Ten undervalued European cities

Split, Croatia

　　The city of Split, Croatia, will appeal to just about any traveller. It is known for fine dining, excellent shopping and loads of bars to choose from. The city is also home to the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and formerlya retirement palace built for the Emperor Diocletian around the year 300 A.D. If that weren’t enough reason to book your trip to Split right now, then the captivating view of the sea from this coastal town will surely do the trick.

　　Vézelay, France

　　The city of love may be calling your name but before you book your ticket to Paris, you might want to consider Vézelay. Built back in the 11th century, this ancient city is known for its vineyards, and the famous church built for Mary Magdalene. Built on a hilltop, this town is nothing short of picturesque. Fine wine, inspiring architecture and beautiful landscapes ensure a most peaceful stay.

　　Gibraltar

　　Madrid and Barcelona may be among Spain’s most visited cities, but Gibraltar will inspire awe in even the most jaded traveller. Historically, Phoenicians were thought to be the first inhabitants of Gibraltar (around 950 B.C.), but new evidence suggests that Neanderthals were here as far back as 28,000 B.C. The Rock of Gibraltar, which borders Spain, is its only official landmark, but the densely populated city is so rich in its own unique culture and history that it never disappoints.

　　Ferrara, Italy

　　Rome isn’t the only Italian city with rich history, culture and architecture. Located in Northern Italy, Ferrara, a lesser-known and less frequently visited city, is the destination missing from your summer itinerary. Ancient walls—nearly 9 kilometres long—surround this city, which is filled with immense cathedrals and castles that date back to the 14th century. Every road and building are reminiscent of the era the city was constructed, garnering it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

　　Basel, Switzerland

　　Bordering Germany and France, this multi-cultural, multi-lingual city is among Europe's most unique. Boasting the most museums in Europe, it's a culture-lover's dream. It also happens to be peaceful and quiet with an absolutely serene atmosphere, making it the perfect getaway from everyday stressors.

　　Porto, Portugal

　　If the name of this city reminds you of wine, your head is in the right place: this is indeed the place where port wine originated. Built during Roman times, this beautiful port city's architecture, landscapes and history will certainly impress. Soak in the beauty of this underrated city with a glass of the finest wine and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect vacation

　　Gothenburg, Sweden

　　The second largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg is known as a university town but it's much more than that. With a handfull of extraordinary festivals, it's a vibrant and fun place to visit all year round. Gothenburg is also an exemplar of Scandinavian architectural style, rich in history and culture. Known for its football and hockey teams, it's also the perfect destination for a sports.

　　Bruges, Belgium

　　This city may not be Europe's most popular, but it deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Remarkably, Bruges still has most of its medieval architecture intact, preserved better than other ancient city in the world. Between its historical appeal, breathtaking landscapes, Flemish art treasures and, of course, world-renowned chocolate, a trip to Bruges is one you won’t regret.

　　Dresden, Germany

　　The city of Dresden was largely destroyed by the end of World War II. Since then, the city has been rebuilt and has come to be known as an elegant and chic Baroque town. Home to some of Germany’s largest universities and most renowned museums, the picture-perfect town, located right near the Czech border, flies under the radar but soars above the expectations of any traveller. Make sure to enjoy the beer gardens while you’re in town.

　　Prague, Czech Republic

　　Though Prague is a well-known city in the Czech Republic, it’s not often considered a popular vacation destination. On the contrary, Prague is an extraordinary place to visit, rich in culture, history and magnificent architecture. Churches and cathedrals that date back to the 10th century can be seen while strolling through the city, and you'll find the locals are friendly and welcoming. And if you’re a fan of beer, you'll love it all the more. They serve it with breakfast here, and It’s often the cheapest drink on the menu.