Chris Phelan
There are a handful of must-visit cities worldwide that every traveler becomes aware of at an early age. Places like London, Paris, Tokyo, and Rome exist as historical destinations and tourist traps in their own right. Don’t worry; there are many destinations that travelers swear by that are off the beaten path! Recently, men and women met in an online discussion to reveal underappreciated cities that any traveler must visit.
1. Brasov, Romania
Sometimes, the best cities are the ones you had no original expectations for. Romania is filled with countless gorgeous towns, but one stands head and shoulders above the rest: Brasov. “Romania was the most wonderful surprise for me,” confesses one woman. “We went in the autumn, and Brasov was breathtakingly beautiful; I loved the colorful leaves, the mountains, the wild forests, and the castles. It’s also quite an affordable destination, and everyone was kind to us. It far exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended.”
2. Manchester, England
Although London gets all the attention in the United Kingdom, tourists and residents know the truth: Manchester is seriously underappreciated! In the eyes of many Brits, Manchester is a more authentically British experience. By comparison, London comes off as too American in its presentation and culture (although that would explain why many American travelers prefer it).
3. Osaka, Japan
Like Manchester, Osaka exists in the shadow of its cooler, more famous older brother, Tokyo. However, many travelers prefer the less hectic feel Osaka enjoys while still offering up a healthy portion of authentic Japanese culture. “When I visited Japan last year, I much preferred Osaka to Tokyo,” reveals one man. “To me (a person who lived in Chicago for many years), Tokyo is like New York City, and Osaka is like Chicago. Osaka has a much more laid-back feel to me that I appreciate.”
4. Detroit, Michigan
Believe it or not, Detroit has worked hard in recent years to shed its image as one of America’s most wretched cities to visit! Thanks to an impressive urban revitalization program, Detroit has dedicated itself to transforming into a destination for any traveler. From its state-of-the-art stadiums and theaters to its vibrant and trendy nightlife scene, Detroit is quickly rising up the ranks as one of the United States’ best up-and-coming cities.
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital city is known for its impressive parks, green spaces, and world-class museums. Thanks to its burgeoning reputation, Ljubljana appeared on more people’s must-visit lists in recent years. “It’s relatively popular now, but it’s still a quaint and charming city with great food and things to discover,” one woman explains. “It’s one of those places that takes you by surprise, and you end up thinking about it long after your trip has finished.”
6. Gdansk, Poland
Many believe you only need two things to enjoy a city: Memorable views and even more unforgettable people! A recent trip to Poland caused one traveler to fall in love with Gdansk. “I love Gdansk, specifically the Old Town, which looked straight out of a movie set,” describes one man. “It has great architecture and history and is not as touristy as other cities in the country. I also met some of the nicest people in Gdansk, which always helps.”
7. Zermatt, Switzerland
Travelers will always appreciate a unique city unlike all others, and the mountain town of Zermatt, Switzerland, is no exception! “It’s a city completely free of cars that is an adventure just to get to itself,” explains one woman. “Once you’re there, you enjoy incredible views, food, people, and activities.” While there are no cars, there are plenty of ski lifts in Zermatt, making it an ideal vacation destination for millions of people annually!
8. Mexico City, Mexico
Frequently battling inaccurate public perception, Mexico City proves it’s easy and safe to experience Mexican culture in its homeland. Mexico City has everything an explorer desires. From historic ruins, pyramids, and landmarks to unparalleled local cuisine and hospitality, Mexico City isn’t the first choice for adventurous men and women, but it should be!
9. Siena, Italy
In a country with as many breathtaking cities as Italy, there are plenty of under-the-radar towns to visit to give anyone an authentic Italian experience. “Siena is a small medieval city in Tuscany that often gets overlooked by tourists in favor of Pisa,” reveals one woman. “It boasts probably my second favorite cathedral in Italy after Florence. There are views for days there, too.” Of course, the quality of wine in this particular part of Italy is top-notch, too!
10. Chicago, Illinois
In the United States, cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, and New York City garner most of the attention from overseas travelers. However, many Midwesterners know the truth: No city is more stunning than Chicago! “It’s the most beautiful city on a gorgeous lake, and summers can’t be beaten,” professes one woman. “Its architecture is first class, and the people are friendly.” Every time I visit Chicago, I wonder why I don’t travel there more often; just thinking about the Windy City brings a smile to my face!
11. Zaandam, Netherlands
Just a few minutes away from Amsterdam lies Zaandam. While Amsterdam’s architecture is impressive in its own right, Zaandam takes its sister city’s design cues and does them even better. From its canals to its jaw-dropping architecture, Zaandam is the place to visit when you want an authentic Netherlands experience but without the endless crowds and rampant tourism that mark Amsterdam.
12. Grenoble, France
Visiting Paris is so overrated; frequenting smaller cities like Grenoble is a hallmark of the savvy traveler in 2023! “I was floored by the food, views, and overall expansiveness of Grenoble,” confesses one woman. “Being so close to the Alps, I expected it to be beautiful, but I still wasn’t prepared.” She’s not wrong; many people regard southeastern France to be the most beautiful area in the country.
13. Greenville, South Carolina
About an hour south of Asheville, North Carolina, Greenville, South Carolina, frequently blows away visitors’ expectations. It’s clear that the city dedicated its budget to beautifying its downtown area, and the gamble clearly paid off! Everything about this city is classy, from restaurants and bars to sidewalks. It’s the kind of place you go out of your way to take your parents to visit. Even its minor league baseball stadium is amazing; it replicates Boston’s iconic Fenway Park!
Source:Â Reddit.
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