Destination dupes have been growing in popularity, particularly on social media platforms such as TikTok, offering holidaymakers similar aesthetics and vibes, but often with the benefits of being less crowded or expensive than their more popular counterparts. Hannah Bennett, Head of Travel at TikTok, has analysed some of the most popular destination dupes going viral on the video-sharing platform, revealing a pretty swap for Paris.
Hannah Bennett said: “TikTok is fast becoming the home of both spontaneous discovery and intentional travel planning, with people increasingly using TikTok to search for the latest travel dupes.
“Brands and creators are tapping into this engaged community to highlight budget-friendly travel ideas and drive real-life action, as users visit places they’ve never been to before but have seen on TikTok.”
If you’re looking for a similar vibe to Paris, with postcard-worthy views, beautiful buildings and plenty of history, Bruges is suggested as a swap.
Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. The city is often likened to looking like the set of a fairytale, with mediaeval overtones and ornate houses lining its network of canals.
The heart of Bruges looks almost as though it is paused in time, with lots of work done to preserve its incredible Medieval buildings. As a result, the entire city centre has been made a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bruges’s architecture is mainly Gothic, with brickwork from the Middle Ages and a travée bourgeoise style. Both Paris and Bruges share similarities as they have both been influenced by art and architecture.
Much like Paris, Bruges is also seen as a romantic city, with a slow pace of life.
Perfect for those who like ambling the streets and taking in the views along the way, most of Bruges can be explored on foot.
Alternatively, you can head to the waterways on a boat tour, with five stop-off points between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage.
There’s a huge gastronomy scene to explore but Bruges is a particular draw for those with a sweet tooth. That’s because the city is famous for its chocolate shops.
The central square has plenty of chocolate shops to discover, and it’s a great place to shop for souvenirs.
The city also has plenty of bars serving local beers, with beautiful patios where you can enjoy a summer city break.
Bruges city breaks tend to be popular with day trippers. Trains from Brussels take just under an hour, and the old town can be crossed on foot in half an hour.
You can also hop on a Eurostar from London and expect to be in Bruges in just over three and a half hours.