You might have explored some of Europe's standout cities such as Paris, Athens and Budapest, but you certainly haven't seen it all.The continent is home to many undiscovered metropolises and urban hubs, many of which have not been subjected to the overtourism curse that has plagued so many of the top spots.In Rough Guides' latest guidebook, The Most Underrated Places in Europe, readers are treated to hundreds of hidden gem locations that offer charm, culture and beauty without the crowds, noise, and sky-high prices. The guidebook shines a spotlight on some of the most magnificent urban gems in Europe.From the lesser-known Danish city that rivals Copenhagen to the vibrant culture of one UK spot, Europe is bursting with alternative holiday choices that could see you swap tourist traps for true authenticity. Here, we've highlighted the 10 standout spots from the book to help you start planning your next European city break. 1. Aarhus, Denmark Aarhus is Denmark's second city - and is emerging from behind the shadow of CopenhagenFew places are as synonymous with the city break as Copenhagen - but swapping the gorgeous yet overdone Danish capital for Aarhus will bring all the same cobbled streets and culture, but with a small-town feel.Known as the 'City of Smiles', and ranking fourth in the global Happy City Index, Aarhus is home to both modern culture and historic Viking heritage.Check out the Latin Quarter with its medieval atmosphere, half-timbered houses, Old Town museum and Denmark's oldest cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. 2. Ghent, Belgium Pretty Ghent has all the cobbled streets, romantic bridges and restaurants you could want from a European city breakNext up is Ghent, perfect for fans of a traditional canalside city.A castle, ancient brick cottages and museums exhibiting the paintings of medieval Flanders are the main attractions here, although there are also many streets to wander and a restaurant quarter to check out.Don't miss this Flemish city, which is home to a spectacular Gothic cathedral and one of the most famous medieval paintings of all time, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck. 3. La Rochelle, France Swap busy Bordeaux for La Rochelle, a harbour town that's picture-perfectLa Rochelle is hardly ever on the tourist map - and that's a mistake.With historic monuments to rival the likes of Paris and Bordeaux - such as the Gothic Cathedral Saint-Louis and the Hotel de Ville - it's a good idea to switch out the well-known parts of France for under-the-radar gems such as this.Street performers, arched walkways and fresh oysters are items to add to the bucket list if you're visiting La Rochelle. 4. Liverpool, UK Liverpool was once the European Capital of Culture - and it's still worth a visitThe home of the Beatles, Liverpool is hardly unknown territory - but it's rarely a stop on a tourist itinerary.With a longstanding maritime history and cool neighbourhoods featuring craft beer, coffee shops and vintage stores, it's well worth a look for a weekend away.Stop at the Art Deco Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Hall, visit the St George's Hall and check out the Royal Albert Dock. 5. Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is easy to explore on foot over a short breakSlovenia is slowly on the rise - and its capital, Ljubljana, should be at the centre of that.Don't miss Ljubljana Castle, as well as the Old Town, for a classic exercise in European culture-hopping, and head to nearby green spaces and the Ljubljanica River for a taste of nature.Foodies should keep an eye out for local markets and regional delicacies - you might not have heard of Štruklji, but give these rolled dumplings a try!6. Porto, Portugal Porto in Portugal is a haven for foodies and those seeking their fill of cultureSituated on the banks of the Douro River, Porto is fast catching up with Lisbon as Portugal's most prominent city break spot.Golden sunlight, wide promenades and alleys filled with al fresco restaurants are a dime a dozen here, as are steaming sardines and street markets.Be sure to taste a glass of Port, too - this city is, after all, where it gets its name.7. Poznan, Poland Underrated Poznan in Poland is known for its colourful main squareYou've heard of Krakow - but what about its equally pretty counterpart, Poznan?This Polish city has an array of Renaissance-style buildings, an old market place, colourful houses and is even home to the oldest cathedral in Poland.Meanwhile, modernity is on display here too: take a look at the Stary Browar shopping mall, Art Nouveau tenement houses and cheap vodka bars.8. Riga, Latvia Baltic gem Riga is perfect for culture buffs and art fansThe capital of Latvia is both grand and cosy - imposing buildings such as the House of the Black Heads give it real gravitas, while pretty restaurants and quiet streets add an intimate sense of charm.Art at the Riga Bourse, food in the city centre and history in the Old Town make this city everything you could want from a European city break - not to mention there are plenty of shops and an authentic market to explore. There's also a serious historical side to uncover, with landmarks such as the Ghetto Museum and Museum of Occupation of Latvia. 9. Seville, Spain Seville is one of Spain's prettiest cities - be sure not to miss outHome to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, Seville is more than just that - it is also a place to find traditional ceramics and plenty of art.Often dubbed the City of Opera, it is the place of origin of such famous works as Carmen, as well as bullfighters and flamenco (mainly in the Triana barrio).There are also world-renowned festivals to visit here; notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, for a real taste of Andalusian festivities.10. Stuttgart, Germany Rounding out the list is Germany's Stuttgart, an underappreciated citySwitch Berlin and Munich for the lesser-visited Stuttgart, a German city surrounded by vineyards.Art fans can enjoy works from Picasso and Kandinsky in the Staatsgalerie, while the Carl-Zeiss Planetarium provides fun for the whole family.Meanwhile, other attractions include the greenery of the Schlossgarten, the Mercedes and Porsche museums and a pig-themed museum, SchweineMuseum Stuttgart. Rough Guides Travel Edit: The Most Underrated Places in Europe is available to buy now. The Most Underrated Places in Europe is available to purchase now