Bucket List Locales: Top 10 Most Underrated Cities In The World

• Underrated cities offer unique cultural immersion with less crowding: Get to know ten less-touristed cities, home to rich cultural and historical experiences.

• Destinations span diverse global regions, accessible by various cruise types: The featured cities range from European river cruise capitals and Mediterranean ports to unique North American wilderness gateways.

• Cruise holidays are a convenient way to visit these hidden gems: All ten destinations are accessible via major cruise lines, often as direct port calls or via nearby stops.

Popular tourist destinations are a favourite for a reason, often brimming with cultural and historical interest and set in gorgeous surroundings. But there are so many other cities that don’t always get the attention they deserve, offering incredible experiences without such large effects of heavy tourism.

Below, we share 10 of our most underrated cities in the world. And the good news is, you can enjoy any of them as part of your next cruise holiday!

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has received a lot more recognition in recent times but we couldn’t resist putting it at the top of our list!

Separated into two sides – Buda and Pest – across the Danube River, this city showcases the most stunning architecture, such as the Grand Royal Palace and St Stephen’s Basilica. The sensational Szechenyi thermal baths are also a must-visit!

Why not discover Budapest on a river cruise? Cruise lines including Avalon Waterways offer cruises to this charming capital city across their itineraries.

Galway, Ireland

Visit Galway to become immersed in traditional Irish culture, with its lively music, welcoming spirit and delicious cuisine, including an array of incredible seafood dishes.

Galway is also an excellent starting point for discovering the Cliffs of Moher, made famous by movies such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Princess Bride and The Mackintosh Man.

Cruise lines that include Galway in their itineraries include Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Azamara and Oceania Cruises.

Bologna, Italy

This small city in the north of Italy is renowned for its outstanding, authentic Italian cuisine, yet remains a well-kept secret- off the typical tourist trail.

Wander its cobbled alleys, admiring the Gothic towers around its medieval centre, or soak up some traditional culture with an evening at the opera. 

Cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, stop at nearby Ravenna, with Bologna just an hour’s drive away.

Bruges, Belgium

Rich in medieval history, Bruges has a fairytale-like quality: with its street-lined canals, charming, colourful merchant houses and Gothic architecture. Coined as the ‘Venice of the North’, cruise along the collection of charming canals, marvelling at the beauty of Bruges along the way.

Indulge in its infamous Belgian Beer, a waffle or two or its rich, handmade chocolate- some of the best in the world! 

Cruise lines visiting Bruges include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Kanazawa, Japan

This coastal city is teeming with history and synonymous with the ancient art form of gold leaf production.

Discover its well-preserved architecture, including samurai streets, geisha teahouses and fascinating temples, or enjoy the picture-postcard beauty of Kenrokuen Garden – stunning in any season.

Cruise lines visiting Kanazawa include Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Azamara.

Nafplio, Greece

With breathtaking beaches, fortified islets and medieval castles surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of the Aegean Sea, it’s no wonder Nafplio is considered Greece’s most romantic city.

Wander its maze of alleyways, discover the traditional local cuisine and intriguing Greek mythology or just soak up the laid-back vibe of this captivating coastal destination.         

Cruise lines that include Nafplio in their itineraries include P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Azamara.

Banff, Canada

Rich with wildlife and showcasing panoramic views of mountains and lakes, Banff is a spectacular destination for those who love the great outdoors.

Located in a national park, its jaw-dropping natural landscape offers fantastic hiking and cycling opportunities, while its centre has a vibrant history and culture to discover too.  

Visit Banff with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Stavanger, Norway

Any cruise to the Norwegian fjords will be magical in its tranquil beauty. Stavanger is one of the lesser-known stops located within this Norwegian natural spectacular of mesmerising waterfalls and brooding mountains.

Also offering an intriguing history, become immersed in Viking heritage or discover Stavanger’s old town and harbour-side historic wharf houses while sampling some of the freshest salmon in the world. 

Discover Stavanger on a cruise with Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises or Fred. Olsen Cruises.

Sitka, Alaska

Only accessible by air and sea, Sitka has resisted much of the development characteristic of other US cities, making its national parks with glacial waters and verdant forests all the more enticing.

Visit bear habitats or eagle rehabilitation centres, go whale watching, or take time to discover its compelling Native American history, where totem poles recount the times of the Tlingit people.

Explore Sikta on cruises with Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has a relaxed yet vibrant feel, blending traditional heritage seamlessly with modern lifestyles. Its coastal location and pleasing climate, combined with fascinating cultural highlights and buzzing nightlife, make it appealing to a variety of people but it is still relatively unrecognised as a tourist hotspot. 

Cruise lines that stop in Lisbon include Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises.

Cruise holidays can take you to a vast range of amazing destinations, some more well-known than others. So, be sure to check out cruise deals to all of the above destinations for a great alternative cruise holiday.