Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Venice, Berlin. Europe’s most popular cities are flooded with tourists for good reason.
But as we navigate a delicate time for travel, with several destinations pushing back against overtourism, Metro wants to put lesser-known locations that are actively welcoming visitors on the map.
We’ve been doing a lot of that lately.
After Venice doubled its day-tripper tax to €10 (£8.30), we told you how to visit its small but charming neighbour instead. Last month, after Barcelona announced a new tourist zone, we brought you our readers’ favourite underrated Spanish cities.
This week, we asked you to share the ‘hidden gem’ European cities that are often overlooked. We’ll be adding lots of these to our bucket list, too.
Metro readers have their say
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First up, Craig Jones raved about Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital and largest city. Vânia Ricardo echoed this, calling the Central European country a ‘gem.’
Known for its charming Old Town and laidback cafe culture, Ljubljana is extremely affordable, compared to other European capitals.
To compare, a three-course meal here might set you back around €25 (£21.25). A large beer is just €1.62 (£1.38).
Over in Paris, it’s a different story. Dinner could cost anything between €35 and €70 (£29.76 and £59.51) per person at a mid-range restaurant. As for a beer, you’re looking at around €6.50 (£5.53).
Linda Taylor, who travelled around Slovenia a couple of years ago, said the capital was a highlight.
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 east, Kate Silk loved Ohrid in North Macedonia. The landlocked Balkan country borders more popular holiday hotspots such as Greece, Albania and Bulgaria, which means it’s often passed by.
However, one Google of Ohrid and you’ll be booking flights ASAP: whitewashed Ottoman-era houses pepper the coastal village, while the Old Town boasts UNESCO World Heritage status.
Over in Bulgaria, many of our readers have been raving about Plovdiv, the oldest town in Europe. Up north in the Baltics, Angela Jane Holding recommends Tallinn, Estonia’s fairytale capital.
Three holidays in one
Metro 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 introduced a daily train from Vilnius to Riga, the capital of Latvia. You can reach the city in just six-and-a-half hours, with second-class tickets costing €24 (£20).
Following a few days of exploration, hop on a five-hour train to Tallinn, where you’ll complete the three Baltic states in one trip. Tickets are just as cheap, priced at €30.50 (£25.30).
Meanwhile in Scandinavia, Robert Edwin Wareham highlighted Århus, Denmark’s second largest city.
The Danish capital, Copenhagen, gets all the praise, but many say Århus has an ‘edge,’ and is a favourite among Gen Z travellers.
Along with historic quarters, spectacular rooftops and award-winning coffee shops, Århus is also blessed with stunning beaches and verdant forests. What’s not to love?
Elsewhere, Rob Whitehead made a case for Valletta, Malta’s capital.
Last year, the Mediterranean island was a top trending destination for summer, thanks to its white sand beaches, turquoise sea and scenic cliff walks.
Metro’s Chris Rickett was one step ahead, having visited Malta in May 2023. He created some serious inspo content, including a jam-packed itinerary of how to do the country in 48 hours. Read all about it here.
Italy is one of Europe’s most popular destinations, but most people flock to hotspots like Venice, Rome and Lake Como.
Reader Steve Tucker encourages you to give the big names a break and try Lucca in the Tuscany region instead.
Angela Jane Holding agreed, although she isn’t ready to reveal what she calls one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. She teased: ‘Don’t tell everyone.’
We say sharing is caring.
And finally, Campbell Hendry shared his love for Leipzig in 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 also described the city as having ‘some beautiful ornate buildings,’ while Linda Reed said that Leipzig was ‘next on [her] list.’
Already been to Leipzig and want to experience more of Germany’s charm? Metro’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.
A tempting twin city break
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.
After spending a couple of days in the capital, head to Brasov, a train ride away in Transylvania. Metro’s Alice Murphy loved her time in the city, describing it as a brilliant balance of traditional charm and modern city life.
Embroidered with medieval buildings, including the Gothic Black Church and the Council House, Brasov is home to Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania.
The Bucharest to Brasov train takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with prices ranging between £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 is part of UNESCO World Heritage – is perhaps the most attractive and picturesque part of the city. It also boasts plenty of tourist attractions to check out.
This includes the Triple Bridge, which connects the Old Town with Prešeren Square, the city’s central square. Then, there’s Ljubljana Cathedral, Ljubljana Castle and the Ljubljanica River Canal, where you can hop on a 45-minute to an hour boat ride for just €10 (£8.49).
The Slovenian capital has a vibrant and evolving food scene, blending traditional flavours with innovative techniques. In 2021, Slovenia was named the European Region of Gastronomy.
When dining in the country as a whole, expect Alpine, Mediterranean, Pannonian, and Balkan influences. Hearty stews, soups, and pastries like Prekmurska gibanica and potica can be found in many cafes and restaurants around the city.
What to do in Leipzig
Metro reader Tom Thornton is a Leipzig resident, having moved here from the Isle of Wight three years ago.
As we edge into the warmer months, he recommends Palmengarten and Clara-Zetkin-Park. ‘The green spaces are perfect for picnics and relaxing in the afternoon,’ he says.
For families, Zoo Leipzig is a popular stop. Located in the middle of the city, you can marvel at tigers, elephants and flamingos for a standard entry fee of €24 (£20.44). If you’re on a budget, Tom has an insider hack: ‘I walk through the park behind it most days and they keep the trees trimmed so you can see the giraffes.’
Unbeknownst to non-locals, Leipzig serves up a treat for fast-foodies. For a late-night Döner, Tom swears by a small joint called Olive Tree. He says it’s so good that he once ate twice here in one night. A regular kebab is only €4.50 (£3.83).
As for drinking establishments, no trip to Leipzig is complete without a visit to Beyerhaus.
‘It’s my absolute favourite pub,’ Tom says, describing it as a ‘huge old building with very good vibes.’
He also spotlights Am Kanal, the locals’ favourite pub, where you can sit outside and watch the boats on the canal. Drinks are cheap here, too, with a 0.5l of pilsner coming in at €4.20 (£3.50).
Finally, for Classical, Baroque and Romantic music lovers, you’ll feel like a child in a sweet shop, as Leipzig is considered the music capital of Germany. Not only is it the birthplace of Richard Wagner, but other greats like Bach, Mendelssohn, Bartholdy, Schumann and Mahler all worked in the city.
On the free walking tour of Leipzig, you’ll learn about the different musical periods and understand a ‘day in the life’ of a composer.
For a more immersive experience, every June, there’s a free classical concert in one of the parks. Performed by the renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra, this year, the programme includes works by Johann Strauss II, in celebration of his 200th birthday. ‘Whether you’re into classical music or not, it’s a real highlight in the Leipzig calendar,’ says Tom.
What to do in Lucca
Italy’s Tuscany region has long been a go-to for travellers, with rolling hill landscapes and world-class food and wine. It’s also the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.
Cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa always take the crown, but a nice alternative is Lucca.
Nestled in the valley of the Serchio River, the ancient town is surrounded bya diverse landscape: the Apuan Alps to the north and west, verdant forests to the south. The historic city walls double as popular hiking and cycle routes, and are the best place to see the many 16-century palaces.
Visit the Piazza Anfiteatro (the former Roman amphitheatre) and climb the Guinigi Tower for panoramic city views.
The narrow streets and shops in the centre are a lovely backdrop for an afternoon stroll, while the vibrant Piazza Napoleone is the spot to enjoy Tuscan cuisine.
After something warm and wholesome? Try Pappa al Pomodoro, a nourishing bread and tomato soup. For meat eaters, try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, rare char-grilled T-bone steak with simple seasonings. All with a glass, or two, of Tuscan wine.
Metro staff share their favourite ‘hidden gems’
Dylan Mangan, Pierra Willix and Alice Murphy fly the flag for Ireland. Recommending Cork and Galway, Alice can confirm that both are ‘highly underrated.’
Pierra also loves Innsbruck in Austria and Funchal in Portugal, while Chris Rickett raved about Switzerland’s Arosa.
According to Rosy Shearman, Tallinn and Gdansk in Poland offer ‘super cheap flights and Airbnbs compared to the rest of Europe.’
As for Noora Mykkanen, she loved ‘beautiful’ Lyon. Describing it as ‘way more accessible than Paris,’ she said it still gave a similar vibe to the French capital.
Ellie Hutchings stated that ‘Ghent is way nicer than Brussels and much quieter,’ as Chris Buswell offered up Akureyri in Iceland. He said it was ‘SO beautiful and SO quiet, and you can still see the northern lights.’
Luke Bright made a case for Spain, saying, ‘Vigo and A Coruna are worth a visit.’
Finally, Tori Brazier said that Regensburg in Germany is ‘one of the most stunning places I’ve ever visited.’ She added: ‘It had a real Austrian-Italian twist – and I actually grew up in Germany but had never thought to/been aware of it to visit!’
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