The underrated European metropolis that everybody will probably be flocking to in 2026

Brits are ditching expensive metropolis breaks for this underrated metropolis in 2026, a brand new report has discovered.

Colorful buildings, old boats and cathedral, Cobh harbor, County Cork, Ireland

Cork is the second greatest metropolis in Eire (Picture: Getty) This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Study extra

Brits are ditching expensive, overcrowded metropolis breaks in favour of locations that really feel more energizing, calmer and higher worth, and one underrated European metropolis is rising because the place everybody will probably be flocking to in 2026. Based on KAYAK’s new What the Future (WTF) Journey Tendencies 2026 Report, travellers are more and more turning their backs on crowded hotspots and searching down locations that really feel extra genuine, reasonably priced, and nonetheless refreshingly underrated. Main KAYAK’s record of High 10 Rising Locations for 2026 is Cork, Eire, which is about to win over Brits in search of a metropolis break that delivers tradition, meals and ambiance with out the eye-watering costs of different main cities worldwide.

It leads forward of Chongqing in China and Harbin in northern China, which took second and third place respectively. The report relies on neighborhood information from TikTok. The info reveals that 71% of Gen Z and Millennial Brits are actively trying to find “hidden gem” locations that aren’t throughout social media but, whereas an enormous 84% of travellers stated they’d moderately vacation in a smaller city or lesser-known metropolis than a busy vacationer hub in 2026.

It discovered that moderately than flocking to the identical effectively‑trodden locations, travellers are on the hunt for underrated locations to uncover. On TikTok, #hiddengems content material has jumped by greater than 50% and #slowtravel posts have surged by 330%.

The River Lee in Cork City, Ireland at Night.

Brits are ditching expensive metropolis breaks for Cork in 2026 (Picture: Getty)

Cork is usually referred to as “the actual capital” by locals as they take delight within the metropolis’s lengthy historical past of independence and insurrection. Cork famously opposed the Anglo‑Irish Treaty through the Irish Civil Battle.

Town gives an genuine, much less‑crowded different to Dublin, with an awesome ambiance, meals, tradition, and character. Usually additionally referred to as Eire’s culinary capital, Cork has a vibrant meals scene with a superb mixture of native produce, markets, and a number of the eating places within the nation.

Some highlights embody the historic English Market, close by Blarney Citadel, the Cork Metropolis Gaol, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and it is also dwelling to the second-largest pure harbour on the earth. Cork is full of festivals, occasions, and a rising avenue‑artwork scene, giving the town much more character.

KAYAK UK journey professional Rachel Mumford instructed the Categorical: “2026 is about to be outlined by journey developments that ship most reset in minimal time. Brits wish to correctly change off, take shorter holidays and benefit from the charms of the actual world away from the reels.

“For all of this, Cork within the south-west of Eire is precisely the form of place travellers are gravitating in the direction of this yr. It’s a ‘little huge journey’ metropolis that is compact, walkable and full of character, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a weekend with out the costs of a significant hub.”

She added: “It’s a straightforward reset as you’re in the course of a energetic meals scene inside minutes of arriving. Your weekend doesn’t must be packed to really feel such as you’ve escaped.

“Suppose high quality over amount with a easy day journey to Kinsale for seafood, Cobh for coastal views or a smooth hike at Gougane Barra Forest Park with out committing to a full-on journey.”