10 Underrated European Cities to visit in 2025
Tired of the crowd's favourites? Here's where to go next
4 min read
Sure, Europe’s superstar cities have earned their fame. But what if 2025 was the year you stopped following the flock to Paris, Rome or Barcelona and discovered the quieter, quirkier corners of the continent? These are the kinds of places where café waiters still smile (without charging €7 for a flat white) and where history lingers on cobbled streets. From spa towns to design hubs, Europe is full of places that haven’t been hashtagged to death— at least not yet.
Ready to discover the hidden stars of Europe? Let’s go.
Baden-Baden | Germany
Thermal baths, forest views and total bliss
Baden-Baden is proof that slowing down is a luxury. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, this spa town has drawn wellness seekers since Roman times—and once you sink into one of its thermal baths, you’ll understand why.
But it’s not just about soaking. Stroll through manicured parks, place a cheeky bet at the ornate casino (it inspired Dostoevsky, just saying), or explore art at the Museum Frieder Burda. Everything here is wrapped in quiet grandeur—without ever feeling pretentious.
And then there’s the forest. The legendary Schwarzwald begins just beyond the town limits, offering endless hiking trails, serene lakes and panoramic viewpoints that make you forget your phone even exists. Whether you’re into gentle strolls or full-on fairytale adventures, nature in Baden-Baden is a mighty presence.
How to get there:
Fly into Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport, just a 20-minute drive away, or take the scenic train ride from Frankfurt (1.5 hours) or Stuttgart (under 1 hour). Easy access, exceptional relaxation.
Évora | Portugal
Roman ruins and sun-soaked serenity
Évora is a sun-drenched pocket of peace in Portugal’s Alentejo region. With whitewashed houses, ancient temples and just the right amount of sleepy charm, this UNESCO-listed city offers the kind of quiet beauty that captures your soul.
Also: the food? Ridiculously good. From porco preto and açorda to the flaky Queijada de Évora, local flavours are rich and hearty. If you fancy a good glass of wine, just head to Cartuxa Winery for a tasting amid rolling vineyards.
And if you’ve got a bit more time, the surrounding countryside is dotted with hilltop villages, dramatic castles and Portugal’s pottery capital, Corval.
How to get there:
Évora is just 1.5 hours from Lisbon by car or train, making it a perfect weekend escape from the capital. The regional train from Lisboa-Oriente is scenic and comfortable—or hop in a rental car to explore the Alentejo at your own pace.
Ready for a weekend that blends history, flavour and just a touch of the unexpected? More highlights from Évora in our full article.
Lecce | Italy
Baroque overload in the best possible way
Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is the kind of place where every corner looks like a movie set. Add golden sunshine, dreamy architecture and fresh orecchiette pasta, and you’ll wonder why it took you this long to visit.
But it’s not all about the past—Lecce is quietly modern too. Cool boutiques, contemporary galleries and design-forward stays breathe new life into its ancient bones. Speaking of which: wait until you see what limehome did with a 1930s bank building…(more on that here).
How to get there
Lecce is surprisingly easy to reach. The closest airport is Brindisi (just 40 minutes by car or shuttle), with direct flights from many European cities. Bari Airport is another option, around two hours away. From either, trains or rental cars will bring you straight to Lecce’s heart. Once you’re there? Ditch the wheels—Lecce is best explored on foot, one ornate detail at a time.
For the full lowdown on Lecce—including where to sleep in style, eat like a local and soak up the best views—check out our in-depth guide to this southern stunner.
Haro | Spain
Come for the Rioja, stay for the charm
Wine runs through Haro’s veins—sometimes literally, during the town’s famous summer wine battle. But beyond the bodega tours, this northern Spanish town is full of warm people, winding stone alleys, and sunsets that look like they were painted by an impressionist with a passion for purple.
And while wine is everywhere, Haro doesn’t rest on its grapes. Art, music and gastronomy are part of daily life. Visit the Museo del Torreón to get a sense of the town’s artistic side, or simply take a slow evening paseo (stroll) as locals do—pausing now and then for a quick chat or a glass of vermouth.
Life moves slower here, at a delicious pace. It invites you to take your time, breathe in the scent of old barrels and fresh bread and truly be in the moment. That is Haro’s real magic—it’s not just a weekend escape; it’s a deep exhale.
How to get there
The closest major city is Bilbao, just a 1.5-hour drive away. If you’re flying in, Bilbao Airport offers regular connections to most European hubs. From there, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the Rioja wine country at your own pace. Trust us, you’ll want to stop for photos. Often.
Coming from Logroño? Hop on a regional train or bus—it’s only a 45-minute journey, and the views make it fly by.
If you’d like to plan the perfect weekend in Haro—read our full city guide.
Leipzig | Germany
Creative, cool—the new Berlin
Leipzig doesn’t just reinvent itself—it remixes its own history with style. This Saxon gem has been in motion for centuries, and the result? A vibrant city where Baroque beauty and edgy street art peacefully co-exist. One moment you’re strolling past elegant facades that echo Bach and Goethes’s footsteps; the next, you’re sipping craft beer in a former factory turned gallery at the iconic Baumwollspinnerei.
Leipzig is wonderfully green and made for wandering—whether on foot or by bike. And when the sun’s out, locals head to one of the nearby lakes like Cospudener lake or Kulkwitzer lake for a refreshing swim. Add in buzzing cafés, cool concept stores, vintage treasures and a start-up spirit that keeps the city humming—and you’ve got a place that’s quietly stealing Berlin’s crown.
How to get there
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful train stations, with direct connections to Berlin (1.5 h), Dresden (just over an hour), Frankfurt (3.5 h) and more. Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) is 20 minutes from the city by train or S-Bahn and offers regular flights to cities across Germany and Europe.
Bayreuth | Germany
Opera, rococo and the quirkiest beer gardens around
Bayreuth may be best known for Richard Wagner and its world-famous opera festival, but there’s far more to this Franconian gem than dramatic arias. The city charms with its baroque architecture, peaceful parks and impressive palaces like the UNESCO-listed Margravial Opera House—a true architectural showstopper. And once the cultural curtain falls? Bayreuth knows how to wind down with local beer served straight from the cellar, and hearty regional cuisine. It’s the kind of place where tradition feels alive, not dusty.
How to get there
Bayreuth is well connected to major cities in Bavaria and beyond. You can reach it directly from Nuremberg in about 1 hour. From Munich or Berlin, change trains in Nuremberg—it’s a smooth connection. The nearest airport is Nuremberg Airport (NUE).
Eindhoven | The Netherlands
Design capital with a cool industrial edge
Eindhoven might not shout from the rooftops, but don’t be fooled—it’s a creative powerhouse. Think futuristic architecture, concept stores, and urban art on every corner. It’s like the cool kid in class who doesn’t need to prove anything. Forget Dutch clichés—Eindhoven is all about bold ideas, neon nights and repurposed warehouses buzzing with innovation. From ultramodern buildings like The Blob to the galleries and industrial-chic cafés of Strijp-S, this design capital turns every corner into a creative playground. Bonus: you’ll eat like a (stylish) king while you’re there.
How to get there
Eindhoven Airport (EIN) is the second-busiest airport in the Netherlands and serves many low-cost European airlines. From the airport, it’s just 15–20 minutes to the city centre by bus (line 400 or 401) or taxi. Direct trains connect Eindhoven to major cities like Amsterdam (approx. 1h 20m), Utrecht (50 min) and Rotterdam (1h 10m). From Germany, travel via Venlo or Maastricht for easy connections.
Ready to plan your visit? Check out our Eindhoven Weekend Guide for the best tips.
Bilbao | Spain
Basque culture, world-class art and serious pintxos
Bilbao might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Spain—but that’s exactly why you should go. It’s modern, creative and still refreshingly crowd-free. The Guggenheim Museum is just the beginning—think pintxos (small Basque-style tapas) bars that don’t break the bank, scenic riverside walks and day trips to the coast or La Rioja wine region. In 2025, Bilbao’s cultural calendar is packed and its mix of Basque charm and bold architecture makes it one of Europe’s most surprising city breaks.
Underrated? Criminally. Delicious? Absolutely.
How to get there
Bilbao is easily reached by plane via Bilbao Airport (BIO), just 20 minutes from the city centre. Trains and buses connect Bilbao with other Spanish hubs like San Sebastián, Madrid, and Barcelona. Coming from France? Biarritz is only two hours away by car.
Münster | Germany
Bikes, books and unbelievably photogenic streets
Münster is the kind of place where you could lose your heart—or your afternoon—to a canal-side bike ride or a market stall packed with pretzels. Known as Germany’s cycling capital, this city is a blend of medieval beauty, student-town spirit and leafy parks that go on for miles. If you want to try something typical, grab a Münsterländer Töttchen (a hearty stew) or chill in one of the many student-friendly cafés with local pastries.
Top tip: get a basket on that rental bike. You’ll need it for all the pastries.
Craving greenery? The Aasee lake and the Botanical Garden offer the perfect escape just minutes from the centre.
How to get there
Münster is well connected by train, with direct links from Cologne, Hamburg and the Ruhr area. From Düsseldorf, you’ll be there in about 90 minutes. Coming by plane? Münster Osnabrück Airport (FMO) is just 30 minutes away, or you can fly into Dortmund or Düsseldorf and hop on a train.
Klagenfurt | Austria
Lakeside charm meets Alpine cool
Tucked between lakes and mountains, Klagenfurt is the kind of place that gives you lungs full of fresh air and days full of ease. It’s got a literary soul (hello, Ingeborg Bachmann), a charming old town and turquoise Lake Wörthersee just a bike ride away—bring a swimsuit, even in May.
The heart of Carinthia’s capital beats in the old town, where pastel façades and Italian-influenced architecture set the scene for laid-back strolls. Hungry? Try a bowl of creamy Kärtner Kasnudeln or something sweet like Reindling (a spiced, raisin-filled cake related to Viennese Gugelhupf).
How to get there
Klagenfurt is easy to reach by train—with direct connections from Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz. From Vienna, the scenic journey takes just under 4 hours. Flying in? Klagenfurt Airport has regional connections, or fly into Ljubljana or Graz and continue by train or rental car.
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