Europe's most popular destinations get more crowded (and more expensive!) with each passing year. Are you interested in exploring more underrated destinations in Europe?
I've lived in Europe (Ireland and Portugal) for well over a decade and I've traveled to every country in the European Union (not to mention the EEA and UK too).
During this time, I've definitely discovered places that I think are simply fabulous and can't help but marvel that they don't get more visitors.
In this post, I tell all and give you 12 ideas for underrated European cities and towns that are worth a visit. Which of these Europe hidden gems is calling your name?
1. The Hague, Netherlands
The Hague is often overlooked for its more famous counterpart, Amsterdam. However, The Hague offers a vibrant city experience with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Things to do: Take an architecture photo walk, noting the patterns and textures present in the city's buildings. Visit the Panorama Mesdag, a unique cylindrical painting offering a 360-degree view of The Hague in the 1880s, and explore the Mesdag Collection featuring works by the painter and his wife.
✨ Spend a weekend in The Hague
2. County Kildare, Ireland
As Dublin's closest neighboring county, Kildare often gets overshadowed by the attractions of the capital city itself. Visitors may be surprised to find that Kildare is known as Ireland's horse country, with opportunities to visit the Irish National Stud farm.
Things to do: Plan a day or weekend trip to explore Kildare's horse country attractions. Venture further to South Kildare for tales of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton in Athy and a stay at the historic Kilkea Castle.
✨ Explore Kildare for a day
3. Waterford and Wexford, Ireland
Situated in Ireland's Ancient East, Waterford and Wexford offer unique experiences year-round. However, they are often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations.
Things to do: Explore Dungarvan as a base for discovering County Waterford. Time a summer visit to enjoy Wexford's famed strawberries or a winter visit for birdwatching at the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.
✨ Discover Waterford and Wexford by car
4. Sligo, Ireland
Often overshadowed by more popular Irish destinations, Sligo offers a wealth of attractions for those seeking a poetry-inspired or food-filled trip.
Things to do: Embark on a poetry-themed journey through Yeats Country, County Sligo being the famed Irish poet W.B. Yeats's home. Explore the Sligo Food Trail and savor the local craft beer scene at The White Hag in Ballymote.
✨ Experience a road trip inspired by Yeats
5. Ghent, Belgium
I consider Ghent to be one of Belgium's most underrated cities, Ghent is often overlooked for destinations like Brussels and Bruges. However, Ghent boasts an array of activities to suit any interest, from foodies to museum enthusiasts to chocolate lovers.
Things to do: Explore Ghent's craft beer scene at Bier Central or visit the Ghent Museum of Industry to learn about printing and textiles. Take a rainy-day tour of the Museum Dr. Guislain, focusing on the history of psychiatry, or wander the quiet residential streets admiring the city's unique doors.
✨ Discover 4 fun ways to spend a day in Ghent
6. Mons, Belgium
Often overshadowed by larger Belgian cities, Mons offers a unique blend of cultural and historical attractions.
Things to do: Take a street art walk to appreciate Mons' designation as a 2015 European Capital of Culture, viewing the installations near the Boule de Bleu on Rue de la Coupe and Sainte-Elizabeth Church. Visit the Mons Memorial Museum, dedicated to the region's World War history, or climb the 30-meter-high belfry of the Belfry of Mons.
✨ Find out how to see the best of Mons in one day
7. Bergamo, Italy
With its proximity to Milan, Bergamo often gets overlooked as a weekend destination. This charming city, however, offers a blend of modern amenities and old-world charm, making it a worthwhile destination in its own right. Bergamo is also a popular Ryanair destination so you can get here on the cheap.
Things to do: Explore Bergamo Citta Alta (Bergamo's Old Town) via the funicular, enjoying views during the ride. Discover the stunning Art Deco architecture in Bergamo Citta Bassa, particularly the post office, and wander through Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the upper town, with its historical buildings and charming atmosphere.
✨ Plan a weekend break in Bergamo
8. Frankfurt, Germany
Often pigeonholed as a finance hub, Frankfurt harbors surprising charm and a plethora of green spaces amidst its towering skyscrapers.
Things to do: Stroll through the Palmengarten, Frankfurt’s centrally located Botanical Gardens, to appreciate the contrast between urban and natural landscapes. For a taste of local culture, an evening at an Apfelwein Tavern in the Sachsenhausen district offers a chance to sample the city's signature apple wine and traditional German cuisine.
✨ Invest a weekend in Frankfurt
9. Kaunas, Lithuania
While Vilnius often steals the spotlight, Kaunas offers a more laid-back Lithuanian experience without sacrificing charm.
Things to do: Explore Kaunas’ picturesque Old Town, smaller and more manageable than Vilnius', with a relaxed ambiance enhanced by restaurants and bars spilling out onto the pavement. A visit to Spurgine, a communist-era cafe, provides a nostalgic glimpse into the city's past, serving up simple coffee and doughnuts in a spartan setting.
✨ Find out why Kaunas is worth visiting
10. Warsaw, Poland
Despite being a vibrant capital, Warsaw lives in Krakow's shadow from a tourism perspective. The Old Town was mostly destroyed during World War II but has been faithfully rebuilt. You'll find a charming core and delicious food here. Warsaw is absolutely one of my favorite Polish cities.
Things to do: Explore Warsaw's complex history with a visit to the Jewish Ghetto Wall, a poignant memorial to a dark chapter. For a dose of culture, a summer Sunday spent in Łazienki Park offers a chance to admire sculptures, water features, and listen to some live Chopin.
✨ Visit Warsaw for 48 hours
11. Riga, Latvia
Riga offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Things to do: Explore Riga's Art Nouveau architecture on Elizabetes iela, admiring the intricate facades and decorative details. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the annual Fall Harvest Festival with its traditional music, crafts, and seasonal produce. Take a day trip to Jūrmala, a charming Latvian beach town, and enjoy the Dzintari Forest Park with its wooden boardwalk and observation tower offering panoramic views of the Bay of Riga.
✨ Spend 3 days in Riga in the Fall
12. Helsinki and beyond, Finland
Helsinki offers a unique blend of Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture. Exploring beyond the capital city reveals charming towns and unusual one-of-a-kind attractions.
Things to do: Take a photography tour of Helsinki, capturing the city's unique architecture and doors. Embark on a Finland road trip to visit Turku, Porvoo, Kotka, and Hamina. Experience the unconventional art at Parikkala Sculpture Park (possibly the weirdest place I've been anywhere in the world).
✨ Plan a weekend break in Helsinki
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I hope you've enjoyed reading about these underrated European destinations that provide a glimpse into the diverse countries and cultures of Europe. Why not take a chance and add some of these lesser-known places to your European itinerary?
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