Top 5 underrated cities in Europe you need to visit

Europe is full of iconic cities – but some of its most magical experiences lie just beyond the tourist trail. These underrated destinations deliver beauty, culture, and unforgettable moments without the crowds. We love helping our clients discover places that feel special, authentic, and surprisingly affordable.

Here are five European cities that deserve a spot on your travel wishlist:

Ljubljana, Slovenia

A real-life fairy tale

Ljubljana (pronounced lyoo-blyah-nah) feels like a city lifted from a storybook. A medieval castle crowns a green hilltop, dragons guard the city’s iconic bridges, and the emerald Ljubljanica River winds past café-lined streets perfect for slow afternoons.

This compact capital is one of Europe’s greenest cities – car-free in the centre, impeccably clean, and effortlessly relaxed. Yet it still hums with energy thanks to its student population, vibrant food scene, and cultural festivals.

Ljubljana is perfect for travellers who love charm, walkability, and hidden romance.

Porto, Portugal

Where soul meets flavour

Lisbon may steal the headlines, but Porto captures hearts. Set along the Douro River, this city is all steep streets, colourful facades, tiled churches, and the unmistakable scent of aging port wine drifting from riverside cellars.

Porto feels authentic and lived-in, with a food scene that rivals anywhere in Europe – fresh seafood, hearty local dishes, and exceptional wine at prices that will pleasantly surprise you. It’s atmospheric, gritty in the best way, and deeply welcoming.

Porto is ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and culture seekers.

Tallinn, Estonia

Medieval magic meets modern innovation

Tallinn is one of Europe’s most fascinating contrasts. Step inside its UNESCO-listed Old Town and you’re surrounded by cobbled streets, medieval towers, and pastel merchant houses that look straight out of a film set.

Venture beyond the walls and you’ll find a creative, tech-forward city filled with design hubs, edgy cafés, and a thriving arts scene. It’s no surprise Estonia is one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations.

Tallinn is a dream destination for travellers who love history – with a modern twist.

Ghent, Belgium

All the beauty, none of the crowds

Bruges may be famous, but Ghent is where the locals—and savvy travellers—go. With its canals, grand squares, soaring cathedral, and impressive medieval castle, Ghent is just as stunning but far less crowded.

Add a youthful buzz from its university population, an outstanding food and beer scene, and a progressive, creative spirit – and you’ve got one of Europe’s coolest under-the-radar cities.

Ghent is perfect for culture lovers who prefer authentic experiences over tour buses.

Girona, Spain

Calm, colour, and Catalan flavour

Just north of Barcelona lies Girona – a city that feels worlds away from the crowds. Ancient stone walls encircle a beautifully preserved old town, pastel houses line the Onyar River, and quiet laneways invite slow exploration.

Girona is also a food lover’s paradise, with exceptional Catalan cuisine and one of the world’s most celebrated culinary scenes nearby. Add outstanding cycling routes and easy access to the Costa Brava, and you have a destination that truly delivers.

Girona is ideal for relaxed explorers, cyclists, and lovers of great food.

These cities prove that Europe’s magic isn’t just found in the usual hotspots. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a cultural adventure, or a slow-travel European journey, we can design an itinerary that takes you beyond the obvious.

Ready to discover Europe differently?