{"id":2196,"date":"2025-05-08T07:29:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T07:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=2196"},"modified":"2025-05-13T13:11:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T13:11:59","slug":"dont-tell-everyone-your-favourite-lesser-known-european-cities-that-arent-paris-or-berlin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/08\/dont-tell-everyone-your-favourite-lesser-known-european-cities-that-arent-paris-or-berlin\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Don\u2019t tell everyone\u2019: Your favourite lesser-known European cities that aren\u2019t Paris or Berlin"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"A\t<\/div>
Several destinations are pushing back against tourists (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paris<\/a>, Barcelona<\/a>, Amsterdam<\/a>, Venice<\/a>, Berlin<\/a>. Europe\u2019s most popular cities are flooded with tourists for good reason.<\/p>\n

But as we navigate a delicate time for travel, with several destinations pushing back against overtourism, Metro<\/strong> wants to put lesser-known locations that are actively welcoming visitors on the map.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been doing a lot of that lately.<\/p>\n

After Venice<\/a> doubled its day-tripper tax<\/a> to \u20ac10 (\u00a38.30), we told you how to visit its small but charming neighbour<\/a> instead. Last month, after Barcelona announced a new tourist zone<\/a>, we brought you our readers\u2019 favourite underrated Spanish cities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This week, we asked you to share the \u2018hidden gem\u2019 European cities that are often overlooked. We\u2019ll be adding lots of these to our bucket list, too.<\/p>\n

Metro readers have their say<\/h2>\n
\n

\n\t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

First up, Craig Jones raved about Ljubljana<\/a>, Slovenia<\/a>\u2019s capital and largest city. V\u00e2nia Ricardo echoed this, calling the Central European country a \u2018gem.\u2019<\/p>\n

Known for its charming Old Town and laidback cafe culture, Ljubljana is extremely affordable, compared to other European capitals. <\/p>\n

To compare, a three-course meal here might set you back around \u20ac25 (\u00a321.25). A large beer is just \u20ac1.62 (\u00a31.38). <\/p>\n

Over in Paris, it\u2019s a different story. Dinner could cost anything between \u20ac35 and \u20ac70 (\u00a329.76 and \u00a359.51) per person\u00a0at a mid-range restaurant. As for a beer, you\u2019re looking at around \u20ac6.50 (\u00a35.53).<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
@butlarii<\/a> <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning to travel Slovenia this year, make sure you save this video as these are some general tips you should take into account\u2764\ufe0f #slovenia<\/a> #sloveniatravel<\/a> #sloveniatraveltips<\/a> #sloveniatravelguide<\/a> #traveldosanddonts<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c Autumn Leaves \u2013 Timothy Cole<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Linda Taylor, who travelled around Slovenia a couple of years ago, said the capital was a highlight.<\/p>\n

She gushed: \u2018I couldn\u2019t believe how cheap everything was, from food and drink to accommodation. The Old Town sits on the river, I felt so relaxed reading my book with a glass of wine, I\u2019ll definitely be back one day.\u2019<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got time to spare, Linda says Kranjska Gora is worth a visit. The alpine resort in the northwest of Slovenia is a go-to for skiers.<\/p>\n

Further east, Kate Silk loved Ohrid in North Macedonia<\/a>. The landlocked Balkan country borders more popular holiday hotspots such as Greece<\/a>, Albania<\/a> and Bulgaria<\/a>, which means it\u2019s often passed by.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Ohrid in North Macedonia is a secret surrounded by famous destinations (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, one Google of Ohrid and you\u2019ll be booking flights ASAP: whitewashed Ottoman-era houses pepper the coastal village, while the Old Town boasts UNESCO World Heritage status.<\/p>\n

Over in Bulgaria, many of our readers have been raving about Plovdiv, the oldest town in Europe<\/a>. Up north in the Baltics, Angela Jane Holding recommends Tallinn, Estonia\u2019s fairytale capital<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tThree holidays in one \t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Metro <\/strong>recently took a deep dive into Lithuania,<\/a> the tiny country dubbed Europe\u2019s \u2018best kept secret.\u2019 Its geographical position makes it perfect for multi-country holidays.<\/p>\n

In December 2023, Lithuanian Railways introduced a daily train from Vilnius<\/a> to Riga<\/a>, the capital of Latvia<\/a>. You can reach the city in just six-and-a-half hours, with second-class tickets costing \u20ac24 (\u00a320).<\/p>\n

Following a few days of exploration, hop on a five-hour train to Tallinn, where you\u2019ll complete the three Baltic states in one trip. Tickets are just as cheap, priced at \u20ac30.50 (\u00a325.30).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Meanwhile in Scandinavia<\/a>, Robert Edwin Wareham highlighted \u00c5rhus, Denmark<\/a>\u2019s second largest city. <\/p>\n

The Danish capital, Copenhagen<\/a>, gets all the praise, but many say \u00c5rhus has an \u2018edge,\u2019 and is a favourite among Gen Z travellers.<\/p>\n

Along with historic quarters, spectacular rooftops and award-winning coffee shops, \u00c5rhus is also blessed with stunning beaches and verdant forests. What\u2019s not to love?<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
@whereiswanda<\/a> <\/p>\n

Whats your favorite place in #aarhus<\/a> \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddf0@Zurich Tourism #denmark<\/a> #danmark<\/a> #freeactivities<\/a> #jutland<\/a> #dk<\/a> #budgettravel<\/a> #culturaldifference<\/a> #dansk<\/a> #denmarktravel<\/a> #arhus<\/a> #visitaarhus<\/a> #visitaarhusregionen<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c origineel geluid \u2013 Cosmo<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Elsewhere, Rob Whitehead made a case for Valletta, Malta\u2019s capital. <\/p>\n

Last year, the Mediterranean island was a top trending destination for summer<\/a>, thanks to its white sand beaches, turquoise sea and scenic cliff walks.<\/p>\n

Metro\u2019s<\/strong> Chris Rickett<\/a> was one step ahead, having visited Malta in May 2023. He created some serious inspo content, including a jam-packed itinerary of how to do the country in 48 hours<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Plovdiv in Bulgaria is regarded as Europe\u2019s oldest city (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Italy is one of Europe\u2019s most popular destinations, but most people flock to hotspots like Venice<\/a>, Rome <\/a>and Lake Como<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Reader Steve Tucker encourages you to give the big names a break and try Lucca in the Tuscany region instead.<\/p>\n

Angela Jane Holding agreed, although she isn\u2019t ready to reveal what she calls one of Italy\u2019s best-kept secrets. She teased: \u2018Don\u2019t tell everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n

We say sharing is caring.<\/p>\n

And finally, Campbell Hendry shared his love for Leipzig in Germany<\/a>. He said: \u2018It is a beautiful city. I was there at Christmas several years ago, and in the train station were loads of shops selling Christmas decorations.\u2019<\/p>\n

He also described the city as having \u2018some beautiful ornate buildings,\u2019 while Linda Reed said that Leipzig was \u2018next on [her] list.\u2019<\/p>\n

Already been to Leipzig and want to experience more of Germany\u2019s charm? Metro\u2019s<\/strong> Sophie May Williams<\/a> has spent years exploring Bavaria<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Complete with fairytale castles, sprawling forests, and breathtaking views of the Alps, Sophie recommends W\u00fcrzburg for wine, Rothenburg ob der Tauber for architecture and Sommerhausen for a festive hidden gem.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tA tempting twin city break\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Fancy Paris but you\u2019re on a budget? Bucharest in Romania has been coined as the \u2018Paris of the East.\u2019<\/a> <\/p>\n

Visually, the city earned its nickname thanks to its architectural similarities with France\u2019s capital. Of the many buildings and landmarks influenced by the French, the most obvious is the Arcul de Triumf, Romania\u2019s version of the Arc de Triomphe.<\/p>\n

After spending a couple of days in the capital, head to Brasov, a train ride away in Transylvania. Metro\u2019s<\/strong> Alice Murphy<\/a> loved her time in the city, describing it as a brilliant balance of traditional charm and modern city life.<\/p>\n

Embroidered with medieval buildings, including the Gothic Black Church and the Council House, Brasov is home to Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania.<\/p>\n

The Bucharest to Brasov train takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with prices ranging between \u00a35 to \u00a314.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

What to do in Ljubljana<\/h2>\n

Like many pocket-sized capitals, Ljubljana is often overlooked. Small, intimate, and refreshingly quiet, the city consists of terrace cafes, outdoor markets, pretty alleyways and charming facades.<\/p>\n

Whether you spend your day aimlessly ambling through the maze of cobblestone streets or marvelling at medieval fortifications and bright 19th-century buildings, you\u2019ll wonder why you never visited before.<\/p>\n

The historic Old Town \u2013 which is part of UNESCO World Heritage \u2013 is perhaps the most attractive and picturesque part of the city. It also boasts plenty of tourist attractions to check out.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"Lake\t<\/div>
Lake Bled is Slovenia\u2019s best-known tourist spot, but the capital Ljubljana is also worth a visit (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This includes the Triple Bridge, which connects the Old Town with Pre\u0161eren Square, the city\u2019s central square. Then, there\u2019s Ljubljana Cathedral, Ljubljana Castle and the Ljubljanica River Canal, where you can hop on a 45-minute to an hour boat ride for just \u20ac10 (\u00a38.49).<\/p>\n

The Slovenian capital has a vibrant and evolving food scene, blending traditional flavours with innovative techniques. In 2021, Slovenia was named the European Region of Gastronomy.<\/p>\n

When dining in the country as a whole, expect Alpine, Mediterranean, Pannonian, and Balkan influences. Hearty stews, soups, and pastries like Prekmurska gibanica and potica can be found in many cafes and restaurants around the city.<\/p>\n

What to do in Leipzig<\/h2>\n

Metro<\/strong> reader Tom Thornton is a Leipzig resident, having moved here from the Isle of Wight<\/a> three years ago. <\/p>\n

As we edge into the warmer months, he recommends Palmengarten and Clara-Zetkin-Park. \u2018The green spaces are perfect for picnics and relaxing in the afternoon,\u2019 he says.<\/p>\n

For families, Zoo Leipzig is a popular stop. Located in the middle of the city, you can marvel at tigers, elephants and flamingos for a standard entry fee of \u20ac24 (\u00a320.44). If you\u2019re on a budget, Tom has an insider hack: \u2018I walk through the park behind it most days and they keep the trees trimmed so you can see the giraffes.\u2019<\/p>\n

Unbeknownst to non-locals, Leipzig serves up a treat for fast-foodies. For a late-night D\u00f6ner, Tom swears by a small joint called Olive Tree. He says it\u2019s so good that he once ate twice here in one night. A regular kebab is only \u20ac4.50 (\u00a33.83).<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Get that quintessential German experience in Leipzig (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As for drinking establishments, no trip to Leipzig is complete without a visit to Beyerhaus. <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s my absolute favourite pub,\u2019 Tom says, describing it as a \u2018huge old building with very good vibes.\u2019 <\/p>\n

He also spotlights Am Kanal, the locals\u2019 favourite pub, where you can sit outside and watch the boats on the canal. Drinks are cheap here, too, with a 0.5l of pilsner coming in at \u20ac4.20 (\u00a33.50).<\/p>\n

Finally, for Classical, Baroque and Romantic music lovers, you\u2019ll feel like a child in a sweet shop, as Leipzig is considered the music capital of Germany. Not only is it the birthplace of Richard Wagner, but other greats like Bach, Mendelssohn, Bartholdy, Schumann and Mahler all worked in the city.<\/p>\n

On the free walking tour of Leipzig, you\u2019ll learn about the different musical periods and understand a \u2018day in the life\u2019 of a composer.<\/p>\n

For a more immersive experience, every June, there\u2019s a free classical concert in one of the parks. Performed by the renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra, this year, the programme includes works by Johann Strauss II, in celebration of his 200th birthday. \u2018Whether you\u2019re into classical music or not, it\u2019s a real highlight in the Leipzig calendar,\u2019 says Tom.<\/p>\n

What to do in Lucca<\/h2>\n

Italy\u2019s Tuscany region has long been a go-to for travellers, with rolling hill landscapes and world-class food and wine. It\u2019s also the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. <\/p>\n

Cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa always take the crown, but a nice alternative is Lucca.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Enjoy Tuscany away from the crowds in Lucca (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nestled in the valley of the Serchio River, the ancient town is surrounded bya diverse landscape: the Apuan Alps to the north and west, verdant forests to the south. The historic city walls double as popular hiking and cycle routes, and are the best place to see the many 16-century palaces.<\/p>\n

Visit the Piazza Anfiteatro (the former Roman amphitheatre) and climb the Guinigi Tower for panoramic city views. <\/p>\n

The narrow streets and shops in the centre are a lovely backdrop for an afternoon stroll, while the vibrant Piazza Napoleone is the<\/em> spot to enjoy Tuscan cuisine.<\/p>\n

After something warm and wholesome? Try Pappa al Pomodoro, a nourishing bread and tomato soup. For meat eaters, try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, rare char-grilled T-bone steak with simple seasonings. All with a glass, or two, of Tuscan wine.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tMetro staff share their favourite ‘hidden gems’\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

TV reporter Pierra Willix and Travel editor Alice Murphy fly the flag for Ireland. Pierra recommends Galway, while Alice loves Cork.<\/p>\n

Pierra also loves Innsbruck in Austria and Funchal in Portugal, while our Video editor Chris Rickett is a fan of Arosa, in Switzerland.<\/p>\n

According to Rosy Shearman, Tallinn and Gdansk in Poland offer \u2018super cheap flights and Airbnbs compared to the rest of Europe.\u2019 <\/p>\n

As for Noora Mykkanen, she loved \u2018beautiful\u2019 Lyon. Describing it as \u2018way more accessible than Paris,\u2019 she said it still gave a similar vibe to the French capital.<\/p>\n

Ellie Hutchings stated that \u2018Ghent is way nicer than Brussels and much quieter,\u2019 as Chris Buswell offered up Akureyri in Iceland. He said it was \u2018SO beautiful and SO quiet, and you can still see the northern lights.\u2019<\/p>\n

Luke Bright made a case for Spain, saying, \u2018Vigo and A Coruna are worth a visit.\u2019<\/p>\n

Finally, Tori Brazier said that Regensburg in Germany is \u2018one of the most stunning places I\u2019ve ever visited.\u2019 She added: \u2018It had a real Austrian-Italian twist \u2013 and I actually grew up in Germany but had never thought to\/been aware of it to visit!\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Several destinations are pushing back against tourists (Picture: Getty Images) Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Venice, Berlin. Europe\u2019s most popular cities are flooded with tourists for good reason. But as we navigate a delicate time for travel, with several destinations pushing back against overtourism, Metro wants to put lesser-known locations that are actively welcoming visitors on the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2198,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2196","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2196","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2196"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2196\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2205,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2196\/revisions\/2205"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2196"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}