Europe's most underrated cities, according to travel experts

Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman architecture blend in Mostar, where a relaxed atmosphere pervades the cobbled streets. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places offering traditional food like dolma (vegetables stuffed with ground meat and rice), sarma (stuffed cabbage leaves), and fresh bread.

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Zamora, Spain -

A small city of just 60,000 people, Zamora is only a one-hour journey from Madrid by high-speed train. It is one of Spain's most important epicenters of modernist art buildings.

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Zamora, Spain -

Filled with Romanesque churches, the city is famous for its Holy Week celebrations at Easter. You can sample delicious food here, too. Try the 'arroz a la zamorana,' rice cooked with meat and ham, finished in the oven.

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Thessaloniki, Greece -

Thessaloniki has long lost out to Athens when it comes to tourists. But that doesn't mean the city hasn't got plenty of well-preserved historic buildings to be discovered.

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Thessaloniki, Greece -

Greece's first "City of Gastronomy," has a world-class food scene, vibrant nightlife, as well as a rich, multicultural heritage reflected in its architectural diversity.

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Tirana, Albania -

A rapidly evolving city, Tirana offers a glimpse into Albania's history while having a distinctly youthful vibe. The center is entirely walkable too, making it easy to get around.

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Tirana, Albania -

Echoes of the communist era remain, serving as a reminder of the country's past. Venturing further out, there is plenty by way of nature. You can ascend Mount Dajti in a cable car, before returning to spend the night in the Blloku neighborhood.

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Trondheim, Norway -

Norway's third biggest city, don't write off Trondheim. Michelin-star restaurants, the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral, the medieval Archbishop’s Palace, and several interesting museums are located here.

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Trondheim, Norway -

On the river and in the Trondheimsfjord you can enjoy boat rides, kayaking, biking, and other excursions. In addition to beautiful nature, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene.

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Cork, Ireland -

Visitors to Ireland might be drawn in by Dublin, but they shouldn't discount Cork, the country's second city, known for its friendly, local vibe.

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Cork, Ireland -

There are plenty of pubs and one of the best food markets in Europe, as well as galleries, museums, historical sites, and museums to be explored. It's also a great place to be based for day trips to nearby seaside towns such as Kinsale and Cobh.

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Ohrid, North Macedonia -

A UNESCO-protected town, the charming cobbled streets blend Byzantine religious history and architecture in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

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Ohrid, North Macedonia -

One of Europe's oldest lakes, Lake Ohrid, offers beautiful nature and sunbathing to city visitors, especially those in need of a refreshing dip in the water.

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Petworth, England -

The quintessential English country town, Petworth and its surrounds offer visitors a glimpse of quaint beauty. Cobbled streets are lined with cute cafés and independent shops, just waiting to be explored.

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Petworth, England -

Petworth House and Deer Park is a National Trust where you can watch wildlife living across 700 acres of parkland.

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Narbonne, France -

While most visitors to the southwest of France might opt to spend their time in Toulouse or Montpellier, the historic city of Narbonne is not to be overlooked.

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Narbonne, France -

Learn about the city's Roman history and its legacy as an ancient maritime capital with a visit to the Narbo Via museum, or visit the wine country to sample the region's biodynamic varieties.

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Trogir, Croatia -

A labyrinth city of medieval houses, Trogir's ancient Old Town in Croatia is bursting with charm, in the form of Romanesque and Renaissance buildings that earned the city its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Trogir, Croatia -

A wonderful place to stroll around or watch the world go by, Trogir is located a convenient 30 minutes from Split, making it a great alternative for those who prefer a quieter pace.

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Skanör and Falsterbo, Sweden -

The sleepy, seaside towns of Skanör and Falsterbo are often overlooked by visitors to Sweden. However, these places come alive in summer when people take advantage of continuous daylight to swim at all hours, and are within a one-hour drive of both Copenhagen and Malmö.

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Skanör and Falsterbo, Sweden -

Enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the local market, try paddleboarding at Skanör Beach, or sample seafood at one of the many great restaurants in these towns.

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Innsbruck, Austria -

Innsbruck offers travelers lots of variety: incredible natural beauty, historic sites, stunning views from cable cars, and small mountain town charm.

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Innsbruck, Austria -

It's rare to find a blend of city and mountain life in one place, and Innsbruck isn't just for skiers. This vibrant Tyrol capital boasts Baroque and Gothic buildings, an Imperial Palace, and the bustling Marktplatz.

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Trieste, Italy -

A two-hour drive from the thronging streets of Venice, you can discover the quiet and relaxation of Trieste, an overlooked yet charming city.

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Trieste, Italy -

Well connected to the rest of the country via railway, it's a wonderful base to explore the city's historic center, stunning castles close by, or the wine regions next door, in Slovenia.

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Riga, Latvia -

Riga has a developing food scene and amazing architecture, where Art Nouveau meets cobblestone Old Town. The city is home to Riga Central Market, one of Europe's oldest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Riga, Latvia -

In Riga, interesting food, history, and architecture are found in one place, making it not just the jewel of Latvia, but of the Baltics. The city has a vibrant culture and is becoming increasingly known for its nightlife.

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Vilnius, Lithuania -

A compact and walkable city, Vilnius is great for a short breakaway. Highlights include Užupis (the Old Town), the food hall at Paupys Market, and Vilnius Cathedral.

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Vilnius, Lithuania -

For foodies, Vilnius offers plenty of fine-dining restaurant options, while history buffs can explore the Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus. This former Pagan temple is the burial site of Lithuania’s patron saint, Casimir.

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Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal -

The first town outside Lisbon to be remodeled with the "Pombaline" design after the 1755 earthquake, Vila Real de Santo António is a whitewashed city on the Portuguese side of the Guadiana River.

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Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal -

A taste of the "real" Algarve, the town is a breath of fresh air compared to the region's central tourist belt. See the nearby Knights Templar fort of Castro Marim, or further west, the beautiful beaches of Cacela Velha.

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Tbilisi, Georgia -

Tbilisi in Georgia offers travelers food, wine, its Silk Road history, and many museums. Despite this, it remains largely overlooked by travelmakers.

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Tbilisi, Georgia -

Stunning architecture, churches, and fortresses await in Tbilisi. And don't forget to try the national dish, khachapuri: baked cheesy bread from a stone oven, accompanied by fresh herbs.

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Opatija, Croatia -

Have you heard of this "Vienna by the sea" in Croatia? If not, it's time you checked out Opatija, nestled between the forested slopes of Mount Ucka and the raw coastline of the Kvarner Gulf.

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Opatija, Croatia -

This town maintains its legacy as a place of restoration and retreat with numerous spas, while the city itself has fine restaurants, cute cafes, and well-maintained public gardens.

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Bern, Switzerland -

The Swiss capital is oft-overlooked for cities like Zurich and Geneva. However, it's a university city with a lively outdoor restaurant, bar, and café scene.

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Bern, Switzerland -

The cold, clean water of the Aare River is popular for swimming among locals during the summer, while sitting at the medieval Platz allows visitors to soak up the "un-Swiss" feeling of the city.

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Lille, France -

Just a short train journey away from Paris is the unpretentious and pretty center of Lille. Located on the French-Belgian border, this underrated city offers visitors a pleasant surprise.

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Lille, France -

A Michelin-star restaurant and Flemish-inspired eateries are easy to come by in Lille. For culture, check out the contemporary art at Tripost, the modern art at LaM, or visit the Matisse Museum.

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Appingedam, Netherlands -

Once a trade center of importance, Appingedam is a port city with a rich history. Admire the famous 'hanging kitchens,' of the houses here, similar to bay windows, suspended above the Damsterdiep canal.

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Appingedam, Netherlands -

Filled with historic buildings from the Middle Ages and later, it makes a beautiful setting for a city walk. Or take a break at one of the local museums, including the Museum Stad Appingedam and the Groninger Zilverkamer, which have extensive collections of Groningen silver on display.

Sources: (Condé Nast Traveller) (Forbes) (The Telegraph) (Wander We Go)

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Gdańsk, Poland -

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Gdańsk, Poland -

For something special, take a boat on the Baltic Sea, sampling the city's innovative cuisine before tasting the countryside's rustic offerings on the same day.

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Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina -

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Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina -

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Zamora, Spain -

A small city of just 60,000 people, Zamora is only a one-hour journey from Madrid by high-speed train. It is one of Spain's most important epicenters of modernist art buildings.

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Zamora, Spain -

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Thessaloniki, Greece -

Thessaloniki has long lost out to Athens when it comes to tourists. But that doesn't mean the city hasn't got plenty of well-preserved historic buildings to be discovered.

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Thessaloniki, Greece -

Greece's first "City of Gastronomy," has a world-class food scene, vibrant nightlife, as well as a rich, multicultural heritage reflected in its architectural diversity.

Shutterstock

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Tirana, Albania -

A rapidly evolving city, Tirana offers a glimpse into Albania's history while having a distinctly youthful vibe. The center is entirely walkable too, making it easy to get around.

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Tirana, Albania -

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Trondheim, Norway -

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Trondheim, Norway -

On the river and in the Trondheimsfjord you can enjoy boat rides, kayaking, biking, and other excursions. In addition to beautiful nature, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene.

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Cork, Ireland -

Visitors to Ireland might be drawn in by Dublin, but they shouldn't discount Cork, the country's second city, known for its friendly, local vibe.

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Cork, Ireland -

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Ohrid, North Macedonia -

A UNESCO-protected town, the charming cobbled streets blend Byzantine religious history and architecture in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Shutterstock

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Ohrid, North Macedonia -

One of Europe's oldest lakes, Lake Ohrid, offers beautiful nature and sunbathing to city visitors, especially those in need of a refreshing dip in the water.

Shutterstock

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Petworth, England -

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Petworth, England -

Petworth House and Deer Park is a National Trust where you can watch wildlife living across 700 acres of parkland.

Shutterstock

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Narbonne, France -

While most visitors to the southwest of France might opt to spend their time in Toulouse or Montpellier, the historic city of Narbonne is not to be overlooked.

Shutterstock

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Narbonne, France -

Learn about the city's Roman history and its legacy as an ancient maritime capital with a visit to the Narbo Via museum, or visit the wine country to sample the region's biodynamic varieties.

Shutterstock

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Trogir, Croatia -

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Trogir, Croatia -

A wonderful place to stroll around or watch the world go by, Trogir is located a convenient 30 minutes from Split, making it a great alternative for those who prefer a quieter pace.

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Skanör and Falsterbo, Sweden -

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Skanör and Falsterbo, Sweden -

Enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the local market, try paddleboarding at Skanör Beach, or sample seafood at one of the many great restaurants in these towns.

Shutterstock

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Innsbruck, Austria -

Innsbruck offers travelers lots of variety: incredible natural beauty, historic sites, stunning views from cable cars, and small mountain town charm.

Shutterstock

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Innsbruck, Austria -

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Trieste, Italy -

A two-hour drive from the thronging streets of Venice, you can discover the quiet and relaxation of Trieste, an overlooked yet charming city.

Shutterstock

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Trieste, Italy -

Well connected to the rest of the country via railway, it's a wonderful base to explore the city's historic center, stunning castles close by, or the wine regions next door, in Slovenia.

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Riga, Latvia -

Riga has a developing food scene and amazing architecture, where Art Nouveau meets cobblestone Old Town. The city is home to Riga Central Market, one of Europe's oldest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Riga, Latvia -

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Vilnius, Lithuania -

A compact and walkable city, Vilnius is great for a short breakaway. Highlights include Užupis (the Old Town), the food hall at Paupys Market, and Vilnius Cathedral.

Shutterstock

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Vilnius, Lithuania -

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Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal -

The first town outside Lisbon to be remodeled with the "Pombaline" design after the 1755 earthquake, Vila Real de Santo António is a whitewashed city on the Portuguese side of the Guadiana River.

Shutterstock

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Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal -

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Tbilisi, Georgia -

Tbilisi in Georgia offers travelers food, wine, its Silk Road history, and many museums. Despite this, it remains largely overlooked by travelmakers.

Shutterstock

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Tbilisi, Georgia -

Stunning architecture, churches, and fortresses await in Tbilisi. And don't forget to try the national dish, khachapuri: baked cheesy bread from a stone oven, accompanied by fresh herbs.

Shutterstock

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Opatija, Croatia -

Have you heard of this "Vienna by the sea" in Croatia? If not, it's time you checked out Opatija, nestled between the forested slopes of Mount Ucka and the raw coastline of the Kvarner Gulf.

Shutterstock

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Opatija, Croatia -

This town maintains its legacy as a place of restoration and retreat with numerous spas, while the city itself has fine restaurants, cute cafes, and well-maintained public gardens.

Shutterstock

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Bern, Switzerland -

The Swiss capital is oft-overlooked for cities like Zurich and Geneva. However, it's a university city with a lively outdoor restaurant, bar, and café scene.

Shutterstock

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Bern, Switzerland -

The cold, clean water of the Aare River is popular for swimming among locals during the summer, while sitting at the medieval Platz allows visitors to soak up the "un-Swiss" feeling of the city.

Shutterstock

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Lille, France -

Just a short train journey away from Paris is the unpretentious and pretty center of Lille. Located on the French-Belgian border, this underrated city offers visitors a pleasant surprise.

Shutterstock

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Lille, France -

A Michelin-star restaurant and Flemish-inspired eateries are easy to come by in Lille. For culture, check out the contemporary art at Tripost, the modern art at LaM, or visit the Matisse Museum.

Shutterstock

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Appingedam, Netherlands -

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Appingedam, Netherlands -

Sources: (Condé Nast Traveller) (Forbes) (The Telegraph) (Wander We Go)

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Europe's most underrated cities, according to travel experts

All the culture without the typical tourist traps

09/12/24 | StarsInsider

TRAVEL Destinations

Think of European cities and a plethora of well-known destinations spring to mind. There's no shortage of places to discover the history and culture of this continent. But don't overlook its smaller, less explored cities. Many are hidden gems, far from the hectic crowds, that offer visitors a much more intimate, unspoiled experience. Condé Nast Traveller asked their seasoned contributors to put together a list of Europe's most underrated cities. Using their network of travel specialists and European-based writers, they compiled a list of places you might not have considered—or heard of at all—based on their recommendations.

Curious? Click on to uncover Europe's most underrated cities.