5 Underrated Cities in Europe to Visit This Summer

Europe is full of some of the most beautiful and historical cities in the world. Many cities like Paris and London draw in millions of tourists every year. However, there are thousands of smaller towns of which most tourists are still unaware of. Here are five of the most underrated European cities you should check out this summer.

1. Tallinn, Estonia

It might seem strange to call a county's capital city small or underrated, yet that's how it is with Tallinn. Estonia is not a country most tourists flock to, despite is incredible natural scenery and fun atmosphere. The city of Tallinn, in particular, should be included in your travel plans for many reasons. 

Tallinn is a city where old meets new. There are ancient monuments spread throughout the city that can be seen on foot and a beautiful town square that rivals the Grand Place in Brussels. The entire old town of Tallinn, impeccable preserved since the 15th century, is a fascinating site to see. 

2. Ghent, Belgium

The northwestern Belgian city of Ghent has managed to fly under the radar of tourists, although it's unclear why. It boasts some of the most impressive architecture in all of Europe and is small enough to see almost entirely on foot. Many of Ghent's streets are still from the middle ages; however, unlike Brussels, there are hardly any tourists roaming around.

Ghent is a college town, and as you would expect, there are some fantastic nightlife options available. Many clubs stay open until the early morning hours and offer drink prices that are much lower than in Brussels.

To see one of the most beautiful panoramic views of any city in Europe, head up to the Belfry and Cloth Hall Tower where you'll see almost the entire city from above. Ghent may not remain quiet forever, so head there this summer and experience the city as it is while you still can.

3. Segovia, Spain

There are so many incredible small cities within Spain that travelers could spend a lifetime there and still not see them all. For now, the most underrated might be Segovia, in the center of the country. Some many be familiar with this ancient city due to the incredible Roman aqueduct built around the first century AD. However, there is so much more to this charming city.

Like the rest of Castilla, Segovia has some of the best food in all of Spain. Cochinillo, Cordero, and Judiones are just a few of the fantastic dishes to try here. Luckily for tourists, many great restaurants offer traditional Spanish cuisine at budget prices. 

You can reach this city by train from Madrid for about $8 one way. There are many budget accommodation options available as well, some of which cost less than $20 a night.

4. Siofok, Hungary

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, should be near the top of any travelers' list of places to see. For a different look at Hungary, head slightly southwest to the small city of Siofok, located on the banks of Lake Balaton.

Lake Balaton is one of the most popular areas for Hungarians to visit during the summer months yet not many foreigners here are aware of just how much Siofok has to offer. The nightlife in this city is legendary, and massive festivals take place nearby on a regular basis.

Many of the activities here revolve around the lake. Some great spas attract thousands of visitors to help relax after a long day in the sun. Hungary is notoriously cheap as well, making this a terrific budget destination for the summer.

5. Besancon, France

Bedancon, situation in the Franche-Comte region of France, isn't really a city most travelers seek out, yet it's one of the county's most unique places with a fascinating history. The ancient Romans were situated here more than 2,000 years ago, and remnants of their occupation remain with numerous Roman columns still visible throughout the city.

The city is full of incredible buildings such as the 17th-century citadel that overlooks the old quarter. Outside the town are many great hikes alongside the quaint villages. Besancon provides an authentic taste of France with first-rate food and wine, and a small amount of tourism. 

There are so many incredible cities in Europe that are yet to become mainstream tourist destinations. Each of these cities offers something different, without the massive crowds that some nearby places possess. You can then pin all of your favorite destinations directly onto our Executive Europe Push Pin Map. This summer is a great time to visit, so pack your bags and hit the road!