Are you packing your bags for your next great overseas adventure? Don't step on that plane until you learn about some of the most underrated cities in the world. They might make you reconsider your travel plans.
If rich history and culture appeal to you, consider some of these fantastic destinations. Inspire yourself with everything from the modern street art of Asia to the lush rural countryside of South America. Here are our top ten most underrated cities in the world.
Jump To:
- 10. St. Augustine, FL, United States
- 9. Glasgow, Scotland
- 8. Utrecht, Netherlands
- 7. Busan, South Korea
- 6. Udaipur, India
- 5. Oaxaca, Mexico
- 4. Lagos, Portugal
- 3. Krakow, Poland
- 2. Kyoto, Japan
- 1. Budapest, Hungary
- Don’t Leave Without Protecting Yourself
10. St. Augustine, FL, United States
St. Augustine is a beautiful historic destination for those who want to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine year-round. It is one of the oldest cities in the continental United States. That means you can get a good sense of its history from its range of Spanish architecture and coastal forts.
This town is perfect for northern visitors due to its beaches and high temperatures. The city provides excellent entertainment for the family. Some activities include scuba diving, boat tours, and the Classic Car Museum.
Appreciate the natural beauty of the Atlantic coastline when staying in a seaside resort. St. Augustine is a must-see location for anyone travelling down the United States East Coast.
9. Glasgow, Scotland
When people think about culture in the United Kingdom, London sometimes overshadows Glasgow. Still, Glasgow is a vibrant city of entertainment and music. Aside from being a trendy location for patrons of media and art, Glasgow also offers the Science Center and Riverside Museum for visitors to enjoy.
Glasgow sits on the banks of the River Clyde, surrounded by bustling neighbourhoods and commercial districts. This city is an excellent destination for those who enjoy shopping, architecture, and football.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport manages an extensive public transport network. This feature makes it easy to travel around the city.
This modern city shows the progress of British innovation and creation around every corner. Very few medieval structures still exist in the city. However, you can still find remnants of the past at central landmarks like Merchant City and Glasgow Cross.
8. Utrecht, Netherlands
Nothing charms visitors and residents quite like the Dutch city of Utrecht. Buildings like Castle de Haar and St. Martin's Cathedral emphasize the city's rich history. For a more modern experience, visitors can enjoy several theatres and music halls.
Utrecht also hosts excellent cuisine and eateries throughout the city. Look no further for some of the best cafes and restaurants in the Netherlands. Many family shops scatter the riverside, giving you plenty of options for shopping.
Utrecht is a great destination for every brand of tourist. Despite this, it remains one of the most underrated cities in the world.
7. Busan, South Korea
If you are looking for a quintessential urban experience in Asia, this is the spot. Busan is a sprawling city with a population of 3.4 million people. Busan hosts hundreds of attractions across the city, such as the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village.
You can experience South Korea's beautiful mountainsides surrounding the Buddhist temple Beomeo-sa. Do you need a break from the bustling city experience? You can retreat to one of the city's many hot spring resorts and spas.
Busan hosts dozens of cultural sites and temples as well. These landmarks are staples of Asian heritage and spirituality.
6. Udaipur, India
You can explore the natural beauty of the landscape surrounding the small city of Udaipur. Lakes and lush green banks pepper the countryside, perfect for a relaxing vacation. Take advantage of the walkable terrain to get anywhere you need to go.
Tourists recognize Udaipur for its tranquil scenery and Rajput-era palaces. We highly recommend visiting this location if you enjoy ancient and historic architecture.
The centrepiece of the city is the Udaipur City Palace. Visitors praise this historic structure for its elegant hidden gardens and detailed wall carvings. Udaipur is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a quiet spot to relax.
5. Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is another walkable city, one that displays vibrant South American culture. Experience the ingenious ruins of Monte Albán and other sites to understand just how rich Oaxacan history is. Near the city's centre, you can explore the baroque Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church.
Visitors love Oaxaca for its delicious food and friendly locals. The difference between an urban and rural experience is only a short walk away. This advantage gives travellers a flexible sense of adventure throughout their experience.
Oaxaca hosts an array of biodiversity in the surrounding city parks and nature. Those who want to experience new plants and wildlife can find both here. Breathe in the clean air while hiking in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park.
4. Lagos, Portugal
Lagos is an underrated destination on the southernmost edge of Portugal. You can relax in the sand on one of many beaches, like the Porto de Mós. Or you can overlook the cliffs at Praia Dona Ana or take a boat through Bengali Cave.
Warm summers make this coastal city ideal for anyone who wants to bask in the sun while enjoying the ocean breeze. Lagos serves as an ideal romantic getaway spot for couples and newlyweds.
Discover countless ways to enjoy yourself in Lagos. The iconic ocean view makes this trip all the more worthwhile. Check out the charming historic town centre when you aren't spending time near the water.
3. Krakow, Poland
This location is truly one of the most underrated cities in the world.
Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland and is home to hundreds of Renaissance-style buildings. You can visit the shops and museums of this historic city or enjoy the various parks and gardens.
Over 3.3 million foreign tourists visit Krakow every year. Landmarks spanning the eras surround Krakow. Discover the regal Wawel Castle and pay your respects at the sombre Auschwitz Memorial preservation.
A train ride can get you to many nearby cities and countries in as little as two hours. This feature makes Krakow the perfect town in which to lodge while you plan the rest of your European trip.
2. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is one of Japan's old capitals and is home to beautiful shrines and gardens. Lush green spaces and waterways decorate the city in magnificent displays. This vibrant cultural destination is fantastic for nature lovers and city crawlers.
Visitors recommend this city for its cleanliness and the many Edo Period preservations you can find throughout the neighbourhoods. Satisfy your hunger by trying dozens of Kyoto-style dishes. Kyoto's reliable public transportation makes getting from point A to B simple.
Kyoto is also home to dozens of Shinto and Buddhist temples that span eras. The scenic rolling hills and mountains around the city impress every tourist. Additionally, you can spend time browsing the Nishiki Market for fresh and local delicacies.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest takes our number one spot for its incredible hospitality and attractions. Though the city has undergone many changes over the centuries, it flaunts medieval architecture around every corner. At night, Budapest illuminates itself along the Danube River with vibrant displays of lights and colour.
Are you interested in opera houses, theatres, galleries, and festivals? Budapest hosts dozens of options for each category, making it ideal for extended stays. Fashion and sporting culture filter through the streets of this world-class destination.
These features attract trendy young tourists as well.
Foreign visitors can enjoy Budapest year-round. Winter is a magical time to explore the city as snowfall is pretty regular throughout the season. If you prefer spring or summer travel, enjoy the waters of the Danube on a river tour or relax by the banks.
Don’t Leave Without Protecting Yourself
If you plan on visiting some of the most underrated cities in the world, protect yourself. Having the right travel insurance can mean the difference between a carefree vacation and a stressful one. Canadian insurance companies offer a range of travel insurance options and bundles.
Travel Insurance Features
You never know what can happen between the flight and your destination. If you are flying international, get travel insurance to protect your luggage and property. Avoid spending money on replacing property due to damage or theft.
Choose options that keep you and your family safe while visiting the most underrated cities in the world. You can protect your health as well by investing in emergency travel insurance. This option will prevent you from spending excessive money on injury or illness recovery while abroad.
Due to the pandemic and other recent events, international travel regulations can change at a moment's notice. Why risk losing money on cancelled trips or delayed departures? Feel confident knowing that travel insurance will cover these situations as well.
Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards make spending money abroad easy. Whether you visit a city from our list or take a road trip in Canada, a travel card is a wise investment. You can save money with rewards points and member benefits with a travel card.
In addition, many members enjoy insurance benefits through their card company. This feature allows travellers to protect themselves without spending extra money on policies they may not need.
These cards may provide some travel insurance perks but typically do not cover everything. We recommend exploring other insurance companies. Doing so will ensure you get the best coverage overall.
Find an Insurance Broker Before Committing
You may feel excited to get going, but don't rush. Whether you are looking for travel insurance or general healthcare coverage, it's always best to find help from professional insurance brokers.
An insurance broker will help you locate and compare options to know what you need. You can budget confidently, knowing that brokers will communicate expenses and information clearly.
In addition, brokers work independently from an insurance company. This means you avoid running into hidden costs.
These professionals will help you discover coverage options without disclosing risky information to third parties. They protect their clients' privacy and offer valuable transparency.
Get the most out of your vacation by working with reliable insurance brokers.
Insurdinary is the top Canadian insurance navigator for your needs. We compare listings and benefits from dozens of insurance providers and travel card companies. Using our tools, we provide clients with an in-depth analysis of pricing options and details.
Don't navigate insurance policies alone. Our company collects helpful information on provincial plans and insurance laws to ensure you are up-to-date. We help you whether you are applying for a travel credit card or preparing a comprehensive group benefits plan for your company.
Start by filling out our quick and easy quote form. Doing so will make you one step closer to getting the coverage you need. Enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. Begin your journey to the most underrated cities in the world. Contact Insurdinary in Vaughan, ON, to start on your quote today!
