Spain, Armenia, Serbia, Romania, Bosnia And Herzegovina, And Georgia Are Leading The Change In European Tourism As These Second Cities Become The New Hotspots, Surpassing Capitals In Visitor Appeal: You Need To Know

Published on August 25, 2025

In nan midst of nan escalating problem of overtourism passim Europe’s capitals, 2nd cities successful nations specified as Spain, Armenia, Serbia, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia person go nan apical destinations of prime for visitors. They supply a little hectic tempo, authentic taste experiences, and reasonable recreation costs, frankincense becoming ever much appealing. From Novi Sad’s lively civilization to Cluj-Napoca’s earthy splendor, these 2nd cities are becoming progressively celebrated for their original charm and reduced crowds, beating their capitals successful full charm. This is redefining European tourism, arsenic much travelers look for authentic, little crowded destinations extracurricular nan beaten tourer trails.

With Europe’s superior cities struggling pinch nan expanding problem of overtourism, 2nd cities are now becoming starring tourer attractions. A study conducted by Radical Storage has shown really celebrated these smaller cities are, listing them arsenic nan second-most inhabited cities successful their nations. Surprisingly, successful 10 retired of 44 European nations researched, nan second-largest metropolis is simply a much celebrated destination than nan capital. Here are immoderate of these caller hotspots.

Novi Sad, Serbia: A Hidden Gem successful nan Balkans

Novi Sad, nan second-largest metropolis successful Serbia, has earned nan apical position successful Radical Storage’s rankings. Renowned for its lively taste segment and rich | history, Novi Sad has swiftly go a celebrated destination for travelers. The metropolis holds respective prestigious honors, including its nickname arsenic nan European Youth Capital successful 2019 and its nickname arsenic a UNESCO Creative City successful 2023.

What makes Novi Sad guidelines retired is its walkability and relaxed ambiance compared to Belgrade, nan bustling capital. The metropolis is location to nan celebrated EXIT euphony festival, attracting young visitors from astir nan world. Alongside music, Novi Sad offers a scope of taste experiences, from nan imposing Petrovaradin Fortress pinch its iconic timepiece building and passageway web to nan serene 700-meter formation on nan Danube River.

Novi Sad’s compact quality allows visitors to easy research its galore attractions, including Stari Grad (Old Town), wherever you’ll find beautiful sites for illustration nan Gothic Revival Name of Mary Church. With complete 100 attractions rated 4 stars and an mean repast costs of conscionable €8.4, Novi Sad provides an affordable, yet rich | taste experience. Additionally, pinch edifice rates averaging €33.5 per night, Novi Sad is simply a budget-friendly replacement to Serbia’s capital.

Barcelona, Spain: A Mediterranean Masterpiece

While Barcelona whitethorn not beryllium a hidden gem, its position arsenic Spain’s second-largest metropolis makes it an enticing destination pinch a unique Mediterranean flair. Famous for its beautiful beaches, iconic Antoni Gaudí architecture, and lively taste scene, Barcelona has agelong been a favourite among tourists. Despite its popularity, nan metropolis retains a much laid-back ambiance compared to Madrid, offering a lukewarm and inviting Mediterranean charm.

Barcelona ranks first successful nan study for taste and section attractions, making it a must-see for creation and history lovers. Visitors tin immerse themselves successful nan useful of Gaudí, from nan unfinished La Sagrada Familia to nan colorful Park Güell. The metropolis is besides renowned for its culinary scene, wherever you tin indulge successful tapas and Catalan specialties while enjoying 1 of nan galore lively festivals specified arsenic La Mercè.

Barcelona excels successful some obstruction and aerial connectivity, making it highly accessible while offering a wide scope of taste experiences, moreover amidst nan pressures of overtourism. The metropolis ranks 2nd for shopping and is location to galore taste landmarks. Dining successful Barcelona is affordable, pinch a emblematic main repast priced astatine astir €12.8, and pinch a assortment of accommodation options passim nan city, visitors tin easy find suitable places to stay.

Gyumri, Armenia: A Cultural Haven

Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, secures 3rd spot successful nan Radical Storage study. Steeped successful history and known for its vibrant arts scene, Gyumri offers a chopped acquisition compared to nan capital, Yerevan. Visitors tin research nan city’s unique architecture, featuring achromatic tufa chromatic buildings, and immerse themselves successful Armenia’s rich | practice by visiting landmarks for illustration nan Sev Berd Fortress and nan Church of Saint Arsenius.

The metropolis is besides celebrated for its charming cafés, wherever travelers tin savor accepted dishes specified arsenic harissa (a wheat and nutrient stew) and panrkhash (a food and breadstuff dish). With edifice rates averaging €25.4 per nighttime and meals costing astir €7.6, Gyumri presents an affordable yet authentic destination. The city’s top-rated accommodations and restaurants further heighten its appeal, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a taste and immersive recreation experience.

Cluj-Napoca, Romania: A Peaceful Retreat

Nestled successful nan bosom of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca ranks 4th successful nan database of Europe’s champion 2nd cities. Known for its youthful energy, Cluj-Napoca offers a higher value of life compared to Bucharest, pinch amended healthcare, cleaner air, and a safer environment. The city’s compact size and earthy beauty make it an perfect destination for outdoor lovers, pinch attractions for illustration nan Apuseni Mountains and nan Turda Gorge.

Cluj-Napoca is simply a metropolis of contrasts, wherever humanities landmarks specified arsenic St. Michael’s Church beryllium alongside modern museums for illustration nan Steampunk Transylvania Museum. The city’s café civilization is besides thriving, pinch affordable meals averaging €9.7. Visitors tin besides research nan Hoia-Baciu Forest, celebrated for its mysterious atmosphere, making Cluj-Napoca an intriguing destination for adventurers.

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Nature and Wellness Combined

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second-largest city, ranks 5th successful nan Radical Storage study. Known for its laid-back gait of life, nan metropolis offers a scope of outdoor activities for illustration kayaking, rafting, and hiking, arsenic good arsenic wellness experiences successful nan adjacent basking springs. For history buffs, Banja Luka is location to monuments for illustration nan Ferhadija Mosque and nan Kastel Fortress.

With an mean edifice value of €31.2 and meals costing astir €7.6, Banja Luka provides an affordable replacement to Sarajevo, pinch a beardown café and nightlife segment to complement its outdoor offerings. The city’s divers attractions and accessibility make it an perfect destination for travelers seeking a equilibrium of culture, nature, and relaxation.

Kutaisi, Georgia: Gateway to Natural Wonders

Located successful Georgia’s second-largest city, Kutaisi fills retired nan apical six successful nan list. The metropolis effortlessly blends rich | history, infectious culture, and accessibility to earthy wonders for illustration nan Prometheus Cave and Bagrati Cathedral. It acts arsenic a gateway to nan occidental Georgia landscape’s melodramatic scenery, pinch its canyons, caves, and mountains. Kutaisi is now a destination of prime for quality lovers and escapade seekers alike.

At edifice prices of astir €36.2 per night, Kutaisi provides a much affordable action compared to nan superior metropolis of Tbilisi. There are section specialities specified arsenic chkmeruli (chicken successful beverage and ail sauce) and khinkali (dumplings) to indulge successful arsenic visitors indulge successful nan city’s captivating history.