There are so many underrated European cities to be found. Nowhere in the world provides you with so many fantastic metropolitan centers as does Europe. From Dublin to Dubrovnik, or Vienna to Venice. I have spent time in over forty European cities including many of the most popular such as Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Prague, and Berlin. Some of them exceeded my expectations while others left me wondering what all the fuss was about.
There are many aspects that influence one’s experience and impression of a place, especially cities! Who you are with, people you meet, the experiences you have, the weather, the food, your purpose for visiting and how much time you spend there. I am sure there are many more amazing cities that I am yet to experience but this is my top ten list of underrated European cities and I have left the best till last….
10. LONDON (ENGLAND)
London is one of the biggest underrated European cities that really did impress me. I wasn’t expecting it as I was pretty over cities by the time I arrived there. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This city has to have the best public transport in any city I have visited, it was just so easy!
The biggest reason I loved London was that it reminded me so much of home. Not what it looks like but just all the things that are familiar especially the food! I can see what so many New Zealanders and Australians settle here.
Highlights – Finding a meat pie, people watching in Trafalgar Square, attending Kapa Haka (NZ traditional performance) practice at the New Zealand Embassy and spending time exploring Camden Markets and Brixton.
Best Tip – If you have a contactless/paywave money card this is all you need for using public transport. Otherwise be sure to get an Oyster Card. This is a great 5 Day London Itinerary.
9. NICE (FRANCE)
I only planned to spend a few nights in Nice but after having a bag stolen with my passport I had to stay put here for over a week. Not a bad place to get stuck because Nice is so nice! Yes, I had to say it! France has plenty of picturesque beachside towns and cities and this is definitely one of them.
Instantly I got the feeling that the people who live there are generally happy people. And I am not surprised by the amount of salt breeze and sunshine they are exposed to. This city can be explored on foot and there are so many great locations to enjoy fantastic views from. Getting to nearby towns and villages is easy with public transport and worthwhile if you have time.
Highlights – the beach, of course, views from the hill-top, awesome markets, and happy people.
Best Tip – Take the bus and visit the nearby village of Èze
8. ZAGREB (CROATIA)
Zagreb was the number one city to visit in 2017, according to Lonely Planet, and for a second year running the best European City for Christmas Markets. Many come to Croatia for the coastal cities and islands but Zagreb is not a place to be ignored!
Zagreb has to be one of the safest cities I have visited to the point where I would have no hesitation walking a dark alley on my own at night. This is a city with some very interesting history that was not so long ago affected by war. There are museums for everything here! This is a really affordable place to visit, the coffee is great and most people speak good English.
Highlights – Exploring the Upper Town, experiencing Christmas festivities, and the Museum of the Broken Relationships.
Best Tip – Find the Grič Tunnel and be at the Lotrščak Tower at midday for a loud surprise!
7. VENICE (ITALY)
Venice might be a bit cliché for a top ten list but it is absolutely deserving! This city is so unique to any of the other European cities. Being a small city you don’t need to spend a lot of time here. A few days is all you will need to lose yourself in the maze of streets and canals.
Because the city not big but very popular, the crowds can be crazy so I wouldn’t recommend visiting in the peak season. If you are looking for a nice change of scene on your Europe travels this place will definitely offer that.
Highlights – Using water transport, visiting Murano to see all the glass art, and getting lost in the streets.
Best Tip – get a transport pass so you can get on and off as many water buses as you like. This will also get you out to the other islands like Murano.
6. LJUBLJANA (SLOVENIA)
This city is such a gem! Even in the middle of winter, this place has real charm and the people are so friendly. Ljubljana is one of my favourite and very much underrated European cities in one of my favourite European countries. I fell in love with this place!
What really impressed me about this city is how environmentally friendly it is and how many healthy food options there are. For a healthy eating nature lover, you couldn’t find many places more perfect than this!
Highlights – Sunset from Ljubljana Castle, walking through the quirky Metelkova district and the food.
Best Tip – Make sure you take some day trips from here to Lake Bled and Postojna Caves and Castle.
5. BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)
I visited Budapest just before Christmas so I got to experience the real festivities of the season. This may have contributed to my positive impression of this city. There is so much to see and experience here! With some incredible history, this appears to be a city where East meets West. A place that has experienced its fair share of sorrow but shown a great deal of strength.
Highlights – Visiting my first ever Synagogue, bathing in the hot pools, enjoying the Christmas markets, and wandering the city streets.
Best Tip – Visiting the Ruin Bars including Szimpla Kert is a must!
