Analysing data from TripAdvisor shows which destinations in Europe are truly underrated, with fewer tourists than most. Ahead of 2026, I wanted to find out which destinations were worth booking. I had been to several cities across Europe this year, and I wanted to know where I, as well as others living in the UK, should plan to go in 2026 if we missed it this year. I got a slew of responses, with places like Porto in Portugal popping up several times. 

However, one city in Eastern Europe seems to be the one that could draw more and more people in next year. An expert from TripAdvisor looked into my query and revealed to me one city that she thinks is truly underrated, based on data from the travel review site. “It is 56% cheaper than the average European destination based on average nightly hotel rates during the summer,” she told me. 

She revealed that Krakow is a city to have on my European travel radar in 2026. Krakow is located in southern Poland near the border of the Czech Republic, and has plenty to offer tourists. 

It is known for its excellently preserved medieval architecture as well as its vibrant Jewish quarter. In fact, parts of this city look like they have been ripped right off the front of a postcard, with stunning historical architecture and quaint restaurants, cafes and shops. 

The TripAdvisor expert revealed: “It has an average review score of 4.5 bubbles and we’ve seen 7% increase in reviews for the destination in the last year.”

She added: “Krakow was named No. 20 Culture Destination in the World in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations 2025 as well as No. 24 Top Destinations in Europe.”

Among the things to do and see in Krakow is the Rynek Glowny Central Square, which is the city’s top-rated attraction on TripAdvisor. 

There is also Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera, which tells the story of both Krakow’s Jewish and Polish residents during the events of World War II. Other top-rated attractions in the city are Wawel Royal Castle, the Lost Souls Alley and St Mary’s Basilica. 

Krakow is also within day-trip distance from the former concentration camp, Auschwitz, which is a harrowing yet impactful visit. The city boasts an array of walking tours, all of which paint the picture of Karkow’s rich and turbulent history. 

Previous tourists have had lovely things to say about this Polish city. One person shared on a TripAdvisor message board: “Poland is a most interesting country to visit. We spent 4 days in Krakow, railed to Gdansk for another 3 days. The people are most welcoming, the prices are excellent, the food is delicious and most reasonably priced. We SO enjoyed our Poland visit and look forward to returning.”

Another advised: “Two trips out of Krakow worth doing would be Auschwitz and the famous salt mines. Auschwitz is very dark and sad, but important to visit, I think.

“I would say the salt mine tour is one of the best tours I have done. Easy to do both those trips out of Krakow by train. I would say do two days for Krakow, not including any trips out of the city.”