6 Underrated European Cities You Need to Visit Now

Europe is a dream for travelers, filled with streets, old castles, and cozy cafés. But instead of heading to crowded places like Paris or Rome, it’s worth exploring some underrated European cities that are just as beautiful, often more peaceful, and surprisingly affordable. 

These hidden gems offer everything from charming old towns to mouthwatering local food, all without the rush of big crowds. Visiting smaller, lesser-known cities gives you a chance to see real local life, meet friendly people, and find secret spots that most tourists never see. Whether you love history, food, or simply wandering quiet streets, these 16 places show a different side of Europe—one that feels more personal and warmer. So pack your bags, skip the tourist traps, and discover Europe that’s full of surprises and heart.

Why You Should Visit Underrated European Cities

Choosing to visit underrated European cities means discovering the real heart of Europe. These places are full of charm and culture, but they don’t come with long lines or high prices. You can enjoy quiet streets, chat with locals, and taste homemade dishes that share local traditions. Smaller cities are often easier to walk around, so you can enjoy the sights at your own pace. You’ll find cozy guesthouses instead of fancy hotels, and you’ll spend more time exploring than waiting in crowds. Plus, your money stretches further, letting you experience more for less. Most importantly, these cities feel more authentic—you get to see how people truly live, not just what’s meant for tourists. Visiting these hidden corners of Europe isn’t just about saving money; it’s about the people you meet along the way.

16 Underrated European Cities to Add to Your Travel List

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a charming capital, with all its green parks, peaceful canals, and fairy-tale castle above the city. Its old town is car-free and is therefore perfect for walking along the riverbanks, listening to local street music. Munch on a slice of struklji (traditional rolled pastry) as you sit at a cafe on the side of the river, as electric boats cruise under beautiful stone bridges.

Braga, Portugal

Braga is a historic city with youthful energy known as the "city of archbishops" of Portugal. Steep side streets are lined with lovely baroque churches, friendly people, and lively cafes. Don't miss out on Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, which is a masterpiece of architecture on top of a hill with endless steps and breathtaking sightseeing. You simply have to have bacalhau à Brás, a regional version of Portugal’s favorite codfish dish.

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is a charming canal city (and very much like Bruges without the crowds). At night, its medieval towers and waterfront buildings are beautifully lit. Take a boat ride down Graslei or climb the Belfry for a sweeping view of the city. On a cold day in Belgium, enjoy a bowl of creamy chicken or fish stew to keep you from being chilly.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar's famous Stari Most spans elegantly over the Neretva River, “standing strong for centuries. Watch daring natives leap from the bridge in this daring tradition, and walk along cobbled streets lined with artisans' shops. Eat cevapi, the grilled meat served with flatbread, and enjoy the view of this amazing town, rich in history.

Wroclaw, Poland

Brightly painted houses are clustered around Wroclaw's market square, and tiny metal sculptures with hundreds to discover lurk about the city. Its Gothic churches and riverside islands are a pleasure to visit. Don't forget to taste world-famous Polish dumplings - pierogi - in one of the small restaurants nearby.

Novi Sad, Serbia

Novi Sad, on the Danube River, is most alive when the EXIT music festival takes place. A visit to the city isn't complete without enjoying the city’s relaxed atmosphere, the sandy river beaches, and the majestic Petrovaradin Fortress. One of its bustling areas is the Freedom Square, where you will be able to enjoy some people watching while eating some cevapi or a krofne, the delicious Serbian doughnut, in its pastel-colored streets.

Graz, Austria

Graz - where tradition meets creativity. Its red-tiled old town is a striking contrast to modern art institutions and the futuristic Kunsthaus museum. If you want good views, you must also climb to the Schlossberg clock tower. You can have a salad of beans, called Käferbohnensalat, or get a piece of apple strudel and a cup of coffee at an intimate café, and enjoy the mountains.

Bergen, Norway

Bergen is a city surrounded by mountains and fjords, the kind of view you see on postcards. Walk among the wooden houses in the picturesque harbor of Bryggen, ride the funicular up Mount Floyen, and enjoy your day from the panorama that awaits you up there. On the water, one can visit a freezer for fish or fresh salmon or räppelis (potato dumplings) just before sunset.

Riga, Latvia

The neoclassical architecture and cobbled streets of Riga show the city’s beauty and history. Stroll in the old town area, at Central Market (old hangars of the Zeppelins), climb the tower of St. Peter's Church, and see its panorama of the city. Bacon with Grey Peas is one of Latvia's favorite foods, something that is best accompanied by a local beer.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is a lovely place with its charming old town, music pieces, and funny people. Take a look at Gediminas Tower for an epic view over the city, or explore the curious "independent republic" of Uzupis, a favourite of artists. Enjoy your share of cepelajn, stuffed meat-filled potato dumplings, and explore candle-lit courtyards during the evening hours.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is a perfect place of beaches, historic and modern architecture. The best way to enjoy paella is at a beachside restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean or in Valencia’s historic old town.

Tartu, Estonia

Tartu is a young, dynamic student city—the beating heart of Estonia. It's also colorful in the way of street art, ingenious cafes, and waterfront parks, where you can get right up close to the water and enjoy a picnic. Picture the Kissing Students Fountain near the AHHAA Science Center, or walking around it, taking pictures by it. Eat a kohupiimakook, a high-fat cheesecake, at a private cafe.

Kotor, Montenegro

The spectacular medieval town of Kotor is a beautiful medieval town surrounded by stone walls between the mountains and the sea. Wander through the narrow streets and visit St. Tryphon's Cathedral, and walk up to the castle for a view over the bay. Enjoy kacamak (cornmeal porridge) or fresh seafood by the sea.

Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv is a paradise for café lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Its streets are packed with colorful buildings, music, and laughter. Take a stroll through Market Square, see the old opera house, and go up to the top of the city hall for a great view over the city. Enjoy a rich chocolate cake with a cup of Lviv coffee.

Bologna, Italy

For food lovers, it is a paradise of red-tiled roofs and porticos. Follow the scent of tagliatelle al ragù down twisting cobblestone streets. Down cobbled streets of market stalls and the smell of cooking tagliatelle in Bolognese ragu. Ascend to the Asinelli Tower and savor the city from the top, and spoil yourself with a scoop of creamy, delicious gelato at a family-run gelato shop.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn offers itself as the fairytale it is, with its medieval towers and winding cobbled streets. The old town, with its cluster of red-tiled-roofed houses, resembles a fairy tale as seen from Toompea Hill. Shop at local handicraft markets, enjoy cinnamon rolls in cozy cafés, and explore the city, where tradition meets technology. Several snacks are local favorites, one of them is kilu voileib, which translates to sprat sandwich.

Tips for Exploring Underrated European Cities

If you are going to underrated European cities, you can visit them even during the off-season to enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices. Learn a few phrases of salutation—it is a sign of respect, and you are normally greeted with warmer smiles. Go to the places that the locals go to eat instead of tourist places, and that is how you find the best tastes. Taking a long stroll around each destination to find hidden corners, quiet parks, and welcoming cafes, which ensure a lasting impression of every city.

Conclusion

Europe is best explored by getting away from the tourist attractions and experiencing the lesser-known European cities. These hidden gems offer an authentic taste of local life, filled with warmth, beauty, and surprises around every corner. By stepping off the beaten tourist trails, you will get a more personal and meaningful insight into the core of Europe. So take your time, be curious, and allow each city to reveal its secret beauty to you.