Europe really is the continent that keeps on giving, filled with plenty of top bucket list destinations in every corner. If you ask anyone for their travel wishlist, chances are a European city somewhere will break the top 5. Even for those who have lived in Europe their whole life, there’s just so much to do and see!
But alongside stellar Paris and ancient Rome, there are other fascinating underrated cities in Europe. In fact, in our Voice of a Generation survey we found that 55% of you delightful travellers are keen to find hidden gems and walk the road less travelled by!
So if you want to avoid crowds while you travel, do something unique and influence your friends, or if you’ve been to all the most popular spots already, let’s discover these underrated cities in Europe together!
Maybe they won’t be quite so underrated soon.
1. Melilla, Spain
Okay, so, Melilla is located on the north coast of Africa, but it is a city of Spain, technically making it Europe. But even if you disagree, it’s just another reason to visit Africa! Bordering Morocco, Melilla is home to incredibly sunny weather and pleasant ocean breezes, and the architecture alone makes it something truly special to see. The cliffs and steps down them that lead to golden sand and teal waters – wow! Your Instagram feed will not be ready.
There’s plenty of beaches for all your play, as well as historic squares, beautiful caves to explore, and lots of art museums. In fact, these caves are a part of the Historic Artistic Complex of the City of Melilla, making them very special and unique indeed.
Image source:Christelle Hayek / unsplash
2. Vlorë, Albania
Albania is quite a European hidden gem in general – very underrated, though popularity is rising – so it follows that Vlorë is an especially underrated city in Europe. We just don’t understand why!
Part of what is dubbed the Albanian Riviera (dreamy), Vlorë has a glittering coastline to rival Monaco! It’s located just on the foothills of the Cerunian Mountains so you’ll get a gorgeous mix of rugged nature and pristine beaches. Enjoy a hike up to Kanina Castle or St. Mary’s Monastery, or go for a refreshing swim. The Museum of Independence and the Muradi Mosque are also must-dos!
3. Tallinn, Estonia
Welcome to architecture and onion domes galore – Tallinn in Estonia is a city with some of the most gorgeous and underrated sights in Europe! Cobblestone streets are adorable in summer, but the city becomes doubly charming in winter when a blanket of snow settles over the area and Christmas markets come out. You’ll get a delightful mix of history and art with the Estonian Open Air Museum, Toompea Castle, Kadriorg Art Museum, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Image source:Frederic Köberl / unsplash
4. Lille, France
Maybe I’m biased because I grew up in Lille, but this city on the border of Belgium is really gorgeous and charming. Classic Flemish architecture all around, Le Vieux Lille (old town) is the perfect place to walk around for some luxury and thrift shopping, and grab a pastry, of course. Lille is also home to Europe’s biggest annual flea market where you can get a taste of a different side of French culture.
Lille is a great base if you want to explore Northern France’s military history as well, with important WW2 battle sites and graveyards nearby. It’s one of the best places to visit in France if you’ve already been and done Paris and the Riviera.
5. Thessaloniki, Greece
Athens or the islands of Santorini and Mykonos often get all the glory when it comes to Greece, but you’d be remiss to skip Thessaloniki. This underrated city in Europe is a port city on the shimmering Aegean Sea, and it is filled with history and influence from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. So, if you’re a history nerd, you’re in luck.
Roman ruins like the Arch of Galerius, pristine community spaces like Aristotelous Square, and the Ottoman hamams – the history may not be as abundant as Athens, but it is still plentiful. Thessaloniki is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so you know that creamy and fresh Greek food is going to be delicious!
Image source:Leandros Papakarmezis / unsplash
6. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Fairytale vibes incoming, Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana is totally enchanting. Pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, and a castle on a hill with an alleged dragon below – it’s straight out of a story book. Ljubljana is also an excellent holiday destination for wine lovers! Orange wines are common in Slovenia, and the annual wine festival in the city promises plenty of delicious drink as well as song and dance.
7. Innsbruck, Austria
The heart of the Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck is magical in the winter and the summer! Inhale all that fresh mountain air and get yourself hiking and skiing and frolicking Sound of Music style. Innsbruck is a smaller city where you can really relax and take it all in. Slow days of walking and soaking in the natural wonders are totally yours.
Image source:Bucography / unsplash
8. Wrocław, Poland
Usually when people visit Poland, they head to Warsaw or Kraków, but Wrocław is so underrated yet so magical. Think the most elegant townhouses with stepped gables overlooking a busy market square with a regal fountain in the center. Think medieval vibes but with pops of yellow and orange colours in the architecture – maybe even a few gilded edges. There’s so much history and culture in Wrocław, and shots from The Hunger Games’ recent prequel film feature here as well!
9. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The star city of Bosnia, Mostar is endlessly overlooked and we’re scratching our heads as to why. Mostar bridge is the main attraction: crescent shaped and high over the bluest ravine, locals regularly jump right into the water below! It’s quite the spectacle to observe, or participate in if you’re feeling brave.
Beyond the bridge, there’s so much to do in Mostar including kayaking and visiting cliff-side monasteries, day trips to waterfalls, and eating lots and LOTS of gelato!
Image source:Yu Siang Teo / unsplash
10. Opatija, Croatia
Croatia’s southern coastline is much beloved with gems like Split and Dubrovnik rising in popularity, but right on the Slovenian border is Opatija – an absolute Adriatic stunner. It’s just as special as any southern Europe jewel, but infinitely less busy and more affordable. Follow along the Lungomare promenade where you can walk alongside the glittering coast and the charming towns. The statue of the Maiden with the Seagull is a popular stop along the way, and the Croatian Museum of Tourism boasts a pretty pink and red garden of blooms.
11. Cork City, Ireland
The second largest city in Ireland, you can live our all your medieval knight dreams here chasing (respectfully) fair maidens and downing mead in grand halls. Blarney Castle, gardens, and Blarney Stone are absolute must visits if you like castles and folklore, and Cork City Gaol is one for those not afraid of ghosts. There’s also the English Market, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and Blackrock Castle Observatory. You can spend many quaint and cosy nights in Cork City, discovering a different side to Ireland.
Image source:Nick Roberts
12. Trieste, Italy
In terms of underrated cities in Europe, Italian cities don’t make the cut that often – Europe’s boot is a traveller’s paradise! But, because there’s so much to do in Italy, certain gems do get overlooked, and one such gem is Trieste.
Located near Slovenia (you could road trip Trieste, Ljubljana, and Opatija for the ultimate underrated European cities tour!), Trieste is a port city and holds elements of your favourites like Venice and Rome. A central canal, plenty of elegant domed buildings and art galleries, historic museums and monuments all around – it’s classic Italy but with fewer crowds! Plus, the pasta here is just as delicious as it is in Florence, so there should be nothing holding you back.
13. Skanör, Sweden
When you think Sweden you probably don’t think beach. But we’re here to totally blow your mind and shatter your world, because actually Skanör is THE beach location in Sweden! Admittedly it’s a different vibe – though summers in Scandinavia are deceptively warm – but with whipping dune grass and brightly coloured beach huts you can picture yourself in a Wes Anderson movie, or as a character in a period piece, spending time at the seaside to recover from some ailment (most likely consumption).
With a sleepy harbour and a few museums around, a trip to Skanör is guaranteed to give you peace of mind and all the chilled vibes.
Image source:Fliesentische Fotograf / unsplash
14. Lübeck, Germany
Not only one of the most underrated cities in Europe, but also one of the cutest towns in Germany, Lübeck MUST be visited once in your life! This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because the city has preserved centuries of medieval architecture including merchant houses and the very famous Gate of Holstentor. Bright and sunny, the canal-side walks and gorgeous architecture may remind you of favourites like Copenhagen – so what’s not to love?
15. Ohrid, North Macedonia
Another incredibly overlooked European destination, North Macedonia is just filled to the brim with history and culture and natural beauty that’s begging to be explored. Eastern Europe deserves your attention too!
Ohrid is like the islands of Greece and Lake Como all in one. Blue – impossibly blue – waters lap at the jagged cliffs of Ohrid. The terracotta city is just on the edge, with lots of trees around to give it that pop of green, and there’s plenty to do. The Church of Saint John the Theologian, the Church of Hagia Sophia, Samoils’ Fortress, and Theatre of Lychnidos are only some of the ancient structures you can gawk at. Also, if you’ve never had Macedonian food before, now’s the time – it’s mouth-watering.
