Travel Destinations Europe Edition: The Most Underrated Cities to Make the Best Memories
Last updated on November 3rd, 2023
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Searching for travel destinations in Europe? Here are the most unique places to visit in Europe for the most epic vacation!
Planning a trip to Europe is very exciting, but it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to go. And if you’re anything like me, you’re getting lost in a mountain of research. As someone who loves traveling to new places, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best European cities to visit to inspire your next trip.
You will learn about underrated travel destinations in Europe, ranging from Spain to Belgium.
After reading about all these places, you won’t be able to choose just one location to visit. That just means more traveling for you!
This post is all about travel destinations Europe edition.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Underrated Travel Destinations Europe Edition
1. Bologna, Italy
Bologna, Italy is first up on our list of underrated travel destinations in Europe. Despite being often overlooked by tourists for the more well-known areas like Rome or Venice, Bologna is a great city simply because of the rich history and architecture.
Aside from the impressive buildings and churches, visitors can expect to get their bellies full and taste buds wowed with the city’s delicious cuisine. It’s genuinely a travel foodie’s delight!
Bologna happens to be where bolognese was first created, so try some while you’re there.
Also, Bologna is in the perfect location for day trips. All you have to do is hop on a train, and you can explore many other cities in Italy like Moderna, Venice, Florence, and more. These cities are all within a day’s journey, so this trip to Bologna can quickly turn into a tour of Italy!
2. Valencia, Spain
Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain. And, while it’s not as fast-paced as other popular cities like Barcelona and Madrid, it’s definitely worth visiting. For solo travelers seeking a more relaxing vacation, Valencia is one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe, and I highly recommend it.
The art, culture, exciting nightlife, stunning beach, and famous festivals that take place all year round have travelers coming back each year for more! Valencia certainly knows how to party, that’s for sure.
If you’re there in March, check out the city’s most famous festival Las Fallas.
And of course, we can’t forget about the fantastic eatery. Valencia is home to authentic paella, Spain’s most famous dish. So, when you’re not partying your heart out or resting during the siesta, get some of that delicious paella with a cool glass of sangria.
Or, if you really want to immerse yourself in the culture, take a cooking experience where you can learn how to make it yourself!
Two days in Valencia is sufficient to experience much of the town. Although, the city’s charm might have you extending your stay!
3. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt Austria is like a real-life fairytale. The scenery is unreal, with the city sitting on a lake and gorgeous mountains in the background. If that’s not enough to get you there, the town is covered with beautiful pastel-colored buildings and winding streets. The perfect setup for the imaginary movie I live in. Ha!
Hallstatt is also located in the Salzkammergut region, named a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997. The area’s salt mines have been dated back to the 2nd millennium BC. This salt mine served as the area’s primary source of wealth up until about mid 20th century.
Aside from the town’s beauty and insane history, Hallstatt makes a great travel destination in Europe because it’s not overrun with tourists! And guess what that means? A lot of the town’s authenticity is preserved, and you can enjoy it all without crowds. Yes, please.
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4. Bruges, Belgium
Next up is Bruges, Belgium – another underrated city with unbelievable charm. The medieval architecture transports you back into time, creating a nice change of pace from the modern world. And even though it’s a small town, you can easily make this a 3-day trip.
Bruges offers so much from Belgian chocolate, some of the world’s best beer, Belgium waffles, etc. And for my non-beer drinkers, they have something for everyone’s taste buds, so you don’t want to miss out!
Besides the delicious treats, visitors are known to enjoy scenic bike rides around the town. Or another popular way of transport is by the canal, which offers an entirely different way to take in the town’s charm.
Main attractions in Bruges include:
- the Church of Our Lady
- Belfry of Bruges: Medieval bell tower on Market Square
- Minnewater: famous scenic lake with a park
- Loppem Castle: Neo-Gothic castle that includes a maze
5. Malaga, Spain
If you seek a nice, relaxing beach trip, Malaga, Spain, is your city. Malaga is the capital of Costa del Sol, so not only does it have several beaches, but it has near-perfect weather all year long. But don’t be fooled; Malaga has much more to offer than beautiful weather and sandy beaches.
As one of the oldest cities in the world, it’s steeped in rich history, art and culture. The cobblestone streets and numerous museums stand as a testament to that. The city is said to have over 30 museums located in the town. Some popular ones are the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the Museum of Glass and Crystal. Needless to say, museum-goers are in for a real treat here.
While here, take a trip to the Atarazanas Market to fully immerse yourself in the city’s culture. See what the hype is all about by getting some yummy tapas or purchasing fresh bread or produce.
If you’re thinking about Spain, Malaga is definitely worth the visit!
6. Menton, France
Located in the South of France is a small city called Menton. This colorful town is primarily unknown by most travelers, but trust me, it’s no less exciting than any other city in Europe.
With this coastal town close neighbors with Italy, it sometimes feels more Italian than French. The Italian influence is mainly seen in the cuisine as many restaurants serve pasta and pizza. However, Menton has some of the best restaurants on the French Riviera, so get ready to get your grub on.
Menton is also well-known for having the best lemons around. You’ll want to check out the citrus garden, Jardin d’agrumes du Palais Carnolès, where over 100 varieties grow. And if you happen to visit during February, go experience the famous lemon festival, The Fête du Citron.
So, brush up on your french, grab your bathing suit & best summer clothes, and hop on a flight to Menton, one of the most underrated cities in Europe!
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7. Verdon Gorge, France
Next on the list is another city located in the South of France, Verdon Gorge. I genuinely love this European destination because it has something for every traveler. You can cater this trip to just about any mood you’re feeling, whether you want to relax or do lots of adventure activities.
Carved by the Verdon River, the Verdon Gorge is one of the largest canyons in Europe. These clifftops have some of the best views; You’re truly in for a sight here. So you can easily spend your time hiking or rocking climbing.
Also, with the water being right at your fingertips, you can soak in the sun on the shore of Lac de Sainte-Croix. And, of course, there are many water activities to partake in if you want to spice it up a bit.
A fun fact: The gorge used to be underwater 250 million years ago! And due to the plate movement & glaciers melting, we now have what’s known today as Verdon Gorge. How cool is that?
8. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Surrounded by France, Belgium, and Germany is the last underrated city, Luxembourg city. Because of the many surrounding countries, this city has become a melting pot, with several languages & cuisines to be found. This is ideal because you’ll be able to easily communicate with others.
Like the other destinations on this list, Luxembourg City also gives off an exciting, fairytale vibe. But unlike the other cities, various palaces still exist today! So, if you’re up to the challenge, explore the Valley of the 7 castles.
If you love a nice walk in nature, you MUST go for a stroll on one of Luxembourg’s many trails. The city boasts over 3,000 miles of trails that run through fields, forests, and more rocky parts of the terrain. A nature lover’s paradise if you ask me.
Whether you want to tour palaces, go cycling around the city, or even just stop by while visiting the surrounding countries, Luxembourg City is not to be missed!
These are just some of the many underrated cities in Europe, but this should be enough to get you started. Let me know in the comments below which city is your favorite.
Wishing you much fun & safe travels!
This post is all about travel destinations Europe edition.
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