Budapest, Hungary
Honestly, Budapest doesn’t get half the love it deserves. So many travelers just breeze past it, and I can’t figure out why. This city has that wild, big-city energy—think New York, but with a twist of something more exotic. There’s this mix of stunning Middle Eastern-inspired architecture, awesome shopping, rich history, and, let’s be real, food that’ll ruin you for anywhere else. What I love about Budapest is how it manages to be both buzzing and peaceful. You can party all night or just chill at one of those legendary thermal baths, soaking while the city hums around you. I still remember the first time I saw Budapest under a blanket of snow—it felt almost unreal, the Parliament building all lit up, everything sparkling. It’s honestly a city you need to see for yourself. If you’re into Istanbul’s architecture, Prague’s fairytale charm, or the electric energy of London and New York, Budapest will feel like your new favorite place.
Ghent, Belgium
Belgium’s famous for its big tourist cities like Brussels and Bruges, but Ghent? Ghent is a secret worth keeping. It’s way calmer, more colorful, and somehow feels more real than the others. I’ve walked those cobblestone streets, watched the sunlight hit those candy-colored houses along the water, and just felt totally at ease. A lot of people write Ghent off as a “boring” student town, but that couldn’t be more wrong. You get all the classic Belgian stuff—canals, bikes everywhere, gorgeous old buildings—without the crowds pushing past you. If you want to eat chocolate, stuff your face with fries, and still feel like you’re discovering something new, Ghent’s your city. If Amsterdam’s canals are your thing but you want something a bit more chill (and with a Belgian twist), Ghent will win you over.
Granada, Spain
Granada hides in the shadow of Madrid and Barcelona, but it’s got its own magic. It’s a little harder to reach, but that just means fewer crowds and more of that authentic Spanish feel. The Alhambra gets all the attention, but honestly, the whole city is full of secret spots—hilltop viewpoints, lively markets, winding streets with surprises around every corner. I was there in December, and the way the sunlight hit the mountains in the distance just stopped me in my tracks. You don’t have to be a Spain superfan to fall for Granada. If you’re looking for culture, epic views, and a break from the tourist swarm, this is your place. Oh, and if you want even more underrated Spanish vibes, check out Seville too.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh always pops up as a “cozy, rainy-day” city on social media, but there’s so much more to it. It’s got this wild, dramatic landscape—old castles, hills, and winding streets—that you just don’t find anywhere else. I’ve traveled a lot, and I still can’t think of another city quite like it. This place is perfect for all kinds of travelers. My dad and I wandered through the Royal Mile, ducked into pubs, lounged in Princes Street Gardens, and even geeked out at the Scotch Whisky Experience. Whether you’re into history, gardens, or just want to hang with locals in a pub, Edinburgh’s got you covered. If medieval French towns or Luxembourg’s hidden gardens make you happy, you’ll fit right in here. There’s just something about Edinburgh that gets under your skin—in the best way.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm surprised me. You expect cold and gray, but what you actually get is this adorable Old Town, loads of cool shops, and a skyline that stands out from the usual European look. There’s this interesting blend: part New York energy, part classic Scandinavian style. It’s definitely worth wandering around, even if you only have a couple of days.
Bern, Switzerland
A lot of first-time visitors to Europe skip Switzerland altogether, chasing after the big-name cities—London, Rome, Athens, Paris. And if they do drop by Switzerland, it’s usually just to see the Alps. I love the Alps, don’t get me wrong. But Switzerland has more up its sleeve, like the charming city of Bern. There’s something about Bern that people miss. It’s got those classic European vibes—clock towers, cobblestone streets, cozy cafés. But what really sets it apart is the backdrop. The city is wrapped up in some of the most stunning Swiss scenery you’ll ever see. From the dreamy Rose Gardens to lively shopping streets, Bern’s got a little bit of everything. It’s also in a sweet spot for exploring the rest of Switzerland—Geneva, Basel, Zurich are all just a short ride away.
Munich, Germany
Everyone seems to tick off Berlin and even Cologne when visiting Germany, but honestly, I can’t believe how many people skip Munich. Marienplatz is the heart of Munich, and it’s where you really feel the city’s energy. Personally, I find Munich way more charming and walkable than Berlin. It’s smaller, friendlier, and honestly just cuter. Berlin’s got its sights, sure, but the rest of the city feels a little cold and lifeless to me. Munich is a different story. Yes, it’s got the tourist spots, and even a castle, but the city itself has a warmth and character you don’t always find in bigger cities.
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland is always a popular choice, but you don’t hear much about people stopping in Dublin when they’re bouncing around Europe. Sure, you can’t hop on a train to Dublin like you can with most big European cities. But let’s be real—a lot of people book flights to Spain, Portugal, or Greece while they’re traveling Europe. Dublin deserves the same kind of love. Trinity College is just one of the spots that makes Dublin special. The city’s got a fun, easygoing vibe. Wander around, grab coffee at a local spot, check out the university, or just chill in Phoenix Park. Whether you’re into busy cities or hidden villages, Dublin’s got something for you.
Turin, Italy
When people plan trips to Italy, they stick to the big names—Milan, Rome, Venice, Florence. Turin barely makes a blip on most itineraries, and that’s a shame. It sits west of Milan, not far from Nice or Geneva. If you’re craving pasta and gelato but want a quieter city vibe, Turin is your spot. I visited Turin in the fall, and it was amazing to see the city with all those fiery autumn colors. You don’t get that same feeling in Italy’s bigger cities.
Strasbourg, France
