10 emerging European cities to check out in 2021

This Black Sea resort town should be top of your list to visit. The second largest city in Georgia is a modern metropolis surrounded by stunning countryside and dotted with unique historic landmarks. 

The capital of Azerbaijan is a dynamic coastal city where a medieval walled city and ancient buildings sit neatly alongside modern high-rises. And it’s hosted Eurovision!

A pretty city in northern Poland, Bydgoszcz has a city centre dominated by rivers and waterways and dotted with unusual architecture.

There are decades of history to be discovered in Derry, Northern Ireland’s second city (sometimes known as Londonderry). A walk around the outside is a good place to start – it’s the only completely walled city in Ireland.

A beautiful town east of Prague, Kutná Hora holds Unesco World Heritage status thanks to the gothic Church of St Barbara and baroque cathedral.

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a green and lively place crowned by an imposing medieval castle.

The atmospheric town of Matera in southern Italy is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, and features in the new (and much-delayed) 007 movie.

The draws here are cobbled streets, beautiful old stone buildings and the Stari Most: a medieval bridge that’s one of the country’s most visited attractions.

Found in Romania’s historical region of Transylvania (don’t be scared!), Sibiu is known for its Germanic style, eclectic architecture and annual Christmas market, which is due to return in 2021.

The capital of Bulgaria is an appealing and intriguing mix of old and new, right at the foot of the Vitosha mountain.