Underrated European Cities That Are Cheaper and Less Crowded Than Paris

59. Alba Iulia, Romania – A Fortress of History

Romania’s Alba Iulia doesn’t just preserve history—it lives in it. This Transylvanian city centers around the star-shaped Alba Carolina Citadel, a vast Baroque fortress where Roman ruins, medieval bastions, and military ceremonies converge. It’s where Romania's modern statehood was declared in 1918, making it a patriotic symbol as well as a living museum. Walk the citadel walls, watch ceremonial guard changes, and experience centuries of layered heritage—all without crowds or high costs. With a walkable center and access to stunning Carpathian countryside, Alba Iulia is a powerful yet peaceful place for history buffs and slow travelers alike.