There are numerous cities worldwide that are full of intriguing stories. Unfortunately, most tourists are just interested in the headlines.
If one were to get a sneak peek at their travel journals, glossy landmarks and renowned public squares would dominate the pages. The truth is that a city’s soul lies somewhere in those quiet streets and whimsical alleyways that few care to explore.
Wandering off the beaten path is how you add the spice that your trips might be missing. Start with neighbourhoods that become a delightful surprise the more you explore them. This article will share three such underrated neighbourhoods that hold the potential to alter your perspective on cities.
Exarchia, Athens (Greece)
Did you know that Athens, Greece, earned the 32nd spot among the top 100 cities worldwide in 2025? That’s a massive jump of 18 spots compared to last year’s 50th position.
Greece’s overall tourism rates reached record highs in 2024 itself. The country’s tourism revenue surged by 12.2% in the first half of 2024. As for Athens, most tourists tend to flock to iconic sites, including the Acropolis Museum, Agora, Mount Lycabettus, and the Plaka neighbourhood.
If you wish to see the glory of Athens beyond the postcard-perfect shots, Exarchia (or Exarcheia) is your backstage pass. This bohemian neighbourhood hums with energy. You will encounter colourful murals that tell vibrant stories and cosy cafes with an otherworldly charm.
Even tiny bookshops are witnessing a quiet renaissance, echoing a broader revival that defies the digital age. Excarchia essentially strips away the polished tourist lens. Guided tours and souvenir shops are not the specialities of this area. With graffiti, lively street corners, and cafes where philosophers might plot revolutions, it’s a side of Athens that’s raw and totally unpredictable.
The best way to really soak up all that Exarchia has to offer is to explore it on foot. The streets are narrow and may feel like a maze designed for wandering. Walking will allow you to spot tucked-away cafes and markets buzzing with life.
In case you’re coming from central Athens, metro stations like Victoria or nearby bus stops will drop you right at the centre of all the action. Exarchia is compact, but public transport can save time and energy. It’s especially useful if you’re planning to cover multiple neighbourhoods in a day.
This neighbourhood offers a different glimpse of Athens life, but you must stay alert. Since the place has a history of political activism, small protests occasionally occur. Plus, petty thefts are common, especially in crowded cafes, metro stations, and busy streets. So, be situationally aware and keep your belongings secure.
Capitol Hill, Seattle (USA)
In 2024, Seattle and King County witnessed a huge influx of 40 million visitors. This was a 5.3% increase compared to 2023. Again, most of these tourists would have stuck to famous areas like Belltown, South Lake Union, or the Waterfront Park.
You guessed it right: Capitol Hill is not the primary tourist draw. However, it’s worth mentioning because of how this neighbourhood gives a whole new perspective on Seattle. In fact, if Seattle were a cocktail, Capitol Hill would be the colourful and slightly unpredictable garnish that makes the drink unforgettable.
It comprises a kaleidoscope of murals, indie cafes, and an exciting nightlife. Wander its streets and you would get to experience Seattle’s creative and progressive side. The script seems flipped when you don’t get the usual shiny towers and standardised American attractions.
The trade-off is better, as you can enjoy art that conveys stories and cafes that double up as community hubs. There’s a surprise in every nook and cranny. Rooftop bars echo live music, whereas vinyl record shops peek through the murals.
Just like Exarchia, you can make the best of Capitol Hill on foot. That’s how you get to really soak in the murals and other local surprises. Buses and the Link Light Rail do connect Capitol Hill with downtown Seattle.
Many visitors even use rideshare apps to hop around the neighbourhood efficiently, especially at night. That’s where you need to practise caution. High-profile cases like the Uber sexual assault lawsuit serve as reminders to verify drivers and share trip details.
According to TruLaw, settlements as large as $9 million show that authorities are taking victims’ experiences seriously, pushing for stronger safety measures. Even so, you cannot afford to neglect your safety. So, use rideshare apps wisely. Plus, walk on well-lit roads at night and stay aware of your surroundings.
Balat, Istanbul (Turkey)
Between the months of January and July of 2025, Turkey hosted as many as 28.5 million tourists. Even if this is a wild guess, most visitors would have circled Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and Istiklal Street on their bucket list.
In the vibrant storybook that Istanbul is, Balat would be the chapter that you never expected but can’t put down. This historical neighbourhood, though lesser-known, combines cultural richness with centuries-old charm.
A stroll through Balat would make you encounter mesmerising Ottoman houses painted in jewel tones. Interestingly, orthodox churches peek through the bustling markets, and cats (the true locals) can be found ruling over the sidewalks.
Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet are your typical heavily crowded tourist spots. Balat? Oh, it’s an authentic slice of Istanbul, allowing its tourists to experience the city like the locals. Alongside the churches or Jewish synagogues, you will find colourful murals and skilled artisan shops.
At Balat, life happens at the street level. Children casually play through its alleyways, neighbours chat over tea, and vendors sell fragrant spices. A traveller’s perspective is bound to shift from regular sightseeing to absorbing the heartbeat of Istanbul’s daily life.
The locals are friendly, so feel free to engage with them. Two things to be careful of are the uneven cobbled streets and pickpocketing. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and stay vigilant. Stick to the streets with heavy traffic, especially during the evening hours.
Again, the best way to discover unexpected courtyards and hidden cafes is to explore Balat on foot. This neighbourhood is easily accessible from central Istanbul via bus or tram. You can take your time getting lost in the colourful alleys.
Let the streets be your guide
We hope to have offered you a fresh take on how you view travelling through popular cities. Ditch the postcards and the crowded tourist traps. Not-so-well-known neighbourhoods are where the real stories hide.
Grab your best walking shoes, trust your curiosity, and let the streets be your guide. With your eyes wide open and the camera ready, adventures beyond your wildest dreams are waiting to be explored.
