The 10 most underrated European cities
While major European cities such as lively London, romantic Paris, and historical Rome offer unforgettable traveling experiences for visitors, there are plenty of underrated European cities that are too often overlooked by travelers. While they may be smaller and less well known, they offer experiences that are unique, authentic, and just as fascinating as major hotspots—without the large crowds of major capitals. Here’s our list of the ten most underrated European cities that you’ll love exploring.
Bergamo, Italy
The Upper Town of Bergamo, including the Cittadella, Bergamo Cathedral, and views of Lombardy.
Located close to Milan is the magnificent medieval city of Bergamo, an underrated city in Italy where history, culture, and beautiful views come together. This ancient city perched in the foothills of the Italian Alps is split into two parts: the old Upper Town and the new Lower Town—meaning visitors can take in two unique experiences in one city. In the Upper Town above, you can find cobblestone winding paths lined with historical buildings, ornate churches, and cozy cafes, while the Lower Town offers beautiful parks and shopping opportunities. The city is surrounded by Venetian Walls that are a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll around the walls and enjoy the scenic views of the city: you can even see as far as Milan on a clear day!
Lille, France
Charming Lille.
The charming city of Lille is tucked away in Northern France between Paris and Brussels and so offers a unique fusion of French and Belgian culture to be discovered by travelers. Beautifully restored Renaissance and medieval architecture can be found on every corner of the city center’s cobblestone streets, and inside them churches, art galleries, museums, and traditional brasseries offering eclectic French and Belgian cuisines have taken up residency. Climb 104 steps to the belfry of Lille’s Town Hall—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest municipal building in France—for panoramic views of Lille’s glorious historical architecture from above.
Kotor, Montenegro
Aerial view of Kotor’s old town.
Travel to the spectacular fjord-like Bay of Kotor and you will find nestled at its shores the small waterfront city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dubbed ‘little Dubrovnik’ for its similarities to the Croatian city to the northwest, Kotor offers a more relaxed experience than its busy neighbor. Stroll through the preserved medieval old town to admire the Venetian-style architecture, a result of Kotor having been part of the Republic of Venice in the past. Or use Kotor as your base for side trips to the islets and villages ringing the rest of the Bay, such as the tiny but postcard-perfect Perast. Travelers who enjoy physical activity will be well served by the quality swimming available at the tranquil Kotor Beach or hikes up to the San Giovanni Fortress for spectacular views from above at the medieval castle.
Innsbruck, Austria
The Alpine Nordkette towers over the cozy heart of Innsbruck.
Encircled by the snowy Austrian Alps and dozens of ski resorts is the small yet charming city of Innsbruck. Between a historical city center to explore and abundant natural beauty in the surrounding mountains, Innsbruck offers a unique experience for travelers. Wander around the beautifully preserved old town to admire Innsbruck’s most famous landmark, the Golden Roof, which was constructed in 1500 and features 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that are a sight to behold. Take a seat at one of the cafes and restaurants in the old town for a taste of traditional Austrian cuisine amongst the magnificent views of the well-preserved buildings. For spectacular views of nature, take a cable car from Innsbruck city center up the Nordkette.
Zadar, Croatia
People’s Square in Zadar.
While not as well known as its neighboring cities of Dubrovnik and Split, Zadar offers travelers a perfect fusion of ancient heritage alongside a lively art and cultural scene set on the spectacular Dalmatian coast. History enthusiasts will love Zadar’s Roman Forum and an open-air museum where you can get up close to the ruins from the city’s Antique past. However, Zadar is most famous for its contemporary art installations by local architect Nikola Bašić. One is the Sea Organ, a marble stairway by the sea which plays calming music, created by sea waves moving through underwater pipes. The other fascinating installation is the Greeting to the Sun where solar-powered titles light up to create a colorful show, best admired in the evening against the backdrop of a scenic seaside sunset.
Brno, Czech Republic
Parnas Fountain in Brno.
Situated between the two popular cities of Prague and Vienna is the underrated city of Brno, a quirky and lively university city full of history, culture, and modernist architecture. Though the city center is relatively small, it offers amenities that compete with cities many times its size: public art and sculptures, a bustling market offering fresh veggies and other local goods, and of course the cathedrals and monasteries that make the Czech Republic stand out on the international scene. Fans of older architecture will appreciate Europe’s second-largest ossuary under the Church of St. James and the medieval Spilberk Castle, situated on a hill that offers spectacular views of the city. Lovers of Modernism, meanwhile, won’t want to miss a visit to the stylish Villa Tugendhat, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site that pioneered architectural styles and methods. And since Brno is located in the Czech Republic’s wine-producing region of South Moravia, no visit to this underappreciated gem is complete without sampling the locally produced wines at one of the many local bars, restaurants, or wineries.
Ghent, Belgium
The Graslei, Ghent’s picturesque and historic center, line the banks of the Leie.
From its charming Amsterdam-esque canals lined with quaint canal houses to its historical buildings, museums, and art galleries in its car-free center, Ghent offers travelers a more relaxing but just as fascinating experience as its neighboring cities of Brussels and Bruges. Ghent’s major landmark is the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle: not only is it one of the oldest castles in Europe it’s also located, somewhat unexpectedly, right in the heart of the city center. Another must-see sight is the Ghent Belfry, which is the tallest belfry in Belgium and, like Lille’s, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark offering scenic views of the charming city from above.
Coimbra, Portugal
Part of Coimbra’s ancient old town.
Halfway between Lisbon and Porto is the charming student city of Coimbra, perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Mondego River. It is famous for the majestic University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe established in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take your time exploring the stunning university buildings, especially the magnificent library that astoundingly holds 200,000 books! While Coimbra is historical, it also has a lively and authentic atmosphere thanks to its large student population. Take a stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town and be seated at one of the many quaint cafes where you can enjoy a pastel de nata alongside the melodic sounds of live traditional Portuguese Fado music.
Gdansk, Poland
Neptune's Fountain in Gdansk, one of the most distinctive landmarks of the city.
In the beautiful yet underappreciated port city of Gdansk, pretty pastel buildings sit alongside majestic medieval architecture, fascinating museums that are some of the best in Poland, and a relaxing waterfront offering scenic walks and dining experiences with a view. The city has a unique feel about it thanks to the Dutch architects who influenced its design in the 15th and 16th centuries. Instead of a traditional European square in Gdansk’s old town, you’ll find the unique Long Market, a long street where you can admire the charming facades of the colorful Dutch Renaissance-style buildings that line the street. At its center is the elegant Neptune Fountain, an acknowledgment of Gdansk’s connection with the sea.
Ronda, Spain
The Puento Nuevo connects both parts of Ronda, built atop dramatic cliffs.
Ronda is a small hilltop town situated between Seville and Granada that is full of charm and history. The city’s main attraction is Puento Nuevo, an awe-inspiring stone bridge connecting the old and new parts of the city. This bridge is not for the faint of heart: it spans a 66-foot (120-meter) gorge, though the dramatic view is unlike any other. In fact, Ronda boasts one but three magnificent bridges to discover and be inspired by. Stroll around the old town to admire the beautiful famed white buildings alongside hidden cafes and bars serving traditional tapas dishes, historical stone churches, and fragrant orange trees that line its winding cobblestone streets. The city is so breathtaking that it has inspired many famous writers and artists throughout history such as Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles.
These are just a few of the many underrated European cities that you could choose to visit on your next trip, made easy when you travel city to city by private car trip with Daytrip. Search, discover and book your next trip with us here.
Which underrated city in Europe do you think is most deserves more love? Let us know in the comments below!
