15 Hidden Gems in Europe We Think More People Should Visit

Some of the best hidden gems in Europe are the destinations that never make the typical bucket list. They aren’t the places everyone recommends, but they often end up being the ones you remember most.

Over the years, we’ve visited colourful old towns, coastal cities, mountain villages, and historic centres that quickly became some of our favourite places in Europe. While not every destination on this list is completely unknown, they’re some of the most underrated places we’ve visited and deserve far more attention than they get.

Whether you’re dreaming of the Adriatic coast, medieval old towns, or cities packed with history, these are the hidden gems in Europe that surprised us the most. I hope they inspire you to look beyond Europe’s biggest tourist hotspots on your next trip.

If you’re looking to venture beyond Europe’s biggest tourist hotspots, these are the destinations we’d recommend adding to your itinerary.

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15 Underrated Places to Visit in Europe

Every destination on this list is somewhere we’ve visited ourselves. Some are small towns, others are capital cities, but all of them offer something different from the places that usually dominate a European itinerary.

1. Tropea, Italy

I try to avoid using the word perched when writing about travel, but in Tropea’s case, there’s really no better way to describe it. Sitting high on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this colourful coastal town is one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited in Italy.

I chose Tropea for our first family trip to Italy because it offered something different from the country’s busiest destinations. Instead of rushing between famous landmarks, we spent our days wandering the old town, stopping for gelato, admiring the views from the clifftops, and enjoying long dinners on outdoor patios while the boys happily worked their way through pizza after pizza.

Tropea made it easy to slow down without ever feeling like there was nothing to do. The historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot, the beaches sit just below the cliffs, and there are plenty of things to do in Tropea between swims and leisurely meals. The train also makes it easy to visit nearby towns like Pizzo, while staying along the coast in places such as Zambrone gives you a quieter base within easy reach of town..

While the Amalfi Coast often gets the spotlight, we found Tropea just as memorable. It felt more relaxed, attracted plenty of Italian holidaymakers alongside international visitors, and was incredibly welcoming to families. Everywhere we went, people stopped to chat with the boys or offered a helping hand, making it one of the easiest and most enjoyable places we’ve travelled with young kids.

A vibrant beach scene in Tropea, Italy, where people swim and relax in the clear turquoise water, while colorful umbrellas cover the sandy shore. Towering above, historic pastel-colored buildings cling dramatically to the rugged cliffside, with arched stone structures integrated into the rock. The contrast between the lively beach and the dramatic cliffside architecture creates a stunning coastal view.

2. Sibiu, Romania

The first thing you’ll probably notice in Sibiu is the rooftops. The unusual dormer windows, known as the “eyes of Sibiu,” seem to watch you as you wander through the old town, and the boys had a great time spotting as many as they could.

But what really made us fall in love with Sibiu wasn’t just the architecture. It was the feeling of the city itself. The large pedestrian squares, outdoor cafés, and relaxed pace made it somewhere we wanted to linger rather than rush through.

Even visiting outside the busy summer season, we found ourselves saying, “I could live here for a while.” It’s the kind of place where you can picture settling into an apartment, finding a favourite café, and slowing down for a few weeks.

Romania doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but Sibiu is one destination we’d encourage more travellers to add to their itinerary. Whether you’re wandering the old town, people-watching from one of the plazas, or searching for another pair of watchful eyes on the rooftops, it’s a city that leaves you wishing you’d planned a little more time.

: Elevated view of Sibiu, Romania, featuring its red tile rooftops, colorful historic buildings, and the iconic clock tower overlooking the main square. Rolling green hills and a sky filled with scattered clouds frame this hidden gem in Europe, highlighting the city's well-preserved medieval architecture.

3. Piran, Slovenia

Many people don’t realize Slovenia has a coastline, which is exactly why Piran is one of our favourite hidden gems in Europe. Sitting on the Adriatic Sea, this small coastal town feels completely different from the alpine scenery and lakes that draw most visitors to the country.

The best way to experience Piran is simply to wander. We loved getting lost in the narrow streets, discovering quiet corners, and eventually finding our way back to Tartini Square. Climbing the bell tower overlooking the square was one of the highlights of our visit, with beautiful views across the terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic beyond. If you’re planning a visit, our guide to things to do in Piran covers all of the spots we think are worth seeing.

With no traffic winding through the old town, Piran feels like a place designed for wandering. After parking just outside the historic centre, you’ll spend the rest of your visit exploring on foot.

While many travellers head straight to Lake Bled or Ljubljana, don’t overlook Slovenia’s coastline. Piran may be small, but it’s the kind of place where you’ll easily spend hours wandering without ever feeling the need to check your watch.

A panoramic view of Piran Slovenia from above shows red tiled rooftops clustered around a large circular town square beside a marina. Boats line the harbour and the deep blue sea stretches toward the horizon under a clear sky.

4. Rotterdam, Netherlands

If your image of the Netherlands is canals lined with narrow historic houses, Rotterdam will completely change your expectations. Known for its bold, modern architecture, this is a city that feels unlike anywhere else in the country.

The famous Cube Houses might be what first catches your attention, but they’re only the beginning. We found ourselves constantly looking up as we walked through the city, admiring everything from striking office buildings and creative public spaces to the impressive Markthal and Euromast. If you enjoy architecture, Rotterdam is one of those cities where simply walking from one neighbourhood to another becomes part of the experience. If you’re planning a visit, our guide to things to do in Rotterdam includes all of the highlights we think are worth seeing.

Despite being the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam felt noticeably less touristy than Amsterdam. We spent two days exploring and could easily have stayed longer, discovering new neighbourhoods, waterfront views, and another building that somehow managed to surprise us around the next corner.

Bright yellow Cube Houses in Rotterdam, Netherlands, viewed from below with their tilted architecture forming a geometric frame around a blue sky. Two boys stand at the top of a wide staircase beneath the houses, while palm trees, bicycles, and surrounding walkways highlight the distinctive urban design and scale of the space.

5. Berat, Albania

With its white Ottoman houses climbing the hillside and the historic castle watching over the town, Berat feels like stepping back in time. Life moves at a slower pace here, making it one of the most memorable places we visited in Albania.

One of our favourite experiences was exploring Berat Castle, where people still live within the ancient stone walls. The boys loved wandering the narrow streets that wind their way through the fortress, discovering hidden corners and viewpoints along the way. Down below, the old town and riverside are just as enjoyable to explore, and despite its relatively small size, there are plenty of things to do in Berat if you’re planning to spend a day or two there.

Although Albania is becoming more popular each year, Berat still feels refreshingly authentic. If you’re looking for history, beautiful scenery, and a destination where you can slow down and simply enjoy your surroundings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Traditional white Ottoman-era houses cascade down the hillside in Berat, Albania, overlooking the river and stone embankment below. The tightly clustered homes with dark tiled roofs showcase the city's distinctive architecture, making Berat one of Europe's most picturesque hidden gems.

6. Bratislava, Slovakia

Often overshadowed by nearby Vienna and Budapest, Bratislava is one of Europe’s most underrated capital cities. It has all the ingredients for a great city break, with an attractive old town, a hilltop castle, great restaurants, and plenty to see, without feeling overwhelmingly busy.

We visited during the Christmas markets, but it was the atmosphere that stood out more than anything else. Despite its beautiful old town, Bratislava never felt overrun with tourists. Instead, it felt like a city where locals and visitors naturally shared the same cafés, streets, and public squares.

The boys loved spotting the quirky bronze statues hidden throughout the old town and exploring Bratislava Castle overlooking the Danube. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or passing through on a Central Europe itinerary, there are plenty of things to do in Bratislava to fill a day or two, and we left wishing we’d return in the summer to experience the city in a completely different season.

A scenic cityscape of Bratislava shows St. Martin’s Cathedral with its green spire rising above a sea of red rooftops and modern buildings, with the Danube and bridges in the distance.

7. Pula, Croatia

Most people visit Croatia for destinations like Dubrovnik or Split, but Pula offers something completely different. Home to one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, this coastal city combines fascinating history with a relaxed atmosphere that’s easy to enjoy at your own pace.

The amphitheatre is undoubtedly the main attraction, but we were surprised by how much more there was to discover. From underground tunnels and Roman ruins to the waterfront and lively streets, history is woven throughout the city without ever feeling like a history lesson. If you’re planning a visit, there are plenty of things to do in Pula beyond the famous arena.

We stayed just outside the city, making it easy to spend the day exploring Pula before relaxing along the Istrian coast after. It was the perfect introduction to a different side of Croatia and one we’d happily recommend to anyone looking to venture beyond the country’s best-known destinations.

Close up view of the Pula Arena showing weathered limestone arches and multiple tiers of the ancient Roman amphitheater against a clear blue sky. Lavender plants and green shrubs line the foreground, emphasizing the scale and preserved stone architecture.

8. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Some cities impress you with famous landmarks. Ljubljana is different. It’s the kind of place where simply wandering through the old town, stopping at a café, or walking along the river is enough to fill an afternoon.

Of course, there are plenty of things to do in Ljubljana, from visiting the castle to crossing the city’s famous bridges, but what we loved most was how easy it was to simply enjoy being there. The city feels relaxed, walkable, and welcoming, making it just as enjoyable for families as it is for couples or solo travellers.

In fact, before we left, the boys were already asking how we could rent an apartment there. That probably tells you everything you need to know about why this city made the list. It’s one of those places that quickly starts to feel less like somewhere you’re visiting and more like somewhere you could happily call home for a while.

A scenic view of the Triple Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia, crossing over the Ljubljanica River, with the vibrant pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in the background and a row of elegant historic buildings lining the square. The bridge is bustling with people, and trees add greenery to the urban landscape under a blue sky.

9. Ulm, Germany

We originally stopped in Ulm because we were looking for somewhere to break up our drive through southern Germany. By the time we left, we were wondering why more people don’t include it on their Germany itinerary.

From the giant Ulm Minster dominating the skyline to the half-timbered houses lining the streets, the city felt like something straight out of a fairy tale. We loved wandering along the river, walking through the old town gates, and climbing the Berblinger Tower for views over the city. The boys were especially excited to spot the astronomical clock, immediately pointing out how much it reminded them of the one in Prague. There are plenty of things to do in Ulm, making it well worth spending more than just a quick stop here.

Although Ulm is often overshadowed by places like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, we found it just as enjoyable to explore, with far fewer crowds. It’s the kind of city where every turn seems to reveal another interesting building, quiet street, or historic landmark, making it well worth adding to a southern Germany road trip.

Skyline of Ulm viewed from across the Danube River with the towering Gothic spire of Ulm Minster rising above colorful historic buildings and mature trees. Calm water in the foreground reflects the cityscape beneath a cloudy sky with patches of blue.

10. Prizren, Kosovo

Kosovo isn’t usually the first country people think of when planning a trip to Europe, but Prizren quickly became one of our favourite stops in the Balkans. With its historic mosque, stone bridge, hilltop fortress, and walkable old town, it has all the charm of a popular European city without feeling shaped by tourism.

Unlike many popular European destinations, Prizren still feels like a city where everyday life takes centre stage. Even visiting in November, cafés were still filled with locals chatting over espresso, people lingered on outdoor patios, and the old town felt busy without ever feeling crowded. Hearing the call to prayer echo across the old town only added to the atmosphere, making Prizren feel unlike anywhere else we visited on the trip.

It’s almost impossible to spend time in Prizren without crossing its historic stone bridge. Linking the two sides of the old town, it quickly became the centre of our visit as we wandered between cafés, restaurants, the mosque, and the fortress overlooking the city. There are plenty of things to do in Prizren, but don’t be surprised if your favourite moments are simply wandering through the old town and soaking up the atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a destination that still feels authentic and refreshingly overlooked, Prizren is one we’d encourage more travellers to discover.

Historic stone bridge spanning a fast flowing river in Prizren, Kosovo with a mosque featuring a large dome and tall minaret rising behind it. Traditional buildings line the riverbank, with wooded hills and scattered homes forming the backdrop beneath an overcast sky.

11. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv manages to feel both ancient and modern at the same time. One minute you’re strolling along a wide pedestrian street lined with cafés and shops, and the next you’re standing beside Roman ruins that have been part of the city for nearly 2,000 years.

I was surprised by just how seamlessly history blends into everyday life here.

Roman ruins aren’t tucked away behind museum walls in Plovdiv. They’re simply part of the city, even hidden beneath the floor of an H&M store.

But history is only part of what makes Plovdiv worth visiting. Climb one of the city’s hills for panoramic views, wander the pedestrian streets, or spend an evening enjoying one of the many cafés and restaurants. If you’re planning a visit, there are plenty of things to do in Plovdiv beyond its famous Roman sites.

Panoramic view of Plovdiv with red tiled rooftops, a mosque minaret, and rolling green hills surrounding the historic city. Stone walls frame the foreground while dramatic clouds stretch across the sky above the skyline.

12. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Often overlooked in favour of Europe’s larger capitals, Luxembourg City has far more to offer than most people expect. Dramatic viewpoints, historic fortifications, scenic walking trails, and one of the most efficient public transport systems we’ve experienced all make it a destination that’s easy to explore.

The views were what stayed with me the most. Looking across the deep valleys and old fortifications, it felt completely different from any other capital we’d visited. Add in free public transportation, a fun glass elevator connecting the upper and lower parts of the city, and plenty of attractions that don’t cost a thing, and Luxembourg City ended up offering far more value than we expected. If you’re planning a visit, there are plenty of things to do in Luxembourg City that make spending a day or two here well worthwhile.

Luxembourg isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe, but with so many viewpoints, walking trails, historic sites, and free attractions, we never felt like we had to spend a fortune to enjoy it. It quickly became one of our favourite underrated capitals and a city that deserves far more attention than it gets.

Elevated view of Luxembourg City's Grund district with a pale stone church, winding river, arched bridges, and dramatic sandstone cliffs surrounded by wooded hills. Historic buildings and walking paths follow the river beneath an overcast sky, showcasing the city's distinctive natural setting and architecture.

13. Trier, Germany

Germany isn’t usually associated with Roman history, but Trier tells a very different story. Home to impressive Roman ruins, lively market squares, and centuries of history, it’s a destination that feels completely different from many of Germany’s better-known towns and cities.

Most people come to Trier to see the Porta Nigra, but the Imperial Roman Baths were the attraction we kept talking about afterwards. Exploring the underground passageways made it easy to imagine what this part of the city looked like during Roman times. And once you start wandering, you’ll find plenty to do in Trier beyond its most famous landmarks.

Even with pouring rain during our visit, Trier left a lasting impression. Between its Roman history, walkable old town, and the hiking trails surrounding the city, it’s the kind of place that’s worth slowing down for rather than simply passing through.

The ruins of the Kaiserthermen (Imperial Baths) in Trier feature moss-covered brick and stone walls, arched windows, and remnants of ancient Roman architecture.

14. Skopje, North Macedonia

Skopje is one of those cities that seems to divide travellers, but we think it’s well worth experiencing for yourself. From the enormous statues and grand squares to the centuries-old Old Bazaar, nowhere else we’ve visited in Europe has quite the same mix of cultures, architecture, and history.

The contrast is what makes Skopje so memorable. Cross the Stone Bridge and you’ll leave the more modern city centre behind for the narrow streets of the Old Bazaar, where cafés, mosques, and market stalls create a completely different atmosphere. Add in the hilltop fortress overlooking the city, and there are plenty of things to do in Skopje that make it worth more than just a quick stop.

Beyond the sights themselves, we were struck by how welcoming everyone was. Whether we were exploring the city or heading out to nearby Matka Canyon, we met some incredibly kind people who made our visit even more memorable. If you’re looking for a European city that’s unlike anywhere else on this list, Skopje is one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. I’ve heard people say you’ll either love Skopje or hate it, but I’d encourage you to see it for yourself.

wo children in red and navy hooded sweatshirts stand on the riverbank looking at a statue of a person jumping into the Vardar River beside the historic Stone Bridge in Skopje. The bridge's large stone arches stretch across the water, with statues and city landmarks visible in the background beneath an overcast sky.

15. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

While most visitors make a beeline for Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj was the place we fell in love with. Surrounded by the mountains of Triglav National Park, it offers a quieter, more relaxed side of Slovenia that’s perfect for anyone looking to slow down, get outside, and enjoy Slovenia’s incredible scenery.

Rather than rushing from one attraction to the next, Bohinj is where you can enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. Walk along the lakeshore, hike to nearby viewpoints, rent a kayak, or simply find a spot by the water and take in the scenery. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Bohinj, but it’s also one of those rare destinations where doing very little feels just as rewarding.

Although Lake Bled deserves its popularity, Bohinj felt less crowded and more connected to the surrounding landscape. Of all the places we visited in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj is the one we’d return to first.

A serene view of Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, with crystal-clear water gently meeting a pebbled shoreline and a wooden dock with a boat on the left. Towering alpine mountains rise in the background, their slopes covered in dense greenery under a dramatic sky with sun breaking through the clouds.

Our Take on These Hidden Gems in Europe

Not every destination on this list is a complete secret, but each one offered something we weren’t expecting and ended up becoming one of the highlights of our travels through Europe.

Whether you’re looking for a quieter alternative to a popular destination, a city full of history, or somewhere to slow down and enjoy the scenery, I hope this list inspires you to explore a few places that don’t always make the typical Europe itinerary.

If you’re willing to look beyond the places that appear on every “must-visit” list, you might just discover a new favourite of your own.

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