The One City You Should Visit Before It Gets Overrun by Tourists, According to Experts

The One City You Should Visit Before It Gets Overrun by Tourists, According to Experts originally appeared on Parade .

We all know some of the top destinations in the world that most Americans have on their bucket lists to go to. Ranging from popular, large cities like London, Rome and Singapore to smaller cities like Amsterdam , Bali or various Greek Islands–all of these places, no matter how big or small, get overrun by tourists. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, and you should definitely visit these amazing places (tourists flock to them for a reason), there are a lot of places around the world that can be just as incredible and are a lot less frequented.

I've been lucky enough to visit over 40 countries, mostly thanks to my previous job as a cruise ship performer. I worked for a luxury cruise line, where the smaller ships would be able to port in smaller ports. I experienced incredible locations that I had never even heard of before. There are many reasons why underrated cities are a joy to visit–like not being hounded by tourist traps or scams, accessibility to a larger number of authentic and local restaurants and a generally calmer atmosphere. Curious to see what other seasoned travelers have to say about their favorite underrated city, I took to TikTok to see what I could find.

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Limassol, Cyprus, Is the Place to Go

TikTok user The Resilient Roamer has created a series called "alternative destinations to visit before they get popular." The purpose of the series is to help people get the most bang for their buck, endure fewer crowds and have a more authentic experience when traveling. She shares that she lived in Europe for 6 years and has traveled to 53 countries worldwide. In this video, she highlights the beautiful country of Cyprus.

Cyprus is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, and it is half Turkish and half Greek. The Resilient Roamer describes it as a country with over 300 days of sunshine, beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and affordable 5-star hotels. It makes for a great destination any time of the year. She also shares that because of the mixture of both Greek and Turkish influences, the Cypriot cuisine is unique and absolutely delicious. It is also one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, so if you're looking for an in-depth wine tasting experience, Cyprus is a great place to do so.

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Although The Resilient Roamer didn't narrow down her video to a specific city, that's where my expertise comes in. In my opinion, Limassol, Cyprus, is the city to visit. I've traveled here for a few different reasons: my cruise ship work, leisure and my sister's wedding to a local who grew up here. Her wedding was in Lefkara (another city I'd recommend), but Limassol has everything you'd want out of a Mediterranean vacation.

Why Limassol Is Such a Hidden Gem

Limassol, Cyprus, is very similar to what you would experience when visiting the Greek islands. I've been to Santorini, Crete and Mykonos–all of which are very popular, tourist-filled locations. While I did enjoy them, I enjoyed Limassol a bit more. With its charming winding streets, gorgeous weather and kind locals, I dream of going back constantly.

One of the standout reasons to visit Limassol is for the cuisine. You won't find many "tourist trap" restaurants that cost an arm and a leg for a quality meal. Instead, most restaurants are family-owned, and you will be treated with the utmost hospitality. Cypriots tend to be very laid back, kind and passionate about teaching people about their cuisine. Every restaurant that I've been to in Limassol has not only been absolutely delicious, but I've been able to try new types of food that I've never heard of. I also noticed that the restaurants are almost always beautifully decorated, clean and lively.

The beaches in Limassol are another major reason to visit. With warm, calm waters and long stretches of sand, spending an entire day at the beach is nothing short of relaxing. There are many public beaches, and you have the option of renting lounge chairs for an affordable price. From there, you can order food and drinks all day. All of this is done without spending an arm and a leg, especially when comparing my experiences in the Greek islands and other Mediterranean beach spots. Overall, if you want a vacation that will let you experience rich culture, delicious cuisine, relaxing days and vibrant nightlife, Limassol should be added to your list. 

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The One City You Should Visit Before It Gets Overrun by Tourists, According to Experts first appeared on Parade on Aug 8, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.