There are a lot of beautiful places to explore in Europe and in the world, but it seems as though most travelers don't stray off the beaten path and. Some cities are overrun and packed with tourists, year after year, but what about trying something new? Europe is an expansive country, filled with culture and history, so why not travel to a place where tourism is sparse and the lines aren't long?

The twelve cities below all have their quirks and unique presence. They offer extraordinary food options, picturesque views, and amazing architecture that would make anyone stop and stare. These may not be the most popular cities in Europe to visit, but they do offer magical experiences either way. In fact, these places are still under-the-radar and offer a bit of solace to move around in peace.

12 Lille, France Is Named The World Design Capital As Of 2020 & Has Exploded On The Food Scene

Women Walking Through Lille
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Lille has a well-known reputation in Europe for being a town full of fabulous historical architecture and being hard-working. If a traveler is on the hunt for a history lesson in culture, they should stop at The Palace of Fine Arts. It's second to the Louvre and there are other attractions around it that are an experience as well.

France is already known for its food scene, but to really get a taste of local life, Lille has a local market open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays that has local fare and over 100 nationalities of flavor and goods.

11 Bucharest, Romania Is A History & Architectural-Lover's Dream & Is Close To Dracula's Castle

Woman Posing In Bucharest Street
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Bucharest is a wonderful city to visit if a traveler is into history and architecture alike. For example, The Parliament Palace, the world's second-largest building in the world, is a sight to see. This city has often been called "little Paris" for its vibrancy and culture it provides. The buildings often show French influence, so the name is fitting.

If travelers are up for the drive, Bran's Castle, also known as "Dracula's Castle" is a two and a half-hour drive north. It's a huge tourist attraction that plays along the myth of Count Dracula.

10 Noto, In Sicily, Italy, Is An Off-The-Beaten Path Location For Beaches & Phenomenal Italian Food

People Walking Around Boardwalk Of Noto
Via: thenewyorktimes.com

Located at the foot of the Iblean Mountains, Noto is famous for its Baroque architecture, most built in the 18th century. In fact, all of the structures within the city have their own unique and intricate design.

Once a traveler has seen their share of the city's beauty, they might want to get some food and revel in the beautiful beaches. The food options really nod to the Italian culture and the beaches are uncluttered with tourists. It feels like a little, private oasis for anyone that travels here.

9 In Malmö, Sweden, There's A Mix Of Old And New Lifestyles And 16th Century Castles

Couple Posing In Front Of Malmo Building
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Copenhagen is the most popular destination in Sweden, but to really get a more intimate experience, Malmö is the place to be. The beaches are less crowded, the harbor is beautiful and the new and old architecture is magnificent.

There are 16th-century fortresses and castles, Gothic churches and to splash in the new, there is the Turning Torso, a skyscraper that turns a full 90 degrees.

8 Rotterdam, Netherlands Has World-Class Architecture & Quirky Downtown Areas

Woman Posing In Front Of Cube Houses
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Usually, Amsterdam gets all the attention in the Netherlands, but it's also extremely crowded. To get the same experience without the hoards, go to Rotterdam. This city provides farm-to-table options and world-class architecture that is very unique. Take a gander at the famous cube houses, New Luxor Theatre, and the Erasmus Bridge and you'll understand.

7 On The Faroe Islands In Denmark, Tórshavn Is An Idyllic Wonderland Around The Holidays

Christmastime In Torshavn
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The Faroe Islands are relatively small, which means that the Danish territory's largest city, Tórshavn, is still fairly quaint. Floating between Norway and Iceland, a lot of a traveler's trip will be spent exploring the islands' other-worldly landscapes. Once a traveler wants to relax, there are plenty of pubs and cafes to enjoy live music.

Around Christmastime, this area is especially idyllic. There are markets with local outerwear, festive foods, and other festive activities that line the streets.

6 Tallinn, Estonia Is Home To Medieval Architecture & The World's Brightest Engineers

Women In Front Of Tallinn Castles
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Although the buildings that sit in Tallinn are from another time, this city is a future-forward Baltic capital. With Baroque and medieval architecture everywhere a traveler looks, the port town is the home to the world's brightest engineers and businesspeople in the world.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, this city has a Soviet legacy that boasts a Gothic-style town hall, the Kadriorg Palace, and The Estonian art museum. It also has a vibrate nightlife scene and a large coffee-drinking culture.

5 Due To Its Remoteness, Tbilisi, Georgia Doesn't Attract A Lot Of Tourism, But Is Picture-Perfect

The secret is out that Tbilisi is a hotspot to travel to, but due to its remoteness, it's hardly visited by tourists. This beautiful area is known for sulfur bathhouses, a 4th-century fortress, a modernized Orthodox cathedral, and trendy shopping centers.

There is a lot to see here, but there is also a lot to indulge in as well. Tbilisi is known for its famous orange wine, dumplings, kebabs, and more tasty options.

4 Gdansk, Poland Is On The Baltic Sea And Is The City Of Amber Because Of Its Amber Trade

Woman Looking Out At Baltic Sea
Via: foodiesisters.com

There are almost half a million locals that inhabit here, with a thousand years of history around them, but it's still not a tourist spot. Gdansk is the sixth-largest city in Poland and is located on the Baltic Sea. The city is known as "the city of amber" because of the large amber trade here, which has made it one of the most prosperous places in Europe.

Strolls through Artus Court and Oliwa Park and you'll know the beauty behind this historical city.

RELATED: 20 Photos Highlighting Why Poland Is One Of The Most Beautiful Places On Earth

3 Sveti Stefan In Montenegro Is Surrounded By Pink Sand And Turquoise Water

Woman Posing In Front Of Beach
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Based on the Adriatic Sea, Sveti Stefen is an island connected to the peninsula by a narrow passage. This picturesque area is surrounded by pink, sandy beaches, and turquoise water. Part of the island is occupied by a luxury resort, which means it's off-limits.

No worries though, because taking a step back will allow travelers to get a look look at the beauty around them at no charge. After all, this is the most photogenic place in Montenegro, so it must be amazing.

RELATED: 10 European Beaches So Gorgeous They Look Fake

2 Dinant, Belgium Is Considered One Of The Most Photogenic Locations In The Country

Man In Front Of Downtown Dinant
Via: ouryearontheroad.com

Brussels is often the stop people make in Belgium, but they should consider taking a pit stop at Dinant. This area is filled with medieval architecture and considered one of the most photogenic locations in the world. This quiet city sits on the shores of the Meuse River and happens to be the birthplace of the saxophone.

There is a lot to explore here, such as taking a stroll across the Charles de Gaulee Bridge to admire this beautiful city from another point of view and the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame that's over 300-feet tall.

RELATED: 10 Great Reasons Belgium Should Be On Your Next Itinerary

1 Riga, Latvia Is Called The Paris Of The East & Considered A Fairy-Tail City

Downtown Area Of Riga
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Riga is often called "Paris of the East" as it continues to modernize in ways but holds onto its historical fairy-tale roots. In fact, it's been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers will see the value this city brings to the country of Latvia by strolling the streets of the old town of the Latvian capital and visiting St. Peter's Church, House of the Blackheads and the Riga Central Market for local goods.

NEXT: Travelers In Europe Always Forget These Underrated Countries (But They Shouldn't)