These Are The Top 5 Truly Underrated European Cities for 2026

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For those who’re dreaming of fairytale castles that might simply have featured in a Disney movie, historic cities with cobble-surfaced lanes which have barely modified for the reason that Center Ages, and naturally, all of the Outdated World attract that comes with these, exploring Europe is definitely a prime precedence for you.

Past the crowded streets of Paris, Barcelona, London, and the like, there’s a complete continent that continues to be largely undiscovered—if solely vacationers did not all the time flock to the identical 3 spots, 12 months after 12 months.

As a Journey Off Path reader, you need to know at this level that discovering essentially the most Instagrammable spots for Eiffel Tower selfies, or the very best elite eating places on the Amalfi Coast, are the final of our considerations: come January, we’re going off the crushed observe once more, and also you’re greater than welcome to hitch us.

Listed below are 5 actually underrated European cities which have been on our skilled writers’ radars for 2026:

Trenčín, Slovakia

House to round 55,000 residents, Trenčín is the sort of small, unspoiled European metropolis that appears to nonetheless be caught in a romantic period of chivalric tales and medieval aptitude—and we imply that in one of the simplest ways attainable.

Its Outdated City, a maze of cobbled lanes lined with colourful townhouses, seems like a storybook-come-to-life, and perched on a rock above town, vacationers will discover an imposing Trenčín Fort: sturdy towers, lovely courtyards, and hidden passageways. What extra may you ask for?

Oh, and in case you did not know, there’s actually no higher 12 months to go to Trenčín than 2026. The town was topped European Capital of Tradition for the approaching 12 months, and it seems to be set to host quite a few cultural events all year long.

Quimper, France

One of many essential cultural hubs of Brittany, the Celtic heartland of France, Quimper is an enthralling metropolis surrounded by medieval partitions and dominated by a hovering cathedral, Saint-Corentin, that even rivals Paris’ Notre-Dame in magnificence.

That includes twin spires and a particular ‘bent’ native, it’s a must-see when you’re strolling round Vieux Quimper, the oldest a part of city, characterised by its winding, pedestrian-friendly lanes, and centuries-old half-timbered homes.

For the foodies on the market, head over to Locmaria, a peaceable district on the banks of the Odet River, greatest identified for its choice of bistrots and crepe eating places. Crêperie de Locmaria is extraordinarily widespread, with typical Breton galettes comprised of native, contemporary components, and a no-frills atmosphere.

Nafplio, Greece

A vibrant port city within the Peloponnese, Nafplio was as soon as Greece’s capital earlier than Athens assumed that mantle, and it has but to totally relinquish its status. It boasts grand plazas, busy procuring streets, monumental Orthodox church buildings, and spectacular Venetian-era fortifications.

The Historic Middle is, with out query, essentially the most picturesque a part of city, with its slender alleys, neo-classical homes, and comfy cafés. It adjoins a scenic seaside promenade, Arvanitia, backed by family-owned Greek tavernas serving do-it-yourself syglino and wine at inexpensive costs.

For the Historical past buffs on the market, you may’t miss Acronauplia, an historic fortress and viewpoint reaching heights of 279 ft above the city sprawl, and Bourtzi Fort, a Fifteenth-century fort on an islet off Nafplio’s harbor.

Trondheim, Norway

Clueless vacationers descend upon Oslo and Bergen for a Norwegian metropolis break, however we all know higher than to go for the obvious picks. In 2026, Trondheim is what we have got our eyes set on, with its landmark cathedral, well-preserved heart, and quirky museums.

With over 1,000 years of historical past, Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval church on the earth, and doubtless Norway’s most lovely Gothic constructing, at that. It is on the coronary heart of Bakklandet, an space stuffed with brightly-painted wood homes and cobblestone streets.

On the riverside, look forward to finding a plethora of charming cafés. Streif is ideal for an early-afternoon sizzling chockie, they usually serve the fluffiest cinnamon buns. For those who’re within the temper for one thing just a little off the crushed path, swing by Rockheim, an interactive pop and rock museum that’s a blast for all ages.

Vic, Spain

Tens of tens of millions of vacationers head to Barcelona yearly with out paying any thoughts to the wider province of Catalonia that surrounds it. It isn’t like we’re complaining, although: this leaves smaller cities like Vic, a perfectly-preserved medieval gem, largely freed from crowds.

Whether or not it is early morning or later within the day, chances are high you will by no means see the postcard-ready Outdated City, with its arcaded plazas and Gothic structure, packed to the gills in the identical means as Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Essential sights embrace Plaça Main, flanked with historic buildings and tapas bars, the Roman Temple of Vic, relationship again to the 2nd century, and the Episcopal Museum (MEV), certainly one of Spain’s greatest for shows of Romanesque and Gothic artwork.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead author at Journey Off Path, has over 60+ nations below his belt (and at present weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative tales that may have you ever packing your luggage.