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Here, we explore seven of the most underrated cities in Europe, from Strasbourg, France, to Budapest, Hungary.
When most people dream of traveling across Europe, they envision hitting the cities that we see in movies and on TV or that we read about in books.
While places like Paris, Rome, and London all have their merits and are definitely worth a visit, there are some seriously underrated places across the continent that have a lot to offer (even if you've never heard of them).
The next time you're ready to pack your bags and head overseas, considering making your way to these seven cities - you might just be amazed by what you find there.
When most people think of England, they think of London, but there's an entire country outside of the capital with so much to offer, and York is definitely high up on the list. Located in the north of England — North Yorkshire, to be specific — the city was founded by the Romans around the year 71 AD. It remains a vibrant hub full of beautiful architecture (York Minster, a Gothic cathedral, is a particularly beautiful sight) and narrow, winding streets that truly make you feel as if you've stepped into another era.
Paris may be the city of love, but Strasbourg, located just over two hours from the capital by train, serves as the official seat of the European Parliament and showcases the exquisite beauty of the Alsace region. Located close to the German border, Strasbourg's city center is an official UNESCO World Heritage site and features architecture and culture that's a charming mix of both German and French.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam gets plenty of tourists, and for good reason, but just a quick 36-minute train ride away is Rotterdam, Europe's largest port and the home of the insanely cool Cube Houses. It also boasts the delicious and impressive indoor market, Markthal. The city is currently "riding a wave of urban development, redevelopment and regeneration," according to Lonely Planet, making it an exciting place to check out.
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czech Republic
Prague has been a long-time favorite of travel lovers, and while you should certainly check it out if you're in the Czech Republic, don't neglect a trip to Karlovy Vary, a spa town in West Bohemia that's every bit as charming as its capital. Founded in 1350, Carlsbad, as it's also called, is famous for its numerous hot springs, which you can visit. It also features "elegant colorful architecture."
Bruges, Belgium
Another city flying seriously under the radar, Bruges — located less than an hour from Brussels by train — serves as the capital of the Flemish region of Belgium and its busy city center is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a city rife with canals, making it a beautiful place to stroll around on a sunny day. And, as one of the "best-preserved" medieval towns, you're sure to get a dose of historical education while you're at it.