At the beginning, I wasn’t aiming for underrated cities in Europe. Besides, I just needed a break: somewhere softer than Rome, less overdone than Paris, and without the glossy postcard feel of Santorini. Somewhere, I hadn’t already seen a million times through someone else’s polished feed.
Strangely enough, that craving led me into some of the most surprising places I’ve ever wandered into. However, not the perfect-picture cities, but places with worn walls, slow mornings, and something that just felt like it mattered. Moreover, the kind of cities that didn’t scream for attention, but ended up stealing mine anyway.
The Problem With “Top 10” Lists
Look, I used to plan trips like most people: search “best places to visit in Europe,” skim the list, and boom: Barcelona, Amsterdam, Venice. And yeah, they’re pretty. No arguments there. But after a few visits, I realized I was on repeat. Furthermore, the same spots. Same photos and identical stories.
And truthfully? It was as if I’d borrowed a vacation, not made one of my own.
Even though I’m not sure when that shifted, exactly. Moreover, could’ve been in Ljubljana; just me and a coffee, people-watching by the river, and realizing not one person had spoken English all day. Although there’s a good chance it was Brno, in the Czech Republic. I took a wrong street, ended up in this dark pub with thick air, and somehow had one of my best nights.
Afterwards, when I let go of all the popular city hype, I started connecting with places in a new way.
A Bit Messy, A Lot Real
Ever stepped into a city that doesn’t sparkle, but grabs your heart anyway?
That’s how Porto got me. Everyone raves about Lisbon and it’s nice. But Porto? Porto doesn’t try to impress, it just is. It’s worn out in places, rough around the edges. The paint’s peeling, the chairs are all different, and honestly, I loved that. Nothing matches. Everything has a story. But it works. I wandered aimlessly for two days and somehow felt more in it than I had in half the museums I’d paid to enter.
And that’s the thing about underrated European cities. They’re not curated. They’re not trying to win you over. They just exist, fully themselves. And if you show up without expectations, they quietly blow you away.
The Best Meal I Never Planned
Okay, pause here because I’ve got to tell you about a meal I had in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
I didn’t know a thing about Plovdiv. Then some dude on a train told me it was “probably the most underrated city in Europe.” He said it like he was passing along treasure.
So I went. Just like that. No research or pinned maps. Second night in, I ducked into this tiny place to get out of the rain. Not listed anywhere, barely had a sign.
Ordered the only thing I could point to. Lamb stew, I think. Still not sure.
But oh man, it was the best food of my whole trip. Not even joking. With this soft, almost knowing smile, she handed me a shot of rakia: free, no fuss. Like she just knew.
That stuff? You can’t plan it.
When Things Fall Apart a Bit
Don’t get me wrong, but these underrated cities in Europe are not always smooth sailing.
Like, in Trieste (which is in northeastern Italy if you haven’t heard of it), I absolutely butchered the bus system. Missed a hike, got caught in the rain, phone died… just a mess.
Sat on a random bench feeling a little sorry for myself.
Then this older woman plopped down beside me, handed me a plum without a word, and just sat there. That’s it. No grand gestures. Just a moment of human kindness.
And somehow, that made the whole mess worth it.
Hidden Charms, Slow Surprises
I get it, like the popular cities feel safer. You know what to expect. Tourist maps, English menus, Wi-Fi.
But here’s the thing. These underrated European cities? They force you to slow down. To look and try.
And the rewards? So much richer.
Like Ghent. Everyone flocks to Bruges, and sure, it’s cute. But Ghent? Ghent is something else. Moody. Honest. I watched early morning fog slip across the canal while the city woke up. No crowds. No pressure. Just quiet magic.
It’s moments like that that stick with you long after the plane lands.
So, What Now?
Here’s what I’ll say: underrated cities in Europe won’t show up on your feed. You won’t find flashy ads or influencers posing in front of them.
You might fall for the place that caught you off guard, not the one you planned.
And the most underrated city in Europe? Could be the one you’ve never even looked up
Either way, trust me. It’s worth going off-map for.