BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm looking for ideas. What cities around the world surprised you, pleasantly? And why? What places did you find yourself in thinking "Why don't more people come here?" They don't have to be huge cities. Just a place where you could happily spend a week or two (or lifetime?) kicking it about. Would love to hear what you liked about the place, and it's surrounding areas.

Thanks.

I've heard wonderful things about Montreal and Quebec City.

I recommend Halifax. I always have a good time when I go there.

Quebec popped into my head when I first read this. I only spent 2 nights there, thinking I would be able to do everything because the historic area is quite small, and I left thinking I would really like to get to know it more.

I was in The Hague in the Netherlands for a few hours and was pleasantly surprised, especially with the leafy market area. Plus they had an Escher museum, so that automatically made it cool. However, it looked like the place would be kinda dead at night, so I don't know about spending a week there.

Ceske Budejovice in Czech Republic was beautiful...It was a good introduction to the country. I also liked the fact that even though the locals knew we were tourists they would speak to us in German instead of English...they don't get many English speaking visitors. And the ridiculously cheap and great beer only adds to the charm.

Hi Libby and Tunk,

That's funny. I "almost" did a Montreal/Quebec City thing just a few months ago. Work got in the way. But I know I'll get there (though probably not in the middle of winter!).

I really appreciate the Ceske Budejovice suggestion, as I've never been to the Czech Republic and I have an itch for that area. AND I've never even heard of it...which is always appealing to me. So thanks.

NTFT

Sorry Libby, Halifax is also on my (huge) list.

When I was on a trans-siberian (sort-of) trip, I was really taken by Ulan Ude, east of Lake Baikal. I just liked the general atmosphere, there were plenty of interesting things to see in and around the city, and the people were really nice.

In Europe, I think Warsaw is rather underrated. I mean it's not like there's no tourists there at all, but most people seem to rate Krakow over Warsaw, and though I can see why (Krakow is prettier, easier to like instantly), I don't agree. Warsaw is so vibrant, it has so many different areas to explore. Also in Poland, I was surprised to see so few tourists in Torun, seeing as it's so beautiful (or at least the old town is).

And Belgrade. I haven't been there in 3 years, but it rocks.

I loved the Hague!

I'm also probably one of the few people who like Brussels. I had no expectations of it, just thinking it's a big city. I loved the architecture in the Grand Place -- the most outstanding memory from there. Also, I loved just strolling around Brussels, visiting the museums and churches. Oh, and the smell of chocolate...

I also grew really fond of Brugge, Belgium. I thought there would be more people there. The architecture there is a amazing as well.

Vilcabamba, Ecuador is another one on my list. My footprints guide made it sound like it would be loaded with tourists. Mostly backpackers there, but not even that many when I was there. It's a tiny town in the valley, flocked by lush green mountains and a cloud forest.

Cajamarca, Peru is way off the main highway and high in the Andes. I only spent a few hours there (constraints of the bus schedule!). Had I had more time, I would have spent a few days there to explore. There is a lot of history there. I only saw one obvious traveller there.

Deia, Mallorca, especially if you're rich!

Montreal is fabulous, even if you aren't rich, but it gets cold.

St. Paul de Vence is an artist's paradise.

Montgomery, Alabama surprised the hell out of me. We were passing by on a road trip, but decided to stop and see what was there. It's filled with history (primarily "Civil" history: both War and Rights), but very untouristed.

The Tourist Information Center is the place to start out - they offer a super-cheap tourist shuttle transportation system complete with spoken explanations of what you pass by. From the Capitol Building where Jefferson Davis was inaugurated President of the Confederacy to the spot where Rosa Parks was arrested, to the Hank Williams Museum and the old slave market, to the church where ML King preached to the courthouse where the controversial Ten Commandments monument was on display for a while, and the Wall of Tolerance. It's a fascinating place. Make sure you get a chili hotdog at Chris's while you're at it.

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Originally posted by Not the first Travis:
That's funny. I "almost" did a Montreal/Quebec City thing just a few months ago. Work got in the way. But I know I'll get there (though probably not in the middle of winter!).

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The middle of winter (specifically, the first half of February) is the best time to visit Quebec.

It's not the prettiest place in the world but Tel Aviv is heaving with character. It's loud, noisy and dirty and one of the funniest places i've ever been.
A walk through the old market is like a living model of the survival of the fittest. The market guys sing, yell and show all the Arabic fire that is in the blood of half of the Israelis. I was too scared to buy my groceries there for the first few weeks.
It's a young city, easy to walk around and has the sunset going down over the sea every day.
Tommy

Guide to Tel Aviv

Basel - Switzerland.

Wonderful City.. you'd have to see it to understand.

Great ideas, everyone. Thanks.

Seraphim....you don't even like cities, so I'm trying to decide if that gives your suggestions more cred or less. More, I think.

And Marisa! I want to go to Vilcabamba, Ecuador just because it sounds like so much fun to say it out loud!

"Where are you headed?"
"Why, Vilcabamba, of course."

Vilcabamba, Vilcabamba!

Almost Free...you said first two weeks in Feb is the best time to visit Quebec Is that when they have the winter festival? Because if it is, I'd probably want to avoid it.

These are great. Still interested in hearing other ideas if anyone else has favorites.

NTFT

Ya, Quebec has a huge festival ever year. Sometimes it's in January, sometimes in February.

You mean you don't want to meet Bonhomme?
He's the huge snowman who is the official host of the Carnival

Sorry, didn't think much of Montréal

However, I am a fan of Wroclaw in Poland

Yeah, Wroclaw is pretty cool, but I see it as a jumping-off point for the countryside than as a destination in itself for longer than a day or 2.

I should add Kosice, Slovakia. It's pretty, it's laid-back, and it's a great base for day-trips (to picturesque small towns, caves, castles, national parks, skansens, whatever you like).

Try these places:

http://www.carfree.com/carfree_places.html

It's no coincidence in my book that more pleasant places tend to have less cars and sprawl - big town or small town. Which makes me wonder about life (and city planning) in the US - and I'm saying this after driving from Seattle to Savannah, Georgia via Texas up to Boston, MA then back down to Southern Cal (Lived 6 years) via Michigan (Where I was born and lived until 11)and Oklahoma, then back up to Seattle.

I've been to Montgomery, AL. Learned to my surprise about the Confederate White House. Town was pretty dead though from a human life perspective.

Yes sir - we need more Wal Marts, Targets, Home Depots, strip malls, super super stores, and asphalt crude oil parking lots. Yes, more uninspiring architecture please.

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As for charms - I'll agree with The Hague and Leiden, Netherlands nearby. Darwin, Australia is a nice base for exploring the surrounding area.

Regional government run and subsidized (To promoe tourism) lodging/onsens (Hot springs) in Okayama prefecture in Japan. Your own modern room with free use of hot springs and kitchen for <$30 in Japan!! If you're going to Japan I can send you a link.

Hope this helps.

Nara, Japan.

I ended up there by accident because all the hostels in Kyoto were full. Talk about a fun-ass place!

The nightlife consisted of one gaijin bar, but it was a blast. People in Nara have a very small-town friendly feel. Additionally, there are so many great temples and shrines to go visit (all while avoiding getting attacked by angry deer)

Montgomery, huh? Well, it's the closest city to here. Maybe I'll go there on MOnday.

I'll second that vote for Nara. Very quaint. Did you feed the deer any biscuits?