An underrated city is one that offers a great experience for travellers, but is not as popular as mainstream destinations. These unique city breaks are cheaper than popular hotspots, and offer great value for money.

The benefits of booking a trip to an underrated city include:

1. Better value for rooms and meals
2. Shorter queues and less stress
3. More chances to mix with locals
4. Easier to book last minute
5. Walkable centres that suit quick breaks
6. Fresh experiences beyond the usual tourist circuit
7. Great for repeat travellers who want something new
8. Often strong culture scenes with smaller crowds

We've put together some underrated cities in Europe and across the world that travellers should have on their radar, from cultural hubs to foodie hotspots. Enjoy all the buzz of a big city, without the busy crowds and high prices.

Tunis, Tunisia: Medina Life, Cafés and Layered History

• Why it's underrated: A compact Mediterranean destination where historic medina streets meet modern café culture, with major sights close together and fewer crowds than bigger North African hubs.
• Don't miss: Spend a morning in the Medina; discover Roman artifacts in the Bardo National Museum; end the day in La Marsa to enjoy a trendy cafe culture with sea views.
• Try this local bite: Brik from a local spot, hot and crisp.
• Easy add-on: 30–60 minute shared taxi (known locally as the louage) to Carthage for Roman ruins by the sea.

Ghent, Belgium: Canals, Student Energy and Cosy Bars

• Why it's underrated: Picture-postcard canals meet a real lived-in feel, with a strong student crowd keeping prices and nightlife accessible compared to Bruges or Brussels.
• Don't miss: Walk the canal belt at dusk; explore Patershol for small, characterful restaurants; climb St Michael's Bridge for a postcard-perfect view of the city's 3 iconic towers; settle into a candlelit bar.
• Try this local bite: Frites with sauce and a local Belgian beer.
• Easy add-on: 30-minute train to Brussels for major museums and grand squares.

Wrocław, Poland: Islands, Bridges and Easygoing Squares

• Why it's underrated: A beautiful, walkable city spread across islands, with lively squares, great-value dining and a youthful, social energy.
• Don't miss: Walk the scenic bridges and riverside paths of Ostrów Tumski; wander Rynek, the colourful main square; dip into Wroclavia Food Hall; look out for hundreds of tiny dwarf statues hidden throughout the city.
• Try this local bite: Pierogi in a simple milk bar.
• Easy add-on: 3-hour train to Kraków for a deeper historic contrast.

Timișoara, Romania: Grand Squares and a Creative Café Scene

• Why it's underrated: Striking architecture, wide open squares and a growing creative scene, without the crowds of Bucharest.
• Don't miss: Do a relaxed “three squares” walk (Union, Liberty, Victory); look for street art tucked between grand facades in the Fabric District; end the day in a low-key craft bar like Scârț Loc Lejer.
• Try this local bite: Covrigi pretzel rings from a local bakery.
• Easy add-on: 2.5-hour train to Arad for a quieter architectural stop.

Valparaíso, Chile: Hillside colour and creative energy

• Why it's underrated: A visually striking port city of murals and steep streets, offering a strong contrast to more polished capitals.
• Don't miss: Ride a funicular, like the historic Ascensor Reina Victoria; walk downhill through Cerro Alegre to enjoy the street art; end at a spot with harbour views like Fauna Restaurant to watch the lights come on across the port.
• Try this local bite: Empanadas from a local bakery.
• Easy add-on: 1.5-hour bus to Santiago.

Thessaloniki, Greece: Waterfront walks and historic architecture

• Why it's underrated: Greece’s second city is all about food, history and atmosphere, with fewer crowds than Athens.
• Don't miss: Walk the waterfront in the late afternoon light and admire the iconic White Tower of Thessaloniki; explore Ladadika for bars and tavernas; stop by Modiano Market to see the city’s food culture up close.
• Try this local bite: Bougatsa with coffee in the morning.
• Easy add-on: 1-hour flight or 5-hour train to Athens for iconic sights and museums.

Tangier, Morocco: Crossroads energy and coastal views

• Why it's underrated: This city in North Africa offers a fast-moving mix of cultures, art history and market life, ideal as a first or last stop in Morocco.
• Don't miss: Wander the kasbah and enjoy incredible views over the Strait of Gibraltar; stop by the Tangier American Legation Museum to explore Tangier's cultural history; end the day at the legendary Café Hafa with sweeping views over the sea.
• Try this local bite: Fresh sardines near the Grand Socco.
• Easy add-on: 1-hour ferry to Tarifa plus ~2.5-hour train to Seville.

Busan, South Korea: Markets, coastlines and laid-back city energy

• Why it's underrated: A major city that feels calmer than Seoul, with distinct neighbourhoods and strong food culture.
• Don't miss: Explore Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest fish market, visit the Haedong Yonggungsa temple with views over the sea, end the day in the buzzing neighbourhood of Seomyeon.
• Try this local bite: Tteokbokki and fish cake from a market stall.
• Easy add-on: 2.5-hour KTX high-speed train to Seoul.

Wellington, New Zealand: Compact culture and harbour views

• Why it's underrated: A creative, walkable capital in the Pacific that packs coffee, museums and scenery into a tight, easy-to-navigate centre.
• Don't miss: Start with the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa for an introduction to New Zealand's history, environment, and Maori culture; stroll along the Wellington Waterfront and keep an eye out for seals; finish by riding the Wellington Cable Car and watch the sun set from the Kelburn Lookout.
• Try this local bite: A flat white and a bakery pie.
• Easy add-on: 3.5-hour ferry to Picton for access to the South Island.

Hanoi, Vietnam: Street life and big flavour

• Why it's underrated: This underrated city in Asia is deeply atmospheric and great value, with daily life unfolding on every corner rather than in big headline sights.
• Don't miss: Walk Hoàn Kiếm Lake at sunrise; discover the cafes and crafts of the Old Quarter; go for a drink on Train Street; browse the Hanoi night market for street food and souvenirs.
• Try this local bite: Bún chả at lunchtime.
• Easy add-on: 2.5-hour road trip to Ha Long Bay for limestone seascapes.

Valencia, Spain: Local markets and easy daily rhythm

• Why it's underrated: Old streets meet bold modern design and a huge green park running through the city. This Spanish city is calmer than Spain's most famous breaks and easy to navigate.
• Don't miss: Explore Turia Gardens by bike; wander the winding streets of Ciutat Vella; visit the City of Arts and Sciences; go to Ruzafa for casual tapas in the evening.
• Try this local bite: A proper paella valenciana at lunchtime.
• Easy add-on: Madrid (around 1h 45m–2h by high-speed train).

Bandung, Indonesia: Art deco streets and café creativity

• Why it's underrated: A cooler-climate city known for design, architecture and a serious café scene, often skipped for bigger Indonesian destinations.
• Don't miss: Wander Asia-Afrika Street to admire Art Deco buildings; spend an afternoon in the design-led café district of Dago; visit the nearby Tangkuban Perahu or Dusun Bambu for nature and mountain views.
• Try this local bite: Batagor from a street stall.
• Easy add-on: 2-hour train to Jakarta or into the nearby highlands.

Medellín, Colombia: Cable cars, views and reinvented Spaces

• Why it's underrated: This underrated city in South America is built for movement and viewpoints, with innovative transport linking neighbourhoods and a strong public-space culture.
• Don't miss: Take the Metrocable for panoramic views of the city; spend time in the lively Plaza Botero; explore Museo de Antioquia or the Casa de la Memoria for a taste of local culture and history; end in the social neighbourhood of El Poblado.
• Try this local bite: Arepa from a street stand with fresh juice.
• Easy add-on: 1-hour flight to Bogotá for museums and historic districts.

1. Pick a smart location

Staying near the centre or a main station area is a great way to make the most of your stay. ibis hotels provide a central base close to transport hubs and city centres, helping you save time, spend less on taxis, and enjoy the city.

2. Make the most of each day

It's useful to plan ahead to fit as much in as possible. Make a note of what highlights you don't want to miss, and make these your priority. When you stay with ibis, you can sleep well, wake up fast, enjoy our hearty breakfast, and get straight out to explore. Our takeaway breakfast option is perfect for when you want an early start for markets, museums, or trains.

3. Plan your budget

Travelling smart means knowing your budget and making the most of it. ibis hotels offer affordable comfort, leaving you plenty of room in the budget for experiences and exploration. You can also discover our top tips for budget travel.

4. Research the city in advance

Since these cities may not be as familiar, it's a good idea to do research so you know what to expect. Look up essential information in advance, like public transport, unmissable highlights, the local currency, and the weather. Our friendly ibis staff are always ready to help you out with travel advice and local recommendations.

Discover something out of the ordinary by exploring an overlooked travel destination. Make the most of your stay by booking your next city break with ibis. ibis hotels are available in and around many cities in this guide, with central locations and great-value rates. Book direct at ibis.com and earn ALL Accor points with every stay!

What are the inconveniences of underrated cities?

1. Fewer direct flight options
2. Less tourist signage and English info in some areas
3. Smaller choice of tours and day-trip operators
4. Some attractions may have limited opening hours
5. Nightlife and late dining can be quieter midweek
6. Less 'iconic' sights for first-time travellers
7. Public transport apps and ticketing can be less intuitive
8. Seasonal events may be harder to plan around

A little research before you go is all it takes, and with ibis as your base, you'll have everything you need to explore with confidence.

How are these cities different from classic tourist destinations?

Classic tourist destinations are often built around a few must-see sights or landmarks, which can become overcrowded. In underrated cities, tourists can live like a local and enjoy the daily rhythm of the city: markets, parks, café streets, design districts and local evenings. That is why so many overlooked cities feel more personal and more rewarding.

How we choose these travel destinations?

We picked cities that are good value, have a strong local identity and work for short stops as well as longer stays. We also looked for places that fit multi-stop routes, with clear rail, coach, flight or ferry links. The goal: fresh ideas that feel easy to plan and easy to enjoy.

Which underrated cities work best for a 48-hour break without a car?

Ghent, Turin, Valencia, Wrocław, Zagreb and Wellington are especially easy on foot. Many European cities are easily navigable by bike and public transport. Hanoi and Busan also work well if you stay near a key metro area and keep your plan neighbourhood-first.