Many cities in Europe are often overlooked when it comes to tourism or business travel. These cities are often overshadowed by bigger and more luxurious neighbors, but this is not always the case. From big cities that are overshadowed by more glamorous second cities, to small cities that are rarely heard of, we look at some of the most underrated European cities to visit.
Bratislava, Slovakia
With its hilltop fairytale castle, 14th-century cathedral, cobbled streets, and magnificent palaces, – Bratislava has plenty of wow factor. As the former capital of royal Hungary, the Danube city was known as an important center for classical music before communism. Today, the city prides itself on its historic and colorful 18th-century center, fascinating communist-era architecture, and modern, green neighborhoods.
Bucharest, Romania
Bustling beer halls, hip coffee shops, peaceful parks, graceful Art Nouveau villas, old orthodox churches, and mammoth communist-era structures, there’s a lot to see in this Eastern European city. Highlights in Bucharest include visiting the colossal Palace of Parliament (constructed by former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu), watching a performance in the gorgeous Romanian Athenaeum, and relaxing in the pretty Cişmigiu Gardens.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg City, the capital of a small nation often overlooked by travelers, has a fairy-tale feel with a grand palace overlooking picturesque cobbled streets. Surrounded by wooded valleys and vineyards, it’s an ideal destination for foodies. An impressive number of restaurants are listed in the Michelin Guide, eight of which have been awarded at least one star.
Riga, Latvia
With a UNESCO-protected medieval old town, a renewed riverside, and a restaurant scene that offers everything from modern new Nordic cuisine to traditional dishes, the Latvian capital has a lot to offer. The best way to get a sense of the city’s complex history is to take in the eclectic mix of medieval, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings in the pretty city center and then climb the tower of St. Peter’s Church to view the labyrinth of terracotta rooftops from above.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals and has a lot to offer. With its cool clubs (the summer boat parties on the Danube and the Sava are legendary), its eclectic music scene, its creative community, and several designer hotels, Belgrade is increasingly becoming a hip destination. Add to that it’s pretty old town, an ancient citadel, and renovated riverside neighbourhoods, and it’s a wonder this Danube city isn’t on any traveler’s must-visit list.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its art and culture but is all too often eclipsed by schmaltzy Salzburg. Those who bypass Vienna do so unjustly. The riches of the Kunsthistorisches Museum with its Rembrandts, Vermeers, and Rubens are worth a visit in themselves. Then there is the prestigious Vienna State Opera, the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the splendid Baroque palaces, and the many beautiful Art Nouveau coffee houses. The city’s pretty squares are usually flooded with festive markets in winter.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius may be small, but when it comes to attractions, the former European Capital of Culture hits the bull’s eye. It has the largest medieval old town in Central and Eastern Europe with numerous parks, squares, historic churches, bars, cafés and restaurants to keep you entertained. A walk up Castle Hill to the Gediminas Tower, the city’s most famous landmark, and then strolling through the winding alleyways and watching the hustle and bustle of the lively Cathedral Square is one of the best ways to spend a perfect day in the Lithuanian capital.
Sofia, Bulgaria
With a variety of museums, galleries, and vibrant nightlife, it’s surprising that Sofia isn’t on more city break lists. Dominated by the huge Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Bulgarian capital is stunning and is best explored on foot to admire the magnificent buildings, from the National Theatre to the former mineral baths. There are also many green spaces to stroll around, such as Borisova Gradina, the oldest park in the city.
Read more: 30 Underrated European Cities Everyone Should Visit
Credit: www.msn.com
