The underrated European city that everyone will be flocking to in 2026 | Europe | Travel

Brits are ditching pricey, overcrowded city breaks in favour of destinations that feel fresher, calmer and better value, and one underrated European city is emerging as the place everyone will be flocking to in 2026. According to KAYAK’s new What the Future (WTF) Travel Trends 2026 Report, travellers are increasingly turning their backs on crowded hotspots and hunting down places that feel more authentic, affordable, and still refreshingly underrated. Leading KAYAK’s list of Top 10 Emerging Destinations for 2026 is Cork, Ireland, which is set to win over Brits looking for a city break that delivers culture, food and atmosphere without the eye-watering prices of other major cities worldwide.

It leads ahead of Chongqing in China and Harbin in northern China, which took second and third place respectively. The report is based on community data from TikTok. The data reveals that 71% of Gen Z and Millennial Brits are actively searching for “hidden gem” destinations that aren’t all over social media yet, while a huge 84% of travellers said they’d rather holiday in a smaller town or lesser-known city than a busy tourist hub in 2026.

It found that rather than flocking to the same well‑trodden destinations, travellers are on the hunt for underrated destinations to uncover. On TikTok, #hiddengems content has jumped by more than 50% and #slowtravel posts have surged by 330%. 

Cork is sometimes called “the real capital” by locals as they take pride in the city’s long history of independence and rebellion. Cork famously opposed the Anglo‑Irish Treaty during the Irish Civil War. 

The city offers an authentic, less‑crowded alternative to Dublin, with a great atmosphere, food, culture, and character. Often also called Ireland’s culinary capital, Cork has a vibrant food scene with a brilliant mix of local produce, markets, and some of the restaurants in the country.

Some highlights include the historic English Market, nearby Blarney Castle, the Cork City Gaol, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and it’s also home to the second-largest natural harbour in the world. Cork is packed with festivals, events, and a growing street‑art scene, giving the city even more personality.

KAYAK UK travel expert Rachel Mumford told the Express: “2026 is set to be defined by travel trends that deliver maximum reset in minimum time. Brits are looking to properly switch off, take shorter holidays and enjoy the charms of the real world away from the reels.

“For all of this, Cork in the south-west of Ireland is exactly the kind of place travellers are gravitating towards this year. It’s a ‘little big trip’ city that’s compact, walkable and packed with character, where you can enjoy a weekend without the prices of a major hub.”

She added: “It’s an easy reset as you’re in the middle of a lively food scene within minutes of arriving. Your weekend doesn’t need to be packed to feel like you’ve escaped.

“Think quality over quantity with a simple day trip to Kinsale for seafood, Cobh for coastal views or a soft hike at Gougane Barra Forest Park without committing to a full-on adventure.”

1. Cork, Ireland 
2. Chongqing, China 
3. Harbin, China 
4. Zakynthos, Greece 
5. Shenzhen, China  
6. Almaty, Kazakhstan 
7. Hilo, United States  
8. Noumea, New Caledonia  
9. La Romana, Dominican Republic  
10. Luxembourg, Luxembourg