Beautiful but Underrated Cities to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

City Fifteen: The Historic Enclave of Guimarães, Portugal

Guimarães is often called the cradle of Portugal, and for good reason—this is where the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born, and where Portugal’s national identity began to take shape. Walking through the cobbled streets of Guimarães is like stepping into a living museum. The city’s beautifully preserved medieval quarter—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site—features stone archways, Gothic churches, and traditional granite townhouses adorned with iron balconies and colorful banners. At its heart lies the imposing Guimarães Castle, perched on a hilltop and offering sweeping views of the historic landscape below. But Guimarães is not merely a city frozen in time—it’s also a center of contemporary Portuguese culture and creativity. The city was named a European Capital of Culture in 2012, a title that sparked a cultural revival that continues to this day. Art galleries, performance venues, and design shops now dot the historic center, blending old-world charm with modern flair. Visitors can tour the majestic Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, attend open-air concerts in the plazas, or simply sip a vinho verde in a centuries-old tavern while taking in the surroundings. Guimarães offers the rare chance to experience a foundational chapter of European history while enjoying the vibrant energy of a living, breathing city.