Skip the crowds at these 20 spectacularly underrated European cities

Europe has a greater appeal than ever – in 2025, the Continent welcomed a record 793 million international visitors – but it’s also never been more unevenly loved. For every Parisian and Venetian who loves tourists – and their business – there are droves more who would happily never again hear the clack-clack of suitcases on cobblestones or clumsy attempts to order a beer in the vernacular.

Three of the most visited cities are trying to manage their popularity: Venice now has a peak day access fee, Amsterdam aims to have fewer than 20 million overnight visitors annually, and Barcelona wants to phase out holiday rental apartments by 2028 . As a result, the most well-known alternatives – the likes of Milan, Porto and Rotterdam – are getting even busier.

So, what’s the next step for savvy travellers? Why, seek out these countries’ splendid third cities, of course: places which are often culturally rich, historically important and big enough to sustain a long-weekend visit, but where you’ll also encounter lower prices, shorter queues and locals delighted to show off the charms of their neighbourhood. Overcrowded capital cities are going nowhere. Time to go somewhere new.

The Rhine is the lifeblood of this city; walk alongside it, swim in it and watch the world go by as you sip a spritz at one of its many riverside buvettes (snack stands). “The river is the city’s living room,” says Basel-born resident Marco Greiner. “On a warm summer evening, you might see an office worker, student or chief executive floating downstream, side by side.” Less showy than Zurich or Geneva, Switzerland’s third-largest city sits where Switzerland, France and Germany meet and has one of Europe’s best museum scenes, excellent galleries and design shops and a handsome old town. Where to stay Der Teufelhof Basel, from $440 a night. See teufelhof.com

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While not as stately as Stockholm, nor as grand as Gothenburg, Sweden’s third-largest city is youthful, diverse and the perfect size for a short break. Explore cobbled squares, Nordic cafes, canals, design shops and parks dotted with themed playgrounds; swim outdoors at Ribersborgs Kallbadhus and navigate by way of the distinctive Turning Torso skyscraper. Martin Karyd, co-owner of the popular Malmo Saluhall, believes his food market in particular offers an authentic flavour of daily Swedish life: “People, food and languages mix from all over the world here, and that’s when you feel the city’s energy.” Where to stay MJ’s Hotel, from $240 a night. See mjs.life

The third-city appeal of Ghent combines medieval charm with the energy of university students and a fast-growing tech scene, fuelled by one of Belgium’s biggest universities and a steady flow of start-ups. Soak up the grandeur of gabled houses, the Gravensteen castle and St Bavo Cathedral’s 15th-century altarpiece by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Tap into everyday Flemish life by way of waterside bars, vibrant street art and independent shops.