28 Underrated European Destinations Worth Exploring

Not As Famous As They Should Be
European travel is rapidly getting back to normal as more and more countries drop travel restrictions and life on the continent continues to resemble the “old days” of 2019. Many of us will be heading across the pond this year for long-overdue European escapes, but in addition to making plans to get re-acquainted with the classics like London, Paris and Rome, why not mix in a couple of underrated European destinations too? Your dollar will go further, the crowds you see be smaller and since you’ll arrive with fewer expectations, pleasant surprises are more likely to sprout. Plus, let’s admit it, it’s pretty cool to be the only person you know that went somewhere.

While the following 28 cities and towns aren’t completely undiscovered, they are all underrated destinations in Europe that deserve much more attention than they currently get.

Lyon, France
France’s third-largest city can compete with Paris when it comes to culinary prowess, history and cultural clout, but it does all this while still owning an easy-going atmosphere that makes it feel more like a small town than a metropolis. Highlights include the lovely Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière—the crown of the skyline— the enchanting secret passageways of the Old City and Lyon’s signature “no-frills but fabulous” neighborhood restaurants called bouchons. The city is also home to an ancient Roman amphitheater and the outstanding Museum of Fine Arts.

Cadiz, Spain
Located in the enticing region of Andalucia in Spain’s sunny southwest, Cadiz is home to a wealth of historical sights, a labyrinthine old town and a wide sweep of sandy beaches. Admire the skyline from the Tavira Tower before visiting the sun-faded Baroque Cadiz Cathedral and soaking up the rays on the sand. For dinner, it’s fresh seafood at one of the many cafes in the historic center of town. If you happen to be visiting in February or March, then you are in for a treat because Cadiz throws Spain’s best Carnival celebration.

Freiburg, Germany
Located near Germany’s fabled Black Forest, Freiburg is famed for its mild climate and the laid-back lifestyle of its citizens. Take a self-guided walking tour of the sights, a list that includes historical city gates, an impressive merchant hall and a buzzing market on the cathedral square. No trip here is complete without a dip of your toes into one of the many small streams that idyllically flow through town, meandering their way through small gullies.

Torun, Poland
Medieval Torun is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique history as a former river trading power and power base for the ancient Teutonic Order, but it’s also just a really pretty place to spend a few days. Home to scores of striking Gothic buildings—including the former home of renowned Renaissance thinker Nicolaus Copernicus, which is now a museum—and the ruins of an ancient castle, history is all around you in Torun—and so is the aroma of its famed local gingerbread.

Coimbra, Portugal
Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and a twisty-turn-y Old Town that dramatically towers over the Rio Mondego river, Coimbra is a lively and fun place to stop between Porto and Lisbon. Visit the University of Coimbra’s stunning Baroque library and other academic sights before settling in at one of the town’s many corner cafes to admire the atmospheric surroundings and toast with the students.

Cork, Ireland
Cork is Ireland’s second-biggest city by population and the waterside town is famed for its mouthwatering seafood and rich local culture. Head to the English Market—the nation’s rock star food market—to peruse the local produce and provisions before ringing the Shandon Bells atop St. Anne’s Church and settling in for a feast of fresh local seafood. The next day, make for Blarney Castle on the outskirts of town to give the Blarney Stone a smooch.

Parma, Italy
One of the foodiest towns in arguably the foodiest region of Italy—Emilia Romagna—Parma possesses all the charms of more popular Italian cities. It sure doesn’t hurt being home to two of the nation’s most iconic foodstuffs: Proscuitto di Parma and Paramasean cheese. Even if food isn’t your thing, the charm of the architecture, historic cathedral, octagonal baptistry and distinct lack of crowds will win you over. But let’s be honest, it’s probably going to be the prosciutto.

Piran, Slovenia
Slovenia only owns a sliver or coastline, but boy is it ever a pretty stretch. Postcard-perfect Prian juts out into the sea and is filled with architecture influenced by its time spent under Venetian rule. Get lost in the back alleys admiring the delightfully faded buildings before emerging in time to see the sun sink into the water and toast to another dreamy day on the Adriatic Sea.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Home to Europe’s largest port and The Netherlands’ most stimulating skyline, Rotterdam is a hard-working city that also knows how to have fun. Admire the futuristic architecture of the city’s food hall Markthal and famous “cube houses”—just two of the many modern beauties you’ll find here—before learning about its past at the Maritime Museum.

Pula, Croatia
The Istria Peninsula is one of Croatia’s most heavenly corners as it’s blessed with a dreamy climate, scenic coastline and heartland full of romantic hilltop villages. Pula is the area’s biggest city and is also home to a Roman amphitheater so impressive if you squint you might just think you’re in Rome. After you visit that gem, head for the beach or local Kotli waterfall before exploring nearby hill towns like Groznjan, which is known for its artsy atmosphere, wine and magical mood.

Lake Maggiore, Italy
Okay, you won’t bump into George Clooney here as he’s usually hanging over on Lake Como, but you will be able to breath in all the beauty of the Italian Lakes at a slightly slower pace. Stay at one of the classic Belle Epoque hotels in Baveno to soak up the glamour of the lake, taking trips out to the local islands and excursions up into the surrounding mountains. Tip for a sundowner? That’s the casual dockside cafe Clipper Bar, where you can watch the lake ferries come and go as you sip your Aperol spritz.

Zadar, Croatia
You won’t regret seeing Split and by all means, don’t miss Dubrovnik or the nearby islands, but a stop in Zadar should also be on your Dalmatian Coast itinerary. This city is home to a handsome historic center, vibrant seafront—complete with quirky attractions like the famous Sea Organ—and scores of waterfront restaurants. The city also makes the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the nearby Kornati Islands National Park.

Pecs, Hungary
Stroll past architecture influenced by the Ottoman Empire, sip sensational wine at sun-soaked vineyards and explore the nearby Mecsek Hills. It’s all here in Pecs, one of Central Europe’s most interesting destinations.

Turin, Italy
The birthplace of iconic Italian automotive company FIAT and the Italian film industry, Turin has shaken off its industrial reputation and is ready for its close-up. Gaze upon the famous Shroud of Turin and stroll past former royal palaces before stopping at one of the city grand cafes for a Bicerin—a local concoction made of espresso, hot chocolate and milk.

Olomouc, Czech Republic
It’s tempting to describe Olomouc as a “mini-Prague” and that’s because there’s a lot of truth to it. The main square is lined with striking pastel facades and that’s also where you’ll find the UNESCO listed Holy Trinity Column. As this is the Czech Republic, Olomouc is also a great place to sip pilsner and the large student population helps keep the city lively.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Spread out over a set of dramatic hills and home to a beautiful Roman amphitheater turned entertainment venue, Plovdiv is the bohemian and artsy answer to capital Sofia. Walk along cobbled streets in the Old Town while hopping from cafe to gallery before touring one of the enchanting Ottoman-era mansions. And when sunset comes around, there’s no better place to watch it than from Nebet Tepe, a scenic hill in the Old Town.

Erfurt, Germany
The capital of Germany’s overlooked Thuringia region has much of the charm of other beloved half-timbered towns but around half the tourists. Visit to learn about its connection to the history of Martin Luther and the Reformation, take peaceful walks along the gurgling Gera River and sink your teeth into the local style of sausage—a long and skinny take on the bratwurst. Erfurt is known for being a well-preserved medieval city and that history is on display around every cobbled corner and especially at its impressive Gothic cathedral the Erfurter Dom.

Stirling, United Kingdom
This small Scottish city owns a cinematic backdrop complete with a dramatic castle and sits within a short journey from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Visit to re-trace the steps of royalty at Stirling Castle, take a walking tour of the historic center and visit the National Wallace Monument, which is dedicated to the legendary Scottish patriot William Wallace.

Montpellier, France
A major southern French city located near the sea, Montpellier offers up cosmopolitan appeal combined with the breezy charm of the Med’-side lifestyle. Stroll along the historic Place de la Comédie pedestrian district, spot some sensational street art before going out for an evening of dining and cocktails. The next day, rent a bike to cycle to the beach—it’s only around 8 miles from the center of town.

Antwerp, Belgium
One glance at Antwerp’s gorgeous main square called the Grote Markt will have you asking “why didn’t I get here sooner?”. Peruse the MAS Museum to learn all about the history of this port city before grabbing some frites (this is Belgium after all) and admiring Central Station, one of the prettiest train stations in all of Europe.

Leeds, United Kingdom
Located a little over a two-hour train ride north of London, Leeds is one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Shop in a series of grand Victorian arcades, peruse the Kirkgate Market—one of the largest covered markets in Europe—and then settle in at a pub to watch Leeds United play a Premier Lague game or listen to some live music. After you’ve indulged all the urban delights this cool city has to offer, board the Leeds-Settle-Carlise Railway to experience one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys.

Oviedo, Spain
One of Spain’s rugged northern regions, Asturias is home to a dramatic coastline, fetching fishing villages and attractive beaches, yet somehow it is still often overlooked by travelers from across the Atlantic. But that just means there will be more room for you when you arrive, so head to the capital Oviedo to admire a handsome cathedral and visit scores of lively bars pouring the delicious local cider.

Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is Germany’s second-biggest city and media capital yet still manages to get missed by far too many North American visitors to Europe. Don’t make that mistake, as this hip harbor city will keep you enthralled for days with its unmatched combination of top-end museums, theaters and on-trend food and drink spots.

Thessaloniki, Greece
It may not be a whitewashed island and it isn’t Athens, but that’s the point, Thessaloniki shows offers another side of Greece. Located on the Agean Sea in Greece’s northeast, this bustling coastal city is rich with heritage relating to Alexander the Great and its unique, multi-layered history. Walk along the seafront at sunset with the locals to experience the best of this city.

Dijon, France
Oh, there will be delicious mustard, but there will also be wine, lots and lots of wonderful wine. The capital of the Burgundy region, Dijon is home to several striking Gothic buildings, regal palaces, lively food markets and scores of local vineyards perfect for a day trip. Don’t leave without taking an entertaining, self-guided tour of the town on the “Owl Trail”, a fun way to learn all about Dijon.

Lucerne, Switzerland
Before you make the ascent into the Swiss Alps, linger for a while in Lucerne to enjoy the lakeside good life. Stroll across the town’s historic wooden Chapel Bridge, admire a poignant rock carving of a Lion —dedicated to fallen Swiss fighters—and take to the water of Lake Lucerne on a historic steamship. Then, head to nearby Mt. Rigi to watch the sunrise, an event that was once one of the most quintessential things to do on the historical Grand Tour of Europe.

Riga, Latvia
The Latvian capital has more Art Noveau architecture than anywhere else in Europe, and that’s just one great reason to make your way to the beautiful Baltic region. Take a guided tour of the Old Town to learn more about this fascinating city before heading to Central Market to shop and a local bar to sip some Black Balsam, a beloved Latvian spirit.

Lucca, Italy
Surrounded by Renaissance-era walls and home to a preserved core dripping with charm, Lucca is also one of Tuscany’s most vibrant cities. Join the locals on a walk or bike ride around the city walls before having a gander at the Guinigi Tower—a tall medieval structure crowned by oak trees. The city is also famed for its month-long Lucca Festival, which takes place each summer and features some of the biggest names in music performing outdoors within the historic city.