16 European Cities that Are Often Left Off People’s Lists But Should Be There
Many travelers flock to iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and London when planning a European getaway. However, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. These hidden European cities boast rich histories, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultures that rival their more famous counterparts. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious adventurer, exploring these often-overlooked destinations can offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Let’s delve into some of these underrated cities that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania’s vibrant and evolving capital, offers a combination of historical and contemporary attractions. Visitors can explore its communist-era architecture and the transformed 1988 Tirana Pyramid, now a cultural hub for the youth. The walkable city center features Skanderbeg Square with its inviting benches, perfect for relaxation. Nature is ever-present, with the expansive Grand Park and Mount Dajti nearby. A cable car ride up Mount Dajti provides breathtaking views, followed by a delightful meal at Mullixhiu restaurant. For nightlife, the Blloku neighborhood is the place to be.
1. Bologna, Italy
Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, is renowned for its exceptional food, earning high praise from Italians themselves, who are known for their discerning tastes. Despite being often overlooked by international tourists, Bologna serves as a perfect base for exploring the Emilia-Romagna region. The city has the impressive Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Pietro, and the Fountain of Neptune. Additionally, it features the striking Garisenda Tower, which is even more dramatic than Pisa’s famous leaning tower.
3. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg, often overlooked by travelers, is a northern German city rich in waterways despite being 100k/62m from the coast. The Elbe River, Alster Lake, and numerous canals ensure water is always nearby, and the city even boasts more bridges than Venice. Visitors can explore the historic Speicherstadt, a UNESCO Site with brick buildings along charming canals, and the adjacent Kontorhaus district. The Landungsbrücken harbor area and Hafencity, Europe’s largest urban regeneration project, are also must-sees. Hafencity’s highlight is the Elbphilharmonie, a striking concert hall with a sparkling glass facade atop an old brick warehouse.
4. Ohrid, North Macedonia
The Balkans are known for stunning seaside spots, but their lakes are equally impressive. Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, straddles North Macedonia and Albania. The city of Ohrid on the North Macedonian shore offers sweetwater swimming and sunbathing, rich biodiversity, and Byzantine religious history. Spend a relaxing morning at Potpesh or Kaneo Beach, then explore the charming cobbled streets and boardwalk of the UNESCO-protected town. Visit the cliffside Church of St. John at Kaneo, Tsar Samuel’s Fortress, and the Ancient Macedonian Theatre. Enjoy hearty local cuisine at Viva Ksantika or waterfront dining at Kaj Kanevche, and consider a boat trip to the Monastery of Saint Naum.
5. Opatija, Croatia
Often overlooked for Dubrovnik or Split, Opatija is actually the birthplace of Croatian tourism. Known as “Vienna by the sea” for its Belle Époque architecture, the Opatija Riviera spans 30k/17m between Mount Ucka and the Kvarner Gulf. Once a favored health retreat for the Austro-Hungarian elite, Opatija continues to draw visitors to its spas for treatments. The city offers grand cafes, lush gardens, tidy beaches, fine hotels, and excellent restaurants. Its location at the eastern corner of the Istrian Peninsula makes it a perfect base for exploring Istria’s truffle forests, Risnjak National Park, and the Island of Krk.
6. Santander, Spain
Often overshadowed by Spain’s sunny south and coastal cities like Barcelona, the north of Spain offers plenty to explore. Santander, the capital of Cantabria, sits on the northern coast with impressive cliffs and landscapes overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The city’s southern side is nestled in the Bay of Santander. Though more relaxed, summer temperatures can reach the mid-20s, and sunbathing is possible as early as April and May. For a peaceful visit, late spring is ideal to avoid peak-season crowds. Popular among Spaniards, Santander offers beautiful beaches and numerous attractions, even if sunbathing isn’t possible.
7. Bordeaux, France
Though often overshadowed by Paris, Nice, and Toulouse, Bordeaux is one of France’s most significant cities with much to offer, especially for wine enthusiasts. Bordeaux’s historic charm has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Key attractions include the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum with a panoramic bar for wine tasting. The Place de la Bourse’s water mirror provides stunning reflections, while the city’s beautiful architecture is showcased in landmarks like the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, Cailhau Gate, and Bordeaux Cathedral. La Grande Roue des Quinconces, a large outdoor area, hosts markets and funfairs, making Bordeaux ideal for a city break.
8. Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, has gained popularity for its historic charm and vibrant attractions. The walkable old town features the Sao Bento train station, adorned with blue and white azulejos, the Cathedral, Clerigos Tower, and six distinct bridges spanning the river. The UNESCO-listed Ribeira neighborhood, located on the riverbank, is lined with small bars and restaurants and comes alive with music in the summer. Porto is also renowned as the world capital of port wine, with major port houses maintaining their cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River, despite the wine being grown in the Douro Valley.
9. Koper, Slovenia
Koper, a captivating jewel in Istria, seamlessly merges Venetian heritage, breathtaking coastlines, and exquisite cuisine. The maze-like streets of its Old Town reveal the rich legacy of this historic Venetian port, dotted with churches and picturesque squares. The Praetorian Palace, an exquisite example of Venetian Gothic architecture, now houses the city’s tourist office and art exhibitions. Koper, a pivotal port near Trieste, serves as an entryway to Central and Eastern Europe. It’s a perfect starting point for exploring the peninsula’s treasures, including lush vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hilltop villages. Be sure to visit the charming homestead Nona Mima.
10. Rotterdam, Netherlands
A perfect day trip from Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a city brimming with art and culture. While Amsterdam offers numerous museums and attractions, many visitors miss out on the broader experiences the Netherlands has to offer by not venturing beyond the capital. Rotterdam stands out with its vivid hues and cutting-edge design. The city’s iconic cube houses, angled at 45 degrees, are among the most unique architectural structures. Visitors can tour a show home, though most are private residences. Other notable landmarks include the Witte Huis, the diverse Markthal, and the Euromast tower, each with its intriguing history and design, making Rotterdam an enthralling destination.
11. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi’s architectural landscape is proof of its diverse history, featuring traditional Georgian structures, Art Nouveau buildings along Rustaveli Avenue, and imposing Soviet-era monuments. The city offers experiences such as enjoying sulfur baths, which have been a staple since the city’s founding, ziplining in the lush Botanical Gardens, and sipping Georgian wine made with 7,000-year-old techniques. Tbilisi is also known for its nightlife, with numerous wine bars, speakeasies, and underground electronic music clubs. The city’s location, surrounded by mountains, provides stunning panoramic views and countless hiking opportunities.
12. Cordoba, Spain
Cordoba boasts the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe, including the stunning Mosque-Cathedral, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture later transformed into a Catholic cathedral. The city’s historic center is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and flower-filled patios, especially during the annual Festival of the Patios. Cordoba also features the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval fortress, and the Roman Bridge, which dates back to the 1st century BC. The city’s Andalusian cuisine, featuring dishes like salmorejo and flamenquín, is a delight for food lovers.
13. Kaunas, Lithuania
Situated at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, Kaunas is renowned for its medieval architecture, including the 14th-century Kaunas Castle and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. The city also has museums such as the Devils’ Museum, which is dedicated to devil-themed art, and the Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy. Kaunas is famous for its street art, with murals adorning many buildings, and its interwar modernist architecture, which UNESCO recognizes. The city is also a haven for foodies and basketball fans, offering local delicacies and a great sports culture.
14. Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne, often overshadowed by Zurich and Geneva, is a picturesque city nestled between Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. The city is famed for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe, and the Water Tower. Lucerne’s Old Town is a charming area of cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and historical landmarks such as the Musegg Wall and its nine towers. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike up Mount Pilatus or take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to its summit for breathtaking views.
15. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for “The Sound of Music,” is a city steeped in history and culture. Its baroque architecture, epitomized by the Salzburg Cathedral and Mirabell Palace, has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The city’s musical heritage is celebrated at the Mozarteum and during the annual Salzburg Festival, which attracts performers and audiences from around the world. Visitors can explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, and enjoy panoramic views from the Untersberg mountain. Salzburg’s old town, with its narrow streets, bustling markets, and cozy cafes, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past and exciting present.
16. Malmö, Sweden
Known for its innovative architecture, the city’s skyline is dominated by the Turning Torso, a twisted skyscraper and the tallest building in Scandinavia. Malmö’s old town, Gamla Väster, is a picturesque area of cobbled streets, colorful houses, and historic buildings. The city is also a culinary hotspot, with numerous restaurants serving everything from traditional Swedish dishes to international cuisine. Malmö’s diverse cultural scene includes the Moderna Museet Malmö, a contemporary art museum, and the Malmö Opera. The city’s parks, beaches, and proximity to Copenhagen, just a short train ride across the Øresund Bridge, make it an ideal destination for travelers.
Many Great Cities to See in Europe
Don’t just stick to the well-trodden paths of Paris, Rome, and London. Europe is full of hidden gems like Tbilisi, Cordoba, Kaunas, Lucerne, Salzburg, and Malmö, and they must be on your bucket list. Exploring these underrated cities can turn your European getaway into an unforgettable adventure, showing the continent’s diverse and lesser-known treasures.
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