Europe…full of historic buildings, cathedrals, castles, towers, bridges and cobblestone streets. You’d for sure find the prettiest and photogenic cities in Europe.  

What always comes to mind when we think about Europe is popular cities like Paris, Rome, London etc… But there are many more charming and picturesque European cities  overlooked by travellers. And for the budget traveller, the pros are countless!

WHY VISIT UNDERRATED CITIES?

• Smaller crowds 
• Lower prices and great deals
• Fewer tourist traps
• Fresh discoveries/adventures
• Hidden gems to uncover

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city with an enthralling heritage and a contemporary artistic style that makes visitors feel welcomed! From the amazing museums, to the trendy ruin bars and gorgeous thermal Spas there is always something to tickle your fancy, trust me!  To properly enjoy Budapest Getyourguide is the best place to explore a wide range of fun affordabale activities.

Split, Croatia

Split has it all…Roman ruins, grand museums, sandy beaches and rocky coves of nearby islands. What more can one ask for? It’s location is overlooked by the mountains and edged by the deep blue Adriatic Sea. The city is well connected and bursting with things to do. It is by far one of the most underrated cities in Europe I must say. 

Sofia, Bulgaria

Serving up a delightful fusion of Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet influences, Sofia is perhaps one of Eastern Europe’s best-kept secrets. It’s a peculiar mixture of Communist-style buildings and colourful modern design, but if you visit Sofia with an open mind you’ll absolutely fall in love with it. Why? There’s a cool up-and-coming artsy scene, with stylish cocktail bars and events happening year-round.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital city of Slovenia is Eastern Europe’s prettiest pearl. With its medieval castles and cathedrals, history, culture, and archeology, Ljubljana remains undiscovered. For an opportunity to discover ancient Roman lifestyle, a trip to Ljubljana is highly recommended.

Cesky Kromolov, Czech Republic

Tucked neatly away in South Bohemia, a visit to Cesky Krumlov will leave you feeling as if you have walked in to a fairly tale. The city is a delight to walk through! Complete with bohemian architecture, food, and a noticeably relaxed way of life. The entire town is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. 

Brasov, Romania

From the cascading Carpathian Mountains to the numerous centuries-old castles that line the countryside, Romania is a country with plenty to offer any kind of tourist. However, Brasov possesses a unique charm that seems to have disappeared from major cities in Western Europe.

Bilbao, Spain

From the iconic Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum to the numerous restaurants serving Basque-inspired cuisine, it’s recently evolved into one of the most culturally intriguing cities in Europe. Although other Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona will always be popular, but there’s something extra charming about Bilbao.

Riga, Latvia

Riga, Latvia has a rich history and beautiful architecture, straight out of Epcot or a Disney Movie. This jewel city hasn’t always been available to visit, it became free in 1991 with the tearing down of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Thank your lucky stars that you can visit Riga today!

Bergen, Norway 

Currently top on the list for hottest travel destinations for the next decade, Bergen is a must! Norway’s famous, Instagrammable fjords are one of the most popular places that travellers gawk over on Instagram. If you ever make it to Norway, add Bergen to your list.

Tblisi, Georgia

In Eastern Europe nestled in the Caucasus Mountains is beautiful Tblisi, this city is the perfect combination of old and new, flamboyance and simplicity, light and darkness.  If you love life and great food visit Tblisi.

• For exciting activities to do in these cities, my go to place is Trip Advisor and Viator
• Need the cheapest deals for accommodation in these cities? Hostel world and Hotels on Trip Advisors offer a variety to choose from.
• For foodies like me, Eatwith offers mind blowing culinary experiences for travelers.
• Need great platforms to compare ticket prices as you tour Europe? Kiwi and Omio never disappoint.