Why pick lesser-known European destinations to travel? and my 10 recommendations
Dreaming of a European trip that’s light on crowds and big on charm? Me too. Every single day.
While famous cities draw most of the spotlight, smaller, lesser-known European destinations often deliver the real magic. Imagine: quiet plazas where daily life unfolds, local cafés brimming with personality, and historic streets all your own. These hidden gems aren’t just less crowded; they’re more affordable, more genuine, and closer than you think.
Every time I tuck myself into a tiny restaurant with a menu I cannot translate in a town I can’t quite pronounce, I end up grinning at how much I’ve stumbled into by skipping the usual tourist trail. Europe isn’t just Paris, London or Lisbon – it’s full of small cities and secret valleys (and yes, way fewer people elbowing for the same view).
If you want your next long weekend to feel relaxing, personal, and a little more adventurous, exploring Europe’s underrated towns might be your perfect ticket. Here’s why skipping the usual hotspots can lead to an unforgettable getaway.
Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love.
After 10 years and 70+ destinations, I can help you plan your European trip: book a call with me. It includes a full itinerary with unique destinations, transportation, accommodation and activities.
Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.
Unique and luxurious stays: castles, huts, igloos, and more
Lesser-known spots often offer truly unforgettable places to stay – at a fraction of the price you’d pay in big cities. Imagine sleeping in a centuries-old castle, waking up in a cozy chalet with mountain views, or even spending a night under the stars in a glass igloo. Those are all things I’ve done by getting out of the beaten path. These accommodations mix comfort and adventure, making your trip even more special.
Because demand is lower away from major tourist hubs, you’re more likely to find one-of-a-kind lodging that fits your budget, from treehouses to lakeside cabins, letting you experience the destination in a way that hotels just can’t match. The place you rest can become one of the best memories of your journey, adding an extra layer of excitement and comfort to your adventure.
When I went to Saint Malo in France, I stayed in this fantastic pink castle with impeccable service.
Fewer tourists, more breathing room
Let’s be honest: there’s nothing fun about wading through a crowd with the same selfie stick you saw in the last five countries. Choosing a quieter town or an overlooked city means you get space to think, stroll, and actually see what’s around you. Whether it’s sipping morning coffee in a square or being able to wander around freely without stopping every ten seconds, you get Europe as it once was – unhurried and almost yours alone.
Can you imagine I had that whole mountain in Zakopane almost entirely for me?
Genuine local experiences
When you skip the tourist hotspots, you get to write your own travel story. I’ve been invited into local kitchens, stumbled on village festivals, and cooked with locals sometimes. You see real life unfolding around you, not just crews putting on a show for visitors.
Here’s what I love most:
- Honest hospitality: Locals in smaller towns are usually excited to chat. Sometimes all it takes is a smile and a few words.
- Hidden traditions: Don’t be surprised if there’s a parade or a market you’d never read about in a guidebook.
- Food worth writing home about: Regional dishes pop up everywhere, and the flavors are fresher away from the tourist traps. Plus, you’ll often eat side-by-side with folks who live there.
Be among the first – you get to say “I went there before it was cool”
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE telling people “I went there before it was cool!”. I live for that sentence. Every big-name travel spot started out as an influencer’s “secret discovery”, that they went on to popularize through books, social media, TV, etc.
Choosing a lesser-known destination gives you a rare chance to explore places before the travel crowds arrive. Imagine returning home with stories from a charming village or scenic haven no one in your circle has heard of yet. Instead of following the crowd, you become the trendsetter, sharing tips and photos from your own hidden finds.
You get to experience a place at its most authentic. With fewer tourists, everything feels fresh and undiscovered. When these places eventually catch on, you’ll remember wandering their streets, tasting local food, and meeting people – all before the world put them on every must-see list. Your travel memories stand out because you weren’t just another visitor. You were there before it was cool.
Easier to connect with people
Lesser-known places often mean slower days and friendlier faces. In small towns or quiet regions, locals aren’t overwhelmed by heavy tourist traffic. They may have more patience and curiosity to share their culture, give recommendations, or just chat about daily life. I’ve always found that stronger connections lead to more memorable trips and true insights about the area.
It’s easier to move beyond surface-level experiences when there’s time and space for conversation. Maybe the hostel owner tells you a family recipe, or you’re invited to join in a neighborhood event. These unforgettable moments are hard to find in busy destinations where everyone rushes from one attraction to the next.
Affordability you can feel
I usually don’t mind a splurge for something special, but there’s something satisfying about realizing your wine, meal, and hotel cost half what they would in London or Venice. Underrated places usually mean prices that make weekend trips feel less like an investment and more like a treat. Here’s what you might notice:
- Accommodation prices are much softer, even in stylish B&Bs or old town hotels.
- Eating local is cheaper – no “tourist tax” inflated menus.
- Attractions often offer better value, or are simply free (think scenic walks or quirky museums).
Easy access for a quick escape
You don’t need three plane changes and a marathon bus ride. Some of Europe’s best-kept secrets are within a two-hour train ride from a major city or airport. I’ve loved rolling my suitcase off a regional train straight into a cobblestone adventure, knowing I’ll be back before anyone at home even knows I was gone.
Often, these quiet towns:
- Have direct train routes from big hubs.
- Let you walk everywhere – perfect for those “let’s see what’s down this street” moments.
- Are close to nature, so you get city charm and rural peace all in one go.
Choosing underrated destinations isn’t just about avoiding the crowds (though, trust me, that’s a lovely perk). It’s about better stories, friendly faces, meals you didn’t know you’d love, and an ease that makes long weekends feel longer. You get to set the pace. Isn’t that the dream?
Lower environmental impact
Traveling to lesser-known destinations can help protect the places you love to visit. Popular tourist spots often suffer from overcrowding, which wears down historic sites, puts pressure on local wildlife, and strains water and energy supplies. By choosing places that see fewer visitors, you play a part in reducing this burden and help keep fragile locations intact for everyone.
Spreading out tourism also helps more communities benefit from travelers. When you visit off-the-beaten-path towns, your spending supports local businesses that may not often see tourists. You’ll know your money helps real families thrive – without the hidden costs to the environment that come from overcrowded hotspots.
Safety and peace of mind
Safety is a top concern for any traveler, and less crowded spots are often safer. With fewer people, there’s less chance of running into scammers or pickpockets who target busy tourist hubs. Small towns also tend to have tighter communities where everyone knows each other, which can make visitors feel more secure.
My recommendations for lesser-known European destinations
Here are my top 10 recommendations for lesser-known, niche European destinations:
- Zakopane, Poland
- Amboise, France
- Sorrento, Italy
- Nazaré, Portugal
- Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Nîmes, France
- Azores, Spain
- Ghent, Belgium
- Pula, Croatia
- Tromso, Norway
Conclusion
Underrated European gems are a big draw for me. There’s something different about wandering a quiet stone street, stumbling upon a family-owned restaurant where the menu is in Polish, or finding a centuries-old castle with barely another soul in sight. It’s not just about beating the crowds (though that’s a huge perk) – it’s about discovering the side of Europe that feels genuine, a little quirky, and often a whole lot friendlier.
This blog is all about sharing those lesser-known spots perfect for a trip away. I cover towns and regions you haven’t heard of, where you can sink into local life, try amazing food, and snap photos you won’t see already all over social media.
