Europe's Most Underappreciated Cities

From Norway to Portugal and other places, seasoned tourists share their best secrets with us.

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The continent of Europe has been showered with affection and admiration. However, are the praise songs distributed equally? It is impossible to overvalue the great cities of London, Paris, and Rome, which are cultural capitals. However, as the glory of these metropolises is increasingly highlighted, traffic to their neighbors—each with their own unique charms—decreases. In fact, several European cities are incredibly underappreciated. It doesn't matter if that's because the location has only recently gained popularity, has a more subdued beauty, is more difficult to get to, or has outspoken haters—underestimated is underrated, and the astute tourist would be well to take the less-traveled route.

For the inside scoop on the most overlooked European cities, we've consulted our network of travel experts and writers stationed in Europe. From medieval spa villages in Germany's Black Forest to a Northern Italian outpost made famous by William Shakespeare, we've covered it all. Read on to find out why they're all worth a visit.

Aalborg, Denmark

"Take a quick trip from Copenhagen to the breathtaking Jutland peninsula if you wish to delve further into Denmark. Historically used for fishing, it gained notoriety during World War II for hosting several significant engagements. Aalborg has changed from being a city full of warehouses used by the fishing and tining industries to having a sizable university population that is turning those old buildings into pubs and eateries. There aren't many tourists there, so you get a more genuine look at the Danish way of life, known as hygge, and the idea of taking care of one another. I would suggest Tabu, a great restaurant that offers tasting meals that rival Copenhagen at a fantastic price. —Black Tomato's sales director, Sunil Metcalfe.

Koper, Slovenia

Nestled in Istria, Koper is a lovely jewel that combines breathtaking coastlines, Venetian history, and delectable cuisine. In addition to churches and quaint squares, Old Town features winding streets that reveal the rich history of this formerly prosperous Venetian port city. The city's tourist office and art displays are currently housed in the Venetian Gothic Praetorian Palace. Being near Trieste and serving as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe, Koper continues to be a significant port in the area. Don't miss the homestead Nona Mima; it's the ideal starting point for seeing the peninsula's treasures, including its vineyards, olive orchards, and medieval hilltop villages. —Matej Knific, Luxury Slovenia's co-founder and owner.

Sligo, Ireland

"Don't get me wrong, Cork is a delight and Galway has its treasures, but Sligo is like a tattered leather chesterfield that doesn't mind being called chic. Its ferocious beauty may be the reason why Yeats proclaimed its gospel and what attracted so many other writers. This explains why this location is so important in Irish mythology, from Fionn and the Fianna to Moytura. In Ireland, the term "thin places" refers to areas where mythology and spirits permeate and the line separating the natural and the supernatural is thin. Thinness is ingrained in this town. This is the reason Sligo has such music and even a violin style of its own. Giant rock walls like the Benbulben, a huge flat-topped rock structure located just outside of town, are places where you can sense the presence of the gods. The charm is increased by the fact that it is a gateway situated between Donegal, a border town and a site of transition. Sligo, in some ways, is immune to that; it feels and lives honestly, whereas too much of the rest of Ireland and portions of Europe become inflated by the symbol of themselves in the eyes of the tourism industry, becoming caricatures. —Trufflepig travel planner Tyler Dillon.

Verona, Italy

For someone who may only have a few days to explore the sights and experience local Italian life, Venice truly offers. Shakespeare's plays and operas that are still performed in the intact Coliseum are among the city's many amazing architectural and narrative treasures. I believe that visitors to what they could consider a second-tier city are taken aback. Being in the Amarone wine area and enjoying the countryside are additional advantages. —Georgia Yuill, Butterfield & Robinson experience designer.

Tirana, Albania

"A trip to Tirana provides both an energizing taste of a dynamic, quickly changing capital and a window into Albania's disturbing (but fascinating) recent past. Perhaps best captured by the transformation of the imposing 1988 Tirana Pyramid into a youth-focused cultural center, the city blends intriguing architectural relics of the nation's socialist past with a very contemporary vibe. Nature never feels too far away thanks to the expansive Grand Park and magnificent Mount Dajti, which face the city. The city center is walkable and lots of places to just "be" (sit on the sofa-like benches of Skanderbeg Square, iced coffee in hand). Before embarking on a culinary adventure around Albania at restaurant Mullixhiu, which feels like a country refuge on the edge of the Grand Park, take the cable car up Mount Dajti for breathtaking views and a sense of the surrounding nature of Tirana. Go straight to the Blloku area if you want to enjoy the best of Tirana's nightlife. —Elise Morton, former Eastern Europe Commissioning Editor for Culture Trip and travel writer.

Zamora, Spain

"The new AVE (high-speed rail) from Madrid, which takes only an hour, is set to promote tourism in Zamora and its 60,000 residents. There are plenty of reasons to go: We are discussing the city that has the most Romanesque churches in all of Europe (24 total), all of which were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries. In addition, Zamora is arguably Spain's third most significant location for modernist architecture, behind Barcelona and Melilla. If Zamora is known for anything, it's because of Holy Week, which is among Spain's most stunning, dramatic, and startling. It can be read about here. However, whenever you go, make sure to sample some of the city's traditional cuisine, such as the less well-known "arroz a la zamorana," which is rice cooked with meat and baked. Another secret is that Zamora has one of Spain's best orchards, and its tomatoes are extraordinary. You can also taste excellent wines from the renowned Toro wineries, where LVMH owns Numanthia. —Condé Nast Traveler Spain's Head of Content, David Moralejo,

Narbonne, France

Although Narbonne is in southwest France, most tourists visiting southern France either go to the Toulouse region or directly to the more famous cities east of the historic Roman seaport, such as Montpellier, Arles, or even Marseille and the larger Provence-Côte d'Azur region. However, there is a lot to see and eat [in Narbonne], as well as great beauty and easy access to the ocean. With 16 estates, Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort, Beach and Spa is the place to go for both lodging and wine. Gerard Bertrand, one of the pioneers of biodynamic winemaking in France, owns the property (Bertrand is one of the top exporters of French wine in the U.S.). In addition to restaurants, a beach club, a spa, and new suites, the hotel now offers wine tastings on-site. Additionally, visitors can explore the medieval old city center, observe the flamingos at the Regional Natural Park of Narbonne, ride horses through the park, and visit Narbo Via, a brand-new museum created by Foster + Partners that focuses on the Roman history of the former maritime metropolis. ― Journalist Lindsey Tramuta, author of "The New Paris" and "The New Parisienne"

Thessaloniki, Greece

Greece's second city, Thessaloniki, is definitely worth a visit, even though it still trails Athens in terms of tourism. Come for the world-class cuisine (UNESCO named Thessalonki Greece's first ‘City of Gastronomy’ in November 2021) and stay for the lively, creative atmosphere (partly because of the city's high student population). A well-preserved Roman forum, the Rotunda's paintings, and Ottoman hamams are just a few examples of its rich historical offerings, while being slightly less spectacular than the Acropolis.

The city's unique multicultural background is something that many people are ignorant of, and I was too until I lived there. For instance, Thessaloniki had the greatest Jewish population in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, and if you know where to look, you can see the Jewish community's legacy everywhere, especially in the area of architecture. All of this while retaining a distinctly laid-back attitude—Athens locals frequently refer to Thessaloniki in jest by using the word "halara," which indicates the city's laid-back vibe and slower pace of life." —E.M.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

"Although the Balkans are known for their breathtaking coastlines, we must also consider the area's lakes! Lake Ohrid, which spans Albania and North Macedonia, is one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe. The North Macedonian shoreline's Ohrid is the ideal starting point for a lakeside getaway that blends Byzantine religious history and architecture with breathtaking natural beauty (the lake is frequently referred to as the "European Galapagos" due to its rich biodiversity) and sweetwater swimming and sunbathing.

Explore the beachfront and the quaint cobblestone alleyways of the UNESCO-protected town after spending a leisurely morning by the water at Potpesh or Kaneo beach. Before exploring the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid, take in breathtaking views from Tsar Samuel's Fortress or ascend to the cliffside Church of St. John at Kaneo for a history lesson. Viva Ksantika is noted for its hearty local cuisine, while Kaj Kanevche is a popular choice for restaurants by the water. Take a boat journey across the lake to the charming Monastery of Saint Naum if you have a bit extra time. —E.M.

Gdańsk, Poland

"Gdańsk offers wonderful historic sightseeing (and delicious food!) over several days, although it's usually only visited as part of a cruise liner shore tour. Visit the Museum of the Second World War, one of the most extensive we've ever seen, to delve deeply into WWII history. Additionally, a visit to the memorial monument at Westerplatte allows you to view the beginning of WWII.

Malbork, the world's largest castle (by land area), is home to one of Europe's best-preserved castles. Visit the Solidarity Center to learn more about modern history in the meantime. Enjoy creative cuisine in the city center and superb rustic cuisine in the countryside after spending the day on a boat in the Baltic Sea. —Epex International President Gwen Kozlowski.

Moster, Bosnia and Herzegovina

"Mostar is a stunning medieval town that combines Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architectural styles. The famous Stari Most bridge, which gives the city its name, is located there. Numerous eateries serve hearty, traditional dishes like sarma, which is stuffed cabbage leaves; dolma, which is vegetables filled with rice and minced beef; and fresh bread. The laid-back vibe of the city makes it simple to transform a day spent exploring the town into an evening spent indulging in comfort cuisine, sipping Bosnian national spirit, rakija, and taking in the tranquil sounds of the river. —Jessica Nabongo, author of the recently published book "The Catch Me If You Can" and founder of Jet Black and The Catch.

Innsbruck, Austria

Although Innsbruck isn't as well-known as Vienna and Salzburg, it is nevertheless worth a trip. The range of activities offered here, from the most cultural to the most active, and everything in between, usually surprises me in a good way!

Among the top activities are: Stay at the Astoria Resort Seefeld, one of Austria's top resort hotels, which is located just outside of the city. See skiers compete at the Bergisel Ski Jump, created by Zaha Hadid. Just outside of town, visit the Swarovski plant for an intimate behind-the-scenes look. Enjoy trekking or simply breathtaking views while enjoying a picnic on the Nordkette, which offers expansive views of the valley. —G.K.

Pristina, Kosovo

Because of its relaxed, youthful vibe, Pristina is frequently disregarded yet is unquestionably worth a stop on a Balkan tour. Check out the thriving creative scene at LambdaLambda.Stacion and Galeria 17, as well as Lambda, Pristina's first international gallery for modern art. When Manifesta 14 (the itinerant pan-regional cultural Biennial) brought 100 days of exhibitions, seminars, and events to the city in 2022—not to mention artists, architects, and tourists from all over the world—Pristina exploded onto the international art scene.

It is also worthwhile to visit the National Gallery of Kosovo. Great cafe culture can be found in places like Half & Half Café, Dit' e Nat', and Soma Book Station, as well as foodie destinations like Liburnia, Shpija e Vjetër, and Taverna Tirona. The Green Market gives you a taste of local products. In addition to religious landmarks like the Zhamia e Madhe mosque, the abandoned Saviour Orthodox Cathedral, and the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, there are architectural highlights like the controversial National Library of Kosovo, the Newborn Monument, and the statue of Bill Clinton (make sure to read up on the history before you visit!). You can take a walk or have a picnic in Gërmia Park after visiting the UNESCO-protected Gračanica Monastery, which is only a short drive from the city. –E.M.

Liverpool, United Kingdom

As maybe the most musical town in the UK, this northern city rarely receives the recognition it merits. It is teeming with creatives and culture, and it exudes an air of a slightly rough-around-the-edges metropolis that is always brimming with energy. Due to Liverpool's hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest, the city has experienced more visitors than usual this year, and a steady stream of tourists is enjoying tours of The Beatles' boyhood homes.

However, there are a staggering number of brand-new eateries, independent venues, and historic structures that are frequently left off of people's lists of must-sees. There are several places in Liverpool that feel like local secrets but are actually much more deserving of praise, such as the Baltic Triangle, an industrial district with hip residents and mouthwatering street cuisine, the dockside gallery Tate Liverpool, and the breathtakingly gorgeous Sefton Park. Naturally, the people of Liverpool are the heart of the city; they are hospitable, warm, and incredibly proud of their homeland, and Scousers are always delighted to stop and talk. Before you travel, make sure to familiarize yourself with some of the local slang. —Abigail Malbon, Condé Nast Traveler's acting global director of audience development.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, an inexpensive city with a wealth of history, frequently takes a backseat to the Baltic capitals fortunate enough to be located on or close to the sea. Lithuanians, who are fiercely proud of having broken free from the chains of Soviet captivity thirty years ago, are eager to demonstrate to the world their fun, independence, and creativity through their cuisine, art, and the meticulous restoration of the city's expansive Old Town.

Spending some time in Uzupis, the humorous breakaway republic across the river that is a well-liked area for artists to live and work, is a must when visiting Vilnius. There are several breathtaking vantage spots in Vilnius. See the famous Vilnius Cathedral belfry, the somewhat obscure bell tower of St. James Church, or the city's center's Gediminas Hill with its castle remnants. This city is also the best place to eat contemporary Lithuanian food. Many of the nation's chefs have Michelin-starred Nordic cooking expertise, which is evident in the well-designed rooms where they serve reimagined and lighter versions of traditional meals. —Jay Ternavan, JayWay Travel's founder and CEO.

Tbilisi, Georgia

"What does Tbilisi lack: delicious food, wine, the history of the Silk Road, and amazing museums? Nevertheless, a large number of American tourists disregard it. Before COVID-19, Tbilisi (and Georgia in general) was just beginning to gain popularity with American tourists, but it hasn't fully recovered and is fortunately not overrun with Americans at the moment. Don't miss Georgia's national meal, khachapuri, which is made with fresh herbs and cheese bread baked in a stone oven. Experience it in four distinct genres!

From the display on the atrocities of the Soviet era to the ancient gold jewels, I like the Georgian National Museum. Lunch in the cellars and a wine tasting outside the city are essential components of every trip to Tbilisi. In the heart of Old Town, I also enjoy spending a few hours in the historic and still functional Turkish public baths, which date back to the Silk Road and Ottoman periods. historic Town has a great historic synagogue for Jewish tourists. Attend one of the city's top restaurants to learn the ins and outs of creating your own khachapuri. —Epex International founder Greg Tepper.

Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal

The whitewashed village of V.R. de Santo Antonio is located in Portugal's Algarve, just across the Guadiana River from Spain. Now that a bridge has replaced the vehicle ferries, the once fairly grubby border town feels lighter and airier, and most visitors who cross the border between the two countries hardly ever stop by to have a look. The town was the first outside of Lisbon to be renovated using the "Pombaline" architecture following the 1755 earthquake, which greatly benefited the rest of us. The town has a much more Mediterranean feel thanks to its whitewashed stores and stunning calzada (hand-cut stone tile sidewalks).

The Knights Templar fort of Castro Marim is located nearby, and beneath it are historic salt pans that date back to the Roman era and where you may take mud or salt baths before continuing west a few kilometers to the stunning beaches of Cacela Velha and the beginning of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This is a long cry from the overcrowded center belt and is among the most authentic Algarve at its best. It is even more alluring now that the Relais Chateaux Grand House, a chic boutique hotel, has opened. The hotel has bright, Belle Époque-style rooms, many of which have views of Vila Real's marina. It also has a fantastic beach club annex on the water a short distance away, where customers staying at the hotel receive priority. The senior trip planner at Trufflepig Travel Inc. is Sebastian Lapostol.

Opatija, Croatia

"Opatija in the north is the birthplace of Croatian tourism, despite the fact that it is now frequently disregarded in favor of places like Split or Dubrovnik. The Opatija Riviera, a 30-kilometer strip of land tucked between the rocky coastline of the Kvarner Gulf and the wooded slopes of Mount Ucka, is known as "Vienna by the sea" because of its elegant Belle Époque architecture. It was once the most popular seaside destination for the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy. With its distinct microclimate providing the perfect elements for restorative and therapeutic travel, the region was praised as a health and wellness getaway. Even now, Opatija maintains its reputation as a wellness hub, drawing tourists looking to unwind and revitalize at its many spas while receiving therapies and treatments.

In addition to being a health retreat, Opatija has a lot to offer tourists. The city is home to several opulent cafes, immaculate public gardens, clean beaches, luxurious hotels, and top-notch dining options. Opatija is the perfect starting place for exploring other parts of Croatia because of its advantageous location in the eastern corner of the Istrian Peninsula. You can reach the pebble beaches of the Island of Krk, the verdant highlands of Risnjak National Park, or the truffle-rich forests of Istria in about one hour's drive. —W.R.

Appingedam, Netherlands

"Appingedam, my hometown, is a lovely 13th-century town. Visitors travel from all over the world to see the stunning canals, the Hanging Kitchens, and the 135-year-old De Vijgenhof Synagogue, which is the oldest in Holland. The same-named B&B is adorable and has only one bedroom. Additionally, I would suggest De Basiliek, a fantastic eatery housed in an old church. —Harmina Mulder, owner of Travel By Harmina Inc. and a travel expert from the Netherlands.

Liepāja, Latvia

This is the "windy city" of Latvia. Because of the constant sea breeze and the general attitude of freedom and inventiveness, Liepāja is referred to as the "city where the wind is born." With the Great Amber Concert Hall (named after its yellow-orange gem-like exterior), the Latvian Musicians' Walk of Fame, the Ghost Tree memorial to Latvia's most well-known rock band, Līvi, and hip music venues like Wiktorija, it's a true music metropolis. The oldest original mechanical organ in the world is housed in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Northern Fort and the Karosta Naval Base and prison offer a wealth of non-musical history. And the beach is fantastic! —E.M.

Visby, Sweden

It's a tiny settlement on a Baltic island, and what makes it so special is that it resembles a city of ruins. Its city wall is still standing, and even the street layout is Viking-era, demonstrating how much of the Middle Ages has been maintained and safeguarded. It has a rich history. It was Europe's financial hub, the Wall Street of Europe, circa 1100. The Archaeological Museum is one of my favorite spots in Sweden. As a bonus, there are relics all around the island, not just in the city. Because there is so much to see and because it can be used as a base from which to visit Fårö island, the home of Ingmar Bergman, we have clients who stay there for two or three nights. —Jan Sortland, Norwegian Adventures' general manager.

Aalesund, Norway

This city, which is quite small and spans several islands with an ocean view, is really lovely. There is a stark contrast between the views of the wide ocean in one direction and the towering mountains in the other. The German monarch, who loved this city so much that he opened his own pocketbook, rebuilt it after the entire town burned down in 1904—a major catastrophe. With its narrow, winding lanes that smell of the sea and where you can buy fish and shrimp, the architecture is Germany's take on the Art Nouveau style. — J.S.

Montreux, Switzerland

Located on the east side of Lac Léman, Montreux is roughly an hour's drive or train ride from Geneva. Because of its subtle elegance and tranquility, many individuals choose to retire here. I'm always curious as to why people aren't going here instead of Lake Como. It was not for nothing that Freddie Mercury and Charlie Chaplin spent their final days here. The food is very French, there are food markets and a summer jazz festival, and the vistas from a train ride through this area are unparalleled. The entire lake and town come into view as you go down the mountain into Montreux, and I find it to be very magnificent. —S.M.

Baden Baden, Germany

The location that has stayed with me the most from my vast travels in Germany is Baden Baden, which is located in the Black Forest around one hour west of Stuttgart (which you might also consider Germany's most underappreciated city). It is renowned for its old world charm and is the most sophisticated location in the nation, akin to San Sebastián in Germany. Its natural springs and extensive wellness facilities would draw crowds, and the Brenners Park hotel continues that tradition. Being close to France and having access to fantastic dry riesling wines are two more advantages of visiting this area. The place is quite beautiful for hiking in the summer. —S.M.