Best-kept secret European destinations – The Points Guy

There’s nothing quite like a summer spent hopping around Europe. With millennia of history, some of the best restaurants in the world and top-notch museums, there are plenty of places to explore, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth. Unfortunately, those same wonderful qualities attract masses of tourists, especially during the summer high season.

This summer is expected to be no different, with hordes of travelers forecast to flock to popular destinations across the continent, including for events like the Paris Olympics. But while cities like Venice, Italy, and Amsterdam hope to limit overtourism by taking steps such as implementing tourism taxes, there are many underrated destinations in Europe where you can avoid the crowds while still getting a dose of nature, culture and fun.

Walk along the roofline of the Gothic-style Duomo and enjoy an early evening aperitivo in Milan, a city many travelers skip on a first-time trip to Italy. Or, hike wildflower-lined paths while exploring the Swiss mountains in Engelberg, which sits just about two hours from Zurich. Leave the crowds of Paris behind and travel just a couple of hours north to the small French city of Rouen, which features picturesque medieval architecture, or eat your way through Brussels with enough chocolate shops and funky lambic beer to entice any foodie.

These are the most underrated destinations in Europe and what not to miss while visiting.

Most underrated small city: Rouen, France

Rouen is an ancient city in Normandy that was settled by Vikings as a key port along the Seine. Over the course of several hundred years, the medieval city hosted famous names from Richard the Lionheart to Joan of Arc, who met her untimely demise in Rouen in 1431.

Today, Rouen features plenty for visitors to do, including admiring many cathedrals — like its very own Notre Dame — and savoring delectable dishes at La Couronne, a cozy, low-slung dining room visited by Julia Child herself; the latter has been welcoming guests since 1345 and holds the distinction of being the oldest inn in France. You can also tour the Gros-Horloge astronomical clock tower to see 14th-century machinery and the earliest town bells, go for a stroll along the Seine and visit the masters at Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen.

What not to miss: Learn about one of the city’s most famous and tragic figures at the Historial Jeanne d’Arc museum, located where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death. Then, walk over to the Eglise Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc, a modern church built next to the spot where she was burned at the stake.

Where to stay: The Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection is housed in a 15th-century edifice featuring 78 rooms with wood-paneled walls, a grand courtyard steeped in history and a 7,500-square-foot spa complete with an indoor pool, a steam bath and a sauna. The spa is a great spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Rates at the Hotel de Bourgtheroulde start at $213 or 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Most underrated big city: Milan

Milan is often overlooked in favor of Florence or Rome, but you’d be remiss to not consider a visit. The city not only has enough cultural attractions to satisfy any museum lover; it also has the energy of a major city like New York or London and all that comes with it. Hop around town on the metro, which conveniently stops near many of Milan’s most popular attractions, or explore on foot, stopping for a midafternoon espresso to down while standing up at a coffee bar like the locals do.

Milan expertly blends old and new, from fabulous designer shopping and cool vintage and consignment boutiques (don’t leave the city without hunting for a great deal on some designer threads at DMAG) to historic landmarks like the stunning Gothic Duomo. For fans of the arts, check out Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” which was painted on the wall of a convent in the late 1400s, or catch a performance at the Teatro alla Scala, a breathtaking 18th-century architectural masterpiece. Take advantage of Milan’s serious aperitivo culture, which pairs small bites with classic cocktails, or grab a glass of wine at one of the lively bars dotting the canal in the city’s Navigli district.

What not to miss: Take in a bird’s-eye view of the city from the top of the Duomo, which offers the unique opportunity to walk along the roofline. Unlike its famous Florence counterpart, this Duomo has an elevator to the top, so you won’t have to hoof it up the stairs.

Where to stay: Portrait Milano is a luxury hotel with 73 stylish rooms and suites set inside a 500-year-old former seminary. It sits just steps from some of the most high-end shops in the city. For the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle, book a suite overlooking the hotel’s tranquil garden, complete with elegant deep red accents and striking marble bathrooms. Rates at Portrait Milano start at $990 per night.

Most underrated nature gateway: Inverness, Scotland

This small city sits in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, a breathtaking region full of craggy mountains, green rolling hills and pristine — almost mystical — lochs. If you hope to explore the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye or spend time looking for Nessie herself, you will probably first stop in Inverness. The city, which is easily accessible by train from Edinburgh and often serves as a jumping-off point for tours of the Highlands, features plenty of cute local shops and restaurants, too.

Stroll through The Victorian Market, a shopping arcade and food hall housed in a building dating back to 1890, take a walk along the fast-flowing River Ness or grab a beer or whisky at the Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery, a “brewstillery” that opened in 2023 and offers guided tours. Fancy a bite? Check out The Mustard Seed, which sits in a former church building on the banks of the river and serves up takes on Scottish favorites like chicken stuffed with haggis.

For travelers planning ahead, the city’s castle, which once served as its prison and courthouse, will be transformed into The Inverness Castle Experience, an interactive celebration of the Highlands, when it opens in 2025.

What not to miss: Slip into Leakey’s Bookshop, a two-story used bookstore proffering a dizzying array of volumes piled high to the ceiling. The shop is an institution and has been selling books for more than 40 years.

Where to stay: Ness Walk Hotel occupies a former 19th-century home along the River Ness and welcomes guests to relax by a cozy fire, indulge in a spot of afternoon tea or tour the world of Scottish whisky with a flight of drams. The hotel has 47 rooms with richly upholstered headboards, marble bathrooms and views over the river or gardens. Rates at the Ness Walk Hotel start at $206 per night.

Most underrated mountain destination: Andorra

This landlocked country sits deep in the Pyrenees mountains, sandwiched between France and Spain, and is one of the smallest countries in Europe at just about 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. But what Andorra lacks in size it more than makes up for in soaring peaks, bubbling streams, outdoor sports and thermal spas. While the capital of Andorra la Vella may look a bit like an airport duty-free shop thanks to its many outlets purveying electronics and luxury goods, more than 90% of the country is still forested.

Andorra’s “Sound of Music”-esque mountains come to life in winter when the skiing is good — the largest ski resort, Grandvalira, has more than 130 miles of skiable slopes. However, in the summer, you can try your hand at cycling or even walk across the entire country thanks to a network of over 100 easily accessible mountain trails. Or, sit back at the end of a long day with a glass of high-altitude wine from one of the local vineyards.

What not to miss: Relax in a sprawling thermal spa at Caldea. The complex comprises multiple spaces, including the indoor-outdoor Thermoludic spa. The family-friendly facility features a panoramic lagoon with views of the Gran Valira river, an indoor lagoon with waterfalls, a hammam and an Icelandic bathing suite with both very cold and very hot water features.

Where to stay: Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa is a luxury lodge offering ski-in, ski-out access to the Grandvalira ski resort and 135 suites with warm wood paneling and stunning mountain views. It’s also home to eight restaurants and a 53,000-square-foot spa and wellness center complete with an impressive hydrotherapy circuit that’s complimentary for hotel guests. Rates at Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa start at $296 per night.

Most underrated island: Naxos, Greece

The largest of the Cyclades, family-friendly Naxos is excellent for a relaxed beach vacation. While it may not be as popular as Mykonos or Santorini, the island offers something for everyone.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the plentiful mountain biking and hiking trails — Mount Zas is the highest mountain of the Cyclades, with an elevation of more than 3,200 feet, and even features its own stalagmite caves — while sunseekers will love the long, sandy beaches, like Agios Prokopios, which is great for kids since its southern exposure protects against north winds and rough seas. Leave the beach to explore archaeological ruins like the nearly 20-foot-high Portara; it was built as the entryway to an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo and now makes a great photo op. Or, stroll Naxos’ cute towns, such as Apeiranthos, a mountain village with marble-paved alleyways.

What not to miss: Try your hand at windsurfing at Laguna Beach Park, where shallow water and a natural reef make for calm conditions. If you’re a pro, there’s an area for you, too, with plenty of wind and choppy waters to cut through.

Where to stay: Naxos Island Hotel is just across from Agios Prokopios and features both a rooftop pool with sweeping sea views and a rooftop restaurant. Larger groups will especially love the family rooms. They include two rooms and a private Jacuzzi complete with a Naxian marble bathroom and locally made wooden furniture. Rates at Naxos Island Hotel start at $214 per night.

Most underrated hiking area: Engelberg, Switzerland

This Swiss ski resort area may not be as famous as St. Moritz or Zermatt, but with an elevation of more than 9,900 feet, there are plenty of vertigo-inducing areas to play on. The Engelberg-Titlis resort features an eight-month-long ski season to get in lots of runs just two hours by train from Zurich.

Make your way up the mountain on the revolving cable car before hiking back down (or carving your way down a 6,500-foot vertical during the winter) to the valley below. There are wildflower-bordered trails galore to explore on bike and foot in the summer as you pass meadows and Alpine lakes. During winter, the mountain features runs for every level, from freeriding with 3,900 feet of vertical descent to some respectable beginner areas. Nonskiers can get some thrills with the Titlis Cliff Walk, a suspension bridge perched high above the peaks, or walk underneath 5,000-year-old ice along a 490-foot-long path in the Glacier Cave.

What not to miss: In winter, go sledding in the spot where the 1934 two-man bobsleigh world championships were held, or take it up a notch with apres-sledding, complete with an aperitif and some raclette.

Where to stay: Ski Lodge Engelberg is a mountain-chic lodge located right across the street from the train station and a few minutes’ walk to the ski lifts. The cute lodge features several different room types to accommodate various group sizes, from bunk rooms and cozy singles to quads, all with plenty of spots to hang gear. Relax after a long day out in the mountains with elevated comfort food inspired by the Swiss Alps (think: Black Angus beef burgers with cheddar and cornichon-cognac mayo) and an impressive wine list at the hotel’s restaurant, Brasserie Konrad. Rates at Ski Lodge Engelberg start at $147 per night.

Most underrated foodie destination: Brussels

From its beloved waffles — you can find both the Liege and Brussels versions all across the city — to the numerous chocolate shops, there is plenty to get excited about when it comes to eating in Brussels. The city may not get the same credit as nearby Paris, but it still offers 33 Michelin-starred restaurants serving up everything from modern French cuisine, like the two-star Bozar Restaurant housed in the Centre for Fine Arts, to Asian cuisine, like the one-star Kamo that serves expertly prepared sashimi. For a more relaxed meal, pop into a homey spot and order up a pot of moules frites, a staple in Belgium with mollusks practically swimming in a white wine sauce and accompanied by crisp, golden fries.

Brussels also has a renowned beer scene that shouldn’t be ignored. Enjoy a draft at the multistory Delirium Cafe, which has more than 2,000 beers from around the world, learn about beer at the interactive Belgian Beer World or seek out some of the funky, tart lambic-style beer unique to Belgium.

What not to miss: The futuristic-looking Atomium was built for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958, and while it was not intended to survive beyond that, it has become a symbol of the city. Travelers can ride escalators up its metal tubes, see one of the best views of Brussels from its top level, which stands 334 feet tall, and check out the exhibits housed inside its spheres.

Where to stay: The city is at your fingertips at the luxurious Hotel Amigo, which sits a block from the central Grand-Place. Rooms are elegant in calming tones of cream with floral touches, and there’s no better way to cap off a long day of sightseeing (or eating) than with a cocktail at the whimsical Bar Magritte. Rates at Hotel Amigo start at $307 per night.