These are the top 5 truly underrated European cities for 2026

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If you dream of fairytale castles that could easily have featured in a Disney movie, ancient towns with cobbled streets that have hardly changed since the Middle Ages, and of course all the Old World allure that comes with it, then exploring Europe is definitely a top priority for you.

Besides the busy streets of Paris, Barcelona, ​​London and the like, there’s an entire continent that remains largely undiscovered – if tourists didn’t always flock to the same three places year after year.

As a Travel Off Path reader, you should know at this point that finding the most Instagrammable spots for Eiffel Tower selfies, or the best elite restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, is our last concern: we’re going off the beaten track again in January, and you’re welcome to join us.

Being here 5 Real underrated European cities that were on our expert writers’ radars in 2026:

Trenčín, Slovakia

Trenčín has approximately 55,000 inhabitants and is a small, pristine European city that still seems stuck in a romantic era of chivalric tales and medieval flair – and we mean that in the best way possible.

The Old Town, a maze of cobbled streets lined with colorful mansions, feels like a storybook come to life, and high on a cliff above the town, tourists will find an imposing Trenčín Castle: sturdy towers, beautiful courtyards and hidden passageways. What more can you ask for?

Oh, and in case you didn’t know, it really is no better year to visit Trenčín than 2026. The city was crowned European Capital of Culture in the coming year, and it looks like several will take place cultural events all year round.

Quimper, France

One of the most important cultural centers of Brittany, the Celtic heart of France, Quimper is a charming city surrounded by medieval walls and dominated by a towering cathedral, Saint-Corentin, rivaling in beauty even the Notre-Dame of Paris.

With its twin spiers and a distinctive ‘arched’ native, it is a must-see if you are strolling around Vieux Quimperthe oldest part of the city, characterized by its winding, pedestrian-friendly streetsand centuries-old half-timbered houses.

For the foodies, head to Locmaria, a quiet neighborhood on the banks of the Odet River, best known for its selection of bistros and crepe restaurants. Creperie de Locmaria is extremely popular, with typical Breton galettes made from local, fresh ingredients and a no-nonsense environment.

Nafplio, Greece

A bustling port city in the Peloponnese, Nafplio was once the capital of Greece before Athens took on that mantle, and it hasn’t completely given up its prestige. It features large squares, busy shopping streets, monumental Orthodox churches and impressive Venetian-era fortifications.

The historic center is without a doubt the most picturesque part of the city, with its narrow alleys, neoclassical houses and cozy cafes. It borders A picturesque seaside promenadeArvanitia, backed by a Greek family business tavernas serve homemade syglino and wine at affordable prices.

For the history buffs among us, don’t miss Acronauplia, an ancient fortress and viewpoint that reaches a height of 85 meters above the urban sprawl, and Bourtzi Castle, a 15th-century castle on an islet near the port of Nafplio.

Trondheim, Norway

Clueless tourists come to Oslo and Bergen for a city trip to Norway, but we know better than to go for the most obvious choice. In 2026, Trondheim is where we have our sights set, with its characteristic cathedral, well-preserved center and quirky museums.

With more than 1000 years of history, Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval church in the worldand probably the most beautiful Gothic building in Norway. It is located in the heart of Bakklandet, an area full of brightly painted wooden houses and cobbled streets.

Expect an abundance of charming cafes along the riverbank. Streif is perfect for an early afternoon hot chockie, and they serve the fluffiest cinnamon rolls. If you fancy something off the beaten track, stop by Rockheim, an interactive pop and rock museum that’s fun for all ages.

Vic, Spain

Tens of millions of tourists flock to Barcelona every year without paying any attention to the wider province of Catalonia that surrounds it. However, we are not complaining: this leaves smaller towns such as Vic, a perfectly preserved medieval gemlargely free of crowds.

Whether it’s early in the morning or later in the day, chances are you’ll never see the postcard-ready old town, with its arcaded squares and Gothic architecture, as packed as Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Main attractions include Plaça Majorflanked by historic buildings and tapas bars, the Roman Temple of Vic, dating from the 2nd century, and the Episcopal Museum (MEV), one of Spain’s best for exhibitions of Romanesque and Gothic art.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.