These Are The Top 5 Truly Underrated European Cities for 2026

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If you’re dreaming of fairytale castles that could easily have featured in a Disney film, ancient towns with cobble-surfaced lanes that have barely changed since the Middle Ages, and of course, all the Old World allure that comes with those, exploring Europe is surely a top priority for you.

Beyond the crowded streets of Paris, Barcelona, London, and the like, there’s a whole continent that remains largely undiscovered—if only tourists didn’t always flock to the same 3 spots, 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, are the last of our concerns: come January, we’re going off the beaten track again, and you’re more than welcome to join us.

Here are 5 truly underrated European cities that have been on our expert writers’ radars for 2026:

Trenčín, Slovakia

Home to around 55,000 residents, Trenčín is the kind of small, unspoiled European city that seems to still be stuck in a romantic era of chivalric tales and medieval flair—and we mean that in the best way possible.

Its Old Town, a maze of cobbled lanes lined with colorful townhouses, feels like a storybook-come-to-life, and perched on a rock above the city, tourists will find an imposing Trenčín Castle: sturdy towers, beautiful courtyards, and hidden passageways. What more could you ask for?

Oh, and in case you didn’t know, there’s truly no better year to visit Trenčín than 2026. The city was crowned European Capital of Culture for the coming year, and it looks set to host a number of cultural events throughout the year.

Quimper, France

One of the main cultural hubs of Brittany, the Celtic heartland of France, Quimper is a charming city surrounded by medieval walls and dominated by a soaring cathedral, Saint-Corentin, that even rivals Paris’ Notre-Dame in beauty.

Featuring twin spires and a distinctive ‘bent’ native, it is a must-see if you’re strolling around Vieux Quimper, the oldest part of town, characterized by its winding, pedestrian-friendly lanes, and centuries-old half-timbered houses.

For the foodies out there, head over to Locmaria, a peaceful district on the banks of the Odet River, best known for its selection of bistrots and crepe restaurants. Crêperie de Locmaria is extremely popular, with typical Breton galettes made from local, fresh ingredients, and a no-frills environment.

Nafplio, Greece

A vibrant port city in the Peloponnese, Nafplio was once Greece’s capital before Athens assumed that mantle, and it has yet to fully relinquish its prestige. It boasts grand plazas, busy shopping streets, monumental Orthodox churches, and impressive Venetian-era fortifications.

The Historic Center is, without question, the most picturesque part of town, with its narrow alleys, neo-classical houses, and cozy cafés. It adjoins a scenic seaside promenade, Arvanitia, backed by family-owned Greek tavernas serving homemade syglino and wine at affordable prices.

For the History buffs out there, you can’t miss Acronauplia, an ancient fortress and viewpoint reaching heights of 279 feet above the urban sprawl, and Bourtzi Castle, a 15th-century castle on an islet off Nafplio’s harbor.

Trondheim, Norway

Clueless tourists descend upon Oslo and Bergen for a Norwegian city break, but we know better than to go for the most obvious picks. In 2026, Trondheim is what we’ve got our eyes set on, with its landmark cathedral, well-preserved center, and quirky museums.

With over 1,000 years of history, Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval church in the world, and probably Norway’s most beautiful Gothic building, at that. It’s at the heart of Bakklandet, an area filled with brightly-painted wooden houses and cobblestone streets.

On the riverside, expect to find a plethora of charming cafés. Streif is perfect for an early-afternoon hot chockie, and they serve the fluffiest cinnamon buns. If you’re in the mood for something a little off the beaten path, swing by Rockheim, an interactive pop and rock museum that’s a blast for all ages.

Vic, Spain

Tens of millions of tourists head to Barcelona every year without paying any mind to the wider province of Catalonia that surrounds it. It’s not like we’re complaining, though: this leaves smaller cities like Vic, a perfectly-preserved medieval gem, largely free of crowds.

Whether it’s early morning or later in the day, chances are you’ll never see the postcard-ready Old Town, with its arcaded plazas and Gothic architecture, packed to the gills in the same way as Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Main attractions include Plaça Major, flanked with historic buildings and tapas bars, the Roman Temple of Vic, dating back to the 2nd century, and the Episcopal Museum (MEV), one of Spain’s best for displays of Romanesque and Gothic art.