18 Underrated Cities Around the World That Should Be on Your Bucket List

There are many places around the world that deserve more attention. These cities may not be featured in every travel brochure, but they offer just as much charm and culture. From unique food scenes to quiet scenic spots, each one has something special to share. Planning your next trip with fresh ideas can make the journey more exciting. Keep reading to find out which lesser-known cities are worth visiting.

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Graz, Austria

Graz is often missed by travelers heading straight to Vienna, but it offers a more relaxed charm. The old town is filled with red rooftops, Renaissance courtyards, and cozy cafés. Climb Schlossberg Hill for a view of the famous clock tower and city skyline. The Styrian Armoury and Kunsthaus Graz are also worth a visit.

The city has a strong student presence, giving it a youthful feel despite its deep history. Farmers markets and seasonal food festivals showcase the region’s flavors. You can easily explore on foot or by tram. Graz combines local life with cultural sights in a peaceful setting.

Puebla, Mexico

Puebla is known for its colonial buildings, colorful tiles, and rich food traditions. While nearby Mexico City gets most of the attention, Puebla offers a more manageable and authentic experience. The historic center is a UNESCO site, filled with churches and artisan shops. Try mole poblano at a local restaurant and browse for Talavera pottery.

You can also explore the Great Pyramid of Cholula just outside the city. Puebla’s skyline features active volcanoes in the distance. Museums and markets keep visitors busy without feeling rushed. This city is a strong blend of culture, flavor, and history.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi blends old and new with cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and a modern arts scene. The old town offers a mix of Eastern and Western influences that make it feel truly unique. Walk up to Narikala Fortress or relax in the historic sulfur baths. Rustaveli Avenue and the Dry Bridge Market offer local finds and food.

Georgian cuisine and wine are reasons alone to visit. Friendly locals and affordable prices help make your stay easy and enjoyable. The city is surrounded by green hills and offers day trips to nearby vineyards. Tbilisi offers warmth, variety, and charm in one compact capital.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a peaceful riverside town known for its lantern-lit streets and tailor shops. The ancient town area is a UNESCO site full of preserved buildings, tea houses, and markets. You can visit the Japanese Covered Bridge or take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River. Bike rides through the rice fields offer a relaxing escape.

The town comes alive at night with floating lanterns and soft music. Local cooking classes and food tours are easy to find and very affordable. The beaches nearby are quiet and clean. Hoi An is great for travelers who enjoy culture, food, and quiet beauty.

Bergen, Norway

Bergen is surrounded by fjords and mountains, yet many travelers skip it for Oslo. The old wharf area called Bryggen is filled with colorful wooden houses and small museums. You can take the Fløibanen funicular for views of the whole city. Rain is common, but it gives the city a cozy, storybook feel.

Art galleries and seafood markets keep visitors entertained year-round. Bergen is also a base for fjord cruises and hikes. The streets are easy to walk, and local bakeries offer warm treats. It is a good place to slow down and enjoy nature and tradition together.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is a quiet town where rivers, temples, and French architecture meet. It offers a peaceful alternative to Southeast Asia’s busier cities. You can watch the daily alms-giving ceremony or explore the Royal Palace Museum. A trip to Kuang Si Falls is also a must.

The town’s night market offers local crafts and tasty dishes. Many travelers enjoy renting bicycles to see the town at their own pace. Riverside cafés and calm streets create a restful vibe. Luang Prabang is ideal for those who want to relax and learn at the same time.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar is often visited for a quick photo of the Old Bridge, but it deserves more time. The bridge itself is a rebuilt symbol of peace and beauty. Stroll through cobbled streets and sip coffee by the river. You can also watch brave divers jump from the top of the bridge.

Local shops sell handmade copper items and textiles. Nearby waterfalls like Kravice make for easy day trips. The city still shows signs of its past, but the mood is warm and welcoming. Mostar offers both history and charm in a small package.

Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso is a hillside port city with bright murals, old funiculars, and ocean views. It is often passed over in favor of Santiago, but it has a creative energy all its own. Visit La Sebastiana, the home of poet Pablo Neruda, or take a ride up one of the many hill elevators. Each street corner offers a different splash of color and music.

Street food and markets reflect the city’s working-class roots. Nearby beaches and vineyards are easy to reach. The pace is laid-back, and the locals are proud of their city. Valparaiso is perfect for travelers who enjoy color, art, and sea air.

Matera, Italy

Matera is built into stone cliffs, with ancient homes carved into caves known as sassi. Once considered poor, the city has transformed into one of Italy’s most interesting places. Walk through narrow passages or visit the Rupestrian churches. The city looks especially stunning at sunset.

Many buildings now serve as hotels or museums. Local food features hearty flavors and fresh ingredients. Matera has also been used as a film location due to its unique setting. It is a place where history and simplicity come together.

Lecce, Italy

Lecce is filled with Baroque buildings and golden stone, often called the Florence of the South. It is quieter and warmer than many northern cities. Highlights include the Roman amphitheater, Basilica di Santa Croce, and many small palaces. Narrow streets lead to sunny piazzas and cafés.

You can find local ceramics and pasticciotto pastries throughout town. Beaches along the Salento coast are nearby and easy to reach. Lecce moves at a gentle pace that invites visitors to stay longer. It is a relaxing stop for art, food, and sun.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung blends port life with green parks and modern art spaces. The city’s Lotus Pond and Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are local favorites. The Pier-2 Art Center is great for murals, markets, and exhibits. Take a ferry to Cijin Island for seafood and sea views.

Public bikes and trains make the city easy to explore. Night markets serve some of the best street food in Taiwan. Despite its size, Kaohsiung feels calm and open. It is a refreshing choice for travelers looking for something different.

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent has canals, castles, and charm but often loses attention to Brussels or Bruges. The city center is full of medieval buildings and Gothic churches. Highlights include Gravensteen Castle and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. At night, the buildings are beautifully lit.

Rent a bike or take a boat tour through the canals. The local fries and chocolate shops are worth a try. Music and art festivals fill the calendar year-round. Ghent is lively without feeling rushed.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo mixes colonial buildings with modern towers and oceanfront walks. Galle Face Green is a popular spot for locals to gather and watch the sunset. You can visit the National Museum or the colorful Gangaramaya Temple. Pettah Market offers a busy and fun shopping experience.

Sri Lankan food is flavorful and full of spice, best tried in small eateries. The city is a starting point for exploring the rest of the island. Tuk-tuks and trains make it easy to get around. Colombo offers culture and energy in equal parts.

Quito, Ecuador

Quito has a well-preserved old town with churches, plazas, and narrow streets. It is one of the highest capitals in the world and sits between mountain peaks. Visit La Compañía de Jesús church and ride the TelefériQo cable car for views of the Andes. The Equator line is also just a short drive away.

Markets sell Andean textiles and handmade goods. The cool climate makes walking pleasant year-round. Quito’s rich mix of Spanish and Indigenous culture can be seen everywhere. It is a great place to start your journey through Ecuador.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a walled town set against mountains and a bay that looks like a fjord. The old town is full of small streets, churches, and stone buildings. Climb the fortress steps for one of the best views in the Balkans. It is less crowded early in the morning or later in the evening.

Boat tours take you to nearby islands and caves. Local restaurants serve seafood and Balkan dishes. It is easy to relax by the water or hike the hills above. Kotor combines beauty and quiet with a strong local feel.

Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki is often remembered for its tragic history, but it has much more to offer. The city has peaceful gardens, churches, and a beautiful harbor. Visit Glover Garden, Dejima, and the Atomic Bomb Museum. Mount Inasa gives one of the best night views in Japan.

Food includes regional dishes like champon noodles. The mix of Western and Japanese culture is unique. The pace is calm, and the people are welcoming. Nagasaki encourages both reflection and appreciation.

Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is a quiet coastal town known for its blue-and-white buildings and sea breeze. Walk along the city walls or watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch. The medina is full of artisans selling woodwork and silver. Fresh seafood and mint tea are easy to find in street cafés.

Kite surfing and camel rides are available at the beach. The city is cooler than inland spots, even in summer. Music festivals and art events add to its appeal. Essaouira is a peaceful stop for coastal views and creative energy.

Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv is filled with cobbled streets, coffeehouses, and grand old buildings. It feels both Central European and distinctly Ukrainian. Climb the tower at Ratusha for a full view of the city. Visit the Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet or explore quiet courtyards and bookstores.

The local chocolate and coffee scenes are both strong. Street performers and open-air markets add life to the plazas. Museums cover art, history, and even folk traditions. Lviv is a city that invites long walks and quiet moments.

Well-known spots are popular for a reason, but overlooked cities can surprise you in the best way. These destinations offer history, flavor, and culture without large crowds. Slowing down in these places often leads to more genuine connections. Start planning your next adventure with something new in mind.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.