Hidden Gems: 11 Underrated Cities You Should Visit This Year
In a world obsessed with bucket-list destinations, it’s easy to overlook the cities that quietly steal hearts. These underrated gems may not dominate travel feeds, but they offer authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and a deep sense of discovery. Here are 12 underrated cities around the globe that just might become your new favorite.
WORLD
4/24/20253 min read
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
With its colorful balconies, warm hospitality, and hipster-meets-historic vibe, Tbilisi is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Nestled between East and West, this Georgian capital serves up hearty cuisine, ancient baths, and a creative scene that’s buzzing with energy. The cost of living is low, the wine is local, and the sunsets over the old town are unforgettable. For solo travelers, it’s welcoming, walkable, and full of character.
2. Puebla, Mexico
Often overshadowed by Mexico City, Puebla offers colonial beauty with a side of culinary brilliance. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colorful tiles and majestic churches. The food scene is rich, with dishes like mole poblano and chalupas born here. It’s the perfect mix of cultural depth and authentic, everyday charm.
3. Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kaohsiung is a port city with a laid-back soul and an artsy edge. With seaside parks, quirky cafes, and the stunning Lotus Pond, it’s a peaceful alternative to bustling Taipei. The art scene is alive in places like Pier-2 Art Center, and night markets offer incredible street food without the tourist crush. It's ideal for travelers seeking a slower, more creative rhythm.
4. Ghent, Belgium
While Bruges gets all the fairy-tale fame, Ghent is cooler, edgier, and just as pretty. This university city has gothic charm, vibrant street art, and a canal-lined core that's perfect for cycling or wandering. Cafes spill into cobblestone streets, and the nightlife is surprisingly lively. It’s like discovering a hidden side of Belgium that feels both historic and modern.
5. Valparaíso, Chile
Colorful, chaotic, and endlessly photogenic, Valparaíso is Chile’s creative soul. Built into the hills overlooking the Pacific, this port city is a living canvas of murals, staircases, and bohemian energy. You’ll find poets, painters, and street musicians on every corner. It's a raw, gritty beauty that rewards curious travelers and solo wanderers alike.
6. Matera, Italy
Matera looks like a movie set carved into stone—and in fact, it has been. This southern Italian city is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, called Sassi, and its otherworldly charm. Despite its UNESCO status, it remains relatively quiet and untouched. With boutique hotels built into caves and rustic food from the region, it’s a peaceful slice of Italy few tourists see.
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Charming, clean, and eco-friendly, Ljubljana feels like a fairy tale city you’ve never heard of. With a car-free old town, leafy riverbanks, and striking architecture, it’s easy to fall in love here. The vibe is youthful thanks to its student population, yet calm and cozy. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to stay longer than planned.
8. Luang Prabang, Laos
This small town in northern Laos blends French colonial charm with Buddhist spirituality. Golden temples, saffron-robed monks, and quiet mornings by the Mekong River give it a deeply peaceful atmosphere. Though it’s gaining more attention, it still feels wonderfully slow-paced and intimate. A perfect retreat for mindful travelers and those in need of a reset.
9. Dundee, Scotland
Scotland’s lesser-known city of design, Dundee, is making waves with its creative spirit. It’s home to the V&A Dundee museum, cool indie shops, and scenic riverside walks. A mix of tradition and innovation gives the city a unique edge. For travelers tired of tourist traps, Dundee offers something fresh and genuinely local.
10. Essaouira, Morocco
This breezy coastal city is Morocco’s laid-back answer to Marrakech. With its blue-and-white medina, ocean views, and surf-friendly beaches, Essaouira has a chilled-out charm that’s hard to beat. Art galleries, seafood markets, and local music scenes add to the experience. It’s a dreamy place to unplug and soak up culture at a slower pace.
11. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s quirky and compact capital is a dream base for solo travelers eager to experience nature and Nordic charm in equal measure. Reykjavik blends colorful rooftops, cozy cafés, and avant-garde art with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. It's incredibly safe, easy to navigate, and serves as a gateway to epic adventures—from the Northern Lights to steamy geothermal lagoons.
Discover the Hidden Gems
Sometimes, the most unforgettable travel experiences come from the places you didn’t expect. These underrated cities may not have the hype, but they offer depth, authenticity, and a true connection to place. If you're looking to travel smarter—and more meaningfully—this year, start with the hidden gems. After all, the best stories often begin where the map fades.