🌎 With European capitals seeing surging visitor numbers, these overlooked second cities can be affordable, culture-rich destinations.
As more European capital cities struggle with overtourism, second-city destinations are taking the spotlight.
New research by luggage storage company Radical Storage characterises these destinations as the second-most populated city in a European country.
In 10 of the 44 European countries analysed, the second-largest city was a better tourist destination than the capital city.
The study compared the tourist experience in each European country’s capital city with its second-largest city, taking into account shopping, accommodation, food, culture, accessibility and local attractions and ranking them on a scale of 0 to 10.
But which are the top second cities and why exactly should you choose them? Find out below.
✅ Novi Sad, Serbia
Serbia as a whole is a relatively overlooked European destination. Its second city, Novi Sad, however, came out on top of the ranking and it has a string of impressive credentials. It was crowned the European Youth Capital of 2019 by the European Union and became a UNESCO Creative City in 2023.
Smaller and more walkable than the capital, Belgrade, it has a vibrant cultural scene and is very popular with students and young people, especially because of the annual EXIT music festival.
Stumble upon laneway bars in the charming old town, or enjoy colourful art, soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of the city.
Explore the Petrovaradin Fortress, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, with a network of tunnels and an iconic clock tower, or relax on the 700-metre-long beach alongside the Danube.
In the old town, called Stari Grad, you’ll find the Name of Mary Church, a Gothic Revival church and the neo-Renaissance City Hall.
With a score of 5.87 in the Radical Storage study, Novi Sad has 102 attractions rated over 4 stars, with the average entry fee for top attractions being €1.7. It also has 251 eateries with a rating of over 4 stars.
According to Radical Storage’s study, a main meal per person in Novi Sad costs only around €8.4, compared to the average main meal prices in other cities analysed in the study, at €13.6.
The average price per night at a mid-range hotel is €33.5, with the top 30 hotels having a review of 4.5 on average. Novi Sad also has 19 shopping destinations.
✅ Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona took second place, with a score of 5.75, according to the study, due to its relaxed Mediterranean vibe, beaches, unique architecture and outstanding air and rail connections.
Although the city is not as much of a hidden gem as the others in the study, already suffering from overtourism, it still offers a different experience than Madrid, with a more international feel.
Enjoy UNESCO World Heritage Sites designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, such as the Casa Vicens, the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló. Learn about tapas culture and enjoy local specialities such as the bomba or salted cod, or let loose at one of the city’s many music festivals, such as the Primavera Sound.
With a distinct regional identity, Barcelona also allows visitors to take part in unique Catalan festivals and traditions, such as the La Mercè festival and Sant Jordi’s Day, when books and roses are exchanged.
The city ranked 1st for cultural and local attractions in the Radical Storage study, while taking fourth place for restaurant ranking and 37th place for accommodation ranking. It was in second place for shopping, but in top place for accessibility.
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