When you’re planning your next holiday, the limelight automatically falls on famous cities like Paris, New York City, or Tokyo. But what about the lesser-known cities, replete with character, history, and offbeat experiences? Not only do these off-the-beaten-path gems offer a treasure trove of surprises, but they also allow you to avoid crowds and enjoy more value for money.
Whether you’re a budget backpacker, an adventure seeker, or just a lover of cityscapes and vibrant metropolises, these ten off-the-beaten-path destinations should be on your travel wish list this year.
1. Matera, Italy – The eternal city of caves
Secreted away in the hills of southern Italy’s Basilicata province lies the city of Matera, an age-old city inhabited thousands of years ago. The city’s peculiarly ancient caves, “Sassi,” are carved into the sides of hills in a limestone quality that produces a mystical, nigh-on-sinister setting.
Walk along paved streets made of stone, drop by local craft shops, and eat Italian food at cave restaurants. For the more historical type, tour around the ancient rock churches that fill the whole city.
Insider Tip
Overnight at one of the cave boutique hotels for the complete experience.
2. Graz, Austria – A mixture of new and old
Long enough stuck in the shadow of Vienna and Salzburg, Graz is a hidden gem that captures old-world elegance as well as hip modernity. With one of Europe’s best-preserved Old Towns (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Graz is an architectural and history lover’s dream come true.
But on the downside, it has breathed life in its modern art museums, cutting-edge design stores, and energetic food scene. And if you’re a gourmet, don’t miss the city’s famous farmer’s markets.
Must-Do
Walk up to the Schlossberg to look out over Graz, ideally at sunset.
3. Valparaíso, Chile – The city of color
Valparaíso is an eyes feast with its vibrant street art and colorful hillside barrios. This seashore city is an artist, poet, and world traveler’s paradise for a creative escape.
Ride one of the vintage funiculars, walk the cobblestone streets of Cerro Alegre, and take in the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views from the summit of the hills.
Pro Tip
Go on a street art tour of the surrounding neighborhood to see what tales the murals that blanket the city have to share.
4. Ghent, Belgium – The belgian underdog
While everyone takes the tourists to Bruges, Ghent is just as charming. A mix of medieval architecture and trendy, lively atmosphere, Ghent offers a real European travel experience without all the tourist crowds. Stroll through the city’s canals, admire the grand Gravensteen Castle, or take an evening walk with the city’s innovative lighting scheme.
Food Highlight
No trip is complete without sampling the local specialty of “Gentse Waterzooi,” a rich fish stew.
5. Hobart, Australia – A taste of Tasmania
Unobtrusively standing on the edge of the globe, Hobart is rapidly emerging as a holiday hotspot for nature-embracing, culture-sucking, food-fixated travelers. Gateway to Tasmania’s sheer beauty and wilderness, there is much to be found in the city itself, from the iconic Salamanca Market to game-changing MONA (Museum of Old and New Art).
Local Tip
Have a day trip to Bruny Island for its visual grandeur and oysters.
6. Tromsø, Norway – The arctic adventure capital
If the idea of seeing the Northern Lights and Arctic wilderness excites you, then Tromsø is the place for you. The Norwegian city, located in the Arctic Circle, is a hub for winter activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and whale watching.
During the summer months, you can experience the midnight sun and stunning fjords. Plus, Tromsø’s lively nightlife and local food scene (think reindeer stew) add a touch of warmth to the Arctic chill.
7. Tainan, Taiwan – Taiwan’s oldest city with rich history
Typically overlooked in favor of crazy Taipei, Tainan offers a less frenetic but more culturally rich experience. Since it’s the culinary heart of Taiwan, you’ll be having delicious street foods like milkfish soup and beef soup.
Don’t overlook Anping, where you can see the Anping Tree House—a cultural landmark where banyan trees took over a dilapidated warehouse.
8. Wrocław, Poland – The city of gnomes
This “Venice of Poland” is laced with canals and bridges, contributing to its own unique charm. Among its attractions is its pastel-colored Market Square.
Contributing to what makes this city unique are its gnomes, tiny bronze statues located around Wrocław, each of which has a story behind them.
9. Cartagena, Colombia – Caribbean charm and colonial beauty
Cartagena’s Old Town, which has a fairytale quality to it, encircled by defensive walls and filled with colorful colonial architecture, is pure fantasy. Wander down cobblestone streets, sample fresh local ceviche, and take an excursion to nearby offshore Rosario Islands for a beach holiday.
10. Da Nang, Vietnam – A coastal gem
Vietnam’s undervalued beach town, Da Nang, is perfect for the traveler that yearns for good beaches, cultural attractions, and delicious foods all in the same location. Beach mornings, Marble Mountains or Ba Na Hills afternoons, sea food tastings in the evenings.
Start planning your next adventure
These overlooked cities offer something you may not necessarily find in trendy travel spots, so they are gems waiting to be found. Which one of them will make it onto your bucket list this year?