Top 10 Small Cities in Europe One Should Visit
Think a trip to Europe is only about the colossal monuments and wonders?
Think again, because hidden between the famous landmarks are small cities in Europe that offer the quaint experience that many travellers want to experience. These European cities are filled with old-world charm and incredible scenic beauty and won’t even put too huge of a dent in your pocket.
Such small cities in Europe offer the perfect recluse that seasoned travellers often look for. Plus, since these charming spots are just a short distance from the touristy places, you can get the real taste of Europe and even mingle with locals to add unique and unforgettable experiences.
If you’re planning a Europe trip or want to add a day or two to extend your vacation and explore the unexplored, you’re in luck! In this blog, we’ll unravel 10 outstanding small cities in Europe that are often overlooked by commercial travel planners but should feature in your itinerary. They may be lesser known, but they’re equally captivating and leave a lasting impression. So, pack your bags, and join us as we journey into these hidden gems of Europe.
Top 10 Small Cities In Europe That You Should Visit:
1. Bled, Slovenia:
Bled is a picturesque town in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, known for its stunning lake and mountain views. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful getaway in nature, with plenty of outdoor activities and scenic sights to explore.
In Bled, you can enjoy the views of the lake or explore your adventurous side by hiking or cycling in the surrounding mountains. For those who like water sports, the lake offers kayaking and paddle boarding for tourists. You may even enjoy the traditional Pletna boat to the island in the middle of the lake and climb up for the panoramic views and surroundings.
Ideal duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bled is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the lake is perfect for swimming and water sports. However, spring and autumn are also great times to visit for those who prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Things to do in Bled:
Other popular activities in Bled include visiting the medieval Bled Castle, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding area, and exploring the nearby Vintgar Gorge, a breathtaking natural wonder with crystal clear water and picturesque waterfalls.
Recommended Itinerary:
For those looking to explore beyond Bled, a recommended itinerary would include visiting the capital city of Ljubljana, just 45 minutes away by car. It’s a charming city with a mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and modern architecture as well as plenty of outdoor cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore.
2. Porto, Portugal
If you want to visit a city that’s rich in history and still offers some scenic views, Porto is the place to be. This coastal city in the northwest of Portugal is known for its charming neighbourhoods and picturesque riverside setting while being famous for its production of port wine. Porto is also home to several historical landmarks, like the Porto Cathedral, Palace da Balsa and Clerigos Tower.
Ideal duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Porto is during the late spring in May/June or the early autumn months of September and October.
Things to do in Porto:
One of the top things to do in Porto is to take a walking tour of the city’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also stroll in the Ribeira district, located along the banks of the Douro River. It’s well known for its picturesque neighbourhoods with colourful houses and numerous restaurants and cafes.
You can also tour the port wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can taste and learn the history and production of port wine.
Recommended Itinerary:
A day trip to the Douro Valley is a must for those looking to venture outside the city. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, terraced vineyards, and charming villages.
Guimarães and Braga, two historic cities near Porto, are also worth visiting. Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal, while Braga is known for its religious heritage and numerous historic churches.
3. Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is located in southwest France and is known for its rich history, tantalising wine, and stunning architecture. This city is perfect for extending your French trip and experiencing the vineyards and locals that personify France.
Besides that, you can explore the city’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the famous Cité du Vin wine museum, and enjoy the local gastronomical delights you won’t get anywhere else in the world.
Ideal duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bordeaux is from April to June and September to November.
Things to do in Bordeaux:
Visit the majestic square at the Place de la Bourse Enjoy all things wine and some futuristic art at La Cite du Vin Get the feel of the Bordeaux wine at Saint Emilio, The Medoc, canon Fronsac or Sauternes and Graves Visit the Esplanade des Quincunxes, which has a majestic fountain Watch the grandeur of ancient architecture at the Bordeaux Cathedral, Grand Theatre de Bordeaux or Garden Public
Recommended Itinerary:
For a complete experience, we recommend visiting St. Emilion, a picturesque medieval town surrounded by vineyards and famous for its wine. You can also visit Arcachon, a charming seaside town known for its oysters and sandy beaches.
4. Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg, located in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, is steeped in history and culture. This city is an ideal destination when visiting Germany, offering you a chance to experience the unique blend of medieval and modern architecture, delicious Bavarian cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Ideal duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nuremberg is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor events. However, the city is also beautiful in the winter, when the famous Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas markets, takes over the city.
Things to do in Nuremberg:
Nuremberg offers a wealth of things to do for visitors. The city’s historical centre, surrounded by a 14th-century wall, is home to the stunning Nuremberg Castle, the Gothic St. Lorenz Church, and the iconic Schöner Brunnen fountain. Visitors can also explore the city’s rich history and culture at the Germanisches National Museum and the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Recommended Itinerary:
A recommended itinerary for a trip to Nuremberg would include a day trip to the nearby medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where visitors can stroll through cobblestone streets, visit the impressive city walls and gates, and sample the town’s famous Schneeballen pastries.
5. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg in Austria is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and breathtaking scenery. It’s an ideal destination for travellers who love art, music, and culture. The city has something to offer everyone, with historical landmarks and modern attractions.
Ideal duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Salzburg is during the summer, from May to September when the weather is mild and sunny, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. Winter is also a popular time to visit, especially for winter sports enthusiasts.
Things to do in Salzburg:
There are plenty of things to do in Salzburg, such as exploring the Old Town, visiting the Salzburg Fortress, taking a stroll in the Mirabell Gardens, or attending a classical music concert.
Recommended Itinerary:
We recommend exploring Salzburg for two days, visiting attractions such as the Hohensalzburg Castle, Mozart’s Birthplace, and the Salzburg Cathedral. Then, take a day trip to Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace. On the last day, head to the picturesque village of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region and admire the stunning scenery.
6. Seville, Spain
Seville is a city in the Andalusia region of Spain known for its history, architecture and vibrant culture. The city traces its origins back to Roman history and is now home to UNESCO world heritage sites. In addition, the city houses the Alcazar palace complex, the Metropolitan Parasol, where Christopher Columbus was buried.
Ideal duration:4 days
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Seville is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the temperatures are mild.
Things to do in Seville:
- Get enthralled by the intrinsic architecture at the Alcazar de Sevilla
- Enjoy a peaceful walk at Catedral de Sevilla
- Shop and enjoy a stroll at the Barrio Santa Cruz
- Visit the gardens and parks at Parque de Maria Luisa
Recommended Itinerary:
A recommended itinerary for a four-day trip to Seville would include exploring the city’s main attractions on the first two days, taking a day trip to Granada on the third day, and visiting Cordoba on the fourth day. Of course, visitors can also choose to spend more time in Seville or explore other nearby destinations, such as Ronda or the beaches of the Costa del Sol.
7. Florence, Italy
Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is known for its rich artistic and architectural heritage. It’s a charming city with narrow streets, impressive palaces, and breathtaking monuments. The city is often called the “Cradle of the Renaissance” for its role in the artistic and intellectual movement of the 14th to 17th centuries.
Ideal duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Florence is from late September to early November and from April to May when the weather is mild.
Things to do in Florence:
There are many things to do in Florence, including exploring the city’s rich history and culture. Some top attractions include the Uffizi Gallery, which houses some of the world’s most important Renaissance artwork, the Florence Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Boboli Gardens.
Recommended Itinerary:
For a 4-day trip, visiting nearby towns such as Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Cinque Terre is recommended. These towns offer picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and unique cultural experiences. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a landmark you won’t want to miss, as is the medieval city of Siena, known for its Gothic architecture and the Palio horse race.
San Gimignano is a small hill town famous for its medieval architecture. Cinque Terre is a collection of five coastal towns known for their colourful houses, scenic trails, and seafood cuisine. A trip to these towns will add to the richness of the Tuscany experience.
8. Split, Croatia
Split is a stunning coastal city in Croatia that uniquely blends ancient Roman history and modern Mediterranean charm. One look at this Croatian city, and you’ll be transported back to Medieval times. But more so, you can also experience some of the locations featured in HBO’s iconic series ‘The Game of Thrones’. You can go on a GoT tour that’ll take you to some of the spots where the series was filmed, and even enjoy the Klis fortress, which offers a fantastic view of the city.
Ideal duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: Ideal for visiting during the summer months from June to August; the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Things to do in Split:
You can start by exploring Diocletian’s Palace, the city’s heart and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The massive palace complex includes shops, restaurants, and residential areas. Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the ancient architecture, which still stands today.
Other must-see sights include the Cathedral of St. Domnius, Marjan Hill, and the Riva Promenade. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby islands of Korcula and Hvar, which offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historic sites.
Recommended Itinerary:
For a four-day trip to Split, we recommend exploring the city for a day, taking a day trip to Korcula, another day trip to Hvar, and spending the fourth day exploring the local food and drink scene. The city offers many restaurants and bars serving traditional Croatian dishes and modern Mediterranean cuisine.
9. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North”, is a charming city in Belgium that offers visitors a glimpse of the country’s medieval past. With its winding canals, cobbled streets, and stunning architecture, it’s a popular destination for tourists looking to experience Belgium’s rich history and culture.
Ideal duration: 4 days
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bruges is in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to October).
Things to do in Bruges:
You can explore the city’s historic landmarks, such as the Belfry Tower, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Groeningemuseum art museum. Visitors can also take a boat tour along the city’s picturesque canals or indulge in some famous Belgian chocolate at one of Bruges’ many chocolatiers.
Recommended Itinerary:
Our recommended itinerary for Bruges includes visiting nearby cities like Ghent, with its impressive Gothic architecture and medieval castle, and Brussels, the capital of Belgium and home to the iconic Atomium and the Grand Place. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby seaside town of Blankenberge or sample some of the famous Belgian beers at a local brewery.
10. Nice, France
Located in the south of France on the Mediterranean coast, Nice is known for its stunning beaches, old-world charm, and picturesque locales. To travel to this city, you can take a flight from Paris or the high-speed TGV train that should bring you to this beautiful city in 5 hours.
This French Riveria has a beach where you can relax and unwind, or if you want to explore the museums and historic buildings here, you can take a walk through the Vielle Ville (Old Town) known as Vieux Nice. It has colourful buildings and narrow streets, offering several opportunities to get stunning pictures.
Ideal duration: 3-4 days
Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Nice is between April and June or September and October. These relatively warm days are the perfect time to visit this French Rivera.
Things to do in Nice:
- Explore Vieux Nice or Old Town on foot for its colourful architecture and cobblestone streets
- Visit the grand Musse Matisse Palace, which also houses a museum full of rich artefacts and art
- Take a scenic walk along the Promenade des Angles and enjoy the beach on the Mediterranean coast
- Enjoy the waterfall at Castle Hill Park
- Visit the Dome of the Nice Cathedral to marvelling at its ancient architecture
Recommended Itinerary:
In addition to the beauty you can explore at Nice, you can even take a short trip to discover the idyllic French Riviera beaches just east of Nice. This beautiful coast is just a 15-minute bus ride away, and you can get a spectacular view of the sapphire-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
You may also explore the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Grande or the famous Verdon Gorge in Provence, which can easily be clubbed with your days in Nice.
Get, Set, Go!
To summarise, these small cities in Europe are a treasure trove that offer a unique blend of history, culture and natural European beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the wine regions of Bordeaux or the fairytale-like town of Bruges, there’s something for everyone on this diverse continent.
So, if you’re planning a trip to this majestic continent, don’t forget to include these small European cities on your list. With so much to explore and discover, planning a Euro trip can be overwhelming. That’s where GoTraveLab comes in. Our travel experts can help you plan your itinerary, book your accommodations, and suggest the best local experiences to make your trip memorable. Connect and book with us today.