7 underrated European cities worth visiting

Tengrinews.kz - Many people dream of Paris or Rome, the world's attractions are filled with crowds of tourists, but at the same time there are wonderful places in the world where you can relax without unnecessary fuss. Travel blogger Anna Merabishvili, who knows a lot about such finds, has compiled a list of seven European cities underrated by tourists, according to Dailymail.

27-year-old Anna from London shared her impressions of each of the cities that made it onto her list. She talked about what surprised her the most, and also added descriptions, bright photos and listed what is definitely worth seeing and trying - from the main attractions to the three most interesting entertainments.

"I have traveled to many cities in Europe and these are the cities that I honestly fell in love with, but are not necessarily the most popular to visit," she shared.

Bordeaux, France

"I expected it to be a quiet city, not quite as cool as Paris. We stayed in a hotel on a vineyard and I definitely did not expect the hotel to be so big and luxurious,” said the traveler.

Bordeaux attracts with its energy and cozy atmosphere. The city offers many opportunities for shopping and gastronomic discoveries. It is easy to find unexpected and beautiful places on the streets – from umbrella-decorated alleys to buildings with architecture reminiscent of castles. And wine bars and cafes with outdoor tables create a special mood for strolls.

La Citу du Vin is a place that cannot be missed in Bordeaux. This unique wine museum offers an immersion into the history of winemaking from all over the world. Here you can use all your senses from smell to taste – and finish your visit with a tasting.

For those who want to get out of the city, Anna recommends Saint-Emilion. This small medieval town surrounded by vineyards is famous as one of the of the world's leading wine regions and is ideal for a day trip.

Gdansk, Poland

The traveler said that she did not expect Gdansk to be particularly impressively beautiful, it is a small city in Poland, but she still found it very interesting to explore.

"That my expectations were completely wrong! It was one of the coolest and most beautiful European cities I had been to. I couldn't believe that I had never heard of it," Anna shared.

The city has a very rich history and a lot of influence from Dutch and German cultures, which is reflected in the architecture. It is a young city full of students and cozy places.

The Old Town charms with its architecture and atmosphere. Narrow streets with colorful facades, Neptune's Fountain and views of the river make a walk here unforgettable. Those who want to delve into history should visit the Museum of the Second World War. Its exhibits are touching and reveal in detail the Polish point of view on the events of those years.

In the evening, head to 100cznia, a former warehouse turned food court. During the day, you can try a variety of dishes, and at night, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a street party with industrial charm.

Stockholm, Sweden

A Londoner admits that she knew almost nothing about the city before her trip and expected it to be cold and uncomfortable. However, the reality was completely different.

Anna was surprised by how nice the city was. It was sunny and warm all the time, and people were dining outdoors by the river.

Gamla Stan is the heart of Stockholm and one of the best-preserved medieval areas in Europe. Narrow cobbled streets, colorful buildings and cozy cafes create a special atmosphere. This place is perfect for both walking and shopping, thanks to the many small boutiques.

Don't miss the Vasa Museum, which houses a 17th-century warship that had the misfortune of sinking on its maiden voyage. This almost completely preserved ship stands in the center of the museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to touch the history of maritime adventures and look into the past.

And for lovers of nature and new views of Stockholm, a boat tour of the archipelago is perfect. The fjords surrounding the city offer breathtaking landscapes, and a trip to such attractions as Drottningholm Palace will be a real adventure.

“Visiting the Drottningholm Palace was definitely one of the highlights for me here,” Anna said.

San Sebastian, Spain

Before arriving in the city, Anna had never heard of San Sebastian and did not know that the food there would be so incredible.

“San Sebastian is mostly known for its food, so the food is definitely what blew my mind the most. I loved the tapas bars, the pintxos (snacks), and of course, the Basque cheesecake,” Anna said about the local gastronomy.

San Sebastian is a true paradise for lovers of delicious food. One of the best things to do here is pintxos hopping – a stroll through the city’s bars, stopping for the best pintxos that each of them has to offer. These small, tasty snacks can reveal the entire palette of the city’s gastronomic traditions.

Don’t forget to take the cable car up Mount Igueldo to enjoy magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. And thrill-seekers can ride the roller coaster, which is located right on the mountain, offering a breathtaking view.

For true gourmets, San Sebastian is also a place to try Michelin-starred dishes. With a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in this city, you can count on a meal that will remain in your memory for a long time.

Tbilisi, Georgia

“My whole family is from Tbilisi, so I have been going there since I was very young!” Anna admitted.

Tbilisi can surprise guests with a European atmosphere. The Old Town, with its historic streets and picturesque buildings, is perfect for strolling and taking photos. The city center is very convenient for walking, which can be combined with exploring its beauty. In addition, a taxi in Tbilisi is an inexpensive way to quickly get anywhere.

The Old Town of Tbilisi is a must-see. A walk through this area will give you incredible views, especially if you cross the Peace Bridge and visit Abanotubani, famous for its traditional sulfur baths.

Don't miss the Narikala fortress, which offers the best panoramic view of the city - an ideal place for photos.

Georgian cuisine is a must-try on this trip. Khinkali (dumplings with meat), khachapuri (cheese bread), and pkhali (spinach and walnut dip) - these dishes will be a real discovery for your taste buds. And, of course, don't forget about Georgian wine, because Georgia is the birthplace of winemaking, and it is always at its best here.

Bergamo, Italy

Bergamo's old town was absolutely stunning! Anna loved how vibrant it was, full of little shops, atmospheric restaurants and bars.

Bergamo is a city where history and culture intertwine at every turn. Citta Alta, the old town, is definitely worth exploring. It is located at a height and can be reached by funicular, enjoying not only ancient streets but also stunning views of the modern city.

If you love art, don’t miss the Accademia Carrara, one of the oldest art galleries in Italy. It houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art.

And for true gourmets, a local trattoria is a must-see. Here you can try traditional dishes of the region, such as casoncelli (stuffed pasta with a savory filling) and polenta e osei (a dessert that resembles polenta).

Brescia, Italy

Brescia is another city with a rich history, which, according to Anna, was a real discovery. Brescia reveals new secrets with every step, and it is these small but special moments that make it unique.

This is a city where history literally comes alive. One of the main attractions is the Capitolium and Roman Forum, home to some of the most significant Roman ruins. Not only is this place impressive for its history, but it is also ideal for those who want to capture the grandeur of the past in photographs.

Be sure to check out the Santa Giulia Museum, which is located next to the Capitolium. Here you can learn more about the history of the city and enjoy the architectural wonders, and you should definitely pay attention to the stunningly decorated ceilings of the churches.

End your day with a walk around Brescia Castle, which is located on a hill and offers one of the best views of the city. Not only is it a beautiful place, but it is also a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and the atmosphere of the city.

Previously, we wrote about a tourist from Germany who visited 190 countries. His trip around the world inevitably led him through the most dangerous regions of the planet, and now he shared his impressions of the five most terrible of them. More details here.