Discover the Charm of Europe's Hidden Gems: Top 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 many locations are responding to overcrowding issues, vtrik aims to highlight hidden gems that are enthusiastically inviting tourists to visit.

We’ve been doing a lot of that lately.

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 have also piqued our interest and will likely be added to our travel wish lists as well.

vtrikreaders have their say

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To start with, Craig Jones spoke highly of 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 here could cost approximately €25 (£21.25). A big pint of beer would be about €1.62 (£1.38).

In Paris, things unfold differently. At a moderately priced eatery, dinner might set you back anywhere from €35 to €70 (£29.76 to £59.51) per person. When it comes to 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 for her.

She gushed: ‘I couldn’t believe how cheap everything was, from food and drink to accommodation. The Old Town sits on the river, I felt so relaxed reading my book with a glass of wine, I’ll definitely be back one day.’

If you’ve got time to spare, Linda says Kranjska Gora is worth a visit. The alpine resort in the northwest of Slovenia is a go-to for skiers.

Further 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.

But just one search for Ohrid, and you'll be scrambling to book your tickets immediately: the town’s coastline is dotted with traditional whitewashed Ottoman-style homes, and its historic center has earned UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Many of our readers from Bulgaria have been enthusiastically sharing their thoughts. Plovdiv, the most ancient city in Europe . In the northern part of 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 €30.50 (£25.30).

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

The Danish capital, Copenhagen , receives all the accolades, yet many argue that Århus has an 'edge' and is particularly favored by Generation Z travelers.

In addition to its historic districts, breathtaking rooftop views, and acclaimed cafés, Århus also boasts beautiful shores and lush woodlands. How could anyone resist such charm?

In another part, Rob Whitehead advocated for Valletta, which is Malta’s capital city.

The previous year, the Mediterranean island had been top trending destination for summer , owing to its pristine white sandy shores, vivid azure waters, and picturesque cliff trails.

vtrik’s Chris Rickett was one step ahead, having traveled to Malta in May 2023. He produced some inspiring material, which included crammed schedule for experiencing the nation in just two days .

Italy stands out as one of Europe’s top travel spots, yet many visitors converge on well-known attractions such as Venice , Rome and Lake Como .

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

Angela Jane Holding concurred, though she remains unwilling to disclose what she refers to as one of Italy’s most closely guarded secrets. She hinted, 'Keep this under wraps.'

We believe that showing care involves sharing.

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 referred to the city as possessing 'a number of beautifully 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 .

Complete with fairytale castles, sprawling forests, and breathtaking views of the Alps, Sophie recommends Würzburg for wine, Rothenburg ob der Tauber for architecture and Sommerhausen for a festive hidden gem.

An enticing short trip to a dual-city destination

Fancy Paris but you’re on a budget? Bucharest in Romania has been coined as the ‘Paris of the East.’

Visually, the city earned its nickname thanks to its architectural similarities with France’s capital. Of the many buildings and landmarks influenced by the French, the most obvious is the Arcul de Triumf, Romania’s version of the 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 Town Hall, 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 to do in Ljubljana

Like many pocket-sized capitals, Ljubljana is often overlooked. Small, intimate, and refreshingly quiet, the city consists of terrace cafes, outdoor markets, pretty alleyways and charming facades.

Whether you spend your day aimlessly ambling through the maze of cobblestone streets or marvelling at medieval fortifications and bright 19th-century buildings, you’ll wonder why you never visited before.

The historic Old Town, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, might be the most charming and visually appealing section of the city. This area is home to numerous tourist spots worth visiting as well.

This encompasses the Triple Bridge, connecting the Old Town with Prešeren Square, the heart of the city. Additionally, you have Ljubljana Cathedral, Ljubljanica Castle, and the Ljubljanica River Canal, offering a 45-minute to one-hour boat cruise for only €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 across the nation, you'll encounter Alpine, Mediterranean, Pannonian, and Balkan flavors. You can find substantial stews, soups, and baked goods such as Prekmurska gibanica and potica at numerous cafés and eateries throughout the urban area.

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 looking to save some money, Tom shares his secret tip: "I usually stroll through the park behind the zoo daily, and since they maintain neatly trimmed trees, you get a good view of the giraffes."

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 two times in one evening. A standard kebab costs just €4.50 (£3.83) at this place.

When visiting Leipzig, no journey would be considered complete without stopping at Beyerhaus for some drinks.

'It’s hands down my favorite pub,' Tom states, characterizing it as 'a large historic structure with excellent 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 equally wallet-friendly, with a 0.5-liter pilsner costing 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 since it’s regarded as the heart of musical culture in Germany. Besides being the place where composer Richard Wagner was born, this city has also been home to illustrious musicians such as Bach, Mendelssohn, Bartholdy, Schumann, and Mahler during their careers.

During the complimentary walking tour of Leipzig, you'll explore 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 at one of the city’s parks. This event is hosted by the prestigious Gewandhaus Orchestra, and this year they will perform pieces by Johann Strauss II, commemorating his bicentennial anniversary. "No matter whether you're a fan of classical music or not, it stands out as a key attraction in the Leipzig events schedule," remarks Tom.

What to do in Lucca

The Tuscan region of Italy has traditionally attracted many tourists, known for its picturesque hills and renowned cuisine and wines. This area is also where the Italian Renaissance originated.

While cities such as Florence, Siena, and Pisa often top the list, an excellent alternative is Lucca.

Situated in the Serchio River Valley, this historical town is encircled by a varied terrain including the Apuan Alps to the north and west, lush woodlands to the south. The old city walls serve not only as significant landmarks but also function well for walking and cycling tours, offering great views of numerous 16th-century palaces along these paths.

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

The winding lanes and stores downtown provide a charming setting for an evening walk, whereas the lively Piazza Napoleone offers great ambiance. the place to savor Tuscan cuisine.

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

Vtrikstaff reveal their top picks of lesser-known treasures.

Television reporter 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 special fondness for Innsbruck in Austria and Funchal in Portugal, whereas our video editor Chris Rickett adores Arosa, which is located in Switzerland.

As per Rosy Shearman, Tallinn and Gdańsk provide 'incredibly affordable flights and Airbnbs when compared to the rest of Europe.'

Regarding Noora Mykkanen, she had a fondness for 'beautiful' Lyon. She mentioned it was 'much easier to navigate compared to Paris,' yet it maintained an atmosphere akin to 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 'extremely beautiful and very tranquil,' adding that 'you can also spot the Northern Lights there.'

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

Tori Brazier finally mentioned that Regensburg in Germany is 'one of the most breathtaking locations I have ever seen.' She further commented, 'The place has a distinct Austrian-Italian flair – surprisingly, despite having grown up in Germany, I hadn’t considered or known about visiting it before!'

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