12 Underrated International Destinations Worth Visiting + 3 More You Should Not Miss

Tired of going where everyone else goes? While iconic cities like Paris and Rome have their charm, the world is full of hidden corners that don’t make it onto most travel itineraries. These lesser-known destinations offer rich culture, stunning landscapes, and memorable moments—often without the high prices or heavy crowds.

From old-world architecture to mouthwatering street food and untouched natural beauty, these places offer something truly different.

1. Luang Prabang, Laos

Tucked between misty mountains and flowing rivers lies a Southeast Asian jewel waiting to be discovered. Luang Prabang captivates visitors with its golden-roofed temples and orange-robed monks collecting morning alms.

French colonial buildings stand alongside ornate Buddhist temples, creating a uniquely peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from tourist hotspots.

2. Salta, Argentina

Nestled in Argentina’s northwestern corner sits a vibrant cultural hub that most travelers overlook. Salta’s well-preserved colonial architecture features striking red and gold buildings surrounding the main plaza.

Beyond the city, dramatic landscapes await – from the rainbow-hued mountains of Hornocal to the vast salt flats of Salinas Grandes. Local peñas offer authentic folk music nightly.

3. Tbilisi, Georgia

Ancient stone churches perch alongside futuristic glass buildings in this captivating Caucasus capital. Tbilisi’s charm comes from its blend of old and new – crumbling wooden balconies next to trendy wine bars.

Visitors can soak in sulfur baths carved into the cliffside, then sample Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition. The food scene alone – featuring khachapuri cheese bread and khinkali dumplings – justifies the journey.

4. Kotor, Montenegro

Nestled within imposing limestone cliffs at the edge of a stunning bay sits one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Kotor’s ancient walls climb dramatically up the mountainside, offering breathtaking views for those willing to climb.

Inside the fortifications, a maze of narrow marble streets leads to hidden squares and centuries-old churches. Cats roam freely throughout the town, considered lucky protectors by locals.

5. Valparaíso, Chile

Sprawling across dozens of steep hillsides, this colorful port city feels like an open-air art gallery. Valparaíso’s historic funiculars transport visitors between levels of the city, revealing new murals and ocean views around every corner.

Bohemian cafés occupy century-old buildings painted in vibrant blues, yellows, and pinks. Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda loved this city so much he built one of his three homes here, now open for tours.

6. Gjirokastër, Albania

Clinging to a mountainside above the Drino Valley, this stone-built town seems frozen in time. Gjirokastër’s distinctive Ottoman-era houses feature unique stone roofs and fortified towers that once protected wealthy families.

The massive castle overlooking the town now houses a military museum and former Cold War prison. Wander the bazaar for handmade crafts or sample traditional dishes like qifqi (herbed rice balls) at family-run tavernas.

7. Kanazawa, Japan

Often overlooked by travelers rushing between Tokyo and Kyoto, this coastal gem preserves Japan’s artistic heritage like few other places. Kanazawa escaped bombing during WWII, leaving its historic districts remarkably intact.

The meticulously maintained Kenroku-en ranks among Japan’s three perfect gardens. Nearby, the former geisha district Higashi Chaya-gai features wooden teahouses where you can experience traditional performances and tea ceremonies.

8. Puebla, Mexico

Just two hours from Mexico City lies a culinary paradise where history and flavor collide in spectacular fashion. Puebla’s UNESCO-protected center contains over 365 churches, each more ornate than the last.

Buildings throughout the city showcase Talavera tiles in brilliant blues and yellows. The birthplace of mole poblano – a complex sauce with chocolate and chiles – also claims classics like chiles en nogada. Cooking classes reveal centuries-old techniques.

9. Mostar, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Spanning a turquoise river gorge, an iconic stone bridge connects two halves of a town where east meets west. Mostar’s famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) has stood for centuries – except for a brief period during the 1990s conflict.

The rebuilt bridge now symbolizes reconciliation. Ottoman influences appear in the bazaar’s copper workshops and Turkish houses. Brave local divers continue the tradition of plunging from the bridge into the cold Neretva River below.

10. Essaouira, Morocco

Constant Atlantic breezes cool this fortified coastal city where Jimi Hendrix once wandered and Game of Thrones filmed. Essaouira’s whitewashed medina, protected by 18th-century ramparts, offers a refreshing contrast to Morocco’s inland cities.

Blue fishing boats bob in the harbor while seagulls swoop overhead. Artists and craftspeople work in small studios throughout the old town. The windswept beach attracts kitesurfers from around the world.

11. Lviv, Ukraine

Hidden in western Ukraine, a cultural wonderland awaits with more than 100 festivals annually and the highest concentration of cafés in the world. Lviv’s UNESCO-listed center blends Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture.

Quirky themed cafés serve specialties like chocolate and coffee prepared in elaborate rituals. Underground restaurants occupy former dungeons. Despite political challenges, this resilient city maintains its position as Ukraine’s cultural capital.

12. Kaikoura, New Zealand

Where snow-capped mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, marine wildlife thrives in spectacular abundance just offshore. Kaikoura’s unique underwater geography creates perfect conditions for sperm whales, dolphins, and fur seals.

Visitors can join whale-watching tours year-round or swim alongside playful dolphins. After a 2016 earthquake raised the seabed by several meters, fascinating new tidal pools formed. Fresh crayfish sold from roadside caravans gives the town its name.

13. Matera, Italy

Carved directly into limestone cliffs, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements dates back over 9,000 years. Matera’s sassi (cave dwellings) create an otherworldly landscape that’s hosted biblical film productions.

Once considered Italy’s “national shame” for extreme poverty, today renovated cave homes house boutique hotels and restaurants. Ancient churches contain Byzantine frescoes. At night, thousands of lights transform the honeycombed cityscape into a magical scene.

14. Bagan, Myanmar

Across a dusty plain, thousands of ancient temples and pagodas stretch to the horizon in one of Asia’s most spectacular archaeological wonders. Bagan’s religious structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries, when this was the capital of a powerful kingdom.

Hot air balloons drift over the site at sunrise, offering unforgettable views. Many temples contain original murals and Buddha statues. Horse carts provide a traditional way to explore between major sites.

15. Colchagua Valley, Chile

Between the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean lies a sun-drenched valley producing some of South America’s finest wines. Colchagua Valley specializes in bold reds, particularly Carmenere – a grape once thought extinct until rediscovered in Chile.

Family-owned vineyards welcome visitors for tastings and tours. Some offer horseback rides through the vines. Beyond wine, the region preserves traditional huaso (Chilean cowboy) culture and pre-Columbian history in excellent museums.