7 European Hidden Gems That Will Reignite Your Sense of Wonder

From the gorgeous old towns of Zagreb and Tbilisi to the striking modern architecture of Astana, there are so many reasons why these cities of the Balkans and the Caucasus are tempting more visitors to explore their secrets. Off the beaten track, welcoming and with unique stories to tell, these seven cities are fascinating destinations just waiting to be discovered.

Discover the riches of Austro-Hungarian architecture in Zagreb, Croatia

Be sure to visit the Old Town Hall, Zagrab, Croatia, which dates back to the 13th Century (Photo: Getty Images)

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, boasts an enchanting old town with immaculately maintained streets meandering between pretty red-roofed buildings. The historical old town is largely pedestrianised which encourages relaxed and leisurely exploration - make sure to wander past St Mark’s Church, whose colourful roof tiles display the Croatian coat of arms. Divert down Tkalčićeva Street to experience Zagreb’s cafe culture, where you can recline under a parasol enjoying the laid-back feel of this easy-going city. Stay at The Westin Zagreb and indulge in a relaxing session in the World Class SPA, or sample some of Croatia’s best cocktails, mixed by renowned barman Zoran Surla.

An unmissable day trip from Zagreb is the Plitvice Lakes, where vivid turquoise pools are fed by picturesque waterfalls.

While in Croatia, find time to enjoy the crystal clear Adriatic Sea. The Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel, in the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, has lush gardens running right down to the sea. Alternatively, Le Méridien Lav, Split, in the Roman city of Split, boasts a private beach lapped by idyllic turquoise waters.

Enjoy warm Caucasian hospitality in Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi's colorful houses are renowned for their distinctive architecture, particularly in the Old Town district (Photo: Getty Images)

Nothing better demonstrates the inspiring natural beauty of Tbilisi than a trip on the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park, joining the locals in enjoying panoramic views, fairground rides and ponchiki – hot donuts filled with cream, washed down with a glass of Georgian lemonade.

The Georgian capital is an architectural delight, home to beautiful nineteenth-century mansions and Turkish hamams with intricately tiled Central Asian facades, as well as the memorable contemporary design of the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, which sits like a liner in a sea of parkland green. Here you can enjoy cityscape views from the ATI Rooftop Restaurant and experience Georgian spa treatments at the sleek P’auza spa.

When exploring Tbilisi, make sure to sample Georgian khinkali dumplings: deliciously doughy, hot and dripping in butter, these are one of the country's iconic dishes.

With a little more time, escape too to the seaside and Le Méridien Batumi, an elegant hotel in the coastal town of Batumi. Here you can feast on delicious Georgian cuisine at the Brasserie Restaurant, and discover the delights of Georgian wine on the Latitude Bar Terrace, soaking up views across the Black Sea.

Go museum-hopping in Bucharest, Romania

With large parks, neoclassical buildings and elegant bookshops, it's easy to see how Burcharest was once known as little Paris (Photo: Getty Images)

Bucharest was once known as Little Paris, and exploring its large parks, neoclassical buildings, and elegant bookshops such as Cărturești Carusel, it’s easy to see how it earned its nickname. The city is also home to Europe’s largest building, the grandiose Palace of Parliament, which houses several fascinating museums from modern art to Romania’s 20th-century history.

The city's more distant past can be explored in the fresco-filled Stavropoleos Church, or at the National Village Museum, where traditional Romanian houses stand in attractive parkland. Stay at the centrally located, Art Deco The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection, and savour a cocktail at the speakeasy-style Vault bar to be transported back to the 1920s. The hotel's restaurant is renowned for its use of local, seasonal produce, a hallmark of the New Romanian Cuisine movement. Or opt for the funky Moxy Bucharest Old Town, with its friendly bar-lounge for a game of table football before heading out to experience the inimitable nightlife of the Romanian capital. 

A must-do activity in Bucharest is a trip to one of the city's relaxing (and excellent value) thermal spas.

Soak up the view of majestic Mount Ararat in Yerevan, Armenia

From Yerevan, you can see the breathtaking Mount Ararat, even though it’s across the border in Turkey (Photo: Getty Images)

Enjoying a glass of Armenian wine with delicious khorodvets barbecued pork, while gazing at the snow-capped twin-peaked Mount Ararat, is one of the best ways to get to know Armenia’s capital Yerevan. While in the city, take in the open air sculpture gallery at the Cascades, tour the Ararat Brandy Factory (and learn why it was Winston Churchill’s favourite tipple), then enjoy a performance at the iconic Opera House.

Stay at The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan, and you can indulge in a delicious Italian meal at the rooftop restaurant whilst admiring views of Mount Ararat. Alternatively, check into the Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, conveniently located on the central Republic Square in a unique 1930s building, and enjoy a glass of outstanding local wine or speciality cocktail at the Cristal Bar & Lounge.

If there's limited time to enjoy all that Yerevan has to offer, be sure to swing by the Matenadaran museum, which holds beautiful hand-illuminated medieval manuscripts on topics ranging from music to astrology.

Explore innovative cityscapes in Astana, Kazakhstan

Baiterek Tower in Astana, Kazakhstan, rises over the vibrant cityscape and is a captivating sight to all who behold (Photo: Getty Images)

Astana, the gleaming capital of Kazakhstan, is known as the City of the Steppes. Until recently just a small town in the centre of Kazakhstan’s vast grassy plains, it is now dotted with dramatic landmarks masterminded by some of the world’s top architects. Perhaps most iconic is the Baiterek Tower, resembling a huge white tree topped by a golden globe. Nearby, at the centrally located Sheraton Astana Hotel, visitors can enjoy expert spa treatments inspired by Turkish bathing traditions, as well as two of Astana’s best restaurants, Emiliya and Salter’s.

While in Astana, don't miss the chance to experience Kazakh culture with a trip to a nomadic yurt camp - expect feats of horsemanship and displays by eagle trainers.

Extend your trip in Kazakhstan with a visit to Almaty, a leafy city sitting beneath the towering Alatau Mountains. It makes a great base for hiking trips around the turquoise Big Almaty Lake or skiing at Shymbulak ski resort. The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty offers an elegant stay in stunning, light-filled rooms and suites, and a full spa and fitness suite with pool overlooking the snow-dusted peaks.

Experience nightlife on the river in Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is uniquely positioned at the confluence of two major rivers, the Danube and the Sava, and surrounded by rolling hills and distant mountains (Photo: Getty Images)

Serbia’s capital Belgrade is a city with real joie de vivre, its inhabitants passionate about good food and drink, and keen to share that side of their culture. By day, enjoy a sweeping view from the medieval Kalemegdan Citadel, before checking out Republic Square, dominated by the Austro-Hungarian influenced National Museum, before popping into the museum of celebrated Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla.

Come nightfall, head to the Danube to enjoy a unique side of Belgrade's nightlife aboard floating bars known as splavovi. Stay in the central Courtyard Belgrade City Center, with views across Republic Square and dine on locally inspired dishes at the Credo restaurant. Other fine options include the riverside The St. Regis Belgrade, which boasts a 360-degree observation deck and offers bespoke tours of the city. Alternatively, Moxy Belgrade makes a great base, with a complimentary welcome drink and all of Belgrade's treasures on your doorstep.

A particular highlight in Belgrade is to take a wine-tasting tour to sample the excellent yet largely undiscovered Serbian wine industry.

Follow the trail of fascinating history in Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria, is one of the few European cities where Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet architecture can be seen all within walking distance (Photo: Getty Images)

Exploring Bulgaria’s capital Sofia is like taking a wander through the country’s history: a short walk will see you passing ancient churches and Ottoman mosques standing next door to Turkish hamams and communist-era architecture such as the white colonnaded Party House.

Perhaps the city’s most iconic feature is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a dazzling white building bedecked with golden domes and infused with aromas of incense. In summer, relax in al fresco cafés in the City Garden, or in winter, grab your skis and head to the nearby Mount Vitosha. Check into the Sense Hotel Sofia, a Member of Design Hotels for airy rooms decorated in chicly understated tones, and splendid views of the cathedral from the excellent Rooftop Bar. Alternatively, the centrally located Junó Hotel Sofia, a Member of Design Hotels is dotted with sculptures by the acclaimed Bulgarian artist Pavel Koychev, and offers outstanding Balkan cuisine at the Cookó Kitchen restaurant.

While in Sofia, make sure to take a day trip to Rila, a beautiful monastery in the mountains bedecked with vivid religious frescoes, which is justly one of Bulgaria's cultural highlights.

Published: April 03, 2025

Last Updated: April 22, 2025