When thinking about your next vacation, you might find yourself searching for small towns or places with incredible views, but have you ever considered visiting a city that isn’t on everyone’s travel bucket list? While popular cities get most of the attention, there are plenty of lesser-known places that have just as much to offer—from amazing local food and fascinating history to beautiful streets and hidden spots you wouldn’t expect to find.
Sometimes, the best travel times come from places you didn’t originally plan on visiting. If you’re looking for a city full of culture, somewhere with a chill atmosphere, or simply a new place to explore, these underrated cities are definitely worth considering for your next trip.
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
If you’re looking for a city with a laid-back vibe, Ljubljana is a great pick. The capital of Slovenia may not be the first place you think of for Europe, but it is certainly a unique place to visit. This city is packed with colour, cute cafes, quaint little shops, and a river flowing right through the middle.
The best thing about this city is that you won’t have to plan too much. Explore the old town in the morning, have lunch at one of the riverside restaurants, and then head up to Ljubljana Castle. There are plenty of places to stop and have a coffee to kick back and relax. Overall, this is a great city to visit if you want to experience a European city but without the crowds. Ljubljana has lots to offer whether you’re traveling with friends or family.
- Ghent, Belgium
While most people think of Brussels or Bruges when thinking of Belgium, Ghent is a city that you must put on your list. This city is full of history, with beautiful buildings, canals, cobbled streets, and plenty of nice places to eat. On top of all of that, it also has a very lively vibe.
There are lots of places to see here, including Gravensteen Castle, which is a medieval castle situated right in the centre of the city. Explore the historic city centre, take a stroll along the Graslei waterfront to admire the architecture, or just indulge in some of the local Belgian delicacies. If you like to wander without any strict plans, this city is a perfect choice for you.
Ghent has everything! History lovers will love this city as Ghent is quite culturally rich, and, moreover, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy since the city has a very lively student vibe. As a student here, you’ll be busy all day but can really unwind in the evenings.
- Tbilisi, Georgia
Finally, if you’re looking for something a little different, then Tbilisi is a great city to visit. This city is located in Georgia between Europe and Asia. It is a unique city with a mix of cultures, architecture and traditions. While it may not be the obvious choice for a break from the city, it is well worth checking out.
The first thing you’ll notice about this city is how different the different areas are. The old town has lots of colour with pretty balconies, narrow streets and traditional buildings. However, there are also lots of modern cafes, trendy restaurants and a growing creative scene. There are plenty of things to do, including visiting the famous sulfur baths, taking the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, or just trying some Georgian food.
If you love trying new foods, then this is the place to go! There are plenty of local specialties to try, including khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (traditional Georgian dumplings). This city has a friendly vibe with some fascinating history.
In conclusion, sometimes when you’re deciding where to go on your holiday, you may want to visit somewhere a little more niche. While visiting some of the most famous cities will always be a highlight, visiting somewhere unique like Ljubljana, Ghent, or Tbilisi will make your holiday a little different. Whether it is a relaxed vibe, fascinating history, or experiencing a new culture that you’re looking for, these places are great options for your next trip.
Bibliography:
Georgia Travel. “Things to Do in Tbilisi.” *Georgia Travel*, https://georgia.travel/things-to-do-in-tbilisi. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Visit Gent. “Eat & Drink.” *Visit Gent*, https://visit.gent.be/en/eat-drink. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.
Visit Gent. “Historical City Centre.” *Visit Gent*, https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/historical-city-centre. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Visit Ljubljana. “Explore the Ljubljana Old Town.” *Visit Ljubljana*, https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/sights-and-activities/explore-the-ljubljana-old-town. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.
Visit Ljubljana. “Ljubljana Castle.” *Visit Ljubljana*, https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/poi/ljubljana-castle. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Visit Ljubljana. “Top Things to Do in Ljubljana.” *Visit Ljubljana*, https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/sights-and-activities/things-to-do-in-ljubljana. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.