Is it just me, or do you feel like everyone on the internet is currently galavanting around Europe? It has me dreaming of repacking the Osprey and booking some Eurail passes, but honestly, the crowds during the hottest times of year just sound horrible to me. I can’t imagine taking in the beautiful sights while rubbing against someone else’s sweaty arms. We spent our three months in Europe exploring as many new places as possible and we stumbled upon some underrated European cities that deserve the spotlight.
If you are like us and want to experience places that aren’t filled wall to wall with tourists, consider swapping London or Paris for one of these beautiful gems.
Our Favorite Underrated European Cities
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia might be a place that you still need to look up on a map, but I think it’s one of the best spots you can find in Europe. Ljubljana is the largest city in the country and it feels like it’s out of a fairy tale. High atop the city center sits the castle with views of the Julian Alps and surrounding countryside. The center of the city is pedestrian traffic only, so you can wander the streets and not worry about any cars or buses. This keeps it quiet and makes it feel more quaint. With a craft beer scene that rivals any others in Europe, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for a few days.
2. Innsbruck, Austria
You will have a hard time finding a more beautiful city in the mountains. Pastel-colored houses, historical buildings, and the Austrian Alps surround the city in all directions, making it one of the most spectacular places in Austria. Many people rush to Vienna or Salzburg, but Innsbruck definitely took the cake for us in Austria. It’s the largest city in the Tyrol region and there are so many places to get out into the mountains. You can also enjoy all the perks of a large city with incredible restaurants and hotels that offer 360-degree views. This hotel had one of the most beautiful breakfasts I’ve ever had – HIGHLY recommend it, unless you hate champagne, fresh fruit, and fluffy pastries.
3. Budapest, Hungary
If you’re looking for a large city with lots of history, Budapest cannot be beaten. The Buda side of the river is home to the castle and many historic government buildings, and incredible views. The Pest side of the city is busier with a huge selection of ruin bars (see our full list of the best ruin bars in Budapest) and adorable cafes. Check out the museums or the famous bathhouses and enjoy this budget-friendly city. I would recommend Budapest over Prague (even though we loved both).
4. Trieste, Italy
Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t realize that there is a tiny part of Italy that is next to Slovenia across the Adriatic Sea from the rest of Italy. We spent a few days in Trieste after Slovenia and it was a huge surprise for us. Each day, we set out to explore the ancient ruins scattered around the city, stuffed our faces with incredible Italian food, and watched the most beautiful sunsets (like the one pictured). It gave us a little taste of Italy which was great because we’ve really only been to Milan. This is a great city on the water that you could visit instead of one of the busier port cities like Venice.
5. Wroclaw, Poland
Wroclaw is a city in southern Poland and was one of my favorite stops on our entire trip. There is a colorful Old Town with tons of history, but the most memorable part of the city was the strange little gnome statues hidden all over town. It was so fun to search for them and see all the different variations. The central market had tons of good food and drinks and the prices were so affordable. Any trip to Eastern Europe should definitely include at least a few nights in Wroclaw.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
This is borderline for this list because Iceland is gaining popularity each year. More and more travelers are heading there to experience the breathtaking scenery of this country. Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland and most visitors will at least pass through. But it’s worth any hype it’s getting and it’s still nowhere near as busy as the other major capitals of Europe. Take in the mountains and water all around the colorful downtown area. Eat the famous Icelandic hot dogs and enjoy the party scene. Don’t miss a trip to the top of Hallgrimskirkja, where you can see the entire city from above. Once you’re in the country, take a road trip along the Ring Road to explore more of this beautiful country.
7. Strasbourg, France
Paris gets all the attention in France, but personally, Strasbourg was my favorite place we visited in this region (and one of the most underrated European cities on the list). The city is romantic and packed with history, plus there aren’t hoards of people around every corner. We spent a few nights in a small apartment with windows that overlooked a bakery and cafe. It felt like we were living in the pages of a fairytale. Take a boat ride through the canals that travel through town or climb to the top of the cathedral for some crazy views. And make sure to spend a few hours sipping coffee or wine and watching the world go by. I dare you not to fall in love with this city.
8. Lucerne, Switzerland
Imagine a serene lake surrounded by mountains and one small city that sits right on the lakeshore, that’s Lucerne. This Switzerland underdog offers all the shopping, dining, and scenery of the other bigger cities, but it has its own lovely character. Stroll across the covered wooden bridge that was built centuries ago and watch the sunset across the lake along with the locals while listening to musicians play and enjoying a cold beverage. Plus, you’re so close to all kinds of adrenaline-pumping activities that the Alps are famous for.
9. Heidelberg, Germany
We wanted to find a fun place in Germany to explore and we wanted a castle. Heidelberg delivered. Not only is there a castle that you can explore (and drink wine in), but the city center has so much to explore and experience. It’s an easy city to get around on foot and there seemed to be something going on every day we were there. Don’t miss Philosopher’s Walk for some of the best views of the city and surrounding areas.
10. Bratislava, Slovakia
Eastern Europe blew our minds and exceeded all expectations. Bratislava was one of those incredible stops on our journey through this part of the world. It was so budget-friendly and we were able to spend a week exploring without spending more than $100. We took a tour and learned about Communist history, which was fascinating. Just like Ljubljana, there is a castle that sits high on a hill overlooking the city and you can tour the gardens and certain parts of the interior. Plus, you can tack on a trip to the beautiful High Tatras. It’s a little different than portrayed in the movie, Eurotrip.
Other Options for Underrated European Cities:
If none of the above strike your fancy, here are a few honorable mentions or places that we have on our wishlist for the future:
- Brussels, Belgium
- Leipzig, Germany
- Tallinn, Estonia
- The Faroe Islands
- Kotor, Montenegro
- Rovinj, Croatia
- Grenoble, France
- Helsinki, Finland
Or you could check out this list of additional options – it’s hard to go wrong in Europe. Pin this for later and let us know what city you love that might be missing from this list.
