Europe off the beaten path: Six wonderful lesser-known cities to visit

When most travellers dream of Europe, many picture the same romanticised destinations, the ones that fill movies and dominate Pinterest boards. But Europe is a vast continent, and some countries sit closer to each other than your nearest IKEA in North America.

Beyond the borders of the most visited cities like Rome, Athens, and Paris lies a large and beautiful world waiting to be explored. An extra train ride, a short flight, or a countryside drive can lead you to far less crowded places. These cities are just as rich in historic architecture, culture, culinary, and culinary experiences, but with fewer queues.

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Beaune, France. Decorative roof of Hospices de Beaune. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Beaune, France

Beaune is a beautifully preserved walled town at the heart of the Burgundy wine region in eastern France, encircled by the world-famous Côte d’Or vineyards. Compact and highly walkable, the cobblestone centre is lined with excellent restaurants, centuries-old historic sites, and some of the finest wine cellars in France. For anyone exploring the Burgundy region, Beaune is the ideal base.

Top Things to Do in Beaune

The town’s most iconic landmark is the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune), a stunning 15th-century former hospital renowned for its elaborately patterned polychrome slate roof, one of the most photographed buildings in France. Also worth visiting is the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Beaune, a Romanesque collegiate church with remarkable 15th-century tapestries inside. Round out your historic exploration with a walk along the Remparts de Beaune, the town’s remarkably intact 900-year-old medieval city walls.

After dark, Beaune takes on a different character entirely. Les Chemins de Lumières (Paths of Light) is a nightly art projection event that illuminates the town’s most notable buildings, including Notre-Dame, with large-scale mixed-media displays, making an evening stroll through the old town a memorable experience.

Wine experiences in Beaune

Beaune is one of the best places in the world to learn about and taste Burgundy wine. Begin at The Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne, an architecturally striking museum dedicated to the history, science, and terroir of Burgundy’s vineyards, with a particular focus on the UNESCO-listed Climat system that makes Burgundy wine unique.

For tastings and cellar visits within the town, strong options include The Best of Burgundy Wines tasting, the Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour and Tasting at one of Burgundy’s oldest négociants, and the Burgundy Wine Tasting at Solstice. For a fuller regional picture, a  Burgundy Day Trip (14 tastings) or a Small Group Full-Day Tour through the Côte d’Or vineyards (2 tastings of 5 wines).

What to Eat & Drink in Beaune

Burgundy has one of France’s most distinctive regional food cultures. Local specialities to seek out include Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails), Burgundy truffles, Dijon mustard, Pain d’épices (Burgundy gingerbread), and the delicate Anis de Flavigny sweets, produced in a nearby village abbey. These are traditionally accompanied by Cassis de Dijon (blackcurrant liqueur) or a glass of Crémant de Bourgogne, the region’s excellent sparkling wine.

For a hands-on food experience, La Moutarderie Fallot is a family-owned working mustard mill founded in 1840, one of the last traditional stone-ground mustard producers in France and well worth a visit even for those with only a passing interest in mustard.

Where to stay in Beaune

For a stay within the historic walls, Hôtel de la Poste and Les Remparts Hôtels et Demeures Historiques are both well-positioned central options with character. If a pool or spa is a priority, Cèdre Beaune (A Beauvallon Hotel & Spa), voco Beaune, and Hotel Les Nomades all offer strong wellness facilities while remaining within easy reach of the town centre.

Best time to visit Beaune

Summer is the warmest and most sociable time to visit, with long evenings ideal for outdoor dining and the Les Chemins de Lumières projections. The shoulder seasons, particularly May and September, offer fewer crowds, more relaxed winery visits, and more competitive hotel rates. November is also worth considering for the famous Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction, held on the third weekend of November each year.

Montreux, Switzerland. Chillon Castle on an overcast day. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Montreux, Switzerland

Located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, Montreux is a stunning lakeside town with easy access to the Swiss Alps. The city is remarkably walkable, though it rises steeply up a hillside, so several built-in elevators help you navigate between the lower promenade and upper streets.

Top things to do in Montreux

Start along the iconic lakeside promenade and take a selfie with the statue of Freddie Mercury. Wander through Montreux’s charming Old Town and step inside the Church of St. Vincent, a peaceful historic chapel overlooking the lake.

Set aside at least an hour or two for Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon), one of Switzerland’s most visited historic sites. This remarkably preserved medieval water castle served as the residence of the Counts of Savoy for nearly four centuries, and sits dramatically at the water’s edge just outside the town.

Take the cog railway to Rochers-de-Naye

One of the best day trips from Montreux is the scenic cog railway ride to Rochers-de-Naye, a roughly 45-minute ride. Disembarking at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, you will find yourself at the top of the Swiss Alps with resting stations, hiking and walking trails, and even via ferrata. 

Swiss Alps, Montreux, Switzerland. Images by Kateryna Topol.

What to eat in Montreux

Swiss cuisine in the Vaud region is hearty and deeply satisfying. Try a traditional fondue or raclette, pick up a slice of Birnbrot (Swiss pear bread), or seek out Papet Vaudois, a regional speciality of leek and potato stew served with sausage. For a special occasion, Montreux has several Montreux Michelin Restaurants worth booking in advance. Alternatively, a local food tour is a great way to sample regional delicacies with expert guidance.

Where to stay in Montreux

For a truly grand stay, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is the town’s landmark luxury hotel, while Grand Hotel du Lac, a Relais & Châteaux property, offers an equally elegant experience. For something slightly more understated but still very comfortable, Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic and  Mona Montreux are both strong options.

Best time to visit Montreux

Spring brings wildflower blooms across the hillsides, summer offers warm weather ideal for the promenade and lake swimming, and December is worth the visit for Montreux’s renowned Christmas market, one of the most atmospheric in Switzerland.

Strasbourg, France. Image by Patrick Robert Doyle.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is a picturesque historic city in the Alsace region of northeastern France, situated near the German border. Compact and highly walkable, the city centre is threaded with beautiful squares, half-timbered houses, and canal-lined streets, and in December, it transforms into one of Europe’s most celebrated Christmas market destinations, drawing visitors from across the continent.

Top things to do in Strasbourg

The undisputed centrepiece of the city is Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg), located in the Grande Île neighbourhood, the entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1439, the Gothic cathedral was the tallest building in the world for over two centuries, and remains one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.

From there, make your way to Petite France, the city’s most photogenic quarter, where flower-lined canals meet timber-framed houses and riverside cafés. Next, head to the Neustadt district, Strasbourg’s “new city,” built during the German Imperial era, to visit the Municipal Roman Baths, a working thermal spa open to the public (bring a swimsuit).

Strasbourg Cathedral and rooftops. Images by Olia Bondarenko.

Day trip: The Alsace wine route

Just outside Strasbourg, the Alsace wine region is one of the most scenic and distinctive wine regions in France, known for its Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. It makes an excellent day trip, either self-guided by car or bike, or with a half-day tour or full-day tour if you’d prefer a guide to handle the logistics (half-day tour, full-day tour).

Where to Eat & Drink in Strasbourg

For an authentic taste of Alsatian cuisine, seek out a Winstub, a traditional wine bar and restaurant serving hearty local food and regional Alsace wines in a convivial, wood-panelled setting. Dishes to look out for include Wädele (slow-cooked ham hock), Grumbeerekiechle (crispy potato pancakes), Lewerknepfle (liver dumplings), Presskopf (head cheese), and Bibeleskäs, a fresh soft cheese blended with garlic and herbs, similar to a French fromage blanc.

Where to stay in Strasbourg

For a historic hotel with a spa, Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa is a strong first choice, centrally located on the Grande Île. Hôtel Régent Contades offers elegant four-star accommodation near the Neustadt. For something smaller and more characterful, boutique options like  Hotel Tandem or Hôtel LÉONOR both offer distinctive stays in the heart of the city.

Best time to visit Strasbourg

Spring is lovely for wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, summer brings the warmest weather for exploring on foot, and autumn is ideal for visiting the Alsace vineyards during harvest season. December, however, is when Strasbourg truly comes into its own. The city’s Christmas markets are among the oldest and most atmospheric in Europe, with the main market dating back to 1570.

Split, Croatia, Old City views and Diocletian’s Palace. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Split, Croatia

Croatia may be best known for its beaches and nightlife, but Split stands apart as a beautiful historic city centre and a foody paradise. The Old Town stretches along the Adriatic coastline, where historically dense Roman streets open suddenly onto wide palm-lined promenades. Further out, you’ll find sandy beaches, charming residential neighbourhoods, and even local wineries, making Split one of the most well-rounded cities on the Dalmatian Coast.

Top things to do in Split

The undisputed heart of the city is Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 4th century as a retirement residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace complex is still a living, breathing part of the city, home to restaurants, bars, apartments, and some of the most atmospheric squares in Europe. In summer, the central Peristyle square becomes an open-air gathering place, with live music and wine spilling into an informal dancefloor under the stars.

Within the palace walls, visit Saint Domnius Cathedral, built directly inside Diocletian’s mausoleum and one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world, and climb the bell tower for sweeping views over the city and Adriatic. Step down into the palace substructures, a vast network of underground vaulted chambers, and pop into the well-preserved Temple of Jupiter. Make time to pass through all four of the palace’s iconic city gates: the Golden Gate, Silver Gate, Iron Gate, and Bronze Gate.

Split also gained international fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones, and most local tour guides will happily point out the key spots used in the show.

Split, Croatia: Waterfront, free performances in the Old City, fine dining. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Where to eat in Split

The Old Town is dense with excellent restaurants, cafés, gelaterias, and the beloved Pazar (Green Market), a lively open-air market selling fresh local produce. Dalmatian coastal cuisine is the main draw: expect fresh Adriatic seafood, Pašticada (a slow-cooked sweet-and-sour beef stew), Crni Rižot (black cuttlefish risotto), and Burek (a flaky savoury pastry filled with cheese or meat).

Whether you opt for one of Split’s Michelin restaurants or a locally favoured neighbourhood spot, reservations are strongly recommended in high season. One standout worth seeking out is PiNKU fish & wine, a much-loved spot with a strong local following. For a guided introduction to the food scene, a food tour is an excellent way to cover a lot of ground quickly.

Where to stay in Split

Split has a strong offering of heritage hotels that make the most of the city’s historic architecture. Heritage Hotel Cardo and Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia are both well-regarded choices within or near the Old Town. For a more intimate stay, boutique room rentals like Procurator 7 Luxury Rooms or Grgur Ninski Rooms offer a characterful alternative to traditional hotels.

Best time to visit Split

July and August are peak season, bringing large crowds and higher prices. The shoulder months — May, June, September, and October — offer a far more relaxed experience with warm weather, quieter streets, and more competitive accommodation rates. May and October in particular are excellent for exploring on foot without the summer heat.

Trier, Germany, Porta Nigra interiors. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Trier, Germany

Trier is a charming small city set along the Moselle River in western Germany. Founded under the Roman Empire, Trier is the oldest city in Germany — and one of the most historically rich destinations in Europe. Roman architecture and ruins are one of the main draws to Trier, followed by its extensive wine culture. 

Top things to do in Trier 

Start your visit at Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate in the ancient world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, Trier Cathedral (Trierer Dom) is the oldest church in Germany and another UNESCO-listed landmark well worth exploring. Take a stroll through the Palastgarten (Palace Gardens), a sweeping green space set in front of a striking French Baroque palace. 

History lovers won’t want to miss Thermen Am Viehmarkt and the  Kaiserthermen (Trier Imperial Baths), two impressive Roman bath ruins that hint at the city’s ancient grandeur. 

The beating heart of Trier is Hauptmarkt, the lively central market square. From March to early November, a rotating seasonal wine stall showcases a different local winery each week. Pull up a seat by the fountain, pick up fresh fruit from local farmers, and soak in the atmosphere.

What to eat & drink in Trier 

Trier’s food culture is deeply tied to the land. Try local specialities like Pellkartoffel mit Quark (potatoes with herb curd) or Kartoffelauflauf (potato casserole), ideally paired with a glass of crisp local Riesling — the signature wine of the Moselle Valley.

Wine experiences in Trier

Wine is central to life in Trier and the wider Mosel region. To make the most of it, consider booking a Guided City Walk with Wine Tasting, visiting Germany’s oldest wine cellar for a private tasting, or embarking on a Wine Tour with a Boat Ride along the Mosel (a 4.5-hour experience).

Where to stay in Trier

For a historic stay, the Romantik Hotel zur Glocke is a characterful choice with a cellar restaurant. The Mercure Hotel Trier Porta Nigra offers rooms with views of the famous city gate. Travellers seeking a hotel with a spa should consider Park Plaza Trier. 

Best time to visit Trier

Summer offers the best weather, but visiting in spring or autumn means fewer crowds and more affordable accommodation. December is worth considering for Trier’s atmospheric Christmas market.

Turin, Italy. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Turin, Italy

Locally known as  Torino, Turin is a large and elegant metropolitan city in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, set alongside the River Po and framed by the western Alps. The city is often overlooked in favour of Rome or Milan, but it rewards visitors with an exceptional range of Roman ruins, grand royal palaces, 300 kilometres of tree-lined boulevards, and one of Italy’s finest regional food cultures.

Top things to do in Turin

Begin your visit at Piazza Castello, the grand central square that anchors the historic centre and serves as the natural starting point for exploring the city. From here, visit the Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale), a former residence of the House of Savoy and part of the UNESCO-listed Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, which includes museums, state apartments, and manicured gardens.

Nearby religious landmarks include the ornate Chiesa di San Lorenzo, the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista (Turin Cathedral), home to the world-famous Turin Shroud (Sindone). Don’t miss the Sindone Chapel and the Basilica of Superga, a Baroque hilltop church with panoramic views over the city and the Alps that makes for an excellent half-day trip.

History enthusiasts will want to spend time at Porta Palatina (the Palatine Gate), one of the best-preserved Roman city gates in the world, and the adjacent Roman Theatre, which remains in active use for public performances today. More Roman history and artefacts can be found at the Palazzo Madama and the Museo di Antichità, both essential stops for anyone interested in Turin’s deep history.

What to eat in Turin

Turin sits at the heart of the Piedmont region, one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary destinations. Regional specialities worth seeking out include Vitello Tonnato (thinly sliced veal with a creamy tuna sauce), Piemonte Fassone tartare (made from a prized local breed of cattle), Tajarin (a thin egg pasta typical of Piedmont), and Agnolotti del Plin (small hand-pinched stuffed pasta). For a convivial shared experience, Bagna Càuda, a warm anchovy and garlic dipping sauce served with seasonal vegetables, is the quintessential Piedmontese communal dish, best enjoyed alongside a glass of Barolo or Barbera.

Turin is also famous throughout Italy for its focaccia bakeries, which are scattered across the city and not to be missed. The city is additionally considered the birthplace of Italian chocolate and vermouth, so leave room for a gelato and an Aperitivo.

Where to stay in Turin

For a sleek, modern stay, Opera 35 Boutique Hotel offers minimalist design with generous space in a central location. For classic Turinese grandeur, Grand Hotel Sitea is a long-established luxury choice in the heart of the city. Travellers prioritising a spa should consider Palazzo Bellezia Luxury Suites & Spa, Principi di Piemonte, and Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa, all of which offer strong wellness facilities alongside central locations.

Best time to visit Turin

Summer brings the warmest weather and is ideal for exploring the city on foot and taking day trips into the Alps. Spring is a particularly rewarding time to visit if you can align with the Torino Jazz Festival, one of the city’s most beloved annual events. Autumn brings vivid foliage across the surrounding hills and marks the beginning of truffle season in the Piedmont region — one of the best reasons to visit in October or November.

A few more European recommendations

For additional inspiration, see complete guides for Thessaloniki, Luxembourg, Bath, Waterford, Lyon, as well as Naples and Monopoly within the Italy road trips itinerary.