Top 10 Most Underrated Cities in Europe
As someone who has been living in Paris for the past few years, and used to take two month long trips to the continent every year during college – I’ve seen my fair share of Europe, especially when it comes to big cities and underrated cities in Europe alike across the continent.
When planning a trip to Europe, many of us are ready to include cities like London, Barcelona, Paris, and Rome – but what about those more unknown travel destinations in Europe that tourists really shouldn’t miss out on?
The Royal Mile on a sunny day in Edinburgh, Scotland; September 2024
Europe has some magnificent pockets of charm that many people don’t go looking for because they don’t know underrated cities in Europe to go to.
After almost a decade of travel in Europe, I’m going to share a curated list of what I believe to be some of Europe’s most underrated cities.
Top 10 Most Underrated Cities in Europe
1. Budapest, Hungary
Perhaps the most underrated city in Europe constantly overlooked by tourists, Budapest is one of my favorite European cities of all time – for its New York like chaotic energy, stunning Middle-Eastern architectural influences, shopping, and more.
The best part about Budapest is that it truly has something for everyone: as it’s a city home to rich history, cuisine, and scenic photographic opportunities. As a whole, it’s perfect for the hyper and relaxed traveler alike, as Budapest is a bustling city with pockets of peace – especially when enjoying one of the many baths or spas in Budapest.
View of Hungarian Parliament in the snow in Budapest, Hungary; January 2018
I first saw Budapest in the snow and it was jaw dropping, to say the least. It’s truly an underrated city in Europe that should make it onto your travel list.
Why Budapest is Underrated
Why people skip Budapest: It’s further out than the rest of Western Europe, but in reality – it’s only a 3 hour train ride from Vienna.
Why Budapest surprised me: I expected a small, quaint city – but Budapest is alive like New York City but beautiful like Paris, harnessing a rare quality of energy and charm.
Why Budapest is Better: London is great, but Budapest has the same non-stop chaos with far more beauty than London.
Best For: Big city lovers who feel recharged being in massive, energetic cities that don’t go to sleep – but also want to be surrounded by old-time beauty.
Read more about Budapest here.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy the architecture of cities in the Middle East like Istanbul, the charm of cities like Prague, or the energy in other big cities like New York and London – Budapest is the place for you to be.
2. Ghent, Belgium
Having been to the bigger, more touristic cities in Belgium – I can tell you that Ghent is incredibly underrated for its calmer, more colorful vibe than cities like Brussel, Bruges, or Antwerp.
Walking the streets of Ghent, Belgium; March 2022
Known as a “boring” university town, this stereotype couldn’t be any further from the truth – as Ghent has all of the same waterways, cyclists, cobblestones, and classic Belgian architecture as all of the other more touristic cities in Belgium, but without the chaos.
If you’re looking for a place to explore Belgium’s beauty, chocolate, and French fries without the crowds – Ghent is the place to go.
Want to see this underrated European city in action? Check out my travel vlog to Ghent below!
Why Ghent is Underrated
Why people skip Ghent: It’s not as convenient as cities like Brussels, but in reality – Ghent is closer to Brussels than Bruges!
Why Ghent surprised me: It’s calm and quiet without skimping on all of the Belgian classics.
Why Ghent is Better: Unlike Brussels, Ghent lets you experience the best of Belgian cuisine and architecture without the massive tourist mobs.
Best For: People who love colorful places like Valencia but the bikes in Amsterdam – as Ghent encapsulates the best of both.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy the canals in Amsterdam but are looking for a smaller version of this highly touristic European city, you’ll be bound to fall in love with Ghent – as it presents classic Belgian offerings like architecture and cuisine, but has a distinct Dutch influence.
3. Granada, Spain
Less popular than Madrid or Barcelona, Granada is a little more remote than the country’s most touristic cities – but it’s well worth the journey to see this more off-beat side of Spain.
Most well-known for being home to the Alhambra, don’t be fooled – Granada has several secret spots that make the city worth visiting, such as its encapsulating miradors and open-air markets.
View of Granada, Spain; December 2023
Why Granada is Underrated
Why people skip Granada: It’s further away than the more popular Spanish cities like Barcelona or Madrid.
Why Granada surprised me: I didn’t expect Granada to be reminiscent of the rugged, natural beauty found in places like Switzerland and New Zealand.
Why Granada is better: You’ll be able to enjoy tapas, tortillas, and colorful Spanish tiles without the busy crowds or tourist traps.
Best For: People who like blue-collar cities like Athens.
Still don’t believe that Granada is worth a visit? Check out my trip to Granada in my travel vlog below!
Pro Tip: If you’ve never really been interested in Spain, but are interested in the culture without the chaos of tourists and you deeply enjoy scenic views – Granada is the perfect place to go. Also, if you’re looking for more underrated cities in Europe, Seville is another city in Spain that is often overlooked.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Truly the epitome of an underrated city in Europe, Edinburgh is adorned on Tik Tok as a city to cozy up in a café with a book on a rainy day – but this city in Scotland has so much more to offer.
Perfectly situated to explore Glasgow and other underrated places in Europe like the Isle of Skye – Edinburgh is an exceptionally unique city in terms of its topography and aura. My dad and I, who have both traveled the world extensively, couldn’t think of another place or potential sister-city to compare it to.
Princess Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland; September 2024
Edinburgh is another family-friendly travel destination with a lot to offer all different kinds of travelers: from pub-hopping on the Royal Mile, relaxing in Princess Gardens, delving deep into history at Edinburgh Castle, or learning about how whiskey is made across the country at the Scotch Whisky Experience.
Check out our trip to Edinburgh in my travel vlog below!
Why Edinburgh is Underrated
Why people skip Edinburgh: It’s more time consuming to get to than big cities like London, as it’s not as easily connected to mainland Europe
Why Edinburgh surprised me: I knew Edinburgh would be pretty, but nothing could prepare me for how special it’s mystical aura is.
Why Edinburgh is better: It’s far more charming than other UK capitals like London, as Edinburgh is truly a unique city.
Best For: Big fans of Harry Potter and gloomy days in cafés.
Read more about Edinburgh here.
Pro Tip: If you love Medieval style cities like Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel in France or the maze-like gardens found in Luxembourg City, you will easily fall under Edinburgh’s magical spell.
5. Stockholm, Sweden
A city I was pleasantly surprised by, Stockholm, is another underrated city in Europe – as it has an adorable Old Town to wander through, a wide variety of shopping opportunities, and a very distinct skyline that doesn’t fit in with the mold of other typical European cities.
View of Stockholm, Sweden; December 2022
Harnessing New Yorker energy in combination with more traditional Scandinavian architecture, Stockholm is worth visiting if you love other big cities like Paris and London.
Watch me discover the uniqueness of Stockholm in my travel vlog below!
Why Stockholm is Underrated
Why people skip Stockholm: Most travelers choose nearby Copenhagen instead.
Why Stockholm surprised me: I didn’t expect the city to feel so international and friendly or to have such a unique skyline.
Why Stockholm is better: I found Stockholm’s food and shopping scene much stronger than other Nordic capitals like Copenhagen or Oslo
Best for: Travelers who love major cities like New York or London but still want a charming old town atmosphere
Read more about Stockholm here.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy other Scandinavian cities like Copenhagen and Oslo, but need something with a little more manicured with a swing in its step – then you won’t be disappointed by Stockholm.
6. Bern, Switzerland
On a first trip to Europe, many people ignore Switzerland as a whole and opt for more popular European cities like London, Rome, Athens, or Paris – and even when they do visit Switzerland, it’s usually only to see the Alps.
While no one loves the Swiss Alps more than I do, Switzerland is also home to quaint and captivating city known as Bern.
View of Bern, Switzerland; October 2021
Bern is an underrated city in Europe as it encapsulates all of the things we tend to love about major European cities like iconic clock towers, cobblestone streets, and charming cafés – but what makes Bern special is the fact that its surrounded by stunning Swiss scenery.
From the magical Rose Gardens to its main shopping streets, Bern is another place that has something for everyone – and its even well positioned to let you easily explore other big Swiss cities like Geneva, Basel, and Zurich.
Watch me explore more of Bern in my travel vlog below!
Why Bern is Underrated
Why people skip Bern: Everyone going to Switzerland is too preoccupied with the Swiss Alps and ends up missing out on other beautiful places in the country like Bern
Why Bern surprised me: I was truly not expecting such beautiful hilly views that exploded with color in the fall or its beyond cute city center
Why Bern is better: Less tourists with very similar scenery found in other touristic places in Switzerland
Best For: Travelers who appreciate quiet cities that don’t skip on the charm and are also surrounded by nature
Pro tip: If you like smaller cities in Germany like Dresden, you’re bound to fall in love with Bern – as it has a very German-feel to it, but it’s situated the middle of stunning mountains – of which are especially alluring in the autumn, making a trip to Bern a perfect underrated destination for traveling Europe in the fall.
7. Munich, Germany
Everyone seems to check Berlin and even Cologne off of their travel list when headed to Germany on a trip to Europe, but I am flabbergasted by just how many people miss Munich when taking a trip across the pond.
View of Marienplatz in Munich, Germany; May 2019
Personally, I find Munich much more charming and walkable than Berlin – as it’s much smaller and has a cuter personality than the infamous German capital. In my opinion, the sights of Berlin are amazing – but the actually rest of the city is soulless and sterile.
Munich on the other hand, is the opposite – while it also has tourist spots and even a castle to visit, the city itself exudes an adorable persona that other big cities in Europe don’t.
Watch me explore Munich in my travel vlog below!
Why Munich is Underrated
Why people skip Munich: It’s closer to countries like Czech Republic and Austria than other more popular Western European countries
Why Munich surprised me: I was extremely surprised with the stunning squares and under-the-radar cafés in Munich
Why Munich is better: 10 times more charming than the country’s capital city
Best For: People who love to slowly wander around cute cities to casually discover what next intriguing thing is around the corner
Pro tip: If you end up being a fan of Munich, another underrated city in Germany is Dresden – which is close to Prague, making it perfect for a Eurorail trip.
8. Dublin, Ireland
Although Ireland is a popular trip to take within Europe, I never hear of many people making it a point to visit Dublin whilst on a bigger trip across Europe.
Yes, it’s true that Dublin isn’t accessible via train the way the majority of other large European cities are – but many people hop on a flight to visit Spain, Portugal, or even Greece while on a bigger trip to Europe, and I think Dublin is just as worthwhile to visit.
Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland; June 2019
Besides the infamous Temple Bar, the city itself is fun to wander around – with amazing local coffee shops, exploring Trinity College, or relaxing in Phoenix Park.
All in all, if you have a soft spot for big cities and small villages alike, Dublin will be sure to satisfy for travel cravings.
Watch me explore Dublin in my travel vlog below!
Why Dublin is Underrated
Why people skip Dublin: It’s not on mainland Europe, requires taking a flight, and not easily included in a railway trip across the continent
Why Dublin surprised me: It has the fun-loving pub-culture found in London with a much more approachable personality
Why Dublin is better: In comparison to other major European cities, it’s less overwhelming, more walkable, and easier to scratch beneath the surface
Best For: People who like sociable cities, lots of green spaces, and great pub food
Pro tip: If you like London, but get overwhelmed by its size or prices – Dublin is perfect, as it’s almost like London’s little sister, but with the charming Irish pub culture and cuisine.
9. Turin, Italy
Milan, Rome, Venice, and Florence often get the most attention for travelers headed to Italy – but Turin is somehow always missed on a tourist’s Italian to do list.
Located west of Milan and closer to cities like Nice or Geneva, Turin is the perfect place to go if you still want spaghetti and gelato – but are craving the taste of a quieter European city.
View of Turin, Italy; October 2023
I went to Turin in the fall, and it was perfect to be able to see the views and sun-burnt colors of the city against the changing foliage – something that won’t be as prominent in Italy’s bigger cities.
Check out my travel vlog to Turin below!
Why Turin is Underrated
Why people skip Turin: It’s out of the way from tourists more “traditional” travel route in Italy
Why Turin surprised me: It has beautiful mountains and a very clean, functional town without skipping on amazing Italian food
Why Turin is better: It’s far less crowded or touristic than cities like Venice and Rome
Best For: Tourists looking for a more authentic glimpse at day-to-day life in Italy
Pro tip: If you like other places in Northern Italy such as the Italian Lakes or Lake Como, Turin will be sure to be a hit on your travel list for underrated cities in Europe.
10. Strasbourg, France
It’s no secret that I love Paris having made the move from the United States, but France has a lot more to offer than just the capital city of lights – but little hidden gems like in Strasbourg.
Nestled between the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is like walking into a Disney princess movie – with to-die-for bakeries, colorful cobblestone streets, and storybook-like scenic spots right before your very eyes.
Le Petit France in Strasbourg; May 2019
Strasbourg is especially popular during Christmas, but personally – I think spring is the perfect time to go, as you’ll be able to enjoy its stunning cathedral and illusory spots like Le Petit France in the peace and quiet before high-tourist season kicks in.
Why Strasbourg is Underrated
Why people skip Strasbourg: It’s not well-known by international tourists visiting France and is often overlooked by places like the French Riviera
Why Strasbourg surprised me: I was truly not expecting to be living like I was in a Disney movie from the minute I set foot in Strasbourg
Why Strasbourg is better: Marvel in fairy-tale like charm with all the delicious bakeries with no tourist traps
Best For: Photography lovers who enjoy riverside picnics and sweet-smelling pastries while wandering the streets
Read more about Strasbourg here.
Pro tip: If you’re a fan of places like Colmar or Annecy, you’ll probably enjoy Strasbourg to the extreme – and you even do it easily as a day trip from Paris.
And there you have it, those are ten of the most underrated cities in Europe – and I’m sure as I continue living on the continent, I’ll discover even more underrated places in Europe to share with you all.
✨ Most Underrated Cities in Europe ✨
| Instead Of | Try | Best For | Budget | Crowds | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prague | Budapest | Big-city lovers who still want affordability | €€ | Moderate | Grand architecture with lively city energy |
| Brussels | Ghent | Travelers who prefer smaller, more approachable cities | €€ | Very low outside summer | Calm canals, cafés, and medieval charm |
| Barcelona | Granada | Travelers who want authentic Spanish culture and history | €€ | Mostly around the Alhambra | Historic Andalusian atmosphere without overwhelming tourism |
| London | Edinburgh | People who love cozy cafés and medieval architecture | €€€ | Mostly concentrated on main streets | Magical, moody, and full of character |
| Copenhagen | Stockholm | Travelers who love stylish, walkable big cities | €€€ | Mostly around Gamla Stan and shopping streets | Clean and sophisticated |
| Interlaken | Bern | Nature lovers who still want a charming city atmosphere | €€€ | Rarely overwhelming | Storybook streets with mountain views nearby |
| Berlin | Munich | Travelers who want a cleaner, prettier German city | €€ | Mostly busy in the city center | Elegant parks, cafés, and charming squares |
| London | Dublin | People who love London but want something less overwhelming | €€€ | Busy but manageable | Friendly pubs and city energy with a relaxed feel |
| Rome | Turin | Travelers wanting a quieter side of Italy with mountain scenery | €€ | Moderate on weekends | Elegant Italian city with Alpine views |
| Paris | Strasbourg | People who love fairytale architecture and French cafés | €€ | Mostly around the cathedral | Disney-like canals and colorful half-timbered houses |
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Last updated: May 18, 2026