Europe is full of amazing cities that are just waiting to be explored, but there’s no doubt about the fact that certain cities can get pretty crowded. Heading down Las Ramblas in Barcelona will leave you bumping shoulders with the tourists next to you, exploring Paris will see you getting sweaty on the subway, and making your way to Rome will leave you gasping for some gelato. So, where do you go when you want to explore European culture without dealing with the crowds? These may be the perfect cities for you.

Wroclaw, Poland

Many travelers heading to Poland will make their way to Warsaw or Krakow, but there’s so much more to this country than those two bustling cities. Wroclaw may be much smaller than some of its neighbors, but there’s no doubt about the fact that it still packs a punch. This place lies on the edge of the Oder river, and it has everything you could possibly want and more from a cultural vacation. From intriguing architecture to the Gothic Old Town, the buildings are absolutely stunning. That’s before we even mention the plethora of museums and galleries.

Valencia, Spain

When many people think of Spain, they think of bustling cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, but what if we told you that you didn’t have to butt heads with people in these cities to see the culture that Spain has to offer? Valencia is only two hours away from Madrid, but the difference between them is much more vast. Valencia is quiet and traditional, and it showcases everything that travelers from an authentic Spanish getaway. Featuring beautiful weather, incredible buildings, and some of the delicious food you’ve ever tried, it’s a no-brainer.

Turin, Italy

Italian cities such as Venice and Rome see millions of tourists every single year, but it seems as though the hype around these places means that Turin gets left behind. This is great for those who don’t want to deal with crowds but still want to explore the wonders of Italy. Turin should definitely be added to your bucket list because this city features grand basilicas, beautiful waterways, impressive coffee shops and restaurants, and a chilled-out vibe that you just can’t find anywhere else.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Very few people decide that they want to make their way to Bulgaria, but that’s a mistake. This country is full of amazing cities, including Plovdiv, which takes the record as Europe’s longest-inhabited city. Because of this, Plovdiv is teeming with history and culture, from the Roman amphitheater to the 5,000-year-old ruins in the Old Town. Everything about this city is authentic and natural, and it really is something that you should see for yourself.

So, if you’re looking for European cities that have culture without the crowds, then look no further. These cities will give you everything you want, without someone else spoiling your photos or bumping into you every other minute. Which one will you visit first?