Our guide on the most Underrated Places to Live in Europe and what to do and eat for your next trip.
Europe is full of hidden gems that offer great quality of life, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences—yet many of these places fly under the radar compared to major cities like Paris, London, or Barcelona. Whether you’re looking for affordable living, a slower pace, or an authentic local experience, these underrated European cities deserve a closer look.
Each of these underrated European cities offers something unique—whether it’s a rich history, vibrant local culture, or stunning natural beauty. From the medieval charm of Brno to the seaside relaxation of Rijeka, these destinations provide a more authentic and affordable way to live in Europe. Enjoy discovering hidden gems, tasting local delicacies, and immersing yourself in the slower pace of these lesser-known cities!
Here’s a guide to 12 of the most underrated places to live in Europe, along with things to do and local dishes to try.
Read here Best eSim for International Travel and Best Travel Insurance Comparison
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Most Underrated Places to Live in Europe
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Why Live Here:
Ljubljana is a green, compact city with a vibrant cultural scene, affordable living, and a high quality of life. It’s surrounded by stunning nature, making it perfect for those who love outdoor activities.
What to Do:
Explore Ljubljana Castle: Ride the funicular up to the castle for panoramic views of the city.
Take a Stroll Along the Ljubljanica River: Enjoy the charming riverside cafés and walkways.
Day Trip to Lake Bled: Only an hour away, this iconic lake is perfect for hiking, boating, and relaxing.
What to Eat:
Potica: A traditional Slovenian rolled pastry filled with nuts, poppy seeds, or cottage cheese.
Kranjska Klobasa: A type of Slovenian sausage served with mustard and bread.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
2. Braga, Portugal
Why Live Here:
Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, known for its baroque architecture, low cost of living, and rich history. It’s quieter than Lisbon and Porto but offers a slower, more traditional lifestyle.
What to Do:
Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary: A stunning religious site with panoramic views and beautiful staircases.
Explore the Historic Center: Braga’s old town is filled with charming squares and churches.
Attend Local Festivals: Braga has many religious festivals, especially around Easter.
What to Eat:
Bacalhau à Braga: Salted cod, a Portuguese staple, prepared with olive oil and potatoes.
Papas de Sarrabulho: A hearty pork and rice dish often served at festivals.
3. Ghent, Belgium
Why Live Here:
Ghent offers a mix of medieval charm and modern living, with a laid-back vibe compared to Brussels or Bruges. The city has a strong cultural scene and is known for its affordability and quality of life.
What to Do:
Explore Gravensteen Castle: A medieval castle with fantastic city views and historical exhibits.
Take a Canal Cruise: See Ghent’s beautiful architecture from the water.
Visit the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral: Home to the famous altarpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
What to Eat:
Gentse Waterzooi: A creamy stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and herbs.
Belgian Waffles: Ghent has some of the best authentic Belgian waffles.
4. Tartu, Estonia
Why Live Here:
Tartu is Estonia’s second-largest city and a major academic hub. It’s affordable, with a youthful atmosphere and a strong tech industry, thanks to the presence of the University of Tartu.
What to Do:
Visit the University of Tartu: Explore one of Northern Europe’s oldest universities and its beautiful campus.
A Le Coq Beer Museum: Discover the history of Estonian beer-making.
Hike in Taevaskoja: Beautiful sandstone cliffs and natural scenery just a short drive away.
What to Eat:
Verivorst: Traditional blood sausage, especially popular during winter months.
Pirukas: Estonian meat pies, perfect for a quick bite.
5. Trieste, Italy
Why Live Here:
Trieste, located on the Adriatic coast near Slovenia, is a charming port city with a rich cultural blend of Italian, Slavic, and Austrian influences. It’s quieter and less touristy than Venice but equally beautiful.
What to Do:
Visit Piazza Unità d’Italia: The largest sea-facing square in Europe.
Explore Miramare Castle: A 19th-century castle with beautiful gardens and ocean views.
Stroll Along the Grand Canal: Lined with cafés, perfect for enjoying a coffee or gelato.
What to Eat:
Jota: A traditional stew made with beans, sauerkraut, and pork.
Struccolo di Pomi: An apple strudel, reflecting the city’s Austrian influence.
6. Brno, Czech Republic
Why Live Here:
Brno is an affordable, lively city with a youthful vibe, thanks to its large student population. It’s a great alternative to Prague, offering the same historical charm without the crowds or high costs.
What to Do:
Visit Špilberk Castle: A medieval fortress with panoramic views of the city.
Explore the Moravian Karst: Caves and gorges just outside the city, perfect for nature lovers.
Discover the Villa Tugendhat: A UNESCO World Heritage site and modernist architectural masterpiece.
What to Eat:
Svíčková: A marinated beef dish served with creamy sauce, dumplings, and cranberry sauce.
Trdelník: A sweet, spiral-shaped pastry dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
7. Graz, Austria
Why Live Here:
Graz is Austria’s second-largest city, known for its Renaissance architecture, lively cultural scene, and affordable cost of living compared to Vienna. It has a mild climate and excellent public transportation.
What to Do:
Visit Schlossberg: A hilltop fortress with panoramic views of the city.
Explore Eggenberg Palace: A Baroque masterpiece with stunning gardens.
Stroll Through the Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with narrow streets and beautiful squares.
What to Eat:
Schnitzel: The classic Austrian breaded cutlet served with potato salad.
Käsekrainer: A cheese-filled sausage that’s perfect as street food or with mustard and bread.
8. Coimbra, Portugal
Why Live Here:
Coimbra is an ancient university town with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and a much more relaxed vibe compared to Portugal’s larger cities. It’s also significantly more affordable than Lisbon or Porto.
What to Do:
Visit the University of Coimbra: Explore its 13th-century campus and stunning library.
Walk Along the Mondego River: Enjoy the scenic riverbanks and local cafés.
Explore the Santa Clara Monastery: A beautiful historic monastery overlooking the city.
What to Eat:
Leitão à Bairrada: A dish of roasted suckling pig, a local delicacy.
Pasteis de Tentúgal: A sweet pastry filled with egg yolk custard.
9. Vilnius, Lithuania
Why Live Here:
Vilnius is an underrated gem with a low cost of living, a growing tech scene, and a beautiful baroque old town. It’s perfect for expats who want to live in a relaxed, safe, and culturally rich city.
What to Do:
Explore Vilnius Old Town: One of the largest surviving medieval towns in Europe.
Visit Gediminas Tower: For a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Explore Užupis: A quirky, artsy district that declared itself an independent republic.
What to Eat:
Cepelinai: Potato dumplings filled with meat or cheese, served with sour cream and bacon.
Šaltibarščiai: A refreshing cold beetroot soup, popular during the summer.
10. Rijeka, Croatia
Why Live Here:
Rijeka is Croatia’s third-largest city, a coastal gem with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and a Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s also more affordable than nearby cities like Dubrovnik or Split.
What to Do:
Visit Trsat Castle: A medieval fortress with stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
Stroll Along Korzo: Rijeka’s main pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and historic buildings.
Explore the Rijeka Carnival: One of Europe’s largest and most colorful carnivals.
What to Eat:
Brudet: A traditional fish stew made with fresh seafood and tomato sauce.
Fuži with Truffles: Hand-rolled pasta served with local truffles, a regional specialty.
11. Malmö, Sweden
Why Live Here:
Malmö is one of Sweden’s most diverse and rapidly growing cities, with excellent public transport links to Copenhagen and the rest of Scandinavia. It’s known for its parks, sustainability, and multicultural vibe.
What to Do:
Explore Malmö Castle: A 16th-century castle surrounded by beautiful parks.
Stroll Through Västra Hamnen: A sustainable, modern district on the waterfront.
Visit Lilla Torg: A lively square with quaint cafés and restaurants.
What to Eat:
Swedish Meatballs: Served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
Raggmunk: Swedish potato pancakes often served with bacon and lingonberries.
12. Kaunas, Lithuania
Why Live Here:
Kaunas is Lithuania’s second-largest city, offering affordable living, a rich history, and an up-and-coming arts scene. It’s a quiet, underrated gem perfect for expats looking for a peaceful lifestyle.
What to Do:
Visit Kaunas Castle: A medieval fortress located by the confluence of two rivers.
Explore the Old Town: Full of charming buildings and local markets.
Visit the Ninth Fort: A sobering but important WWII memorial site.
What to Eat:
Bulviniai Blynai: Lithuanian potato pancakes, often served with sour cream.
Skilandis: A smoked, cured sausage, typically enjoyed with bread and cheese.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.