The Most Underrated European Cities to Visit
Europe boasts countless holiday destinations, each offering experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The continent’s compact geography and rich tapestry of cultures make it ideal for travellers seeking both education and enjoyment. While certain cities attract millions of visitors annually, many equally captivating destinations remain surprisingly overlooked.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
It comes as a surprise that Ljubljana is not the most popular city in Slovenia, despite it being the capital. The picturesque city looks like something out of a movie, with views of the stunning Ljubljana Castle and the Ljubljanica River. The dated buildings and old-fashioned aesthetic are perfect for exploring and understanding Slovenian history, while nightlife is still present for those who are interested, making it the perfect city for any kind of exploration.
Porto, Portugal
Another place that is not as popular as it should be is Porto, Portugal. Porto is another beautiful city that has plenty of breathtaking views and also many sights to see. It is a more affordable and less touristy city than Lisbon, as well as providing a range of different experiences and landmarks. For football fans, Porto is home to an incredibly successful football club, but for general tourists, the Dom Luis I Bridge is an iconic viewpoint to take in the incredible city.
Gdansk, Poland
Poland draws visitors with its stunning scenery, abundant activities, and affordable prices, yet Gdansk often flies under the radar compared to the more famous Krakow. This Baltic port city offers something quite different: a striking blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and contemporary architecture that sets it apart from its Polish counterparts. The food scene is excellent, and families are particularly well catered for, with highlights including the colourful Long Market, the thought-provoking European Solidarity Centre, and the relaxing Sopot Beach.
Valencia, Spain
Spain is synonymous with popular tourist destinations, whether it’s Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Madrid’s grand boulevards, or Benidorm’s lively beaches and bustling land-based casinos, although some may opt for roulette online instead. However, one city that deserves far more attention is Valencia on the east coast. This is the birthplace of world-famous paella, blessed with year-round sunshine and brimming with attractions. Highlights include the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning architectural masterpiece, alongside the sprawling Turia Gardens and the golden sands of Malvarrosa Beach. When the sun sets, Valencia’s vibrant nightlife comes alive.
Bergen, Norway
Norway, as a country, is a relatively underrated European country that not enough people visit. It is filled with culture and incredible sights that can only be experienced in Scandinavia. The beauty of the coastal city of Bergen is breathtaking, with a combination of sea views and a mountainous scene that overlooks small wooden cabins. It’s a great place to explore Norway’s majestic fjords as well as Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Fløyen Mountain. It is a city like no other, which should definitely be on more bucket lists.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn transports visitors to another era, with its medieval old town of ancient buildings and winding cobblestone streets. Whilst it remains off the beaten path for many European travellers, this Estonian gem ticks all the boxes: wallet-friendly prices, a compact centre that’s easily explored on foot, and no shortage of attractions. Must-sees include wandering the atmospheric cobbled lanes amongst Gothic towers, browsing the hip Telliskivi Creative City with its street art and independent shops, and admiring the Baroque splendour of Kadriorg Palace.
Ghent, Belgium
Belgium is well known for its perfect holiday-making facilities, whether it is the incredible food, sights to be seen, or even the nightlife, but Ghent is a lesser-known location. It’s a medieval-style city that is home to everything Brugge has to offer, just minus the busy crowds. Although it is a relatively old-fashioned city, the student population brings a more modern atmosphere, which positively impacts the nightlife and the facilities offered for daytime exploration.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Although it has become more popular in recent years, Sarajevo is still not spoken about enough as an incredible European holiday location that has almost everything for any type of holidaymaker. There are plenty of cultural mixes to explore in Sarajevo, from Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences that provide a unique blend to the capital city. There is a strong coffee culture in the city, combined with plenty of friendly locals, which makes meeting new people and learning about the city incredibly easy. There are also many other activities, such as visiting landmarks like the Baščaršija Bazaar, Latin Bridge, and the Yellow Fortress.
