Visiting Europe’s greatest destinations, cities and landmarks is always a good idea to start your enthusiastic backpacking journey. In the same way there are ample of destinations in Europe mostly unknown to the most of the backpackers due to its popularity, but its travel experiences are really a gem. So it is very important to explore as equally as visiting these destinations.
These underrated travel destinations make us involve ourselves in the most unique travel atmospheres along with offering a diverse array of experiences. Despite visiting Europe’s already greatest places like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, London, Edinburgh or Stockholm, we recommend you to step into the below 7 underrated places of Europe to expand your travel wings and pioneer for upcoming backpackers.
Related Search: Best Places to Visit in Europe.
7 Most Underrated Travel Destinations in Europe
1. Ljunblijana- Slovenia
Ljubljana is an attractive and charming capital city of Slovenia often known for its green spaces, lovely architecture and vibrant art streets/ scenic views. Besides that, the city is home to some of the historical attractions like picturesque bridges, castles, and walking paths. Travelers are very blessed to enjoy Ljubljana city through its central market square, the three bridges, and popular restaurants.
There are many things showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Ljubljana city, like Ljubljana Castle– it is a 15th century castle built as a seat for the ruling Habsburgs. Triple Bridge and Preseren Square where more beautiful avenues and pink coloured churches exist. Despite these 2 attractions, spending time with Congress Square and leisurely strolling along the picturesque Ljubljanica River could be the greatest activities ever.
2. Zagreb- Croatia
Another European iconic place which I strongly recommended to visit despite being an underrated one. Zagreb is located in the northern center of the country, just far from the coast. This city often overshadowed by coastal cities, boasts the country’s best lively cultural scenic beauties, parks and impressive museums. Even today the majority of people directly book their flights straight to Croatia’s islands and shores, but the real beauty of the county exists in this city. Even today upper Town’s mediaeval architecture and bustling Dolac Market highlights the city’s gem of history.
Even though Zagreb has plenty of beautiful architecture, cafes, and best selections of unusual museums in Europe, the city blends some of the brilliant travel things. If you love art and museums, then the Street art scene, a plethora of quirky museums and city galleries are waiting for you to explore. In the same sense, restaurants and cafe cultures offer Dalmatian seafood dishes, Slavonian cuisines and cocktails. We insist you to attend any city’s seasonal festivals like if you visit during Christmas time visit Christmas market or attend Festival of Lights during winter and INmusic festival during summer.
3. Gjirokaster- Albania
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokaster is an old town primarily active during the time of the Ottoman Empire. Today Gjirokaster welcomes visitors from its brilliant Ottoman architecture and stone houses. Your landmark’s architectural beauty can extend in order to visit iconic Gjirokaster Castle, it is a 12th century Cold War Tunnel where stunning views and glimpse of the region’s history easily catch up.
Perhaps your travel ideas of Gjirokaster couldn’t end just by visiting the above 2 destinations. Things like Gjirokaster Bazar are a must visiting spot while during your trip, the bazaar is all about shops, cafes, and restaurants and dates back to the 20th century old buildings. On the hill there are plenty of historical stone houses which are 19th century old houses featuring grey slate roofs and offers the region’s most photographic views. Despite being a costly place to dine, Gjirokaster is home to Albania’s best hostel with over 70 hostels.
4. Brno- Czech Republic
Brno is considered as the second largest city in Czech Republic after Prague, often known for its breathtaking modern architecture, UNESCO Heritage Sites and Tugenhat Villas. Brno city is located in the eastern part of Prague and just a 2 hour journey from Vienna. Its historical site, modern elegant cultures and affordable travel costs make it one of the must visit destinations in Europe.
Visiting such a brilliant landmark has some sort of attractions which captivate the mind of visitors when they arrive. Brno is in that list not just because it is cheap, moreover it contains key attractions like historic Spilberk Castle, Old Town Hall, Villa Tugendhat and Zelny trh (Cabbage market). If you plan to visit during summer, you’re probably going to enjoy the city’s relaxed atmospheres with main squares, cafes and streets. Streets during summer are filled with Brno coffee cultures, beer options and vibrant shopping options, so try it. Visiting the impressive cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is one of the perfect ideas to enjoy 12th century old Brno architecture.
5. Tallinn- Estonia
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of mediaeval old town drawing attention of visitors from its cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture buildings and ancient fairytale atmospheres. Tallinn recognised as the best preserved mediaeval city in the entire Europe, witnessing 1.6km of ancient walls and 26 towering towers makes the city hold deep historical significance. Besides its architecture and streets, Tallinn consists of a burgeoning tech scene that showcases Estonia’s spirit along with old and new Tallinn uniqueness.
Visiting Tallinn city is bifurcated into 2 levels like upper town (centre of Estonia) and Lower town. Upper town also called Toompea sits on the steep limestone hill where the city’s major government buildings, castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and Russian Orthodox Alexander Neevsky Cathedral exist. Whereas Lower town is home to mediaeval streets, colorful buildings, markets, smaller churches, squares, towers and major city’s towing walls. I urge every backpacker to start their journey from Town Hall Square and Toompea Hill since both offer lively atmospheres and surroundings covered by historic buildings, viewpoints and cafes/restaurants.
6. Valldemossa, Mallorca- Spain
Welcomes visitors from its picturesque scenery, Royal Charterhouse, historic cobblestone streets and breathtaking cultural hubs. Valldemossa, Mallorca is a most sought after place in Europe and exhibits historical evidence such as The Chopin Museum, Carthusian Monastery and museums. Located in the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, western part of Mallorca Island of Spain.
Valldemossa, Mallorca is a city home for many artists and creative ideas, if you love to see artist works by Frederic Chopin, George Sand (located in Valldemassa Charterhouse), then the city is fit for your travel itinerary. However, artist’s evidence of Picasso and Miro, Manuel Bayeu, modern art museum and Chopin and Sand Museum is exclusively open to the general public. Perhaps your city’s charmess will also extend if you love to take leisurely stroll in its beautiful cobblestone where multiple boutiques, cafes and restaurants are lined.
We recommend spending more time on your walking journey here and buy potted plants and flowers that are the most popular souvenir options to purchase. Visit Sunday Market before completing your journey here in Valldemossa, a market known for excellent options of fruit and vegetables, olive oil and local ham. If you love to watch traditional local events and cultural festivals then, ‘Fastes de la Beata’, ‘Sant Bartomeu’ and the annual Artdemoss Fair and Chopin Music Festival are for you.
7. Riga- Latvia
The capital city of Latvia, Riga is often visited by world backpackers to enjoy its breathtaking Art Nouveau buildings and mediaeval architecture. However, Riga today offers more architectural attractions like above landmarks like Valldemossa, Mallorca and Brno, including mediaeval period old town, art nouveau buildings, gorgeous parks and top notch restaurants and cafes. Exploring the Old Town of Riga is one of the finest things to do, since it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home for some of the beautiful cobblestone streets, House of Blockheads and St. Peter’s church.
Riga Central Market is considered as one of Europe’s largest markets where visitors are fortunate to buy stuffs like fresh meats, cheese, smoked fish and rye bread. We can call Art Nouveau a crown to this city and add more value to its historical legacies, while includes over 800 ornate faces located in the “Quiet Centre”. Tasting delicious mouthwatering Lativin cuisine is an ideal way to enjoy your city’s culinary tour. Most of Riga’s restaurants offer salmon pops, herring, cold beet soup and other local dishes. We recommend visit Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs for more culinary options. Enjoy your evening cocktail at Skyline Bar located on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city with fresh evening cocktails.