When you think of Europe, you probably imagine Paris, Rome, London... right? But TikTok has shown that the continent goes far beyond that. While the classic destinations continue to welcome tourists, a new route is emerging - and it's being guided by the videos that go viral every day on social media.

It's amazing how a 15-second video can awaken the desire to travel. What's more, it can put cities on the map that hardly anyone knew about before. If you're planning your next trip and want to get away from the obvious, this post is for you.

Here are 6 European destinations that have gained fame on TikTok and are winning the hearts (and itineraries) of the most curious travelers.

1# Hallstatt, Austria

Imagine a village that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale. Colorful houses, snow-capped mountains in the background and a lake that reflects everything like a mirror. That's Hallstatt.

Located in Austria, this little town has become a hit on TikTok. Just search for the name and you'll find videos with soothing soundtracks, mist over the lake and breathtaking scenery.

As well as natural beauty, the place has history. Hallstatt is considered to be one of the oldest inhabited villages in Europe. And even though it's small, it has the infrastructure to welcome tourists - with cafés, hiking trails and boat trips.

If you're looking for a romantic, peaceful and super photogenic destination, take note.

2# Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre isn't exactly unknown, but TikTok has given new life to these five Italian villages nestled on the slopes of the Ligurian Sea.

Narrow streets, colorful houses and that Italian atmosphere that everyone loves. What has caught the eye in the videos is the contrast between the turquoise waters and the vibrant buildings. Not to mention the train tracks that connect the villages, providing one of the most charming routes in the country.

As well as going viral as a visually incredible destination, Cinque Terre has also been a hot tip for those who want to escape the crowds of Rome or Venice. It's the kind of place that conquers with a simple video - and surprises even more in person.

3# Chefchaouen, Morocco (yes, it's Africa - but it's part of many people's European itinerary)

Okay, technically it's not Europe. But if you're on a Eurotrip through the south of Spain, Chefchaouen is worth every minute.

The city became famous on TikTok for its entire streets painted blue. Light blue, dark blue, blue everywhere. The visual effect in the videos is so strong that many people wonder if it's real - and yes, it is.

Chefchaouen has become a must for those looking for different scenery. It is also one of the safest and most welcoming places in Morocco. Perfect for photography, hiking and getting to know a very different culture, but still accessible to those traveling through Europe.

4# Kotor, Montenegro

If you've never heard of Kotor, it's time to open TikTok and check it out.

The city has been growing on the web as one of the most surprising destinations in the Balkans. And it has good reason to be: it is surrounded by mountains, bathed by a calm sea and has an old town surrounded by medieval walls.

In the videos, the most striking sights are the sunsets from the fortresses at the top of the hills. The view is surreal - and the hike to the top yields not only incredible photos, but also that feeling of achievement that every traveler loves.

Kotor is also a good choice for those who want to spend less, as Montenegro is still a more affordable destination than its famous neighbors.

5# Rovinj, Croatia

Croatia is already known for Dubrovnik (the city from Game of Thrones), but Rovinj has become the new favorite of TikTok videos.

With its cobbled streets, clotheslines in the windows and a sunset that looks like it's been painted, Rovinj has become a symbol of romance and natural beauty. The curious thing is that it mixes an Italian atmosphere with Slavic landscapes - a combination that enchants in short videos and even more so in person.

The city is perfect for wandering aimlessly, eating fresh seafood and simply getting lost in the colorful alleys. Many videos that have gone viral were taken at the top of the Church of St. Euphemia, from where you can see the entire Adriatic Sea.

If you're looking for somewhere less touristy but full of charm, consider Rovinj on your itinerary.

6# Giethoorn, Netherlands

Tired of cities with traffic, honking horns and cars everywhere? Giethoorn could be the break you're looking for.

This Dutch village is known for having no streets - only canals. The locals get around by boat, and visitors can do the same. The videos on TikTok show a setting worthy of a Disney movie: thatched-roof houses, flower gardens and absolute silence.

It's a place to slow down. To go boating, have coffee in front of the canal and simply watch life go by slowly.

And the best part: it's close to Amsterdam. Many people include Giethoorn as a one-day getaway - but some fall in love and decide to sleep there.

Why do these destinations go so viral?

Perhaps the answer lies in the way we consume content today. Short videos, beautiful images, engaging soundtracks... All of this creates an atmosphere of desire. We see it, we're enchanted by it and we want to experience it.

What's more, many of these places have characteristics in common:

  • They are visually unique
  • Not as crowded as the classic destinations
  • Offer authentic experiences (however simple)

TikTok has been a window onto a more real, more sensory and less agency-driven form of tourism.

Is it worth following the TikTok route?

It depends.

TikTok is great for discovering different places, but it doesn't always show what's behind the images. Some videos romanticize too much. Others don't talk about the challenges (such as access, prices or structure).

So the tip is: use TikTok as a starting point, but go further. Research, read reviews, watch more than one video. That way, you can put together an itinerary that suits your style and avoid frustration.

What to consider when visiting these places?

Even though they are incredible destinations, you should prepare yourself. Many of them are small and don't have as much infrastructure as larger cities. This means

  • Public transport isn't always easy
  • Some places fill up fast in high season
  • Accommodation can be more limited

So book in advance and travel with an open mind. Sometimes the magic lies in stepping outside the obvious and allowing yourself to experience the unexpected.

Where will your next viral video be?

Europe is full of destinations that haven't yet made it into the traditional guidebooks. But they are already delighting thousands of travelers on TikTok.

If you want something new, beautiful and with a touch of discovery, these 6 places are a great place to start.

And who knows... maybe the next video to go viral will be yours.

See also: What is a chatbot and how to use it?

April 6th, 2025