Planning a trip to Europe but not sure where to go? We suggest passing on the most famous destinations of Western Europe this year for a trip off the beaten path in Central or Eastern Europe. These regions are often overlooked in favor of destinations like France or Spain, but they have so much to offer. Not only will you discover some completely new-to-you culture, scenery, and history, but you’ll benefit from cheaper prices and fewer crowds. These are the best underrated cities to visit in Central and Eastern Europe in 2025.
3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Underrated Cities in Central and Eastern Europe in 2025
There are obvious benefits to visiting under-the-radar cities, and they become even more obvious when considering Central and Eastern Europe.
1) First of all, these destinations are much less expensive than most of Western Europe. Since these up-and-coming cities haven’t been discovered by tourists yet, you won’t find as many tourist traps. In addition, prices of accommodation and food will be much lower, allowing for more robust budget travel. These places in Central and Eastern Europe are also less crowded, giving you the opportunity to spread out your itinerary and enjoy your chosen city to the fullest.
2) As a Westerner myself, I find places in Central and Eastern Europe to be more interesting. Their histories and cultures are more foreign to me than Western Europe, and I enjoy learning about them and seeing something unfamiliar on my travels. The differences between these places and my own culture intrigue me, and I think we’d all do better to educate ourselves about the ways of life in places that are not like our own.
3) In addition, overtourism continues to be a concern. Many of Western Europe’s hotspots have become notorious for problems caused by overtourism, like long lines and environmental consequences. The same is beginning to be true for Central and Eastern Europe’s major cities, too, though. Prague, for example, is overrun by tourists especially during summer, to the point where the city continues to pass laws limiting the impact. By opting for these underrated cities to visit in Central and Eastern Europe, you avoid contributing to this issue and bring business to places that need it more.
Best Underrated Cities in Central and Eastern Europe to Visit in 2025
So, we urge you to consider exploring these underrated cities to visit in Central and Eastern Europe this year. There’s beauty in discovering something new, and you can be one of the first to do it.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar’s Stari Most is one of the city’s main attractions.
Closest major airport: Mostar International Airport (OMO)
Alternate route: Fly to Sarajevo (SJJ) and take the train
When you think of a European vacation, Bosnia and Herzegovina may not immediately spring to mind. And, even if it does, your first thought may be the famous capital city of Sarajevo. This once war-torn country has a unique history that draws many curious visitors.
Mostar, however, is known as one of the most picturesque cities not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but in all of the Balkans. Much smaller than Sarajevo and also more affordable, Mostar is home to iconic attractions like the arched medieval (albeit reconstructed) Stari Most, or Old Bridge. Stretching over the Neretva River, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounding this bridge are alleyways lined with shops and markets. For a panoramic view, head up to Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque.
Mostar is located in the Herzegovina region of the country, and this area is famously home to a lot of karst. There are plenty of mountains, unique rock formations, and otherwise beautiful nature to explore when you use Mostar as your base. Jablanica, for example, is located about an hour from Mostar by car and is home to beautiful natural landscapes. Indulge in a hike or a rafting trip before heading into town to visit the museums.
If you’re looking for something more relaxed, head to Čitluk. This small town about 30 minutes away is known as the wine capital of the country. The vineyards have been there since ancient times, and local winemakers have access to indigenous grape varieties that make their wine stand out.
Want to visit the countryside around Mostar but not sure where to start? You can always book a guided day trip.
My Personal Favorite in Mostar
One of my favorite things to do in Mostar was to visit the house museums. The Kajatz House, for example, was built in the 16th century as a residence building. Now, it stands as a museum where you can explore the traditional architecture and furnishings of the times. The Biscevic House is another example–this one is Turkish and features silver and ceramic decor.
Zadar, Croatia
Enjoy the view of Zadar’s beautiful coastline from above.
Closest major airport: Zadar Airport (ZAD)
Alternate route: Fly to Split (SPU) and take the bus
Forget Dubrovnik and Split–Zadar is the place to be in Croatia. Situated in the center of the country on the Adriatic coast, Zadar is an amazing alternative to Croatia’s larger cities. Not only is it much less crowded, but it also offers unique sightseeing opportunities.
Zadar’s most well known attraction is perhaps the Sea Organ, and don’t get us wrong–it’s REALLY cool. We could sit there all day and listen to its music. But there’s so much more to see. Just a short walk away are the UNESCO-designated medieval city walls. Those interested in history should stop by the Church of St. Donatus. After a day of exploring, eat at a konoba, or a traditional tavern, serving up Dalmatian specialties.
Zadar is also the perfect base for exploring nature. The islands of the Zadar archipelago are much less crowded than the mainland and are accessible by ferry, which is an attraction in and of itself. The island of Dugi Otok is home to Telašćica Nature Park–an awe-inspiring place full of majestic cliffs, viewpoints, and an inland salt lake. Ugljan is the closest of the islands, offering beautiful beaches and affordable food. Those not wanting to venture to the islands can opt for sea kayaking around the coast of the mainland.
There are also several parks within a few hours’ drive of Zadar. Krka National Park, for example, is less than an hour away by car or bus. It’s famous for its waterfalls and offers swimming opportunities. For mountain landscapes, head to Velebit Nature Park, about 2 hours away. Rock climbers will enjoy a trip to Paklenica National Park, only 45 minutes away.
My Personal Favorite in Zadar
Nin’s Lagoon beach is about 25 minutes from Zadar by car, and it was certainly worth the Uber ride. It has a few miles of sandy beaches to spread out on, and it has famously warm, shallow, and calm water. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with kids or you just want to spend a day playing games in the water. The view of Velebit mountain doesn’t hurt either!
Gdańsk, Poland
Stroll along the water in Gdańsk.
Closest major airport: Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN)
Alternate route: Fly to Warsaw (WAW) and take the bus or train
The northern coastal city of Gdańsk is certainly a hidden gem of Poland. While the country overall may have a somber history, Gdańsk stands as a beacon of the power, resistance, and strength of the Polish people. Combine this hardy attitude with unique architecture and a beautiful natural landscape and you’ve got a destination you shouldn’t miss.
Situated on the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk is the site of some important history. Its Old Town had to be rebuilt after the destruction of WWII, and as such, it’s also home to the Museum of the Second World War. Fast forward a few decades and the Lenin shipyard in Gdańsk became the site of anti-government protests that accelerated the downfall of Poland’s Communist leader in 1970. Then, in 1980, the Solidarność, or Solidarity union of ship builders, went on strike. This acted as a catalyst for organized resistance to the Communist leadership of the USSR. To learn more about the fascinating history, take a walking tour.
Gdańsk’s Old Town is also the site of Długi Targ, or Long Market, which is filled with colorful shops and restaurants. The 17th-century Neptune Fountain is also nearby. Being situated on the Baltic Sea, the city is also known for its role in the amber trade. You can find plenty of shops selling the gorgeous stuff around town.
The Port of Gdańsk is another must-see, as it’s served as a trade hub since as early as the 10th century. The port is still in operation, and there’s a lovely promenade where you can walk to see all the action and enjoy the view of the sea.
My Personal Favorite in Gdańsk
Can you believe there are also some gorgeous beaches here? While there are plenty to choose from, my favorite is Stogi beach. It’s on the eastern edge of the port and provides plenty of sand to spread out on. There are lifeguards on duty during summer.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Stroll around the Old Town of Vilnius and see the Cathedral Square.
Closest major airport: Vilnius International Airport (VNO)
Alternate route: N/A
Next, we’re headed to the Baltics. Lithuania as a country is super underrated in general, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on its capital: Vilnius. Situated on the Neris River near the Belarusian border, this city stands tall and proud.
The city center of Vilnius is one of the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen. To make sure you see it all, take a walking tour. The colors white and pink stand out in my memories of my summer strolls through the city. Even in July, there weren’t many crowds and the streets were immaculate. The Vilnius Cathedral, a Catholic Church built on an old pagan temple site, dominates the Old Town. The cathedral’s Bell Tower, though, is more of an attraction in my opinion. It has a history museum insdie and incredible views from the top.
Just behind the cathedral perched on a hilltop is Gediminas Castle Tower, which is both a history museum and a beautiful viewpoint. It was here that I learned of “The Baltic Way”, a political demonstration in 1989 during which two million people held hands to form a human chain. It was over 600 km long and linked Vilnius to Riga, Latvia, and Tallinn, Estonia. This inspiring story speaks volumes of the resilience and hardiness of the Baltic people.
And, of course, I have to mention the food. The cepelina, or zeppelin, is the national dish of Lithuania, and boy, is it delicious. These potato dumplings are stuffed with your choice of filling: ground meat, cheese, mushrooms, and more. I discovered that Vilnius also has an abundance of great beer. One of my favorite spots for a drink was Etmonų Špunka because of its unique and lively atmosphere.
My Personal Favorite in Vilnius
I love a good artsy neighborhood, and Užupis is just that for Vilnius. In fact, this bohemian district is a self-proclaimed autonomous zone called the “Republic of Užupis”. It even has its own cheeky constitution, which can be viewed on wall plaques lining the streets. It’s famous for its street murals and eccentric art shops.
Koper, Slovenia
Hit the beach and enjoy the scenery in Koper, Slovenia.
Closest major airport: Trieste Airport (TRS)
Alternate route: Fly to Ljubljana (LJU) and take the bus or train
When you think of Slovenia, Lake Bled is probably the first place that comes to mind, followed by the impossible-to-pronounce capital city, Ljubljana. But Slovenia also lays claim to a small amount of coastline (much to the locals’ dismay–they were constantly saying Croatia stole all of it) wedged between Croatia and Italy. This is where the small beach town of Koper lies.
Koper is a port city on the Adriatic coast whose center is small but mighty. In fact, it’s one of the oldest towns in the country. The main square, Titov Trg, is lined with 15th-century Venetian buildings like the Praetorian Palace and a gorgeous Gothic loggia. It’s also full of cute local boutiques and restaurants where you can try fresh seafood.
The beaches, though, are the main draw. Koper City Beach is the official beach in the city center, so it can often get crowded during summer. But that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the pretty pebbled beach and cooling off. There are a few bars and restaurants nearby where you can grab a drink or some ice cream. The Slovene Riviera is another option, located on the southern edge, and it’s a little more picturesque.
Koper is a great underrated city to visit in Central Europe because it acts as the perfect base to visit other nearby destinations. It’s only a 30-minute drive from the Italian city of Trieste, another coastal city famous for its coffee. Piran, Slovenia, a larger beach town, is only 30 minutes south. Ljubljana is an hour and 15 minutes away, and Lake Bled is a 90-minute drive from Koper. Want to visit both of these on a day trip? We recommend a guided tour.
My Personal Favorite in Koper
There may only be two official beaches in Koper, but there are secluded spots if you look hard enough. We went searching for one of these, and if you decide to do it, proceed with caution–you may end up on private property on a precarious hillside. BUT, it was worth it–only a few other people were stretched on the pebbles and rocks where we ended up. The water was clear blue and we had views of the cliffs and Italy’s coastline.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is situated right on the coast of the bay surrounded by mountains.
Closest major airport: Tivat Airport (TIV)
Alternate route: Fly to Podgorica (TGD) and take the bus
Heading further south, we arrive in Montenegro. This country, as beautiful as it is, somehow gets skipped on must-travel lists in favor of Albania and Croatia. But Kotor is a coastal town not to be missed.
Located in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor, this city is shielded from the chaos and sometimes harsh weather of the Adriatic Sea. This not only makes for calmer waters, but it also gives the city the unique charm that comes with being surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs. Mt. Lovćen dominates the landscape.
Kotor was founded in the 5th century BC and is surrounded by fortified walls that once protected it. Inside the walls, you’ll find picturesque winding streets and alleyways and a medieval Old Town. Or, opt to climb to the top of Kotor Fortress. It’s not an easy climb, but the view of the city and the bay is worth it.
And, of course, the beach is always a good idea. There are plenty of small beaches dotted around the coastline, like Kotor Beach and Kotor Natural Beach. The former is a pebbled beach just a short walk from Old Town, while the latter is typically less crowded.
My Personal Favorite in Kotor
One of the best things to do in Kotor, in my opinion, is to get out on the water. It not only gives you a unique vantage point of the old city and the surrounding mountains, but you can also easily visit other surrounding cities and towns. A boat tour of the Bay of Kotor will bring you to places like Our Lady of the Rocks island and the Blue Cave.
Pristina, Kosovo
The National University Library of Kosovo is a must-visit in Pristina.
Closest major airport: Prishtina International Airport (PRN)
Alternate route: N/A
Kosovo is arguably one of the most interesting places to visit in the Balkans, and where better to go than the capital? Pristina is the largest city in the country and it has a tumultuous history, which made us all the more curious. It used to be the capital of the Serbian state, but most of the population is made up by ethnic Albanians.
As such, Pristina is home to Kosovo’s major cultural institutions. To learn more about the history and culture, visit the Ethnographic Museum and the Kosovo Museum. You can also catch a show at the National Theatre of Kosovo. The National University Library of Kosovo “Pjetër Bogdani” is another must-see, but not only because of the books inside. The exterior is covered in glass geometric structures and there are bubbled domes on the top, making it a sight to see even from the outside.
You should also spend some time on Mother Teresa Boulevard–and it’s a little known fact that Mother Teresa was of Albanian descent. This street in the city center is always brimming with life as it’s lined with cafes and shops. It’s also home to a prominent square where you’ll find statues of the icon herself as well as other important historical figures. If you can, visit on a Sunday, as the road gets closed to traffic and people set up little hangout spots for the day.
It’s also important to dive into the cafe culture and try the local food. The food is an interesting combination of Albanian cuisine with influences from other surrounding regions. Grilled meats and legumes with spices feature heavily, as well as pickled items in the winter. Shaban Grill House is one of the best places to try authentic local food in the city center.
To experience the city with the help of a local, book a guided tour.
My Personal Favorite in Pristina
One of my favorite things in Kosovo was Kurrizi, or The Spine. This is a high-rise apartment building containing not only apartments but also shops stacked on top of each other like the bones in your spine. Built in the 1980s, the upper level extends for almost 4000 meters and contains shops, restaurants, and a walking path. The lower level is a tunnel that was supposed to be for traffic. This unique structure speaks to the way of life in Pristina in the 80s and 90s.
Wrap-up: Best Underrated Cities to Visit in Central and Eastern Europe
There you have it: some of the best underrated cities to visit in Central and Eastern Europe. Whether you’re looking to experience amazing history in Gdańsk, visit gorgeous natural landscapes in and around Mostar, or hit the beach in Kotor, there’s a city here for you. These up-and-coming destinations offer more than meets the eye, and we highly encourage you to explore them for yourself. This entire region is still largely undiscovered by tourists. So, go ahead: beat the rest of the world to it and delve into these under-the-radar cities and more in 2025.
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