There are still many beautiful cities in Europe that haven’t been spoiled by crowds of tourists.
Trying to escape from Europe’s most crowded cities like Barcelona, seasoned tourists are struggling to find lesser-known but equally fascinating destinations.
Experts from the travel publication Travel Off Path have compiled a list of the five most underrated cities in Europe that you should consider visiting in 2026.
Five underrated European cities for a vacation in 2026
Trondheim, Norway
Instead of the popular cities of Oslo and Bergen, the publication’s experts recommend that tourists focus on Trondheim, with its famous cathedral, well-preserved center, and unique museums.
With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval church in the world and arguably the most beautiful Gothic building in Norway. It is located in the heart of Bakklandet, a neighborhood known for its colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets. Meanwhile, the banks of the River Nidelva, where the city is situated, offer a charming setting for cafes.
Nafplio, Greece
This bustling port city in the Peloponnese was the capital of Greece before Athens, and it still retains its prestige. It boasts majestic squares, lively shopping streets, monumental Orthodox churches, and impressive Venetian-era fortifications, according to seasoned tourists.
The historic center of the city is its most picturesque part, with its narrow alleys, neoclassical houses, and cozy cafes. It is adjacent to the picturesque Arvanitia waterfront, along which are located family-run Greek taverns serving homemade siglino (salted pork) and wine at affordable prices. History buffs should definitely visit the ancient fortress and observation deck of Akronavplia, which rises 85 meters above the city, and the 15th-century castle of Bourdzi on an island near the harbor of Nafplion.
Vic, Spain
Tourism gurus point out that tens of millions of tourists visit Barcelona every year, but they don’t pay much attention to the surrounding province of Catalonia. As a result, small towns like the beautifully preserved medieval gem of Vic don’t experience the crowds. Its Old Town, with its picturesque arcades and Gothic architecture, is never overcrowded.
The city’s main attractions also include Plaza Mayor, surrounded by historic buildings and tapas bars, the Roman Temple of Vica, built in the 2nd century, and the Episcopal Museum, one of Spain’s finest museums of Romanesque and Gothic art.
Quimper, France
It is one of the main cultural centers of Brittany, the Celtic heart of France. This charming city is surrounded by medieval walls, and the majestic Saint-Corantin Cathedral rises above it, rivaling even the beauty of Notre Dame in Paris.
Tourists are advised to take a stroll through Vieux-Quimper, the oldest part of the city, with its winding pedestrian streets and centuries-old half-timbered houses. Gourmets should head to Locmaria, a quiet neighborhood on the banks of the Ode River, known for its selection of bistros and crepe restaurants.
Trencin, Slovakia
With a population of around 55,000, this is an untouched European city that seems to be stuck in the romantic era of chivalric romances and medieval charm, in the best possible way.
Its Old Town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, like something out of a fairy tale. And on the cliff overlooking the city, visitors can explore the impressive Trenčín Castle, with its towering towers, beautiful courtyards, and hidden passageways. The city has been declared the European Capital of Culture for 2026, and it is expected to host a wide range of cultural events throughout the year.
