Travel magazines love talking about Paris, Tokyo, and New York, but some of the world’s most incredible destinations fly completely under the radar. These hidden gems offer authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and often better value than their famous counterparts. While everyone else fights for space at overpriced tourist traps, you could be discovering places that locals want to keep secret.
Here’s a list of 20 underrated cities that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
Ghent, Belgium
This medieval masterpiece gets overshadowed by nearby Brussels and Bruges, but Ghent delivers all the charm without the tour bus chaos. The city’s canal-lined streets and towering castle create a fairytale atmosphere that feels more authentic than its touristy neighbors.
Plus, the local beer scene rivals anywhere in Belgium, and that’s saying something.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital feels like a smaller, more affordable version of Prague before it became Instagram famous. The city center is completely car-free, making it perfect for wandering between outdoor cafés and browsing local markets.
Dragon-decorated bridges and a hilltop castle add just enough fantasy to make every corner photo-worthy.
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Porto, Portugal
While everyone flocks to Lisbon, Porto quietly offers some of Europe’s finest architecture and wine culture. The UNESCO-listed old town spills down hillsides toward the Douro River, creating endless opportunities for stunning sunset views.
The port wine cellars alone make the trip worthwhile, especially when you realize how much you’ve been overpaying for the same bottles back home.
Tallinn, Estonia
This Baltic capital looks like it was pulled straight from a medieval movie set, complete with cobblestone streets and ancient city walls. The digital nomad scene has discovered Tallinn’s lightning-fast internet and affordable living costs, but it hasn’t yet lost its old-world charm.
The Christmas markets here put most famous European destinations to shame.
Kanazawa, Japan
Japan’s cultural heart beats strongest in Kanazawa, where traditional crafts and perfectly preserved districts offer a glimpse into the country’s authentic soul. The Kenroku-en garden ranks among the world’s most beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season when you’ll have it mostly to yourself.
Fresh seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan doesn’t hurt either.
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Valparaíso, Chile
This colorful port city climbs up Pacific coastline hills like a giant outdoor art gallery, with murals covering nearly every surface. The funicular railways that connect different neighborhoods feel like rides at an amusement park, except they’re part of daily life here.
Valparaíso’s Bohemian energy attracts artists and musicians from across South America.
George Town, Malaysia
Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage city blends Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures into something unique. Street food here reaches legendary status — you’ll eat better for $3 than you would at the most expensive restaurants elsewhere.
The colonial architecture provides a beautiful backdrop for exploring one of Asia’s most diverse food scenes.
Split, Croatia
While Dubrovnik drowns in Game of Thrones tourism, Split offers an equally stunning Adriatic coastline with room to breathe. The ancient Diocletian’s Palace isn’t just a tourist attraction — people live and work within its 1,700-year-old walls.
Island-hopping opportunities from Split’s harbor rival anything in the Greek islands.
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Medellín, Colombia
Once synonymous with danger, Medellín has transformed into South America’s most innovative city while keeping its authentic Colombian spirit. The city’s eternal spring climate means perfect weather year-round, and the surrounding mountains create a dramatic natural amphitheater.
Local paisa culture emphasizes warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel like longtime friends.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city doesn’t get nearly enough credit for its remarkable blend of Roman ruins and colorful Revival-era houses. The old town perches on ancient hills where you can explore 2,000-year-old theaters still used for modern performances.
Bulgaria’s wine region surrounds Plovdiv, offering world-class tastings at prices that seem almost too good to be true.
Da Nang, Vietnam
This coastal city serves as the perfect base for exploring central Vietnam’s highlights without the tourist crowds of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Miles of pristine beaches stretch in both directions, backed by mountains that hide ancient temples and spectacular viewpoints.
The food scene focuses on central Vietnamese specialties you won’t find anywhere else.
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Brno, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic’s second city delivers all of Prague’s architectural beauty and beer culture at half the cost and with fewer crowds. Modernist masterpieces, such as Villa Tugendhat, showcase the city’s design heritage, while underground tunnels reveal centuries of hidden history.
The surrounding Moravian wine region produces some of Central Europe’s best whites.
Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines outdoor adventure with a thriving arts scene that rivals much larger cities. The craft brewery density here reaches almost absurd levels — you could spend weeks trying different local beers without repeating.
Mountain hiking trails start practically downtown, making it easy to work up an appetite for the city’s incredible farm-to-table restaurants.
Fez, Morocco
Morocco’s spiritual capital preserves medieval Islamic civilization better than anywhere else on Earth. The medina’s narrow alleys haven’t changed much in 800 years, creating an immersive historical experience that feels completely authentic.
Traditional crafts like leather tanning and metalwork still happen using ancient techniques passed down through generations.
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Lviv, Ukraine
This former Austro-Hungarian city showcases Central European culture at its finest, with coffeehouses and architecture that rival those of Vienna or Prague. The UNESCO-listed old town survived centuries of changing borders while maintaining its unique identity.
Lviv’s emerging food scene cleverly updates traditional Ukrainian cuisine with modern techniques.
Hobart, Tasmania
Australia’s southernmost capital sits at the edge of the world, where pristine wilderness meets cutting-edge art and food culture. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) alone justifies the trip, but Hobart’s location provides easy access to some of the planet’s most unspoiled nature.
Cool-climate wines from the surrounding region are finally getting international recognition.
Innsbruck, Austria
Surrounded by towering Alps peaks, Innsbruck offers world-class mountain access with the cultural amenities of a proper city. The historic old town provides stunning backdrops for outdoor dining, while cable cars can whisk you to hiking trails within minutes.
Winter sports enthusiasts get two Olympic-quality ski areas right in their backyard.
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Cuenca, Ecuador
This high-altitude colonial gem is situated in the Andes at 8,500 feet, providing a perfect climate year-round. The historic center’s cobblestone streets and grand cathedrals earned UNESCO protection, but the real appeal lies in the relaxed pace of life.
Expats have discovered Cuenca’s combination of low costs and high quality of life, though it remains authentically Ecuadorian.
Galway, Ireland
Ireland’s cultural capital on the Atlantic coast pulses with traditional music and modern creativity in equal measure. The compact city center makes everything walkable, from medieval streets to colorful pubs where impromptu music sessions happen nightly.
The nearby Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands provide easy day trips to some of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes.
Luang Prabang, Laos
This former royal capital sits at the confluence of two rivers, surrounded by mountains and Buddhist temples that create an atmosphere of timeless serenity. The morning alms ceremony provides a glimpse into living Buddhist culture, while nearby waterfalls offer perfect swimming spots.
French colonial influence appears in the architecture, and surprisingly good bread and coffee.
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Beyond the Obvious Choices
These underrated destinations prove that the world’s best travel experiences often happen away from the crowds. Each city offers something unique — whether it’s authentic culture, stunning natural settings, or simply the pleasure of discovery.
The next time wanderlust strikes, consider skipping the obvious choices and heading somewhere that will surprise you with its hidden treasures.
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