10 Underrated Tourist Spots You’ve Never Heard of, But Absolutely Must Visit

I didn’t even know exactly where Georgia was until my friend convinced me to go on a food pilgrimage. Let me tell you: best. decision. ever. Tbilisi is a blend of old-world charm and modern creativity, where crumbling Soviet-era buildings rub shoulders with hip cafés that feel straight out of Brooklyn.

When I arrived, I was greeted by qvevri wine—a traditional Georgian wine made in clay pots—and it quickly became clear that I’d stumbled into a foodie paradise. Georgian hospitality is the stuff of legends. Every meal was a feast (literally), with locals insisting on more food, more wine, more stories. Khinkali (dumplings stuffed with spicy meat) and khachapuri (cheese bread that will ruin you for all future carbs) were my daily staples.

But Tbilisi is more than just food. The city's sulfur baths, narrow streets of the old town, and dramatic hilltop fortress are just the beginning of the adventure. It's one of those tourist spots that offers a deep dive into a rich, layered culture—still wonderfully underappreciated by the global masses.

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I’m pretty sure the Faroe Islands are the reason Instagram’s “no filter” feature exists. Imagine towering cliffs plunging into the ocean, emerald-green valleys, and waterfalls that look like something from a fantasy novel. It's like Iceland's little cousin, but without the crowds.

I went here on a solo trip with a loose plan to “see some puffins.” What I didn’t expect was to be absolutely floored by the rugged beauty of this place. Every turn on the road is postcard material, and because the islands are still relatively unknown, I felt like I had the whole place to myself.

One day, I hiked to Lake Sørvágsvatn (yes, the one that looks like it’s floating above the ocean). Standing there, with only the wind and the birds for company, I felt like I was at the edge of the world. The Faroe Islands remain one of the most pristine and untouched tourist spots in all of Europe, perfect for nature lovers looking to escape the crowds.

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I’m not saying I became a monk after visiting Luang Prabang, but if ever a place could convince me to, this would be it. Nestled in the mountains of Laos, this small city is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason: it's peaceful, spiritual, and somehow manages to make time slow down.

Each morning, at sunrise, I joined locals in giving alms to Buddhist monks dressed in saffron robes as they silently made their way through the streets. Then, I’d stroll through the French colonial architecture and temples, feeling like I had stepped into another century.

But it wasn’t all peace and quiet—there was adventure too. Just outside the city, Kuang Si Falls offered one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen. I spent hours swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise pools, and the trek to the top of the waterfall was totally worth it. Luang Prabang is one of those tourist spots that feels deeply sacred, a place where you can reflect and recharge.

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When I first arrived in Matera, Italy, it felt like I had been transported to an ancient world. It’s not every day you get to stay in a hotel that’s carved into a cave—and no, it wasn’t some gimmick, but a genuine part of the city’s 9,000-year-old history.

Matera’s Sassi (ancient cave dwellings) have been continuously inhabited for millennia, making it one of the oldest tourist spots on the planet. Walking through the winding streets and underground homes, I felt like Indiana Jones on a history binge. And if you’re into archeology and history, this is your paradise.

At night, Matera’s lit-up caves look like something out of a dream. Sitting at an outdoor café, sipping local wine, I tried to wrap my mind around the idea that this place existed long before the Roman Empire. It’s no wonder UNESCO slapped a heritage sticker on it.

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Bagan is the kind of place that makes you wonder why it’s not swarming with tourists. I had heard about Angkor Wat in Cambodia (which is, of course, amazing), but when I arrived in Bagan, I was unprepared for the sheer scale of this ancient city.

There are over 2,000 Buddhist temples and pagodas scattered across a massive plain. And the best part? You can explore many of them on your own. I rented an e-bike (yes, they’re a thing) and spent days zipping between temples, watching sunrises and sunsets that literally took my breath away. Climbing to the top of a temple and watching the mist roll in over the plains is something I’ll never forget.

The vibe here is peaceful, even meditative. There’s something about the endless temples, each with its own story, that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a sacred space hidden from the rest of the world. It’s easily one of the most spiritual and awe-inspiring tourist spots I’ve ever visited.

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Most tourists to Australia head straight to Sydney, the Outback, or the Great Barrier Reef. But few venture into the wild beauty of Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest literally touches the reef.

This place is remote (you’ll need a 4x4 to get there), but if you’re looking for adventure, Cape Tribulation is paradise. I went on a night tour of the Daintree Rainforest, where I saw all kinds of crazy wildlife—snakes, frogs, glowing fungi—things I didn’t even know existed outside of a nature documentary. And if that wasn’t enough, the snorkeling just off the coast was some of the best I’ve ever experienced. Picture swimming alongside sea turtles and vividly colored coral, with barely another person in sight.

There’s something magical about being in a place where the jungle is so alive and wild, and yet just a short walk away, you can dive into the world’s largest coral reef. Cape Tribulation is one of Australia’s most breathtaking yet underrated tourist spots, offering the best of both the rainforest and the ocean.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of being in a fairytale, Lake Bled is the place where that dream comes true. I’m talking about a crystal-clear lake surrounded by alpine mountains, with a tiny island right in the middle, topped by an old church. I spent my time here rowing out to the island, ringing the church bell (which locals say grants wishes), and hiking up to Bled Castle for the most jaw-dropping views.

Fun fact: You can swim, paddleboard, or even take a traditional pletna boat to the island, but I personally recommend rowing—it makes you feel like a medieval adventurer! Lake Bled might not be as well known as other European tourist spots, but its beauty is every bit as magical.

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Chefchaouen is the place where your Instagram feed comes to life. Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, this little mountain town is famous for its blue-washed walls and winding alleyways. Walking through the streets, I felt like I had fallen into a painting. Every corner, every house, is a new shade of blue.

But it’s not just the color that makes this place special. The vibe is slow, laid-back, and perfect for anyone needing a break from the hustle of big cities. I spent days sipping mint tea, chatting with local artisans, and hiking in the nearby Rif Mountains.

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Vang Vieng is the ultimate adventure spot in Southeast Asia. Picture this: limestone cliffs towering over lush green valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and caves that beg to be explored. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this place, but after kayaking down the Nam Song River, zip-lining through the jungle, and hiking to hidden lagoons, I was hooked.

Years ago, Vang Vieng was notorious for its wild party scene, but things have calmed down now, and the focus is on outdoor adventure and eco-tourism. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush paired with epic scenery, this is where you want to be. It’s one of Laos' most exciting tourist spots for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

If there’s one place on Earth that feels like another planet, it’s Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. This sprawling salt flat is the largest in the world, and when it rains, it turns into a gigantic mirror that reflects the sky. I felt like I was walking on clouds—it was surreal.

I visited during the rainy season (January-March), which meant the reflection was at its peak. There’s nothing quite like watching a sunset that seems to stretch on forever, blending sky and earth into one. The salt flats are also home to stunning islands covered in giant cacti, which is not something you see every day!

For a completely otherworldly experience, Salar de Uyuni stands out as one of the most extraordinary tourist spots in South America.