Hidden Gems: 8 Underrated European Cities Waiting to be Discovered

Portugal’s second largest city, perched along the serene Douro river, is steadily gaining popularity as a great alternative to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.  Travelers fall in love with the city’s charming and colorful historic old town, vibrant energy and of course the delicious port wine it is famously known for.  Here you can find beautiful landmarks such as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, Livraria Lello. Spend a day admiring the beautifully manicured São Roque Gardens.  Wander through the historic neighborhoods of Ribeira, Baxa and Bolhao. Here you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the winding cobblestone streets and vibrant colored buildings. Porto is a favorite amongst travelers for a good reason. Discover this amazing city on your next Southern Europe trip.

Often called the “Venice of the North”, this charming town feels like a fairytale come to life.  Cobblestone streets, canals and a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site City Center add to the romance of this medieval city.  Climb the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views while you savor the famous Belgian waffles sold on most street corners.  Chocolate lovers will enjoy a visit to the Chocolate Museum where you can learn of Belgium’s delicious chocolate making past.  Admire the beauty of the city on a boat tour of the canals. End your day by relaxing in a cafe in Grote Markt, the central square surrounded by enchanting architecture.   Its small size makes it perfect to explore as a day trip. Many tour companies offer tours from Brussels or Amsterdam, so be sure to add a stop in Bruges to your next Northern European vacation.

This small but vibrant European country, nestled between Italy, Austria and Croatia, certainly does not get the attention it deserves.   The capital Ljubljana is a picturesque green oasis with impeccable architecture and a vibrant cafe culture.  Explore the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town (Stari Trg). Stroll along the riverbanks as you search for the famous Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most). Admire the impressive Ljubljana Castle or take a boat ride in Tivoli Park.  If you prefer alternative and artistic aesthetics, be sure to check out the Metelkova district, known for colorful street art and great clubs.  The natural beauty found in Slovenia may even persuade you to extend your trip in order to explore more of this beautiful country.

With an impressive old town that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is the true gem of Northern Europe.  Admire the pastel buildings with their stunning red clay tile roofs. Visit the iconic Russian Orthodox Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. Relax in Kadriorg Park and climb Toompea Hill to admire the panoramic views of the city.  The well preserved city walls remind you of the city’s historic past and are the perfect place to walk along.  There are also numerous museums to explore such as the Estonian Maritime Museum, Tallinn Tv Tower or the Estonian Open Air Museum, which is located just outside the city and offers a glimpse into the way of life for rural Estonians throughout history.  This city is easily accessible as a day trip from Helsinki, Finland, so be sure to include this hidden gem on your next Scandinavian adventure.

Located on the Baltic sea, this historic and scenic maritime city is a great budget friendly location. Enjoy the old town with its well preserved Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Visit the stunning interiors of St. Mary’s Church (Bazylika Mariacka) and enjoy a stroll along the bustling Long Market.  History lovers will enjoy visiting the Gdansk Shipyard to learn about the Solidarity Movement, which was instrumental in the downfall of communism in Poland and the Museum of the Second World War.  There are also many amazing day trips to consider such as boat trips to the beaches of Hel Peninsula or the seaside resort town of Sopot.  Often overlooked in favor of other popular cities in Poland, Gdansk offers a rich blend of history, culture and gorgeous scenery that is waiting to be discovered.

This capital city of Latvia is where history and contemporary culture converge.  Wander through the historic medieval streets as you appreciate the cities Art Nouveau, Gothic and Baroque architecture.  The Old Town is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site.   Don’t miss the Riga Central Market, where you can sample the local delicacies or shop for fresh produce and locally made crafts.  Explore the museums the city offers such as the House of the Black Heads and the Latvian National Museum of Art.  Learn more about the city’s history by touring the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and the KGB Building.  After a day of exploring, don’t forget to enjoy a Riga Black Balsam, a traditional herbal liqueur, or enjoy the lively nightlife in the many bars or clubs. 

Riga serves as an excellent base for day trips. Explore the near by Kemeri National Park or the Baltic Sea beaches such as Jurmala.

“In fair Verona, where we lay our scene”.  You may recognize this quote from Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet, set in this beautiful northern Italian town.  Verona is a stunning city and is a short distance from the iconic city of Venice. Here you can visit Juliet’s House, a famous balcony that draws tourists every year.  The Arena di Verona is also one of the best preserved Roman Amphitheaters in the world.  If you visit during the summer months you can even attend an Opera performance in this ancient venue.  Spend your evenings strolling through Piazza dei Signori and Piazza delle Erbe. Of course Italy is known for its culinary treasures, be sure to sample amazing Veronese Cuisine which pairs wonderfully with the local Valpolicella wine.

For more Northern Italian hidden gems, check out our blog post here.

Known for its many UNESCO World Heritage sites, this city doesn’t get the same amount of attention as its well known counterparts of Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.  However, this Andalusian city, with its blend of Islamic and Christian history and architecture is a true beauty to behold.  Arrive in spring to attend the Festival of the Patios, a traditional festival where locals graciously open their private homes to showcase their patios in full bloom.  Architectural aficionados will enjoy a visit to the Mezquita Catedral de Córdoba, the Alcazar and Medina Azahara. These impressive sites showcase the unique blend of Moorish and Christian architecture and offer great examples of Islamic Art.  Experience the region’s beautiful art of Flamenco dance and wander through the beautiful streets near Tendillas Square and Calleja de las Flores. You will be impressed with how much history and culture this region of Spain has to offer.