Share The Article
Hooty Hoo! That’s the sound of adventure calling this summer, and we all know there’s no better place to hop around country to country than Europe.
Whether it be scenic train rides, island ferries, or quick, cheap flights, Europe is the ultimate summer playground to flip your boss the bird and put your well-deserved PTO to work.
Rather than following the crowds to Paris or convincing Spanish locals you come in peace, why not venture off to the lesser-known for more authentic experiences?
There are 4 emerging cities I have in mind for you, already seeing a significant influx in visitors heading into summer, yet none of them will feel overly crowded like you’d find with the sunburnt hordes gathered outside the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, or Parthenon.
These 4 surprising European cities are surging in popularity:
Tuzla Sees Torrent Of Tourists
Let’s start off with the least known of the quad. Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina (yes, that will be the only time spelling out “Herzegovina” this article), is seeing a 67.9% increase in visitors year-over-year.
Bosnia is off the beaten path for most travelers, but it’s easier to reach than you’d think with plentiful flights to all 4 of the country’s airports. In fact, Wizz Air is set to launch 9 new routes to Tuzla.
Plus, those looking to escape the record-breaking crowds of Croatia have one of Europe’s least known coastlines that is shockingly beautiful just outside the Croatian border on the Bosnia side in the town of Neum.
Google it. You’re welcome.
As for Tuzla, this under-hyped city is a stunning destination in its own right. While not a beach town, this inland city beholds the gorgeous Pannonian Salt Lakes, which are fed by underground salt springs, even offering saltwater waterfalls — it’s a vibrant urban oasis you wouldn’t expect to find.
Beyond the lakes, you’ll discover a picturesque Old Town lush with timeless plazas, intriguing museums, and sidewalk cafes we all love across Europe.
Despite the newfound popularity, Tuzla is still remarkably affordable. Stay at 4-star Grand Hotel Tuzla for $65 or save even more by booking a guesthouse for under $30.
Uncork Ireland’s Second Largest City
There’s been a lot of fuss about Dublin’s expensive prices, especially for travelers. That’s why lesser-known cities such as Galway are losing their “best kept secret” status, becoming more mainstream.
Throw Cork into the equation too. Ireland’s second largest city had its best May ever to cap off spring.
Home to astounding shores likely flashed on your screensaver slides, majestic castles, and of course, classic Irish pubs for a pint of Guinness, you’ll forget Dublin existed.
Most notably, Ireland certainly isn’t a year-round sunny beach getaway, but summer sees warmer weather and extended daylight as late as 10 pm, so your beach days will seemingly never end!
Though, make sure to set aside some time for Cork’s popular summer festivals, including:
- Cork Midsummer Festival
- Cork on a Fork Fest
- Cork Harbour Festival
Come On In, “Or-Hoos” Is Open!
While it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Copenhagen see record numbers, but it certainly is for Aarhus (pronounced Or-hoos), especially with no direct flights here from the U.S.
Europeans have discovered Aarhus’s delights as May was a hot month for this lesser-known city.
Like Cork, Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city, offering more of a laid-back vibe than the bustle of Copenhagen, where you have to keep your head on a swivel to avoid a sea of cyclists.
While Aarhus is certainly known for its bike-friendly streets, it’s more known for being enjoyably walkable through its charming Old Town, Dokk1 harborfront, and the must-visit ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, famous for its “Your Rainbow Panorama” rooftop walk with sweeping views of the cityscape.
Like Copenhagen, Aarhus is also a foodie’s dream with Michelin restaurants and popular Aarhus Street Food market, but if you’re a budget traveler, you may want to look elsewhere…
“Elsewhere” meaning keep scrolling.
Riga’s Rise To Stardom
One of Europe’s cheapest destinations is on the rise, and it has been for quite some time. Digital nomads have flocked here to save some serious cash working from cozy cafes in a city known as the ‘Paris of the Baltics’.
But the remote work craze is not driving tourism; everyone is looking to discover a European gem full of medieval charm and pretty beaches in the summer in nearby Jūrmala.
Riga welcomed nearly 3 million visitors through the first 5 months of 2025, and it’s largely based on the fact of how accessible and affordable it is to fly here.
According to Kayak, there are multiple round-trip flights from the East Coast, such as New York City and Boston, for under $500 this fall.
Once you arrive, you’ll have some of Eastern Europe’s finest architecture with the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings and a stunning Old Town lush with picturesque plazas, timeless cobbled streets, and postcard cathedrals.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
Sign Up To Receive Our Twice Weekly Newsletter With Free Travel Hacks: The Upgrade!
️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor