Beyond the big names: 7 smaller European towns I’d go back to in a heartbeat

There’s a special kind of magic in discovering places that aren’t on every “Europe must-see” list. You know the ones — a bit quieter, a bit quirkier, a bit more local. The kind of places that stay with you long after the trip’s over.

These are seven smaller European cities I’ve visited in the past and would go back to in a heartbeat. Each of them has something that completely charmed me — a fairytale feel, fascinating history or just that unexpected spark you only get when you’re not trying too hard.

Let’s go:

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Oh, Český Krumlov… it felt like walking into a picture book. A perfectly preserved medieval town with a castle perched above a winding river, cobblestone lanes and buildings in all sorts of pastel colours. I loved spotting the painted façades — some of them trompe-l’œil, others covered in centuries-old frescoes and ornate detailing. It’s like the town itself was decorated for a festival that never ended. We ducked into little shops and cafés tucked behind crooked doors and soaked up the slower pace. It’s touristy, yes — but not as busy as Prague, where everyone’s heading.

Wismar, Germany

This one’s not as well-known as its neighbour Lübeck, but Wismar is all charm and brick Gothic beauty. It sits on the Baltic Sea, has UNESCO World Heritage status and is full of Hanseatic history. I visited with my sister and we joined an evening walking tour with a night watchman, which was the perfect way to explore the old town’s atmospheric streets and hear some of the city’s darker tales. The market square is huge, the gabled façades are picture-perfect and the whole place has a quietly dignified feel. We loved how uncrowded and peaceful it was — a bit of a hidden gem.

Bath, United Kingdom

Yes, technically not part of continental Europe, but I’m including it anyway because Bath is a stunner. I loved how walkable it is — the honey-coloured Georgian streets, the crescents, the abbey, all just a meander away from each other. We had lunch at the fabulously stylish Ivy Brasserie, which felt just the right amount of fancy for a girls’ getaway and I’m still thinking about the glam powder room there, possibly the most photogenic loo I’ve ever visited. Bath has a polished, elegant vibe without being stuffy. I’d happily go back for another wander.

Dinan, France

Dinan wasn’t really on my radar before we went to northern France, but what a lovely surprise. It’s one of those towns that quietly charms you without trying too hard. Tucked away in Brittany, it’s full of medieval timber-framed houses and cobbled lanes, but it never felt overly touristy. We loved how walkable it was — you could cover so much just by ambling around and letting yourself get a little bit lost. It had that unhurried feel that makes you want to sit down with a coffee, linger over lunch and just take it all in. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Sintra, Portugal

Even with the crowds, Sintra is something else. Palaces that look like they were dreamed up by a set designer, hidden gardens, misty hilltops and that slightly surreal fairytale energy that hangs in the air. The Palácio da Pena was closed due to forest fire risk when we visited (a good excuse to go back!), but we still explored as much as we could — wandering the lanes, ducking into courtyards and eating pastries. Visiting the town was part of a recent sister trip to Portugal, and Sintra definitely added a touch of magic to the itinerary.

Woman in yellow dress in front of blue & white tiled wall inside the Palácio Nacional de Sintra

Sighișoara, Romania

Now, my visit to Sighișoara was a rather long while ago and it felt like stepping into a fairytale — all pastel-coloured houses, steep cobbled streets and a clock tower watching over it all. It’s small, but packed with charm and character. We wandered the quiet laneways, peeked into courtyards and admired the painted façades that seemed to change colour with the light. The whole place has a wonderfully timeworn, storybook quality. Yes, it’s famously the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula), but it didn’t feel overly touristy or kitschy at all. Just calm, beautiful and a little bit magical.

P.S. I told you it was while ago since I travelled to Sighișoara – these pictures look pretty old-fashioned!

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar moved me. The old bridge — destroyed during the war and rebuilt stone by stone — is incredibly symbolic and absolutely beautiful. Touristy during the day, yes, but we stayed overnight and had the place almost to ourselves in the early morning. We wandered quiet alleys, found the best spinach pita of the trip around Bosnia and Herzegovina and watched local boys jump off the bridge like they’ve done for generations.

Would I go again? In a heartbeat.

None of these towns have international airports or must-see status, but that’s exactly the point. They’re layered, lived-in and quietly magical in their own way.

If you’ve only been to the big names — Paris, Berlin, Prague, Rome, London — consider giving some of these a go next time.

Further travel inspiration: click here.