hidden gems
Last updated: 14 May 2026
written by Daria Trinkhaus, photography by Nico Trinkhaus
A guide to 7 underrated European cities, hidden gems.
In an age when algorithms decide which cities we visit and what we consider beautiful, it is hard to find hidden gems that haven’t been photographed a million times. Paris, Rome and Madrid are the obvious destinations in Europe. Less obvious, however, are Plovdiv, Leipzig and Évora – which doesn’t mean they can’t be just as enchanting as Europe’s major cities.
The list below of 7 underrated European cities includes places where you can discover an ancient stadium beneath an H&M shop. You might wake up early to the singing of locals proudly celebrating the centuries-old tradition of the Palio. Where you’ll suddenly realise you’re sitting in the restaurant where Goethe wrote “Faust”. Or find yourself above the clouds in a place that has maintained its independence since the Middle Ages. Or discover a city where the locals have found not a bloody, but a humorous form of rebellion against the regime.
Table of Contents
Travel Writer
Daria Trinkhaus is a writer, who loves to discover the hidden stories behind each and every place she visits.
1. plovdiv, bulgaria
This photo was taken just after sunset, during that fleeting moment where city lights begin to glow, but the sky hasn’t gone dark yet. The hill on the right is home to the Alyosha Monument, a Soviet memorial that adds a certain gravity to the cityscape especially when its soft lights trace the slope.
The history of this region dates back approximately 8,000 years, and Plovdiv is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The site has been home to the Thracians, Greeks, Byzantines, Romans and Ottomans. Today, this complex history is woven into the fabric of the modern, vibrant city.
bulgarian architecure and decorative arts
This stately building is Plovdiv’s City Hall, located in the heart of Stefan Stambolov Square. The square itself is a historic place once home to Roman baths and later the Ottoman-era Aladzha Mosque, before becoming a civic and cultural center.
Plovdiv, like many European cities (Rome, Prague), is situated on seven hills, meaning that its centre is a charming web of ancient, winding streets. However, it is worth being patient and climbing, for example, to Crafts Street, where craftsmen sell their wares. Stop and admire the Bulgarian murals at Mavlevi Hane (a former Muslim monastery), then visit the ornate Regional Museum of Ethnography and the Hindiyan House.
And when the golden light of the streetlamps illuminates Stefan Stambolov Square in the evening, pause in front of Plovdiv Town Hall and absorb the atmosphere of this bustling city.
An ancient stadium beneath H&M
Plovdiv is a city whose ancient monuments could rival many famous landmarks in Greece or Italy. One of these is the ancient Philippopolis Stadium, situated right in the city centre. The stadium was built in the 2nd century AD, when the city was the capital of the Roman province of Thrace. Interestingly, the stadium lies beneath today’s shopping street and can be accessed, for example, via the H&M shop…
Roman ruins as a playground
The Roman Forum and the Odeon are examples of places where the present is not separated from ancient history. Interestingly, these ruins stand amidst modern buildings, and they are not fenced off; you can enter the site for free. As a result, locals enjoy spending sunny afternoons here, and children play amongst the ruins as if it were a playground.
The Roman Theatre of Philippopolis is the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world. It was built in the 1st century AD. Today, the building is used as a concert venue, and you can enter the site for a small fee. However, if the weather is fine, it’s lovely to sit in one of the cafés at the entrance to the theatre to admire its majesty whilst sipping an afternoon coffee.
2. Wrocław, Poland
Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland. In February 2021, Wroclaw was classified by one of the magazines belonging to the Financial Times to the first place in the report “Global Cities of the Future 2021/2022” in the category of medium and small cities of the world.
Wrocław is currently the third-largest city in Poland after Warsaw and Kraków. And although its culture, history and architecture are unique, it is often overlooked on international tourists’ lists of places to visit. An underrated European city.
Bridges connecting worlds
One December visit, just before Christmas, was particularly magical. Festive ornaments decorated the Tumski Bridge, creating a warm holiday ambiance.
The arch of the Tumski Bridge at Christmas framed Wroclaw Cathedral perfectly, and the lines of the structure seemed to guide eyes straight to it.
Wrocław is commonly referred to as the Venice of the North – the city is situated on 12 islands connected by over 120 bridges and walkways. The bridges themselves are monuments in their own right – some are brass and ornate, others industrial, and still others modern. It is said that Wrocław’s bridges connect different worlds: the historic centre and modern housing estates, or the University and the Gothic Island.
A stroll through the ages and the lantern keeper
Did you know that Wrocław has one of the biggest market squares in Europe and that its city hall is the biggest one in Poland? Well, I didn’t know that before… What I knew however, is that when you close your eyes, you can hear the sounds of the past in the heart of this modern city.
Wrocław has a very complex history. Over time, it has been part of Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Prussia. After the Second World War, the city witnessed significant resettlements of the German and Polish populations. As a result of these political changes, Wrocław’s architecture is an extraordinary mix of styles, and the city’s culture has acquired a unique character compared to other Polish cities.
The Market Square is the beating heart of Wrocław. It is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe, featuring distinctive, colourful townhouses. The focal point of the square is the Gothic Town Hall. It is here, ‘by the pillory’, that locals gather in the evenings to kick off the night.
On the outskirts of the city centre lie the university buildings, with the main building in the late Baroque style and the “Leopoldina Hall” – filled with frescoes, sculptures and gilded details.
The University of Wrocław is one of Poland’s leading academic institutions, attracting students from all over the world. Renowned for its strong research programs and high academic standards, the university offers modern facilities, internationally respected faculty, and a vibrant student community. Its long tradition includes Nobel Prize winners and major contributions to science and culture, creating a unique environment for studying and personal growth.
Founded more than 300 years ago by Emperor Leopold I Habsburg, the university began as a Jesuit school before evolving into one of the largest universities in Poland. After World War II, professors from Lvov played a key role in rebuilding and developing its faculties, some of which eventually became independent universities themselves.
Just nearby lies Ostrów Tumski – the oldest part of the city. It is an island with a peaceful, almost sacred atmosphere. The dominant architectural style is Gothic, and the main landmark is St John the Baptist’s Cathedral, dating from the 13th to 14th centuries.
Interestingly, the street lamps on Ostrów are lit by hand every day by a lantern keeper.
Cathedral Island and Tumski Bridge, located in the middle of Wrocław, Poland, is a scenic enclave of historical significance.
Surrounded by cobblestone pathways and medieval structures, mesmerized me as a reminder of the city’s rich history The practice of a lamplighter lighting the gas street lamps each evening added an aura of enchantment to the scene.
Wrocław’s dwarves and a weapon against the regime
Undeniably, the most charming feature of Wrocław is its dwarves. These are figurines barely reaching knee height. Each one has its own name, profession and attribute. Today, there are said to be as many as 1,000 dwarves scattered throughout the city. Universities, institutions and companies fund them.
The dwarves were created in honour of the Orange Alternative. This was a resistance movement against communism in the 1980s. Its activists used humour to expose the absurdities of the authorities of the time. And so, for example, they painted over political slogans on the streets with dwarf figures. We can only imagine how comical the sight must have been when the militia chased a ‘vandal’ dressed as a dwarf.
The Legend: According to local mythology, the bridge’s name, “Witches’ Bridge,” comes from the souls of young ladies who, during their mortal lives, favored dancing and chasing men above getting married and taking care of the house. Their ghosts were sentenced to spend all of eternity sweeping the small bridge as retribution.
The Dwarfs: Martynka and Tekla are permanently positioned on the railing of the bridge. They are perfectly shown gazing over the breathtaking, red-tiled panoramic vistas of the Market Square and the city skyline while one holding broom with a cat by her feet.
3. Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane, a little town at the base of the Tatra Mountains. Attracting visitors eager to discover its stunning scenery, rich history, and exciting outdoor adventures. Poland’s winter capital boasts a population of about 27,000 people.
From panoramic views from Gubałówka hill to hiking across the snow-covered Strążyska Valley, my trip to Zakopane in snow was full of remarkable events all while capturing the magic via my lens.
Zakopane is well known and much loved by Poles. However, apart from the occasional word of Slovak or Czech, it is rare to hear any other foreign languages spoken on its streets. Yet the town’s atmosphere is no different from that of other Alpine resorts.
Poland’s avant-garde Montmartre
The Chapel on Gubałówka in Zakopane is not just a scenic landmark; it is a symbol of faith and perseverance. Designed as a votive tribute in 1961 by Marianna and Władysław Bachleda, the chapel is evidence of their thanks for surviving the devastation of World War II.
Zakopane lies at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. These are the only mountains of an Alpine nature in Poland. The first mentions of Zakopane date back to the 18th century, when it was merely a small mountain settlement. However, in the 19th century, Polish painters and writers discovered its unique character. And soon Zakopane became a destination for the Polish intellectual elite, just as Montmartre in Paris was for the French avant-garde.
The greatest influence on Zakopane’s popularity in the 19th century was Stanisław Witkiewicz (painter, writer, art critic) and his son “Witkacy” (philosopher, avant-garde writer and painter). Witkiewicz was fascinated by the folk culture of the highlanders, and it is he who is credited with creating the Zakopane style.
The main features of the Zakopane style are: wood as the primary building material, characteristically steep roofs, large wooden verandas welcoming guests, and breathtakingly rich carvings of plant and geometric motifs.
A modern resort and the quest for authenticity
A little about Kasprowy Wierch for those who don’t know it yet. Kasprowy Wierch, a peak with a height of 1987m, is located in the Western Tatra Mountains. It is located on the Polish-Slovakian border. It has been visited for a long time, but only in recent decades has it earned the title of the most visited mountain peak in the area.
Perhaps partly because the route to the summit is quite accessible (which doesn’t mean super light – and you should have suitable footwear too). Or maybe partly because you can get to Kasprowy Wierch by gondola.
Zakopane is a modern resort, a hub for winter sports and a base for exploring the Tatra Mountains. The most beautiful spots in the Tatras accessible from Zakopane include: Morskie Oko, the Valley of Five Lakes. Kasprowy Wierch and Gubałówka peaks can be reached by cable car. And one cannot fail to mention Giewont – a peak that many Poles secretly dream of conquering.
It was our second visit in Zakopane in Poland. We were already visiting Tatra Mountains in November 2014, when “halne” winds just started to blow. This time we wanted to see Tatra in summer and hike a bit without risk of being blown out by a wind.
In August we could climb up to picks, as for example to “Kasprowy Wierch”. However not only reaching the pick astonished us, those views on the way, as this Cabin in Hala Gasienicowa were the main attraction for us.
Modern-day Zakopane, however, is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, the residents of Zakopane strive to preserve the authenticity of highlander culture – in language, music, mentality and cuisine. On the other hand, like any resort, the town is adapting to modern tourists and their commercial expectations.
And although Zakopane is mainly known amongst Poles, it has not yet been discovered by international tourists. Perhaps that is why it is worth hurrying to see this place whilst its authenticity still intertwines with reality.
4. Leipzig, Germany
The city of Leipzig, Germany, was shrouded in a tranquil silence, broken only by the occasional distant sound. A thick blanket of darkness still lay over the city, but the early morning chill was a reminder of the upcoming sunrise.
Leipzig’s New Town Hall, with its rich history and stunning architecture, is a symbol of the city’s vibrant past. Each brick and stone tells a tale of times gone by, adding to the allure of the building. The structure’s impressive presence is an embodiment of Leipzig’s resilient spirit and enduring charm.
Leipzig was Johann Sebastian Bach’s beloved city. It was here that the musician composed his works for over 25 years. For centuries, Leipzig was an important hub on trade routes and a gathering place for the young intelligentsia. In the 18th century, the city was even called “Little Paris” (“Klein-Paris”). Today, however, one gets the impression that little is heard of it on international tourist forums. And wrongly so.
A former centre of trade, science and culture
Doing Cityscape photography during Christmas Days is both a blessing and a curse. The good: You find a lot of beautiful Christmas decorations that give a lovely and unique touch to the images. The bad: Big town squares are often inaccessible due to temporary Christmas markets. Both had been the case at the Old City Hall in Leipzig.
Leipzig was granted town privileges as early as 1165, and thanks to its strategic geographical location, it quickly became one of the most important commercial centres in Central Europe.
In 1409, the University of Leipzig was established – one of the oldest in Europe. From that time onwards, the city attracted not only merchants, but also scholars, artists and musicians. And thanks to the work of Johann Sebastian Bach, Leipzig also became one of the most important musical centres in Germany.
Where Faust was born
As soon as we arrived in Leipzig, we got hungry. I did a quick Tripadvisor research and found a restaurant called “Auerbachs Keller” in the Mädlerpassage. So off we went to explore the city centre of Leipzig.
Here’s the story about the restaurant that we accidentally chose for our dinner during the one-night stay in Leipzig: When Goethe was a student, this was where he enjoyed his beers. Here, he noticed the two paintings about Dr. Faustus. And so, ultimately, in his legendary Faust, the Auerbach Keller, becomes the only referenced location from the real world.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a writer known worldwide, arrived in Leipzig in 1765. It was here that he began his law studies and experienced his first loves and heartbreaks. It was in Leipzig that he began his literary career and started work on a project that would occupy him for 60 years of his life.
At that time, Goethe was particularly fond of Auerbach’s Keller. This restaurant is also the setting for one of the most famous scenes in “Faust”, where the alchemist Faust and the devil Mephistopheles encounter a group of partying students. This scene was intended to highlight the contrast between the students’ earthly lives and the philosophical search for meaning.
Interestingly, Auerbach’s Keller still exists today. And if you’re lucky enough to find a free table, you can sit where the young Goethe probably sat, writing the first scenes of his monumental work.
19th-century flair and modern art
Leipzig‘s Central Station at Christmas in Germany looks completely different early in the morning. I went to shoot this photo on a winter morning just after 7am, when the city was still quiet and the light was soft. That time of day matters to me, especially in winter, because everything feels calmer and more honest.
I have always liked cobblestones, so I went low with the composition. I wanted to pull more detail out of the stones and let the road naturally lead toward the train station. Being closer to the ground made the scene feel more immersive, almost as if you are walking into the frame yourself.
Leipzig’s architecture is characterised above all by richly decorated 19th-century townhouses, inspired by earlier eras (the Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic). The era of industrialisation also left its mark on Leipzig’s architecture. Today, this industrial space is being restored and is becoming home to Leipzig’s growing arts scene.
5. Évora, Portugal
Legend says that on the land where the Espinheiro Monastery now stands, the Virgin Mary appeared in a burning bush. The site has since become a destination for numerous pilgrimages.
To honour this place, the Order of Saint Jerónimo built a church here in the 15th century, and later a convent. The convent gained its splendour from the visits of several Portuguese kings. For their needs, special rooms were built where the royal family could stay overnight.
Évora is situated in the Alentejo region and is one of Portugal’s best-preserved historic towns. In 1986, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an exceptional example of a city where successive layers of European history have been preserved — from Roman times to the modern era. Despite its historical significance, however, it is mainly the locals who stroll through its ancient streets. It is a definately an uderrated European city.
The Roman past: an integral part of the city
As early as Roman times, during the reign of Emperor Augustus (1st century BC), ‘Liberalitas Julia’ was an important administrative and commercial centre of the province of Lusitania. It is from this period that the well-preserved Roman temple ‘Templo de Diana’ dates. The temple, with its Corinthian columns, stands right in the centre and is a natural, open part of the urban landscape. Interestingly, traces of the games played here in ancient times can still be seen on some of its stones.
Other traces of the Roman presence include fragments of the city walls and the remains of baths hidden beneath the modern city.
A model of architecture for the overseas colonies
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Évora was one of the most important royal residences, a major centre of culture and sciences, and exerted a significant influence on Portugal’s development during its period of power.
Interestingly, Évora’s buildings became an inspiration for colonial architecture. As noted by UNESCO, Évora’s architectural style influenced cities built by the Portuguese outside Europe, for example, in South America and Africa.
“We, the bones that are here, await yours”
More than 5000 bones cover the walls and columns of this Chapel of Bones in Évora. These bones come from the medieval graves of the town’s burghers. The whole structure holds thanks to the cement that burns the bones arranged in various patterns.
This is the inscription above the entrance to the Church of Bones in Évora. The Capela dos Ossos is the city’s most famous attraction. The chapel is lined with human bones and skulls. The Franciscans created this place at a time when the surrounding cemeteries were becoming overcrowded. Its significance carried a typically Baroque message: “memento mori”. Life is fragile, and death affects everyone.
The leisurely life of the Alentejo and the royal bed
The pace of life in Évora is typical of the entire Alentejo region — unhurried, in harmony with nature, and slightly nostalgic. In this city, there is none of Lisbon’s hustle and bustle or Porto’s urgency, and life goes on at its own pace. Nor is there a throng of tourists. Évora is truly an underrated city on the international stage.
The Alentejo is one of Portugal’s warmest regions, which means that summer afternoons are almost sleepy, and the town only comes to life in the evenings, when locals gather in the local cafés and restaurants. Alentejo cuisine is very rustic — based on olive oil, bread, herbs and local wines.
We discovered that it became a normal thing in Portugal to run hotels in historical places. One such hotel is the Convento do Espinheiro, just outside Évora in Alentejo.
From Lisbon, it’s just a one-hour drive. It quickly became our weekend getaway spot when we felt we need to clear our minds.
You arrive at Convento do Espinheiro and you feel set back in time. If you stay in the old quarters – as we always do – then you’ll stay exactly where the Monks used to live. Or, if you go for the suite, where the kings resided.
In Évora, you can also stay overnight in a place where kings once slept, for example, at the Convento Espinheiro hotel — a former convent where the Portuguese royal family used to stay.
6. Siena
Piazza Il Campo in Siena is a very bustling place but before the sun rises it becomes very tranquil. At this time, eyes are not distracted by the day life of the city, you can focus on the details of the composition above. Until you see the sun-star on your screen and the square begin to “wake up” again.
The first city that springs to mind when thinking of Tuscany is Florence. Yet Siena, the centuries-old rival of the city of the Medici, is often overlooked or treated merely as a day trip. Yet it is Siena that has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a rare example of a coherent medieval urban vision. Siena’s architecture, culture and traditions (including the Palio di Siena) are undoubtedly worthy of greater attention.
The Nephews of Rome’s Founder and Other Stories
The area around Siena was originally settled by the Etruscans around the 9th to 4th centuries BC. Legend has it that Siena itself was founded by Senius and Aschius, the nephews of Romulus, the founder of Rome and the murderer of their father Remus.
Siena reached the height of its importance during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when it functioned as an independent republic. The city’s economy was then based mainly on wool production, which was exported throughout Europe. Additionally, its location at the crossroads of many trade routes fostered its development. It was during this period that Siena began to rival Florence, leading to numerous conflicts later known as the ‘Italian Wars’.
We soaked in the city’s spectacular views from our charming hostel, which was conveniently located in the heart of town. I headed out to photograph Siena Cathedral in all its colorful glory as the sun rose over the city, providing a gentle golden light that illuminated the entire area. While looking up at the tall towers and intricate marble carvings on the front of the building, the sacredness and artistic ambiance of this place struck me.
A medieval rivalry between the town’s residents
The Palio di Siena is a horse race whose tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. Siena was traditionally divided (and still is) into 17 districts known as ‘contrade’. These are neighbourhoods, each represented by a symbolic animal. And truly. The people of contrade take pride in their distinct identity.
It is during the Palio that the rivalry between the contrade is at its greatest. From the 17 contrade, 10 are drawn at random to field their horses in the race. The Palio takes place twice a year – on 2 July and 16 August – and although the race itself may last a mere 90 seconds, the preparations and celebrations go on for days.
On race day, you may wake up early in the morning to the sound of loud drums and the stirring singing of the contrada as they go to pray or escort their horses to Piazza del Campo. The processions of residents in traditional costumes, in the colours of their districts, are a spectacular sight. Crowds of locals pass through the medieval streets of Siena, following the age-old customs of their ancestors. This event is not for tourists, but for the city’s traditions and honour.
7. San Marino
The complex of the city walls, three towers and the city centre of San Marino itself was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gossip however, is that it’s the least visited country in the world.
San Marino is formally a state. However, at its heart lies its capital of the same name – Città di San Marino. The town is situated on Monte Titano (739 m) and has a population of around 4,000. The historic centre of San Marino’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And although it is a popular destination for Italians, San Marino is definitely underrated on the international stage.
A European symbol of independence
San Marino has been inscribed on the UNESCO list as a symbol of the unbroken tradition of an independent republic dating back to the Middle Ages. This does not mean, however, that no one has ever attempted to subjugate the country. Yet its modest territory, mountainous location, sturdy fortifications and, above all, San Marino’s peaceful nature and diplomatic neutrality have ensured that the state has retained its independence for centuries.
A City in the Clouds
To reach the historic centre of Città di San Marino, you must drive along winding mountain roads, with adrenaline and the sensation of pressure in your ears being constant companions on this journey. However, once you reach the summit, you feel as though you have been transported to another world. From numerous vantage points, you can admire an unparalleled view of the Italian landscape and the Apennine Mountains. And at sunrise, you feel as though you are standing above the clouds in crystalline light, with fresh mountain air in your lungs.
Palazzo Pubblico, is otherwise known as the “public palace”. This 19th-century building is the seat of government of San Marino, a country surrounded by Italy. Its representation can be found on the two-euro coin.
San Marino is a fascinating country. It is only 62 square kilometres in size and has 33,000 inhabitants. It seems to be an ordinary city, one could think. However, crossing its border, you will feel like you are in a different world. It is worth mentioning that the centre is located on the neck of the mountain “Titano” with a height of 739 meters above sea level. So when you enter the city, you get the feeling that you will soon reach the clouds. In addition, in the city itself, the pride of “libertà” – freedom/independence almost floats in the air.
Its mountainous location and the absence of wars have meant that the historic centre has largely retained its medieval and Renaissance character. The main tourist attractions are, of course, the historic defensive walls with three towers, the Guaita fortress, the Palazzo Pubblico (the seat of government), numerous gates, bastions and the Basilica of San Marino.
Summary
Plovdiv, Wrocław, Zakopane, Leipzig, Évora, Siena and San Marino share a history dating back to antiquity. These places are of immense significance not only for the countries in which they are located, but also for the whole of Europe – its history and present day. And yet one gets the impression that these cities are popular only amongst local tourists.
Meanwhile, if we were to look at how the inhabitants of these places have adapted to almost tectonic shifts in civilisation, how proudly they preserve their culture and interpret the past, maybe we could learn more than from a visit to Paris or London.
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P.S. Every now and then, one subscriber wins a signed fine art print — a small thank you for being part of this journey.