There are endless benefits that come with visiting countries that are underrated. You’ll find there are fewer tourists, prices aren’t so extravagant, you don’t have to line up nearly as much, and the locals aren't jaded by tourists the way they are in hotspots like Paris and Rome. Plus, a destination will always be more authentic when it’s underrated because mass tourism hasn’t influenced it to meet foreign tastes.
Central Europe is a mine when it comes to countries that the world still isn’t as obsessed with as they should be. Check out these 10 underrated countries that you can visit in Central Europe!
10 Austria
If you’re a sucker for serious beauty, then Austria needs to be on your bucket list. Visit this Central European country and you’ll be met with a sea of charming villages, dramatic natural landscape that will bring you to your knees, and of course, the breathtaking city of Vienna.
Vienna is all about culture, even after all these years. Visit not just to sample hearty Austrian fare but also to attend concerts, admire art, and be humbled by architecture. It’s easy to feel like you’ve landed in the 17thcentury as you spend an evening in this most enchanted city.
9 Slovakia
Slovakia is one of Europe’s hidden gems and doesn’t appear on the travel itineraries of western travelers very frequently. But it should! The beauty of this country (aside from its vast areas of natural beauty!) is that it’s super authentic and untouched by mass tourism.
The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava, a city that is packed with romantic castles, grand cathedrals, and many other medieval examples of architecture. The entire city is seeping with a fascinating history and just strolling through places like Bratislava’s Old Town feels like a journey into the past.
8 Hungary
Another country that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves, Hungary is one you should definitely add to your bucket list. Although geographically located in Central Europe, Hungary actually has a completely unique culture. The Hungarian language, for example, is a member of the Uralic language family and has closer ties with Finnish and Sámi than the Germanic languages.
Hungary has played such a key role in world history that any history buff would be majorly missing out by bypassing the iconic nation. Those who are interested in improving their health should also travel to Hungary since it’s filled with thermal baths that boast a myriad of health benefits.
7 Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, hands down. Another city that looks like it was just stolen from a Disney movie, Prague has endless sights to see for any foreign visitor, as well as a welcoming ambiance that again hasn’t been tainted by mass tourism. Alone, Prague is reason enough to visit the Czech Republic.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s all to see in this country! Located near the city of Prague you’ll find the medieval town of Český Krumlov and the fascinating mine town known as Kutná Hora.
6 Liechtenstein
There are plenty of great reasons to visit Liechtenstein. Coming in at the top of the list is simply because it’s one of the smallest countries in the world. In fact, Liechtenstein is so small that a lot of travelers don’t even know it’s there! In their defense, it is very easy to miss on a map.
Liechtenstein may not take up a lot of space, but it still has a lot to offer. The German-speaking principality boasts such monuments as Vaduz Castle, Gutenberg Castle, and the fascinating Liechtenstein Museum, in addition to picturesque Alpine landscapes.
5 Poland
Poland is often called the most underrated country, not just in Central Europe, but in the world. So now that the rest of the planet is catching on about how great Poland really is, it may not stay underrated for long. You might like to consider traveling there before it becomes the next European tourist hotspot!
There are several reasons why Poland is underrated and worth a visit. It’s scenic, whether you’re visiting a city like Krakow or exploring the countryside. It holds a rich history and culture, and there are several major sites to visit within the Polish borders. Also, the locals are super friendly!
4 Slovenia
Slovenia isn’t always considered Central Europe. Geographically speaking, it’s often categorized more in the Southeastern European category. But it is sometimes referred to as Central European for cultural or historical reasons. So it still counts! And it definitely is an underrated nation you don’t want to miss.
If you enjoy naturally stunning landscapes, Slovenia is the ideal destination for you. Come here to see wonders like Lake Bled, the iconic mountain known as Triglav, and Postojna Cave. Many visitors arrive in Slovenia just to see the magnificent Triglav National Park.
3 Romania
Again, Romania is sometimes considered part of Eastern Europe rather than Central Europe. But for cultural and historical reasons, it is sometimes thought of as being part of Central Europe and is another destination that doesn’t get nearly enough credit.
Romania is a land of welcoming locals, delicious foods, and fascinating landmarks. It is also home to the legend of Dracula—a real Romanian prince who is closely associated with Bran Castle. But don’t worry because a visit to Romania is anything but spooky! You’ll be too awed by the beauty of the place to feel scared, even in the face of Bran Castle.
2 Croatia
Another geographically Southeastern European country that is still sometimes considered Central Europe, Croatia should definitely be part of any Euro trip you do. With so many unique destinations located within Croatia, you could really spend weeks here and never get bored.
One of the most popular locations in the country is Dubrovnik, which is one of the most magical places you will ever visit. You don’t need to be a Game of Thrones fan to enjoy this gem, either. Aside from serving as a filming location, it’s also brimming with history, culture, and stunning ocean views.
1 Northern Italy
Italy itself is not a Central European nation. But the northern part of the country is, both in terms of geography and culture. There are many major differences between the north and south of Italy, and while southern regions like Calabria and Sicily reflect Mediterranean and even Arabic culture, the north closely aligns with the rest of Central Europe.
In the north of Italy, you’ll see amazing sights like Venice in the Veneto region and the grand city of Milan in Lombardy. A totally different experience from southern or even central Italy, the north offers alpine landscapes and unique cuisine (where you’ll swap pizza and pasta for risotto and slow-cooked meats).