Wrocław and Debrecen make CNN list of ‘beautiful European cities with hardly any tourists’

Wrocław, Poland – Two cities from Central Europe have been included by CNN in its list of ’20 beautiful European cities with hardly any tourists’: Wrocław in Poland and Debrecen and Hungary.

The list also includes the likes of Norwich in England, Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yerevan in Armenia, Cluj-Napoca in Romania, Tbilisi in Georgia, Minsk in Belarus, Plovdiv in Bulgaria and Prishtina in Kosovo.

Wrocław, a cultural punch

“Few small cities in Europe pack a cultural punch like Wrocław,” writes CNN, “this western Polish city, on the banks of the Oder river, served as European Capital of Culture in 2016 and has plenty of attractions for art, architecture and history fanatics to marvel at”.

According to CNN, “Wrocław’s main highlight is the 114-meter Panorama of Racławice, depicting the 1794 defeat of a Russian army by the Poles,” as well as the “the Penitent Bridge between the towers of the Mary Magdalene Church” and as “the beautiful Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The article adds that “no visit is complete without a day spent exploring the Gothic Old Town”.

The city was recently named best and most reputable city in Poland. Earlier this year, exactly 7,423 musicians and guitarists gathered on the city’s Market Square to play Jimi Hendrix’ world-famous ‘Hey Joe’, and break the Guinness World Record of simultaneous guitar playing.

Debrecen, where the real action takes place

“While Budapest has a deserved reputation as one of Europe’s most appealing cities, Debrecen is an excellent option for those seeking a less crowded Hungarian alternative,” writes CNN before highlingting Kossuth tér, the main square, “home to the impressive Calvinist Great Church and Grand Hotel Aranybika”.

“Yet it’s beyond these major sights that the real action takes place,” continues the article, “the Old Town rewards those looking to get lost with excellent cafés and people-watching spots”.

“Keep an eye out for smaller spa hotels, with a chance to soak in thermal waters before heading to the nearby Great Plains”, concludes CNN.

Home to one of Central Europe’s most highly ranked universities, Debrecen was in the running to be named Hungary’s European Capital of Culture for 2023, only to be surprisingly beaten by Veszprém.