Time Out Magazine named Cork among the most ‘underrated destination cities’ on its list of best city breaks in Europe.
The Emerald Isle is a thriving European destination, welcoming tourists from all around the world seeking to embrace its unique culture and natural charm.
Now, one Irish city has been named among the best city breaks in Europe by international travel magazine Time Out.
Looking at the lesser-known and underrated hidden gems from across Europe, experts at the international travel magazine revealed the ultimate travel guide for 2025.
A must-visit destination – adding to Ireland’s allure
Advising travelers to avoid overpriced and overcrowded destinations, such as London, Paris, and Madrid, Time Out Magazine encourages its readers to visit Europe’s so-called ‘second cities’.
Compiling a list of spots that still offer authentic local culture, great food and drinks, and more affordable places to stay, the publication revealed their list of ‘underrated destination cities’.
Revealing their favourites, the editors ranked one Irish city among the best city breaks in Europe for 2025.
A cooler alternative to Dublin – getting out of the capital
Time Out named Cork at number three on their list, calling it a “cooler, more chilled younger sibling to jam-packed Dublin”.
Highlighting its vibrant creative scene, with its art, music, and traditional Irish theatre, they named the Irish city among their best city breaks in Europe for 2025.
Cork ranked alongside several other underrated destinations, such as the Dutch city of Rotterdam, which claimed the top spot. The Hungarian capital of Budapest ranked second, followed by Cork in third.
Girona in Spain ranked fourth, followed by Helsinki in fifth and Porto in sixth. Tbilisi ranked seventh, followed by Milan in eighth, Krakow in ninth, and Oslo in tenth. View the full ranking on the Time Out website here.
