The typical grand tour of Europe hits highlights like London, Paris, Rome and Barcelona. All are deserving destinations of scenic and historical significance everyone should see at least once in a lifetime. However, there are plenty of other cities on the continent that are a little under the tourist radar. They may not have the PR of the major must-see cities, but they are well worth a visit and will give you insights into Europe beyond the crowd favorites. Here are 12 underrated European cities you shouldn’t overlook. Consider adding a few of these B-list towns to your itinerary.
1. Aarhus, Denmark
Copenhagen gets all the glory, but Denmark’s second largest city hold a lot of appeal as well. Situated in the heart of Jutland, Aarhus is surrounded by breathtaking beaches, forests and fjords that are an easy bike ride away. It’s historically old but is the youngest city in Denmark, population wise. It’s a hip university town full of diverse and dynamic culture, nightlife, shopping, galleries and festivals. The open-air museum of Old Town is the very definition of quaint, with its colorful cottages and Scandinavian village atmosphere.
2. Brno, Czech Republic
Prague is the jewel of Eastern Europe, but there are other Czech cities you should check out too. Brno is the capital of the Moravian region, and is the second largest hub in the country. While its Soviet influence is architecturally apparent, there are also Gothic churches, castles and an Old Town Hall in this 1000 year old town. A medieval underground labyrinth beneath Cabbage Market has recently been restored for exploration. Brno also boasts the Tugendhat Villa, a exemplary Bauhaus villa on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This university town has a strong musical and theater tradition, with plenty of cultural and culinary offerings to enjoy. Don’t miss the surrounding vineyards and karst cave systems.
