7 Underrated City Breaks in Europe

Something I’m asked quite a lot by people in real life is – Where do you recommend for a European city break that’s a bit different?

Because as fun as Barcelona is, as beautiful as Florence is and as cool as Berlin is, that’s really only scratching the surface of what Europe has to offer.

And even if you haven’t been to those big city destinations like Paris and Rome, you probably already feel like you have from the countless blog posts and Instagram photos in your feed from these places.

So where can you go that’s a bit different?

I add a caveat to this post that I haven’t explored all of Europe. There are countless cities on my list that I am yet to explore and that I’m sure would make this list. But based on my experiences, these are the ones I feel are quite underrated and I would definitely recommend you go visit!

7 Underrated City Breaks in Europe

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ahhh beautiful Ljubljana is always my go-to answer to that question. In my opinion it ticks all the boxes for a city break except has about 10% of the crowds you see in the Londons of the world.

For a start the city is beautiful. It’s colourful and charming and the people are lovely. It’s small enough to get around on foot, has plenty to do and see and as a bonus, there are some lovely day trips you can do from the city (I’m looking at you, Lake Bled).

If you do fancy booking a trip, definitely check out this food tour. Oh and you can stay in an old prison cell in Hostel Celica!

Read more about Ljubljana here.

Genoa, Italy

Genoa is a little rougher round the edges than places like Florence or Rome. But that is totally it’s appeal.

Winding lanes lead to piazzas of people dining al fresco, the ornate palaces are gorgeous to look at, and obviously being Italy, the food is amazing. There’s nothing like eating Pesto Genevese in a trattoria in Genoa – check out Cavour 21 Trattoria.

Oh and you can get some really lovely views of the city too from Spianata di Castelletto.

Read more about Genoa here.

Girona, Spain

Girona is one of my favourite Spanish cities. Not far from Barcelona in Catalonia, Girona feels authentic and historical with cobbled streets and ivy climbing the buildings. There’s also the big centrepiece that is the Cathedral, oh and if you love Game Of Thrones you’ll spot some iconic filming locations here!

The best part of the city is hands-down the gelato from Rocambolesc Gelateria. You have to taste it to believe it.

Read more about Girona here.

Riga, Latvia

I was pleasantly surprised by Riga earlier this year. The city is really charming with pretty pastel architecture and lots of al fresco places to eat in the summer. It’s also REALLY CHEAP. I mean, there’s a reason you see the odd stag do there – it’s affordable to get there, has cheap beer and lots of bars and restaurants!

Check out Folkklubs for a cosy bar experience and head to the park for the pretty Nativity of Christ Cathedral.

Tallin, Estonia

Tallinn pretty much has the best of both worlds. The fairytale Old Town offers colourful buildings, churches and spires, views across the city from the Kohtuotsa Platform and lots of history. It feels like a less-busy version of Prague.

But then you go to the edgy Kalamaja region with its street art, boutique shops in Telleskivi, markets and bars in DEPOO, and it’s more like a slice of Berlin!

It’s a really cool city that I definitely think more people need to check out. Go for a drink at the train-converted-into-a-bar, Peatus, and wander the Lennusadam Seaplane Museum for something a bit different.

Read more about Tallinn here.

Wroclaw, Poland

I went to Wroclaw, Poland, on a bit of a whim. But I really liked this small Polish city. Now, I admit the big highlight for me was the Christmas Market, so I’d definitely recommend going here around November/December time, just for the cute decoration stalls and lights and rides and general festivities.

But it’s also a fab city to explore over a weekend with AMAZING food (these brunch spots were awesome), lots of history and museums, and a few cool little cafes. Oh and make sure you go dwarf-spotting! Yes, that’s thing.

Read more about Wroclaw here.

Manchester, UK

I’m a big fan of Manchester. I love the Northern Quarter for vintage shopping, especially the amazing department-store-esque Afflecks – so many independent and quirky brands! I love the nightlife and had a really fun axe-throwing experience in the city. It’s definitely worth a little weekender if you want to stay in the UK.

Stay at ibis Styles for a cool weather theme in all of the rooms, and visit John Rylands library to feel like you’re at Hogwarts!

Read more about Manchester here.

I’m sure there are LOADS more but these are the ones I think of when asked about underrated city breaks in Europe. But I’m keen to know your recommendations – is there a gem of a city out there waiting to be explored? Please let me know if you have any you’d recommend in the comments below!

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