10 Under-the-Radar European Cities You Can Visit with Points and Miles
Europe is brimming with world-famous destinations like Paris, Rome, and London. But for travelers looking to escape the crowds and uncover hidden gems, Europe’s under-the-radar cities offer a wealth of charm, culture, and culinary delights. The best part? Many of these lesser-known cities are easily accessible using points and miles. Here are 10 underrated European cities you can explore with your travel rewards.
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital is a fairytale city with its picturesque bridges, cobbled streets, and riverside cafes.
How to Get There: Redeem points on Star Alliance carriers like Lufthansa or Turkish Airlines to fly into Ljubljana’s Jožef Pučnik Airport.
What to Do: Stroll along the Ljubljanica River, visit the iconic Ljubljana Castle, and explore the vibrant Central Market.
Pro tip: Use Marriott Bonvoy points to stay at the centrally located Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons.
2. Ghent, Belgium
Often overshadowed by Bruges, Ghent is a medieval gem with fewer crowds and equally stunning canals.
How to Get There: Fly into Brussels using Avios on British Airways or Aer Lingus, then take a short train ride to Ghent.
What to Do: Admire the Ghent Altarpiece at St. Bavo’s Cathedral, explore Gravensteen Castle, and enjoy Belgian waffles at a local café.
Pro tip: Book a boutique hotel in Ghent using Chase Ultimate Rewards points through their travel portal.
3. Ronda, Spain
Perched dramatically above a gorge, Ronda offers breathtaking views and rich history.
How to Get There: Use Avios to fly into Málaga, then rent a car or take a bus to Ronda.
What to Do: Visit the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, explore the Arab Baths, and sip wine at local vineyards.
Pro tip: Stay at a charming parador (historic hotel) using cash-back rewards to offset costs.
4. Gdańsk, Poland
This Baltic port city is steeped in history and boasts colorful architecture and affordable prices.
How to Get There: Use Flying Blue miles to book a flight on KLM or Air France into Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport.
What to Do: Walk along the Long Market, visit the European Solidarity Center, and tour the historic shipyards.
Pro tip: Stretch your points further by booking a stay at a budget-friendly local hotel via Hotels.com Rewards.
5. Valletta, Malta
The sun-soaked capital of Malta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with history and Mediterranean charm.
How to Get There: Use Avios or Aeroplan points to book a flight on Air Malta from major European hubs.
What to Do: Explore the ancient city walls, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and relax by the crystal-clear waters.
Pro tip: Redeem Hilton Honors points for a stay at the Hilton Malta, located just a short drive from Valletta.
6. Innsbruck, Austria
Nestled in the Alps, Innsbruck is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
How to Get There: Use United MileagePlus miles to fly into Innsbruck Airport on Lufthansa or Austrian Airlines.
What to Do: Go skiing or hiking in the nearby mountains, and visit the Golden Roof in the historic Old Town.
Pro tip: Use IHG points to stay at the Hotel Indigo Innsbruck, combining style with proximity to the city center.
7. Sibiu, Romania
Located in the heart of Transylvania, Sibiu is a cultural hub with colorful architecture and a laid-back vibe.
How to Get There: Book a flight to Sibiu International Airport using Turkish Airlines miles or Flying Blue points.
What to Do: Wander through the charming Piata Mare square, visit the Brukenthal Palace, and enjoy local Romanian cuisine.
Pro tip: Use cash-back rewards to cover affordable accommodations in the city’s historic center.
8. Córdoba, Spain
Known for its stunning Mezquita, Córdoba is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers.
How to Get There: Use Avios to fly into Seville, then take a short train ride to Córdoba.
What to Do: Explore the Mezquita-Catedral, stroll through the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, and wander the charming Jewish Quarter.
Pro tip: Stay at a boutique hotel using Amex Membership Rewards points transferred to a travel portal.
9. Brno, Czech Republic
As the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modernity.
How to Get There: Redeem miles on Lufthansa or KLM to fly into Vienna, then take a short train ride to Brno.
What to Do: Visit the Tugendhat Villa, explore the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, and enjoy the city’s lively cafe scene.
Pro tip: Book a stay at a boutique hotel using Hotels.com Rewards for added value.
10. Bergen, Norway
Bergen is a gateway to the fjords, offering stunning natural landscapes and a charming waterfront.
How to Get There: Use United MileagePlus or SAS EuroBonus points to book flights into Bergen Airport.
What to Do: Stroll along Bryggen Wharf, take a fjord cruise, and ride the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views.
Pro tip: Use Marriott Bonvoy points to stay at the Bergen Børs Hotel, combining historic charm with modern luxury.
Conclusion: Discover Europe’s Hidden Gems
These under-the-radar European cities offer unique experiences, fewer crowds, and plenty of opportunities to stretch your travel rewards. Whether you’re seeking history, outdoor adventures, or culinary delights, you’ll find plenty to explore off the beaten path. By using points and miles strategically, these hidden gems can be as accessible as Europe’s major capitals.
Have you visited any of these underrated destinations? Share your favorite spots in the comments, or tag us in your travel photos on Instagram at @roaming.cactus. Let’s inspire each other to explore Europe’s best-kept secrets!
