When planning your next vacation, you’ll likely be drawn to the classic cities of Europe… Paris, London, Rome, Prague, and Vienna. However, we want to suggest some cities that might not immediately come to your mind but are no less deserving of a visit!
Each country has these types of underrated cities, but we are going to point out 17 that we’ve been to that we just absolutely love. This is just a quick list and an extremely brief overview of each city intended to pique your curiosity, but we’ve written more extensively about each of them in our itineraries so be sure to check those out as well!
Table of Contents
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you make a purchase/booking through a link at no extra cost to you. We hope this information helps you plan your next vacation.
1. Krakow
Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever been to. Overflowing with classic Polish architecture, Krakow should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Europe. Krakow, thankfully, came out of World War II relatively unscathed and survived the horrific destruction that befell Warsaw and other Polish cities. It is a fantastic city to spend a few days in for so many reasons.
Spend some time walking around Old Town – start with Wawel Castle, head down to Cloth Hall, and spend some time enjoying dinner in the open air of Market Square. There are tons of fantastic restaurants no matter what you are craving, from typical Polish cuisine to Italian or French. After getting your fill of the city, Krakow offers a fantastic base for day trips. The best day trips include a tour of Auschwitz, a lovely day in Zakopane, and even trips to Warsaw or Wroclaw.
No matter what, Krakow is a wonderful city that you should absolutely visit! Our 10 day Poland itinerary will give you some ideas for what to do in Krakow and Gdansk, another city on this list.
2. Gdansk
Far north in Poland on the Baltic Sea lies Gdansk, a charming city well worth the trip. Another Polish city with tons of history, World War II in Europe started when Gdansk (called Danzig, its German name, at the time) was invaded by the German Army. It was also the site of the Solidarity Movement, the Polish effort to rid the country of Communism in the 1980s. With that history as a basis, Gdansk truly stands out in the ranks of European cities.
There are many reasons to visit Gdansk, starting with the beautiful setting along the Motlawa River. With hotels overlooking the river on one side and restaurants on the other, you will spend a lot of time admiring its beauty. If you enjoy history, the World War II Museum in Gdansk is one of the best in the world. In addition, the marvelous beach town of Sopot is just 20 minutes away and makes for a wonderful day trip.
3. Ljubljana
Ljubljana is one of the most delightful cities in the world. In fact, Slovenia in general is simply exquisite and needs to be at the top of your list of destinations. With a population of just 285k, Ljubljana is one of the smaller capitals of Europe which only adds to its charm. Situated along the Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana features a walkable city center without car access.
Ljubljana is truly gorgeous and we can’t stress that enough. Beyond the city itself, there are so many incredible day trips from Ljubljana including, first and foremost, Lake Bled. You can also take day trips to Italy (Trieste), Croatia (Istrian Peninsula), or even to the beach! There are other incredible sites to see including Predjama Castle (a castle literally built into a cave) or the Skocjan Caves. We absolutely love Ljubljana and can’t recommend it enough!
4. Salzburg
One of the most beautiful, dreamy cities in Europe has to be Salzburg. Famous as the birthplace of Mozart and, more recently, the setting of the Sound of Music, Salzburg is perfectly located along the Salzach River. To this day the city maintains its Medieval feel, accentuated by delightful gardens and highlighted by an impressive fortress that dominates the Old Town.
Spending time walking along the Getreidegasse, the iconic shopping street that parallels the Salzach River. If you are a Sound of Music fan, search the city for the most famous sites from the movie, including the beautiful Mirabell Gardens or the Nonnberg Alley where the family hid from their Nazi pursuers. For a different view of the city, head up to the forbidding Hohensalzburg Fortress. Salzburg also makes for a fantastic base to visit other fascinating areas including Hallstatt and the Eagle’s Nest.
5. Dubrovnik
Game of Thrones fans will surely recognize Dubrovnik, otherwise known as “King’s Landing.” Even if you haven’t seen the show, odds are you’ve seen pictures of the perfectly preserved Medieval walls surrounding the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Croatia in general is beginning to get the recognition it deserves as a top travel destination, but often is still overlooked by its more popular neighbors like Italy and Greece.
We spent 5 days in Dubrovnik and that still didn’t feel like enough time. Wander the magnificent Old Town, walk the walls, and grab a drink at some of the most beautiful bars in the world right outside the walls. After you’ve explored the city relax on the beach just outside Old Town, or continue the adventure with a kayak tour of the serene waters. From Dubrovnik you also won’t have any shortage of incredible day trips, from Kotor, Montenegro to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina to incredible wine and oyster tours. We absolutely love Dubrovnik and can’t recommend it enough!
Check out our trip to Dubrovnik and other cities on this list (spoiler: Mostar, Kotor, Ljubljana, and Budapest) for even more suggestions on things to do here!
6. Innsbruck
Situated perfectly in the Austrian Alps is the endearing town of Innsbruck. If you are visiting Austria in winter then Innsbruck is the perfect place to stay thanks to the wide availability of public transportation directly to 12 ski resorts in the immediate region.
Innsbruck is a wonderful city to spend a few days in, with various historical monuments, lovely streets, and excellent restaurants. After a day of wandering, skiing, or even hiking, Innsbruck features several incredible rooftop bars, with our favorites being 360 Cafe and Blaue Brigitte. Perhaps the best part of Innsbruck is the Nordkette gondola which gives you a breathtaking view over the valley and leaves directly from town, making it easily accessible and convenient.
7. Ortisei
When you think of Italy, Ortisei probably won’t come to mind. Instead, you’ll probably be dreaming of Rome, Venice, Florence, or Amalfi. However, we think you should consider Ortisei for a different side of Italy. Located deep within the Italian Alps and about 3.5 hours from Milan, Ortisei is a mountain lover’s paradise.
The town itself is adorable and features traditional Tyrolean charm. Compared to the hustle and bustle of other Italian cities, Ortisei is much more relaxed. From the town you can visit many of the surrounding mountains, including Seceda, one of the most iconic landmarks of Italy. For some ideas on where to stay and what to do in the Italian Tyrol, check out our Northern Italy itinerary.
8. Siena
Another Italian city with a much different feel is the less visited Tuscan town of Siena. Tuscany and Florence are nearly synonymous with each other, but we recommend heading instead to Siena for less crowds and just as much charm. Siena is often overlooked, but we think that is a mistake and that visitors to Tuscany should not skip this beautiful city.
Siena features nearly as much history as Florence, but in a less crowded setting. The Duomo of Siena is, in our opinion, even more beautiful than the one in Florence and is easier to get into as well. For traditional ceramics, Siena has a wonderful selection that is cheaper than Florence. Siena also features one of the most fascinating traditions – the annual Palio Horse Race around the Piazza del Campo. While Siena is a great city to visit, it also offers easy access to other Tuscan towns making it the perfect place to base yourself on your Italian vacation.
9. Andorra La Vella
Andorra La Vella is truly “off the beaten path” in Europe, as just getting to the capital of the mountainous country of Andorra requires a 2.5 hour drive from Barcelona. However, the drive and remoteness just makes it even more captivating. Europeans flock to Andorra La Vella for shopping due to a lower value added tax than neighboring Spain and France, though the hilly town is nice to explore anyway.
With ample opportunities for breathtaking hikes within an hour, along with beautiful (and cheaper) ski resorts throughout the small country, Andorra La Vella is a great option for adventurers all year long. Once your muscles are tired from the activities, Andorra La Vella offers the perfect place to relax and unwind – the Caldea Spa. We love Andorra La Vella and can’t wait to go back one day. Andorra also has a lower value added tax than other European cities, making it the perfect destination for a shopping spree. Check out our trip to Spain, France, and Andorra for some ideas when visiting this marvelous country.
10. Budapest
Budapest is definitely not small, though we still think it is underrated and underappreciated. Our first experience with Budapest was a bit of a shock just due to its size, and we almost wrote it off on the first night. However, by the end of the trip we had fallen in love. Budapest is fantastic and the Danube at night is magical. There is so much to do and so much history that you won’t be disappointed.
In Budapest you can visit Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Central Market Hall, and many other incredible sites. The House of Terror Museum is one of the best museums in the world, and a cruise of the Danube at night offers a stunning view of Parliament lit up. For night owls the Ruins Bars are sure to thrill. After some time in the city, head to the Etyek wine region to experience Hungary’s underrated wine. We love Budapest and we know you will too!
11. Nuremberg
If you are like us, your first thought when hearing “Nuremberg” is likely something about either the Nuremberg War Crime Trials or Nuremberg as the center of the Nazi Party. While both of those associations are true and important, there is so much more to this wonderful city! About 90% of Nuremberg was destroyed during WWII, so after the war the West German government (and the Allies) attempted to rebuild Nuremberg in a way that would reflect is traditional Bavarian roots.
A visit to Nuremberg is a must for any history lover. The Nuremberg Trial Courthouse is a fascinating exhibit on the attempts to hold leading Nazis responsible for the crimes of the regime. It is an intriguing juxtaposition with the Nazi Party Rally Grounds which, while incomplete, were intended to be a sprawling complex dedicated to the “glory” of the Nazis. After getting your history fill, Nuremberg’s Old Town is wonderfully reconstructed and is beautiful to spend some time in.
12. Annecy
In eastern France, close to the Swiss border, lies the “Venice of the Alps”. Annecy is a marvelous city that is often overlooked compared to the more famous cities of France like Paris, Nice, or Bordeaux. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. In fact, Annecy is one of the most beautiful cities in France and is much less crowded than other French cities.
Spend some time wandering the outstanding canals and exploring the cute shops throughout the Old Town before heading to the Jardins de l’Europe, a scenic lakeside park that is perfect to spend a few hours in. The best thing to do in Annecy, however, is to rent a boat (power or pedal) and relax on the stunning Lake Annecy. If you are feeling adventurous, you can either take a nice bike ride around Lake Annecy or go skydiving in an unforgettable location.
13. Chania
Greece has no shortage of superb cities, but one you should absolutely visit is Chania on the island of Crete. With its Venetian Harbor and abundance of delicious restaurants, Chania makes for an outstanding city to spend a few days. Even better is the number of day trips throughout Crete that can be taken from the city!
Crete is known for beaches, with some of the best being Balos and Elafonisi, though there are others within just 30 minutes of Chania. No matter which beach you choose you won’t be disappointed. You can also visit Samaria Gorge, the largest gorge in Europe. Finally for food and wine lovers, there are several wineries in the immediate vicinity and the best cooking class we’ve ever done!
14. Mostar
For a truly memorable experience, head to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is an incredible blend of culture, religion, and history. We absolutely loved visiting Mostar and think it’s an extremely underrated city in Europe. Check out our day trip to Mostar from Split in this itinerary for more details on this beautiful city.
The most famous landmark in Mostar is the Stari Most, a bridge with international renown and a symbol of the city. If you are adventurous you can even jump off the bridge after a bit of training by local experts, or you can admire the daring of professionals during the Red Bull diving competition. Take some time to enjoy the blend of culture in the city, enjoy delicious (and relatively cheap) food, and partake in great shopping!
15. Kotor
Another fun Balkan city to visit is Kotor in Montenegro. Located on the aptly named Bay of Kotor, Kotor features a wonderfully preserved Old Town with Medieval walls and charming alleys and lanes that wind throughout the city. There are wonderful restaurants and shops scattered throughout the Old Town. You can even hike the mountain behind Old Town for incredible views of Kotor!
One of the best features of Kotor is its position on the Bay of Kotor providing a stunning backdrop for the city and surrounding area. From Kotor you can easily reach Our Lady of the Rocks, a church on a man-made island in the middle of the Bay that has a unique and colorful history. No matter what you will enjoy your time in Kotor as an often overlooked city in Europe!
16. Ponta Delgada
In the middle of the Atlantic lies the stunning Azores Archipelago, a chain of 9 volcanic islands that is sometimes colloquially referred to as the “Hawaii of the Atlantic.” The main island, Sao Miguel, is easily reachable from the US or Europe and features the wonderfully quaint town of Ponta Delgada.
Ponta Delgada is one of the smaller cities on this list, but there is still plenty to see and do. After walking around the city and exploring the streets it has to offer, use it as a base to see some other incredible sites around the island of Sao Miguel. Some things not to miss include a pineapple plantation, the oldest tea plantation in Europe, and a volcanic area that revolves around its geothermal pools. Check out our trip to Portugal for even more suggestions!
17. Ghent
While some may opt for its more famous neighbor Bruges, we would highly recommend instead spending some time in the wonderful town of Ghent. Full of stunning Medieval architecture and lazy canals, Ghent is the perfect setting for a relaxed and typically Belgian vacation.
Despite the quaint setting, there is no shortage of things to do in Ghent. Visit historic buildings like the Belfry and Gravensteen Castle, see one of the most famous and beautiful pieces of art – the Lamb of God Ghent Altarpiece, indulge in your fill of Belgian waffles, then relax with a drink along a peaceful canal. If you feel you need more to do, Ghent has easy train access to numerous other cities including Bruges, Brussels, and Antwerp, any of which makes a perfect day trip.
There are the 17 cities we think are highly underrated and often overlooked! Each of them deserve to be visited on there own, but we highly recommend trying to work at least one of them into your next trip!
One thought on “The 17 Most Underrated Cities in Europe”