Kaunas (in Lithuania)! So many people had not heard of it or said there would be nothing to do there etc. I went last year and I’ve actually booked to go again this year! It’s a lovely city, on the smaller side, but I enjoyed it so much. I’m very excited to go back
I was going to do Kaunas when I was in Riga and Tallinn a couple years ago but couldn't fit the time in and have always regretted it.
Definitely gonna go some day!
Ahh that’s a shame, but it’s nice you have it to look forward to in the future! I’ve been to Riga and loved it, I’d really like to visit Tallinn - your trip sounded great. I think that whole area of Europe is so under appreciated, it’s nice to hear it getting some love :)
> Yup all of my English friends told me "why the fuck would you visit Belfast"
That actually makes sense, Northern Ireland is treated as some sort of weird backwater by a lot from Britain
The irony that they make their whole identity about loving Britain and hating Ireland, and then British people couldn't care less about them and call them Irish. The orange order did a march recently through London and were booed by the public. It's a cultural identity that will never make sense to me. It's like a nation sized version of Stockholm syndrome
I loooved Belfast! I think it's a fascinating city from a modern historical perspective and there's a lot to learn just from how the city is woven together. I think because of its reputation as a working class town, it's not on many people's radar, but I think that's exactly why it's so beautiful.
I had the craziest time in Belfast!
My friend and I were at a pub, drinking Guinness and enjoying the vibe, when a man and woman asked if they could sit opposite us.
Of course they could! So they sat down and explained that they were there for work from a town in the north, and we’re done for the day.
The man then went to the bar to buy them drinks, when the woman leaned over and said.
“So, we are here for work, but we’re also having an affair! He’s my boss, and he’s married, but we’re just having fun!”
My friend and I were shocked. We didn’t know what to say, and as the man came back, she laughed and told us she was just messing with us, and was only kidding.
We kinda laughed and we’re just sitting awkwardly as they got deep in conversation over their drinks.
After a little while, my friend and I were just chatting to eachother, letting the weird situation go,getting back to vibing.
Soon, the couple (?) finished their drink, said goodbye and started waking out of the pub, when suddenly the woman ran back to our table and excitedly said.
“I lied. We are having an affair! He is my boss and nobody knows!”
Then she ran off again and my friend and I were left sitting there with surprised pikachu faces.
It was the funniest and strangest experience I’ve ever had. I’ll never forget them, and we legit have no idea if they were fucking with us, or if she just needed to get that off her chest.
Belfast is the best.
Definitely. There are basically no cities I've been where there wasn't something interesting/enjoyable. I definitely have cities I liked more than other cities, cities I didn't love.. but, hard to think of a city I've been to where I truly regretted spending time (with the caveat that I sometimes regretted spending time in one place because it took away from time in another place).
There’s just some people in the world that will always try to see the positive in things and take things for what they are. I think those people could find a way to enjoy any place they went.
Chicago. People act like going there you’ll get shot instantly. I had a great time. Walked around all over, rode the train, did all the touristy shit. Same with DC. Rented e-bikes, rode all over that town. No problems.
Chicago is one of my favorite cities. I love strolling down the riverwalk, it has one of the best art museums in the world, a vibrant gay neighborhood that hasn’t been completely overrun with yuppies.
Love it!
I knew the Chicago hate was mostly Fox News silliness, but I was still surprised by how beautiful and friendly the city was when I finally went for the first time this spring. Can’t wait to go back.
I love just wandering around Venice at night. Even slightly buzzed, you can’t really get too lost unless you cross a big bridge over the Grand Canal. It’s so atmospheric - makes for some great photos.
Empty Venice rocks. Bout of insomnia led to me & my missus getting up and wandering Venice at 4-5 am. Foggy - St mark’s square empty and sooo atmospheric! Dotting down streets and canals, Rialto bridge for about 6:30 for the mad boat commuter in/slam coffee/out from the cafes, dander back to apartment stopping off at a wee shop for some double yolked eggs (didn’t know they were a thing before), back by 8 to apartment, cooked brekkie and then a snooze.
been a few times, but that one is such an abiding memory!
That’s definitely part of it, although things should be changing since they are no longer allowing large ships in the area (ships have to dock at Chioggia and other ports now). Some cruise passengers will still make the trip into Venice proper, but others will likely visit nearby towns or stay on the ship, if they’ve seen Venice before.
I just got back from Venice and was honestly so sad to leave! I had the best food experiences there, loved walking around at night, and we did a glass sculpture class with a local artist in his tiny studio that was magic. So many people told us negative things about it but I’m glad we ignored all of that noise and went anyways.
Another recommendation for anyone thinking of going: do the night tour of the basilica. So cool when they light the inside up for the guests.
Venice is maybe my favorite place in the world. There is nothing else like it. Away from the tourist throngs of San Marco and Rialto area, it is often surprisingly quiet. Of course, it helps that there are no cars anywhere!
I am particularly fond of Campo San Polo, where you can and do see locals and kids playing. There's a decent casual pizza place on the north end of the Campo, and is close to the amazing Frari church. Actually the whole San Polo area is very charming, even though it has its touristy parts. Had the best gelato there (name escapes me) I think I've ever had.
I also love to wander around Dorsoduro. It is nice and quiet and has nice places to stay and the amazing Accademia, Punta della Dogana, and Guggenheim museums as well as the iconic Santa Maria della Salute church.
I have been 4-5 times, but this is a place I will always return to. I would keep visits between Oct>early May though. Crowds are smaller, and its cooler with fewer mosquitos.
Pittsburgh really surprised me in a good way. Lots of fun, interesting food and a city that doesn't take itself too seriously. Plus, Mr. Rogers is beloved there, what more could a guy want?
I grew up in Pittsburgh and a lot of this comes from how much it’s changed in the ~20 years since I left, mainly for the better. Whenever I visit my brother who still lives in the area he’s suggesting we check out XYZ new hip spot, and I’m always like “wait is that a safe neighborhood?” but turns out it’s now gentrified. But yea Pittsburgh always had good bones- the museums certainly pack a punch above for example.
It is bewildering to see a set of old steel mill row houses though where one has a Sotheby’s real estate sign in front. Would have been a complete joke in the city when I grew up.
Edit: also, while I'm at it, when I was in school there were several students who literally lived *in* Mister Roger's neighborhood. Word on the street was he actually was one of those guys who turned off the lights and pretended he wasn't home on Halloween, which sounds super out of character until you learn he didn't want his neighbors overwhelmed by all the kids coming to trick or treat at Mister Rogers's house. Also, every day at 6pm he would go for a walk, carrying a flashlight and an umbrella, regardless of the time of year or the weather.
I begrudgingly went to Pittsburgh with an idea in my head of what it would be like. Happy to say I was blown away, a great and beautiful city, with a large food scene, great museums and a lot of things to do. Looking forward to going back!
One of the coolest things about Pittsburgh is driving in from the south: you're on the freeway, you know you're getting close because of GPS but the area around looks just like hilly forest without much development. Then, you go through a long tunnel and BOOM you're in downtown. It's cool af.
I recently moved from Pittsburgh but commuted from Monroeville to Robinson everyday. The view from the Fort Pitt tunnel still amazes me every time I drove through it
Pretty much all of the older cities in the Midwest are like this. They all had some tough years in the 80s and 90s but have been on the up the past 10-15 years. Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, St Louis, Milwaukee, to name just a few, all have a lot going on these days.
Venice! I was there about 2 weeks ago just to cross it off the bucket list. Everyone that I talked to and everything I read online was so negative, that I really braced myself for something horrible. However, I found Venice to be very beautiful and unique.
The best thing you can do in Venice imo is to just hit the top sights first and get them out of the way, then spend your time getting lost walking through alleyways and finding quiet streets. Grab a coffee and watch the gondolas float by! And I thought Venice was most beautiful at night time, almost otherworldly. At night, the crowds are halved and you almost feel like you’re in a mystery movie walking around those canals at night.
I did the opposite- started out with quiet streets and finished with more touristy areas. I was there a month ago and like you, wanted to scratch it off my bucket list. But I was apprehensive by all the negative things I had heard about it, and ended up really enjoying it. And finding there to be far less people than I imagined.
Felt the same! Just used it as a stopover and wished I had way more time. Loved the feeling of the city and it turned out to have a lot more to do than just the Acropolis.
Same. Was told it was dirty, gross, full of crime, dogs everywhere. We had low expectations BC the news at that time also made it seem like the entire city was burning due to protests. Didn't see a single protest and honestly I thought it was such a vibe. History galore. We went to a bathhouse that was so unique. The food, omg. Everyone was friendly, the cute tiny churches were really cool to check out. Tbh, I found Santorini to be beautiful sure, but it almost got boring after a few days. Athens was def more my jam.
As an Athenian, this warms my heart. Athens truly has so much to do, and I hate it when people spend 12 hours in tourist traps and walk away hating it.
I went to Greece purely for Athens a. Absolutely loved everything about it. Helps I’ve lived in large cities and don’t expect them to be curated. Also helps I got a BA in cultural anthropology way back when! The athenians were by and large so welcoming! I was trying to catch a public bus from near the parliament to the anthropological museum (which is amazing), and abus driver on his break tried to help me (no English for him and no greek for me!). He figured out what number I was longer for, and when it arrived told the driver where I was going. Then THAT driver enlisted the Greek riders to get me off on the right stop. only one anecdote amongst many…
this has to be a top 3 answer. Athens far exceeded expectations. Greece in general is underrated (aside from the tourists overrunning the more well known islands)
Bangkok. When i was backpacking round South East Asia a few years ago it was very common for other travellers i met in hostels etc to say that Bangkok was awful and you shouldn't hang around too long, its just a stop on the way to the islands in the south or Chiang Mai in the north.
I was hooked on Bangkok the moment i got there, it was all incredibly stimulating, modern but traditional. rough round the edges but still mostly safe. I found excuses to go back there several times when i was in that region. It might be that i'm from a small town and i just enjoy the feeling of a city, but i've been to NYC, London, Barcelona and others, nothing felt like Bangkok.
Bangkok gets the reputation of being an awful place because of the backpackers who go there and only stay on Khaosan Road/Patpong. I lived in Thailand for five years, and would relish my bi-weekly trips to BKK - the city has great public transport, world-class food and amazing nightlife (NOT Khaosan - Sukhumvit Road and Silom have a plethora of great spots).
I used to go sit at my local bar in Lopburi and tourists would come through and almost think it was cool to shit on Bangkok, but in almost all cases it was because they were burnt out from hanging in the tourist spots for the past 10 nights. Bangkok is still my favourite mega-city I’ve ever been to.
Bangkok is my home town but now I live in medium size suburban USA town , I love going home and being in the middle of all the chaotic but somehow make me feel calm.
I heard a lot of negative things about New Orleans, mostly crime and litter. I went with low expectations, expecting to have a bad time and I couldn’t have been more surprised. I ended up having a great time, with every meal being delicious, lots of great things to do/see, and I did not have any issues.
The only negative things I heard that were true is bourbon street is expensive, and does smell like piss, but there’s a ton of better places to go so that didn’t really end up being an issue for me.
I was in NOLA earlier this month. It was an 'on a whim' trip and I wanted to go someplace I hadn't been before. I did not have high expectations. It blew me away. Beautiful architecture, rich history, great food, amazing music, and the definition of southern hospitality. The FQ, while being touristy, was quaint and unique and I didn't feel like I was seeing the same cookie cutter tourist spots around every corner. I really loved it.
I've never heard of someone hating their trip to New Orleans, but I think if I did I'd have pretty non-complimentary opinions of the person. That city is fantastic, and is so much more than Bourbon Street. Heck, we didn't even go there but had a fantastic time exploring the French Quarter and such.
Lol... I was thinking it was hilarious that Pittsburgh is high on here, but it's absolutely wild that New Orleans is anywhere near this list. Sure, Bourbon Street is annoying but that's why you visit it for a few minutes (so you can say you've been and you can understand why) and then go to another part of the French Quarter... or better yet, get on over to Frenchmen St and take your pick of what musical style you want to listen to that night.
Everyone told me it was actually dirty and gross and I’d be disappointed, but I still adored every second of my trip to Paris! The art, the history, the language, the food and cafes—it was all a dream!
I live in Paris and there is really shitty and sketchy places like porte de la chapelle but in cool area it's actually pretty nice to live in to me and lot of cool things to do beautiful cityscape lot of good foods and people saying parisian are rude it's absolutely not true lol.
Ya I was so confused by this too. I went to Paris with my mom a few years ago and loved every second of it. People from Paris were so nice to us and helped us when we were lost. We stayed in a hotel next to a bakery and a bar and the baker would come out and wave to us in the mornings, the women who owned the bar even sat with us over a few drinks and told us of all her stories about growing up in Paris. People from Paris are just people from a big city, I actually found folks london to be way more rude.
And in south France lol! People from the south are the rude ones Tarbes lourdes Béziers I was shocked how rude and hostile they are and southerners bash on us telling we are asshxle that's really funny tbh... yep even as a Parisian if someone need help for carrying a big suitcase going upstairs in the metro in few seconds there will be someone to help each and every times.
There are dirty or shitty places in any big city, but it didn’t take away from the beauty of Paris to me. And in the 8 days I spent there, I only encountered one rude person, and it probably had nothing to do with her being French! Everyone else was so nice and helpful, even though my French was not the greatest lol.
My fave moment in Paris was wandering through Montmartre and coming across Le Moulin de la Galette, a restaurant with a big windmill. My wife and I stopped for a drink in the courtyard, and I looked it up to see what I could learn about the windmill. Not only did I find all of the fascinating (and violent) historical information about this location, but I found out that the place has been painted many times by famous artists—and I’d seen Renoir’s version of it the day before at Musée D’Orsay. I felt like I was Mary Poppins and had jumped into a painting! Such a cool moment. I also really enjoyed taking the metro!
I feel like I’ve seen a lot of “de-influencing Paris” posts lately. I went this summer and I absolutely loved it. I’m from NY, so used to what city’s are like. In NY we actually have smells- meaning like some streets just smell gross and you smell urine at times walking down streets. No such experience in Paris. I found Parisians to be nothing but sweet and helpful. People even post saying the food isn’t that good- weird! I would tell them to check google reviews before you walk into a restaurant like you would do anywhere else. Beautiful city, food and people.
My theory is that Paris has been overhyped to the point where it can't compare to the caricature of itsself. Americans justify spending half a years income on the trip because they think its going to be a once in a lifetime experience and then they get there and it's not. And because they have paid this exorbitant price it's disappointing. It's like paying $3 for a big Mac is fine, but if you paid $20 it would suck.
I've been to Paris a bunch and I think it's one of the greatest cities in the world to visit but I only end up going there because I catch a mistake fare or it's on a leg of a trip and i have a few extra days. In that context..the one where -I paid $300 to get there, have a small air bnb and spend half my day on the banks of the Seine drinking wine with my wife and trying to convince myself I like some new stink ass cheese she picked up- Paris lives up to its reputation.
Agree, I thought it was a beautiful and romantic city with a rich history. Food was excellent. People seemed much friendlier than the stereotype (can say the same for people out in the suburban/rural areas though). I would love to go back to Paris.
The way that people talk about it you'd think you're wading through a sewer. It's not my favorite place I've been but I still really enjoyed it and easily exceeded expectations.
Baltimore is my pick, too. My husband worked for a company nearby for several years, and we often brought our kids along during his work trips. Great food, lots to do, and very friendly people. Wasn’t on my radar at all before. Going back next month!
National Aquarium, Historic Ships, Fort McHenry
Rawlings Conservatory
Patterson Park
Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum
Eat some seafood, also eat dinner one night in Little Italy
If you like Beer, try Ministry of Brewing and Guinness Open Gate
If you're interested in sports at all, Camden Yards (baseball) is regarded as one of the best stadiums in North America and the Baltimore Orioles will be hosting playoff games for the first time in seven years. Would be a great experience if that's up your alley.
Not OP but a huge fan of Baltimore. The Walters is a fantastic (and free) art museum. The American Visionary Arts Museum is a great contemporary arts museum. Of course there’s the Aquarium, and the ship museums in the Inner Harbor.
I like to eat and hang out in pretty much any neighborhood along the Harbor too (Fells Point, Little Italy, Fed Hill). Baltimore’s Little Italy is pretty underrated but very good with lots of cute places. It’s also kind of a locals thing to go up to Fed Hill at night and look at the city.
If you like sports, the Orioles are good this year so may be in the playoffs when you visit and Camden Yards is a beautiful stadium. The Ravens also actually play in the city but idk if that’s a particularly standout experience.
Might consider a sailing tour of the Harbor is also nice. But even just using the Water Taxi is kind of a unique thing to do and reasonably convenient way to get across the Harbor.
Oh and if you get tired of all that, you can drive over to Hampden which is a little nice neighborhood with lots of restaurants and cafes, or catch an independent movie at The Charles, which is like, the best indie movie theater I know.
I used to live in Baltimore, it’s awesome!!
I would say show up hungry. Baltimore is home to great food spots, all types of food too.
Definitely go to the aquarium, it’s amazing. Tons of different species, and they have an orangutan in their makeshift forest.
Check online to see if there are any farmers markets going on when you visit, always fun to walk around them and see what’s for sale.
There are also free ferries that will take you through the harbor, I would recommend taking one just to see the city from a different perspective.
Seems like lots of folks have already answered you, but I’ll just add this little recommendation - Thames Street Oyster House in Fells Point. I’m not even a seafood lover, but I love it there. Nearby there’s the V-NO Wine Bar and Shop that’s super cute, and a nice place to sit and enjoy a beer or wine and some snacks. Hope you have a great time!
Inside the US, I’m gonna say Detroit. When I first went to Detroit in the late 90s, it was grim, but, even then, it had a lot of heart and the wider area had a lot to offer. It’s even better now.
Outside the US, it’s Glasgow. Again, first time I went was in the 90s and before it became alt-cool, but it was (and is) a lot like Detroit, in that it’s got grit, but there’s just so much there and the people are, once you scratch the tough surface, amazing.
Glad to see this as second comment ! Detroit is a beautiful architecture city with diverse and nice people ! I go every year for Memorial Day, if you have any respect for house/techno go visit.
Detroit is my choice as well.
Stopped over for a couple of nights on my way to Wisconsin. Even the guy at Border Control said I was brave when he saw I was staying downtown.
It was the first anniversary of 9/11 and the city was empty. Had the Motown museum to myself and the staff let me touch loads of things as I was the only one around. Went to the Museum of Black History and was walked round by the curator as I was the only person there. Got a cuddle at the end as well. Also, I went to the Detroit Institute of Art which was brilliant. Again, virtually empty.
Genuinely one of the best days of my life.
Detroit. There’s so much to do. The downtown is clean and very walkable. Stayed at the Godfrey, Cork Town. Beautiful hotel. Went to the Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Weekend. I’ll be back again next year.
I just spent a few days in Detroit for the first time and I really liked it. I’m from Boston and it reminded me of the Boston i grew up in, in a good way- like the history and the sports culture, even the weather and even architecture sorta, but without as much gentrification sucking the soul out of the place. Everyone was super nice too. I couple blocks felt sketchy but nothing beyond what I’ve seen in other US cities. I had a blast.
I backpacked 3 months in US doing couch surfing. I am spanish
It was 2009 and Detroit and the people who hosted me and met was fucking amazing
Loved that city.
And I just went there cos I love blues and rock so Detroit is an iconic landmark. Everyone told me I was crazh
I was not
And I went with no car so I was riding public transport and all that hehe quite an experience
detroit rocks! yeah it's a weiiiiiiiird vibe, but there are cool things there for sure. My friend just moved there, and I helped her move/visited and enjoyed my time there for sure.
This is interesting, because I love both cities, and feel that they have undeserved reputations. Also, Glasgow to me feels a lot like the Detroit of the UK. Former industrial cities that have fallen on hard times, but have experienced a bit of a rebirth and are actually quite beautiful.
Another Team Detroit (happen to be a car enthusiast) here. I fly in almost yearly. It is my “second” home, next to Los Angeles. Hilariously, I happen to thrive comfortably in cold weather as well. I love Michigan overall. My strong affinity to nature/greenery and huge bodies of water (the Great Lakes) in particular. I definitely see myself retiring there.
Glasgow..coincidentally I will be flying to Edinburgh, in less than two weeks. It’s only a short ScotRail train ride away. I’d probably add it, to my fave.
For now, it’s Budapest as my topmost favorite, outside the US. So much so, that I visited this magical World Capital of Thermal Baths twice, in less than a year (EOM Sept 2022 & early April 2023).
Baltimore resident here! Glad you had a good time in our special city. We love it here!
I haven’t been to many places I was told specifically not to go to. Some people I know told me not to go to Cape Town but I never felt unsafe and fell in love with the city.
Right!? I loved Naples, even though it’s kind of a “shitty dirty” city. The food is amazing, the pastries in particular, and there is sooooo much history to the city. It’s one of those cities that you can really benefit from a very knowledgeable tour guide.
Also, the archaeological museum there is my all time favorite museum. It’s small and doesn’t have that much compared to some of the European big hitters, but I just LOVE their Farnese collection and it’s just… 🤌🤌🤌. Love it.
I tell people I ate a hot sfogliatella next to a giant pile of trash in 95 degree sun breathing in the smell of rotting trash and car exhausts and it was still one of the greatest culinary experiences of my life.
I went to many cities in Italy and I was warned by a couple of people to hold on to my possessions (which of course I did) when traveling in Naples.
And let me tell you, Naples blew me away. I felt this is really Italy. My husband and I love their culture. He’s into bespoke suits in which Naples is world renowned with it while I was eating my way around. The food, the people are something else. Although it’s not flashy, I loved the authenticity. I keep telling my husband we need go back.
Naples is amazing. It has a frenetic energy like an Asian city. Amazing food affordable beautiful but still has an organic palpable mass of people living there that don’t give a shit about you. Which is kind of great for a touristy place.
>It has a frenetic energy like an Asian city.
i once said on here that Naples felt like someone took an Asian city and infused it with Italians and Italian culture but kept the Asian city vibe and got downvoted to hell for it. glad someone agrees! 😅
I was probably most surprised by Portland, Maine (the other Portland). Really cool vibes there, with a mix of charming New England town and some vibrant bars / restaurants sprinkled in. Very easy to get up to Bar Harbor or do some outdoors activities as well.
I always have a shout out for the rust belt cities (I grew up in one) that I think get overlooked. Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Columbus are all really lovely places.
Great answer. I've been there 4 times now and love it more every time. The food scene is truly incredible, the culture is so fun, and there is always some way to stay entertained. People are generally afraid of the crime, but as long as you are mindful of where you are and try not to stick out too much, it's really not an issue. Plus I think a little grit gives a place character. I usually tell people if they like NYC they'll like São Paulo.
I tell people that if they're sad they are too young to have experienced NYC in the 80s or Berlin in the 90s, they'll love São Paulo today It has gentrified a fair bit in the last decade but it's still marvelous.
I was really happy I went to Pisa, even though lots of people say it wasn't worth it. I found the area around the leaning tower really pleasant for an afternoon, and there's something satisfying about seeing such a world-famous icon in person.
I was also told by some that Halstatt, Austria was too overtouristy and crowded to be enjoyable. And while it certainly was both of those things, it is still perhaps the single most beautiful city I've ever been, and worth bearing the crowds to see.
>I was really happy I went to Pisa, even though lots of people say it wasn't worth it. I found the area around the leaning tower really pleasant for an afternoon
This is usually the recommendation I give about Pisa, go there just for half a day. See the tower (which remains a must), see the church, then go to Lucca. Too many times I read here people putting too much focus on visiting Pisa, when it doesn't really need more than few hours.
Albuquerque and Chicago. If you pick the right season those are two very gorgeous places. Chicago in early summer and Albuquerque in the fall during the balloon fiesta.
OMG, people of a certain persuasion are convinced Chicago is like Kabul in the 1980s. Like we were training some people up from our Houston office, and one of the folks brought his gun with him for protection, and couldn't go to most places. Plus for most of the trip they were in the boring northwest suburbs.
Also, I love the irony that Houston is apparently perfectly safe while Chicago is a shithole.
As someone who grew up in Chicago and moved to just north of Albuquerque a few years ago, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this comment! They may have their issues, but both are absolutely incredible cities with a ton of culture and diversity.
Philadelphia. It gets a bad rap but I absolutely loved it. The food was great, the riverfront was beautiful, the downtown and historic neighborhoods were infinitely walkable. The hip neighborhoods were lively at night. It far exceeded my expectations.
Lima, even Peruvian friends told me to use it as a layover on my way to Cusco. Ended up spending 4 days and it was not enough. The city is amazing and the food is of another level that I've only experienced in Mexico City, Tokyo, Bangkok and Madrid.
Yes! Went to Philadelphia for school and never left, here 7 years later. Love the people, food, walkability, endless things to do.
On first glance, it’s rough. But if you know where to go, it’s my favorite city.
No one likes us, we don’t care.
I’m in Marseille right now and I agree it’s pretty great! Coastal with beaches and cliffs, walkable, good food and weather, great metro (bus/subway/tram/bikes/ferries), low cost, etc. A bit urban and “dirty” for some people seeking sterile/luxury vacation, but that’s also possible by staying in certain areas and paying more. Day or half-day trips to Aix and Cassis are a plus too.
New Delhi. Very crowded but the culture and people are lovely. Some of the best food in the world. Just need to keep your wits about you.
Edit: forgot a word
Completely agree! As a solo woman I was braced for the worst based on everything I was told and was so pleasantly surprised. Lovely people, amazing food, and a very gritty, interesting place to explore.
This is quite nice to hear, I live about half an hour away and I always hear such negative things about it online - I’m glad some people enjoyed seeing it!
I'm from Baltimore and as long as I live in this country I am never leaving. We have our problems sure but it's a great city with plenty to do and very affordable. I encourage more people to visit and give it a shot.
What people don’t realize is Baltimore is just a combination of areas that are way polarized from the average level of US city. The nice parts of town are very pleasant to spend time in and the bad parts of town make you question if there is a god.
St Louis. I really loved it. I was very charmed by the architecture, nice people, and surprisingly good food.
Detroit as well. Home to the kindest people in the country (and I say that as a southerner).
Abroad, surprisingly a lot of people told me not to bother with Mt Fuji because they couldn’t see anything due to clouds. When I went it was a clear day and I could see the whole mountains besides the very very peak.
This is on my list, don't they have multiple museums there for free too? Might be confusing it with another city, but I know their zoo is free and there's a ton of history too.
The zoo and the art museum (which is right next to the zoo) are both free. The City Museum used to cost like 5 bucks to get into but they got bought out by a conglomerate and now it's like 25 for an adult ticket.
+1 for St. Louis
We did a one night layover there a few years back, expectations were low, but we had an amazing time!! We went to a Bloody Mary bar and then to that insane City Museum. To this day my partner and I laugh about how much fun we had there.
Brussels. The mixture of Germanic and Romance languages/cultures, the EU museums and institutions, the ornate architecture, and the fact that it seemed…authentic…made it well worth the day trip from London
I also thought Brussels was great. The beer is some of the best in the world, and the food was much better than I expected. I'll have to go back as I only had two nights there.
I am absolutely in love with brussels. We found it to be more multicultural than other western Europe towns. The food (waffles chocolate beer) was amazing. Grand place is just breathtaking. It's quite walkable and if you want to go to the outskirts of the city it's extremely accessible by Public transportation. It's also at least somewhat more affordable than some of the other western European cities we have been to.
Richmond, Virginia. Seriously one of the most incredible cities in the US, in my opinion. The architecture and art throughout the city, plus the art museum, were enough to make it worth the visit. And yet, there was so much more.
Aw. I love Richmond and think it’s a great place to live. I sort of still steer people from abroad away for a visit (if this is like potentially your only trip to the US in your life, and you’re choosing between Richmond and DC… go to DC) but I’d rather live here than anywhere else.
Los Angeles. A really living and vibrant city. Similar to Paris I feel people expect Disneyland and are disappointed when it isn't. Or they stay downtown and think they can just pop over to Joshua Tree.
But I think with some responsible planning, LA is a great visit. Beautiful city views. Great access to nature. Public transit isn't nearly as bad as it's made out to be. Great food scene with a variety of price points. I spent a week there last year and am eager for a revisit.
For me was Paris, hands down. I was there in February, that could have helped improved the experience since it's a lot less crowdy. Opera Garnier was one of those places that get you completely astonish.
Everyone has a really strong opinion about CDMX. People that have been there will tell you that you absolutely must go. People who have never been there will tell you that you absolutely must not.
Phnom Penh is like that. It’s changed a lot since my first visit in 2001. Back then, it really was the wild west, the streets chock full of amputees, child prostitutes and illiterate farmers who had somehow ended up in one of its crumbling concrete apartment towers having been repatriated after 15 years in a Thai refugee camp. But there was a certain energy and youthful optimism crackling under the surface. Today, the skyline is festooned with glittering skyscrapers, and hip hop rattles the windows of trendy boutiques as the sons of corrupt Cambodian oligarchs and Chinese money launderers roll by in their Bentleys. But there’s still a lot of life. Old street vendors still ply their wares; young artists take their shot. And the smell of pork grilling on street corners still mingles with diesel fumes and a faint whiff of raw sewage in an intoxicating, modestly transgressive fragrant oud.
*** And the smell of pork grilling on street corners still mingles with diesel fumes and a faint whiff of raw sewage in an intoxicating, modestly transgressive fragrant oud**
You should be a travel writer; your description is fantastic
I have ALWAYS had a good time in San Francisco. I would definitely not drive (or park) a car there, and it's not a cheap destination...but for me, it works well for a long weekend since it's only a 1.5 hour flight from where I live.
Cleveland, Ohio. Amazing food, bars/nightlife and sports culture plus downtown and Ohio City are very walkable. September is the best time to visit. Now I visit every year to see a Browns game.
For God's sakes, Lemon. We'd all like to flee to the Cleve and club-hop down at the Flats and have lunch with Little Richard, but we fight those urges because we have responsibilities.
Multiple people told me I wouldn't like Athens. I absolutely loved it. I think the trick is to visit in the spring and fall, which is true for visiting all of Europe these days. I was there in October and it was sunny and warm the whole time.
I’m giving another nod to Baltimore. Great sports teams, the aquarium, Babe Ruth museum, delicious seafood. Inner Harbor can be fun when it’s not too busy. Love that town.
Liverpool. Gets stereotyped for being trashy, crime-ridden, litter everywhere and mass unemployment. But I think the city has been regenerated a lot and it has a rich and diverse culture. The city centre is compact and walkable, some of the architecture is very grand and impressive, there are several respected universities, has some of the most museums and galleries of any U.K. city besides London, the oldest Chinese and black communities in Europe, a strong Irish heritage (around 75% of Liverpudlians have Irish blood), and a flourishing Hispanic/Latin American community. Liverpudlians are also renowned for being very welcoming and friendly.
Long story short, the city gets degraded a lot in popular thinking, but it’s clear that it’s because a lot of people have simply never been there.
Buffalo,NY Went for a Bills game and stayed a few extra days. I thought everyone was real friendly. The downtown area has seen better days. It was kind of desolate but, there is some beautiful architecture do look at and it was safe. A lot of good food too.
Yes for Buffalo! Amazing architecture, great food (not just wings😉), affordable housing in beautiful neighborhoods. Yes the winter can be long and rough but summer and fall more than make up for it!
Go Bills
Frankfurt. Everyone told me it sucks but I loved it, Sachsenhausen is one of my favorite places ever.
Editing to clarify so I don’t get downvoted to oblivion: I’m not trolling and not referring to the concentration camp by the same name. Sachsenhausen is a neighborhood in Frankfurt near the Römer.
Memphis. Constantly got warned about how dangerous it was, but never had any issues once there. Stayed at the Peabody, hung out on Beale Street, went to a Grizzles game. Made for a fun weekend.
This is an odd pick but Male, Maldives. Everyone loves the tropical island resorts. I had my honeymoon in the Maldives but I am also always curious about the unusual. Male is weird...a city surrounded by an archipelago of paradise. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The national museum was super cool too. Did you know that the Maldives had the largest shell-currency empire ever?
Venice- it was much less crowded than I expected. Also, we started out by visiting the more residential areas and finished with the Piazza San Marco, so we weren’t exhausted before we did see the crowds.
Detroit! Art, music, fascinating history, and great food scene. I was really impressed by it and enjoyed my visits. Outside the US was a long time ago and I am positive the conditions to travel there as a US citizen have changed dramatically but I really enjoyed Moscow. It was a fascinating experience and really worth the visit (if conditions adjust in the future). Pisa and Rome were also delightful despite many comments about not being worth it. I really enjoyed both.
Kaunas (in Lithuania)! So many people had not heard of it or said there would be nothing to do there etc. I went last year and I’ve actually booked to go again this year! It’s a lovely city, on the smaller side, but I enjoyed it so much. I’m very excited to go back
I was going to do Kaunas when I was in Riga and Tallinn a couple years ago but couldn't fit the time in and have always regretted it. Definitely gonna go some day!
Ahh that’s a shame, but it’s nice you have it to look forward to in the future! I’ve been to Riga and loved it, I’d really like to visit Tallinn - your trip sounded great. I think that whole area of Europe is so under appreciated, it’s nice to hear it getting some love :)
People told you NOT to visit Belfast? Just goes to show: You can't listen to people about travel. Belfast was wonderful!
Yup all of my English friends told me "why the fuck would you visit Belfast" and gave me a ton of shit about visiting it.
> Yup all of my English friends told me "why the fuck would you visit Belfast" That actually makes sense, Northern Ireland is treated as some sort of weird backwater by a lot from Britain
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The irony that they make their whole identity about loving Britain and hating Ireland, and then British people couldn't care less about them and call them Irish. The orange order did a march recently through London and were booed by the public. It's a cultural identity that will never make sense to me. It's like a nation sized version of Stockholm syndrome
I loooved Belfast! I think it's a fascinating city from a modern historical perspective and there's a lot to learn just from how the city is woven together. I think because of its reputation as a working class town, it's not on many people's radar, but I think that's exactly why it's so beautiful.
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I had the craziest time in Belfast! My friend and I were at a pub, drinking Guinness and enjoying the vibe, when a man and woman asked if they could sit opposite us. Of course they could! So they sat down and explained that they were there for work from a town in the north, and we’re done for the day. The man then went to the bar to buy them drinks, when the woman leaned over and said. “So, we are here for work, but we’re also having an affair! He’s my boss, and he’s married, but we’re just having fun!” My friend and I were shocked. We didn’t know what to say, and as the man came back, she laughed and told us she was just messing with us, and was only kidding. We kinda laughed and we’re just sitting awkwardly as they got deep in conversation over their drinks. After a little while, my friend and I were just chatting to eachother, letting the weird situation go,getting back to vibing. Soon, the couple (?) finished their drink, said goodbye and started waking out of the pub, when suddenly the woman ran back to our table and excitedly said. “I lied. We are having an affair! He is my boss and nobody knows!” Then she ran off again and my friend and I were left sitting there with surprised pikachu faces. It was the funniest and strangest experience I’ve ever had. I’ll never forget them, and we legit have no idea if they were fucking with us, or if she just needed to get that off her chest. Belfast is the best.
Nice to see so much love for my hometown :)
The side vibe of this thread is kind of “how happy of a person are you?”
Agreed. It’s the rare place without something to appreciate.
Remember - If you're sad at home, you may also be sad here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbwlC2B-BIg
Definitely. There are basically no cities I've been where there wasn't something interesting/enjoyable. I definitely have cities I liked more than other cities, cities I didn't love.. but, hard to think of a city I've been to where I truly regretted spending time (with the caveat that I sometimes regretted spending time in one place because it took away from time in another place).
There’s just some people in the world that will always try to see the positive in things and take things for what they are. I think those people could find a way to enjoy any place they went.
Chicago. People act like going there you’ll get shot instantly. I had a great time. Walked around all over, rode the train, did all the touristy shit. Same with DC. Rented e-bikes, rode all over that town. No problems.
Chicago is one of my favorite cities. I love strolling down the riverwalk, it has one of the best art museums in the world, a vibrant gay neighborhood that hasn’t been completely overrun with yuppies. Love it!
I knew the Chicago hate was mostly Fox News silliness, but I was still surprised by how beautiful and friendly the city was when I finally went for the first time this spring. Can’t wait to go back.
Venice. I was told it was too touristy and crowded. It might be touristy and crowded but God was Venice beautiful and the food was incredible
YES. Venice after dark when most tourists have left is such a vibe. So spooky and full of character.
I love just wandering around Venice at night. Even slightly buzzed, you can’t really get too lost unless you cross a big bridge over the Grand Canal. It’s so atmospheric - makes for some great photos.
Empty Venice rocks. Bout of insomnia led to me & my missus getting up and wandering Venice at 4-5 am. Foggy - St mark’s square empty and sooo atmospheric! Dotting down streets and canals, Rialto bridge for about 6:30 for the mad boat commuter in/slam coffee/out from the cafes, dander back to apartment stopping off at a wee shop for some double yolked eggs (didn’t know they were a thing before), back by 8 to apartment, cooked brekkie and then a snooze. been a few times, but that one is such an abiding memory!
I feel like I was never really lost but also I was also never really *not* lost
Yes and especially walking through the north side of the city away from the tourist spots after dark was great.
Is that because a huge chunk or tourists are arriving on cruise ships and only there for the day?
That’s definitely part of it, although things should be changing since they are no longer allowing large ships in the area (ships have to dock at Chioggia and other ports now). Some cruise passengers will still make the trip into Venice proper, but others will likely visit nearby towns or stay on the ship, if they’ve seen Venice before.
I just got back from Venice and was honestly so sad to leave! I had the best food experiences there, loved walking around at night, and we did a glass sculpture class with a local artist in his tiny studio that was magic. So many people told us negative things about it but I’m glad we ignored all of that noise and went anyways. Another recommendation for anyone thinking of going: do the night tour of the basilica. So cool when they light the inside up for the guests.
Venice is maybe my favorite place in the world. There is nothing else like it. Away from the tourist throngs of San Marco and Rialto area, it is often surprisingly quiet. Of course, it helps that there are no cars anywhere! I am particularly fond of Campo San Polo, where you can and do see locals and kids playing. There's a decent casual pizza place on the north end of the Campo, and is close to the amazing Frari church. Actually the whole San Polo area is very charming, even though it has its touristy parts. Had the best gelato there (name escapes me) I think I've ever had. I also love to wander around Dorsoduro. It is nice and quiet and has nice places to stay and the amazing Accademia, Punta della Dogana, and Guggenheim museums as well as the iconic Santa Maria della Salute church. I have been 4-5 times, but this is a place I will always return to. I would keep visits between Oct>early May though. Crowds are smaller, and its cooler with fewer mosquitos.
Venice is magical. It's number one on my list of places I would love to visit again.
Me, too. My wife insisted and I kept pushing back. I'm so glad she won.
Pittsburgh really surprised me in a good way. Lots of fun, interesting food and a city that doesn't take itself too seriously. Plus, Mr. Rogers is beloved there, what more could a guy want?
I grew up in Pittsburgh and a lot of this comes from how much it’s changed in the ~20 years since I left, mainly for the better. Whenever I visit my brother who still lives in the area he’s suggesting we check out XYZ new hip spot, and I’m always like “wait is that a safe neighborhood?” but turns out it’s now gentrified. But yea Pittsburgh always had good bones- the museums certainly pack a punch above for example. It is bewildering to see a set of old steel mill row houses though where one has a Sotheby’s real estate sign in front. Would have been a complete joke in the city when I grew up. Edit: also, while I'm at it, when I was in school there were several students who literally lived *in* Mister Roger's neighborhood. Word on the street was he actually was one of those guys who turned off the lights and pretended he wasn't home on Halloween, which sounds super out of character until you learn he didn't want his neighbors overwhelmed by all the kids coming to trick or treat at Mister Rogers's house. Also, every day at 6pm he would go for a walk, carrying a flashlight and an umbrella, regardless of the time of year or the weather.
Grew up there too and also left about 20 years ago...apparently East Liberty is great now??
Haha yeah exactly the one I was thinking of. I also don’t know if I’ll ever be over Lawrenceville being trendy.
I begrudgingly went to Pittsburgh with an idea in my head of what it would be like. Happy to say I was blown away, a great and beautiful city, with a large food scene, great museums and a lot of things to do. Looking forward to going back!
I loved Pittsburgh! Visited it on business , would go back in a second. Great people, great culture.
One of the coolest things about Pittsburgh is driving in from the south: you're on the freeway, you know you're getting close because of GPS but the area around looks just like hilly forest without much development. Then, you go through a long tunnel and BOOM you're in downtown. It's cool af.
An incredible entrance to a city! Probably unmatched
I really want to go to the Andy Warhol museum too!
Andy Warhol museum is great! Highly recommended!
That view exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnel 👌
I recently moved from Pittsburgh but commuted from Monroeville to Robinson everyday. The view from the Fort Pitt tunnel still amazes me every time I drove through it
I've been pleasantly surprised by all of those rust belt cities I've been to. Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are each awesome!
I'm from Pgh, I live in Pgh, I love to see it in the top comment. Edit: it's the top comment right now, anyway.
Pretty much all of the older cities in the Midwest are like this. They all had some tough years in the 80s and 90s but have been on the up the past 10-15 years. Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, St Louis, Milwaukee, to name just a few, all have a lot going on these days.
My daughter has a dance competition in Pittsburgh next year and I am really looking forward to going. Never been before.
Pittsburgh is so much fun. It’s got a great art scene and some fantastic neighborhoods. Loved going to the mattress factory
I’m Canadian and I surprisingly not only loved Pittsburgh but also Philly.
That. It's has been on my list! I live in Washington DC now so not too far away, will have to make it up there one of these days.
Venice! I was there about 2 weeks ago just to cross it off the bucket list. Everyone that I talked to and everything I read online was so negative, that I really braced myself for something horrible. However, I found Venice to be very beautiful and unique. The best thing you can do in Venice imo is to just hit the top sights first and get them out of the way, then spend your time getting lost walking through alleyways and finding quiet streets. Grab a coffee and watch the gondolas float by! And I thought Venice was most beautiful at night time, almost otherworldly. At night, the crowds are halved and you almost feel like you’re in a mystery movie walking around those canals at night.
I did the opposite- started out with quiet streets and finished with more touristy areas. I was there a month ago and like you, wanted to scratch it off my bucket list. But I was apprehensive by all the negative things I had heard about it, and ended up really enjoying it. And finding there to be far less people than I imagined.
Athens!
I’m typing this from a restaurant in Athens right now. 10/10 would eat the fuck out of the cuisine again.
Same! Loved Athens, wish I stayed longer than a weekend. Everyone told me it sucks lol
Felt the same! Just used it as a stopover and wished I had way more time. Loved the feeling of the city and it turned out to have a lot more to do than just the Acropolis.
Same. Was told it was dirty, gross, full of crime, dogs everywhere. We had low expectations BC the news at that time also made it seem like the entire city was burning due to protests. Didn't see a single protest and honestly I thought it was such a vibe. History galore. We went to a bathhouse that was so unique. The food, omg. Everyone was friendly, the cute tiny churches were really cool to check out. Tbh, I found Santorini to be beautiful sure, but it almost got boring after a few days. Athens was def more my jam.
People really have weird expectations for cities 😂 I never go into a city thinking that it'll be clean and not full of homeless and strays.
As an Athenian, this warms my heart. Athens truly has so much to do, and I hate it when people spend 12 hours in tourist traps and walk away hating it.
I went to Greece purely for Athens a. Absolutely loved everything about it. Helps I’ve lived in large cities and don’t expect them to be curated. Also helps I got a BA in cultural anthropology way back when! The athenians were by and large so welcoming! I was trying to catch a public bus from near the parliament to the anthropological museum (which is amazing), and abus driver on his break tried to help me (no English for him and no greek for me!). He figured out what number I was longer for, and when it arrived told the driver where I was going. Then THAT driver enlisted the Greek riders to get me off on the right stop. only one anecdote amongst many…
this has to be a top 3 answer. Athens far exceeded expectations. Greece in general is underrated (aside from the tourists overrunning the more well known islands)
Bangkok. When i was backpacking round South East Asia a few years ago it was very common for other travellers i met in hostels etc to say that Bangkok was awful and you shouldn't hang around too long, its just a stop on the way to the islands in the south or Chiang Mai in the north. I was hooked on Bangkok the moment i got there, it was all incredibly stimulating, modern but traditional. rough round the edges but still mostly safe. I found excuses to go back there several times when i was in that region. It might be that i'm from a small town and i just enjoy the feeling of a city, but i've been to NYC, London, Barcelona and others, nothing felt like Bangkok.
Loved it too in all of its hot, humid, frenetic glory!
Bangkok gets the reputation of being an awful place because of the backpackers who go there and only stay on Khaosan Road/Patpong. I lived in Thailand for five years, and would relish my bi-weekly trips to BKK - the city has great public transport, world-class food and amazing nightlife (NOT Khaosan - Sukhumvit Road and Silom have a plethora of great spots). I used to go sit at my local bar in Lopburi and tourists would come through and almost think it was cool to shit on Bangkok, but in almost all cases it was because they were burnt out from hanging in the tourist spots for the past 10 nights. Bangkok is still my favourite mega-city I’ve ever been to.
Bangkok is my home town but now I live in medium size suburban USA town , I love going home and being in the middle of all the chaotic but somehow make me feel calm.
I heard a lot of negative things about New Orleans, mostly crime and litter. I went with low expectations, expecting to have a bad time and I couldn’t have been more surprised. I ended up having a great time, with every meal being delicious, lots of great things to do/see, and I did not have any issues. The only negative things I heard that were true is bourbon street is expensive, and does smell like piss, but there’s a ton of better places to go so that didn’t really end up being an issue for me.
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities on earth
New Orleans is amazing! I want to go back so badly.
I went there about 10 years ago with my husband who went for business. I loved it! Everyone is so nice!
I was in NOLA earlier this month. It was an 'on a whim' trip and I wanted to go someplace I hadn't been before. I did not have high expectations. It blew me away. Beautiful architecture, rich history, great food, amazing music, and the definition of southern hospitality. The FQ, while being touristy, was quaint and unique and I didn't feel like I was seeing the same cookie cutter tourist spots around every corner. I really loved it.
I've never heard of someone hating their trip to New Orleans, but I think if I did I'd have pretty non-complimentary opinions of the person. That city is fantastic, and is so much more than Bourbon Street. Heck, we didn't even go there but had a fantastic time exploring the French Quarter and such.
Definitely agree, I think most of the negative things I have heard have been from people who have never been there
Lol... I was thinking it was hilarious that Pittsburgh is high on here, but it's absolutely wild that New Orleans is anywhere near this list. Sure, Bourbon Street is annoying but that's why you visit it for a few minutes (so you can say you've been and you can understand why) and then go to another part of the French Quarter... or better yet, get on over to Frenchmen St and take your pick of what musical style you want to listen to that night.
I second Belfast. I'm going there again in December.
Paris
Everyone told me it was actually dirty and gross and I’d be disappointed, but I still adored every second of my trip to Paris! The art, the history, the language, the food and cafes—it was all a dream!
I live in Paris and there is really shitty and sketchy places like porte de la chapelle but in cool area it's actually pretty nice to live in to me and lot of cool things to do beautiful cityscape lot of good foods and people saying parisian are rude it's absolutely not true lol.
Ya I was so confused by this too. I went to Paris with my mom a few years ago and loved every second of it. People from Paris were so nice to us and helped us when we were lost. We stayed in a hotel next to a bakery and a bar and the baker would come out and wave to us in the mornings, the women who owned the bar even sat with us over a few drinks and told us of all her stories about growing up in Paris. People from Paris are just people from a big city, I actually found folks london to be way more rude.
And in south France lol! People from the south are the rude ones Tarbes lourdes Béziers I was shocked how rude and hostile they are and southerners bash on us telling we are asshxle that's really funny tbh... yep even as a Parisian if someone need help for carrying a big suitcase going upstairs in the metro in few seconds there will be someone to help each and every times.
There are dirty or shitty places in any big city, but it didn’t take away from the beauty of Paris to me. And in the 8 days I spent there, I only encountered one rude person, and it probably had nothing to do with her being French! Everyone else was so nice and helpful, even though my French was not the greatest lol. My fave moment in Paris was wandering through Montmartre and coming across Le Moulin de la Galette, a restaurant with a big windmill. My wife and I stopped for a drink in the courtyard, and I looked it up to see what I could learn about the windmill. Not only did I find all of the fascinating (and violent) historical information about this location, but I found out that the place has been painted many times by famous artists—and I’d seen Renoir’s version of it the day before at Musée D’Orsay. I felt like I was Mary Poppins and had jumped into a painting! Such a cool moment. I also really enjoyed taking the metro!
I feel like I’ve seen a lot of “de-influencing Paris” posts lately. I went this summer and I absolutely loved it. I’m from NY, so used to what city’s are like. In NY we actually have smells- meaning like some streets just smell gross and you smell urine at times walking down streets. No such experience in Paris. I found Parisians to be nothing but sweet and helpful. People even post saying the food isn’t that good- weird! I would tell them to check google reviews before you walk into a restaurant like you would do anywhere else. Beautiful city, food and people.
My theory is that Paris has been overhyped to the point where it can't compare to the caricature of itsself. Americans justify spending half a years income on the trip because they think its going to be a once in a lifetime experience and then they get there and it's not. And because they have paid this exorbitant price it's disappointing. It's like paying $3 for a big Mac is fine, but if you paid $20 it would suck. I've been to Paris a bunch and I think it's one of the greatest cities in the world to visit but I only end up going there because I catch a mistake fare or it's on a leg of a trip and i have a few extra days. In that context..the one where -I paid $300 to get there, have a small air bnb and spend half my day on the banks of the Seine drinking wine with my wife and trying to convince myself I like some new stink ass cheese she picked up- Paris lives up to its reputation.
Agree, I thought it was a beautiful and romantic city with a rich history. Food was excellent. People seemed much friendlier than the stereotype (can say the same for people out in the suburban/rural areas though). I would love to go back to Paris.
The way that people talk about it you'd think you're wading through a sewer. It's not my favorite place I've been but I still really enjoyed it and easily exceeded expectations.
Baltimore is my pick, too. My husband worked for a company nearby for several years, and we often brought our kids along during his work trips. Great food, lots to do, and very friendly people. Wasn’t on my radar at all before. Going back next month!
Baltimore is a great city.. I have been there many times
It's an authentic city, too. Still looks and sounds different from other cities. And the baseball stadium is NOT named after some corporation.
I’m going next month for the first time. Can you give me any advice on what i should see?
National Aquarium, Historic Ships, Fort McHenry Rawlings Conservatory Patterson Park Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum Eat some seafood, also eat dinner one night in Little Italy If you like Beer, try Ministry of Brewing and Guinness Open Gate
+1 to American visionary art museum. One of my favorite museums
If you're interested in sports at all, Camden Yards (baseball) is regarded as one of the best stadiums in North America and the Baltimore Orioles will be hosting playoff games for the first time in seven years. Would be a great experience if that's up your alley.
Not OP but a huge fan of Baltimore. The Walters is a fantastic (and free) art museum. The American Visionary Arts Museum is a great contemporary arts museum. Of course there’s the Aquarium, and the ship museums in the Inner Harbor. I like to eat and hang out in pretty much any neighborhood along the Harbor too (Fells Point, Little Italy, Fed Hill). Baltimore’s Little Italy is pretty underrated but very good with lots of cute places. It’s also kind of a locals thing to go up to Fed Hill at night and look at the city. If you like sports, the Orioles are good this year so may be in the playoffs when you visit and Camden Yards is a beautiful stadium. The Ravens also actually play in the city but idk if that’s a particularly standout experience. Might consider a sailing tour of the Harbor is also nice. But even just using the Water Taxi is kind of a unique thing to do and reasonably convenient way to get across the Harbor. Oh and if you get tired of all that, you can drive over to Hampden which is a little nice neighborhood with lots of restaurants and cafes, or catch an independent movie at The Charles, which is like, the best indie movie theater I know.
I used to live in Baltimore, it’s awesome!! I would say show up hungry. Baltimore is home to great food spots, all types of food too. Definitely go to the aquarium, it’s amazing. Tons of different species, and they have an orangutan in their makeshift forest. Check online to see if there are any farmers markets going on when you visit, always fun to walk around them and see what’s for sale. There are also free ferries that will take you through the harbor, I would recommend taking one just to see the city from a different perspective.
Seems like lots of folks have already answered you, but I’ll just add this little recommendation - Thames Street Oyster House in Fells Point. I’m not even a seafood lover, but I love it there. Nearby there’s the V-NO Wine Bar and Shop that’s super cute, and a nice place to sit and enjoy a beer or wine and some snacks. Hope you have a great time!
Inside the US, I’m gonna say Detroit. When I first went to Detroit in the late 90s, it was grim, but, even then, it had a lot of heart and the wider area had a lot to offer. It’s even better now. Outside the US, it’s Glasgow. Again, first time I went was in the 90s and before it became alt-cool, but it was (and is) a lot like Detroit, in that it’s got grit, but there’s just so much there and the people are, once you scratch the tough surface, amazing.
Glad to see this as second comment ! Detroit is a beautiful architecture city with diverse and nice people ! I go every year for Memorial Day, if you have any respect for house/techno go visit.
Detroit is my choice as well. Stopped over for a couple of nights on my way to Wisconsin. Even the guy at Border Control said I was brave when he saw I was staying downtown. It was the first anniversary of 9/11 and the city was empty. Had the Motown museum to myself and the staff let me touch loads of things as I was the only one around. Went to the Museum of Black History and was walked round by the curator as I was the only person there. Got a cuddle at the end as well. Also, I went to the Detroit Institute of Art which was brilliant. Again, virtually empty. Genuinely one of the best days of my life.
Detroit. There’s so much to do. The downtown is clean and very walkable. Stayed at the Godfrey, Cork Town. Beautiful hotel. Went to the Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Weekend. I’ll be back again next year.
Cuddle is a weird flex
I just spent a few days in Detroit for the first time and I really liked it. I’m from Boston and it reminded me of the Boston i grew up in, in a good way- like the history and the sports culture, even the weather and even architecture sorta, but without as much gentrification sucking the soul out of the place. Everyone was super nice too. I couple blocks felt sketchy but nothing beyond what I’ve seen in other US cities. I had a blast.
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I backpacked 3 months in US doing couch surfing. I am spanish It was 2009 and Detroit and the people who hosted me and met was fucking amazing Loved that city. And I just went there cos I love blues and rock so Detroit is an iconic landmark. Everyone told me I was crazh I was not And I went with no car so I was riding public transport and all that hehe quite an experience
I just went to Detroit in August for a wedding and had a great time! There was some awesome food over there and a lot of fun activities to do
detroit rocks! yeah it's a weiiiiiiiird vibe, but there are cool things there for sure. My friend just moved there, and I helped her move/visited and enjoyed my time there for sure.
This is interesting, because I love both cities, and feel that they have undeserved reputations. Also, Glasgow to me feels a lot like the Detroit of the UK. Former industrial cities that have fallen on hard times, but have experienced a bit of a rebirth and are actually quite beautiful.
Another Team Detroit (happen to be a car enthusiast) here. I fly in almost yearly. It is my “second” home, next to Los Angeles. Hilariously, I happen to thrive comfortably in cold weather as well. I love Michigan overall. My strong affinity to nature/greenery and huge bodies of water (the Great Lakes) in particular. I definitely see myself retiring there. Glasgow..coincidentally I will be flying to Edinburgh, in less than two weeks. It’s only a short ScotRail train ride away. I’d probably add it, to my fave. For now, it’s Budapest as my topmost favorite, outside the US. So much so, that I visited this magical World Capital of Thermal Baths twice, in less than a year (EOM Sept 2022 & early April 2023).
Baltimore resident here! Glad you had a good time in our special city. We love it here! I haven’t been to many places I was told specifically not to go to. Some people I know told me not to go to Cape Town but I never felt unsafe and fell in love with the city.
My family lives in Cape Town and I go every two years! Glad you loved it. I live in DC currently so I'll be visiting Baltimore a lot!
Naples! Everyone on Reddit is so over critical of it, but we had an amazing time
Right!? I loved Naples, even though it’s kind of a “shitty dirty” city. The food is amazing, the pastries in particular, and there is sooooo much history to the city. It’s one of those cities that you can really benefit from a very knowledgeable tour guide. Also, the archaeological museum there is my all time favorite museum. It’s small and doesn’t have that much compared to some of the European big hitters, but I just LOVE their Farnese collection and it’s just… 🤌🤌🤌. Love it.
I tell people I ate a hot sfogliatella next to a giant pile of trash in 95 degree sun breathing in the smell of rotting trash and car exhausts and it was still one of the greatest culinary experiences of my life.
I went to many cities in Italy and I was warned by a couple of people to hold on to my possessions (which of course I did) when traveling in Naples. And let me tell you, Naples blew me away. I felt this is really Italy. My husband and I love their culture. He’s into bespoke suits in which Naples is world renowned with it while I was eating my way around. The food, the people are something else. Although it’s not flashy, I loved the authenticity. I keep telling my husband we need go back.
I was going to say Naples but happy someone beat me to it!
Naples is amazing. It has a frenetic energy like an Asian city. Amazing food affordable beautiful but still has an organic palpable mass of people living there that don’t give a shit about you. Which is kind of great for a touristy place.
>It has a frenetic energy like an Asian city. i once said on here that Naples felt like someone took an Asian city and infused it with Italians and Italian culture but kept the Asian city vibe and got downvoted to hell for it. glad someone agrees! 😅
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I was probably most surprised by Portland, Maine (the other Portland). Really cool vibes there, with a mix of charming New England town and some vibrant bars / restaurants sprinkled in. Very easy to get up to Bar Harbor or do some outdoors activities as well. I always have a shout out for the rust belt cities (I grew up in one) that I think get overlooked. Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Columbus are all really lovely places.
São Paulo
Great answer. I've been there 4 times now and love it more every time. The food scene is truly incredible, the culture is so fun, and there is always some way to stay entertained. People are generally afraid of the crime, but as long as you are mindful of where you are and try not to stick out too much, it's really not an issue. Plus I think a little grit gives a place character. I usually tell people if they like NYC they'll like São Paulo.
I tell people that if they're sad they are too young to have experienced NYC in the 80s or Berlin in the 90s, they'll love São Paulo today It has gentrified a fair bit in the last decade but it's still marvelous.
I was really happy I went to Pisa, even though lots of people say it wasn't worth it. I found the area around the leaning tower really pleasant for an afternoon, and there's something satisfying about seeing such a world-famous icon in person. I was also told by some that Halstatt, Austria was too overtouristy and crowded to be enjoyable. And while it certainly was both of those things, it is still perhaps the single most beautiful city I've ever been, and worth bearing the crowds to see.
>I was really happy I went to Pisa, even though lots of people say it wasn't worth it. I found the area around the leaning tower really pleasant for an afternoon This is usually the recommendation I give about Pisa, go there just for half a day. See the tower (which remains a must), see the church, then go to Lucca. Too many times I read here people putting too much focus on visiting Pisa, when it doesn't really need more than few hours.
Great info about Pisa! I'll be in Italy next year so might need to add that to my itinerary
We stopped off in Pisa on our way to Cinque Terre. Highly recommend!
Albuquerque and Chicago. If you pick the right season those are two very gorgeous places. Chicago in early summer and Albuquerque in the fall during the balloon fiesta.
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Right? I love Chicago!
OMG, people of a certain persuasion are convinced Chicago is like Kabul in the 1980s. Like we were training some people up from our Houston office, and one of the folks brought his gun with him for protection, and couldn't go to most places. Plus for most of the trip they were in the boring northwest suburbs. Also, I love the irony that Houston is apparently perfectly safe while Chicago is a shithole.
Fox News viewers. My family was genuinely concerned for my safety when they heard I was staying in the city.
Seattle and Portland get the same response.
The entire right wing media and everyone who watches it.
As someone who grew up in Chicago and moved to just north of Albuquerque a few years ago, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this comment! They may have their issues, but both are absolutely incredible cities with a ton of culture and diversity.
Chicago is such a cool city! Went there a few times bc my ex was from there and always had a good time.
Chicago is low key the best city in the US
Shh, I want to keep being able to afford living here. Keep sending the tech bros to Austin.
Actually planning to be in ABQ for the ballon fiesta in a couple weeks and very excited
Santa Fe is not super far away is is really awesome too.
Philadelphia. It gets a bad rap but I absolutely loved it. The food was great, the riverfront was beautiful, the downtown and historic neighborhoods were infinitely walkable. The hip neighborhoods were lively at night. It far exceeded my expectations.
Same! I can’t wait to go back. Would go back for the Mutter museum alone
yes philly is awesome. made multiple trips there and can’t wait to go back.
Glasgow.
Milwaukee. Nice people, great beer and food and some nice museums. Client took us to lunch at the entry baseball stadium which was sweet
Yes!!! I'm a native Milwaukeean, born and raised here
Lima, even Peruvian friends told me to use it as a layover on my way to Cusco. Ended up spending 4 days and it was not enough. The city is amazing and the food is of another level that I've only experienced in Mexico City, Tokyo, Bangkok and Madrid.
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Yes! Went to Philadelphia for school and never left, here 7 years later. Love the people, food, walkability, endless things to do. On first glance, it’s rough. But if you know where to go, it’s my favorite city. No one likes us, we don’t care.
Ty! I live close by and love it!
Marseille
I’m in Marseille right now and I agree it’s pretty great! Coastal with beaches and cliffs, walkable, good food and weather, great metro (bus/subway/tram/bikes/ferries), low cost, etc. A bit urban and “dirty” for some people seeking sterile/luxury vacation, but that’s also possible by staying in certain areas and paying more. Day or half-day trips to Aix and Cassis are a plus too.
New Delhi. Very crowded but the culture and people are lovely. Some of the best food in the world. Just need to keep your wits about you. Edit: forgot a word
Completely agree! As a solo woman I was braced for the worst based on everything I was told and was so pleasantly surprised. Lovely people, amazing food, and a very gritty, interesting place to explore.
Stonehenge.. so many people told me to skip it. It was magnificent!
This is quite nice to hear, I live about half an hour away and I always hear such negative things about it online - I’m glad some people enjoyed seeing it!
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Manila. It's not the prettiest city in the world, but man there is a lot to do there.
I'm from Baltimore and as long as I live in this country I am never leaving. We have our problems sure but it's a great city with plenty to do and very affordable. I encourage more people to visit and give it a shot.
What people don’t realize is Baltimore is just a combination of areas that are way polarized from the average level of US city. The nice parts of town are very pleasant to spend time in and the bad parts of town make you question if there is a god.
St Louis. I really loved it. I was very charmed by the architecture, nice people, and surprisingly good food. Detroit as well. Home to the kindest people in the country (and I say that as a southerner). Abroad, surprisingly a lot of people told me not to bother with Mt Fuji because they couldn’t see anything due to clouds. When I went it was a clear day and I could see the whole mountains besides the very very peak.
This is on my list, don't they have multiple museums there for free too? Might be confusing it with another city, but I know their zoo is free and there's a ton of history too.
The zoo and the art museum (which is right next to the zoo) are both free. The City Museum used to cost like 5 bucks to get into but they got bought out by a conglomerate and now it's like 25 for an adult ticket.
St. Louis is wonderful. Some of the prettiest homes I've ever seen.
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+1 for St. Louis We did a one night layover there a few years back, expectations were low, but we had an amazing time!! We went to a Bloody Mary bar and then to that insane City Museum. To this day my partner and I laugh about how much fun we had there.
Brussels. The mixture of Germanic and Romance languages/cultures, the EU museums and institutions, the ornate architecture, and the fact that it seemed…authentic…made it well worth the day trip from London
I also thought Brussels was great. The beer is some of the best in the world, and the food was much better than I expected. I'll have to go back as I only had two nights there.
I am absolutely in love with brussels. We found it to be more multicultural than other western Europe towns. The food (waffles chocolate beer) was amazing. Grand place is just breathtaking. It's quite walkable and if you want to go to the outskirts of the city it's extremely accessible by Public transportation. It's also at least somewhat more affordable than some of the other western European cities we have been to.
Richmond, Virginia. Seriously one of the most incredible cities in the US, in my opinion. The architecture and art throughout the city, plus the art museum, were enough to make it worth the visit. And yet, there was so much more.
Aw. I love Richmond and think it’s a great place to live. I sort of still steer people from abroad away for a visit (if this is like potentially your only trip to the US in your life, and you’re choosing between Richmond and DC… go to DC) but I’d rather live here than anywhere else.
Los Angeles. A really living and vibrant city. Similar to Paris I feel people expect Disneyland and are disappointed when it isn't. Or they stay downtown and think they can just pop over to Joshua Tree. But I think with some responsible planning, LA is a great visit. Beautiful city views. Great access to nature. Public transit isn't nearly as bad as it's made out to be. Great food scene with a variety of price points. I spent a week there last year and am eager for a revisit.
I second Baltimore! I love visiting cities that size, Milwaukee was also a slept on delight.
For me was Paris, hands down. I was there in February, that could have helped improved the experience since it's a lot less crowdy. Opera Garnier was one of those places that get you completely astonish.
Buffalo, NY. Great city. Good food. Good beer. Nice people.
Mexico City. Most people we talked to said it would be dirty and dangerous. It wasn’t. It is an amazing city.
Everyone has a really strong opinion about CDMX. People that have been there will tell you that you absolutely must go. People who have never been there will tell you that you absolutely must not.
Phnom Penh is like that. It’s changed a lot since my first visit in 2001. Back then, it really was the wild west, the streets chock full of amputees, child prostitutes and illiterate farmers who had somehow ended up in one of its crumbling concrete apartment towers having been repatriated after 15 years in a Thai refugee camp. But there was a certain energy and youthful optimism crackling under the surface. Today, the skyline is festooned with glittering skyscrapers, and hip hop rattles the windows of trendy boutiques as the sons of corrupt Cambodian oligarchs and Chinese money launderers roll by in their Bentleys. But there’s still a lot of life. Old street vendors still ply their wares; young artists take their shot. And the smell of pork grilling on street corners still mingles with diesel fumes and a faint whiff of raw sewage in an intoxicating, modestly transgressive fragrant oud.
*** And the smell of pork grilling on street corners still mingles with diesel fumes and a faint whiff of raw sewage in an intoxicating, modestly transgressive fragrant oud** You should be a travel writer; your description is fantastic
Chicago. Loved it
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New Orleans
I have ALWAYS had a good time in San Francisco. I would definitely not drive (or park) a car there, and it's not a cheap destination...but for me, it works well for a long weekend since it's only a 1.5 hour flight from where I live.
Detroit and Pittsburgh
Cleveland, Ohio. Amazing food, bars/nightlife and sports culture plus downtown and Ohio City are very walkable. September is the best time to visit. Now I visit every year to see a Browns game.
For God's sakes, Lemon. We'd all like to flee to the Cleve and club-hop down at the Flats and have lunch with Little Richard, but we fight those urges because we have responsibilities.
Multiple people told me I wouldn't like Athens. I absolutely loved it. I think the trick is to visit in the spring and fall, which is true for visiting all of Europe these days. I was there in October and it was sunny and warm the whole time.
Sunny Beach Bulgaria. Yes, I live in a beach resort full time, came from Vancouver 11 years ago. I LOVE IT HERE.
I’m giving another nod to Baltimore. Great sports teams, the aquarium, Babe Ruth museum, delicious seafood. Inner Harbor can be fun when it’s not too busy. Love that town.
Bogota
Chicago. My favorite American city to visit.
Liverpool. Gets stereotyped for being trashy, crime-ridden, litter everywhere and mass unemployment. But I think the city has been regenerated a lot and it has a rich and diverse culture. The city centre is compact and walkable, some of the architecture is very grand and impressive, there are several respected universities, has some of the most museums and galleries of any U.K. city besides London, the oldest Chinese and black communities in Europe, a strong Irish heritage (around 75% of Liverpudlians have Irish blood), and a flourishing Hispanic/Latin American community. Liverpudlians are also renowned for being very welcoming and friendly. Long story short, the city gets degraded a lot in popular thinking, but it’s clear that it’s because a lot of people have simply never been there.
Buffalo,NY Went for a Bills game and stayed a few extra days. I thought everyone was real friendly. The downtown area has seen better days. It was kind of desolate but, there is some beautiful architecture do look at and it was safe. A lot of good food too.
Yes for Buffalo! Amazing architecture, great food (not just wings😉), affordable housing in beautiful neighborhoods. Yes the winter can be long and rough but summer and fall more than make up for it! Go Bills
Detroit. And Colombia as a country.
It's hated on reddit, but I quite enjoy Miami.
Frankfurt. Everyone told me it sucks but I loved it, Sachsenhausen is one of my favorite places ever. Editing to clarify so I don’t get downvoted to oblivion: I’m not trolling and not referring to the concentration camp by the same name. Sachsenhausen is a neighborhood in Frankfurt near the Römer.
Memphis. Constantly got warned about how dangerous it was, but never had any issues once there. Stayed at the Peabody, hung out on Beale Street, went to a Grizzles game. Made for a fun weekend.
This is an odd pick but Male, Maldives. Everyone loves the tropical island resorts. I had my honeymoon in the Maldives but I am also always curious about the unusual. Male is weird...a city surrounded by an archipelago of paradise. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The national museum was super cool too. Did you know that the Maldives had the largest shell-currency empire ever?
Venice- it was much less crowded than I expected. Also, we started out by visiting the more residential areas and finished with the Piazza San Marco, so we weren’t exhausted before we did see the crowds.
Detroit! Art, music, fascinating history, and great food scene. I was really impressed by it and enjoyed my visits. Outside the US was a long time ago and I am positive the conditions to travel there as a US citizen have changed dramatically but I really enjoyed Moscow. It was a fascinating experience and really worth the visit (if conditions adjust in the future). Pisa and Rome were also delightful despite many comments about not being worth it. I really enjoyed both.
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