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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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Last updated: July 13, 2025