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They say no one likes surprises, but we at Travel Off Path can’t wait to be amazed when new reports and lists pop up on our Google feed.
In this case Time-out revealed some shockers during their latest deep dive into Europe’s top destinations.
Having traveled much of the continent myself, there is one highlight in particular that happens to be my least favorite European city, which undoubtedly catches my eye, while others are gems that travelers don’t normally consider for their next escape ‘across the pond’.
Let’s unpack why travelers might want to skip the ‘normies’ like Barcelona and Paris in favor of these 4 surprising cities touted as must-visits in 2026:
4) Naples: the ‘Marseille’ of Italy 🇮🇹
Wherever you go in Italy, be it Rome, Venice, Florence or some heavenly nameless village, this is a country that does not disappoint.
But if there’s one place that makes travelers feel a little tense, it’s Naples, an undeniably popular foodie destination and gateway to some of Italy’s most beautiful islands.
That said, like Marseille, a French coastal city notorious for its grit, Naples is one and the same.
On the plus side, this vibrant city feels alive, without the fluff of more touristy towns and actually has a backbone by embracing its bold personality.
But don’t let that stop you from visiting grand squares and world-class ruins without the long lines at the Colosseum, and there are more renowned beaches than day trips from Rome.
Naples is the perfect springboard to icons such as Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the lesser-known Ischia and Procida.
Best of all, Americans can fly nonstop to Naples International Airport (NAP) from five major U.S. cities, and despite the airport code abbreviation, this city is far from a snoozer.
3) Antwerp: Belgium’s safer, hip alternative to Brussels 🇧🇪
If Belgium can claim fame beyond impeccable waffles, you might question your decision to visit Brussels once you become aware of the safety issues that go largely unnoticed.
For example, it’s likely you haven’t heard of the wave of hundreds of attacks reported every month.
Brussels is the most common entry point into the country, but many travelers enjoy smaller picture-postcard towns like Bruges more than the sprawling cityscape of grand palaces.
What’s being missed isn’t Belgium’s secret coastline, but the country’s second-largest city, known for its art and groundbreaking fashion.
Antwerp is not only more modern and hipper, but also safer to visit. It’s a surprise on this list because Americans largely cast this city aside on their European adventures, even though the city has good train connections and a handful of flights to/from Spain.
2) Bath: Britain’s Roman time capsule 🇬🇧
If you’ve ever been to London, you have to take the good with the bad; the good thing is that it’s a town exactly like the countless ones you’ve seen, and the bad thing is that everyone and their mother are visiting at the same time.
Bath on the other hand? Not so much.
Bath may be one of England’s most timeless destinations, taking its name from its Roman baths, but its honey-colored streets and regal charm are just as appealing.
Unfortunately, tourists cannot experience the exact baths that the Romans once did to harness Gladiator powers Space jam kind of way, but there are plenty of wellness spas dotted around the city to relax, recharge and enjoy.
Just don’t tell BYU students to study abroad here…
1) Copenhagen: the city with more bicycles than cars 🇩🇰
Full disclosure: As promised, Copenhagen is my least favorite city in Europe.
I tried, guys. I really tried.
I don’t like to dislike a city, wherever it is.
But there must be something appealing about landing at number 4 overall on TimeOut’s enlightening list.
If you have an infinite budget, I imagine it could be fun (if the locals would ever smile).
Before I visited, I was told that Copenhagen was one of the happiest cities in the world, but I found myself most cheerful going to the airport to get out of trouble.
Navigating Copenhagen was a madhouse. With more bikes than cars, you’d think it would be easy to cross the street…
No. As hectic as a souk in Marrakech.
Overall, Copenhagen is a beautiful city with a touch of Scandinavian charm, like that of Bergen. But there are too many high-profile bills, a lack of attractions and cross-border attacks to make me wonder how it earned the title of ‘happiest’ and the nod above the ever-so-trendy Krakow on TimeOut’s list.
If you want to judge for yourself, hop aboard one 12 direct flights from major US hubs.
Take this quiz now to find out which one is perfect for you!
