Why the Little Towns Deserve Your Attention Too
I love travel, but somewhere along the way I noticed a pattern. Everyone chases the same big cities — Paris, New York, Bangkok, Berlin, Vancouver, Tokyo, Barcelona, Dubai, Venice, and London — and treats every glamorous city as the only worthwhile stop on a trip.
These are some of the most beautiful cities and favorite cities in the world. They offer culture, unique things, and plenty of urban energy. But after years of travelling through them, I noticed something else. The little town sitting just outside a bigger city often gave me a more rewarding trip than the city itself.
That realization pushed me to build a full list of locations worth visiting for reasons beyond the obvious. My YouTube Channel and podcasts cover a lot of this ground already. I share clips in videos, and I even posted bits of it on Twitter once. This time, I wanted to write everything down properly.
So, here I’ve pulled together a list of 16 small towns and favourite small towns that deserve real attention, in no particular order.
Travelers overlook these smaller towns and little communities far too often. They remain overshadowed and overlooked, yet they hide real hidden gems, including cute streets, great coffee shops, quiet picturesque views, and less crowds than major hubs.
I didn’t want another list about lying on a beach in Mexico or Florida. Instead, I chased real adventure, hands-on activities, and fun experiences that broke away from the usual sports-and-sand routine.
Affordability mattered too. You can still feel like royalty without spending a fortune, whether that means booking the nicest places or eating amazing food on a modest budget. I picked most of these towns anecdotally, from my own travels and personal experience, rather than from someone else’s blog.
Quick Answer
This guide highlights amazing small towns and beautiful destinations worldwide. It includes hidden gems such as Chania (Greece), Chefchaouen (Morocco), and Gjirokaster (Albania), along with iconic wonders such as the Great Wall, Taj Mahal, and Pyramids of Giza. The guide focuses on unique culture, affordability, adventure, and unforgettable experiences beyond typical tourist spots.
Kenya, Africa (Kenya Safari)
There are plenty of great reasons to go on a safari. Whether you want to see the Great Migration or get close to the Big Five, a safari in Africa offers an unforgettable experience.
Travelers can choose from many options, ranging from budget luxury to high-end trips. The cost of the game drives includes conservation fees for the parks you visit, which support conservation efforts’ fight against poaching.
Beyond the wildlife, the landscapes stay breathtaking, and the bush experiences feel unlike anything you’ve experienced before. You’re guaranteed to walk away with memories of a lifetime.
What I Loved
Initially, a safari wasn’t even on my bucket list, but how wrong I was. My Kenya safari with Elewana became one of the most surprising and memorable trips of my lifetime.
I stayed in high-end luxury camps and treehouses on the savannah. I also had up-close-and-personal encounters with lions, rhinos, giraffes, and many other wild animals.
The local guides proved incredible, including their sundowner tradition. My adventure truly made me fall in love with “the Dark Continent.”
Albania (Gjirokaster)
Gjirokaster is a proper hidden gem, situated inland from the Albanian Riviera. It is around 1–2 hours drive from Sarande, Ksamil, and Himare.
This town offers amazing food, cute streets, and a great atmosphere for a perfect short stop when traveling in Albania. We loved every minute of it.
Australia (Apollo Bay)
We love so many towns in Australia, but Apollo Bay stands out as one of our favourites. Situated on the famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Apollo Bay forms a calm secluded bay that feels worlds away from the crowds.
The town stays small, with cute shops along the main strip. The harbour and beach create a picturesque scene.
Apollo Bay also sits close to rainforests, waterfalls, and other popular Great Ocean Road attractions. These nearby attractions make it easy to fill a full day here. It’s definitely one to visit.
Belgium (Bruges)
A popular small town in Belgium, Bruges definitely lives up to the hype. It comes filled with picturesque streets, beautiful canals, and great cafes.
There are also lots to see and do at every turn. It makes the perfect stop for a short stay in Belgium.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar)
We won’t ever get sick of recommending Mostar to people. This tiny little town sits in Bosnia, around 3–4 hours inland from the Croatian coastline.
Mostar is filled with charming streets, the stunning Stari Most old bridge, and plenty of history. It makes a great spot for a short visit.
Canada (Victoria)
Victoria is my current home, so it feels impossible to omit this capital city of British Columbia from the list.
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada. This makes it a popular year-round destination for travelers looking for pleasant weather.
China (Great Wall)
The Great Wall of China stands as a series of fortifications built across the borders of northern China. These structures served as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe.
Construction of this staggering ancient engineering marvel began as early as the 7th century BC. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
A famous quote from Mao Zedong translates roughly to “not arrive Great Wall, not a good man,” and it became accepted as Chinese folklore. Although impressive, the claim that the wall can be seen from space has been thoroughly debunked.
What I Loved
I entered at the Badaling Gate and went left based on my own research. While that route is steeper and more difficult, most visitors take the easier right side.
This helped me avoid the crushing horde entirely. The path stayed steep, and it took a while to reach the desired height. Once there, hardly anyone else was around, and we captured some fantastic photos.
I toured the Great Wall and many other parts of China with Viking River Cruises, though it looks like that particular tour is currently suspended.
Czech Republic (Prague)
Prague stands as the capital of the Czech Republic, and people often call it the City of a Hundred Spires.
The Vltava River bisects the city, splitting it into two halves that feel connected rather than divided. Taking one of the sight-seeing cruises gives visitors a unique view of the city.
These cruises also let you see the famous Charles Bridge from an angle you simply can’t get on foot.
Egypt (Cairo – Pyramids at Giza)
The pyramids, built some 4,500 years ago, have endured time as the eternal resting place of the great Pharaohs. However, the Pharaohs themselves and their treasures are no longer housed there.
The Giza Pyramid Complex in Cairo is often cloaked in mystery, especially when it comes to how workers constructed it. While people originally thought builders raised the pyramids on the backs of slaves, thorough excavation later discovered that the construction workers were actually Egyptian laborers from low-income families.
What I Loved
As a fanatic of ancient archeological sites, I visited the pyramids in 1997. It remains one of my most memorable trips.
My experience started with the first sighting of the pyramids, surprisingly just outside the city of Cairo. I remember climbing the narrow vertical tunnel up the Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids, all the way to the tomb room.
I also spent time seeing the Sphinx, exploring Khan el Khalili Bazaar, and cruising on the Nile.
France (Paris)
Paris holds a special place in my heart as one of the first cities I ever visited in Europe. It’s a place I hope to return to for as long as I live.
Out of all the cities I’ve explored, few make it as easy to fall in love as Paris. The iconic Eiffel Tower still takes my breath away every time I see it.
Walking along the cobbled Avenue des Champs-Élysées feels like stepping into a postcard. Add the gentle flow of the Seine and the sweet treats waiting around every corner, and it becomes obvious why Paris keeps pulling me back.
France (Gordes)
Gordes sits as a hilltop town in the southern Provence region of France. It captures the quintessential feel of a perfect small town.
It offers stunning views, cute little cafes, and charming shops at every turn. It also stays close to a larger town that works well as a base, making it an easy day trip location from Avignon.
Beyond the scenery, this town stays close to our heart, since it’s the very place where we got engaged.
Greece (Chania, Crete)
Skip the influencer and party packed Santorini or Mykonos, and visit the island of Crete instead. Crete offers a massive range of experiences.
Chania makes a great city to use as a home base. From here, you can visit ruins, drive through the mountains, and go beach hopping.
Chania ranks among the most picturesque towns. It can make you feel as if you’ve travelled back in time.
The town is built into the walls of an old fortress, while the harbor feels like something straight out of Game Of Thrones.
The narrow winding streets, gorgeous harbor, exquisite food, and feeling of walking through history make Chania a place you have to visit once in your life.
When visiting, take day trips to Balos beach and Elafonisi beach. You can also hike the majestic Samaria Gorge.
India (Agra – Taj Mahal)
Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal served as the mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Mumtaz Mahal was a Persian princess who died giving birth to their 14th child. Located in the city of Agra, the ivory marble mausoleum sits on 42 acres of beautifully manicured grounds.
The grounds feature abundant flowers and a reflecting pool leading toward the ornate tomb. They also contain a mosque and a guest house.
What I Loved
I passed through the elaborate gate at the main entrance, a beautiful construction in its own right. I gasped as I looked through the rounded frame.
There it stood: the elaborate, dazzling white marble castle-like structure that inspires so many dreams.
The best and most iconic viewpoint puts you at the end of the reflecting pool, with a walkway running along either side. It struck me as a dramatic contrast, juxtaposed against the poverty and chaos found in much of India.
Italy (Puglia – City Not Specified in Source)
This coastal town in Puglia holds a special place in our heart, and it’s easy to see why. This charming walled town sits along the beautiful Puglian coastline, creating a setting that feels both historic and relaxed.
The town has cute little bars and restaurants at almost every corner. The main beach offers a genuinely beautiful spot to unwind.
Its location also puts it within reach of many of Puglia’s beaches, making it an easy base for exploring the coast further.
Morocco (Chefchaouen)
Located in the north of Morocco, Chefchaouen stands as a true gem worth seeking out.
This mountainous town is painted almost entirely in blue. Its picturesque array of colourful streets and houses creates a setting you won’t find replicated anywhere else.
Chefchaouen also offers a great foodie scene. Altogether, we found it a truly beautiful stop.
Myanmar (Bagan)
The temple town of Bagan stands as an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar.
From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city served as the capital of the first Burmese empire. This was the first kingdom that unified the regions that would later form Myanmar.
Bagan spans a 26-mile area along the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River. Visitors can find more than 2,000 pagodas and temples scattered across the landscape.
Most of these structures were built centuries ago by the ancient kings and leaders of Burma.
Netherlands (Leiden)
Leiden works as a mini Amsterdam, located under an hour away from the Netherlands capital.
This picturesque little university town is filled with canals, cafes, and restaurants at nearly every turn. We used it as our base when we visited Amsterdam, and we’re very glad that we did.
Portugal (Cascais)
The little seaside town of Cascais in Portugal definitely earns a spot on this list.
Situated a short train ride from Lisbon, it makes a great spot to spend a few slow days during summer.
With charming little beaches and a good hospitality scene, Cascais turned out to be a place we thoroughly enjoyed.
Romania (Brasov)
This little Transylvanian gem sits just a few hours from Bucharest and ranks high on my list of favourite small towns.
Picture cute streets, awesome cafes, a great foodie scene, and heaps of nearby day trips waiting just outside town. These features help explain why this spot earned its place here.
For a deeper look, check out my Brasov guide for the full breakdown.
Switzerland (Wengen)
Wengen is situated in the popular Jungfrau region of Switzerland, perched right on top of the mountain.
This picturesque town offers sweeping views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Check out our guide for an incredible lodge with hot tub views stretching over the valley below. It makes a great spot to base yourself when exploring the region.
Thailand (Chiang Mai)
When people ask me where to go in Asia, I typically leave Thailand and Bali out. I feel places like Tulum in Mexico have become completely overrun with tourists, leaving behind less of the local and cultural charm that once defined them.
However, Chiang Mai still holds onto sites and experiences that make it a captivating place to visit.
You absolutely have to do a multiple day jungle trek on your trip. You can also visit an elephant sanctuary, wander through markets, tour temples, and eat the best food for so cheap.
All of this lets you experience this perfect Asian city. If you’ve never been, Asia should rank as the first place you go if you have the time.
It truly feels like another world, with incredible culture, food, activities, and unique things to do.
United States (Chicago)
Chicago surprised me, and in a good way. I expected a big, impersonal metropolis because it ranks as the third largest city in the United States, behind New York and Los Angeles.
However, downtown Chicago retains a small-town feel that caught me off guard. Walking through its streets felt far more welcoming than I imagined for a city of its size.
United Kingdom (Cambridge)
The university town of Cambridge ranks as one of our favourite locations in the UK for several reasons.
First, it’s home to Tess’s brother Alex. Second, it has an amazing cafe scene that we genuinely loved.
We also fell for the cute town itself. We enjoyed great activities such as punting on the river and admired the impressive colleges scattered throughout.
Vietnam (Hoi An)
This charming little town in Vietnam is a true hidden gem.
With French and Japanese influences, Hoi An is filled with beautiful architecture, amazing food, and cute activities to fill your days.
We can’t wait to return.
Montenegro (Kotor)
The charming town of Kotor ranks among our favourite spots in the Balkans.
Located a few hours south of Dubrovnik, Kotor offers amazing views, great hikes, and tasty food. It also stays very budget friendly.
We would love to return.
Indonesia (Uluwatu, Bali)
Uluwatu ranks as one of our favourite locations in Bali.
This town sits a little south of the chaos found elsewhere on the island. It offers better beaches and amazing cafes to enjoy.
Uluwatu also boasts a great fitness scene and heaps of co-working spaces for anyone who wants to combine travel with productivity.
We will definitely return.
Antarctica (No City — Antarctic Peninsula)
Antarctica stands as the southernmost continent and contains the South Pole. It remains a virtually uninhabited, ice-covered landmass unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Most cruises to the continent visit the Antarctic Peninsula, which stretches toward South America.
The region is known for the Lemaire Channel and Paradise Harbor, two striking, iceberg-flanked passageways that leave a lasting impression.
Another notable place is Port Lockroy, a former British research station turned museum.
The spectacular South Shetland Islands rank among the most visited sites in Antarctica. The islands remain covered in ice and are home to incredible fjords and glaciers.
Antarctica also offers opportunities to view Adélie penguins, blue-eyed shags, humpback whales, minkes, and leopard seals.
South America (Amazon River – City Not Specified in Source)
Since pre-Colombian times, the Amazon has been a source of intrigue for outsiders. It has inspired everything from daydreams of riverboat adventures to nightmares of shrunken heads.
As the largest river by volume and the second longest in the world, the Amazon River has earned a reputation as the most dangerous river in the world.
What I Loved
My small eco-friendly cruise ship meandered along the waterway during the rainy season. It quietly glided through the tributaries and rainforests that serve as home to an incredible collection of flora, fauna, and unexpected adventure.
Jungle treks, fishing for piranha, a shaman ceremony, night safaris, animal sightings, and a baby turtle rescue were all part of my authentic Amazon trip with AdventureSmith Exploration.