If you’re planning a trip to Europe, chances are you’re thinking of visiting the usual suspects – London, Paris, Rome, etc. But have you considered branching out and exploring some of the lesser-known cities on the continent? Here are five underrated European cities that are worth adding to your travel bucket list.
- Krakow, Poland
Located in the heart of Europe, Krakow is a city with a rich history and culture. It was once the capital of Poland and is home to a stunning Old Town, which is filled with beautiful buildings, charming streets, and a plethora of restaurants and cafes. One of the top attractions in Krakow is Wawel Castle, a stunning castle complex that dates back to the 14th century. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is home to a number of fascinating museums and art galleries.
- Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North,” is a charming city located in the northwest of Belgium. It’s known for its beautiful canals, which are lined with picturesque houses and buildings. Bruges is also home to several world-class museums, including the Groeningemuseum, which houses a collection of Flemish masterpieces. In addition to its museums and art galleries, Bruges is also home to a thriving food scene, with no shortage of delicious restaurants and cafes serving up everything from traditional Belgian waffles to gourmet seafood.
- Porto, Portugal
Located in the northwest of Portugal, Porto is a city that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of its more well-known neighbor, Lisbon. However, Porto has a lot to offer, including stunning architecture, delicious food, and a rich culture. One of the top attractions in Porto is the Ribeira district, which is home to stunningly colorful houses, narrow streets, and charming squares. The city is also home to a few museums and art galleries, including The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art.
- Gdansk, Poland
Located on the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is a city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. It’s known for its beautiful Old Town, which is bursting with charming streets, historic buildings, and several interesting museums and galleries. One of the top attractions in Gdansk is the Gdansk Shipyard, which was once the largest shipyard in the world and played a key role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Today, the shipyard is home to numerous interesting museums and exhibits, including the Solidarity Museum, which tells the story of the Solidarity movement and the fall of communism in Poland.
- Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is a city located in the Austrian Alps that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of nearby cities like Vienna and Salzburg. However, Innsbruck has a lot to offer, including stunning mountain views, a rich cultural scene, and various interesting attractions. One of the top things to do in Innsbruck is to take the Hungerburgbahn, a cable car that takes you up to the Hungerburg district, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Innsbruck is also home to a lot of interesting museums and galleries, including the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, which houses a collection of traditional folk art from the region.
Europe is absolutely filled with incredible cities that are often overlooked by tourists. From the charming streets of Bruges to the stunning mountain views of Innsbruck, there are so many amazing destinations that are worth exploring. So next time you’re planning a trip to Europe, consider branching out and visiting one of these underrated cities – You won’t be disappointed!
If cruises are more your thing, then check out this blog I wrote on the most romantic cruises!
