10 Underrated European Cities Worth the Detour

Beyond the usual suspects

Paris and Rome are wonderful, but Europe rewards the curious. Here are ten cities that locals love and tour buses miss.

1. Ghent, Belgium Medieval towers, a castle in the city center, and a canal scene that rivals Bruges — with half the crowds. Wander the medieval streets at dusk when the light hits the Gravensteen just right, then settle into a canalside café for Flemish stew and strong local beer. The city moves at a slower, more human pace.

Trains from Brussels reach Ghent in 30 minutes for under 10 euros each way. Spring and early autumn keep the weather mild and the squares uncrowded. Two full days suffice for the castle, the cathedral altarpiece, and a bike ride along the Leie. Skip the tourist menus near the waterfront and head instead to the student quarter for stoofvlees at a place locals queue for. Daily costs hover around 80 euros including a mid-range room and two solid meals.

2. Matera, Italy Ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock, now boutique hotels and candle-lit restaurants. Spend a night in a sassi room and wake to church bells echoing across the ravine. The food is honest and hearty—think handmade orecchiette and rich tomato sauces—and the stargazing from the rooftops feels almost private.

Italy itineraries often overlook Matera, yet it sits only an hour by bus from Bari airport. Late spring or October brings comfortable temperatures for climbing the stone steps. Plan three nights so you can explore both the Sassi and the surrounding Murgia plateau on foot. A simple agriturismo lunch of grilled vegetables and local pecorino costs about 15 euros. Skip the overpriced cave restaurants that advertise to tour groups.

3. Lisbon, Portugal Tram rides rattle up steep hills lined with azulejo tiles while the scent of grilled sardines drifts from open windows. Head to the quieter neighborhoods like Graça or Alcântara for neighborhood markets and fado sung in tiny bars. The Atlantic light here is soft and golden, perfect for long, aimless walks.

Lisbon travel guide pages recommend staying in the Bairro Alto or Mouraria rather than the packed Baixa. Direct flights land year-round, though May and September avoid both summer heat and winter rain. Three days let you ride every tram line and still have evenings free for port wine in a tasca. A pastel de nata and espresso breakfast runs two euros at most neighborhood cafés. Skip the queues at the main viewpoints and walk instead to the lesser-known Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

4. Ljubljana, Slovenia A compact, green capital where the river winds beneath a triple bridge and a hilltop castle watches over everything. Rent a bike, pedal along the Ljubljanica, and stop for pumpkin seed oil drizzled over fresh salads. In summer the streets fill with open-air concerts and the mood stays effortlessly relaxed.

Trains from Vienna or Venice arrive in under three hours. June through September suits outdoor dining and castle hikes. Two nights cover the market, the dragon bridge, and a half-day trip to Lake Bled if desired. A three-course lunch with local wine rarely exceeds 18 euros. Skip the souvenir stands on the main square and browse the side streets instead.

5. Bergen, Norway Colorful wooden warehouses line the old wharf while fjords stretch just beyond the city limits. Take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for sweeping views, then hike a little farther to escape the few other visitors. Fresh seafood and rain-soaked trails make this an ideal base for gentle adventure.

Flights from Oslo take 50 minutes, or the scenic train from Oslo runs seven hours. June and August offer the longest days and driest trails. Three nights allow a fjord cruise plus time to wander Bryggen without rushing. A bowl of fish soup at the harbor market costs around 120 kroner. Skip the crowded funicular at midday and start early or late.

6. Sibiu, Romania A medieval old town of pastel houses, hidden courtyards, and one of Europe’s quirkiest rooflines—many homes have windows shaped like eyes. Locals still gather in the main square for evening strolls and strong coffee. Day trips to nearby fortified churches add an extra layer of discovery.

Buses from Bucharest reach Sibiu in four hours for under 15 euros. May and September keep the squares pleasant for lingering. Two nights cover the old town and a drive to the fortified churches at Biertan or Viscri. Lunch of sarmale and polenta runs about 25 lei. Skip the new shopping mall on the outskirts and stay inside the medieval walls.

7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria Layered history meets modern creativity in Bulgaria’s cultural capital. Ancient Roman ruins sit beside contemporary street art, and the old town’s cobbled lanes lead to cozy wine bars. The vibe is warm and unpretentious, with festivals popping up year-round.

Trains from Sofia take two hours. April, May, September, and October avoid both summer heat and winter chill. Three nights let you explore the Roman theater, the Kapana district galleries, and the hills above town. A glass of local Mavrud and meze costs under 10 leva. Skip the souvenir shops near the stadium and wander the back lanes instead.

8. Tartu, Estonia A university town of wooden houses, leafy parks, and a gentle river perfect for kayaking. Summers bring outdoor cinema nights and long daylight hours for exploring nearby bogs and forests. It feels like a living room you’ve been invited into.

Buses from Tallinn arrive in two and a half hours. June and July bring white nights and outdoor events. Two nights cover the university buildings, the river walk, and a bog hike. A lunch of elk soup and rye bread costs about 8 euros. Skip the highway hotels and book a room in the wooden-house district.

9. Coimbra, Portugal Fado echoes through the steep lanes of Portugal’s oldest university town. Climb to the hilltop library for breathtaking views, then relax by the Mondego River with a picnic of local cheese and olives. The city’s rhythm is both scholarly and soulful.

Trains from Lisbon reach Coimbra in two hours; see Portugal itineraries for routing ideas. March through May and September through November keep the weather mild. Two nights cover the university, the library, and a boat ride on the river. A picnic of queijo da serra and olives from the market costs under 8 euros. Skip the chain restaurants near the station and eat in the upper town.

10. Valletta, Malta A compact fortress city of golden limestone and sweeping harbors. Baroque architecture glows at sunset, while tiny restaurants serve rabbit stew and fresh seafood. Hop on a ferry to the neighboring islands for quiet beaches and dramatic cliffs.

Direct flights land at Malta International Airport, then a 15-minute bus ride reaches Valletta. April, May, October, and November avoid the cruise-ship crowds and summer heat. Three nights allow time for the city plus day trips to Gozo. A rabbit stew dinner runs about 15 euros. Skip the overpriced harbor-front tables and eat inland.

Choosing your base

Budgets and travel styles vary, so a quick comparison helps narrow the list.

These places invite you to slow down and notice the details that make travel memorable. Pack comfortable shoes, an open mind, and a willingness to ask locals where they eat. The best stories usually come from the cities that weren’t on your original list.