| The title says it all: below we’ve rounded up ten amazing cities we’ve overlooked time and again in favour of the biggies. Why should places like Paris, Rome and London get all the love? There’s no need to abandon your favourites, but next time you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, consider making a side trip to Leiden as well – or forgo a day in Venice for a taste of Verona. There’s much magic to be found in Europe’s smaller cities! | 
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Ghent, Belgium
Ghent (or Gent, as it's known in Flemish) was once Europe's largest medieval city outside of Paris. Today it's a beautiful and lively university town, intersected by peaceful canals and a well-preserved medieval centre. Ghent is full of striking architecture and some of Belgium’s best museums, but remains pleasantly free of the tourist crowds that converge on nearby Bruges. As the Lonely Planet writers put it, Ghent is “small enough to be cosy, but big enough to stay vibrant.” A bonus for the non-meat-eaters among us: Ghent, already home to many of Belgium’s most talented chefs, is also recognised as the “vegetarian capital” of Europe!
Lecce, Italy
There’s a reason why the Italian city of Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South.” The narrow, maze-like streets of this harbour city overflow with a symphony of Baroque-era churches, whose imaginative and rich ornamentation earned the style the official name “Leccese Baroque." Lecce also dazzles visitors with its robust, rustic food and wine, and is packed with the pleasures of upmarket boutiques, cafes and antique shops. You won’t want to miss this gem of Apulia (the “heel” of Italy)!
Riga, Latvia
Once dubbed "the Paris of the East," Riga has a timeless elegance that enchants every traveler lucky enough to visit this Latvian capital. Riga's entire Old Town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and the city’s bustling Central Market is one of the largest in Europe; buy some fresh bread and produce here then enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the city's lovely green parks. Be sure to visit 800-year-old St. Peter's church - and climb to the top of its spire for splendid views of the city below.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
In 2012, National Geographic described Belfast as "a capital that is redefining itself in the eyes of the world". Once considered a place for travelers to avoid, this great Northern Irish city has pulled off a remarkable transformation. Victoria Square, Europe’s biggest urban regeneration project, has enhanced the vitality of the city’s urban core, and added to a list of tourist attractions that includes Victorian architecture, a phenomenal culinary scene and the UK’s second biggest arts festival…plus some of the friendliest people you’ll find in all of Europe.
Gothenburg, Sweden
The charming harbour city of Göteborg is stepping out from behind Stockholm’s shadow, and makes a delightful introduction to Sweden. Running along the Göta River, the city boasts heritage sites and modern museums, an incredible array of parkland and a humming grassroots cultural scene that feeds much of what happens in Stockholm. Window shop along Kungsportsavenyn Boulevard - Gothenburg's answer to the Champs Élysées, and visit Göta Square, the city's cultural heart, where you can find the Concert Hall, Art Museum and City Theatre. If it's a sunny day, a boat ride along the Göta älv is a great way to see the city from the water - or go farther afield and visit the pretty island of Brännö.
Porto, Portugal
Porto has a long history as Lisbon's rival to the North, but this enchanting Portuguese city holds its own as a tourist destination. Sitting pretty among the hilly landscape at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto welcomes visitors looking for history, culture and a good glass of port wine. Start your day with a wander through the Ribeira District’s narrow, cobbled streets, pausing for a cup of coffee and pastel de nata at one of many inviting cafes. Walk across the 19th century Ponte de Dom Luis Bridge to visit Porto's other half - the port-soaked Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you can tour one of the many ancient port wine cellars, learn about the beverage's history and sample some of the rich red liquid for yourself.
Leiden, Netherlands
The city of Leiden is a lovely place to immerse yourself in Dutch architecture, history and horticulture. Once home to Rembrandt, the small city is proud of its artistic legacy and boasts many galleries and museums that rival those of Amsterdam. It’s a compact, lively and walkable city, where a stroll will take you along the city's charming canals and past its many attractive old buildings. See where Rembrandt lived, and wander through the campus of the Netherlands' oldest university.
Strasbourg, France
Hasn’t Paris received enough attention already? Alsace is a peaceful and beautiful part of France nestled near the Franco-German border between the Vosges and the River Rhine. The city of Strasbourg is the region's intellectual and cultural capital, boasting a veritable living museum of gothic cathedrals and half-timbered buildings in its historic centre. Visitors to the city are awed by the 14th century masterpiece at the heart of town: the immense and intricate Cathédrale Notre-Dame, whose lofty spires have wowed the likes of Victor Hugo and Goethe. Either walk around the city's historical centre or rent a bike: Strasbourg is one of Europe's most cycle-friendly cities. Couple its charm with the fabulous Alsatian food and you’ll be left wondering what took you so long to leave Paris!
Split, Croatia
You want history? Head – lickety-split – to Split, Croatia. Built around Diocletian's Palace, a nearly 2000-year-old relic of the Roman Empire, this is a city begging to be explored. The heart of Split is the city's majestic cathedral that rises from within the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace. Built upon the octagonal base of a Roman Mausoleum, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius is a testament to many eras of Western history, from Roman Times, through to the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Of course Split’s location along the sunny Dalmatian Coast is another bonus; a quick hop takes you to the nearby islands of Brač, Vis and Hvar.
Verona, Italy
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene... The chorus that opens Shakespeare's great tragedy makes it impossible to separate Verona from the love story of Romeo and Juliet. And the cries of the Capulets and Montagues may well ring out in your imagination as you wander through the enchanting streets of "little Rome". See the Casa di Giulietta believed to be the inspiration for Juliet's famous balcony scene. And don't miss the Piazze delle Erbe which buzzes with market vendors and teems with ornate Baroque buildings. In the summer months, take advantage of Verona's spectacular open air Opera House (a 1st century AD Roman Arena) to listen to live performances under the stars. |
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