Most underrated cities in Europe

There are still so many places I haven't been, but of all the cities I've been to, the one that stands out as the place more people should visit is Sarajevo.

I think it's in a part of Europe that has many other attractive destinations that can be reached more conveniently, and that keeps a lot of people from getting there. But it was far and away the most interesting city I've ever been to because of its tragic and momentous past and because it is a lovely city in a beautiful setting.

I lived near Freiburg and am happy it's still not full of tourists. I enjoyed Strasbourg immensely.

There's a difference between "underrated" and "undiscovered." "Underrated" means a place is deemed less worthy of a visit than somewhere else - but that assumes the traveler has at least considered a visit...or visited and didn't care for it as much as other places. "Undiscovered" means it just doesn't make the radar of the average traveler for some reason vs. people not liking it.

I think Ljubljana is still largely undiscovered - though it's certainly got more tourists now than it did when I first visited almost ten years ago. But it may also be a little overrated by the people who have visited (even though I love Ljubljana). It's a lovely, charming city, but it's not very big, and it's not very significant in European history. Nor does it have any particularly significant museums. It takes some effort to get there, so you'd want to see it as part of a larger trip to Slovenia (whereas one might make a specific trip to say just Venice or Rome).

Neither Split nor Sarajevo particularly charmed me, so I wouldn't call them underrated myself. Sarajevo is well worth visiting if only for its historical significance, though.

On the list of "undiscovered but worth a visit," I'd add: Wroclaw, Poland. Maybe Riga, Latvia. But these are two more cities not really near anything else and not necessarily worth a separate visit except as part of another trip.

That is true. "Overlooked" and "underrated" have two entirely different meanings.

I didn't much care for Zadar (but liked it more than I liked Pula!). I much preferred Sibenik a little further south of Zadar.

I think Sarajevo has been underrated (but not overlooked or undiscovered) by Andrew H!

In all seriousness, Andrew, you're right that neither Sarajevo nor Split is particularly charming (although I think the Baščaršija in Sarajevo would qualify). But not every underrated place (or for that matter, not every place deserving of being visited, whether underrated or not) has to appeal to us by being charming. It's nice to discover a place that's not on the radar, that's not covered in the guidebooks, that is charming, that just makes you smile and want to linger without an agenda. But there are also places that make us think, that put us in touch with history and culture in a meaningful way without being especially attractive. I'm happy to visit all these kinds of places, both discovered and undiscovered.

Ljubljana, I think, is not overrated so much as many people go there without the high expectations they have when they go to Paris or Venice or Rome. It surprises many visitors with its delightful historic area and interesting blend of architectural styles. It's true that it doesn't figure prominently in world history (or even regional history) the way Sarajevo does, but it's just a wonderful place to be for a few days.

We liked both Sibenik and Zadar. I just liked saying the name, it sounds so cool, like something out of fiction: "where were you? Oh, I was in Zadar! " Like Shangri La or Xanadu, it just sounds cool. We also liked Trogir a lot, too.

Lane, I agree that a lot of how one feels about a new place is based on expectations. My expectations were in fact extremely high for Ljubljana as well as for Split and Sarajevo. In the case of Ljubljana, my high expectations were more than met. In the case of Split and Sarajevo, not so much.

It's very true that "charm" isn't everything. But we all value different things. As a photographer, I found Ljubljana a dream. Sarajevo was much more challenging to photograph. That may seem like an odd negative thing to say about a place, but "photogenic" has some importance to me. Otherwise, I found Sarajevo more touristy than expected (certainly not Venice or Paris but also far from free of tourists). I'm well aware that some people's impressions you read can get dated quickly and that Sarajevo is barely 20 years out of its brutal siege. I just didn't feel the draw. My favorite thing, by far, was standing on the corner by the Latin Bridge, for quite a long time, trying to imagine the scene 101 years earlier as the Arch Duke Ferdinand's motorcade came by that fateful spot, how it had all unfolded. There is no experience like that in Ljubljana, for a history buff. But it's also not something that would bring me back to Sarajevo, either. Ljubljana's lively feel and easy charm has brought me back three more times.

For underrated I nominate Brussels and Milan. Both have many interesting sites to see, but you have to dig a little bit more to find them.

For undiscovered (not in the RS books) I nominate Mainz, Büdingen, Gelnhausen, Limburg, Marburg, Bad Homburg, Frankfurt Höchst, Idstein, Seligenstadt, Eltville, and yes, Heidelberg.

I think it is funny that they list Porto because the city is swarming with tourists. There must be 3-4 hoho bus companies operating here, and on the narrow streets, they are a real pain. Walking tour companies abound offering tours in many different languages. Not sure I would call this an undiscovered city.

Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa

Marseilles (the Bronx of France), Catania, Naples, Parma, Vicenza, Toulouse, Bamberg, Krakow.

I agree with Genoa and would add Torino in Italy. Both overlooked and enjoyable.

I think it is funny that they list Porto because the city is swarming with tourists. There must be 3-4 hoho bus companies operating here, and on the narrow streets, they are a real pain. Walking tour companies abound offering tours in many different languages. Not sure I would call this an undiscovered city.

Not anymore. I was just there last month, and I agree: Porto has become very touristy. But I take it this is a relatively new development, so perhaps the writer of the Huff Post piece is basing that assumption on old information.

You stumble on an "under-rated" (or better yet, an undiscovered) place and you fall in love with it. Then, as you are about to sing its praises, you recoil, aghast, fearing that you might contribute to it becoming "the next Cinque Terre" or "the next Barcelona"...

I wonder how many of us have some gems that we're not sharing openly, in hopes of preserving the authenticity and charm you found so appealing?

'Tis a dilemma, no?

I am always interested in the notion of "charm" because it is so highly subjective and can mean such different things to each person.

There's the people who don't mind the tourist crowds and find cities like Rome and Prague to be charming (and they still are, in their particular way).

Some enjoy "middle-tier" cities, like Cork or Gothenburg, that may show more authenticity than their larger and more popular counterparts.

Others find charm in the Swiss mountains or the pastoral Romanian countryside.

Most people enjoy a mix of all three, but there's always a direction in which each person leans. But even then, it's never consistent.

Charm is one of those things that you only know when you experience it. It's part of what makes finding the unheralded gems so rewarding.

I have a few to consider.

Trier, Germany
Viaden, Luxembourg
Strassbourg, France
Bayeux, France
Porto, Portugal
Segovia, Spain
Ravenna, Italy
Tenby, Wales
Durham, England

Naples for sure a city that does not get it’s due and has been crippled (in the tourist press at least) by ‘Fraidy-cat descriptions of rampant crime blah blah blah...

I love Naples one of Italy’s most vibrant friendly and accessible cities. I also agree with the listing of Torino.

Lecce (not at all undiscovered by Europeans or Italians) but not crowded and vastly under rated.

And here is just a note of a personal nature: Rick really ought to do everyone a favor and expand his concept of what Americans are/should be interested in certainly in Italy and include Sicily and Sardinia and the Puglia/Salento in his Italy book. I fully understand why he leaves these out and the thinking behind it...but work habits, vacations and travel patterns have been changing for a long time and I think he is failing to keep up. Along with that a truly comprehensive Eastern European book that does justice to the smaller places like Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia and yes....throw in Albania just for good measure. Romania and Bulgaria are on the horizon and are gaining in popularity on our side of the Atlantic more and more...Europeans know and appreciate these places. Meanwhile we continue to pack into the Cinque Terre....

Bayeaux undiscovered!??? Its mentioned in every France/Normandy post on this site!!!!

Underrated in Spain: Valladolid (especially during Holy week) and Zamora (a lot of history in a small package).

Underrated in Germany: Bonn (now that it's no longer the capital), Shleswig (like Denmark but easier to get to) and Trier (great Roman ruins).

Undiscovered in France: Pyrenees and Ardech, both great areas that are generally off our radar. Underrated: Foix, Najac and Conques come to mind. I'd trade those for Rick's picks in the area.

I will add my vote for Naples! Fantastic, exciting city with a bad rap for crime, etc. It is a real place where real people live. Very friendly and vivacious people. I can't wait for the day when I can return.
Also, Bayeux, France - I thought was a small thoroughly charming town. Their cathedral is one of my favorites, the stained glass is lovely.

Undiscovered or underrated by whom? International tourists, Americans, or the local tourists. True about Marburg, the last time staying there two nights was in 2007. Admittedly, in all the Germany traveling I never visited Mainz, only transferred trains there.

I am glad most of the places in Germany I've visited, repeat-visited, etc still are not swamped or let alone discovered by international tourists en masse....Lübeck, Weimar, Luneburg, Kiel, Bonn (haven't been back there in years), Leipzig, Cuxhaven, Husum/Schleswig-Holstein, eastern Germany (numerous small towns). The only tourists they get consistently are German.

Andrew H: Sibenik - the TURTLE FOUNTAIN!!! Awesome - the most amazing fountain in all of Europe.

My favs that are not hugely overrun with tourists: Zagreb, Ljubljana.

My fav that I need to revisit: Beograd, Bucharest.

My future favs: Tirana, Skopje.

There are plenty of similar articles, copied and pasted in some cases, written by people who have not visited most, if not all the places they mention.
One man's Skegness is another man's Positano

Yeah, I work in the media and can vouch for that. I meant to use the article as more of a conversation starter than an actual analysis.

I think most would agree that the writer, judging by the selections and descriptions, does not travel to Europe as much as many people on this forum. Hence, why I asked what you folks would choose.

My husband and I LOVED Krakow Poland and before we went people kept asking us why we were going!!
“Really? Krakow? Huh.”
It was a lovely city, completely walkable, the people were very welcoming even though it was September when tourism fatigue is at its worst, and there interesting day trips for us to take.

We went to Durham at end of May and it was lovely and peaceful.

David, you're rt, we struggle with keeping favorite gems protected, on a smaller level it would be the struggle to share about the great neighborhood restaurant or keep it hidden.....

Underrated - Valencia, Spain. The City of Arts and Sciences is amazing and such a fun place to people watch. Turia Park has something for everyone, a long walk, a bike ride, kids play equipment and ice cream. The old town is relatively compact with a cathedral, silk market and beautiful squares. We were in Valencia for 2 days and we would have preferred another 2 at least.

And what about overrated cities and sights? Places which are well-known, but turned out not to live up to your expectations? My favourite in this category is Munich. I can't see its attraction, especially when you realise how many much better places are around the corner.
And for the balance: Trieste should certainly be on the list of underrated cities. It is a gem, and only 2 hrs from Venice.

One way to also think of this is cities that perhaps get tourists from the area/nation its in, but is largely off the radar of international tourists. Southwestern Germany is full of places like this, probably because of very famous Bavaria to the east and Alsace to the west. The Black Forest is the only place that is on international tourists' radar here, and in my mind, is very overrated, especially in the context of a short or first-time trip. (If you really like to hang your hat in Germany some some posters here, that's another story.)

For example, Lake Constance certainly gets tourists, but Americans don't seem to know about it, and it's absolutely beautiful with historic town centers, a beautiful garden island, and a couple castles and monasteries. Nearby Basel, Switzerland is great to pop in for a day (I try to avoid overnighting due to costs) with great history and a fun and unique local culture and events (Their version of Carnival is INSANE and should be done once by everyone, and they have a famous Tattoo in summer). On the French border, Baden's winegrowning region doesn't seem to get much play, despite producing some of the finest wines in Germany and being incredibly scenic and literally next to the Black Forest.

The numerous cities on the Half-Timbered Road here are often tourist-free, such as Herrenberg, Waiblingen, and my favorite, the former Free Imperial City of Esslingen (what if Rotenberg was still a living, working city in the city center? That's what Esslingen is like! Less fortifications, but the ones that have survived are unique and yes, you can walk on the wall.) Ulm is known for it's tall Munster, but less for it's charming location on the Danube and beautiful Fisherman's Quarter and amazing Schoewermontag celebration coming up this month, following the old Free City tradition of the Mayor swearing oaths to the citizens and vice versa - but in this case after the speeches the entire city rushes to the Danube to jump in homemade floats and have a big party IN the river. And of course I have to give a shout out to my home Stuttgart, if you're an automobile fan, it should be considered unmissable in Germany.

And that's just around where I live. We really enjoyed off-the-beaten path places in Yorkshire like Pickering (where the friendly locals would always ask, "What are a couple of Yanks doing here?" in the pub) and other small villages that seem to be perfectly spaced for easy hikes between them on the moors.

I try to avoid cities for the most part nowadays. Unlike 'ton', I do like Munich very much. I have been to most places Sarah mentions and concur with her views, especially with regards to Lake Constance ( I do like parts of the black forest as well, though). I have not been for many years but remember Durham as a fabulous place. The lake district of Italy was slightly underwhelming for me, the immediate area to the south in Lombardy and Piedmont not attractive at all.

A very pleasant suprise for me last year was the Eifel/Vulkan area in Germany, away from the Mosel and Rhine. Hiking of all sorts, nice villages, well paved back roads, beautiful countryside. A plug for the tiny but beautiful Monreal, Maria Laach Abbey, Bad Bertrich, Ulmen. I could quite easily settle in Schalkenmehren.

"...but is largely off the radar of international tourists." Or, I would suggest, completely off. Hopefully, it stays that way in numerous German towns/cities. You know that when you are just about the only foreigner in the small hotel or Pension, only the local language is spoken, you don't hear any foreign language or see foreign tourists in the Zentrum, etc.

Well, I don't mean to speak ill of the Black Forest, it's a perfectly charming part of Germany, but I feel like it has a mythology that is built up in people's minds due to myth and reputation that doesn't quite square with the reality, especially if you're used to hiking and exploring some of the more amazing parts of the United States. The scenery is pretty and the villages charming but if you've got a week in Germany on your first trip, I'm going to recommend Berchesgadenerland over the Schwartzwald every time, tourists be damned. I also think there are villages/scenery in the Schwabish Alb that are just as stunning as anywhere in the Black Forest where you won't encounter any tourists, such as Haigerloch. It has a dramatic, cliffside setting along a rushing river. It has a palace on the dramatic hill overlooking the lower town. It has a blinged-out Baroque chapel due to it historically being part of a Catholic diocese surrounded by Protestant lands. It has the "atomkeller" where Nazi scientists worked furiously in the last days of WWII to try to create a nuclear bomb. And it's near the (way more touristy but still very impressive and historic) Hohenzollern castle.

But really, places like this abound all over Germany. Blaubeuren, not too far from Ulm, has an amazing blue pool next to an ancient monastery. The pool is the surface of a massive cave system which has some of Germany's oldest cave-dwelling remains, so there's a small but good museum to go along with that.

Or get over in Franconia and you've got another totally-off-the-trail place, Pappenheim. On the perfectly clean Altmuehl river, you paddle a canoe through woods, fields, past rock formations, charming villages, and if you don't want to hear English spoken, this is the area to go to. Hell, you won't hear German spoken, either. The Frankish dialect here is so strong that I had a pretty hard time communicating with people and my day-to-day hochdeutsch usually serves me fine. Just 45 minute train ride from Nuremberg. If paddling isn't your thing, you can also hike or bike in this wonderful region, which is also a great value. (We loved the Hotel-Gasthof Zur Sonne). There's a Jewish cemetery, a castle, and a church dating back over 850 years to see in this sleepy little town, and there's numerous small towns nearby that are equally interesting.

So what I'm saying is basically, you can find interesting, off-the-beaten path places pretty much all over Europe, it's just a matter of research. What will interest you depends on what you're looking for.

I love places where we appear to be the only Americans. We've found them in France, Netherlands, UK and Sweden. While I've mentioned some in the past, I'm now at the point where I want to keep them to myself or loved ones or to leave them in peace. Although I've never been to Cinque Terre, but I'd hate any of my favorites to turn into the night-mare it has become by all accounts. That used to be a back door allegedly...