9 Highly Underrated Cities in Europe to Visit in 2025

According to my “been” app, which I use to track my travels, I’ve apparently explored nearly 70% of Europe. While I wouldn’t take this figure too seriously, I have traveled extensively across the continent, primarily visiting cities.

Beyond the well-known cities like Paris, London, Rome, and Barcelona, I’ve often found myself exploring lesser-known destinations. Many of these trips happened spontaneously, often inspired by affordable flight deals I found on CheapOair.

That said, I firmly believe that many of Europe’s underappreciated cities are just as captivating as their famous counterparts.

Some have even surprised me so much that I’ve considered moving there! (Though, to be fair, I often find myself tempted to relocate after visiting a new place. 😉)

This blog post includes 9 of the most underrated cities in Europe that I have traveled to in recent years and that I think should end up on your bucket list!

And who knows, maybe you’ve already been to one or two of them? If so, I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

1. Riga, Latvia

The first of the most underrated cities in Europe that I believe is worth visiting is Riga, the capital of Latvia.

In April 2023, I traveled to Riga with my sister (one of those exact cheap flight deals found on CheapOair) and was immediately captured by its charm.

There are many reasons why I think Riga is worth visiting. First, it remains one of the most affordable and least crowded European capitals, allowing you to explore its charming Old Town and narrow streets without battling overwhelming crowds.

Another highlight is its incredible architecture. Over a third of Riga’s central buildings showcase breathtaking Art Nouveau designs, particularly along Alberta Street.

However, my favorite part of Riga is its enchanting Old Town, boasting cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and landmarks like the House of the Blackheads and St. Peter’s Church.

On top of all this, Riga offers numerous green spaces and public parks, each more picturesque than the last. My personal favorite is Bastejkalna Park, a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city.

Check out: The 12 Best Things to do in Riga For First-Time Visitors

2. Tirana, Albania

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is often overlooked as a travel destination in Europe. However, it truly exceeded my expectations and turned out to be a delightful surprise.

Before visiting, I didn’t expect much from Tirana, but the city’s hip and lively vibe completely won me over. It’s packed with trendy cafés and bars, and every corner buzzes with energy and activity.

Alongside its modern vibe, Tirana offers fascinating historical attractions, such as the Bunk’Art 2 museum, which delves into Albania’s communist past, and Tirana Castle, an ancient landmark dating back to the 5th century.

The latter is now home to the newly pedestrianized Murat Toptani Street, lined with charming cafés and souvenir shops.

Sit down, enjoy a refreshing glass of Aperol, and soak in the hustle and bustle of this lively street – it’s truly one of the best things to do in Tirana!

3. Thessaloniki, Greece

Oh, Greece! As one of my absolute favorite European destinations, I come here almost every year.

While I usually prefer visiting the Greek islands, especially the quieter ones like Tinos, Skiathos, or Skopelos, I spent a few days in Thessaloniki on one of my recent trips.

In previous years, I’d considered flying to Thessaloniki but somehow always ended up choosing other destinations. I probably would have visited much sooner if I’d known how amazing it was!

With its rich history as a crossroads of civilizations and its vibrant energy as a modern metropolis, Thessaloniki offers lots of great things to do for everyone.

On the one hand, there are ancient ruins scattered throughout the city that transport you back in time, while on the other, hip nightlife districts like Ladadika let you dance the night away until the early hours.

Thessaloniki gets one more plus point from me thanks to its location right by the sea. In summer, you can find great beaches just a few minutes from the city, while in the evening, the wide promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Thessaloniki is also an excellent base for great day trips, such as a visit to the breathtaking Meteora monasteries.

4. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is one of those underrated cities in Europe that surprised me the most.

When I was planning my trip to Poland, my main reason was to visit Krakow. It was the pre-Christmas season, and I had heard the city was particularly beautiful (spoiler: it was!).

I added Warsaw to my itinerary to meet up with a friend, so my time was limited, and I hadn’t really planned what I wanted to see.

Fortunately, my friend knew the city well and showed me its many facets, from the main square of the Old Town with its beautiful buildings to the modern business district of Wola, the heart of Warsaw’s corporate and financial hub.

I think what fascinated me the most was the unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. The city balances the charm of its restored Old Town with the sleek skyscrapers of its business districts in such a harmonious way.

Moreover, my friend also mentioned that the Polish capital boasts a thriving arts scene, with many world-class museums, theaters, and galleries. I personally wouldn’t have thought of that myself.

So, if you’re a lover of the arts, Warsaw is definitely the place to be!

5. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, a small neighboring country of Austria, is just a five-hour bus ride from my place.

Nevertheless, despite its proximity, it took me quite some time to plan a trip there. It simply wasn’t very high on my bucket list, much like most of these underrated European cities I’m highlighting here …

Compared to other European capitals, Ljubljana is one of the smaller ones, yet it packs a surprising amount of charm and attractions into its compact size.

I especially loved the city’s picturesque Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and the iconic Dragon Bridge. It looks like it’s straight out of a storybook!

Check out: All The Best Things to Do in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Another reason why I think Ljubljana is worth a visit is that it was named Europe’s Green Capital in 2016 for its eco-friendly policies.

I’m sure you’ll love the car-free city center, the abundance of parks, and the proximity to nature just as much as I did!

Something you won’t find in the capital city of Slovenia is a sense of rush. It has a calm, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for strolling along the Ljubljanica River or sipping coffee in a riverside café.

6. Stockholm, Sweden

It took me nearly 24 years to finally travel further north than Germany and Poland.

Why?

Because I’m more of a sun, summer, beach, and sea kind of person if you know what I mean.

However, when it was time to plan another trip, I found an incredibly cheap flight to Stockholm on CheapOair. Being the cheap flight hunter that I am, I couldn’t resist booking it.

I didn’t expect much and pictured myself spending most of the time in cafés, escaping the weather (you know, the North means rain, wind, and cold).

Although it was quite windy and cold (I visited in October), the expected continuous rain never came, and the few times it drizzled were not as bad as I had imagined.

The longer I walked through the city streets, the more captivated I became, and the less the weather bothered me.

With its location across 14 islands and vast waterways, along with lush parks and waterfront views, Stockholm is incredibly picturesque. Especially in the fall, parks like Ekoparken transform into vibrant fields of gold, red, yellow, and orange.

Stockholm is not only one of the greenest cities in Europe, but it’s also home to home to historical Swedish landmarks like the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (the Old Town), and world-class museums such as the Vasa Museum.

Last but not least, one of the must-do things in Stockholm is to enjoy Kanelbullar, a classic Swedish cinnamon bun.

I mostly visited locations of the local chain Bröd & Salt, as they offer incredibly soft and delicious vegan versions as well.

7. Graz, Austria

While Vienna and Salzburg are internationally renowned, few have ever heard of Graz – a pity, as it’s actually my favorite city in Austria.

For me, Graz doesn’t feel like a typical bustling city. Instead, it has the charm of a larger town with a laid-back atmosphere, just like Ljubljana.

Graz is a city with a perfect blend of historic charm and modern flair. On one side, there’s its beautifully preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with stunning architecture and cozy courtyards.

On the other side, the city is home to places like the Kunsthaus Graz, a modern architectural marvel housing contemporary art exhibitions, and the Murinsel, an artificial island on the Mur River.

Not to forget the iconic Schlossberg with its clock tower (Uhrturm), which not only offers stunning views of the city but also hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Graz during winter.

Graz is also one of Austria’s greenest cities, boasting numerous parks and green spaces perfect for relaxing or taking a stroll.

8. Bratislava, Slovakia

Thanks to its close proximity, Bratislava is a popular day trip destination from Vienna. However, it’s often seen as a stopover rather than a destination in its own right.

I think that’s a pity because Bratislava offers so much more: a rich history shaped by its position on the Danube, affordable prices, and a vibrant cultural scene.

What I appreciate the most about this compact capital is that it’s effortlessly walkable and you can reach most places without using any type of transportation.

Its cute Old Town feels like stepping into a fairytale, with colorful facades, cozy cafés, landmarks like Michael’s Gate, and quirky statues that bring a sense of humor to the city.

The Old Town is also home to a few hidden bars. I highly recommend Michalska Cocktail Room Bar, but I can’t reveal its location – you’ll have to discover it yourself. 😉

Other must-see spots in Bratislava include Bratislava Castle and the UFO Tower, both offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Whether you spend just a day or stay 1–2 nights as I did the last time, I’m convinced this charming city will win you over. It’s a city that surprises you at every turn and proves that smaller capitals can pack a big punch!

9. Brighton & Hove, England

Last but not least, Brighton & Hove is another underrated European city I strongly encourage you to add to your list.

The main reason I visited Brighton last October was to attend the annual BrightonSEO conference. I stayed for three nights and spent two full days in the city – one at the conference and the other exploring its sights.

Brighton & Hove might not be on everyone’s radar, but I absolutely loved it! It’s got that perfect mix of traditional seaside charm and a modern, artsy vibe that really appealed to me.

The colorful beach huts in Hove, the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, and the bustling pebble beach all give the city a unique feel.

Brighton & Hove has also earned an international reputation over the last few years for its stunning and original street artwork, which you’ll find dotted around the city.

It’s like walking through an open-air gallery, with colorful murals and creative pieces adding to the city’s artistic vibe.

And if that’s not enough, Brighton’s lively nightlife, with its variety of bars, pubs, and clubs, ensures there’s plenty to enjoy after a relaxing day by the sea.

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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!

Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.

Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.

Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.

Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.