Travellers can now ditch the cliched, crowded locations and look for underrated cities in Europe for newer experiences. Moreover, besides the most popular destinations such as Rome and Paris, travellers can immerse themselves in plenty of lesser-known European cities. Explore the most underrated cities of Europe to make your vacation unlike any other.
Zadar is one of the best lesser-known cities in Europe, located on the northern Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The city boasts a magnificent display of Roman and Venetian ruins and is famously known as Croatia's oldest continuously inhabited city. Travellers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stato de Terra, which comprises six bastion forts built by the Republic of Venice on its mainland domains and its Domains of the Sea. The Sea Organ, another renowned attraction, produces pleasant symphonies out of the rolling waves. Adventure enthusiasts can hike around the Plitvice Lakes, while history lovers can immerse themselves in the antiquity of People's Square. The Church of St. Donatus is another must-visit site in this lesser-known European city. Additionally, there are many other things to explore, such as museums, national parks, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, and the city market.
Nearby Places to Visit: Zadar's strategic location in Northern Dalmatia makes it a fantastic base for exploring a diverse range of attractions. This includes Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, Dugi Otok (Long Island), Ugljan and Pašman, and Zrmanja River Canyon to name a few.
How To Reach: Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to the Zadar Airport.
Best Time To Visit: June to August is the peak tourist season with the warmest weather, averaging around 25 degrees Celsius. The sea is ideal for swimming, reaching an average of 23 degrees Celsius.
Slovenia is home to another significant lesser-known European city called Koper, a port city on the Adriatic coastline. The main attraction of Koper is the Titov Trg, a Venetian-style town square that boasts landmarks like the Praetorian Palace and the Da Ponte Foundation, a replica of Venice's famed Rialto Bridge. Visitors can wander around the Koper Cathedral and Bell Tower and marvel at the mediaeval wonders. The Vinakoper wine boutique is also a must-visit place for an extraordinary wine-tasting experience. The Koper Regional Museum and the Tourist Information Centre are two other places worth checking out when visiting the town. Travellers can also stroll by the Dragonja River or visit the Casa Veneziana in this lesser-known European city. Simply walking around the city's mediaeval centre is an experience rejuvenating enough.
Nearby Places to Visit: Koper's location on the Adriatic coast of Slovenia provides easy access to a variety of charming towns, natural wonders, and cultural attractions. This includes the picturesque coastal towns of Piran and Portorož, the stunning Škocjan Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the charming Karst region known for its vineyards and caves, and even Trieste in nearby Italy, to name a few.
How To Reach: Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to a major European airport like Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Italy or Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) in Slovenia. From Venice, Koper is approximately a 1.5 to two-hour drive or accessible by train and bus. From Ljubljana, it's roughly a 1 to 1.5-hour drive or accessible by bus.
Best Time To Visit: June to August offers the warmest weather, ideal for enjoying the Adriatic coast and outdoor activities, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The sea is pleasant for swimming during these months.
Trieste is a beautiful city in northeast Italy, often overlooked by travellers. The city has a rich history as a major port, and it remains one of the largest and busiest in Italy, contributing to the city's economic and cultural growth. Trieste is popular as the coffee capital of Italy and has a thriving coffee culture, including its famous espresso, which is a part of the city's identity. The city boasts a blend of architectural styles, including neoclassical, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. It features several significant landmarks, such as Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of Europe's largest seaside squares, and Miramare Castle, a 19th-century castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea. An interesting fact about Trieste is that the famous writer James Joyce lived here while writing "Ulysses," and a museum is dedicated to his life and work. Travellers must visit the Historical Museum of the Miramare Castle, based in the 19th-century castle on the Gulf of Trieste. Kleine Berlin, Museo Revoltella, Beach Barcola, and Golfo di Trieste are other notable sites that travellers should not miss.
Nearby Places to Visit: Trieste's strategic position in northeastern Italy, bordering Slovenia, makes it a great base for exploring diverse attractions. This includes the charming coastal towns of Slovenia like Koper and Piran, the impressive Škocjan Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in Slovenia, the historic city of Udine in Italy, the beautiful Miramare Castle just outside Trieste, and the scenic Karst region with its caves and wineries, to name a few.
How To Reach: Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to a major European airport like Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Italy. From Venice, Trieste is approximately a 1.5 to two-hour drive or accessible by train.
Best Time To Visit: June to August offers the warmest weather, perfect for exploring the city and the surrounding coastal areas, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The summer months also feature various outdoor events and festivals.
Nafplion served as the first capital of modern Greece after the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century. The city centre boasts a majestic blend of neoclassical, Ottoman and Venetian architectural styles that reflect its diverse past. Travellers can explore many picturesque spots scattered throughout the city, such as the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the town, or the Bourtzi Fortress, located on an islet in the harbour of Nafplion. You can also wander down the charming narrow streets, admire elegant Venetian buildings, and visit the many shops, cafes and restaurants. The ruins of Tiryns and Mycenae, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are also nearby and worth visiting. Remember to savour traditional Greek cuisine at local tavernas and restaurants, especially the seafood dishes, which are particularly famous in this lesser-known European city.
Nearby Places to Visit: Nafplion's location in the Peloponnese region of Greece makes it an excellent base for exploring significant historical sites and beautiful landscapes. This includes the ancient city of Mycenae (home of Agamemnon), the well-preserved ancient theater of Epidaurus (known for its acoustics), the charming island of Spetses (accessible by ferry), the coastal town of Tolo with its beaches, and the stunning Lion Gate at Mycenae, to name a few.
How To Reach: Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to Athens International Airport (ATH) in Greece. From Athens, Nafplion is approximately a 1.5 to two-hour drive or accessible by bus.
Best Time To Visit: June to August offers the hottest and sunniest weather, ideal for exploring the archaeological sites and enjoying the beaches, with average temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer pleasant warm weather with fewer crowds, making them also excellent times to visit for a more comfortable experience.
Bilbao, a picturesque port city surrounded by mountains in northern Spain, is best known for its stunning Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum houses a rich collection of modern and contemporary art. Other museums worth visiting in the city include the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Euskal Museoa Bilbao Basque Museum. The city's historic heart, Casco Viejo, is a charming spot filled with narrow lanes, delightful squares, and impressive buildings. It's an ideal place to explore and shop for souvenirs, local cuisines, and other goods. The city's cuisine is another attraction, featuring pintxos (small, savoury snacks), seafood, and a wide variety of dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Bilbao is also home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a food lover's paradise. Other notable attractions in the city include the Basilica of Begona, the Palacio de la Diputacion, the Azkuna Zentroa, the Plaza Nueva, and the opera house Teatro Arriaga Antzokia.
Nearby Places to Visit: Bilbao's location in the Basque Country of northern Spain provides access to a rich cultural and natural heritage. This includes the stunning Guggenheim Museum Bilbao itself, the charming coastal towns of San Sebastián (Donostia) known for its beaches and culinary scene, the historic city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (the capital of the Basque Country), the picturesque Basque coastline with its dramatic cliffs and fishing villages, and the famous Puente Colgante Vizcaya (a UNESCO World Heritage transporter bridge), to name a few.
How To Reach: Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to a major European airport like Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) or Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) in Spain. From Madrid, Bilbao is approximately a 3.5 to four-hour drive or accessible by high-speed train (AVE). From Barcelona, it's roughly a 5.5 to six-hour drive or accessible by train or bus. Flying directly to Bilbao Airport (BIO) with a layover in a major European hub is also an option.
Best Time To Visit: June to September offers the warmest and driest weather, ideal for exploring the city and the surrounding coastal areas, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. July and August are the warmest months. The shoulder seasons of April-May and October can also be pleasant with fewer crowds, although there might be a higher chance of occasional rain.
Stavanger, a lesser-known city in the southwestern region of Norway, has a rich history dating back to the 12th-century. The city is famous for the Stavanger Cathedral, located in the centre. Visitors can explore the Stavanger Museum, which showcases the city's history and displays preserved wildlife. Stavanger is also globally recognised as the "Oil Capital of Norway" due to its offshore oil drilling. When visiting the city, tourists should not miss Gamle Stavanger, also known as "Old Stavanger." It is a charming district featuring well-preserved white-painted wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can also check out the iconic Swords in Rock monument, symbolising peace, unity, and freedom. Other notable attractions in this underrated European city include Flor og Fjaere, Lysefjord, Ovre Holmegate, and numerous museums.
Nearby Places to Visit: Stavanger's location on the southwestern coast of Norway offers access to breathtaking natural landscapes and charming coastal towns. This includes the iconic Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) with its stunning fjord views, the dramatic Lysefjord accessible by boat, the charming and colorful Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger) with its wooden houses, the sandy beaches of Jæren, and the scenic drive along the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren, to name a few.
How To Reach: Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to a major European airport like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in the Netherlands or Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark, followed by a connecting flight to Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG).
Best Time To Visit: June to August offers the mildest temperatures, with average highs ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, and the longest daylight hours, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the natural attractions. However, be prepared for potential rain even in summer.
Bruges is a charming city in Europe and is home to remarkable, well-preserved mediaeval architecture, complete with cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and old buildings that look straight out of the 18th century. The heart of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is often referred to as a "fairytale city." To get the best of Bruges, you must visit the historic market square, the Grote Markt, where you can feast your eyes on the beautiful surroundings. While you're there, make sure to climb the mediaeval bell tower, Belfry of Bruges, to get a panoramic view of the city from the top. Climbing the tower's narrow staircase is a popular activity for tourists. The city is also renowned for its chocolates and beer, and it has several art museums dotted around. For movie enthusiasts, Bruges has been the pivotal backdrop for the 2008 film "In Bruges," and you can go exploring the locations from the movie.
Nearby Places to Visit: Bruges' central location in Belgium makes it a convenient base for exploring other charming Belgian cities and historical sites. This includes the vibrant capital city of Brussels (home to the Grand Place and Atomium), the historic city of Ghent with its impressive medieval architecture, the World War I battlefields and memorials around Ypres (Ieper), the diamond capital of Antwerp, and the coastal towns along the North Sea, to name a few.
How To Reach: Take a flight from any metropolitan in India to Brussels Airport (BRU) in Belgium. From Brussels, Bruges is approximately a one to 1.5-hour train ride, which is a convenient and scenic way to travel.
Best Time To Visit: June to August offers the warmest temperatures, with average highs ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it pleasant for walking around the picturesque canals and enjoying outdoor cafes. However, this is also the peak tourist season.
This story was first published on October 3, 2023; and it has since been updated.
