myself sipping a cocktail poolside. But in the summer months, when the heat can get quite intense, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than at one of the many pools conviently situated around the city. My pick was Piscina Floreasca, which has a bar and restaurant, and felt like the perfect getaway within a getaway!
8. Party at Thermal Baths in Budapest
One of the recent additions to my own list of unusual things to do in Europe is partying in the Budapest thermal baths in Hungary. The baths are a must-do for any visitor, a lovely and relaxing little treat. But it’s also possible to go to a “bath party” instead at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, which sees the baths turn into a club! A pool party like you’ve never seen it before.
9. Pet Playful Goats in London
If you’re looking for something different to do in London, why not go visit the cutest nanny and baby goats at Surrey Docks Farm? The farm also houses an array of other animals, such as pigs and sheep, making it a great place to visit with kids or without! The goats are friendly and they might even let you pet them, if you’re nice.
10. Visit Rescued Bears in Romania
Visiting the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti, Romania, is simultaneously a beautiful and a sad experience. Seeing such powerful animals up close is magical, but how they ended up in the sanctuary is a sadder story. The sanctuary houses over 70 bears that were previously living in captivity, often in cages far too small for them, suffering from poor care and diet. Some bears were saved from euthanasia as zoos were closed due to poor standards. Fortunately now these bears have a new lease of life, enjoying roaming around in over 70 hectares of forest, which you can witness for yourself.
In addition to exploring unusual things to do in Europe, why not also check out this post on the best places to eat in Amsterdam
