Europe's most underrated cities, according to travel experts

Think of European cities and a plethora of well-known destinations spring to mind. There's no shortage of places to discover the history and culture of this continent. But don't overlook its smaller, less explored cities. Many are hidden gems, far from the hectic crowds, that offer visitors a much more intimate, unspoiled experience. Condé Nast Traveller asked their seasoned contributors to put together a list of Europe's most underrated cities. Using their network of travel specialists and European-based writers, they compiled a list of places you might not have considered—or heard of at all—based on their recommendations.

Curious? Click on to uncover Europe's most underrated cities.

Gdańsk, Poland

Sightseeing and incredible food await visitors in Gdańsk, Poland. As well as having a comprehensive museum dedicated to its WWII history, you can see one of the best-preserved castles in Europe at Malbork.

For something special, take a boat on the Baltic Sea, sampling the city's innovative cuisine before tasting the countryside's rustic offerings on the same day.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the fifth largest city in the country. The bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zamora, Spain

A small city of just 60,000 people, Zamora is only a one-hour journey from Madrid by high-speed train. It is one of Spain's most important epicenters of modernist art buildings.

Filled with Romanesque churches, the city is famous for its Holy Week celebrations at Easter. You can sample delicious food here, too. Try the 'arroz a la zamorana,' rice cooked with meat and ham, finished in the oven.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki has long lost out to Athens when it comes to tourists. But that doesn't mean the city hasn't got plenty of well-preserved historic buildings to be discovered.

Greece's first "City of Gastronomy," has a world-class food scene, vibrant nightlife, as well as a rich, multicultural heritage reflected in its architectural diversity.

Tirana, Albania

A rapidly evolving city, Tirana offers a glimpse into Albania's history while having a distinctly youthful vibe. The center is entirely walkable too, making it easy to get around.

Trondheim, Norway

Norway's third biggest city, don't write off Trondheim. Michelin-star restaurants, the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral, the medieval Archbishop’s Palace, and several interesting museums are located here.

Cork, Ireland

Visitors to Ireland might be drawn in by Dublin, but they shouldn't discount Cork, the country's second city, known for its friendly, local vibe.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

A UNESCO-protected town, the charming cobbled streets blend Byzantine religious history and architecture in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Petworth, England

The quintessential English country town, Petworth and its surrounds offer visitors a glimpse of quaint beauty. Cobbled streets are lined with cute cafés and independent shops, just waiting to be explored.

Narbonne, France

While most visitors to the southwest of France might opt to spend their time in Toulouse or Montpellier, the historic city of Narbonne is not to be overlooked.

Skanör and Falsterbo, Sweden

The sleepy, seaside towns of Skanör and Falsterbo are often overlooked by visitors to Sweden. However, these places come alive in summer when people take advantage of continuous daylight to swim at all hours, and are within a one-hour drive of both Copenhagen and Malmö.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck offers travelers lots of variety: incredible natural beauty, historic sites, stunning views from cable cars, and small mountain town charm.

Trieste, Italy

A two-hour drive from the thronging streets of Venice, you can discover the quiet and relaxation of Trieste, an overlooked yet charming city.

Riga, Latvia

Riga has a developing food scene and amazing architecture, where Art Nouveau meets cobblestone Old Town. The city is home to Riga Central Market, one of Europe's oldest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Riga, interesting food, history, and architecture are found in one place, making it not just the jewel of Latvia, but of the Baltics. The city has a vibrant culture and is becoming increasingly known for its nightlife.

Vilnius, Lithuania

A compact and walkable city, Vilnius is great for a short breakaway. Highlights include Užupis (the Old Town), the food hall at Paupys Market, and Vilnius Cathedral.

For foodies, Vilnius offers plenty of fine-dining restaurant options, while history buffs can explore the Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus. This former Pagan temple is the burial site of Lithuania’s patron saint, Casimir. 

Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal

The first town outside Lisbon to be remodeled with the "Pombaline" design after the 1755 earthquake, Vila Real de Santo António is a whitewashed city on the Portuguese side of the Guadiana River.

A taste of the "real" Algarve, the town is a breath of fresh air compared to the region's central tourist belt. See the nearby Knights Templar fort of Castro Marim, or further west, the beautiful beaches of Cacela Velha.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi in Georgia offers travelers food, wine, its Silk Road history, and many museums. Despite this, it remains largely overlooked by travelmakers.

Stunning architecture, churches, and fortresses await in Tbilisi. And don't forget to try the national dish, khachapuri: baked cheesy bread from a stone oven, accompanied by fresh herbs.

Opatija, Croatia

Have you heard of this "Vienna by the sea" in Croatia? If not, it's time you checked out Opatija, nestled between the forested slopes of Mount Ucka and the raw coastline of the Kvarner Gulf.

This town maintains its legacy as a place of restoration and retreat with numerous spas, while the city itself has fine restaurants, cute cafes, and well-maintained public gardens.

Bern, Switzerland

The Swiss capital is oft-overlooked for cities like Zurich and Geneva. However, it's a university city with a lively outdoor restaurant, bar, and café scene.

The cold, clean water of the Aare River is popular for swimming among locals during the summer, while sitting at the medieval Platz allows visitors to soak up the "un-Swiss" feeling of the city.

Lille, France

Just a short train journey away from Paris is the unpretentious and pretty center of Lille. Located on the French-Belgian border, this underrated city offers visitors a pleasant surprise.

A Michelin-star restaurant and Flemish-inspired eateries are easy to come by in Lille. For culture, check out the contemporary art at Tripost, the modern art at LaM, or visit the Matisse Museum.

Appingedam, Netherlands

Once a trade center of importance, Appingedam is a port city with a rich history. Admire the famous 'hanging kitchens,' of the houses here, similar to bay windows, suspended above the Damsterdiep canal.