Show summary Hide summary
If you want a European trip in 2027 that skips the biggest crowds and headline protests, consider turning away from Rome and Paris. Travelers are hunting for quieter, characterful towns that feel genuine. Booking.com’s latest patterns point to a handful of smaller cities getting a lot more attention — and they promise safety, atmosphere, and local flavor.
Why travelers are choosing safe, underrated European cities in 2027
New travel preferences show modern tourists value atmosphere over ticking landmarks. The appetite for unexpected, mood-driven trips is reshaping where people go next year.
Heated rivalry future revealed: gay hockey romance teases second season
Tony Shalhoub avoided Hollywood spotlight: daughter reveals surprising reason
- 67% of travelers say they want destinations that surprise them.
- 65% are drawn to Gothic or thriller-like settings, making medieval towns more appealing.
- 81% pick destinations based on the feeling they expect to have there.
Those shifts help explain why several compact European cities are climbing Booking.com’s popularity lists for 2027. They offer personality, fewer crowds, and a safer pace for visitors.
Three rising European destinations to book now
Reims, France — Gothic architecture and Champagne culture
Reims sits northeast of Paris and often flies under foreign travelers’ radars. Yet it combines a dramatic Gothic cathedral, deep Roman roots, and world-class bubbly in one walkable center.
- Top draw: the city’s cathedral dominates the skyline and anchors Reims’ medieval heart.
- Cultural layers: Roman gates and underground galleries sit next to bustling bistrots.
- Food and drink: expect intimate wine bars and producers serving Champagne by the glass.
- Getting there: high-speed trains from Paris make Reims an easy day or overnight trip.
For a special meal, look for small, highly regarded restaurants blending local produce with Champagne lists. Reims delivers history and tasting experiences without the crowds you’ll find in Paris.
Bratislava, Slovakia — compact capital with storybook charm
Bratislava’s Old Town feels intact and lived-in. Cobbled streets, colorful facades, and tight-knit taverns create a cinematic backdrop that’s still used by locals every day.
- Iconic view: a white castle on a hill overlooks the Danube and frames the city.
- Quick access: roughly an hour by train from Vienna, making it easy for international arrivals.
- Affordable eats: regional dishes with a beer can cost far less than in Western Europe.
- Safety rating: travelers consistently report Slovakia as a low-risk destination.
Bratislava is appealing for visitors who want a capital’s services without a crowd’s pressure. It’s compact, accessible, and offers authentic cafés and markets rather than tourist-only zones.
Pescara, Italy — Adriatic beaches and honest coastal cuisine
Pescara keeps a coastal rhythm that feels unhurried. Long promenades, family-run eateries, and straight-from-the-sea menus give the place a pleasantly unpolished charm.
- Local taste: seafood stews and regional dumplings are must-tries at neighborhood trattorie.
- Lungomare life: miles of promenade link cafes, bike paths, and sandy beaches.
- Authenticity: Pescara offers daily Italian life rather than staged tourist experiences.
- Low fuss travel: fewer crowds and calmer transport hubs than Italy’s better-known coasts.
For food-focused travelers, Pescara’s market-to-table scene is compelling. It’s a great option if you want blue waters plus honest regional cooking without the price or fuss of hotspots like Amalfi.
Practical tips for booking and staying safe in these cities
Choose mood, not just monuments. Here are simple steps to keep your trip smooth and secure.
- Check live safety tools and local advisories before you travel.
- Book trains and small hotels in advance, especially in shoulder seasons.
- Eat where locals eat: family-run spots often have the best fresh menus.
- Avoid large political gatherings and hotspots reported in local news.
- Travel insurance and mobile roaming with data help with unexpected changes.
Pro tip: aim for weekday visits to main sights to avoid any weekend surges of visitors.
Quick facts to help you plan each trip
Below are bite-sized planning notes for the three cities so you can compare at a glance.
Reims — essentials
- Nearest hub: Paris (TGV connections under an hour).
- Must-see: the medieval cathedral and nearby Champagne houses.
- Why go: historic architecture paired with world-class sparkling wine.
- Best for: culture lovers and food-and-wine itineraries.
Bratislava — essentials
- Nearest hub: Vienna (short train ride).
- Must-see: Bratislava Castle and the compact Old Town lanes.
- Why go: affordable, safe European capital with authentic streets.
- Best for: short breaks, first-time Eastern Europe visitors.
Pescara — essentials
- Nearest hub: regional airports and good rail links along the Adriatic.
- Must-try: brodetto and local dumplings at family trattorie.
- Why go: slow-paced coast, long promenades, and honest seafood.
- Best for: beach lovers who prize food and local rhythms.
How these cities fit into 2027 travel trends
Travelers in 2027 favor smaller places that feel like discoveries. That’s pushing Booking.com’s users toward towns with rich atmospheres and fewer crowds.
- Vibe-first travel increases interest in medieval and coastal towns.
- Safety and authenticity are top considerations for modern trip planning.
- Short, efficient rail connections help these cities compete with larger hubs.
Bottom line: if you want a European trip that feels original, safe, and local, these underrated spots are worth a place on your 2027 itinerary.
