10 Hidden Gems: Discovering Europe's Forgotten Cities

Today, Europe is home to some of the most visited countries and cities. But do you know the cities in Europe that are not preferred by tourists? In our content, we have listed ten out-of-the-way European cities that may attract your attention!

1. A Coruña, Spain

Located in northwestern Spain, the city has an ancient history dating back to the founding of two Celtic tribes.  A Coruña's lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for Spain in 2009. With 250,000 inhabitants, this European city is one of the less popular places to visit.

2. Iasi, Romania

Romania's second largest city and the cultural capital of the country, Iași is located close to the Moldovan border. Known as Romania's student city, Iași offers many attractions for tourists, including the Vasile Alecsandri National Theater, the Moldovan State Philharmonic, the Opera House, the Iași Athenaeum, the Iași Botanical Garden, the Central University Library, high-quality cultural centers and festivals, various museums and monuments. Romania welcomes 2.2 million foreign tourists a year, but most of them prefer the capital Bucharest.

3. Niš, Serbia

Niš is the third largest city in Serbia. Located in the middle of the Balkans, the country has been occupied by many countries so far, which has a share in its historical richness. If you travel to Niš, there are many museums, film and music festivals you can visit.

4. Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Vaduz, the capital and the fourth smallest country in Europe, has about five thousand inhabitants. With its untouched nature and a few historical buildings, it is a location that can relax you. Forty-two percent of the inhabitants are foreigners. Here are the places you can visit in this city that has been forgotten by tourists; 

  • S.t. Florin Cathedral

  • National Museum of Liechtenstein

  • Vaduz Castle

5. Lodz, Poland

It is the fourth largest city in Poland. Lodz means 'boat' in English. It is said to be a former industrial city that has become quite impoverished and there is nothing left to visit, but the architecture from the 19th century is clearly worth a visit. The town is also famous for its nightlife and hosts many local festivals.

6. Luxembourg

The capital city of the same name is known for its cozy houses. The nature is better than in many European cities. If you go to Luxembourg,

  • The Old Quarter

  • National Museum of History and Art 

  • Corniche Walls

are a few places you can visit. Apart from these, there are considerable historical castles and natural parks in the country.

7. Chisinau, Moldova

Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, proves that it has been home to many civilizations with its location. The reason why Chisinau is not a popular destination is that Moldova is one of the least traveled countries in the world. According to records, only 170,000 tourists traveled to this small Eastern European country in 2019. Moldova is also known as the poorest European country. The monthly salary is around 300 euros. Back to Chisinau,

  • Stefan Cel Mare Monument

  • Milestii Mici wine cellars

  • Nativity Cathedral

  • Pushkin Museum

  • Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

are the places you can visit.

8. Liège, Belgium

Like the south of Belgium, Liege was once an industrial powerhouse. Rich in coal, the city developed rapidly as students from all over the world came to Liege to study engineering at what was then one of the best universities. If you enjoy cycling in this city with Europe's third largest river port, you can cycle to Maastricht just by following the river. Once an industrial center, Maastricht is not a tourist hotspot.

9. Tartu, Estonia

Tartu, Estonia's second largest city, is a town that welcomes students. Estonia was part of the Soviet Union many years ago, and one of the reasons for its low level of tourism is that many airlines do not offer flights here. Even if it will be shown to you as attractive on the internet, you may have difficulties here as a foreigner. The places you can visit in Tartu are as follows;

  • Town Hall Square

  • Toome Hill

  • Ruins of Tartu Cathedral

  • St. John's Church

  • Toy Museum

  • City Museum

10. Charleroi, Belgium

Charleroi was extremely rich in the 1800s because of its coal mines.  Although these mines were later closed, the city's atmosphere has not changed much. Although it is not a preferred location in Belgium, it can be ideal for travelers who like to experience different and quiet places. It hosts many festivals throughout the year. Places you can visit;

  • Bois du Cazier Museum

  • Museo de la Fotografía de Charleroi (Europe's largest photography museum)