Most people visiting Europe for the first time follow a familiar route: Paris, a bit of Switzerland, some time in Italy, then back home. That works, but you end up with the same photos as everyone else. The good news is that some of the most rewarding Europe tourist places are just off that popular path. They’re close enough to fit into your holiday, but quiet enough to feel special. Think of a church on an island in a lake, a walled town full of cats, and ancient cave homes still lived in today. This guide skips the usual tourist spots and highlights eight underrated places that go well with the famous ones, so you can enjoy both the big sights and some peace. You’ll find out where each place is, who will enjoy it, and what to see.
1. Lake Bled, Slovenia
A Church On A Tiny Island
Slovenia’s highlight is a small teardrop-shaped island in a green glacial lake, crowned by a 17th-century church and set against the Julian Alps. Unlike the busiest Europe tourist places, it remains peaceful, and the compact capital, Ljubljana, is close by.
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners, first-timers
- Don't miss: A ride on a hand-rowed pletna boat, then climb the church's 99 stone steps. Traditionally, grooms carry their brides up in silence for good luck.
- Good to know: On autumn mornings, a dreamy mist often covers the area. Don't forget to ring the wish bell inside the church.
- Pair it with: Ljubljana, then Venice or the Austrian Alps
2. Kotor, Montenegro
A Walled Town Run By Cats
The Bay of Kotor is a deep river canyon that many consider Europe's southernmost fjord. At the base, you'll find a medieval walled town known for its many cats, which locals see as good-luck mascots.
- Best for: Couples, slow travellers, photographers
- Don't miss: The 4.5-kilometre walk along the old fortress walls and St Tryphon's Cathedral, which dates back to 1166
- Good to know: Cruise ship crowds are busiest around midday, so try to visit early in the morning or plan to stay overnight.
- Pair it with: Dubrovnik, a short drive north
3. Ghent, Belgium
Bruges Without The Queues
Ghent offers the same canals and stepped gables you find in Bruges, but with a lively student scene and far fewer tour groups. It’s one of the best cities in Europe if you want an authentic atmosphere, and it’s also one of the easiest Europe tourist places to reach by train.
- Best for: Culture lovers, food fans, couples
- Don't miss: Gravensteen Castle in the city centre and the Ghent Altarpiece, which is often called the most-stolen artwork in history
- Good to know: The Graslei waterfront looks especially beautiful at night
- Pair it with: Bruges and Brussels, both under an hour away
4. Matera, Italy
Cave Homes Older Than Rome
The Sassi of Matera are networks of cave homes carved into limestone, inhabited for thousands of years and considered some of the oldest continuously lived-in places in the world. Once dismissed as a slum in the last century, Matera became a European Capital of Culture in 2019.
- Best for: History buffs, couples, film fans
- Don't miss: Seeing the Sassi at dusk when the stones glow, and tasting the local Pane di Matera bread
- Good to know: The No Time to Die Bond car chase was filmed on these streets
- Pair it with: Puglia and the coast, via Bari
5. Colmar, France
A Fairytale Of Canals And Wine
Colmar feels like a painting, with half-timbered houses in pastel colours lining a canal known as Little Venice. As the wine capital of Alsace, it is one of the loveliest Europe tourist places for a relaxed weekend.
- Best for: Couples, foodies, wine lovers
- Don't miss: A flat-boat ride through Little Venice and try a tasting of Riesling or Gewürztraminer wines.
- Good to know: Colmar is the birthplace of Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty.
- Pair it with: Strasbourg and the Alsace wine villages
6. Tallinn, Estonia
A Medieval Time Capsule
Tallinn's old town is one of the best-preserved medieval areas in Europe, with cobbled streets, spires, and turrets. At the same time, the rest of the country is a modern digital nation. Few famous places in Europe mix the 14th century and the future so easily.
- Best for: First-timers, history fans, Christmas-market goers
- Don't miss: The Town Hall Pharmacy, open since 1422, and try marzipan at Café Maiasmokk, which has been around since 1864.
- Good to know: The old town is small, easy to walk around, and especially peaceful when cruise ships are not in town.
- Pair it with: Helsinki, a two-hour ferry across the gulf
7. Český Krumlov, Czechia
A Storybook River Bend
This small town sits in a sharp horseshoe bend of the Vltava River, with the country’s second-largest castle after Prague looking over it. One of the most unusual sights here is the bears that have lived in the castle moat since 1707.
- Best for: Couples, families, photographers
- Don't miss: The painted castle tower and the rare 17th-century Baroque theatre
- Good to know: Most day visitors arrive from Prague by late morning, so consider staying overnight.
- Pair it with: Prague, roughly three hours away
8. Nafplio, Greece
The Country's First Capital
Nafplio was the capital of modern Greece before Athens, and you can still see its history in the Venetian forts and neoclassical streets. It’s one of the best places to visit in Europe to enjoy the Greek mainland without the crowds you find on the islands.
- Best for: Couples, history lovers, self-drive travellers
- Don't miss: Climb the famous 999 steps up to Palamidi, and visit the small island fort of Bourtzi, built in 1473.
- Good to know: Visit during golden hour for the best light and fewer people.
- Pair it with: Athens, plus Mycenae and Epidaurus close by
How Do These Europe Tourist Places Compare At A Glance?
Place | Country | Best for | Ideal season |
Lake Bled | Slovenia | Couples, honeymooners | Late spring to autumn |
Kotor | Montenegro | Slow travel, photos | Late spring and autumn |
Ghent | Belgium | Culture, food | Spring to autumn |
Matera | Italy | History, film fans | Spring and autumn |
Colmar | France | Wine, weekends | Late spring to autumn |
Tallinn | Estonia | First-timers, markets | Summer or December |
Český Krumlov | Czechia | Families, couples | Late spring to early autumn |
Nafplio | Greece | Mainland history | Spring and autumn |
Tribe Travel Tip: These small Europe tourist places work best as extra stops instead of full vacations. Try adding one or two to a longer holiday, like visiting Colmar with Switzerland or stopping in Kotor after Croatia. Planning your holiday by land, rather than booking flights for each leg, gives you more flexibility in choosing where you go.
Ready To Build Your Own Europe Route?
The famous capitals are always worth visiting, but quieter Europe tourist places can make your holiday feel more personal. Each of these eight places offers a calmer, more unique experience and pairs well with the cities you already know. If you prefer some help planning, Holiday Tribe’s advisors can create custom land packages that fit your travel style, the season, and your pace, so everything comes together easily. Visit holidaytribe.ai when you’re ready to turn your shortlist into a real getaway.
