Paris, London, and Rome, to mention a few, are always at the top of everyone’s list of must-visit cities in Europe. But there are plenty more towns in Europe that are just as worthwhile to see but are frequently disregarded by travellers. Seven undervalued European destinations, from the stunning beaches of Portugal to the thriving cultural scene in Latvia, will be covered in this piece.
1. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, a picturesque city perched on the banks of the Danube, is frequently overshadowed by its more well-known neighbours, Vienna and Budapest. But despite its diminutive size, Bratislava is bursting with culture, history, and delectable cuisine.
The breathtaking Bratislava Castle, which is perched on a hill and offers sweeping views of the city, is one of the city’s major attractions. The castle, which was built in the ninth century, provides stunning views of the surroundings. Bratislava’s Old Town, stunning St. Martin’s Cathedral, and eccentric Museum of Clocks are a few further must-see sights.
Bratislava has a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, including both traditional Slovakian food and delicacies from other countries. Bryndzové haluky, a substantial dish made with potato dumplings and sheep cheese, is a must-try.
2. Riga, Latvia
Riga is a city that is well worth visiting even though it may not be as well known as other European capitals. Riga has something for everyone with a thriving cultural scene, beautiful architecture, and a deep history.
The Old Town of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the city’s most spectacular structures, including the magnificent House of the Blackheads, making it one of the city’s top attractions. The Central Market, the Latvian National Museum of Art, and the Art Nouveau neighbourhood are some additional must-see sights in Riga.
With a combination of traditional Latvian cuisine and other foreign options, Riga boasts a bustling food scene. Piragi, a Latvian pastry stuffed with bacon and onion, should definitely be tried.
3. Porto, Portugal
Porto is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit, despite the fact that Lisbon may be the city in Portugal that is best known. On the banks of the Douro River, the city of Porto is renowned for its exquisite architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and, of course, its wine.
The old Ribeira neighbourhood of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the city’s most stunning structures, is one of the city’s top attractions. The magnificent So Bento train station, the Porto Cathedral, and the Livraria Lello, a lovely bookstore that served as the inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, are just a few of the must-see sites in Porto.
Porto is renowned for its seafood and, of course, its port wine when it comes to food. Make sure to sample francesinha, a filling sandwich with meat, cheese, and tomato sauce.
4. Sofia, Bulgaria
The hidden gem of the Balkans is Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, which combines both modern beauty and old heritage for its tourists. The architecture of the city exhibits Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet influences, which speak to its lengthy past.
The renowned Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a remarkable example of Eastern Orthodox architecture and one of the most beautiful structures in Bulgaria, is a major Sofia attraction. The stunning National Palace of Culture, the antiquated Serdika Ruins, and the eccentric Museum of Socialist Art are just a few of Sofia’s other must-see sights.
Sofia offers a variety of international dishes as well as traditional Bulgarian dishes. Banitsa is a traditional pastry loaded with cheese and eggs that you should definitely try.
5. Tallinn, Estonia
The mediaeval city of Tallinn, which is the capital of Estonia, is sometimes disregarded by travellers in favour of more well-known European capitals. But Tallinn is a city that’s well worth a visit because to its gorgeous architecture, well-preserved Old Town, and rich history.
The stunning Town Hall Square, a mediaeval market square that is home to some of the city’s most attractive structures, is one of Tallinn’s top attractions. Other must-see sights in Tallinn include the eccentric KGB Museum, the historic Kadriorg Palace, and the Estonian Maritime Museum.
Tallinn offers a variety of cuisines, including both traditional Estonian dishes and international selections. Make sure to sample some black bread, a classic rye-flour-based bread from Estonia.
6. Bologna, Italy
Bologna is an often-overlooked Italian treasure, despite being just as beautiful as Rome, Florence, and Venice. Bologna is a city that never fails to impress visitors with its stunning buildings, lively art scene, and delectable cuisine.
The Two Towers, a pair of mediaeval towers, are a popular tourist destination in Bologna due to their stunning vantage point over the city. The majestic Piazza Maggiore, the beautiful Basilica di San Petronio, and the quirky Museum of Modern Art are also not to be missed while in Bologna.
Bologna’s cuisine is well-known for its unique blend of classic Italian meals and regional delicacies. Tagliatelle al ragù is a classic Italian meal consisting of tagliatelle pasta with a hearty meat sauce.