They say nobody likes surprises, but we at Travel Off Path can’t wait to be left gobsmacked when new reports and listicles pop up on our Google feed.
In this case, TimeOut revealed some shockers on their latest deep dive into Europe’s top destinations.
Having traversed much of the continent myself, there’s one standout in particular that just so happens to be my least favorite European city, questionably making the cut in my eyes, while others are off-the-radar gems travelers may not typically consider for their next escape ‘across the pond’.
Let’s unpack why travelers may want to skip the ‘normies’ like Barcelona and Paris in favor of these 4 surprising cities touted as 2026 must-visits:
4) Naples: The ‘Marseille’ Of Italy 🇮🇹
No matter where you go in Italy, be it Rome, Venice, Florence, or a paradisal no-name village, this is one country that fails to disappoint.
But if there is one place travelers have reported feeling a bit on edge, it’s Naples, an undeniably popular foodie destination and gateway to some of Italy’s most beautiful islands.
That said, like Marseille, a French coastal city infamous for its grit, Naples is one and the same.
On the bright side, this bustling city feels alive, lacking the fluff of more touristy cities and actually having a backbone by embracing its bold personality.
But don’t let that stop you from visiting grand piazzas and world-class ruins without the long lines of the Colosseum, and there are more renowned beaches than day trips from Rome.
Naples is the perfect springboard to icons such as Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and lesser-known Ischia and Procida.
Best of all, Americans can fly nonstop to Naples International Airport (NAP) from 5 major U.S. cities, and despite the airport code acronym, this city is far from being a snoozer.
3) Antwerp: Belgium’s Safer, Hip Alternative To Brussels 🇧🇪
If there’s a claim to fame to Belgium besides impeccable waffles, you might waffle in your decision to visit Brussels once you realize the safety concerns that largely go unpublicized.
For example, it’s likely you didn’t hear of the surge of assaults in the hundreds being reported each month.
Brussels is the most common entry point into the country, but many travelers find themselves enjoying smaller, postcard towns like Bruges more than the vast cityscape of grand palaces.
What’s missed is not Belgium’s secret coastline, but the country’s second-largest city known for art and cutting-edge fashion.
Not only is Antwerp more modern and hip, but safer to visit. It’s a surprise on this list because Americans largely tend to dismiss this city in their European adventures, though it’s well-connected by train and has a handful of flights to/from Spain.
2) Bath: The UK’s Roman Time Capsule 🇬🇧
If you’ve ever been to London, you have to accept the good with the bad — the good being it’s a city that looks exactly like the countless you’ve seen, and the bad being everyone and their mother is visiting at the same time you are.
Bath, on the other hand? Not so much.
Arguably one of England’s most timeless destinations, Bath earned its name for its Roman baths, but its honey-hued streets and regal charm are just as alluring.
Unfortunately, tourists can’t experience the exact baths Romans once did to harness Gladiator powers in a Space Jam kind of way, but there are ample wellness spas dotting the city to relax, recharge, and get your soak on.
Just don’t tell BYU students to study abroad here…
1) Copenhagen: The City With More Bikes Than Cars 🇩🇰
Full disclosure: As promised, Copenhagen is my least favorite city in Europe.
I tried, guys. I really tried.
I don’t like not liking a city, no matter where it is.
But there has to be something appealing about it to land #4 overall on TimeOut’s insightful list.
If you have a never-ending budget, I can see how it could be fun (if locals would ever smile).
I was told before visiting that Copenhagen was one of the happiest cities in the world, but I found myself most cheerful heading to the airport to get out of dodge.
Navigating Copenhagen was a madhouse. With more bikes than cars, you’d think crossing the street would be easy…
Nope. Just as hectic as a Marrakesh souk.
Overall, Copenhagen is a pretty city with pockets of Nordic charm like that of Bergen. But there are too many eye-popping bills, a lack of attractions, and borderline assaults to make me question how it earned the ‘happiest’ title and the nod above ever-so-trendy Krakow on TimeOut’s list.
If you want to judge for yourself, hop aboard one of 12 direct flights from major U.S. hubs.
Now take this quiz to find out which on is perfect for you!
