These Are The Top 5 Truly Underrated European Cities for 2026

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If you are dreaming of fairytale castles that would simply have featured in a Disney movie, historical cities with cobble-surfaced lanes which have barely modified for the reason that Middle Ages, and naturally, all of the Old World attract that comes with these, exploring Europe is definitely a high precedence for you.

Beyond the crowded streets of Paris, Barcelona, London, and the like, there’s a complete continent that continues to be largely undiscovered—if solely vacationers did not all the time flock to the identical 3 spots, 12 months after 12 months.

As a Travel Off Path reader, you need to know at this level that discovering probably the most Instagrammable spots for Eiffel Tower selfies, or the perfect elite eating places on the Amalfi Coast, are the final of our issues: come January, we’re going off the overwhelmed monitor once more, and also you’re greater than welcome to affix us.

Here are 5 really underrated European cities which have been on our skilled writers’ radars for 2026:

Trenčín, Slovakia

Home to round 55,000 residents, Trenčín is the type of small, unspoiled European metropolis that appears to nonetheless be caught in a romantic period of chivalric tales and medieval aptitude—and we imply that in one of the simplest ways attainable.

Its Old Town, a maze of cobbled lanes lined with colourful townhouses, seems like a storybook-come-to-life, and perched on a rock above town, vacationers will discover an imposing Trenčín Castle: sturdy towers, stunning courtyards, and hidden passageways. What extra may you ask for?

Oh, and in case you did not know, there’s really no higher 12 months to go to Trenčín than 2026. The metropolis was topped European Capital of Culture for the approaching 12 months, and it seems to be set to host numerous cultural events all year long.

Quimper, France

One of the principle cultural hubs of Brittany, the Celtic heartland of France, Quimper is an enthralling metropolis surrounded by medieval partitions and dominated by a hovering cathedral, Saint-Corentin, that even rivals Paris’ Notre-Dame in magnificence.

Featuring twin spires and a particular ‘bent’ native, it’s a must-see if you happen to’re strolling round Vieux Quimper, the oldest a part of city, characterised by its winding, pedestrian-friendly lanes, and centuries-old half-timbered homes.

For the foodies on the market, head over to Locmaria, a peaceable district on the banks of the Odet River, finest recognized for its choice of bistrots and crepe eating places. Crêperie de Locmaria is extraordinarily common, with typical Breton galettes made out of native, recent components, and a no-frills surroundings.

Nafplio, Greece

A vibrant port city within the Peloponnese, Nafplio was as soon as Greece’s capital earlier than Athens assumed that mantle, and it has but to completely relinquish its status. It boasts grand plazas, busy buying streets, monumental Orthodox church buildings, and spectacular Venetian-era fortifications.

The Historic Center is, with out query, probably the most picturesque a part of city, with its slim alleys, neo-classical homes, and comfy cafés. It adjoins a scenic seaside promenade, Arvanitia, backed by family-owned Greek tavernas serving home made syglino and wine at inexpensive costs.

For the History buffs on the market, you may’t miss Acronauplia, an historical fortress and viewpoint reaching heights of 279 toes above the city sprawl, and Bourtzi Castle, a Fifteenth-century fort on an islet off Nafplio’s harbor.

Trondheim, Norway

Clueless vacationers descend upon Oslo and Bergen for a Norwegian metropolis break, however we all know higher than to go for the obvious picks. In 2026, Trondheim is what we have got our eyes set on, with its landmark cathedral, well-preserved heart, and quirky museums.

With over 1,000 years of historical past, Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval church on the earth, and doubtless Norway’s most stunning Gothic constructing, at that. It’s on the coronary heart of Bakklandet, an space stuffed with brightly-painted picket homes and cobblestone streets.

On the riverside, look forward to finding a plethora of charming cafés. Streif is ideal for an early-afternoon sizzling chockie, and so they serve the fluffiest cinnamon buns. If you’re within the temper for one thing somewhat off the overwhelmed path, swing by Rockheim, an interactive pop and rock museum that’s a blast for all ages.

Vic, Spain

Tens of hundreds of thousands of vacationers head to Barcelona yearly with out paying any thoughts to the wider province of Catalonia that surrounds it. It’s not like we’re complaining, although: this leaves smaller cities like Vic, a perfectly-preserved medieval gem, largely freed from crowds.

Whether it is early morning or later within the day, likelihood is you will by no means see the postcard-ready Old Town, with its arcaded plazas and Gothic structure, packed to the gills in the identical means as Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Main points of interest embrace Plaça Major, flanked with historic buildings and tapas bars, the Roman Temple of Vic, relationship again to the 2nd century, and the Episcopal Museum (MEV), one among Spain’s finest for shows of Romanesque and Gothic artwork.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead author at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ nations below his belt (and at the moment weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative tales that may have you ever packing your luggage.