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Top 5 Underrated Cities in Europe

By Chris Edgeller

When we can begin to travel again we might at first want to avoid the larger, more crowded European cities.

So instead of the hustle and bustle of the big city, why not get off the beaten track and explore some of the lesser-known European gems. Here are our top five underrated European cities.

 

Ljubljana

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia is a great example. This charming city can be explored on foot and is virtually car free. As with many cities, the river, the Ljubljanica, weaves through the centre giving rise to an array of picturesque cafes and restaurants along its banks.

 

It has winding narrow cobbled streets with local individual shops full of character for you to browse.

 

Ljubljana also boasts the medieval Ljubljana Castle. Perched on a hill above the Old Town, the Castle offers inspiring views. It’s a ten-minute walk from the city or, for those that don’t fancy the brisk walk up the hill, there is a funicular which takes you up and down for around €4.

 

It wouldn’t be a European city break without a market square and Ljubljana is no exception. Its Central Market gives you to chance to sample local Slovenian delicacies.

 

Getting there: There are direct flights from the UK to Ljubljana.

 

Grenada

Often overlooked in favour of its more famous compatriots, Barcelona and Madrid, Grenada is home to one of the most impressive sights in Spain: the Alhambra. This sprawling hilltop fortress encompasses royal palaces, serene patios, fountains and gardens which can be taken in during a leisurely stroll at your own pace, or even better, why not let us hire you an expert guide who show you all the hot spots.

 

The nightlife in Grenada is lively and the local tapas is renowned as one of the best in Spain.

 

Getting there: Easily accessible with local flights from Birmingham to Malaga and a 90-minute transfer in one of our safe private chauffeur driven transfers

Split

As Croatia’s second city, Split is a thriving and exuberant destination which plays host to a variety of restaurants and shops as well as spectacular dramatic Dalmation coastal mountains overlooking the islands.

Make sure to visit the Diocletian’s Palace a 4th Century landmark as well as Peristyle Square and Jupiyers Temple.

Split is also one of a few cities where you can also enjoy the delights of a beach. The best and most popular one being Bacvice beach, where you can rest and relax before heading back up to the city centre to experience its thriving nightlife.

 

Getting there: Direct flights during the season

Bologna

Too often overshadowed by Italian cities such as Florence and Rome, Bologna, the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna Region in Northern Italy, is no slouch when it comes to Italian majesty.

It is the Italians foodie heaven, and the region is home to Balsamic Vinegar, Parmesan cheese Parma Ham and Mortadella.

Bologna’s beautiful terracotta tiles roofs are best admired from above. We can book you in advance to climb the Medieval Asinelli Tower. Comprising of 498 steps to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, its magnificent square Piazza Maggiore, and the hills surrounding the city.

Bologna once had extensive canals and a walking tour will show you these which are in the North of the city along with Neptune’s Fountain, the array of Porticos one of which is the longest in the world at nearly 4km and the stunning array of churches and universities.

Getting there: Direct from the UK

Valletta

Fresh from being crowned European City of Culture in 2018, Valletta is a city rising in popularity and has almost year-round sunshine.

 

Long famed for its feast of architecture, Valletta is peppered with Baroque and Medieval masterpieces and is wonderfully photogenic. There are churches, museums and palaces packed withing its tiny narrow streets as it is also the smallest capital city in Europe covering just one square kilometre.

 

It also has an impressive Grand Harbour & Marsamxett harbour. Take the ferry across to Sliema & the Three Cities or use the hop on hop off buses to easily explore the rest of this interesting island.

 

Getting there: Direct to Malta

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