By Liam For Americans, Europe is the most visited continent outside of North America. With solid Summer flight deals from major US cities, it’s no wonder that Europe is so popular. Rome, Paris, London and Berlin are obviously iconic. However, there are so many other underrated European cities to check out.
Major European tourist destinations are swamped with tourists during the Summer. So, they’re not always pleasant to visit. That said, here are 15 underrated European cities to visit without as many crowds.
Underrated European Cities: 1. Brno, Czech Republic
Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic but not on most tourists’ radars. I would certainly recommend tacking on Brno, and the smaller Olomouc, to a Prague trip. Brno’s Old Town is charming and very walkable. From the tower at Old Town Hall, you can see panoramic views of the city.
Also consider visiting the famous Villa Tugendhat by Mies van der Rohe. A trip to Brno isn’t complete without heading to the Spilberk Castle.
Underrated European Cities: 2. Graz, Austria
Overshadowed by other Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg, Graz is a pleasant city. Graz, the capital of Styria, has a strong cafe culture. It also has a fraction of the crowds you’ll find in Vienna. Graz’s main square, or Hauptplatz, is very photogenic. Meanwhile, the Schlossberg Castle is another can’t miss sight.
Stadtpark and the Hilmteich Lake are two pleasant places to spend a Summer afternoon. Further outside of the city center, the ornate Eggenberg Palace is well preserved and worth the trip.
Underrated European Cities: 3. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia. It is just two hours and 15 minutes away from another European capital, Helsinki, by ferry. One of the most underrated European cities, Tallinn has one of the best-preserved old towns in all of Europe.
In Old Town, don’t miss the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Viru Gate and Patkuli viewing platform. The Kalamaja wooden house district, outside of Old Town, is worth a stop too. Kadriorg Park is beautiful and has a palace that was converted into an art museum.
4. Dresden, Germany
Dresden is like a phoenix that has risen from the ashes. The city was heavily bombed during World War II and almost completely destroyed. Now, the most important historical buildings have been restored. You’ll find them on the south side of the Elbe River.
The city’s main church, the Frauenkirche is right on the town square. You can also see it from the elevated Bruhlsche Terrace. Then, walk through the Stallhof, Dresden’s 16th century courtyard. Also make sure to check out the Zwinger, a famous building with gardens.
Outside of the city center, the Grand Garden of Dresden makes for a great picnic spot. Meanwhile, the modern part of the city north of the Elbe has youthful energy and good restaurants.
5. Szeged, Hungary
Szeged is the third largest city in Hungary and an elegant one at that. Due to its location in Southern Hungary, near the Serbian border, it is often called the City of Sunshine. Szeged is a university city with lots of pretty green spaces. Some of its most popular parks are Szechenyi Square, Erzsebet Liget and the Varkert.
The architecture in Szeged is notable. Some of my favorite buildings are the National Theater, Votive Church, New Synagogue and City Hall. Hungarian food is also underrated and Regi Hid Vendeglo is among the city’s best restaurants.
6. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, in Northeastern France, is right on the German border. This Alsatian city blends French and German architecture and culture. Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, is a perfect example of this.
The gothic Strasbourg Cathedral is a must-visit, along with the romantic La Petite France district. Strasbourg’s covered bridges and Barrage Vauban are also nice places to check out. From Strasbourg, you can easily head to Freiburg, Germany and/or Basel, Switzerland.
7. Subotica, Serbia
Subotica is a wonderfully weird city in the heart of Serbia’s Vojvodina region. It is often considered the most beautiful city in Serbia. Plus, it’s only 45 minutes away from Szeged.
Subotica has beautiful art nouveau buildings and blends Serbian and Hungarian culture. Three of Subotica’s most iconic art nouveau buildings are the Raichle Palace, City Hall, and Subotica Synagogue. The synagogue is one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve seen in all of Europe. Meanwhile, the Buvljak flea market is one of the largest in Serbia and worth the 30 minute walk from the city center.
8. Thessaloniki, Greece
Tourists flock to Athens and the islands but the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki isn’t as popular. That makes it a hidden gem and the port city’s waterfront is great to take a stroll along. Another popular attraction near the waterfront is the bustling Aristotle Square.
To make the most of your time in Thessaloniki also consider heading to the Archaeological Museum. There, you’ll find plenty of ancient Greek artifacts. Also visit the Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, White Tower and Roman Forum during your trip.
9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv, the “City of Seven Hills”, is one of Europe’s oldest cities. This central Bulgarian city has over 200 archaeological sites. Of which, the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is the most famous. The Roman Amphitheater, Hisar Kapia Gate and Ethnographic Museum are other iconic attractions. Plovdiv is also home to Bulgaria’s first arts district, Kapana.
The Old Town district also has plenty of Bulgarian revival style houses. With archaeological marvels and traditional architecture, Plovdiv is a good place to take a stroll. For good views of the city, take a short hike up to one of the seven hills, Sahat Tepe.
10. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dubrovnik, Croatia has exploded in popularity over the past decade. There are even direct flights from Newark on United Airlines during the Summer. After going to Dubrovnik, it’s worth heading two hours and 30 minutes north to Mostar, in Bosnia.
Mostar’s Old Bridge is the most famous landmark in all of Bosnia. The Old Town is also compact, walkable and incredibly charming. Once you’ve spent a couple of days in Mostar, there are some nice day trips. I’d highly recommend Blagaj and Pocitelj.
11. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian, in the heart of Spain’s Basque country, is one of the most underrated European cities. It is known for its excellent food scene and has 12 Michelin Star restaurants. San Sebastian’s “pintxos”, Basque tapas commonly served on skewers or bread, are quite famous.
Borda Berri and La Cuchara de San Telmo are two of the most famous pintxo spots in the city. La Concha Beach is massive and famous for its seashell shape. Meanwhile, Zurriola Beach is less crowded and a good place to surf.
12. Ohrid, North Macedonia
Ohrid is the crown jewel of North Macedonia. Its location, on Lake Ohrid, is stunning and there are plenty of great views in the city. Consider taking a boat ride from Ohrid to Sveti Naum Monastery to see more of the lake. Also, Ohrid’s Old Town is filled with beautiful churches.
The Church of Saints Clement of Ohrid and Panteleimon, Church of Saint John the Theologian at Kaneo and Church of Hagia Sophia are among the most iconic. There’s an incredible view of the lake from Saint John, which is pictured above. Then, visit Samuel’s Fortress and the Ancient Macedonian Theater of Ohrid. If you’re feeling like relaxing on the beach, Beach Labino is one of the prettiest in town.
13. Krakow, Poland
Krakow has become Poland’s top tourist city. However, it is still one of the most underrated European cities. Krakow, in southern Poland, has a beautiful city center. A ring of gardens and walkways surround the city center.
Krakow’s medieval town square is picturesque and the town square market hall is definitely worth a visit. Other iconic places in Krakow are St Mary’s Basilica and the Wawel Royal Castle. For views of the city, also consider heading up to Kosciuszko Mound.
Underrated European Cities: 14. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a Eastern European capital city with lots to do. It has a UNESCO listed Old Town, a hilltop castle and its own independent republic. The Republic of Uzupis has its own constitution and currency and originally started as an April Fools’ joke. While now gentrified, it used to be a Bohemian haven.
There are also some beautiful churches in Vilnius, including the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and St. Anne’s Church. Other nice places to visit in Vilnius include the Bernardine Garden, Vilnius University Courtyards and the Gates at Dawn. Also consider taking a day trip to Trakai Island Castle on Lake Galve.
Underrated European Cities: 15. Genoa, Italy
Genoa made our list of Italy’s most underrated places a few years ago and it is also one of the most underrated European cities. It has a distinctive cuisine and seafood features heavily due to its location on the Ligurian sea. Pesto and focaccia are other typical foods from the region.
Genoa manages to be both gritty and elegant and it’s always brimming with energy. The narrow alleyways in the city center provide a passage back in time. Meanwhile, the elegant Via Garibaldi is UNESCO-recognized. Cavour Modo21 serves delicious Ligurian food and it is one of my favorite restaurants in Italy.