5 Hidden Cities to Visit in 2025 & 2026: Underrated Travel Destinations

5 Hidden Cities You Should Visit in 2025 & 2026

Sure, Paris and Rome are gorgeous. But let's be honest — everyone and their nan has already been. If you want stories that make your mates go "Wait, where's that?" then it's time to think beyond the obvious tourist destinations.

Here are five hidden cities — a mix of close-to-home gems and further-flung surprises — that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list for 2025 and 2026. These underrated European cities and exotic destinations are rich in culture, easy on the eyes, and way less likely to be ruined by someone waving a selfie stick in your face.

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Distance from London Heathrow: ~780 miles

One of Europe's best-kept secrets and a must-visit hidden gem. Pastel bridges, a castle on a hill, and riverside cafés where time slows down. This underrated city is compact, calm, and eco-friendly — think Amsterdam, but with fewer bikes to dodge.

Ljubljana offers authentic European charm without the tourist crowds that plague more popular destinations. The old town features stunning architecture, and the riverside promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls. Don't miss the kremšnita cream cake at local cafés.

Perfect for: A romantic weekend break without Paris crowds

2. Gdańsk, Poland

Distance from London Heathrow: ~760 miles

This Baltic port city looks like a painter went wild with pastels. Gdańsk's old town is colourful, walkable, and alive with history, making it one of Eastern Europe's most underrated destinations for 2025.

The waterfront sparkles at night, and the architecture tells centuries of fascinating stories. Add in pierogi (dumplings you'll eat far too many of) and affordable prices compared to Western Europe, and you'll wonder why more people aren't visiting this hidden European gem already.

Perfect for: Foodies who love carbs with a side of history

3. Hoi An, Vietnam

Distance from London Heathrow: ~6,300 miles

By day, Hoi An is a charming riverside town where every lantern shop doubles as a photo opportunity. By night, the ancient streets glow with thousands of lanterns, creating one of Asia's most Instagram-worthy destinations.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site combines Vietnamese culture with French colonial architecture. You'll find yourself eating authentic Vietnamese noodles by the water, wondering if you've accidentally walked into a film set. Bonus: you can get a custom suit or dress made in 24 hours for a fraction of Western prices.

Perfect for: Travellers who love food, fashion, and stunning photography

4. Cartagena, Colombia

Distance from London Heathrow: ~5,200 miles

A Caribbean-coloured gem on Colombia's coast and one of South America's most underrated cities. Imagine cobbled streets, salsa spilling from doorways, and sunsets that stop you mid-sentence.

The walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) feels like stepping into a colourful painting. Once you add in the pristine beaches nearby and vibrant nightlife, you'll question why you ever booked Ibiza. Cartagena offers exotic travel without the usual tourist traps.

Perfect for: Sun-seekers who want history with their cocktails

5. Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Distance from London Heathrow: ~4,600 miles

Spice markets, turquoise seas, and the maze-like streets of Stone Town make Zanzibar one of Africa's most unique travel destinations. This island paradise mixes African, Arabian, and Indian Ocean cultures into something completely unique.

Zanzibar offers exotic travel without being inaccessible. The beaches are as perfect as the postcards suggest, whilst Stone Town's UNESCO-listed alleyways reveal centuries of Swahili culture and trading history.

Perfect for: Anyone ready to swap spreadsheets for spice markets

Why Visit These Hidden Cities in 2025 & 2026?

We picked a strategic mix of destinations:

European hidden gems (Ljubljana & Gdańsk) — affordable, close to the UK, and easy weekend escapes that offer authentic experiences without overtourism.

Exotic long-haul destinations (Hoi An, Cartagena, Zanzibar) — places that make your mates jealous and provide unique cultural experiences beyond typical tourist routes.

Because the best trips aren't always the obvious ones. They're the stories you come home with. The ones that don't start with "Oh, me too!"

Travel Smarter with Flight Subscriptions

With Elope Miles, you don't need to stalk flight websites at 3am or gamble on "special offers" that vanish when you blink. Whether it's a weekend city break in Slovenia or lantern-lit nights in Vietnam, your travel subscription makes booking these hidden destinations simple.

No stress. No compromises. Just freedom to say yes to authentic travel experiences.

Start planning your next adventure with Elope and discover hidden cities before everyone else does.

So… which hidden city will you tick off first?