Escape the Crowds: Must-See Travel Destinations Nobody Talks About

While Paris, Rome, and New York City draw millions of tourists each year, countless lesser-known destinations around the world offer equally rewarding experiences without the overwhelming crowds and high price tags. These hidden gems give travelers a chance to explore authentic local cultures and create unique memories, often at a fraction of the cost of their more famous counterparts.

From quiet mountain towns to laid-back coastal villages, here are 18 underrated destinations that deserve a spot on your travel radar, each offering its own blend of cultural richness and off-the-beaten-path charm.

Kotor, Montenegro

Have you ever wandered through medieval stone walls that rise up from crystal-clear waters? That’s everyday life in Kotor, a hidden coastal town tucked into Montenegro’s most beautiful bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site feels like stepping into a fairytale, with its narrow cobblestone streets and centuries-old churches nestled between towering limestone cliffs. From spring through fall, cruise ships dock here, but venture just a few streets back from the harbor, and you’ll find yourself alone among locals sipping coffee in quiet squares. For the best views, climb the 1,350 steps up to San Giovanni Fortress – the morning light hitting the terracotta roofs below makes every step worth it.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Tucked away in northern Laos, I discovered Luang Prabang during a solo trip through Southeast Asia in 2018. This former royal capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, where French colonial buildings blend seamlessly with golden Buddhist temples. Early mornings here start with the gentle procession of orange-robed monks collecting alms, while the evening market fills the main street with local crafts and street food. The nearby Kuang Si Falls offers a refreshing escape, with its three-tiered cascade of turquoise pools surrounded by jungle paths. What makes this UNESCO World Heritage site special isn’t just its architecture or natural beauty – it’s the unhurried pace of life that lets you slow down and appreciate the simple moments, like sipping Lao coffee at a riverside café or watching the sun set behind Mount Phousi.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

I always tell friends heading to Bulgaria that they can’t miss Plovdiv, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Perched on seven hills, this ancient marvel combines Roman ruins, cobblestone streets, and colorful 19th-century merchant houses in its Old Town. The city’s Roman amphitheater, which still hosts performances today, sits proudly alongside hip cafes and art galleries in the creative Kapana district.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Many Mexico fans overlook San Miguel de Allende, but this charming colonial city deserves your attention. Tucked away in central Mexico’s highlands, its cobblestone streets lead to a mix of Spanish colonial architecture, local art galleries, and the pink-hued Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel church that towers over the main plaza.

Tbilisi, Georgia

I first visited Tbilisi back in 2018, drawn to this hidden gem tucked between Europe and Asia. Georgia’s capital city sits in a deep valley carved by the Mtkvari River, with colorful old houses climbing up the hillsides on either bank. The heart of Tbilisi lies in its Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets wind past ancient churches, traditional sulfur baths, and wooden balconies that lean out over the pathways below. The local wine scene here is one of Europe’s oldest, with family-run wine cellars serving up amber-colored varieties made using clay vessels buried in the ground. At night, the Bridge of Peace glows like a ribbon of light across the river, while locals and visitors gather at basement taverns to share plates of khachapuri and toast with glasses of chacha.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ever heard of a city where dragons guard the bridges? That’s Ljubljana for you, Slovenia’s charming capital that most tourists skip right past. This compact medieval town feels like it jumped straight out of a fairy tale, with its castle perched on a hill and emerald river winding through its heart. Home to one of Europe’s youngest populations, Ljubljana’s cafes and bars spill onto cobblestone streets, while its famous Triple Bridge bustles with students and locals sharing stories over coffee. From the busy Central Market to the peaceful Tivoli Park, you can walk across the entire city center in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for laid-back explorers who prefer to wander without a map. Head here between April and October to join the locals at riverside wine tastings and open-air concerts under Ljubljana Castle’s watchful eye.

Hoi An, Vietnam

In central Vietnam, nestled between rice paddies and the Thu Bon River, lies the ancient town of Hoi An. Like many coastal cities in Southeast Asia, Hoi An boasts colorful markets, tasty street food, and centuries-old architecture. But unlike its neighbors, it feels like stepping into a living museum where Chinese, Japanese, and European influences blend seamlessly. Just wander through the narrow streets lined with yellow merchant houses, still decorated with paper lanterns swaying in the breeze, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its importance as a trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, merchants from across Asia settled here, leaving behind a mix of temples, tea houses, and trading halls that tell stories of the past.

Valparaiso, Chile

The colorful hillside city of Valparaiso should be on every traveler’s radar when visiting Chile. Just two hours from Santiago, this coastal gem features winding streets decorated with impressive street art, historic funiculars that climb steep hills, and charming houses painted in every color imaginable. The maze-like neighborhoods, known as “cerros,” each have their own personality, with hidden cafes, artist workshops, and local restaurants serving up fresh seafood caught right from the Pacific.

Porto, Portugal

I always tell wine lovers and foodies they need to visit Porto. Nestled along the Douro River in northern Portugal, this charming city is famous for its port wine cellars, beautiful blue-tiled churches, and winding cobblestone streets that lead to hidden local restaurants. The historic Ribeira district, with its colorful houses and riverside cafes, tells the story of Porto’s rich maritime past.

Antigua, Guatemala

If you want to experience Guatemala at its most beautiful, head to Antigua Guatemala. Tucked away in a valley surrounded by volcanoes, this former capital city charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial buildings, and colorful churches. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like stepping into a living museum where locals go about their day among centuries-old ruins and restored mansions painted in warm yellows and earth tones.

Gdansk, Poland

Step back in time as you wander through Gdansk’s beautifully rebuilt Old Town, where colorful merchant houses line cobblestone streets that lead to the waterfront. This Polish port city offers a perfect mix of history and modern charm, from the towering St. Mary’s Church – one of the largest brick churches in the world – to the bustling Długi Targ market street. Stop by the amber shops to pick up some of the Baltic’s famous golden stones, then head to the European Solidarity Center to learn about Poland’s peaceful revolution. For the best local experience, grab a plate of pierogi at one of the traditional milk bars, followed by a walk along the Motława River where old sailing ships dot the harbor.

Taipei, Taiwan

I first visited Taipei on a whim in 2018, drawn to Taiwan’s modern metropolis that often gets overlooked by travelers heading to East Asia. Nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, Taipei combines old-world charm with contemporary convenience in a way few Asian cities manage to achieve. The streets buzz with night markets and food stalls serving up steaming xiaolongbao dumplings, while the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper watches over the city like a gentle giant. Between visits to centuries-old temples and hours spent soaking in natural hot springs just outside the city, I discovered a place where traditional culture and modern life flow together as naturally as the Tamsui River that winds through its heart.

Beirut, Lebanon

Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, Beirut is Lebanon’s lively capital that many travelers overlook. Like other Middle Eastern cities, it has bustling markets, ancient ruins, and fantastic street food. But unlike its neighbors, Beirut mixes French colonial charm with traditional Arab culture in a way that feels completely natural. Just walk down Gemmayzeh Street, where old Lebanese mansions house modern cafes and art galleries, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its location at the crossroads of various civilizations, Beirut has absorbed influences from Phoenicians, Romans, and French colonials, creating a city where you can sip coffee at a Parisian-style cafe in the morning and feast on traditional mezze at a family-run restaurant by night.

Tallinn, Estonia

Have you ever wandered through a medieval town that feels like it hasn’t changed since the 14th century? That’s the magic of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, where cobblestone streets wind through one of Europe’s best-preserved old towns. The city’s fairy-tale atmosphere comes alive in its UNESCO-listed historic center, where merchant houses painted in soft pastels sit alongside Gothic spires and hidden courtyards. Beyond the medieval walls, you’ll find cool neighborhoods like Kalamaja, filled with wooden houses turned into craft beer bars and art galleries. And if you time it right (November to March), you might catch the Northern Lights dancing above the city’s ancient towers while sipping hot chocolate in a cozy cellar cafe.

Queenstown, New Zealand

I first discovered Queenstown during a winter escape in 2018. Nestled between the snow-capped Southern Alps and the crystal waters of Lake Wakatipu, this New Zealand gem has long lived in the shadow of Auckland and Wellington. Local cafes and cozy wine bars dot the compact downtown, while hiking trails and ski slopes spread across the surrounding mountains. The Skyline Gondola carries visitors up Bob’s Peak, where the views stretch across the lake to the jagged Remarkables mountain range. Down at the waterfront, vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw glides across the lake, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich gold mining past and access to hidden coves that most tourists never see.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

If there’s one place that stands out from my travels in Morocco, it’s the blue-washed city of Chefchaouen. Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, this small town has earned its nickname “The Blue Pearl” thanks to the countless buildings painted in various shades of blue. The tradition dates back to the 15th century when Jewish refugees introduced it, believing blue represented the sky and heaven. It’s not a destination you’ll stumble upon by accident – getting here requires a commitment, whether by bus from major cities or private transport through winding mountain roads. But those who make the journey find themselves wandering through narrow alleyways where every corner reveals another photo-worthy scene, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to spend days exploring the medina or hiking in the surrounding mountains.

Ghent, Belgium

Too often overshadowed by Brussels and Bruges, Ghent has quietly become my favorite Belgian city. This medieval port town combines the historic charm of Bruges with the lived-in authenticity of a place where locals actually outnumber tourists. Walking along its winding canals, past guild houses and Gothic churches, you’ll find students spilling out of bars, artists setting up in converted warehouses, and food markets that draw more neighborhood residents than camera-wielding visitors. It’s not trying to be a postcard-perfect tourist town – Ghent is simply being itself, a city where centuries-old architecture provides the backdrop for a thriving creative scene and food culture that rivals anywhere else in Belgium.