Top 10 Underrated Places to Visit in the World
People who love to travel are always itching to escape out of their living rooms or office buildings, but sometimes it can be challenging to think outside of the typical travel box and find somewhere unexpected to visit – perhaps to one of the most underrated places in the world.
Ever wondered where in the world seems to have the least amount of international tourists, but in reality is worth visiting the most?
Having visited twenty eight countries spanning Europe, Oceania, Africa, and Asia – here are my top 10 most underrated places in the world (so far).
Top 10 Most Underrated Places to Visit in the World
1. Melbourne, Australia
Australia, is hands down, one of the happiest places on Earth. They are the nicest people of any nationality I have ever met. Everything in Australia is chilled, laid-back, and peaceful. You’ll come back from your trip adapting their, “no worries” motto – and you’ll never want to stop hearing it.
However, of all the major cities I visited in Australia, Melbourne was hands down my favorite.
It’s colorful, electric, and vibrant… the skyscrapers of the city speak for the atmosphere itself.
View of colorful skyline in Melbourne, Australia ; January 2019
Why is it worth traveling to melbourne?
With music filled streets that reminded me of Barcelona, the Queen Victoria Market reminding me of cities for foodies, and the Central Business District screaming Manhattan – there is something in Melbourne for everyone.
Melbourne is the place to go if you crave places with a creative, energetic vibe – as it’s filled with the perfect mix of charm and hustle.
🇦🇺✨ Best Things to Do in Melbourne
🥐 Queen Victoria Market
One of Melbourne’s most iconic spots — perfect for fresh produce, local snacks, souvenirs, and experiencing the city’s food culture in one place.
🌊 Docklands
A modern waterfront area with walking paths, restaurants, harbor views, and a totally different vibe from Melbourne’s historic city center.
🚗 Great Ocean Road Day Trip
One of Australia’s most famous scenic drives — dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and landmarks like the Twelve Apostles make this a must-do.
🏛️ Old Melbourne Gaol
A fascinating prison museum that dives into Melbourne’s darker history, including notorious inmates and the city’s early justice system.
Exploring the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, Australia; January 2019
Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic; January 2018
Why is it worth traveling to prague?
The mix of old architecture, cuisine, and magical vibe of Prague make it an encapsulating and often overlooked European city.
With the cliché narrow, cobble stone streets of Europe, old, dark colored architecture, and endless jewelry shopping – this city is great for couple and solo travelers alike.
🇨🇿✨ Best Things to Do in Prague
🏰 Prague Castle & Golden Lane
The largest ancient castle complex in the world — don’t miss Golden Lane, one of the most Instagrammable streets in Prague with colorful houses and medieval charm.
🏛️ Old Town Square
The heart of Prague’s historic center, surrounded by Gothic churches, pastel buildings, street performers, and some of the city’s best photo spots.
⏰ Astronomical Clock
One of Prague’s most famous landmarks — watch the medieval clock come to life every hour as crowds gather in Old Town Square.
💃 Dancing House
A striking piece of modern architecture nicknamed “Fred & Ginger,” offering a fun contrast to Prague’s historic skyline and a unique viewpoint over the Vltava River.
Near the Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic; January 2018
Be sure to read more on the best views of the city and what else to do when you visit Prague here.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Having seen most of Europe’s big cities, everyone usually jumps to the conclusion that London is Europe’s New York City…
… but they’re wrong.
Budapest is Europe’s New York City.
The Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, Hungary; January 2018
The architecture is some of the most stunning I’ve seen anywhere in the world – with heavy influences from the Middle East.
🇭🇺✨ Best Things to Do in Budapest
🏰 Fisherman’s Bastion
One of the best viewpoints in Budapest, offering sweeping panoramic views over the Danube, the Parliament building, and the Pest side of the city.
♨️ Classic Hungarian Thermal Baths
Budapest is famous for its historic thermal baths — think Széchenyi or Gellért — perfect for relaxing while soaking in centuries-old spa culture.
☕ New York Café
Often called “the most beautiful café in the world,” New York Café is worth visiting for its jaw-dropping architecture, chandeliers, and grand interiors alone.
🌉 Walk Budapest’s Iconic Bridges
Walk across the city’s famous bridges — including the Liberty Bridge, Chain Bridge, and Margaret Bridge — for stunning river views and a true sense of Budapest’s scale.
Buddha Castle in Budapest, Hungary; January 2018
Why is it worth traveling to Budapest?
Like New York City, there is infinite shopping and food to try, and when you’ve had your big day out in the city: you can close out by visiting one of Budapest’s famous bath houses.
Bottom Line: don’t miss out on Budapest.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Spain is one of my favorite countries – and Barcelona is one of my all-time favorite cities.
At La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain; December 2017
Why is it worth traveling to Barcelona?
From gorgeous weather, beach side, and unlimited, delectable Spanish food like Paella or tapas: Barcelona is like diving into an ambitious painting. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in Barcelona: whether it be a shopping spree on Las Ramblas, museum hopping, or enjoying the beach.
One of the famous ‘casas’ in Barcelona, Spain.
It’s super easy to navigate, and packed with Gems like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the view from Tibidabo.
Some of the best things to do in Barcelona include: (park guell for colorful tiles and scenic views of the city, casa milo and other gaudi strutures, la sagrada famila, las ramblas and la boquira for shopping and food exploring)
🇪🇸✨ Best Things to Do in Barcelona
The view from Park Guell in December 2017
There’s a reason why so many kids want to study abroad in Barcelona, and for reasons beyond the infamous nightlife – as it’s lively personality, food, beaches, and unique architecture attract over 15.5 million tourists every year.
5. Queenstown, New Zealand
Dare I say, New Zealand is even more stunning than Switzerland. My dad’s exact words when we were driving past Lake Pukaki were, “this is like being on Mars” – which goes to show just how unreal the beauty in New Zealand can be.
The pictures speak for themselves.
Lake Tekapo in New Zealand; January 2019
🇳🇿✨ Best Things to Do in Queenstown
🚤 Water Sports on Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown is famous for adrenaline-packed water activities like speed boating and jet skiing, all set against dramatic mountain backdrops.
🪂 Paragliding Over the Alps
Take in Queenstown from above by paragliding over the Remarkables, offering once-in-a-lifetime aerial views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
🚡 Skyline Gondola Views
Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu — one of the easiest and most rewarding viewpoints in the region.
🏞️ Day Trip to Milford Sound
Consider a day trip to Milford Sound to experience fjords, waterfalls, and untouched nature — one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.
Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand; January 2019
Why is it worth traveling to queenstown?
Although isolated from the rest of the world, Queenstown has a rugged, unspoken beauty that makes you feel profoundly connected to nature – alongside exciting excursions such as paragliding, speedboat riding, and visiting Milford Sounds.
A road trip through the southern island of the country is a must when traveling to this underrated travel destination!
6. Cape Town, South Africa
After years of wondering what it looked like with my own eyes, I finally visited Cape Town and got witness the majestic beauty of one of South Africa’s most visited cities.
View of Clifton Beach in Cape Town, South Africa; March 2025
In all honesty, I usually am a “one and done” traveler – as in, when I visit a city once, I usually don’t feel the need to return. However, Cape Town is such a lovely exception – and is a place I very much look forward to returning one day, as there are so many more beaches to lounge on, funky cafés to discover, and history lessons to learn in this city.
Why is it worth traveling to Cape Town?
As an affordable destination with amazing food, scenic hikes, gorgeous beaches, and exciting day trips to places like Boulder’s Bay or Robin Island – Cape Town is an exceptional city that can keep anyone entertained for up to a week, and a place that can be visited time and time again as the stunning beauty of the Mother City can never get old.
🇿🇦✨ Best Things to Do in Cape Town
🏖️ Maiden’s Cove
One of Cape Town’s most scenic spots, offering unreal views of the Twelve Apostles and nearby Clifton beaches — especially stunning at sunset.
⛰️ Table Mountain
Take the cable car or hike up Table Mountain for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience overlooking the city, coastline, and surrounding landscapes.
🐧 Boulders Beach
Visit Boulders Beach to see its famous colony of African penguins, one of the most unique wildlife experiences near Cape Town.
🍷 Stellenbosch Wine Country
Head to nearby Stellenbosch to explore South Africa’s renowned wine country, with scenic vineyards, tastings, and charming historic towns.
Want to see my trip to Cape Town in action? Check out my Cape Town travel vlog below!
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Another unrepeatable city, of which everyone I know who has been to it agrees, is Edinburgh – which magically encapsulates small-city vibes with Old Town charm and rolling hills as a natural backdrop to this underrated Medieval gem.
Princess Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland; September 2024
What makes Edinburgh underrated is just how quirky and singular it is, as I can’t think of any other city that quite matches the simultaneous friendly and antique atmosphere that Edinburgh does – and from Whiskey experiences to the aesthetic Princess Street Gardens, Edinburgh can make any writer, reader, or magic lover (think Harry Potter) feel right at home.
🏴✨ Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
🥃 Scotch Whisky Experience
Learn about Scotland’s most famous export with a whisky tasting experience, perfect for understanding the history, regions, and flavors of Scotch whisky.
🌿 Princes Street Gardens
Explore Princes Street Gardens, a massive yet calm green space right in the city center, offering peaceful walks with views of Edinburgh Castle above.
🏰 Edinburgh Castle
Perched dramatically atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most iconic sights, offering history, views, and a glimpse into Scotland’s past.
🏛️ The Royal Mile
Walk the Royal Mile for classic pubs, local shops, and stunning medieval architecture connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.
Why is it worth traveling to Edinburgh?
Edinburgh gives you the chance to discover Scotland and UK’s culture at a slower pace than you would in London. With the opportunity to take a day trip to Glasgow or venture all the way up to the Isle of Skye – Edinburgh not only serves as an excellent base to see the rest of the country, but a cute and cozy city perfect for introverted book lovers, those drawn to mystery and magic, and coffee shops in the rain – which remains an underrated but essential vibe.
8. New Orleans, USA
As an American living abroad, I can’t tell you how many times I hear of people traveling to New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco – but seemingly always forget about New Orleans.
View of modern buildings and iron gate fences in New Orleans, USA; January 2014
New Orleans is the epitome of unique: from beignets, cooking classes, the House of Blues, Bourbon Street, and the French Quarter – this city’s vivacious and high-spirited persona should attract far more international tourists than it currently does.
Why is it worth traveling to New Orleans?
With a unique French influence offering a safe haven for food lovers, history book nerds, and photographers drawn to unique architecture alike – New Orleans is easily one of the most distinctively cultured places in the United States well worth a visit.
🎷✨ Best Things to Do in New Orleans
🎶 House of Blues
Experience live music at the iconic House of Blues, a staple of New Orleans’ legendary jazz, blues, and soul music scene.
🚢 Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi River
Enjoy a dinner cruise along the Mississippi River, offering live music, classic Southern dishes, and skyline views from the water.
🍳 New Orleans Cooking Class
Take a hands-on cooking class to learn about New Orleans’ famous cuisine, heavily influenced by French traditions, Creole flavors, and Cajun techniques.
🏘️ Explore the French Quarter
Wander through the French Quarter to experience colorful architecture, historic streets, lively bars, jazz clubs, and the heart of New Orleans culture.
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
Known as the halfway point between North America and Europe, Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city – with many tourists making this a home base for a trip to Iceland, but often don’t recognize the beauty of the place they’re already in.
View of Reykjavik from Hallgrímskirkja Church in Iceland; December 2022
While the Blue Lagoon is cool in addition to the Golden Circle, Reykjavik itself was my personal highlight in Iceland, as the colorful streets in the snow with scenic mountains behind them couldn’t be exactly matched to anything else I had ever seen before.
Why is it worth traveling to Reykjavik?
As a precious little pocket located closer to the North Pole than many of us would ever thinking of adventuring towards, Reykjavik is a truly charming and walkable town that is sure to capture the heart of nature lovers, small city strollers, and photographers alike.
🇮🇸✨ Best Things to Do in Reykjavík
🌈 Walk Down Rainbow Road
Stroll along Reykjavík’s famous Rainbow Road, a colorful and cheerful street leading straight toward Hallgrímskirkja — perfect for photos and soaking in the city’s charm.
⛵ Sun Voyager & Waterfront Views
Visit the Sun Voyager sculpture to take in views of the surrounding mountains and lake, especially stunning on a clear day or during golden hour.
⛪ Hallgrímskirkja Viewpoint
Climb to the top of Hallgrímskirkja for sweeping views of Reykjavík’s colorful rooftops, coastline, and surrounding landscapes — one of the best viewpoints in the city.
🛍️ Get Lost in Local Shops
Wander through Reykjavík’s small streets and local boutiques — the city is the epitome of a charming town, perfect for slow exploring and hidden finds.
10. Ghent, Blegium
One of the most underrated cities in Europe, Ghent is one of those places you visit and are secretly glad it hasn’t blown up – as part of the beauty of Ghent is how it seems to know its worth, even if it doesn’t attract copious amounts of attention.
View of colorful architecture in Ghent, Belgium; March 2022
🇧🇪✨ Best Things to Do in Ghent
⛪ St. Bavo’s Cathedral
Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, one of Ghent’s most important landmarks, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece and stunning Gothic architecture.
🚶♀️ Wander Along the Water
Stroll along Ghent’s canals and rivers for some of the city’s most picturesque views, especially around Graslei and Korenlei.
🍫 Try Local Chocolate
Ghent is far less touristy than Bruges, making it a great place to explore chocolate shops without the crowds — and often at better prices.
🏰 Gravensteen Castle
Step inside Gravensteen, a medieval castle right in the city center, offering history, views over Ghent, and a glimpse into the city’s past.
Why is it worth traveling to Ghent?
As it’s more colorful and less crowded than cities like Antwerp, Brussels, or Bruges – Ghent is a quieter, but even prettier version of all those classic Belgium travel spots. Plus, there’s ample opportunity to have fries, waffles, and Belgian chocolate!
Best things to do in Ghent include cathedral (i forgot the name add it here), wandering by the water, trying chocolate in the shops as its less touristy, add one more
Want to discover my trip to Ghent in action? Check out my travel vlog below!
Want to know more about other underrated places in the world? Click here!
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Last updated: January 3, 2026