Underrated Cities in Europe - Top 7 Hidden Gems

When you think of European city breaks, it’s often the big names that come to mind first; iconic capitals, famous landmarks and bustling old towns filled with travellers from morning to night. And while there’s a reason these cities are so loved, some of the most memorable experiences happen when you look a little beyond them - to the most underrated cities in Europe.

At Regent, we’ve always believed travel is about discovering another side of a destination. The quieter coastal city where long lunches stretch into the evening, the creative university town filled with independent cafés and galleries, or the lesser-known cultural hub that allows you to experience a country at a slower, more local pace.

These aren’t alternatives to the classics; they’re destinations with their own character, stories and allure. In fact, they may just become the places you remember most.

The most underrated cities in Europe to visit instead

Gothenburg, Sweden

Whether you’re swapping Dubrovnik for the laid-back streets of Šibenik, discovering Iceland beyond Reykjavík in Akureyri, or trading Tallinn’s medieval crowds for Tartu’s creative atmosphere, these underrated cities in Europe prove that second cities are never second choices.

If you like Dubrovnik, you’ll love Šibenik

History, unspoilt landscapes and an Old Town away from the crowds

Šibenik’s Old Town, Croatia

Dubrovnik may be Croatia’s best-known coastal city, but further up the Dalmatian coast, Šibenik trades the city's polished grandeur for medieval alleyways, island-dotted sea views and easy access to Croatia’s wild national parks.

Within Šibenik’s medieval core, stone passageways wind between sunlit squares and historic churches, leading naturally towards the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James at its centre. Down by the harbour, the pace is unpretentious and lived-in, while just beyond the town lies the gateway to Krka National Park’s waterfalls and the scattered islands of the Kornati archipelago. 

Why you'll love Šibenik

If you love historic cities that feel lived-in rather than curated, Šibenik offers a compact medieval old town where everyday life still unfolds among stepped stone passageways, sunlit squares and historic churches. Its layers of architecture and cultural identity reveal themselves slowly as you explore, with a harbour-front setting.

Cathedral of St James, Šibenik

“I love how Šibenik sits between Croatia’s most spectacular landscapes, from the waterfalls and limestone canyons of Krka to the island-dotted Kornati archipelago, all explored easily from the coast, where the old town’s stone streets and unpretentious harbour give you the perfect base to soak up Dalmatian life between adventures.”

Andrea Godfrey

Head of Regent

Our National Parks of Croatia Fly-Drive Holiday combines time in Šibenik with some of Croatia’s most spectacular landscapes, from the cascading lakes of Plitvice to boat trips through the Kornati Islands.

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If you like Reykjavík, you'll love Akureyri

Imposing snow-capped fjords, culture-rich town and abundant wildlife

Akureyri

Reykjavík may be Iceland’s creative capital, but Akureyri offers a more relaxed side of the country, where colourful streets and local cafés sit beneath snow-dusted mountains and alongside one of Iceland’s longest fjords.

Often referred to as the “Capital of North Iceland”, the town combines a strong sense of local life with easy access to some of the country’s most dramatic natural landscapes, from the geothermal scenery of Mývatn to the powerful waterfall of Goðafoss and whale watching adventures out on the fjord.

If you love Iceland for its dramatic scenery and connection to nature, Akureyri offers a slower, more immersive experience shaped by life in the country’s north. Long summer days, dark winter skies and ever-changing landscapes create a destination where wilderness and everyday Icelandic culture naturally sit side by side.

Why you'll love Akureyri

If you love Iceland for its dramatic seasonal landscapes, Akureyri offers a more immersive way to experience the country’s north. Set between fjords and mountains, the town combines colourful streets and local cafés with easy access to geothermal landscapes, whale watching and some of Iceland’s most striking natural scenery. With fewer crowds and a slower pace than Reykjavík, Akureyri is ideal if you're looking to feel more connected to Iceland’s wilderness and changing seasons.

Goðafoss Waterfall, Akureyri

“Akureyri felt like the perfect base for exploring North Iceland - from watching whales surface off Húsavík to standing before Dettifoss waterfall, it’s a place where every drive leads straight into wilderness.”

Daniele Boni

Product Manager

The North Iceland Fly-drive is a self-drive journey from Akureyri through fjords, volcanic landscapes, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík and Dettifoss, showcasing North Iceland’s most dramatic wilderness and seasonal scenery.

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If you like Stockholm, you'll love Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden

If you love Stockholm for its island setting, elegant architecture and mix of history and modern Scandinavian design, Gothenburg offers a more relaxed west coast perspective on Sweden. Here, leafy boulevards and scenic canals lead towards a lively harbour, where local markets, waterfront restaurants and some of the country’s best seafood reflect a strong connection to the sea.

With easy access to the southern archipelago and a laid-back atmosphere shaped by café culture, coastal views and neighbourhood charm, Gothenburg offers a more leisurely take on Swedish city life while still delivering culture, creativity and waterfront beauty.

Why you'll love Gothenburg

Known for its outstanding seafood scene, from informal harbour-side eateries to refined waterfront restaurants, the city is also home to bustling fish markets like Feskekôrka, where the catch of the day sets the tone for local dining. Cafés line leafy streets and canals, while food festivals and seasonal produce highlight the region’s strong culinary identity, making Gothenburg a destination where exploring the city often means eating your way through it, one neighbourhood at a time.

Swedish pastries in a Gothenburg market

“I found Gothenburg at its best when food and coastline came together, lingering over seafood in the city before heading out to the Bohuslän islands, where small fishing villages and herring smokehouses give the whole coast its flavour.”

Elin Fy

Senior Travel Specialist

The Gothenburg & West Coast Fly-Drive offers a journey through Sweden’s vibrant culinary heart, from sampling fresh seafood in Gothenburg’s cafés and markets to discovering traditional herring villages and coastal food culture across the Bohuslän archipelago.

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If you like Tromsø, you’ll love Trondheim

Viking history, Arctic landscapes and a colourful city hidden from crowds

Trondheim harbour

If you love Tromsø for its Arctic landscapes, seasonal extremes and sense of adventure above the Arctic Circle, Trondheim offers a different but equally atmospheric side of Norway, where Viking history, colourful riverside streets and a more settled northern pace replace the dramatic wilderness with culture, heritage and everyday life.

Once Norway’s ancient capital, the city is anchored by the striking Nidaros Cathedral and lined with traditional wooden buildings, while its reputation as the country’s gastronomic capital brings exceptional local seafood, produce-driven dining and lively waterfront food markets into focus.

Why you'll love Trondheim

Trondheim is a city of historic fjord-side streets and a lively, modern centre, where wide pedestrianised avenues are lined with cafés, restaurants and bars. Increasingly recognised as Norway’s foodie capital, it has a thriving culinary scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to innovative coffee shops and local microbreweries that reflect its creative energy. At its heart stands the vast Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, while nearby museums, galleries, the Archbishop’s Palace and Stiftsgården, the oldest wooden palace in Scandinavia, bring the city’s rich heritage to life.

Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim

Arriving in Trondheim on the Dovre Railway, after crossing valleys and mountain plateaus, feels immersive. It’s a city defined by its riverside setting, Viking heritage and exceptional food scene, set against the wider backdrop of Norway’s fjords.”

Jane Slade

Senior Product Executive

The Scenic Fjords via Rail and Sail journeys from Oslo to Trondheim on the Dovre Railway, continues by coastal voyage to Bergen, and returns via the Flåm Railway, combining fjord landscapes, mountain crossings and UNESCO scenery into one iconic route through Norway.

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See more hidden towns and cities along the Norwegian coast with Havila Voyages, any time of year!

If you like Helsinki, you'll love Turku

Medieval architecture, Nordic atmosphere and archipelago living

Turku, Finland

Beyond Helsinki’s waterfront boulevards and grand architecture, Turku tells the story of Finland’s origins. 

Set along the banks of the Aura River, Finland’s oldest city mixes medieval landmarks with a thriving contemporary culture, where local markets, Nordic cuisine and riverside cafés encourage a slower pace of exploration.

From the imposing Turku Castle and cathedral to the islands scattered across the surrounding archipelago, the city offers a deeper connection to Finland’s heritage, maritime traditions and everyday way of life.

Why you'll love Turku

In Turku, medieval streets and centuries-old landmarks sit alongside modern Nordic restaurants, independent cafés and a lively cultural scene centred around the Aura River. As a gateway to Finland’s archipelago, it also offers easy access to island communities, making it an ideal destination if you're seeking a more authentic connection to Finnish culture.

Middle ages fortress Turun linna, Turku

“What surprises me most about Turku is how effortlessly medieval history and modern Finnish life coexist, from centuries-old landmarks and riverside cafés to the vibrant atmosphere created by its student community.” 

Robert Longstaff

Senior Travel Specialist

Our Finnish Archipelago Trail by E-Bike begins in Turku before island-hopping through one of Finland’s most distinctive regions, combining medieval heritage, harbour villages, local cuisine and authentic archipelago life along the way.

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If you love Kraków, you'll love Wrocław

Colourful townhouses, Gothic landmarks and a quirky character

Wrocław, Poland

Pastel-coloured townhouses, winding rivers and more than 100 bridges give Wrocław a character all of its own.

Spread across a network of islands on the Oder River, Poland's fourth-largest city combines grand architecture and centuries of history with a youthful energy shaped by its universities, thriving café culture and creative spirit.

While Kraków often steals the spotlight, Wrocław rewards those willing to venture further, whether that's exploring the Gothic landmarks of Cathedral Island, lingering in one of Europe's most beautiful market squares or stumbling across the city's famously mischievous dwarf statues hidden throughout its streets.

Why you'll love Wrocław

Wrocław is a network of islands, bridges and distinct neighbourhoods that creates a city that rewards wandering without a plan, where independent cafés, riverside walks and hidden cultural corners are often the most memorable discoveries. Compact, welcoming and easy to navigate, it's particularly appealing to solo travellers seeking an engaging city that feels both approachable and full of character, away from the better-known European city-break circuit.

Wrocław, Poland

“I think Wrocław is one of Poland’s most underrated cities. Its history is fascinating, but it’s the atmosphere, riverside setting and confidence of the city today that stay with you.”

Jonathan Moffat

Travel Specialist

The Winter Short Break in Wroclaw reveals a side of Poland many travellers overlook, combining historic streets, independent culture and local stories with time to explore this captivating riverside city at your own pace.

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If you love Tallinn, you'll love Tartu

Deep cultural heritage, few crowds and intriguing museums and galleries

Tartu, Estonia

While Tallinn's medieval skyline and cobbled streets attract most first-time visitors to Estonia, Tartu offers a glimpse into the country's cultural heart.

Home to Estonia's oldest university, the city has a youthful, creative energy that flows through its independent cafés, galleries, museums and public spaces. Less polished and far less visited than the capital, Tartu feels distinctly local, inviting travellers to experience a side of Estonia that offers academic life, contemporary culture and strong regional traditions.

Why you'll love Tartu

From the historic university quarter and lively Town Hall Square to thought-provoking museums and a growing street art scene, Tartu offers a deeper connection to modern Estonian culture than many expect. Beyond the city, southern Estonia opens up into landscapes and communities that reveal another side of the country, whether that's exploring the wetlands of Soomaa National Park or discovering the unique heritage of the Old Believer villages on the shores of Lake Peipus.

University of Tartu, Estonia 

"Be sure to explore the Estonian National Museum in Tartu, the largest museum in Estonia and one of my personal favourites. You'll uncover the everyday life of Estonians, learn about Finno-Ugric peoples and see exclusive exhibitions."

Fergus Jones

Senior Travel Specialist

The Tallinn & Tartu Twin Centre pairs Estonia's captivating capital with its cultural heart, where Tartu's creative energy, fascinating museums and unique experiences offer something refreshingly different from the usual city break.

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Looking for a different kind of European city break?

Our Travel Specialists can help you uncover underrated cities rich in culture, local character and experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail.

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