Hidden Gems: Underrated European Cities for Backpackers
Cities like Madrid, Paris, Lisbon, Rome, and Berlin all get their shine when it comes to iconic European cities to visit. But Europe is filled with plenty of under-the-radar towns and cities that are worth visiting.
This is a list of hidden gems, and we'll highlight the underrated European cities for backpackers.
Bari, Italy
Being that Italy has loads of historic cities and beautiful coastal towns, it's easy to bypass Bari. Located in the region of Puglia, Bari is a port city that sits on the Adriatic Sea and is filled with beautiful architecture. Bari has a history that goes back to the Bronze Age, and it is also the home of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus). Its Mediterranean climate keeps it warm throughout most of the year, making it a great time to visit during December, when the city celebrates Christmas nearly the whole month with many open-air markets. The summers can get hot in Bari, but the city sits right on the sea, offering plenty of opportunities to cool off and catch some sun. For backpackers, Bari is a great spot because it's not as busy as nearby cities like Naples, and its hostels are affordable. Bari is also an underrated gem because it is easily accessible to historic cities like Matera, as well as Naples, giving backpackers plenty to explore.
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Located in southwest Spain, Jerez de la Frontera is home to the popular dessert wine, sherry. The unique terroir of Jerez makes sherry one of the more interesting wines in Spain, since much of the region was covered by the sea and many vineyards are planted on old fossilized sea beds. But like all of Spain, there’s more than just drinking the local wine to experiencing the country to its fullest. Jerez de la Frontera is also the birthplace of flamenco dancing, and it’s home to many old castles and ruins. The city is walkable, and perfect for a quick day or two getaway from larger cities like Sevilla. It’s also off the beaten path, making it less crowded and touristy than some of Spain’s more popular cities.
Berat, Albania
In general, Albania is underrated as a destination for backpackers. While that is changing, Albania still has plenty of under-the-radar towns that are worth visiting. Berat, known as the “town of a thousand windows” for its stacked white Ottoman houses, makes the list because of its iconic archictecture and beautiful cobbles streets. Getting to Berat from cities like Tirana and Durres is easy, and staying in Berat is cheap compared to other cities in Europe. The city is very walkable and has plenty of winding roads to explore and get lost wandering around. Also worth checking out in Berat is the Berat Castle, which is a hilltop fortress that overlooks the town and dates back to the 13th century. Berat also has several great hostels, making it a top spot for backpackers looking for hidden gems in Europe.
Dresden, Germany
Dresden has become popular for its cool bars and cafes, and a nightlife that gives Berlin a run for its money. With a blend of old and new, Dresden, which was bombed heavily during World War II, combines elements of the past with its new touch of hip and trendy. Despite being reconstructed after the war, Dresden’s unique baroque architecture still stands out, and the city is also home to the ‘Furstenzug’, which is the world’s largest porcelain mural. The city has many cultural events and features live music, as well as great art museums. Bruhl’s Terrace, which is a terrace that stretches above the bank of the river Elbe and is known as “The Balcony of Europe,” is another top attraction for travelers. Dresden also has several great hostels, making it a popular stop-over for travelers and one that can be visited on a budget.
Wroclaw, Poland
An easy stopping point between Berlin and Prague, this small city in Poland is popular for its vibrancy and beautiful architecture. Wroclaw not only has several of must-see attractions like the Mathematical Tower, but it’s also filled with plenty of beer bars and great cafes, which are great for digital nomads. Wroclaw’s colorful Old Town is another place to see, as its cobblestone streets and Market Square make for great people watching and perusing. While walking around Wroclaw, you’ll discover hundreds of miniature brass gnomes, which hang out on street corners and on the Witches’ Bridge. There are different theories about the origins of the gnomes, but they have become the symbol of Wroclaw and are one of the many things that make it unique. Like the other spots on this list, Wroclaw has several great hostels, making it an affordable stopping point while backpacking Europe.
