Hidden Gems: 10 Underrated Cities Worth Visiting in 2025
Travelers in 2025 are seeking destinations that offer rich culture, history, and unique experiences without the crowds. Here are ten underrated cities that promise unforgettable adventures. 1. Valparaíso, Chile Nestled on Chile’s Pacific coast, Valparaíso enchants visitors with its vibrant street art, colorful hillside homes, and bohemian atmosphere. This port city’s labyrinthine alleys and vintage funiculars reveal a creative energy that contrasts with its industrial past. 2. Tbilisi, Georgia Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, blends ancient history with modern flair. Its Old Town features cobblestone streets, sulfur baths, and eclectic architecture influenced by Persian, Russian, and Ottoman styles. The city’s burgeoning arts scene includes galleries, music venues, and vibrant cafes. Food lovers will delight in Georgian cuisine, famous for khachapuri (cheese bread) and flavorful wines. 3. Lecce, Italy Often overshadowed by Rome and Florence, Lecce is a Baroque jewel in southern Italy’s Puglia region. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce dazzles with ornate churches, piazzas, and palazzi carved from golden limestone. Wander through its historic center to admire intricate facades and lively markets. Lecce’s slower pace and friendly locals create an intimate experience, complemented by nearby Adriatic beaches and traditional olive groves. 4. Kaunas, Lithuania Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, is an emerging hotspot for art and design. Its interwar architecture earned it the nickname “Little Paris,” featuring a blend of modernist and classical styles. The city’s cultural calendar bursts with festivals, theater, and music. Don’t miss the quirky Devil’s Museum or the hip cafés along Laisvės Alėja, Europe’s longest pedestrian street. Kaunas is also a gateway to Lithuania’s lush countryside. 5. Ghent, Belgium Ghent offers medieval charm with a vibrant, youthful energy thanks to its large student population. Canals weave through the city center, lined with impressive Gothic architecture like St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Belfry. Ghent’s culinary scene is thriving, featuring local specialties and innovative dining. Explore its street art, cozy pubs, and boat tours, or visit during festivals that showcase music and light installations. Ghent seamlessly blends history with contemporary culture. 6. Da Nang, Vietnam Da Nang is a coastal city that is rapidly gaining attention for its sandy beaches, nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites, and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike bustling Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang offers a more laid-back yet dynamic experience. From the stunning Marble Mountains to the Golden Bridge, which is held by giant stone hands, the city combines natural wonders with modern infrastructure. Food enthusiasts will delight in fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Da Nang serves as a perfect base for exploring central Vietnam’s heritage. 7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, boasting a rich tapestry of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. Its Roman theater and ancient ruins contrast with colorful 19th-century houses and contemporary art spaces. The city’s pedestrian-friendly Old Town invites exploration of galleries, cafes, and cultural landmarks. Plovdiv’s lively festivals, such as the International Fair, add to its vibrant atmosphere, making it an intriguing destination for history buffs and creative travelers alike. 8. İzmir, Turkey Izmir, on Turkey’s Aegean coast, offers a cosmopolitan feel with a relaxed pace. Known for its seafront promenade, historic bazaars, and delicious seafood, Izmir combines cultural depth with modern living. Visit the nearby ancient city of Ephesus or the charming village of Şirince for day trips. Izmir’s blend of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman heritage, along with contemporary arts and music scenes, makes it a versatile and underrated spot. 9. Wroclaw, Poland Wroclaw, Poland’s “Venice of the North,” charms with over 100 bridges connecting its islands and neighborhoods. Its Market Square boasts colorful townhouses and lively cafes, while the city pulses with cultural events and a thriving theater scene. The city is also famous for its small dwarf statues scattered around, adding a whimsical element. Wrocław combines historical significance with youthful vibrancy, making it ideal for travelers seeking authenticity. 10. Mérida, Mexico Mérida, capital of the Yucatán state, offers a blend of colonial architecture, Mayan heritage, and vibrant street life. Its colorful plazas, markets, and museums highlight a rich cultural mix. Known as the “White City” for its limestone buildings, Mérida serves as a gateway to Mayan ruins such as Uxmal and Chichén Itzá. The city’s culinary scene features traditional Yucatecan dishes, such as cochinita pibil, alongside lively festivals that celebrate local traditions.
