It’s natural to be drawn to Europe’s most popular destinations but many of these places are now struggling with the effects of mass tourism, and have recently introduced tourist taxes, increasing prices, and there have been recent protests against overtourism. The continent is vast and diverse, so it’s a shame to limit yourself to just a handful of well-known hotspots. Cities and islands like Venice, Rome, Santorini, Mykonos, Amsterdam, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Lisbon have introduced various tourist taxes in an effort to manage the influx of visitors.
Meanwhile, anti-tourism protests have erupted in popular spots such as Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Venice, and Lisbon, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of overtourism on local communities and environments. With the challenges facing these popular destinations, more travellers are looking beyond the usual hotspots to discover Europe’s hidden gems cities that offer rich culture, stunning architecture, and authentic experiences without the big crowds.
To help you explore some of these lesser-known but equally captivating places, we turned to AI to compile a list of Europe’s most underrated city breaks.
1. Bologna, Italy
Bologna came top of the list thanks to it being the food capital of Italy and it being home to Europe’s oldest university with magnificent UNESCO-listed porticoes, as well as its breathtaking architecture and beauty.
2. Ghent, Belgium
This medieval city combines scenic canals, historic castles, and lively streets. Ghent is a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Bruges and Brussels, perfect for visitors seeking a blend of history and contemporary culture without the crowds.
3. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania is home to one of the largest surviving medieval quarters in Europe and its baroque Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with beautiful architecture and vibrant street life.
4. Ljubljana, Slovenia
A green, car-free capital with a fairytale castle and picturesque riverside buildings, Ljubljana is a destination that should not be overlooked.
5. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi looks staight out of a fairytale and is one of Europe’s oldest capitals. A standout feature of Old Tbilisi is its vibrant, domed 17th-century sulfur baths. Heated by natural sulfur springs, these baths are said to have inspired King Vakhtang Gorgasali to establish the city.
6. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Plovdiv features a spectacular Roman amphitheater and a charming Old Town full of character.
7. Graz, Austria
Austria’s second-largest city, Graz is a UNESCO City of Design which merges centuries old palaces with modern
8. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar is famed for the rebuilt Stari Most (Old Bridge) and offers a beautiful blend of Ottoman and Mediterranean influences.
9. Wroclaw, Poland
Also nicknamed the “Venice of Poland,” Wroclaw is built on 12 islands connected by over 100 bridges, with a lively university atmosphere and colorful streets.
10. Kaunas, Lithuania
The European Capital of Culture in 2022, Kaunas stands out for its well-preserved interwar modernist architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
11. Bergen, Norway
Less visited than Oslo, Bergen offers stunning fjord views, the historic Bryggen wharf, and a lively arts and music scene.
12. Thessaloniki, Greece
This stunning city on the sea with rich Byzantine and Ottoman history, Thessaloniki is also known for its incredible local cuisine.
13. Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is a hidden gem with its cobbled streets, and it is known for its diamond district, cutting-edge fashion, and medieval architecture.
14. Cordoba, Spain
Home to the breathtaking Mezquita-Cathedral, Cordoba is often skipped but offers stunning Moorish architecture and charming old streets.
15. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is a dynamic and affordable capital city known for its vibrant nightlife and the dramatic Kalemegdan Fortress overlooking two rivers.
16. Lecce, Italy
Dubbed the “Florence of the South,” Lecce boasts stunning Baroque architecture made from honey-colored stone, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
17. Mechelen, Belgium
A smaller, quieter alternative to Bruges, Mechelen features beautiful medieval buildings and the impressive St Rumbold’s Tower.
18. Olomouc, Czech Republic
Once the capital of Moravia, Olomouc has an incredible UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column and is world away from the crowds of Prague.
19. Coimbra, Portugal
The former capital of Portugal, Coimbra is famous for one of Europe’s oldest universities, steep streets, and soulful Fado music.
20. Sibiu, Romania
A Saxon city in Transylvania, Sibiu captivates with its large main square and the iconic “eyes” in the roofs of its houses.
21. Aarhus, Denmark
Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus is home to the impressive ARoS Art Museum and a vibrant Latin Quarter, but often overlooked for Copenhagen.
22. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s stunning medieval Old Town is a UNESCO site, and is often only visited as a day trip from Finland, but it deserves a longer stay for its charm and beauty.
23. Bern, Switzerland
This beautiful city in Switzerland is famous for its medieval arcades, bear park, and looping Aare River, yet it is often overshadowed by Zurich and Geneva.
24. Bremen, Germany
A historic Hanseatic city, Bremen has a stunning UNESCO-listed market square and town hall but remains less visited than Hamburg or Berlin.
25. Granada, Spain
While the Alhambra draws many visitors, much of Granada, especially the Moorish Albaicín district and its lively tapas scene remains underrated.
26. Galway, Ireland
A lively seasode city known for its strong traditional music scene, festivals, and bohemian atmosphere, Galway offers a colourful and friendly atmosphere.
27. Kosice, Slovakia
Slovakia’s second city features a pedestrianized main street, unique Gothic cathedral, and a fraction of the tourists seen in Bratislava.
28. Tartu, Estonia
Estonia’s intellectual and cultural hub, Tartu is a university town filled with vibrant student life and beautiful Neo-Classical architecture.
29. Ferrara, Italy
A flat, bike-friendly city known for its intact Renaissance walls and the grand Castello Estense, Ferrara offers a peaceful escape from Italy’s crowded hotspots.
30. Cluj-Napoca, Romania
A major university and tech hub in Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca combines a cosmopolitan atmosphere with beautiful churches and a lively cultural scene.