Let’s be real for a second: there is nothing quite like the feeling of boarding a flight to Europe in June. The excitement is palpable. But, if you’re anything like me, that excitement quickly turns into mild claustrophobia when you land in Paris or Rome and are immediately swallowed by a sea of tourists. Don’t get me wrong, the classics are classics for a reason, but I’ve found that the magic really happens when you step just slightly off the beaten path.

Over the years, I’ve swapped the Eiffel Tower for quieter cobbled streets and, honestly? My travel experiences have been infinitely better for it. If you’re looking for a summer getaway that offers culture, incredible food, and a chance to actually breathe, here are seven underrated European cities that need to be on your radar.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

I’ll admit, I used to struggle pronouncing the name of this city (it’s Ljoo-bl-ya-na, by the way), but visiting it was love at first sight. Ljubljana feels like a storybook come to life. It’s car-free in the city center, which means the air is clean and the only sounds you hear are the clinking of coffee cups and the Ljubljanica River flowing gently by.

In my experience, Slovenia is often overlooked by people rushing to Croatia or Italy, which is a huge mistake. The city is anchored by the stunning Ljubljana Castle, but the real joy is just wandering. Grab an ice cream at the central market and walk along the river. The vibe is laid-back, eco-friendly, and incredibly welcoming. Plus, it’s the perfect gateway to Lake Bled if you want to see nature that looks Photoshopped.

Valencia, Spain

Everyone flocks to Barcelona for the summer, and while it’s vibrant, it can also be exhausting. Valencia, on the other hand, hits the sweet spot. It’s the birthplace of paella, so the food scene is legitimately life-changing. I still dream about the massive pans of seafood rice I had near the beach.

What I love most about Valencia is the contrast between the old town and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. You can explore ancient cathedrals in the morning and marvel at Calatrava’s white architecture in the afternoon. The beaches are wide, sandy, and much less chaotic than other Spanish coastal cities. And if you are traveling on a budget, you’re in luck. Spain is generally affordable, but you can really stretch your Euro here. In fact, I used some of the principles I learned in The Ultimate Guide to Eating Well on a Shoestring Budget to enjoy incredible tapas without breaking the bank.

Ghent, Belgium

Bruges gets all the hype, but it can often feel like a museum set up for tourists. Ghent, just thirty minutes away, is where the cool kids hang out. It’s a city of students and artists, which gives it a gritty, authentic edge that I found totally refreshing.

The architecture is—to use a cliché because it fits—breathtaking. The Gravensteen castle looks like something out of a fantasy novel. But at night, when the medieval buildings are illuminated, it’s truly magical. Ghent also has a thriving vegetarian scene, which was a pleasant surprise. I remember sitting at a canal-side pub, sipping a local Belgian beer, thinking, "Why isn't everyone talking about this place?"

Turin, Italy

If you are tired of fighting crowds for a view of the Trevi Fountain, head north to Turin. It’s elegant, sophisticated, and surprisingly quiet compared to Rome or Florence. Known for its grand boulevards, baroque cafes, and being the home of Fiat and Nutella, Turin has a distinct identity.

I’ve found that shopping here is a delight because it feels less commercial. It reminds me of my recent realization regarding fashion; after reading Why I Stopped Following Trends and Started Investing in Basics, I’ve started looking for quality over quantity, and Turin is the perfect place for that mindset. The local craftsmanship is evident everywhere, from bespoke tailors to chocolatiers. Plus, the view of the Alps from the Mole Antonelliana on a clear day is unbeatable.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This might be the wildest card on this list, but hear me out. Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Walking through the Old Town, you are literally walking through layers of history—Roman ruins alongside 19th-century Revival houses.

It’s incredibly affordable, which means you can live like royalty for a week. I recall having a multi-course dinner with local wine for a fraction of what I would pay in Western Europe. The summer arts festival is a massive draw, turning the ancient Roman theater into a venue for opera and concerts. It’s a city that feels creative and raw, bursting with energy that hasn't yet been polished by mass tourism.

Marseille, France

Marseille used to have a rough reputation, but in recent years, it has transformed into one of the trendiest spots in the Mediterranean. It’s gritty, sure, but it’s also vibrant and colorful. This isn't the polished, beige France of the postcards; it’s a melting pot of cultures.

The Calanques National Park is a must-visit. It’s a series of towering limestone cliffs and hidden coves that you can hike or boat to. The water is the deepest blue I’ve ever seen. I’ve found that Marseille rewards the curious traveler—if you are willing to explore the different neighborhoods (like Le Panier), you’ll find amazing street art and cafes that serve the best bouillabaisse on the planet.

Krakow, Poland

While Warsaw is the political capital, Krakow is the cultural heart. It survived World War II largely intact, which means the Main Market Square (the largest medieval square in Europe!) is absolutely stunning. The atmosphere is buzzy, especially in the summer when the outdoor terraces are packed.

Poland is famous for its hospitality, and I’ve always felt incredibly welcomed there. It’s also a great base to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine or take a sobering but necessary trip to Auschwitz. However, back in the city, the nightlife is legendary, and the pierogi are delicious. One thing to note: it’s very "Instagrammable," which brings me to a point I try to keep in mind while traveling. It’s easy to get caught up trying to capture the perfect shot for social media, but if you feel that pressure creeping up, it might be worth reading Is Social Media Ruining Your Self-Esteem? Here’s How to Detox. Remember to actually *be* there, not just document it.

Final Thoughts

Europe is huge, and limiting yourself to the big three or four cities means missing out on so much diversity. I’ve found that the memories I cherish most are from the places where I had to work a little harder to communicate or where I was the only tourist at the bar. So this summer, be brave. Book that flight to Slovenia or Bulgaria. Your future self will thank you for the stories you bring back.