img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:73.642977056519%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}London, Paris, Rome. These iconic capitals are rightfully on every traveler’s bucket list, promising world-class art, history, and vibrant city life. But what if we told you that some of Europe’s most rewarding, authentic, and often cheaper travel experiences are found just a little off the beaten path?
Smart travelers are increasingly looking beyond the obvious.
They’re seeking out Europe’s “second cities”—the second-largest urban centers in each country—and for good reason. A recent in-depth study by Radical Storage analyzed 44 European countries, comparing their largest cities to their second-largest, and the findings are a game-changer for anyone planning a European escape.
The takeaway? In 10 of the 44 European countries analyzed, the second city actually offered a better tourist experience than the capital.
Not only that, but in 28 of 44 cases, the second city was significantly more affordable. This isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s about discovering genuine local culture, fewer crowds, and a refreshingly unique perspective on a country you thought you knew.
Why The ‘Second City’ Is The Smart Choice
Think about it: while capital cities often have the highest concentration of famous landmarks, they also come with peak tourist prices, congested streets, and an atmosphere sometimes diluted by the sheer volume of visitors. Second cities, on the other hand, often retain a stronger local identity, a more relaxed pace, and a palpable sense of discovery for the traveler.
The study looked at five crucial categories: accommodation, food, shopping, culture & local attractions, and accessibility. While Barcelona (Spain’s second city) might offer a vast array of attractions comparable to a capital, Novi Sad (Serbia’s second city) shines with exceptionally high-quality restaurants and attractions at incredibly affordable prices.
This isn’t about ditching the classics forever, but about broadening your horizons and recognizing that “second-best” often means “best-kept secret.”
Discover Your Perfect European ‘Second City’
Are you a hardcore history buff, a devoted foodie, or someone who lives for retail therapy and a buzzing urban scene? Do you dream of well-connected hubs or prefer the rugged charm of the Balkans or the mystique of the Caucasus? And is it the sheer variety of options or the assured quality of fewer, more authentic experiences that truly excites you?
To help you cut through the data and find your ideal European “second city” adventure, we’ve teamed up with the insights from this comprehensive study to create a brand-new interactive quiz.
It’s fast, fun, and designed to pinpoint the destination that perfectly matches your travel priorities. Take the quiz and check out the list of top 10 best second cities below.
No matter your preference, there’s a second city waiting to surprise and delight you. From the ancient charm of Kutaisi to the architectural wonders of Brno, Europe’s overlooked gems offer a richness that rivals —and sometimes surpasses —those of their larger counterparts.
Ready to stop following the crowds and start traveling smarter?
Take our quick quiz below and uncover the European ‘second city’ that’s meant for you.
We’ll tell you exactly why it’s a perfect fit and what makes it such an incredible destination, setting you on a path to a truly memorable trip.
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What’s your main travel goal?
Culture & AttractionsI want to see famous sites and immerse myself in history.
Food & DrinkMy trip is centered around amazing and affordable meals.
Shopping & VibeI want to hit the shops and experience the city’s energy.
What’s your ideal location?
Well-Connected HubEasy to get to, with lots of famous landmarks.
The BalkansI’m looking for a more off-the-beaten-path vibe.
The CaucasusI want a truly unique and historic hidden gem.
What’s your priority?
Quality over QuantityI prefer fewer, but highly-rated, authentic experiences.
Variety is EverythingI want a huge number of options for things to do and see.
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‘Novi Sad, Serbia’: { description: “Europe’s best second city! Expect laneway bars, a 17th-century fortress, and even a beach on the Danube. It’s incredibly affordable with highly-rated experiences.”, why: “You’re seeking a high-quality, affordable foodie trip in the up-and-coming Balkans.” },
‘Barcelona, Spain’: { description: “A global powerhouse of tourism, Barcelona wows with Gaudí’s architecture, a vibrant tapas culture, and fantastic accessibility. There’s an endless variety of things to see and do.”, why: “You want a well-connected hub with a huge variety of cultural attractions.” },
‘Gyumri, Armenia’: { description: “A low-key city with a complex history. While there are fewer attractions, the quality of hotels and shops is excellent, and it’s extremely affordable.”, why: “You’re looking for a unique, high-quality hidden gem in the Caucasus where your money goes far.” },
‘Cluj-Napoca, Romania’: { description: “The historic capital of Transylvania, this city offers a great mix of medieval landmarks and modern urban hotspots, all at lower-than-average prices.”, why: “You want a well-rounded cultural trip to the Balkans with plenty of variety.” },
‘Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina’: { description: “What this city lacks in the number of attractions, it makes up for in quality, boasting some of the most highly-rated, affordable food in the study.”, why: “You’re looking for a truly authentic, high-quality foodie experience in the heart of the Balkans.” },
‘Kutaisi, Georgia’: { description: “An ancient city with a rich history, Kutaisi offers a glimpse into a unique culture with monasteries, canyons, and dinosaur footprints, all incredibly affordable.”, why: “You seek a high-quality cultural adventure in the Caucasus that’s truly off the beaten path.” },
‘Kaunas, Lithuania’: { description: “A vibrant city known for its stunning Art Deco architecture and lively street art scene. It offers a great balance of quality, affordability, and culture.”, why: “You’re looking for a quality cultural trip in a well-connected (but not mainstream) European hub.” },
‘Brno, Czechia’: { description: “Often overshadowed by Prague, Brno is a lively university city with a cool, creative vibe, great nightlife, and beautiful historic architecture without the massive crowds.”, why: “You want a high-quality cultural experience in a well-connected city that still feels authentic.” },
‘Porto, Portugal’: { description: “Famous for its Port wine, this charming city on the Douro River offers a stunning historic center, great food, and a fantastic shopping scene.”, why: “You want a trip to a well-connected hub where shopping and food are the top priorities.” },
‘Graz, Austria’: { description: “A city of design and culinary delights, Graz has a beautiful UNESCO-listed old town and a futuristic art museum. It’s a cultural gem with a focus on quality.”, why: “You’re after a high-quality cultural trip in a mainstream European country, beyond the capital.” }
};
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‘culture-mainstream-quality’: ‘Graz, Austria’, ‘culture-mainstream-variety’: ‘Barcelona, Spain’,
‘culture-balkans-quality’: ‘Cluj-Napoca, Romania’, ‘culture-balkans-variety’: ‘Cluj-Napoca, Romania’,
‘culture-caucasus-quality’: ‘Kutaisi, Georgia’, ‘culture-caucasus-variety’: ‘Gyumri, Armenia’,
‘foodie-mainstream-quality’: ‘Brno, Czechia’, ‘foodie-mainstream-variety’: ‘Porto, Portugal’,
‘foodie-balkans-quality’: ‘Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina’, ‘foodie-balkans-variety’: ‘Novi Sad, Serbia’,
‘foodie-caucasus-quality’: ‘Gyumri, Armenia’, ‘foodie-caucasus-variety’: ‘Kutaisi, Georgia’,
‘shopping-mainstream-quality’: ‘Kaunas, Lithuania’, ‘shopping-mainstream-variety’: ‘Porto, Portugal’,
‘shopping-balkans-quality’: ‘Novi Sad, Serbia’, ‘shopping-balkans-variety’: ‘Novi Sad, Serbia’,
‘shopping-caucasus-quality’: ‘Gyumri, Armenia’, ‘shopping-caucasus-variety’: ‘Kutaisi, Georgia’
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The top 10 Second Cities in Europe
- Novi Sad, Serbia
- Barcelona, Spain
- Gyumri, Armenia
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kutaisi, Georgia
- Kaunas, Lithuania
- Brno, Czechia
- Porto, Portugal
- Graz, Austria
So which one did you get? Let us know in the comments!
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
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