Planning your summer vacation and hoping to do some adventurous exploring in a new city? Keep reading. We’ve got your summer vacation plans right here, with our list of some of the most underrated cities to visit in the world.
At Skyscanner, we’re looking out for you. We want to make travel easy, fun, and, most of all, affordable. So to help all of you travellers out there, we used our data to find some of the most-searched destinations by Canadians and scoured the web for the average flight prices for July and August.
To take you beyond these popular spots (that can get very pricey during the high season), here’s a list of the best alternative cities to visit in the world that are cheaper to fly to and offer a unique experience to any type of traveller. Ready to get going?
7 underrated cities around the world
We’ve got the scoop on cheaper alternative destinations to make this summer one to remember. From some underrated cities in Europe to lesser-known destinations in the U.S, here are some of the best cities to visit around the world to experience something a little different.
- Washington, DC
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Milwaukee, WI
- Puebla, Mexico
- Deauville, France
- Paso Robles, CA
Like New York? Try Washington, DC
One of the best cities to visit in the USA for museum and culture lovers
Sure, New York is great and all, but have you been to Washington DC? This underrated city in the States has some of the most walkable and accessible tourist attractions in the country. It’s cheaper than NYC, meaning your dollar goes further and you can do more, like eat your way through it: DC offers an incredibly diverse food scene and a plethora of multicultural neighbourhoods, from Chinatown to Little Ethiopia.
Aside from being the nation’s capital and giving you a chance to see the White House, Washington also houses dozens of museums and art galleries, including the Smithsonian Institute, which constitutes of nearly 20 museums and the National Zoo — and many of them are free! A beautiful outdoor space in the centre of DC’s tourist zone, The National Mall, is perfect for a self-guided walking tour day or night. So, pack those comfy shoes and plan for a getaway filled with education and inspiration.
Like Boston? Try Providence, Rhode Island
Best alternative city to visit in the USA for history buffs
Providence is a historic university town that’s somewhat similar to Boston, but lesser known. Only a short drive from Boston, a trip to Providence is an easy alternative for exploring a new city in the U.S. It was originally settled in 1636, and a wander around the College Hill district will give you a great insight into Providence’s storied past. It has a quirky charm to it which is evident in its cozy and very walkable downtown area full of cute local shops, cafes, restaurants, and bustling craft breweries. You’ll never be struggling to find something to do on the weekends!
For architecture lovers and history fanatics, a visit to Federal Hill is a must, as well as the Westminster Arcade — the oldest enclosed shopping centre in the country. Do a self-guided walking tour and explore it all with your travel buddies. We love Providence so much that this cultural city also made our list of best Easter Break trips.
Like Amsterdam? Try Copenhagen
One of the best cities to visit in Europe for walking
The Danish capital of Copenhagen is one of those underrated cities in Europe that once you visit, you just can’t believe everybody isn’t going here. Like Amsterdam, Copenhagen has a significant biking and walking culture, making the city easy to get around. Into canals and waterways? Copenhagen has that too, with the beautiful famed Nyhavn site a must-see for its brightly renovated old houses and sailboat silhouettes. Originally a commercial port, now it’s packed full of restaurants and cafes and the site of a vibrant social scene. Enjoy a coffee or cold beer on a patio and observe the view, or walk right through on a sunny day.
For those looking to explore a bit more off the beaten path, a visit to the community of Freetown Christiania, totally unique to Copenhagen, is a must. This micro-nation has been historically occupied by squatters, protesters, creatives, and artists, and now functions as its own independent community, with its own set of rules. Grabbing a meal here is cheaper than anywhere else in Copenhagen, and this graffiti-covered mini-town effectively functions as a tourist attraction, though many folks still live in the area. Be careful, though, and follow the signs: Some streets here do not allow photos, and enforcement is strict.
Like Chicago? Try Milwaukee, WI
Best city in the U.S. for beer
Looking to save some money this summer while getting some authentic Midwestern culture? A short 1.5h drive from Chicago is the underrated U.S. city of Milwaukee, located right along Lake Michigan.
The city’s name comes from the Algonquian word millioke, which can mean “pleasant land,” and what a pleasant land it is! Milwaukee is known for its beer history and booming craft beer scene. You can visit the Pabst Mansion, tour a brewery, and see beer made the old-fashioned way. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, take a ghost tour to some haunted locations — this historic city has a long past to share.
Like Mexico City? Try Puebla
Best city to visit in Mexico for authentic culture
Only an hour’s drive from the capital Mexico City, Puebla offers a unique insight into Mexican culture in a smaller setting. Though Puebla is the fourth-largest city in Mexico, it’s definitely an underrated destination to visit in our books.
Check out the dozens of traditional Mexican markets for authentic souvenirs and enjoy tacos with poblano peppers right from their place of origin. It’s easy to get around Puebla, with many of its sights centred around the Zocalo downtown square. Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there’s no shortage of stunning architecture and buildings to check out. Maximize your time by visiting a few key spots a day. In town for longer? Take a trip to hike Iztaccíhuatl, a dormant volcano you can see from Mexico City.
Please note: These alternative city destination suggestions have been provided with a look at the average flight prices for July and August 2023 and have been determined to be cheaper at the time of publication. However, flight prices change often and may vary.
Can’t get enough of these recommendations? We’ve got two final destinations on our list of underrated cities to visit around the world.
Deauville, France
Best city to visit in France for affordable luxury
A seaside resort destination along the northern coast of France, Deauville is one of those underrated cities to visit that was built to inspire. The city is centred around a beautiful sandy beach, open to the public and dotted with colourful umbrellas along the sandy shores. Check out the historic Deauville-La Touques Racecourse and the brightly-lit Casino Barriere Deauville and be reminded of the city’s past. Take a walk along Deauville’s unique boardwalk, which is adorned with art deco style huts that pay homage to the best in American cinema.
Book a train from Paris to get here, and enjoy a summer in France as your best self.
Paso Robles, California, USA
Best Californian destination to visit for group trips and Instagram photoshoots
Paso Robles is known for its hot springs and wineries, so if you’re planning a girls trip, we really can’t think of a better place than this underrated city in Central California. From an elegant and rejuvenating stay at a vineyard resort to sampling the best food and drink in what’s known as Tin City, there’s no shortage of things to do in Paso for a long weekend getaway.
Not only is it well-located just off the Pacific coastline, Paso Robles is also accessible from three major airports in the state: Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco. Book a wine tasting (or two, or three) or an olive oil tasting or both. Why not? It’s summer, after all.
Looking for more travel hacks and ideas? Our Summer Travel Hacks Hub is here to guide you through everything travel related, from how to find the best travel deals for this busy season to some lesser-known long-weekend vacation spots.
