When you’re dreaming of fairytale castles that might simply have featured in a Disney movie, historical cities with cobble-surfaced lanes which have barely modified because the Center Ages, and naturally, all of the Previous World attract that comes with these, exploring Europe is unquestionably a high precedence for you.
Past 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 Journey Off Path reader, it’s best to know at this level that discovering probably the most Instagrammable spots for Eiffel Tower selfies, or the most effective elite eating places on the Amalfi Coast, are the final of our considerations: come January, we’re going off the crushed monitor once more, and also you’re greater than welcome to affix us.
Listed here are 5 really underrated European cities which have been on our knowledgeable writers’ radars for 2026:
Trenčín, Slovakia
Residence 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 potential.
Its Previous City, a maze of cobbled lanes lined with colourful townhouses, seems like a storybook-come-to-life, and perched on a rock above the town, vacationers will discover an imposing Trenčín Fort: 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 town was topped European Capital of Tradition for the approaching 12 months, and it appears to be like set to host numerous cultural events all year long.
Quimper, France
One of many foremost cultural hubs of Brittany, the Celtic heartland of France, Quimper is a captivating metropolis surrounded by medieval partitions and dominated by a hovering cathedral, Saint-Corentin, that even rivals Paris’ Notre-Dame in magnificence.
That includes twin spires and a particular ‘bent’ native, it’s a must-see when you’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 number of bistrots and crepe eating places. Crêperie de Locmaria is extraordinarily well-liked, with typical Breton galettes made out of native, contemporary components, and a no-frills atmosphere.
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 totally relinquish its status. It boasts grand plazas, busy procuring streets, monumental Orthodox church buildings, and spectacular Venetian-era fortifications.
The Historic Heart is, with out query, probably the most picturesque a part of city, with its slim alleys, neo-classical homes, and comfortable cafés. It adjoins a scenic seaside promenade, Arvanitia, backed by family-owned Greek tavernas serving home made syglino and wine at reasonably priced costs.
For the Historical past buffs on the market, you possibly can’t miss Acronauplia, an historical fortress and viewpoint reaching heights of 279 ft above the city sprawl, and Bourtzi Fort, a Fifteenth-century citadel 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 this planet, and possibly Norway’s most stunning Gothic constructing, at that. It is on the coronary heart of Bakklandet, an space stuffed with brightly-painted wood 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. When you’re within the temper for one thing slightly off the crushed path, swing by Rockheim, an interactive pop and rock museum that’s a blast for all ages.
Vic, Spain
Tens of tens of millions of vacationers head to Barcelona yearly with out paying any thoughts to the wider province of Catalonia that surrounds it. It isn’t like we’re complaining, although: this leaves smaller cities like Vic, a perfectly-preserved medieval gem, largely freed from crowds.
Whether or not it is early morning or later within the day, likelihood is you may by no means see the postcard-ready Previous City, with its arcaded plazas and Gothic structure, packed to the gills in the identical method as Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Foremost sights embody Plaça Main, 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.
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