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10 Underrated European Cities to Visit This Summer

10 Of The Most Underrated Cities In Europe

Most Beautiful and Underrated European Cities to Visit This Year

In terms of overseas travel, Europe should be everyone’s top destination. This continent has arguably the most picturesque cities in the world, and this can be supported by the fact that in Conde Nast Travel’s 2016 list of the 50 most beautiful cities on Earth, six of the top ten are European.

Budaphest - Underrated European Cities to Visit This Summer
Budaphest – Underrated European Cities to Visit This Summer

Planning to visit Europe this year? Get to know 10 of the most underrated cities in Europe.

Check out the best hotels in Europe via Agoda.

But Europe is more than just Paris, Munich, or Italy. With 50 countries in this lovely continent and thousands of cities to explore, we have handpicked the top ten European cities that you should add to your bucket list this year:

Lyon, France

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere is a minor basilica in Lyon, France.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere is a minor basilica in Lyon, France.

Lyon is France’s third-largest city and is known for its historical attractions. Roman ruins like the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls, the Ancient Theatre of Fourviere, and 13th-century cathedrals and basilicas are just some of the architectural wonders that have wowed generations.

Somewhere in the city also lies the Parc de la Tête d’Or (Golden Head Park), the largest urban park in the country, measuring a whopping 117 hectares!

Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle

Imagine a castle atop a hill, with a beautiful, lush forest intersected by a peaceful river. If you can, that’s great: because that is what Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg, looks like. If you cannot paint that picture in your head, it’s all the better because that means you have to come here to see its splendor.

When here, come to The Old Town and get a glimpse of Germany’s oldest and most reputable university, Heidelberg University.

Bruges, Belgium

The canals of Bruges, Belgium
The canals of Bruges, Belgium

With a climate not any hotter than 23°C, Bruges is one of Europe’s must-see cities. Besides being the largest city in northwestern Belgium, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Its medieval buildings, canals, and cathedrals make it every artist’s and history junkie’s dream. The Madonna and Child sculpture in its Church of Our Lady is believed to be Michelangelo’s only obra maestro that he allowed to be displayed outside Italy.

Budapest, Hungary

Hungarian Parliament Building in Budaphest, Hungary
Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary

This city, which is the most populous in Hungary, is known for its historical and contemporary sights. On one part of town are the neo-Gothic Parliament Building and the traditional coffeehouse Gerbeaud Café.

On the other hand, the Hungarian National Museum, Metropolitan Szabo Ervin Library, and the Hungarian Opera are central to local life.

Besancon, France

Besancon The Doubs and the Quai Vauban seen from the Pont Battant. photo via Wikipedia Commons
Besancon The Doubs and the Quai Vauban seen from the Pont Battant. By Jean-Pol GRANDMONT – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Since 1986, Besancon has been internationally recognized as the “Town of Art and History.” In 2008, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city houses the University of Franche-Comte, which was founded in 1423!

The entire city feels like a world from a classic novel: the Doubs River encircling the town, Renaissance-style buildings, and the Porte Noire.

Split, Croatia

Split Riva Waterfront Colorful View
Split Riva Waterfront Colorful View

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Split has been known for its museums, galleries, and buildings dating to 1820.

One notable building is the Diocletian Palace, built for the Roman emperor in 305 CE! It is also known for its pop culture, with musicians like Ivo Tijardovic, Olver Dragojevic band, and Gibonni.

Also read: Top 10 Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent Belgium
Ghent Belgium

Since the municipality of Gent is excellent all year round, having a walking tour is completely feasible any time of the year. There is just so much to see here, and riding a cab would take the fun out of it.

The Historical Center of Ghent is already a field trip: try to spot the Old Post Office and the Saint Bavo Cathedral. Afterwards, go to the Gravensteen, a 10th-century castle surrounded by a moat.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn Estonia
Tallinn Estonia

The Estonian capital of Tallinn is beyond fantastic. Millions of visitors go to this city yearly to see Old Town, where trees dot the streets of buildings and houses with red rooftops. Stop by a café by its narrow streets, or try to find the hidden courtyards.

And just when you think its city cannot get any better, you will chance upon a cruise in the Tallinn Passenger Port, known for serving more than half a million cruise passengers in 2013.

Segovia, Spain

The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia
The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia

If you are allowed to ride a helicopter and view Segovia from afar, the first thing you would see is the towering Segovia Cathedral.

While it is known for its monasteries, convents, and centuries-old structures, the city is home to the labyrinthine Alcazar Gardens, the Aqueduct of Segovia, and the Plaza de la Artilleria.

Siofok, Hungary

Sunset in Lake Balaton, Siofok Hungary
Sunset in Lake Balaton, Siofok Hungary

Siofok owes much of its growing economy to its tourism. The boardwalk by Lake Balaton and Siofok Borsodi Beach are just some of the reasons why people keep coming back to this place. Many also choose to have a view of Siofok atop the Water Tower.

Also read:

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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