11 Most Underrated European Cities

Of course you want to visit Paris, Rome and London, believe me I did too. But, here is a list of 11 other amazing European cities that are worth adding to your list. Some you may already know and some you may have never heard of. Anyways, I highly recommend checking them out. Plus, because they are a little more off the beaten path, they tend to have less tourists. Please let me know which cities you think should’ve been on the list!

11. Rovinj – Croatia

Most people think of Dubrovnik when traveling to Croatia, and Rovinj is often overlooked. It is a gorgeous coastal town in the region of Istria and slowly getting on the map for American tourists. Close to Italy, the food is a combination of Mediterranean, Italian, and Croatian. Istria is also filled with forests of truffles so finding really delicious truffle-filled dishes is easy and more affordable than most other places in Europe.

10. Belgrade – Serbia

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a little rough around the edges, but it is full of such rich history, both very old (ancient city dating back to 279 BC) and modern times (socialist Yugoslavia). And if the history isn’t selling you, there are beautiful views from the Fortress and clubs on boats at the river. Enjoy!

9. Sintra – Portugal

If you have been to Lisbon, you have most likely heard of Sintra. It is a magical place filled with loads of different castles. You can do a day trip out of Lisbon and spend your time hoping around from each castle. From the iconic yellow and red of the Pena Palace to the secret gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, you are sure to fall in love.

8. Ljubljana – Slovenia

Ljubljana, pronounced lyoo-blyah-nuh, is one of the cutest little cities. The Viennese architecture, pedestrian-only city center, and friendly people will make it one of your new favorites. With a castle on the hill and a dragon as the city’s symbol, what’s not to love.

7. Bratislava – Slovakia

Just an hour away from Vienna, Bratislava is set upon the beautiful Danube River. It is uniquely connected by Baroque palaces, a Gothic Old Town, and communist-era buildings including the famous UFO bridge pictured below.

6. Brasov – Romania

Brasov is located in Transylvania, famously known as the home of Dracula, and really this whole region is quite beautiful. It is filled with mountains and castles. The Peleș Castle (below) was one of my favorites. I visited in January so it was a winter wonderland, but I heard it is amazing in the summer too!

5. Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar, named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who in medieval times guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge), is a gorgeous city. It also has some of the best cevapi, famous Balkan meat dish, I have ever eaten. Mostar is a great city to stroll around eating good food, drinking strong coffee, and of course watching locals jump from the highest part of the bridge as the tourists ooo and ahh.

4. Veliko Tarnovo – Bulgaria

Just three hours away from Bucharest, is this hidden gem. Veliko Tarnovo, historically known as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, is located in the northern central part of Bulgaria. With the city built on three hills, one being home to the fortress – Tsarevets, Veliko Tarnovo is breath-taking.

3. Kotor – Montenegro

Kotor is hands-down one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. With the limestone cliffs and orange roofed houses, every edge of the bay is picture perfect. Under Venetian rule from 1420 to 1797, Kotor has striking architecture. As it is one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic, Kotor is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

2. Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina

There are so many amazing things to say about Sarajevo. Often called “Little Jerusalem,” it is one of the few European cities to have a Catholic church, mosque, Orthodox church and synagogue all within the same neighborhood. It is also where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place sparking the first world war. In more modern times, Sarajevo was under siege for three years in the 90s. Fascinating and rich history, a dynamic culture, and a street dedicated to copper art, there is so much to see and learn from a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital.

1. Zagreb – Croatia

Everyone thinks of the coast when traveling to Croatia, but you cannot forget about Zagreb! Being the capital city and the most populous, you get a real feel for the typical Croatian lifestyle. Not to mention it is such an affordable and cool place to stay. I may be a little biased because I lived in Zagreb for a year, but it is such an underrated city and should totally be added to your list!