Let’s face it, places like Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Rome are popular for a reason. They’re gorgeous, full of history, and I’ll never get tired of visiting them. But sometimes, it’s nice to explore a spot that feels a little less crowded and a lot more authentic. (In the big tourist hubs, I swear I run into more American tourists than locals).
So, I reached out to travel experts to uncover the underrated European cities that deserve a place on your travel radar. These destinations offer plenty of unique, brag-worthy experiences without the massive tour groups.
Trieste, Italy
Trieste might not be on most travelers’ radar, but that’s part of its charm. Despite having an airport, a train station, and ferry connections to Venice, many visitors stumble upon it only if their cruise ship happens to dock there. “What most people don’t realise is that Trieste used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire,” says Nataleigh O’Connell, Independent Communications Consultant. “The city blends Italian, Austrian, Slavic, and even Jewish influences, creating a unique cultural mix that’s more nuanced rather than flashy.”
For a classic small-town feel, O’Connell suggests walking down Via di Cavana in the morning to catch the farmers’ market at Piazza Attilio Hortis. With Mediterranean views, ornate Austrian-style architecture, delicious Italian food, and coffee culture (Illy was born here), Trieste is one of those underrated European cities worth discovering.
Riga, Latvia
Too many travelers bypass the Baltics when planning their European adventures, and it’s a big mistake. Latvia often gets overshadowed by its popular Nordic neighbors, but Riga can rival any major European destination. Its cobblestone streets and Gothic churches create a romantic, old-world vibe that feels like a fairy tale without the crowds you’d find in Prague or Bruges.
“What really surprised me was the incredible food scene,” says Pink Notebook founder Goedele Mangelaars. “The price-to-quality ratio is unbeatable compared to Western Europe, but the caliber of restaurants rivals anything you’d find in Copenhagen or Stockholm. And it’s not just trendy new places. There’s this deep respect for traditional techniques, especially with seafood.”
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is a picture-perfect city with a beautifully reconstructed old town, meticulously rebuilt after World War II. “One could wander every street in the old town as one is more picturesque than the next,” says Doni Belau, award-winning travel expert and founder of Girls’ Guide to the World. “The shopping leans much more towards artisan crafts made in the country rather than tacky souvenir shops. Amber jewelry is one of the sought-after gifts to buy.”
History lovers shouldn’t miss the outstanding World War II Museum, which offers insights far beyond what most of us learned in school. Gdansk is also all about the water, so hop on a harbor cruise to admire the city’s mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture from a unique vantage point.
Skagen, Denmark
I spend about half the year in Copenhagen, Denmark’s most popular city, but I was absolutely blown away when I visited Skagen, the country’s northernmost town. Known for its incredible, translucent light, Skagen has inspired countless Scandinavian artists, especially during the evening “blue hour,” when the sea and sky seem to melt together.
Here, you can visit the Sandy Church, a 14th-16th century structure mostly buried by windblown sand, with only its tower still accessible. Stroll the cozy streets, sip coffee in a hygge cafe, and don’t miss the vast sand dunes of Råbjerg Mile, a 1,000-meter expanse in every direction, perfect for running, playing, and soaking in Denmark’s wild coastal beauty.
Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Greece is incredible, but popular spots can get overwhelmingly crowded during peak season. Rethymno offers a refreshing alternative, perfectly positioned between Crete’s two major cities, Heraklion and Chania, each just an hour away. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the island while enjoying a more relaxed, walkable atmosphere.
“The city’s compact historic center stays alive year-round,” says Sofia Lantzanaki, Travel Consultant and Owner at Taste the Local Crete. “The small size of Rethymno’s old town, with the fortress of Fortezza dominating the city, offers a super walkable setting, making it perfect for solo travelers.”
Maastricht, Netherlands
When most people think of the Netherlands, Amsterdam steals the spotlight. But in Maastricht, near the borders of Belgium and Germany, you’ll find the same charming Dutch houses without the tourist traps. This often-overlooked city is packed with history: cobblestone streets lit by classic lanterns, centuries-old churches, and monuments like City Hall, built in 1664.
“There are a lot of bars and cafes inside antique buildings, fortresses you can visit, churches and cathedrals you can walk into, the most important river of the Netherlands, the ‘Maas,’ runs through it (hence the name Maastricht), and there are beautiful bridges that are still being used,” says Chris Oberman, CEO and Founder of Moving Jack. It’s a step back in time that feels incredibly authentic.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
While many travelers head to Slovenia for Lake Bled, its capital city, Ljubljana, is a gem among underrated European cities. “Those looking for a quaint city without massive tourist crowds will love walking around, as the city houses many historical buildings, such as the Cooperative Business Bank Building, which is decorated in the colorful Slovene ‘National Style,’” says Michelle Jensen, Editor at Travel HerStory.
With a dragon as its emblem, Ljubljana celebrates its mythical mascot everywhere, from the famous Dragon Bridge to the lively Ljubljana Dragon Carnival. Don’t miss Preseren Square, home to the stunning Ljubljana Cathedral and the lively central market, perfect for souvenir hunting or people-watching. And for incredible city views, head up to Ljubljana Castle, perched high above the skyline.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, often sits in the shadow of Barcelona and Madrid, but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. You get all the charm without the overwhelming crowds. This is a city where history meets modernity, with golden beaches and a rich cultural heritage. Named the European Green Capital for 2024, Valencia is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability.
Perhaps surprisingly, Valencia is the origin of some of the country’s best food. “Valencia is famous for its beautiful beach and cool science buildings, but what’s really special is how the city grows food right inside the neighborhoods,” says George Politis from Anemos Tours. “There’s also a huge park nearby where paella (a famous Spanish rice dish) was invented – and you can taste it just like the locals do.”
