6 Most Underrated Cities in Europe for First-Time Visitors

Best Underrated Cities in Europe to Visit for First-Time Travelers

If you are visiting Europe for the first time, Porto, Ljubljana, Bologna, Valencia, Kraków and Ghent are some underrated cities that are excellent alternatives to the popular choices. Each of these cities has distinctive food, architecture and culture that fit easily into a longer European itinerary.

Just because these cities are underrated, it does not mean they are unknown. These are established European cities that simply receive less attention from first-time visitors than the continent's biggest names.

Thrillophilia's latest internal data highlights several of these cities for their unique local experiences and suitability for shorter stays.

As per Thrillophilia's experts, you should avoid adding a city that requires a long detour just to spend 24 hours there. A two-day stay that requires an entire travel day may make your overall itinerary more tiring. Additionally, if your first Europe trip already includes four or five major cities, adding one smaller city for two nights can be more enjoyable than squeezing another country into the itinerary.

As an Indian traveller, the best underrated city for you is not necessarily the quietest one. It should also fit your route, visa itinerary, travel time, and number of hotel changes. This is especially true whether you're travelling independently or on a fixed group tour, where the itinerary is often built around major cities already.
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Best Selling Europe Tour Packages (Upto 40% Off) Explore All (14)
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01

Porto, Portugal

Porto has a historic riverside setting with Portuguese food, architecture, and port wine. The Ribeira district, São Bento Railway Station, Clérigos Tower and Dom Luís I Bridge are among the highlights.

Porto also gives you a different experience from Lisbon. Its historic centre is compact, although the city has steep streets and cobbled sections that require some effort. Its riverside setting and wine culture also make it a popular add-on for couples on a Europe honeymoon package.
  • Duration: 2 to 3 days
  • Where to Add: Porto is easiest to add to a Portugal-Spain route.
  • Best for: Couples, food lovers, wine enthusiasts and first-time visitors looking beyond Lisbon.
02

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is centred around the Ljubljanica River, with cafés, bridges and a pedestrian-friendly historic core. The biggest advantage for a first-time visitor is that you can experience the main historic centre without spending hours travelling between attractions in Europe.

The city is also a practical base for exploring Slovenia. Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and other Alpine landscapes can be incorporated as day trips rather than requiring another hotel change. Its walkable core and nearby lakes also make it a practical stop on a Europe family trip.
  • Duration: 2 to 3 days
  • Where to Add: Ljubljana works particularly well with Austria, Croatia, Italy and Switzerland.
  • Best for: Couples, families, nature lovers and travellers who prefer smaller European capitals.

03

Bologna, Italy

Bologna is an excellent choice if food is central to your Italy trip. It is associated with tagliatelle al ragu, tortellini and mortadella, while its historic centre is full of covered porticoes and medieval architecture.

Start at Piazza Maggiore, then explore the Basilica of San Petronio, the university quarter and the Due Torri. The city also gives you a more everyday Italian experience than the heavily visited centres of Rome, Florence or Venice.
  • Duration: 1 to 2 days
  • Where to Add: Bologna can be a good add-on between major Italian cities like Rome and Venice.
  • Best for: Food lovers, architecture enthusiasts and travellers wanting a less conventional Italian stop.
04

Valencia, Spain

Valencia combines three of Europe's iconic experiences, namely a historic centre, Mediterranean beaches and futuristic architecture. Visit the Central Market and historic centre, then explore the Turia Gardens before heading towards the City of Arts and Sciences.

Valencia is also closely associated with paella, making it a good choice if you plan holidays around food. Compared with Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia offers a different pace while still providing plenty to see.
  • Duration: 2 to 3 days
  • Where to Add: Valencia can be added on a Spain route between Madrid and Barcelona.
  • Best for: Food lovers, families, beach seekers and travellers looking beyond Barcelona.
05

Krakow, Poland

Kraków is a great choice if you are interested in European history and architecture. The historic centre revolves around the Main Market Square, while Wawel Castle and the Kazimierz district add more historical depth. The city can also serve as a base for major day trips, including the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Its compact historic centre makes it practical for a short stay.

According to Thrillophilia's on-ground team, pairing Kraków with Vienna or Budapest tends to feel less rushed than adding it onto an already packed Western Europe itinerary.
  • Duration: 2 to 3 days
  • Where to Add: Kraków works best as part of a Central or Eastern European route. It can be combined with cities such as Prague, Vienna or Budapest.
  • Best for: History buffs, architecture lovers and travellers looking for a Central European experience.
06

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent gives you the medieval architecture and canals you would associate with Bruges, but with a more active university-city atmosphere. Explore Graslei and Korenlei, visit Gravensteen Castle and see St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece.

The city is compact enough for a short visit and is a great addition if Brussels or Bruges is already part of your itinerary.
  • Duration: 1 to 2 days
  • Where to Add: Ghent can be added to a Western Europe or France-Netherlands-Belgium circuit.
  • Best for: Couples, architecture enthusiasts and travellers visiting Belgium for the first time.

People Also Ask About Europe

  1. Are underrated European cities cheaper?

    Yes, some of the underrated European cities are more affordable than major tourist capitals. However, prices vary by season, accommodation and travel style, so check in detail before travelling.
  2. Which underrated European cities are easiest to add to a Europe trip?

    The easiest underrated cities in Europe to add to your trip are the ones that are naturally part of your route. Ghent and Bologna are good as short add-ons. Valencia, Porto and Ljubljana work when your overall route takes you through Spain, Portugal or Central Europe.
  3. Which underrated European city is best for first-time visitors?

    Porto is an easy recommendation for a first-time visit because it combines food, architecture, riverfront scenery and wine tours in a quick stay. Depending on your itinerary route, Bologna and Valencia are also good options.
  4. What is the most underrated city in Europe?

    Some of the underrated cities in Europe are Ljubljana, Porto, Bologna, Valencia, Kraków and Ghent. They are not secret destinations, but are established places that receive less attention from first-time travellers than Paris, Rome, London or Barcelona.
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