Hello!
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about the top-5 destinations in Europe for first-time travelers, which can be found here. However, for those of you who’ve already hit those hot spots of the small continent, why not expand your adventures to lesser-known, but equally-enriching places while you’re at it?
That said, I’m listing the top-5 underrated destinations in Europe that you ought to check out. While they’ve certainly become more touristy over the years, they’re still great places to explore the food, culture, sights, and everything in between.
1. Gdańsk, Poland.
While not as renown as Warsaw or Krakow, the port city of Gdańsk is a worthwhile place to visit. Besides its colorful harbor, its reconstructed Old Town contains several lovely gems including the quaint Mariacka Street and the stunning aerial views of the city’s red-orange rooftops from St. Mary’s Church. Overall, Gdańsk has a laid-back, tranquil atmosphere that makes it a pleasant stay whilst in Poland!
2. Ghent, Belgium.
A university-student town, Ghent is also a picturesque place with its dark, austere architecture and free-floating canals. Besides sightseeing the various churches, cathedrals, and steeped-gable roofs, you can also wander the lively student district where there are plenty of eateries (Belgian fries, represent!) and activities going on at night. Afterwards, you can walk back to your hostel and see the canal light up!
3. Lisbon, Portugal.
Never ceasing to be sunny and warm, even in the winter, Lisbon is certainly the dream place to visit. With various miradouros peppered throughout the city, you won’t be short of stunning views at every turn and corner! Whether you choose to explore the lively Baixa district, the historic Alfama, or the famous Belém, there’s so much to see (and eat!) in this friendly Portuguese capital.
4. Lucerne, Switzerland.
En route to Zurich from Bern, you can stop at this Swiss gem of a city. Lucerne (or “Luzern”) is situated in the midst of nature, with its eponymous lake and view of the Alps within it. The city is famous for its Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century bridge which has burned down several times over the centuries, but continues to stay upright. Another notable site is the Lion Monument, a brilliant rock relief inside the city.
5. Marseille, France.
Another port city, Marseille is the largest city in France and a popular spot for tourists and locals to catch some sun rays at anytime of the year. Besides gorgeous views of the harbor at sunset, its Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is worth the climb up for stunning city views. Seafood is abundant and fresh, and you can also make a day trip to the calanques for hiking and nature away from the urban life.
Which cities in Europe do you consider worth the visit? Let me know!
— The Finicky Cynic
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The Finicky Cynic 
I have visited the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland. It is so peaceful and the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Chapel Bridge is amazing; Lucerne is my favorite city visited in Switzerland! Glad you like it, too.
Thanks for posting this! I’ve almost run out of places to visit in Europe – but Lucerne!! Seems awesome, friendly, and great!
Have a super Saturday!
😀
Wow, you’re quite the adventurer, I take it? Lucerne is certainly worth a visit while in Switzerland!
Hi! 🙂 Oh yes, and always looking for new places!! 😀 I’ve been four years around Europe now, mostly in Italy & Britain, but only one day in Switzerland! Need to see more. Btw. love the reading posts, and the Seattle/Mr. Rainier pics! Visited 8 years ago – felt like home 😉 Where’s next on your list?
😀
Thanks, the Pacific Northwest is gorgeous! Next up: back to France!
Lucky you!! 🙂 Last visit here was Avignon and Montpelier in 2014 – with train from Italy. Spectacular train ride!! 😀 Have a great time!!
Avignon and Montpellier are great cities in the south of France- glad you enjoyed them! Thank you.
MontpeLLier – thanks!! Stupid spell check – but it’s the one in Vermont that has one L!
😛
I’m aware of that! Understood what you wrote, though!
Haven’t been to top 3. Pinned it on the map. Thank you!
No problem! Lisbon is my #1 favorite spot in Europe for warm weather, beautiful architecture, and friendly people! Hope you can also make it to Ghent and Gdańsk: both are charming smaller cities worth a couple of night’s stay. 🙂
I suggest Sintra. It is not so far from Lisbon, Portugal.
I’ve been to Sintra– lovely town!
Amazing read I’m always looking for new places to visit!
Thanks, hope you can travel to these places someday!
That’s such a great selection of cities. I’ve been to most of them, but I want to visit Lisbon again as I was there ages ago and barely remember a thing. Also, Gdańsk in summer is the best, especially when the music festival Open’er is happening!
Lisbon is amazing; I’d love to go back, too! Wasn’t aware of the music festival in Gdańsk, so that merits a trip back someday!
It’s usually on the first weekend of July and it’s not exactly in Gdańsk, because the festival is so huge, they had to move it to a smaller city on the outskirts called Kosakowo, but it’s definitely worth the visit 🙂
i’ve always loved to visit Europe. I hope one day my family can go these places mentioned on your post. ❤
I hope so, too! Best wishes to that. 🙂
Wow! These places sounds so perfect! Going to start planning trips there soon! 🙂
They are perfect! Hope you can go there someday. 🙂
These places looks really great
Certainly are great!
On this list, I’ve only been to Ghent. It was a gorgeous university town with a shop selling the best mustard I’ve ever tasted.
My favorite underrated travel destination is Assisi, Italy. Not necessarily a ton to “do”, but picturesque streets and amazing restaurants everywhere you turn.
I love Ghent! Probably my favorite city I’ve visited in Belgium. Never been to Assisi, but sounds like a beautiful place. 🙂
I have to admit, my favorite city in Belgium award goes to Bruges (so cliche, I know!), but Ghent is a very close second. Assisi is incredible, especially in the winter months without tons of tourists.
I always love hearing about the places lesser traveled. As travelers, I think we get caught up with the well known cities, and often forget about these hidden gems. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for reading! Always great to check out hidden gems. 😊
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