5 Underrated European Cities to Visit This Summer

Swap the cliché for the quietly iconic. Europe is bursting with beauty,but this summer, we’re swapping the obvious for the overlooked. These five cities bring old world elegance, Mediterranean warmth, and cultural charm with fewer queues and more je ne sais quoi.

The Lure of Europe

Europe is a popular summer holiday destination with plenty to offer travellers, from great weather to fascinating history and culture to delicious food.

It’s also incredibly easy to get to, with a range of transport options if you’re travelling from the UK. You can easily sail, fly or drive to Europe or even take the train. If you’re flying from Gatwick to Europe the Gatwick Express train is a convenient way to reach the airport.

Here are five lesser known cities to visit in Europe that you may not have thought of.

Bologna, Italy

Located between Florence and Venice, Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. Bologna is considered by many to be the gastronomic capital of Italy, famous for its signature Bolognese sauce. As well as fine dining options, you can also visit the local food markets and buy the same fresh ingredients the locals use to recreate authentic Italian recipes.

Bologna also boasts over 38 kilometres of porticoes, which are covered walkways that extend from the city centre to the hills, constructed in Medieval times, the porticoes are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the city’s unique charm.

Luxe Girl Travel Tip – Avoid the flash and the fuss. Book the cities with storybook streets, locals who linger over wine, and summer evenings that stretch with nowhere to be but exactly where you are. These are the places where style isn’t shouted, it’s softly lived.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is situated on the Douro River and with its delicious food, award-winning wines and rich culture, it should definitely be added to your list of European cities to visit.

With fewer crowds than Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, Porto is easier to explore and there’s certainly plenty to see during your trip. Get a bird’s eye view of it all by climbing the 225 steps up Clérigos Tower, which will give you spectacular views over the entire city so you can take in the miles of winding streets and the Douro River.

If you’re partial to a glass of wine, then why not take a wine-tasting tour or go on a day trip to one of the many Douro vineyards?

Valletta, Malta

Malta is one of the smallest countries in Europe but that doesn’t mean that its capital, Valletta isn’t well worth a visit. Valletta’s Medieval streets are filled with historical buildings and monuments that make it feel like you’re taking a step back in time. In fact, Valletta has provided a backdrop for many famous films and TV series, such as The Count of Monte Cristo and Game of Thrones.

As the cultural capital of Malta, there’s no shortage of museums to visit or if you want to make the most of the glorious summer sunshine, pay a visit to The Upper Barrakka Gardens, where you’ll find some of the best views out over Valletta’s famous Grand Harbour and Fort St. Angelo in the Mediterranean Sea.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Summer is the perfect time to visit Slovenia’s stunning capital city, Ljubljana as you can soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the pedestrianised city centre from an outdoor table at one of the many cafes along the banks of the Ljubljana River.

If you’re interested in learning more about Slovenia’s fascinating history and culture, you can take a ride on the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle and don’t miss a trip to Ljubljana’s famous triple bridge.

Kotor, Montenegro

A more affordable alternative to Dubrovnik, Kotor in Montenegro is a hidden gem to add to your travel bucket list. Cat lovers will be delighted by the city’s feline population that prowls its streets and have become Kotor’s unofficial mascot!

From the old city walls at St John’s Fortress, there are awe-inspiring views over the city’s rooftops and down to the Bay of Kotor. The Old Town in Kotor is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and packed with Venetian buildings. Have fun exploring its narrow winding streets and be sure to stop off at one of the many restaurants to sample the delicious local cuisine.

Europe Travel FAQs: Plan Your Unforgettable Escape

1. What’s the best time to visit these lesser known cities in summer?

Late May to early July is perfect, warm but not scorching, and still crowd free.

2. Are these cities easy to access from the UK?

Yes! Most have direct or one stop flights from UK airports. Bonus: Gatwick Express makes airport access chic and stress free.

3. Is English widely spoken in these destinations?

Absolutely. While learning a few local phrases is thoughtful, you’ll get by with English in all of these cities with ease.

4. Are these good for solo travel?

Yes, especially Ljubljana and Porto, which are known for being safe, walkable, and welcoming.

5. What’s the dress code in these cities for summer?

Think relaxed elegance: crisp linen, structured baskets, neutral palettes, and always a silk scarf or two.

6. Are these destinations budget friendly?

Totally. Places like Kotor and Valletta offer great value compared to hotspot cities, without compromising on charm.

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