The Best Cities You’ve Never Been To

Where does the man who has been everywhere venture next? You’ve scaled the monuments of Europe’s finest culture hubs, you’ve covered the delights of New York and Washington, you’ve uncovered the joys of Tokyo. So where now? Do not dismay. Happily, there is a plethora of city-exploration waiting for you to discover in some unlikely places. Here, we give you a rundown of the 10 best cities you’ve never been to.

Ghent, Belgium

A short train journey from the quaint canals of Bruges, Ghent has remained its hyperactive younger brother for generations of travellers in search of refined fun. Awash with stylish bars, modern dining and cultural events around the clock, Ghent is fast becoming western Europe’s worst-kept secret. The old centre of the city has a magnificent array of Medieval Flemish architecture, mixed with the sweeping Parisian bridges that dart through the Graslei Harbour in its heart. The city also enjoyed the honour of being awarded three Michelin stars for its outdoor lighting, and after walking its streets after dark, you’ll understand why. This is the perfect city for an upbeat cultural soirée, but with this much appeal, you’ll need to catch it before the fever spreads.

Riga, Latvia

In its two decades of freedom following World War II, Riga has established itself among the brightest cities to visit in the world. Nordic restaurants have marked the city as a new cosmopolitan metropolis, and elegant new bars have made it the partying cornerstone of the Baltic. After an architectural facelift, the city has been catapulted into one of the most decadent and visually exceptional around.

Haifa, Israel

This is the third largest city in the country, and runs along a slope of the Mediterranean. Haifa’s skyline is often compared to San Francisco, but its tranquil setting and developing cultural centre is putting it on the map as one of the most desirable destinations in the Middle East. Visit the Baha’i Gardens, celebrated as one of the most beautiful sites of its kind on the globe.

Bern, Switzerland

Seamlessly blending the mannerly, quiet traditions of old and a modern, contemporary new outlook, there are more reasons to visit Bern than the unbelievably beautiful alpine haven of Berner Oberland that rests nearby. The 15th century old town, now an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, is awash with opulent fountains and endless cutting-edge bars and restaurants. Visitors can experience the pleasures of the local wine and produce in the ever-expanding array of locavore eateries, and explore the intellectual past of the city, including a trip to Albert Einstein’s former home.

Split, Croatia

Resting in the Dalmatia region of Croatia, Split’s appeal rests in its mix of ancient sites and vibrant pace. It is a sight to behold, the breath-taking architecture acting as the backdrop to an exuberant wash of bars, cafes and markets. Restaurants stay open into the early hours, while visitors can walk through the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace before arriving at the sprawling ocean, which opens its arms to a promenade of sleek bars. Here, you can enjoy your nip of choice while enjoying the sites of the regular super-yachts that rest in the marina.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena de Indias is not a city in which to follow your map. This staggeringly picturesque place begs visitors to wander, taking in every nook and cranny of the thriving plazas and flagged alleyways of the inner walled town. The city has an abundance of high-end bars, hotels and restaurants, making it Colombia’s picture-perfect spot for fine diners and sophisticates the world over, with a heavy scoop of salsa for anyone willing to get involved.

Hamilton, Bermuda

The high-end head of Bermuda, Hamilton has long existed as the country’s centre of elegance. Do not let its old-world, serene façade fool you, this is a city committed to luxury and exuberance. Sit on a veranda of one of Front Street’s apricot-coloured restaurants, enjoying indulgent fare whilst overlooking the glimmering harbor below. Hamilton pulses with the business-minded and culture-minded alike, lending it a bustling pace and an endless range of possibilities.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Recently, this city has been unveiled as the ideal location for first-time visitors to Asia. Whether or not you have ventured to this part of the world before, Siem Reap offers visitors an infinite array of culture, including the nearby Angkor Wat temple, which remains one of the most awe-inspiring sites on Earth. The city has returned in more recent times as an epicentre of luxury spas, fine dining and world-class hotels, with the old French buildings at the centre creating an idyllic milieu for the tree-lined avenues and tranquil river that make up the stunning face of the city.

San Sebastian, Spain

It’s a wonder this city is not on more people’s lips, as it is rigorously named the food capital of Europe, over-riding Paris, Rome and London. The city holds a humble sixteen Michelin stars in total, and its slew of fine dining pulls in the culinary elite year after year. The Basque city lies on a coastline boasting a handful of stunning beaches, where surfers play and jet-set sunbathers unwind. With a flirtatious nightlife scene thrumming in the old town (Parte Vieja) by night and a mecca of architecture and cultural offerings by day, San Sebastian will quickly become your most beloved indulgence spot.

Savannah, Georgia

It can be an overwhelming feat selecting a city to visit in the U.S, but Georgia’s southern belle has as much to offer as any, and more. The city sums up the natural beauty of the south, with Spanish moss oak tress pouring onto the quiet streets and an array of Colonial architecture. But venture further and you’ll find a pulsing heart, where famous southern informality gives way to an expanding cultural centre.

By Meg Abbott