- Travel blogger Anna Merabishvili states that she 'fell in love' with these cities.
- However, she notes that they are 'not necessarily the most widely visited destinations'
In times of overcrowding due to mass tourism, advice on lesser-known destinations has never been more valuable.
deserves a hat tip for picking out seven European cities that she says are the most undervalued.
Here, we learn more about these places, including the hospitality of the locals and their top three attractions and sights.
Reveals what most surprised her about each city
She says: "I have travelled to a variety of cities in Europe, and these are the places that I genuinely develop a strong affection for, although they may not be the most frequently visited."
Read on for more.
Which city would you most like to mark off your bucket list?
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
What did you envision about Bordeaux before your arrival?
Anna told MailOnline Travel, "I had anticipated the city to be quiet and less stylish than Paris. We stayed in a hotel situated on a vineyard, and to be honest, I was not expecting it to be such a large and luxurious establishment."
It was called Les Sources de Caudalie. The atmosphere is enchanting, like a fairytale, with swans and horses all around.
What has taken you by surprise the most about that location?
Anna says: 'I was most surprised by how vibrant the city of Bordeaux was. It quickly became one of my favourite cities in Europe, as the shopping is outstanding and there are countless options for food and drink. While strolling around, you can discover numerous hidden treasures - there is a street lined with colorful umbrellas, and some buildings resemble châteaux. Additionally, you will find numerous wine bars and cafes with outdoor seating areas, which greatly contributes to the city's overall atmosphere.'
What was the character of the people who live in this region?
Anna states: 'I had limited interactions with the locals, but those I did meet were very friendly and helpful.'
Would you like to explore three recommendations for things to do and see?
UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can easily get lost in the narrow streets, discover unique shops, visit wine bars, and stumble upon numerous unexpected treasures.
La Cité du Vin is an absolute must-visit destination. As you explore this immersive wine museum, you'll engage all your senses - seeing, smelling, and tasting - as you journey through the production history of wine from around the world. Your experience culminates in a wine tasting session.
'Experience a day trip to Saint-Emilion, one of the most renowned wine regions globally. Encircled by vineyards and medieval architecture, this charming town is an ideal destination for a day excursion.'
GDANSK, POLAND
What did you imagine it would be like before arriving?
She says, 'I was expecting Gdansk to be fairly pretty, but not exceptionally impressive. I thought that it was just a normal-sized town in Poland, but I was still very enthusiastic to discover it.'
What caught my attention most about the location?
German cultures and the city's youth, which is reflected in its architecture were also notable. It was also a young city, teeming with students and vibrant nightlife spots.'
What were the people who live there like?
Anna remarks, "'The locals were very friendly! We had a local tour guide who showed us around and she was very nice.'"
There are three things to do and see in this area, which may interest you.
You will enjoy beautiful landscapes, including a fountain, and colorful buildings while strolling along the river. You'll also get great views of the city.
It's absolutely captivating and offers a thorough insight into WWII from a Polish angle, showcasing well-organized exhibits that convey information while evoking a strong emotional response.
'Dance the night away at 100cznia. This converted warehouse serves beautifully during the day and also offers a unique atmosphere at night, reminiscent of an industrial street party.'
Stockholm, Sweden
What was it like before you were here?
She says: 'To be frank, I had thought it would be quite chilly and not very pleasant. I wasn't well-acquainted with the city beforehand.'
What was something that unexpectedly caught your attention in Stockholm?
Anna remarks: "I was taken aback by how pleasant the city was. It was sunny the entire time and people were having lunch by the river - it was a really great atmosphere."
Here are three things to do and see in the city.
Anna says: 'Delve into Gamla Stan, one of Europe's most well-maintained medieval city centres, boasting picturesque cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and quaint cafes. This area is also teeming with small shops, making it an ideal destination for shopping.'
'Also, visit the captivating Vasa Museum, which houses the Vasa Ship, an almost perfectly preserved 17th-century warship that met its demise on its inaugural voyage. The ship is centrally situated in the museum, where visitors can explore it to gain insight into its past and the people who navigated it.'
'Experience Stockholm's Archipelago by Boat. One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city's surroundings is on a boat tour. The area is dotted by numerous fjords, offering a variety of day trips, including a visit to the notable Drottningholm Palace.'
Any memorable individual moments?
Anna says, "Visiting the Drottningholm Palace was definitely one of the highlights for me here."
What was the atmosphere among the residents like? A welcoming ambiance?
They said the atmosphere was extremely welcoming and the residents were very polite.
San Sebastian, Spain
What were your initial thoughts about what it would be like here when you first arrived?
You really caught me off guard, as I had no prior knowledge about San Sebastián. I was amazed when I discovered how phenomenal the food there ended up being.
What left the most striking impression about the place.
The culinary scene in San Sebastián was truly unforgettable. I was most astonished by the vibrant food culture, particularly the tapas bars, the variety of pintxos, and of course, the iconic Basque cheesecake, which stole my heart.
Recommend three activities to explore...
Anna says: "Pintxos hopping is the absolute top thing to do in San Sebastián. It's a fantastic experience to hop from one bar to another and savor the best pintxos each venue has to offer."
Additionally, take a cable car to the top of Mount Igueldo to witness breathtaking views of the city and enjoy an exhilarating roller coaster ride with a spectacular panorama.
'Lastly, enjoy a Michelin-starred meal. San Sebastián boasts an exceptionally high density of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. It's undoubtedly the ideal destination for one of the most unforgettable dining experiences of your life!'
Tbilisi, Georgia
What was going through your mind before your arrival?
Anna said, "My entire family is from Tbilisi, so I have been visiting there since I was very young."
Anticipating the unexpected might not be everyone's cup of tea, but a recent survey suggests that there are still some unexpected things that might surprise visitors of your place of residence. Visitors to your residence may be surprised by "your quirky decor", "your shelf of vinyl records", "the ladder to your loft bed", "your floor polish is made from feinetza", "the honesty jar has a story behind it", "your learning inclinations", "easygoing guest policy when it comes to food", "nonsensical times-related objects on your cluttered clock face", "rusty equipment painted black", "digital albums made from unknown intagli"
I've been surprised by how European Tbilisi feels to visitors. The Old Town is steeped in history and has a lovely aesthetic, with photo opportunities abound throughout the city. Tbilisi's city centre is easily exploreable on foot and the taxi fares are quite reasonable.
Please recommend three activities and attractions.
Anna says: "Visit the Old Town. It's one of the most beautiful sections of the city. Walk across the Peace Bridge and explore the Abanotubani, where the traditional Georgian sulfur baths are located."
'Additionally, ascend to Narikala fortress to behold the most scenic views of the city. It is an ideal vantage point to capture photographs of the city.'
'Finally, Georgian cuisine is a must-try. Be sure to try the khinkali (dumplings filled with meat), khachapuri (cheese bread), and pkhali (a dip made from spinach and walnuts). Georgia is also the origin of wine, so you can be assured that the wine will be excellent!'
Are the locals friendly?
Anna remarks, "Georgia is one of the most welcoming countries globally! Therefore, the residents are indeed very amicable."
Bergamo, Italy
Before your arrival, what were your anticipations of what it would be like?
Anna notes in her conversation with MailOnline: 'I had expected a dull city with few attractions, as I had never before heard of it.'
What did you find most surprising about the location?
Anna reminisces: "Bergamo's Old Town was absolutely stunning! I loved how lively it was and the little shops, restaurants, and bars all around. The atmosphere in the town was just amazing."
Please let us suggest three experiences to consider:
Anna says: 'Explore the Citta Alta (old town) - definitely one of the city's main highlights. It's distinct from the new town and situated at a higher altitude, and can be accessed via the funicular. You can also appreciate the city's breathtaking views from up here.
You should also visit the Accademia Carrara, one of Italy's oldest and most esteemed art galleries, featuring an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art.
Finally, be sure to experience the local specialties. Stop by a local trattoria to sample some of the region's best dishes, including casoncelli (stuffed pasta with a flavorful filling) and polenta e osei (a sweet dessert similar to polenta).
Are the locals friendly?
Anna comments, "The locals are very nice and they were happy to help and suggest the best places to visit around the city."
Brescia, Italy
What were your preconceived notions like when you arrived?
Anna says: 'I realized that Brescia is a city rich in history and that it would make a magnificent destination to explore.'
What caught you off guard about the location?
Anna remarks: 'What struck me was how cozy the city felt and the many secrets it had hidden all around it.'
Please let us know three things to do and see.
Anna suggests: "Explore the Capitolium and Roman Forum. Brescia boasts one of the most notable Roman ruins. It is truly one of the most impressive sights and the ideal location for taking photos."
Then there's Santa Giulia Museum, placed near the Capitolium. Inside, you can learn about the city's history and discover appealing churches with intricate ceilings.
'Finally, enjoy breathtaking views of the city from Brescia Castle, nestled atop a picturesque hill, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.'
Are the locals friendly?
Anna states: "The local inhabitants were amongst the kindest people I have ever encountered. Our tour guide here was extremely polite and provided us with a highly engaging tour around the city."
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