Discover the Charm of Europe's Hidden Gems: Best Cities Beyond Paris and Berlin

Paris , Barcelona , Amsterdam , Venice , Berlin Europe's top city destinations are swarmed with visitors for valid reasons.

However, as we manage this sensitive period for travel, where numerous locations are reacting against overcrowding from tourists, vtrik aims to highlight hidden gems that are enthusiastically inviting tourists to visit.

We've been engaging in this quite frequently recently.

After Venice doubled its day-tripper tax To €10 (£8.30), we explained how you can visit it. small but charming neighbour instead. Last month, after Barcelona announced a new tourist zone , we presented to you our readers' top picks underrated Spanish cities .

This week, we invited you to tell us about the lesser-known European cities that are frequently ignored. These suggestions will also be added to our travel wish list.

vtrikreaders have their say

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To start things off, Craig Jones expressed his enthusiasm enthusiastically. Ljubljana , Slovenia Its capital and most populous city was highlighted similarly by Vânia Ricardo, who referred to the Central European nation as a 'jewel.'

Renowned for its picturesque Old Town and relaxed café scene, Ljubljana stands out as remarkably budget-friendly when contrasted with other major European cities.

For comparison, a three-course meal could cost approximately €25 (£21.25) here. Meanwhile, a big pint would only be about €1.62 (£1.38).

In Paris, things are quite different. At a moderately priced eatery, dinner might set you back anywhere from €35 to €70 (£29.76 to £59.51) per person. For a pint of beer, expect to pay approximately €6.50 (£5.53).

Linda Taylor, who explored Slovenia a few years back, mentioned that the capital stood out as a highlight during her trip.

She exclaimed, "I was amazed at how affordable everything was, including meals, beverages, and lodging. The Old Town is located along the riverside, and sitting there with a glass of wine while engrossed in my book made me feel incredibly serene. I’m certainly planning to return someday."

Linda suggests that if you have some free time, Kranjska Gora is definitely worth checking out. This Alpine destination in northwestern Slovenia is popular among skiers.

Farther to the east, Kate Silk was fond of Ohrid. North Macedonia The inland Balkan nation shares its borders with several well-known vacation destinations like Greece , Albania and Bulgaria which means it frequently gets overlooked.

Yet, a single search about Ohrid will have you scrambling to book your tickets immediately: the town’s coastline is dotted with traditional white-washed Ottoman-style homes, and its historic center has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Many of our readers over in Bulgaria have been enthusiastically talking about Plovdiv, the most ancient city in Europe Up north in the Baltic region, Angela Jane Holding suggests Tallinn, Estonia’s fairytale capital .

Three holidays in one

vtrik recently took a deep dive into Lithuania, the tiny country dubbed Europe’s ‘best kept secret.’ Its geographical position makes it perfect for multi-country holidays.

In December 2023, Lithuanian Railways launched a daily service on trains. Vilnius to Riga , the capital of Latvia You can arrive at the city in merely six and a half hours, with second-class tickets priced at €24 (£20).

After spending a few days exploring, take a five-hour train ride to Tallinn, completing your tour of all three Baltic countries in one journey. The tickets are equally affordable, costing around €30.50 (£25.30).

Meanwhile in Scandinavia Robert Edwin Wareham pointed out Århus, Denmark ’s second largest city.

The Danish capital, Copenhagen gets all the attention, yet many argue that Århus has an 'edgier' appeal and is particularly favored by Generation Z travelers.

In addition to its historic districts, breathtaking rooftop views, and acclaimed cafes, Aarhus also boasts beautiful shores and lush woodlands. Who could resist such charm?

In another part of the discussion, Rob Whitehead advocated for Valletta, which serves as Malta’s capital city.

The previous year, the Mediterranean island had been leading hot spot for the summertime , owing to its pristine white sandy shores, the vibrant azure waters, and picturesque coastal cliffs for hiking.

vtrik’s Chris Rickett was always one step ahead, having explored Malta back in May 2023. He produced some seriously inspiring material, which included crammed schedule for experiencing the nation within 48 hours .

Italy stands out as one of Europe’s top travel favorites; however, many visitors tend to converge on well-known attractions such as Venice , Rome and Lake Como .

Reader Steve Tucker invites you to cut some slack for the major destinations and explore Lucca in the Tuscany area instead.

Angela Jane Holding concurred, though she isn't prepared to disclose what she refers to as one of Italy's best-kept secrets. She hinted, 'Keep this under wraps.'

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And lastly, Campbell Hendry expressed his affection for Leipzig. Germany . He said: ‘It is a beautiful city. I was there at Christmas several years ago, and in the train station were loads of shops selling Christmas decorations.’

He similarly remarked that the city boasts 'several stunning elaborately decorated structures,' whereas Linda Reed mentioned that Leipzig was 'up next' on her itinerary.

If you've already visited Leipzig and wish to explore more of Germany’s allure? vtrik’s Sophie May Williams has spent years exploring Bavaria .

Featuring enchanting fairy tale castles, vast woodlands, and stunning vistas of the Alps, Sophie suggests visiting Würzburg for its wines, Rothenburg ob der Tauber for its architectural beauty, and Sommerhausen as a charming secret spot for festivities.

An enticing short trip to a dual-city destination

If you're dreaming of Paris but constrained by your budget, Bucharest in Romania has earned the nickname of "Little Paris" due to its charming architecture and European ambiance. ‘Paris of the East.’

The city received its moniker due to its visual resemblance to Paris, France, particularly because of several structures and monuments inspired by French architecture. Among these, the most prominent example is the Arcul de Triumf, which mirrors Romania’s take on the iconic Arc de Triomphe.

Following your stay in the capital, take a short train journey to Brasov, located in the region of Transylvania. vtrik’s Alice Murphy enjoyed her experience in the city, calling it a fantastic mix of old-world allure and urban contemporary living.

Decorated with medieval structures such as the Gothic Black Church and the Council House, Brasov houses Rope Street, which holds the title of being the narrowest lane in Romania.

The journey from Bucharest to Brașov by train lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with ticket costs varying from £5 to £14.

What activities can you enjoy in Ljubljana?

Similar to numerous small capital cities, Ljubljana tends to be underestimated. This compact, cozy, and pleasantly tranquil urban center features terraced cafés, open-air markets, quaint lanes, and delightful façades.

No matter if you choose to leisurely wander through the stone-paved alleyways all day or stand in awe of ancient castles and vibrant 1800s architecture, you will question why you hadn’t come sooner.

The historic Old Town, designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, stands out as one of the most charming and scenic areas within the city. This district offers numerous sights for tourists to explore.

This encompasses the Triple Bridge, connecting the Old Town with Prešeren Square, the heart of the city. Additionally, you have Ljubljana Cathedral, LjubljanCastle, and the Ljubljanica River Canal, offering a 45-minute to one-hour boat cruise for as low as €10 (£8.49).

The capital city of Slovenia boasts a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary landscape, merging classic tastes with cutting-edge cooking methods. In 2021, Slovenia earned the title of European Region of Gastronomy.

While eating throughout the region, you'll encounter Alpine, Mediterranean, Pannonian, and Balkan flavors. You can find substantial dishes such as hearty stews, soups, and baked goods including Prekmurska gibanica and potica at numerous cafés and eateries across town.

What activities can you enjoy in Leipzig?

vtrik Reader Tom Thornton is a resident of Leipzig, having relocated here from elsewhere. Isle of Wight three years ago.

As we approach the hotter seasons, he suggests visiting Palmengarten and Clara-Zetkin-Park. 'These verdant areas are ideal for enjoying picnics and unwinding during the day,' he notes.

For family outings, Zoo Leipzig is a favourite destination. Situated in the heart of the city, visitors can admire tigers, elephants, and flamingos for the regular admission price of €24 (£20.44). For those watching their budgets, Tom shares a tip: 'Most days I stroll through the park behind the zoo, where they maintain clear views of the giraffes by keeping the trees neatly pruned.'

Unknown to those outside the area, Leipzig offers a delight for quick-service food lovers. For a midnight Döner, Tom highly recommends a cozy spot named Olive Tree. He claims it was so delicious that he ended up eating there twice in one evening. A standard kebab costs just €4.50 (£3.83) at this place.

When it comes to places to drink, no visit to Leipzig is considered complete without stopping by Beyerhaus.

'It’s my all-time favorite pub,' Tom remarks, characterizing it as 'a large historic structure with really great energy.'

He similarly highlights Am Kanal, the go-to pub for locals, where you can enjoy an outdoor seat and observe the boats navigating the canal. The prices are wallet-friendly as well; a 0.5-liter serving of pilsner costs around €4.20 (£3.50) here.

For those who adore Classical, Baroque, and Romantic music, Leipzig will make you feel like a kid in a candy store, being hailed as the musical hub of Germany. Besides being where Richard Wagner was born, this city also served as a workplace for luminaries such as Bach, Mendelssohn, Bartholdy, Schumann, and Mahler.

During the complimentary walking tour in Leipzig, you'll discover various musical eras and gain insight into what daily life was like for a composer.

To enhance your experience, each June features a complimentary classical performance held within one of the city’s parks. This event is hosted by the prestigious Gewandhaus Orchestra, and this year’s lineup celebrates Johann Strauss II’s bicentennial with pieces dedicated to him. "Regardless of whether you're a fan of classical music or not, it stands out as a key attraction in the Leipzig events schedule," notes Tom.

What activities can you enjoy in Lucca?

The Tuscan area in Italy has traditionally attracted many tourists due to its picturesque rolling hills and premier culinary offerings along with renowned wines. Additionally, this is where the Italian Renaissance was born.

While cities such as Florence, Siena, and Pisa often steal the spotlight, a great alternative is Lucca.

Situated in the Serchio River Valley, this historic town is encircled by a varied terrain including the Apuan Alps to the north and west, and lush woodlands to the south. The old city walls serve not only as historical landmarks but also as favored paths for hikers and cyclists, offering excellent views of numerous 16th-century palaces along the way.

Explore the historic Piazza Anfiteatro, which was once a Roman amphitheater, and make your way up the Guinigi Tower for breathtaking aerial vistas of the city.

The slender lanes and stores at the heart of the city make a charming setting for an evening walk, whereas the lively Piazza Napoleone offers a delightful scene. the place to savor Tuscan cuisine.

Looking for something comforting and hearty? Opt for Pappa al Pomodoro, a heartwarming bread and tomato soup. If you're craving meat, go for the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a hefty, barely cooked charcoal-grilled T-bone steak seasoned minimally. Accompany your meal with a couple glasses of fine Tuscan wine.

vtrikstaff discuss their top picks of lesser-known 'secret spots'

Television journalist Pierra Willix and travel editor Alice Murphy champion their country, Ireland. Pierra endorses Galway, whereas Alice has a soft spot for Cork.

Pierra has a fondness for Innsbruck in Austria and Funchal in Portugal, whereas our video editor Chris Rickett adores Arosa in Switzerland.

As per Rosy Shearman, Tallinn and Gdańsk provide 'extremely affordable flights and Airbnbs when compared to most other places in Europe.'

Regarding Noora Mykkanen, she had a fondness for 'beautiful' Lyon. She mentioned that it was 'much easier to navigate compared to Paris,' yet it retained an atmosphere reminiscent of the French capital.

Ellie Hutchings mentioned that 'Ghent is far more pleasant and peaceful compared to Brussels.' Meanwhile, Chris Buswell recommended Akureyri in Iceland, describing it as 'incredibly beautiful and very tranquil,' adding that 'you can also witness the Northern Lights there.'

Luke Bright put forward an argument for Spain, stating, “Visiting Vigo and A Coruña would be worthwhile.”

Lastly, Tori Brazier mentioned that Regensburg in Germany is 'one of the most breathtaking locations I've ever been to.' She further commented, 'The city has a distinct Austrian-Italian flair—oddly enough, even though I spent my childhood in Germany, I hadn’t considered visiting this place before!'

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