By Fathima Rukaiya,

While famous towns like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona frequently take center stage on travel plans, Europe is full of lesser-known places that provide fascinating history, lively culture, and one-of-a-kind experiences away from the swarms of tourists. These eight lesser-known European locations, each with unique charms and attractions, are worth considering for your next vacation.

1.Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia is a charming combination of lush gardens, a bustling riverbank, and Baroque buildings. Ljubljana, which is well-known for its dedication to conservation, has a thriving cultural scene and a pedestrian-friendly city center.​

Highlights:

• Ljubljana Castle: Situated on Castle Hill, Ljubljana Castle provides stunning city views.
• Tivoli Park: The largest green area in the city, a great place for leisurely walks.
• Dragon Bridge: A city landmark featuring statues of dragons.

Cost: Many attractions, including Tivoli Park and Dragon Bridge, are free to explore. Entry to Ljubljana Castle is approximately €10.

2. Nantes, France

Nantes, a city on the Loire River, is a center for creativity and innovation.

Highlights:

• Les Machines de l’île: A unique attraction featuring mechanical animals.
• Château des Ducs de Bretagne: A city museum is housed in the ancient Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
• Jardin des Plantes: A variety of plant species in a botanical garden.

Cost: Entry to Les Machines de l’île costs about €9, but the floral garden is free. The castle museum costs about €8.

3. Ghent, Belgium

Ghent, which is frequently overlooked in favor of Bruges, is a lively city where ancient architecture meets a youthful spirit thanks to its large student population.

Highlights:

• Gravensteen Castle: The city center’s well-preserved medieval fortress.
• St. Bavo’s Cathedral: The famous Ghent Altarpiece is housed at St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
• Canal-side strolls: Beautiful waterways dotted with old structures.

Cost: St. Bavo’s Cathedral is free, although entry to the altarpiece exhibit costs €12. Gravensteen Castle also costs about €12.

4. Brno, Czech Republic

Without the crowds of Prague, the second largest city in the Czech Republic provides a blend of modernist architecture and historic landmarks.

Highlights:

• Špilberk Castle: Now a museum that was once a royal castle.
• Villa Tugendhat: A UNESCO-listed example of modernist architecture
• Underground labyrinth: An underground labyrinth is a system of tunnels that runs beneath a city.

Cost: Villa Tugendhat tours are approximately €12. Špilberk Castle entry is around €6.

5. Bergen, Norway

Bergen, which is known as the “gateway to the fjords,” blends a strong cultural legacy with breathtaking natural beauty.​

Highlights:

• Floibanen Funicular: provides breathtaking views of the city and the fjords that surround it.
• Bryggen Wharf: is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features vibrant wooden structures.

Cost: Floibanen tickets cost around €10 one way, but Bryggen is free to explore.

6. Tallinn, Estonia

Together with a growing tech scene, Tallinn’s well preserved medieval old town is a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

Highlights:

• Toompea Castle: The Estonian Parliament is housed in Toompea Castle.
• A magnificent example of Russian Revival architecture is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
• Kadriorg Palace: A Baroque palace built by Peter the Great.

Cost: Entry to the Kadriorg Palace museum costs about €6, whereas many other old town sites are free.

7. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar is well known for its famous bridge and fusion of Mediterranean and Ottoman architecture.​

Highlights:

• Stari Most (Old Bridge): An Ottoman bridge from the 16th century that has been restored.
• The Old Bazaar is a bustling marketplace featuring traditional crafts.
• The minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque provides expansive views.​

Cost: Entrance to the mosque costs around €3, while Stari Most and the bazaar are free to visit.

8. Bari, Italy

Bari, which lies in the Puglia region, combines coastal beauty with historic charm.​

Highlights:

• The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is a Romanesque-style pilgrimage attraction.
• Bari Vecchia: The historic homes and winding streets of the old town.
• A picturesque promenade that runs alongside the Adriatic Sea.

Cost: The majority of the sights, such as the old town and basilica, are free to enter.

For tourists looking for off-the-beaten-path locations, these cities have a lot to offer. Whether you’re drawn to historic sites, natural beauty, or vibrant cultures, these underrated European cities are well worth exploring.