The warm, glorious months of summer are naturally the best time for travelers to book extended vacations, especially when it comes to a classic European getaway. Visitors can’t go wrong with an international adventure in world-class cities such as London, Paris or Rome, but as those sunny days quickly approach, travelers should keep an open mind about other off-the-beaten-path destination options. Not sure where to start? Here are seven underrated European cities worth exploring, many of which are located in fan-favorite countries.
Graz, Austria
Austria’s second-largest city with nearly a quarter of a million residents, Graz is bustling with life but doesn’t fit the standard mold of a metropolis. In the heart of the ancient city streets, visitors will find Schlossberg, a tree-clad hill topped with a fortress and mid-16th century clock tower that have become synonymous with Graz.
Back down on the cobbled walkways, the historic sites are in abundance, reflecting the Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau-style buildings that are quintessential to any European city — the majestic palace of Schloss Eggenberg is one attraction where visitors can see a blend of these artistic elements.
Foodies will particularly enjoy the city of Graz, as it has also been deemed Austria’s culinary capital. Here, many ingredients found in traditional dishes are sourced from the region’s local farms, enhancing the flavor profile and making for an unforgettable dining experience. The city’s main square, Hauptplatz, is a great stop to sample local goods, as the area is filled with vendors and street stalls selling sausages, dairy products, fruit, ice cream and more.
Le Marche, Italy
Situated along the Adriatic coast, near popular Tuscany to the west, Le Marche offers an “all-in-one” Italian experience. Rolling hills in vibrant shades of green and the nearby Apennines mountain range provide a taste of Italy’s rugged outdoors, while beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water resemble the relaxation of other coastal cities.
The expansive region of Le Marche is composed of five provinces — Ascoli Piceno, Macerata, Fermo, Ancona and Pesaro-Urbino — each one offering a unique experience. Urbino is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring attractions like the Ducal Palace, which represent the artistic splendor of the Italian people during the 15th century.
Travelers looking for a rather secluded beach day should head to Sirolo, Numana, Portonovo and Porto Recanati, as these spots are considered to be some of the most beautiful along the Adriatic coast, boasting calm waters and empty sand. Naturally, a visit to Italy isn’t complete without a little wine tasting, and there’s not a province in Le Marche that doesn’t house extraordinary vineyards for travelers to explore.
Symi, Greece
Part of the Dodecanese Island group, Symi is an isolated Greek haven given life by the area’s colorful architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere. Because of Symi’s small size and quiet environment, travelers won’t find an overwhelming array of organized activities, which makes it an ideal destination for a slow-paced vacation. Activities such as swimming, dining at seaside taverns, hiking through small settlements and winding down with a drink at a local café-bar are the epitome of what visitors would experience during their time on the island.
Despite Symi’s humble size, the island does offer some impressive attractions, two of the most popular being the Holy Monastery of Panormitis and the Venetian Castle. The best part about a visit to Symi is that travelers can relax on the island for the duration of their trip or make it a quick stop on their way to nearby Rhodes.
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
One of the 32 council areas of Scotland, Aberdeenshire is the ideal vacation getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Aberdeenshire refers to the larger geographic area that encompasses the main city of Aberdeen and other villages, so visitors have plenty of options when it comes to filling out the itinerary. Generally speaking, activities such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing and golfing are a great way to soak in Scotland’s rolling green hills and mystifying waters. It wouldn’t be a proper visit to this historic country if travelers didn’t stop to explore at least one of the 263 castles in Aberdeenshire. Balmoral is one of the most famous and widely recognized, as it has served as the summer home for the Royal Family since the 19th century.
Visitors looking to balance their outdoor adventures with city exploration should head into the main area of Aberdeen. Union Street is particularly well-known, as the street is lined by granite buildings, marking it as an architectural oddity by European standards. Nearby, travelers can relax on the harbor and watch the ships dock as the fiery sun sets the water aglow, and if vacationers are lucky, they may be able to see some dolphins frolicking in the gentle waves. The town of Old Aberdeen is another enticing option, as attractions like the 15th-century fortified cathedral will embody those moody Scotland vibes.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia’s capital and largest city with 1.2 million residents, Tbilisi is an eclectic blend of ancient history and modern innovation. The cobblestoned streets of Old Tbilisi showcase architecture from the country’s former Persian and Russian rule, with the 17th-century baths in the center of the city being especially popular.
For the lively and trendy travelers, Mtatsminda, the city’s highest point, is overflowing with restaurants, cafes, amusement park rides and green spaces, offering an energetic change of pace. Additionally, Rustaveli Avenue is the city’s main thoroughfare, which is known for both its stunning national buildings and after-hours nightclubs. Adventurous eaters should be sure to track down some traditional restaurants during their trip as well, because Georgia’s geographic location means its cuisine is heavily influenced by a variety of surrounding cultures, merging flavors and delicacies that can’t be beat.
Stuttgart, Germany
Situated on the Neckar River in southwest Germany, Stuttgart is a bustling metropolis. The city has made quite a name for itself as a manufacturing hub, and visitors can find both the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche headquarters here. All of the car aficionados will be pleased to learn that each brand also has their own museums in the city, offering an inside look at the cars’ production and the company’s history.
Automotives may not be of interest to every traveler, so instead, Schlossplatz, the expansive square in the heart of the city, might be a better stop. The area is brimming with vibrant green spaces, and the immediate landscape is dominated by the Neues Schloss (New Castle), a large baroque structure built in the mid-18th century. During the summer months especially, the square comes alive with outdoor concerts, events and markets on the weekends.
A German trip wouldn’t be complete without sipping on a local brew. Because Stuttgart is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the city is surrounded by two different wine regions. Baden primarily focuses on grapes of the Pinot variety, while Württemberg is better known for its fruity or dark reds. Of course, beer culture is prominent in Stuttgart, and visitors are encouraged to head to a nearby beer garden to try the traditional flavors of Dinkelacker or Schwaben Brau.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Europe’s 2025 Green Capital, Vilnius is best known for its historic architecture and vibrant culture. Sites like Gediminas Castle Tower, a red brick turret visible from almost anywhere in the city, or the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus are symbolic of Lithuania’s past. The Glass Quarter is another representative area, though this is a 600-year-old square that once was a Jewish neighborhood primarily occupied by goldsmiths, glassblowers, artisans and financiers. In 2018, the quarter was cleaned up but still features local artists and workshops in addition to cozy restaurants.
Change it up and head to Uzupis, an up-and-coming neighborhood filled with lots of street art to admire, or dine on some good eats at the Paupys Market. Cold beet soup, cepelinai (stuffed potato dumplings) and kibinai (yeast pastries with meat filling) are some of the traditional dishes travelers should keep an eye out for.
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