Popular tourist destinations are a favourite for a reason, often brimming with cultural and historical interest and set in gorgeous surroundings. But many other cities don’t always get the attention they deserve, offering incredible experiences without the effect 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 more recognition recently, 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 thermal baths are also a must-visit!
Discover Budapest on a river cruise. Cruise lines include Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways and Riviera Travel.
Galway, Ireland
Visit Galway to become immersed in traditional Irish culture, with its lively music, welcoming spirit and delicious cuisine, including incredible seafood. 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, 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 main 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 Cruise, stop at nearby Ravenna, with Bologna just an hour’s drive away.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges has a fairytale-like quality with its street-lined canals, charming, colourful merchant houses and Gothic architecture. Indulge in its infamous Belgian Beer, a waffle or two or its rich, handmade chocolate.
Cruise lines visiting Bruges include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Kanazawa, Japan
This coastal city is rich in 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 that 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.
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, you can 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.
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 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 whole range of amazing destinations, some more well-known than others. If you’d like advice on booking a cruise holiday to some of the underrated cities of the world:
