Underrated cities are becoming the new stars of travel. While millions of people flock each year to well-known destinations like Paris, Dubai, or Rome, a growing number of travelers are discovering that lesser-known cities can offer more meaningful, more affordable, and more authentic experiences. This shift is changing the way people travel, especially those who no longer want to feel like an average Tourist simply following the most popular attractions on a checklist.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore why some underrated cities outperform the major Tourist favorites — and why many seasoned travelers now prefer these hidden gems. From cultural depth to affordability, from architecture to crowd-free streets, underrated cities offer a refreshing alternative to the world’s biggest travel magnets.
Introduction: The Rise of the Non-Tourist Travel Trend
The global travel industry is evolving. Travelers, especially younger generations, are actively moving away from overly commercialized destinations. They don’t want to feel like a Tourist in a manufactured environment — they want authenticity, diversity, and connection.
This has sparked a wave of interest toward underrated cities that deliver genuine cultural experiences, local food scenes, and unique landscapes without the overwhelming crowds.
What Makes a City “Underrated”?
A city becomes underrated when it has strong cultural, historical, and experiential value but does not receive the Tourist attention it deserves. Many such cities are overshadowed by their larger or more iconic neighbors, even though they offer equal — or sometimes superior — experiences.
Common characteristics of underrated cities include:
Rich cultural heritage but lacking mainstream marketing
Affordable pricing across food, accommodation, and transport
Authentic local lifestyle with less commercialization
Unique architecture and landscapes
Low Tourist density, making exploration comfortable and peaceful
In contrast, Tourist favorites often suffer from overcrowding, inflated prices, long queues, and a lack of genuine local interaction.
Why Underrated Cities Can Be Better Than Tourist Favorites
Below are the major reasons travelers increasingly prefer underrated cities. Each section expands on how these destinations offer richer and more satisfying experiences.
1. Less Crowded, More Authentic
Tourist favorites often receive millions of visitors annually. While this proves their universal appeal, it also creates drawbacks:
Long queues
Overcrowded streets
Noise pollution
Difficulty finding peaceful viewpoints
Commercialized local culture
Underrated cities typically experience far fewer visitors, allowing travelers to explore comfortably, interact with locals, and immerse themselves in authentic daily life.
Authenticity Matters
When the Tourist presence is minimal, cultural rituals, traditional foods, and local markets continue to operate naturally rather than being created for entertainment.
2. More Affordable for Food, Stay, and Transport
One of the biggest advantages of underrated cities is their affordability. Prices in major Tourist hotspots are often inflated, sometimes by as much as 300%. This affects every part of a trip:
Accommodation rates
Restaurant menus
Local attractions
Taxi fares
Souvenirs
In underrated cities, travelers can enjoy premium experiences at significantly lower prices.
Table: Comparison Between Tourist Favorites and Underrated Cities
| Travel Factor | Tourist Favorites | Underrated Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Costs | Often very high, especially near attractions | Usually affordable, even in central areas |
| Food & Restaurants | Tourist menus, inflated prices | Authentic cuisine at local rates |
| Transport | Premium rates for taxis and city passes | Standard local pricing |
| Souvenirs | Sold at Tourist hotspots with markups | Locally made and reasonably priced |
| Overall Value | Lower for budget travelers | High value for money |
3. More Meaningful Cultural Experiences
A common complaint among modern travelers is that popular destinations feel too commercial. The culture often becomes curated for the Tourist instead of preserved for the community.
Underrated cities, however, continue to practice cultural customs with minimal external influence, making the experience more special.
Examples include:
Authentic street festivals
Traditional homes and neighborhood walks
Local-run museums
Family-owned restaurants serving regional cuisine
These cities provide a deeper cultural connection that major Tourist hubs sometimes lack.
4. Undiscovered Architectural Beauty
Many underrated cities feature breathtaking architecture — from Roman ruins to Islamic design, from medieval castles to modern creative districts. However, they remain unnoticed because their famous neighbors steal global attention.
Examples:
Bologna overshadowed by Florence
Ghent overshadowed by Bruges
Tbilisi overshadowed by Istanbul
Porto overshadowed by Lisbon
In such cities, travelers can explore architectural marvels without pushing through Tourist crowds.
5. Better for Photography
Photographers often avoid Tourist hotspots because crowded streets and long queues ruin compositions.
Underrated cities offer:
Empty streets for golden-hour shots
Authentic everyday scenes
Undiscovered viewpoints
Unique textures, colors, and landscapes
This is one of the biggest reasons travel photographers prefer underrated cities — the visuals feel original, not cliché.
6. Friendlier Locals and Warm Interactions
Residents of frequently visited cities often face Tourist fatigue, which can lead to shorter conversations, rushed service, or even frustration. In underrated destinations, locals tend to be far more welcoming simply because they haven’t grown tired of large crowds.
Warm interactions include:
Friendly greetings
Guidance from locals
Honest recommendations
Genuine hospitality
These interactions often become the most memorable part of a trip.
7. Unique Food Scenes Not Found on Tourist Routes
Tourist hotspots sometimes tailor their cuisine for international visitors, making dishes less authentic. Underrated cities preserve original flavors.
Benefits include:
Local ingredients
Family recipes passed down generations
Affordable food tours
Hidden cafés and traditional bakeries
Travelers seeking culinary originality often find underrated cities to be food paradise.
8. Sustainable Travel Is Easier in Underrated Cities
Sustainability has become a major concern for modern travelers. Overcrowded Tourist destinations often experience:
Overuse of natural resources
Damage to historic structures
High pollution levels
Strain on local communities
In underrated cities, tourism exists on a smaller scale, so the environmental footprint is significantly lighter. Travelers can explore responsibly without contributing to overtourism.
How Underrated Cities Support Sustainable Travel
More walkable streets with fewer vehicles
Locally sourced food with low carbon footprints
Less waste produced per visitor
Better-preserved ecosystems around the city
Some underrated cities even implement eco-friendly programs long before they become mainstream.
9. Hidden Natural Landscapes and Outdoor Experiences
Many underrated cities are located near spectacular natural attractions but continue to remain in the shadow of more famous destinations.
These include:
Mountains
Lakes
Rivers
Coastal hiking paths
Protected forests
Natural hot springs
Tourist favorites often have crowded trails or over-photographed scenery. Meanwhile, underrated cities give travelers a chance to enjoy nature with peace and privacy.
Table: Nature Comparison Between Tourist Hotspots and Underrated Cities
| Category | Tourist Hotspots | Underrated Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking Trails | Often overcrowded | Usually quiet and scenic |
| Cleanliness | Varies due to heavy foot traffic | Better preserved |
| Landscape Photography | Difficult without crowds | Much easier |
| Adventure Activities | High demand, expensive | Less demand, budget-friendly |
| Wildlife Encounters | Reduced due to tourism impact | More natural and common |
10. Better Work and Travel Balance for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads and remote workers avoid popular Tourist cities because:
Accommodation prices are high
Internet cafés are crowded
Local services become expensive
Noise levels disturb work routines
Underrated cities often provide:
Affordable co-working spaces
Reliable internet
Peaceful cafés
Lower cost of living
This makes them ideal for travelers who want to work and explore simultaneously. Many nomads describe underrated cities as more inspiring, less stressful, and more productive environments.
11. Unique Museums and Artistic Experiences
Top-tier Tourist cities have iconic museums, but they also have long queues, timed entries, and expensive tickets.
Underrated cities, on the other hand, offer:
Small, specialized museums
Local art galleries
Handicraft workshops
Live cultural performances
Since visitor numbers are low, travelers enjoy a calm, intimate experience with the art and history.
Examples include:
Independent photography museums
Handmade textile workshops
Local pottery schools
Regional history galleries
These cultural experiences often feel more personal and memorable.
12. Stronger Feeling of Discovery and Adventure
There is something psychologically exciting about discovering a city that few people talk about. Compared to following a typical Tourist checklist, underrated destinations make a trip feel like an adventure.
Why Underrated Cities Feel More Rewarding
Lack of over-shared Instagram spots
Genuine sense of exploration
Personal stories instead of clichéd itineraries
More meaningful travel memories
Travelers often feel proud sharing stories about cities no one else has visited yet. It adds a sense of originality to their travel identity.
13. Friendlier Pricing for Long-Term Stays
Some underrated cities are becoming popular among expats and long-term travelers because of their affordability.
Average cost of living in such cities is significantly lower in:
Rental apartments
Public transport
Groceries
Cafés and dining
Entertainment
Meanwhile, staying long-term in a popular Tourist city can cost double or triple, making underrated destinations financially attractive for students, freelancers, and extended vacations.
14. Less Commercialization, More Local Character
Tourist favorites often have international chains and global brands dominating the main areas. This makes every major city begin to feel the same.
Underrated cities preserve local character through:
Traditional shops
Family-run cafés
Local produce markets
Unique architectural styles
Regional fashion and crafts
This character contributes to a richer travel experience, especially for those who want to understand a city’s true identity beyond its postcard landmarks.
15. Easier Transportation and Shorter Travel Times
In major Tourist hubs, navigating from one location to another can be a challenge due to traffic congestion, crowded subway lines, or long walking distances.
Underrated cities offer:
Faster transportation
Less congested roads
Simpler metro or bus systems
Walkable city centers
This saves valuable travel time, allowing visitors to explore more in fewer days.
Examples of Underrated Cities That Outshine Tourist Favorites
This section highlights cities that many travelers overlook but fall in love with once they visit. You can expand this list or customize it for your travel niche.
Underrated Cities in Europe
| City | Known For | Why It’s Better Than a Tourist Favorite |
|---|---|---|
| Zagreb, Croatia | Coffee culture, historic squares | Less crowded than Split or Dubrovnik |
| Porto, Portugal | Wine culture, dramatic riverside | More affordable than Lisbon |
| Ghent, Belgium | Medieval architecture | Less commercial than Bruges |
| Brno, Czech Republic | Young creative energy | Cheaper than Prague |
| Bologna, Italy | Food capital of Italy | Fewer crowds than Florence or Rome |
Underrated Cities in Asia
| City | Highlights | Advantage Over Tourist Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Da Nang, Vietnam | Beaches, mountains | Less commercial than Bali |
| Tainan, Taiwan | Street food and history | More traditional than Taipei |
| Chiang Rai, Thailand | Temples and nature | Quieter than Chiang Mai |
| Kochi, India | Art culture, colonial history | Less chaotic than Mumbai |
| Hiroshima, Japan | Peace history, gardens | Less crowded than Tokyo |
Underrated Cities in the Americas
| City | Highlights | Advantage Over Tourist Favorites |
|---|---|---|
| Valparaíso, Chile | Street art, coastal cliffs | More artistic than Santiago |
| Puebla, Mexico | Cuisine and colonial design | Calmer than Mexico City |
| Medellín, Colombia | Climate and innovation | Friendlier and safer atmosphere now |
| Halifax, Canada | Harbors and nature | More peaceful than Toronto |
| Montevideo, Uruguay | Beaches and culture | Less Touristic than Buenos Aires |
How to Choose an Underrated City for Your Next Trip
Choosing the right underrated destination depends on personal preferences. Below is a useful guide.
What Type of Traveler Are You?
| Traveler Type | Ideal Underrated Cities |
|---|---|
| Food lover | Bologna, Tainan, Puebla |
| Nature enthusiast | Da Nang, Halifax, Chiang Rai |
| History fan | Ghent, Kochi, Hiroshima |
| Budget traveler | Brno, Medellín, Porto |
| Digital nomad | Zagreb, Medellín, Tainan |
FAQs
Q: Is it safer to visit underrated cities than popular Tourist destinations?
In many cases, yes. Since underrated cities experience less Tourist pressure, locals are more welcoming, and the crime rates can be lower. However, safety varies from place to place, so a Tourist should always research the destination beforehand.
Q: Do underrated cities offer enough activities for a Tourist?
Absolutely. Many underrated cities offer museums, food markets, architectural tours, nature excursions, and cultural festivals. The difference is that a Tourist can enjoy these activities without long lines or overcrowded spaces.
Q: Are underrated cities cheaper for a Tourist?
Yes. They usually have affordable accommodations, local restaurants with fair pricing, and budget-friendly transport. This makes them ideal for any Tourist who wants great value without sacrificing quality.
Q: How can a Tourist find underrated cities worth visiting?
A Tourist can discover underrated destinations through travel blogs, social media creators specializing in hidden gems, local travel guides, and recommendations from travelers who prioritize authentic experiences. Researching smaller cities around popular regions is also a great strategy.
Q: Do underrated cities have good food for a Tourist?
Yes. In fact, they often preserve authentic flavors better than Tourist-heavy cities. Since restaurants cater to locals, not just visitors, a Tourist can enjoy genuine regional dishes at better prices.
Q: Why do many Tourists chase popular Instagrammable spots rather than exploring underrated cities?
Many Tourists are drawn to iconic, highly-photographed places because of social media influence and the desire for “Instagrammable” content. For more insight on this phenomenon, check out this article on why travelers chase Instagrammable spots. — Why Do Travelers Chase Instagrammable Spots?
In contrast, underrated cities often offer more genuine, less staged experiences — which can be just as visually appealing, but with more meaning behind each photo.
Q: Can a Tourist balance work and travel more easily in underrated cities?
Yes. Underrated cities often provide affordable long-term stay options, reliable internet, quiet cafés, and co-working spaces — making them very attractive for remote workers and digital nomads.