While Plovdiv enjoyed attention during its stint as the European Capital of Culture 2019, it’s fair to say it didn’t rocket onto every must-see list. This left Plovdiv still one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
Lastly, there is the Festival of the Patios, a spring event which sees families open their private courtyards. These flower-filled gardens are a heritage of the city, proudly shared by their owners. Throw in the perfect spring and autumn sunny days (skip the height of summer, it’s unrelenting), the delicious salmorejo (a cold soup) and the fiery passion that’s present across Andalusia, and you’re already falling in love with this underrated European city, even if it’s not quite a Spain hidden gem.
Mantua, Italy
While Lisbon and Porto have shot to the top of many travellers’ bucket lists, this sleepy regional city has remained one of the more underrated cities in Europe. Thankfully, without many must-visit attractions and a slower way of life, it’s likely to remain undisturbed.
There are even luxury wine hotels and lodges (L’AND Alentejo is regarded as one of the finest) a short drive from Évora. Spend a long weekend in the Alentejo, and you’ll fall under its spell, being returned home a more relaxed, refreshed, and wine-filled you.
While this is, in some instances, relatively recent history, I’m still often asked if it’s safe to travel to Sarajevo. Nowadays, with its candidate membership for the EU firmly on the table in 2023 and religious divides mellowing, if not disappearing, I find it as safe a place as any and one of the most rewarding underrated cities in Europe to visit. Mantua also holds a plethora of other jewels within her limits. There are three artificial lakes, spectacular during a sunset cruise over the lilies. The Te Palace is an opulent grand hall affair. Of course, you have the cuisine, influenced both by Lombardy’s risottos and Emilia Romagna’s best dishes. With easy train connections from Verona, Venice and Milan, it makes for a good side trip from one of the showstoppers. Though, this underrated destination is deserving of much more than a one-day visit.
Canal wanderings, museum visits, medieval architecture and an art-gallery metro For this reason, I’d say it’s still one of the more underrated European cities, especially given how much there is on offer. Winter, of course, usually brings a blanket of snow and cosy-fireplace vibes, but for me, when the sun is shining, Stockholm shines brightest.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Mantua (also known as Mantova) is one of those spots. In the south of Lombardy, close to the Emilia-Romagna regional border, this city of some 50,000 wears its historical importance with understated pride. Why this remains one of the most underrated cities in Europe, I’ll never know; it tick all those essential Italian boxes.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of my favourite hidden gems in Europe and one of the most underrated European countries. And, while it may seem strange to describe a whole nation that way, it does remain one of the least visited destinations on the continent. 
While Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, you’ll be surprised with how many museums it lauds, though here I’ll mention just a few. The National Museum of History and Art stands out for its collection of Luxembourgish paintings, some of which could be rivals to the Flemish. Casino Luxembourg is an excellent spot for viewing contemporary art. Then, of course, there is The Bank Museum – I mean, would you expect anything less?
Cordoba, Spain
Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Roman ruins, and quirky street art
Baroque and Rococo architecture, riverfront strolls, and creative gastronomy
Alpine city break, frescoed facades, a medieval castle and sparkling wine
Often overshadowed as an England weekend getaway by the likes of London, Manchester is actually an excellent alternative. You’ll never see all of London in a few days, but Manchester is more compact. With its well-connected airport, trams and free city centre buses, it makes a viable standalone city break in England.
I’d highly recommend spending a few days here to take it all in. A visit to the Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide Museum alone will need time before to visit and process. For the city as a whole, a guide for the history can be handy, and I’d highly recommend Nedzmina, who you can connect with on Instagram. Set in farmland-heavy southeastern Austria, the fresh produce of the Styrian countryside also ensures it’s a foodies’ paradise. Farm-to-fork isn’t a concept here; it’s a way of life, and delicious traditional dishes, alongside excellently crafted global cuisines, are served up in trendy and eco-focused spots.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Évora, the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region, is enveloped by sun-drench plains, farmlands, vineyards, and tiny whitewashed villages.
Rounding off my picks of underrated cities in Europe is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent, Plovdiv. Recent studies have concluded this settlement started between 6,000 to 8,000 years ago, although many of the highlights are Roman-focused.
Firstly, there is the Mosque-Cathedral. Constructed in the mid-8th century as a mosque, it was spared the fate of many Islamic buildings in Spain. Instead, the mosque was converted into a cathedral in the 13th century. This has created one of the world’s most unique houses of worship. Secondly, on the city limits is the Caliphate City of Medina Azahara. An impressive archaeological site, here you’ll find the remains of a nearly-forgotten city dating back to the Umayyad times.
Of course, the music heritage is enormous. Artists such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses, and the aforementioned Gallagher brothers hail from here, but for a younger crowd, these names may no longer be the reason to visit.
At the heart of it is the country’s perfectly-formed capital, Ljubljana. An early adopter of removing cars in favour of a pedestrianised centre, the bar-lined canal banks, castle-topped hill, and colourful-facade buildings are a delight to explore on foot. That expansion is pretty, although the most striking views and the quaint atmosphere is found around the lower part of the city – the Grund – which wraps around the Alzette River.
As the city with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the continent – at least until recently – can Cordoba really be considered one of the underrated cities in Europe?
An architectural medley, cuisine you need to know about, and an eclectic underground energy
Beyond the city limits, there are plenty of spots ripe for day trips. The Bastei rock formations in the Saxon Switzerland National Park (close to the Czech Republic’s border) are jaw-dropping. Vineyards along the Elbe river (yes, really) provide a calm outing. Further still, the industrial-turned-funky city of Leipzig will keep you entertained. In fact, throughout the Cultural Heart of Germany, you’ll find plenty of underrated destinations. Whether you’re seeking a sustainable city break, a history-steeped weekend, or a cultural deep-dive, these are 14 of the most underrated European cities.
There are also a few decent museums.MUSE, a surprisingly captivating science space, and The Piedicastello Tunnel gallery, set inside a disused under-mountain pass, are particularly worth a visit. Don’t miss the Orrido di Ponte Alto, a canyon carved into the rock on the city’s fringe. From the viewing platform underneath, you’ll have a heart-thumping experience as the water crashes in front of you.
Of course, you can’t mention Tbilisi without including the food and wine in the same breath. Home to the oldest winemaking region in the world, Georgia’s vines have been crafting the good stuff for around 8,000 years. The food, from twisted-dough Khinkali dumplings to the cheese-stuffed Khachapuri bread, are laden high on the table, contributing to dining being a social affair.Beyond the country’s capital, more underrated places await. In particular, the magnificent mountain ranges, rich wine history, and all that delicious food.
While much of the city was extensively damaged in WWII, extensive restoration efforts have restored Dresden to its former glory. Saxony is known as the ‘State of the Arts’, so museums, galleries, and creative restaurants are in no supply.
But it’s not all about the old. Plenty of street art has illuminated the more modern side of the city, and the trendy and creative district of Kapana continues to grow. Built around seven hills, it’s also a mighty verdant city and a great base to explore nearby monasteries and national parks.
By day, bring your camera, but after dark, bring your dancing shoes and a thirsty nature. Above, the Bock Casemates, a fortress with underground tunnels, is the city’s most impressive site and should reopen in 2023 after repairs for water damage. Old Bazaar, sand-heated coffee, a dark history, and an array of Religious architecture
Gdansk, Poland
But, for those that do head here, you’ll be rewarded with a time capsule or cross-religious architecture that’s hard to rival. With three UNESCO designations – it was four until two got folded together – a journey of imaginative design awaits.
As one of Europe’s oldest capitals, the city’s history is both fascinating and, at times, challenging. Dating back to the 5th century AD, various conquerors, religions and civilisations have passed through the valley. The Persians and Russian Empire, in particular, left their mark, leading to an intriguing mix of architectural styles.
Sustainable city break, classic and contemporary design, and a first-class culinary scene,
Far from being all about businesses and banking, though, Luxembourg City is instead a multi-level delight dating back to the Middle Ages. Initially, the city was tiny. In 963, the City of Luxembourg began on a rocky ledge, as a castle, before growing outwards over the centuries that followed.
Inscribed onto the UNESCO world heritage list in 1986, the city is often celebrated as an open-air museum of sorts by in-the-know travellers. Gothic, Baroque, Moorish and Portuguese Manueline influences make up the rest of the city’s architecture. For a unique stay, pick a heritage hotel – such as the Pousada Convento de Évora.
But, nowadays, Georgia is forging its own path. With a strong will to join the EU, and a growing focus on a more progressive society, the city is a hubbub of activity. Whether you’re admiring the tile work – and bathing – in the aged sulphur baths, marvelling at Eastern Orthodox cathedrals, gawking at hulking Soviet-era monuments, or strolling over futuristic river-crossing bridges, the various styles and time periods draw you in.
The city also doesn’t sleep on architecture, and for that, we can thank the Gonzaga Dynasty, who ruled Mantua from the 14th to the early 18th century. Their estate, The Palazzo Ducale di Mantova, is a vast stately complex which combined forms one of Europe’s largest residential buildings, with some 600 rooms. Only some are open to the public, but it’s a whirlwind tour of opulence, masterpieces and frescoed ceilings. This is an absolute spectacle in Renaissance art.
For many from abroad, though, it remains one of Europe’s underrated cities. Many might think of Manchester and imagine booze, shopping and Oasis singing ‘Wonderwall’, but there’s plenty more to the city than that.
Évora, Portugal
Given Gdansk’s crucial historic role, it’s a surprise it remains one of the more underrated European cities. Moments from the Baltic Sea, Gdansk can easily be combined with beachside Sopot for a city-cum-beach getaway. Though, the waters never get too warm this far north.
Founded by the Ottoman Empire and now furnished with a medley of Austro-European architecture, this is one of the few places in the world where you’ll see mosques, synagogues and churches standing so close together. That’s not to say the city has always been in harmony, though – critical historic moments have taken place here. The assassination that triggered World War I and the formation of Yugoslavia, and the Siege of Sarajevo, are two of the most famed.
Lastly, don’t miss the views from St. Mary’s Church tower. After looking out over the stacked pastel-hued houses from above, you’ll leave wondering how Gdansk can still be one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
I’d argue yes. The evidence is the sheer number of best cities to visit in Spain. This leads Cordoba to be far down most travellers lists, often trailing below the likes of Barcelona, Seville, Granada and even Madrid.
The rest of the region is magnificent and perhaps most famous for the Dolomites. Still, there are plenty more places to visit in Trentino. From the lakes of Valsugana, where you can SUP over sparkling wine bottles ageing deep below, to the castles and apple-lined valleys of Val di Non, this is a true green getaway.
Roman highlights include the 1st century AD amphitheatre and the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis. In the Old Town, wood-carved houses sparkle, often in shades of blue, salmon and yellow. Inside the various Ethnographic and House Museums, you’ll find insight into the city’s history.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Is it the high prices? Or the assumption that a financial hub is a sterile city? Either way, in my view, Luxembourg’s capital is one of Europe’s underrated cities.
Heartland getaway, Roman ruins, and delicious wines direct from vineyards
There’s no denying that Europe’s most famed spots became so visited for good reason. Venice, Paris, Barcelona and London all laud over some of the continent’s best attractions, cuisine and culture. Sadly, this can often lead us to overlook some of the more underrated cities in Europe. Instead, we return to old favourites or plump for a crowd-stamped pleaser. Unsurprisingly for a city which has earned two UNESCO designations, there are plenty of things to do in Graz. On the one hand, Graz’s historic World Heritage-listed core delivers everything you’d expect from a grand European city. There are Italian-esque courtyards aplenty. Quaint medieval cobbled streets. The remains of a hilltop fortress. Then, the usual European favourites: frescoed facades, grand avenues, and church spires climbing to the heavens.
Luxembourg City
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, remains one of the most underrated European cities. Yet, a growing appetite for the county’s best-of-the-best cuisine is starting to draw in the crowds.
Tour the Royal Palace. Visit the excellent photography museum. Enter the maritime-focused Vasa Museum to gawk at the world’s best-preserved 17th-century ship. Get your boogie on at the ABBA museum. Then, if it’s a rainy day – or even if it’s not – head into the underground Metro system, which is essentially an art gallery. Here, below ground, artists have worked their magic to turn the stations into colourful canvases. You’ll soon give up on going from A to B and detouring to other stations instead, and it’s a great Stockholm budget activity.
Postcard-perfect pedestrianised centre, canals and coffee culture, quirky boutiques and bars
Dresden, the capital city of the Saxony region, is a surprisingly underrated European city, given its importance in history.
For affordable traditional dishes, you can visit a Milk Bar. In communist times, these subsidised low-cost cafes came around. Now, they continue in a privately-owned capacity. After dinner, there’s some great nightlife too. Thankfully, it feels more trendy and sophisticated than other stag party Polish destinations.
Stockholm, by far my favourite capital city in Scandinavia, is particularly dreamy in the summer months. While Copenhagen seems to have taken the centre-Nordic stage for a city break (the museums alone make it worth it), and Tallinn is securing the up-and-coming Baltic spot, I feel that Stockholm doesn’t get as much attention these days as it should.
Instead, focus on the many free museums, theatre options, capital-rivalling cafes, and the ever-evolving art scene. Then, of course, there are first-class traditional pubs and trendy dining spots, such as Mackie Mayor, and parties into the early hours. Somehow, Austria’s second-largest city has remained slightly under the radar. Perhaps it’s the lack of direct flights, but either way, Graz is one of the most underrated European cities for a sustainable city break.
Manchester, UK
Shrouded by verdant mountains, jagged snow-clad peaks, and pristine lakes, Trento is a city break with an Alpine soul. The capital of the northern Trentino region, it’s genuinely the perfect-sized weekend getaway and one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
In the country’s capital, Sarajevo, visitor numbers are much lower. To me, it’s criminal, given the city is one of Europe’s most fascinating. Sure, it might not have the instant photogenic appeal that Mostar has – although the mountainous backdrop stands its own – but, instead, it’s a city with a considerable soul.
Scorching summers, a trio of World Heritage Sites, and the Andalusian table of delights
The cobbled streets are spotless. The restaurants and bars are refined. The mix of Italian-Austrian dishes is intriguing. And the frescoed facades complement the mountainous backdrop perfectly. Historically, highlights include the Buonconsiglio Castle, a grand 13th-century castle open to the public, and the medieval cathedral.
In the city itself – extensively damaged in the last years of WWII – you’ll find one of Europe’s largest historical centres. Restored with detail aplenty, the Dutch-influenced architecture gives it an air of Amsterdam. While it’s a great city break any time of year, a visit during late November or December is a chilly but festive treat. Thanks to the 11 different Christmas markets across the city, Dresden is one of the best winter destinations in Europe.
A two-story city break, cobbled streets and castle, and museums galore
Then there’s the nightlife, some of the best and underrated in the world. Wine bars start in the evening. Tucked-away speakeasies serving up cocktails get you going. Then, in the depths of night, thumping and progressive underground electronic clubs lure you in. So much so, if you ask a hardcore electronic music fan, they would scoff at calling this one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
One of Europe’s largest – and prettiest – historical centres, WWII and Solidarity history, and decent-priced nightlife
Steeped in art, culture and music, the city has played a sizable contribution to the opera scene. This is perfectly captured in Teatro Bibiena, a small but perfectly-formed theatre and one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Let’s face it; if you’re an Italian city, it’s hard to become the cream of the crop. Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan and Naples all lure travellers in, and that’s before you consider the provincial capitals and Italy’s hidden gems.
