Top 10 Underrated European Cities to Visit in 2026 (Beyond the Usual Lists)

Beat the booking fatigue: 10 underrated European cities that deliver outdoor adventure, local food and affordable stays in 2026

If you’re tired of crowded hotspots, opaque pricing and multi-site booking headaches, this guide is for you. In 2026 the smartest travelers are pushing beyond the usual lists — using points strategically, choosing offbeat cities with easy outdoor access, and prioritizing authentic cuisine and low-cost stays. Below are 10 underrated European cities tied to the destinations the travel press has been hyping — curated for affordable stays, outdoor activities and local cuisine, with practical booking tips for 2026.

"Make 2026 the year you stop hoarding points for 'someday' and book that trip." — The Points Guy (Jan. 2026)

How to use this guide

Each city entry includes: why it’s underrated, one signature outdoor activity, a must-try local dish, expected nightly budget for 2026, and quick booking tactics (including points and low-cost carrier tips). Start with the cities that pair best with your points sweet spot — then apply the booking checklist at the end.

2026 travel trends that matter for offbeat-city roadmaps

• Points and last-minute redemptions: As airlines and hotels continue to adjust dynamic pricing models (late 2025), flexible award windows and midweek travel yield the best value.
• Green mobility and regional rail: EU funding and new night-train routes launched in late 2025 make rail access to smaller cities cheaper and faster.
• Slow adventure and micro-regions: Travelers prefer longer stays in one spot with day hikes, sea activities, and local food circuits rather than multiple-city sprints.
• Sustainable, local-first stays: Smaller guesthouses and family-run pensions win favor in 2026 as travelers look for lower-carbon, community-positive options.

Top 10 underrated European cities to visit in 2026

1. Braga, Portugal (near Porto) — Pilgrim paths, verdant trails and hearty northern cuisine

Why go: Often overshadowed by Porto and Lisbon, Braga blends baroque architecture with immediate access to green corridors and the Peneda-Gerês range — perfect for hikers and road-trippers.

• Outdoor: Hike the Bom Jesus do Monte steps and the nearby Serra do Gerês day-trails (easy to moderate; 4–12 km options).
• Local cuisine: Try caldo verde with a northern twist and local tapas-style petiscos at family-run tascas.
• Affordable stays (2026): Guesthouses €40–€80/night; budget hotels €60–€100.
• Booking tip: Redeem regional airline miles into Porto (OPO) then take a 40-minute train or a short rental car. Use midweek award flights to lock seats when dynamic pricing spikes on weekends.

2. Piran, Slovenia (tied to Ljubljana & the Slovenian coast) — Adriatic calm, sea caves and seafood

Why go: Slovenia’s tiny coastal towns are serene alternatives to crowded Italian rivieras. Piran’s Venetian architecture and immediate sea access make it a great base for paddling and coastal hikes.

• Outdoor: Sea kayaking and SUP along the Slovenian coast; day trips to Strunjan cliff trails (2–8 km).
• Local cuisine: Fresh mussels, baby cuttlefish and salt-harvested specialties—pair with local Malvazija wine.
• Affordable stays (2026): Boutique B&Bs €50–€110/night; apartments €60–€120.
• Booking tip: Fly into Ljubljana or Trieste (new regional routes expanded in late 2025). For points users, short-haul award flights plus a rail+ferry ticket can be excellent value.

3. Plovdiv, Bulgaria (an alternative to Sofia) — Ancient streets and Rhodope foothills

Why go: Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities with a revived arts scene and direct access to hiking in the Rhodope Mountains — all at an exceptional price point.

• Outdoor: Day hikes and canyoning in the Rhodopes; eco-trails around Assen’s Fortress (easy to moderate).
• Local cuisine: Mehana tavern meals—shopska salad, kyufte (meatballs) and regional wines.
• Affordable stays (2026): Boutique guesthouses €25–€60/night; central hotels €40–€90.
• Booking tip: Use low-cost carriers to Sofia and cheap intercity buses (1.5–2 hours) to Plovdiv. For points collectors, transfer hotel points to local chains that have inventory in Bulgarian cities to stretch value.

4. Šibenik, Croatia (instead of Dubrovnik) — Waterfalls, islands and quiet Dalmatian charm

Why go: Šibenik combines UNESCO history with direct access to Krka National Park’s waterfalls and day trips to the lesser-known islands — less tourist pressure and wallet-friendly stays.

• Outdoor: Kayak to small islands, day-hike the Krka waterfall trails (1–6 km); summer sea-swims.
• Local cuisine: Grilled Adriatic fish with blitva (Swiss chard), oyster tastings near the estuaries.
• Affordable stays (2026): Seaside rooms €50–€110/night; private apartments €60–€130.
• Booking tip: Search for award nights in coastal small hotels — direct ferry and bus links from Split make multi-city itineraries simple. Book Krka park entry windows in advance for peak season.

5. Kaunas, Lithuania (an alternative to Vilnius) — Riverside parks, bike paths and craft beer

Why go: Kaunas is a livable, river-lined university city with a well-developed network of bike routes and the Curonian Spit within reach for a day trip — ideal for active travelers on a budget.

• Outdoor: Cycle the Neris and Nemunas trails; day trips to Pažaislis Monastery and Nemunas Delta birding routes.
• Local cuisine: Cepelinai (potato dumplings) and artisanal rye breads; growing gastro scene and microbreweries.
• Affordable stays (2026): City-center guesthouses €30–€70/night; boutique hotels €60–€110.
• Booking tip: Use off-peak award flights to Vilnius and a cheap train (1.5 hours) to Kaunas; 2025 night-train expansions improved regional schedules, so overnight rail is a comfortable, points-efficient option.

6. Gijón, Asturias, Spain (alternate to Bilbao) — Surf, cider and mountain day-hikes

Why go: Northern Spain’s Asturias offers surfable beaches, cider culture and immediate access to the Picos de Europa — Gijón is a local base with fewer crowds than the Basque coast.

• Outdoor: Surf and coastal trails; day trips into Picos de Europa for alpine hikes (variable difficulty).
• Local cuisine: Sidra pouring rituals and seafood stews—try fabada for a heartier meal.
• Affordable stays (2026): Guesthouses €40–€90/night; family-run casa rurals in the hills €50–€100.
• Booking tip: Fly into Asturias (OVD) on seasonal routes bolstered in 2025, or reach by train from Madrid for a scenic 5–6 hour ride. For surf trips, book low-season packages and use hotel points for beachfront stays.

7. Ohrid, North Macedonia (alternative to Skopje day-trips) — Lake-based adventures and freshwater cuisine

Why go: Lake Ohrid mixes UNESCO heritage with swimming, sailing and shoreline hikes — one of Europe’s most underpriced summer and shoulder-season destinations.

• Outdoor: Sail or kayak on Lake Ohrid; circuit hikes on the Galicica ridge (moderate, 5–12 km options).
• Local cuisine: Fresh trout and lake fish specialties, Macedonian meze and baked goods.
• Affordable stays (2026): Lakeside guesthouses €30–€70/night; family-run pensions €35–€80.
• Booking tip: Fly into Skopje or Ohrid (short-haul routes increased in late 2025). For award-bookers, short regional flights plus a bus transfer are often cheaper than long-distance rail.

8. Bergamo, Italy (instead of Milan) — City of gates with alpine access

Why go: Bergamo’s Città Alta is a time-capsule medieval hill town with quick access to the Bergamo Alps for day hikes — cheaper lodging than Milan and direct low-cost flights to Bergamo-Orio al Serio (BGY).

• Outdoor: Hike Val Seriana and climb the Sentiero delle Orobie (options for all levels).
• Local cuisine: Polenta taragna, casoncelli pasta and mountain cheeses.
• Affordable stays (2026): Budget hotels €60–€110/night; B&Bs €50–€90.
• Booking tip: Points-savvy travelers can redeem low-cost carrier cash-back credit strategies for BGY or use hotel points outside Milan to save on peak week travel costs.

9. Zadar, Croatia (alternative Dalmatian hub) — Sea organ soundscapes and island-launch points

Why go: Zadar is an underappreciated Dalmatian city with unique public art (Sea Organ), access to Kornati islands, and a manageable scale for multi-day stays.

• Outdoor: Island-hopping, sailing and snorkeling trips in the Kornati archipelago; coastal hikes.
• Local cuisine: Black risotto, grilled octopus and seasonal olive-oil-forward plates.
• Affordable stays (2026): City apartments €50–€120/night; small hotels €60–€140.
• Booking tip: Use Split or Zadar (ZAD) award flights; ferries are frequent and inexpensive. For points users, splitting stays (one night in Zadar, two on an island) optimizes both comfort and cost.

10. Tartu, Estonia (a quieter alternative to Tallinn) — Lakeside parks, student energy and hiking

Why go: Tartu is a compact university town known for culture, bikeable streets and nearby nature reserves — ideal for low-cost, active stays with a strong local food movement.

• Outdoor: Hiking in Oru Park, canoeing on river Emajõgi and day trips to Lahemaa or Soomaa for bog-walks.
• Local cuisine: Baltic fish, smoked meats and modern Estonian tasting menus spotlighting local foragers.
• Affordable stays (2026): Student guesthouses €25–€60/night; boutique hotels €50–€110.
• Booking tip: Tallinn is a short rail ride away (2–2.5 hours); look for midweek award availability and city-tourist packages that include local experiences.

Sample 5-day itinerary (practical example): Šibenik + Krka + Island-hopping

Day 1: Arrive Split or Zadar; transfer to Šibenik (1–1.5 hours). Check in and sample grilled fish on the waterfront.

Day 2: Morning visit to Krka National Park (book early entry slot). Afternoon kayak near the falls and evening taster menu in Šibenik.

Day 3: Island-hopping to Zlarin/Prvić for snorkeling and a local lunch. Overnight in a family-run konoba (tavern).

Day 4: Easy coastal hike and ferry to a quieter bay; sunset photography of the old town. Use hotel points to upgrade the final night if you have them.

Day 5: Return to airport; consider redeeming short-haul points or a low-cost carrier for the flight home.

Advanced booking strategies for 2026

1. Book flexible award windows: With dynamic award pricing wider in 2026, target midweek travel and check multiple carrier alliances for partner availability.
2. Mix points + cash: Use partial redemptions on expensive nights and cash on budget nights; many hotel chains now allow split payments which stretch points further.
3. Leverage rail and low-cost regional routes: After late-2025 route expansions, short international hops plus trains often beat direct flights in both time and cost — especially between small cities.
4. Prioritize last-mile transport: Renting a hybrid/electric car for one or two days can unlock remote hikes and food stops that public transport doesn’t reach — search rental aggregator alerts 30–45 days ahead for best prices.
5. Secure experiences, not just rooms: Local food tours, guided kayak trips and protected-park entries often sell out; book experiences as soon as your travel dates are firm.

Safety, sustainability and local respect

Travelers in 2026 want impact-aware trips. Small actions matter: choose locally owned guesthouses, avoid single-use plastics on hikes, and follow marked trails. Respect local customs around dining times and tipping (varies across Europe). If you’re booking a hiking guide or boat operator, prefer certified local operators who contribute to conservation funds.

Quick checklist before you go

• Check regional festival calendars — offbeat cities bloom during local fairs.
• Confirm award-ticket cancellation policies — 2026 dynamic rules vary by carrier.
• Download offline maps and local transport timetables for last-mile reliability.
• Reserve park entry slots and island ferry legs in advance for high season.
• Pack quick-dry layers and durable footwear for mixed outdoor activities.

Why these cities matter in 2026

As The Points Guy and other travel voices push headline destinations, the momentum benefits savvy planners who look nearby. These underrated cities give you the same cultural depth and far better value — with immediate access to outdoor experiences and authentic kitchens. In 2026, travel is less about ticking boxes and more about deep, local stays that fit budgets and carbon goals.

Pro takeaway: Use points to cover the high-cost tickets (long-haul or rail night trains), then shift cash to support local stays and experiences. That combination delivers the best value and the richest trip.

Final actionable steps — book smarter for 2026

1. Pick two cities from this list that share an airport or short rail link.
2. Search award availability for the long-haul leg first (6–9 months out for peak season).
3. Pre-book park entries and a top-rated local food experience (reserve 60–90 days out for summers).
4. Lock 2–3 nights in a locally owned guesthouse (use a hotel points top-up if needed).
5. Plan one active day (hike, paddle or cycle) and one slower culinary day.

Ready to trade crowds for green trails, fresh food and wallet-friendly stays? Start by choosing a city from this list, check your points balances and set alerts for award availability. Small shifts in planning yield big gains in experience and cost — especially in 2026.

Call to action

Want a tailored 5-day plan for any of these cities using your points and preferred travel dates? Click to get a free itinerary checklist and points-optimization tips custom to your loyalty accounts. Book smarter, travel deeper — and make 2026 the year you finally use those points for an unforgettable offbeat European trip.

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