Ten Hidden Gem Cities in Europe That Aren’t Overrun with Tourists
Let’s be real for a sec—Europe’s got some serious crowd issues. Between dodging selfie sticks in Paris or squeezing through Venice with 10,000 other people, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a giant tourist conveyor belt. Sound familiar?
But guess what? Europe still has loads of insanely beautiful cities that haven’t been taken over by tour groups wearing matching shirts and waving flags. Yep, they exist—and I’ve rounded up 10 of our personal favorite hidden gem cities in Europe that are charming, underrated, and (shocker!) not swarming with people.
So if you’re itching for that “local feel” without elbowing your way through a mob, you’re in the right place.
Let’s uncover the real Europe—one hidden gem at a time. Ready to escape the crowds? Scroll on.
1. Ghent, Belgium
I know, I know—everyone’s all about Bruges. But IMO, Ghent is cooler, grittier, and way less touristy.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Historic charm without the crowds
- Canals, castles, and incredible street art
- Fewer overpriced tourist traps (hallelujah)
Walk around the medieval center, and you’ll find stunning gothic buildings, quirky cafes, and actual locals going about their day (imagine that!). Grab a beer by the canal, visit Gravensteen Castle, and check out the Grafitti Street—a legal graffiti zone that changes daily.
Pro tip: Skip the fancy restaurants and hit up the local “frituur” for some next-level fries.
2. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Ever seen that famous bridge people dive off on Instagram? Yep, that’s Mostar. And no, it’s not just a photo op—it’s a seriously gorgeous city with a rich (and intense) history.
What Makes It Special:
- The Stari Most bridge—yes, people actually dive off it
- Ottoman-era architecture + Balkan culture
- Delicious cevapi (grilled meat magic)
It’s walkable, affordable, and feels totally different from Western Europe. Just don’t expect a Starbucks on every corner. And thank goodness for that, right?
3. Poznań, Poland
You’ve probably heard of Kraków or Warsaw, but let me drop a hot take: Poznań is where the cool kids hang.
Why It’s a Hidden Star:
- Colorful buildings straight out of a fairytale
- Super walkable old town with chill vibes
- Known for: goat clock, pierogi, and craft beer
Every day at noon, two mechanical goats butt heads above the Town Hall. It’s adorable. It’s weird. It’s peak Poland.
And the best part? You’ll spend half as much here as you would in Western Europe.
4. Lucca, Italy
Look, Italy’s amazing, but let’s be honest—it’s crawling with tourists. That’s why Lucca is a total breath of fresh Tuscan air.
What’s to Love:
- Renaissance walls you can bike around
- Fewer selfie sticks, more piazzas and peace
- Classic Italian charm, minus the Rome chaos
FYI, it’s only a short train ride from Florence or Pisa, so it makes the perfect “I need a break from the madness” getaway.
Plus, the food? Outrageously good and way less overpriced than in the big cities.
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Okay, say it with me: lyoo-BLYAH-nah. It’s tricky to pronounce but impossible not to fall in love with.
Why Ljubljana Slaps:
- Fairytale vibes + dragon bridges (yes, really)
- Clean, green, and super walkable
- Tons of cafes lining the Ljubljanica River
It’s one of Europe’s greenest cities, with a chill, youthful energy thanks to its university scene. Grab a bike, visit the castle, and enjoy a lazy riverside wine. Pure magic.
And don’t skip Lake Bled, which is just a day trip away. That little island church? Even better in person.
6. Cádiz, Spain
So everyone’s rushing to Barcelona and Madrid while Cádiz just sits there on the coast being all cute and historic.
Why Cádiz is the Underrated Queen of Spain:
- Oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe (yep!)
- Flamenco, beaches, and fresh seafood galore
- Chill Andalusian vibes without the massive crowds
If you’re into narrow winding streets, sun-soaked plazas, and tapas that won’t break the bank, you’ll feel right at home here.
Bonus: The sunsets here? Out. Of. Control.
7. Sibiu, Romania
Romania’s been flying under the radar for a while, but Sibiu is one of those places that makes you say, “Wait—why haven’t I heard of this before?!”
Highlights:
- Medieval old town with eye-shaped windows (kinda spooky, kinda cute)
- Cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses
- Gateway to Transylvania—yes, Dracula country
It feels like you’ve stepped into a Brothers Grimm storybook, minus the haunted forests (or maybe with, depending on your Airbnb).
And honestly, it’s one of the most affordable places I’ve visited in Europe. Big win.
8. Kotor, Montenegro
Imagine a quieter, cheaper version of Dubrovnik—and boom, you’ve got Kotor.
What You’ll Obsess Over:
- Walled old town surrounded by mountains
- Jaw-dropping bay views (think: fjords meet Mediterranean)
- A fortress hike that’s 100% worth the sweat
Cruise ships come in for a few hours, but once they leave, the place feels like yours. Plus, the local seafood? Ridiculously fresh.
Pack sneakers—the climb to San Giovanni Fortress is a thigh burner, but the view will make your Instagram followers jealous for weeks.
9. Tartu, Estonia
Tallinn gets most of the attention, but Tartu is Estonia’s artsy little secret.
Why It’s a Vibe:
- Estonia’s oldest city, but super modern and techy
- Quirky sculptures, street art, and a laid-back student feel
- Underground bars and creative coffee shops
It’s where Estonians go when they want culture without the cruise crowds. Think of it as Tallinn’s cooler, more introverted cousin (and yes, that’s a thing).
10. Annecy, France
Let’s wrap things up with a city that looks like someone painted it on a macaron box. Annecy is like the lovechild of Venice and the Alps.
Why It’s Dreamy AF:
- Crystal-clear canals + pastel houses
- Nestled by a lake with mountain views
- Cute AF bakeries, and yep—cheese for days
It’s a popular spot with locals, but you won’t find nearly as many foreign tourists here. Plus, you can go from sipping wine in a cafe to paddleboarding on Lake Annecy in like… five minutes.
Pro tip: Visit in spring or early fall for the best balance of weather and quiet.
Final Thoughts: Ditch the Crowds, Discover the Real Europe
So there you have it—10 hidden gem cities in Europe that won’t make you feel like you’re trapped in a live-action travel brochure.
Honestly, some of these places gave me the kind of travel joy I hadn’t felt since my first backpacking trip. And the best part? You don’t have to elbow your way through a crowd just to see a sunset.
Feeling inspired? Do yourself a favor and start planning that off-the-beaten-path adventure. You’ll spend less, see more, and come back with stories that haven’t already been told by 8 million YouTubers.
Travel smart, travel chill. And hey, if you’re on the hunt for affordable, stylish travel backpacks that don’t scream “TOURIST,” check out this one on Amazon — it’s my personal ride-or-die. Durable, lightweight, and actually cute. FYI, it’s an affiliate link, but I only recommend gear I actually use.
Now your turn— which of these underrated cities is calling your name first?
Let me know, or better yet, book it before everyone else finds out
Want more secret travel spots and Pinterest-friendly itineraries? Stick around—this blog’s just getting started
