The European hidden gems you MUST add to your bucket list!
As one of the most beloved parts of the world, Europe is home to lots of bucket list-worthy places. If you’re a history buff, you’ll be drawn to ancient cities like Athens, Rome, and Lisbon. And if you’re a foodie? Then Paris and London are THE places to be!
The main idea is that it could take you a lifetime to fully immerse yourself in every destination this continent has to offer.
Even though we’ll admit that these iconic stops are definitely worth your attention, there are a few other European hidden gems that might not have as much notoriety but can give you a whole new perspective on a place and its culture.
These little-known wonders, most of which are close to larger metropolitan areas, will guarantee an unforgettable getaway, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and experience something beyond what you may be used to.
So, on that note, continue reading for our 7 favorite European hidden gems you might not have considered when planning your trip but should definitely add to your bucket list.
Thessaloniki, Greece
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, hop on a quick flight from Athens to spend a couple of days in the country’s so-called “second city,” Thessaloniki. This European hidden gem offers a lot for history lovers, but it also has a modern spirit about it.
You can stroll through ruins from the Byzantines, the Romans, and the Ottomans, due to its numerous occupations, and then head towards Valaoritou Street for stylish cocktail bars and plenty of live music.
Since the middle of the city was entirely reconstructed after the Great Fire of 1917, the 20th-century architecture of this area will make you feel like you’re far away from the traditional Greek vibe.
The area is also popular with locals because the beaches are less packed than what you would typically see on the islands.
While visiting this European hidden gem, be sure to also visit the Roman Forum, the White Tower, and the beautiful cobblestone roads of the historic quarter, Ano Poli.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
It’s odd for a capital city to be an underrated spot, even if it is in one of Europe’s most tiny nations. But seldom seen on bucket lists, this European hidden gem has fascinating contrasts, a multi-lingual and intellectual population, and some of the most incredible modern art around.
Luxembourg is rife with big spenders, but there’s more to its big city than fancy suits and banks.
While here, you can cycle your way around the city streets, see cutting-edge art at MUDAM Luxembourg, and catch a magnificent view because the city is perched overlooking valleys, gorges, and forests.
So apparently, size certainly isn’t everything when it comes to this European hidden gem.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Even though it may be small in size, Slovenia has a big personality, led by its robust and diverse capital, Ljubljana. As a college town, you’ll likely be greeted by a younger crowd here, but that only brings lots of outdoor cafes along the river with beautiful views to enjoy.
This is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll through a bunch of green patches, most notably Tivoli Park… not to be mistaken for the amusement park in Copenhagen.
As a genuine melting pot squished between Croatia, Italy, and Austria, the food scene has recently become one of the continent’s most inviting. While visiting this European hidden gem, don’t miss the tasting menu at Strelec and the delicious pastries at Zvezda.
When you arrive, we highly recommend booking your stay at the Intercontinental Ljubljana. Be sure to ask for a top floor in this 20-story high hotel to wake up to one of the municipality’s finest views.
Scotland’s Outer Hebrides
Here’s a perfect opportunity to take a ferry ride beyond Scotland’s Isle of Skye to explore what’s believed to be one of Europe’s last natural habits: the Outer Hebrides.
It’s a collection of islands, the biggest being Harris, the Isles of Lewis, and North and South Uist, that offers a complete captivation of Celtic heritage, history, and charm.
While visiting this European hidden gem, you can hear locals singing or speaking in Gaelic, be astonished by medieval churches, and see Neolithic standing stones in real life.
On Harris, where tweed fabric was initially woven, local artisans continue to craft bags, capes, and more traditional goods, making for some excellent souvenirs.
When you visit, you can carve out your schedule or book one of the many tours exploring this region. Just be aware that, depending on the season, you’ll want to pack a few layers because summers can be pretty hot, but winters are usually unforgiving.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This European hidden gem’s main claim to fame is its historic city wall, considered among the most magnificent in the world, which surrounds bright marble streets and finely decorated buildings.
Constructed sometime between the 13th and 16th centuries, the walls are still surprisingly intact, and the views over the Adriatic Sea and the terracotta rooftops are unforgettable, especially at sunset, when the fading light makes the shades of colors dramatic and the panoramas impressive.
The city’s prominent role in the TV series Game of Thrones has caused a massive surge in visitors. In fact, there are even a few tours available which take people to all the starring spots.
But visitors can still get to know the real Dubrovnik by diving deeper into its top attractions and wandering through the Old Town.
Vicenza, Italy
You’ve heard of Verona and Venice, but a quick 30- to 40-minute train ride from either of these famous Italian destinations is beautiful Vicenza. Within the country’s northeast Veneto region, you’ll be stunned by how little foot traffic this charming small town hosts.
This European hidden gem is most known for its unique structures, specifically those of 16th-century architect Palladio.
If you enjoy spending your time strolling through halls of art, you can sip on some cappuccinos in between visits to the Palazzo Chiericati and the Basilica Palladiana.
You may even catch a movie at the Teatro Olimpico, an outdoor theater that happens to be indoors! And as a bonus?
You can add “strolled through a UNESCO World Heritage Site” to your travel bucket list since the longstanding value and significance of the architecture in this town earned it a nod.
If your budget permits when visiting this European hidden gem, we highly recommend staying for a long weekend to enjoy the wine al fresco at the Villa Valmarana Ai Nani.
Belgrade, Serbia
If you’ve ever danced until dawn at the infamous five-story club in Prague, experienced the bath scene in Budapest, and sipped on too many cocktails while marveling at the moonlit Eiffel Tower, then set your sights on a lesser-known European hidden gem: Belgrade.
Serbia’s capital is becoming quite a place for travelers due to its many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Here, you can experience splavovi, floating lounges docked along the Sava and Danube rivers, each featuring a different genre of musical.
And the best part is that it all happens every night of the week! And when you need a break, make sure to put on some comfy shoes to explore Beogradska Tvrđava, the historical fortress symbolizing the city’s part in the Ottoman, Serbian, Byzantine, Austrian, and Roman empires.
Have you ever visited any of these European hidden gem? If so, be sure to share your experiences with our readers in the comments section below.
And if you liked this article, we highly recommend you also check out: 6 Beautiful Worldwide Archaeological Sites You MUST Add to Your Bucket List
