10 cities with a bad reputation that travelers really love

They have more to offer than what responds to the eye, according to travel experts.


Now that travel restrictions have relaxed, the Tourism industry Rebounds then that people explore the sites they have pushed by seeing in recent years. If, like many Americans, you decide where to travel, the experts say to keep their minds open. There are many unjustly judged cities whose reputation precedes them - and believing that negative media threw could mean missing. Example: a Recent Reddit Fil This asked users to share "a city that everyone told you not to go there that you have finally loved", which now has more than 3,000 comments.

To better understand which cities have obtained an unreserved rap, we asked the travel experts to share their reflections on some of the places included in this thread. Read more to find out which 10 cities in the United States and in the world are worth a second chance.

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1
Baltimore

the Baltimore skyline and Inner Harbor Promenade in Baltimore, Maryland
Dropout

The Redditor who asked the question that inspired this story gave Baltimore as his choice: "Everyone told me that I was wasting my time to visit, but I took the Amtrak train one day and I adored. "

Countless others agreed, noting that safety stereotypes were not a problem for them in the city. "Baltimore has worked hard to change this perception and has traveled a long way in recent years," said Fred Hoffman , a travel expert and founder of The real desert .

He underlines that Baltimore has a rich story and is full of charming neighborhoods, animated markets, a flourishing artistic and theatrical scene and an amazing architecture.

"Its interior area of the port is a popular tourism destination with attractions such as the National aquarium ,, Maryland Scientific Center and historic ships like the USS constellation , add Hoffman. "Gourmets will also find a lot to love in Baltimore with its famous seafood dishes such as crab cakes and oysters."

2
Belfast

The Custom House and Lagan River in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Susanne Pommer / Shutterstock

Reddit's poster said that as regards international destinations, they believe that the capital of Northern Ireland obtains the worst reputation - and many others agree.

"Belfast is great! People, the Wall , history - there is even a castle! "Wrote a commentator." I found Belfast Charming, accessible on foot, friendly and affordable and I had several good meals, so I hope to go back soon, "shared another.

Some of the biggest attractions in Belfast are the Titanic Belfast , a history museum on the ship on the site where it was built, the history St. George market , And La Chaussée des Géants , a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is "a landscape of dramatic cliffs" along the Atlantic Ocean.

In relation: The 8 best destinations outside radar in the United States which must be on your list of buckets .

3
Cream Philadelphia

Elfreth's Alley in Old City district of Philadelphia.
istock

According to a Gallup survey in 2023, less than half of Americans consider Philadelphia as a Sure place to live or visit . However, there are many reasons to kiss "the city of fraternal love", which served as an American capital for 10 years.

According to Margaret J. King , PHD, director of The Center for Cultural Studies and Analysis , Philadelphia is "full of history, ethnic food, culture, diversified population, music, architecture and museums - that's why, as cultural analyst, I decided to move here California!"

She notes that even if a typical tourist could come to see the Freedom Bell And Independence room , there is much more to explore outside these historic sites. "The atmosphere is European, colonial and east coast. Come see us!" King says.

4
Mexico

Palace of Fien Arts in Mexico
Kamira / Shutterstock

Justin Crabbe , a travel expert and CEO of Victim , notes that, although it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Mexico often makes one of the newspapers due to violence and organized crime, which can give a bad reputation to its cities. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

However, Mexico City, a lively metropolis in the heart of the country, attracts tens of millions of visitors each year. "One of the main reasons for this is the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and diversified natural beauty," explains Crabbe. "Mexico is a particularly dynamic, pleasant and, above all entertaining city with an artistic heritage thanks to artists such as Frida Kahlo And Diego Rivera , to name just a few, a classic architectural style, good food and a animated bar scene. ""

In relation: 10 most relaxing tourist attractions in the world, reveals a new study .

5
Chicago

Chicago Illinois at Night
Luis Boucault / Shutterstock

Hoffman says that the "windy city" has much more to offer than meeting the eye - and that it is a favorite of fans among travelers.

"The horizon of the city is dominated by emblematic skyscrapers like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center. Visitors can walk along the famous Beautiful mile , which has stores, restaurants and high-end hotels, "he says.

"Chicago also houses some of the country's best museums, including Chicago Art Institute and the Field Museum of Natural History , Hoffamn adds. "And let's not forget his famous pizza and hot dogs on deep pipes - a must for any gourmet."

6
Medellín, Colombia

Medellin, Colombia
ISTOCK / R.M. NUNES

Although some authorities still warn against high crime rates in the Colombian city, the World Congress of the International Economic Association stresses that Medellín is now Surely to visit that the American cities of Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit.

"Today, Medellín has undergone a complete cure of youthful. This is one of the most dynamic cities in Colombia for travelers. Metroclable de Medellín, a gondola system, offers a nice way to see the city", said " Ravi parikh , founder and CEO of Roverpass .

A Redditor added: "Medellin has a perfect time, great people, and the dollar goes very far."

In relation: Top 10 states for women to visit solo, new data show .

7
San Francisco

San Francisco, CA Neighborhood
Pung / Shutterstock

From the pandemic, Reputation of San Francisco took a severe blow, The New York Times reports. However, residents and visitors say that focusing on issues such as overcrowding, drug abuse, homelessness and abandoned windows tell a small part of the history of the city.

"San Francisco may have the reputation of being expensive and overcrowded, but it is also one of the most picturesque and culturally diverse cities in the world," said Hoffman. "With its emblematic The Golden Gate bridge , Colorful Victorian Houses and hilly streets, San Francisco offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. ""

Hoffman adds that the city's artistic scene, with many galleries and museums presenting classic and contemporary works, adds to its unique appeal. "And for food lovers, San Francisco is a paradise with its various culinary options, including fresh seafood and famous dishes such as sourdough bread and luga," he said.

8
Cleveland

city skyline on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio at dusk
Dropout

After a 2010 Forbes Poll, Cleveland, Ohio obtained the unfortunate distinction of being appointed "the most miserable city in America". Nicknamed without affection "the error by the lake", " The city was burned For its high unemployment rates, high taxes, "mediocre sports teams" and "lamentable time", Reuters reports.

However, experts say Cleveland has recently turned into a Midwest cultural center. "Visitors now appreciate its world -class museums, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and its revitalized seafront, "said David Doughty , a travel and aviation expert, and the CEO of Admiral jet .

"People were really sleeping on Cleveland !! They were number 1 in craft breweries for a while and are even over 50 years old, the local music scene is crazy," said a redditor, with several others quoting what The city is spicy.

In relation: 18 most exotic outdoor hotels in the world .

9
Rio de Janeiro

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Another city which, according to travelers, deserves the visit is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Known for his statue emblematic Christ The Redeemer and his dynamic carnival celebrations, Rio de Janeiro may not resemble a city with a bad reputation. However, it has often been associated with high crime rates and neighborhoods dangerous, "explains Kyle Kroeger , founder and CEO of Viatonières . "Although these problems cannot be refused, they do not define the entirety of this beautiful city."

"With breathtaking beaches, breathtaking landscapes and a lively atmosphere, Rio de Janeiro offers a unique and unforgettable experience," continues Kroeger. "Visitors can also immerse themselves in the local culture by trying traditional Brazilian dishes, by exploring the dynamic street art scene and dancing to Samba music."

10
new York

View of New York City from the top of the Empire State Building.
istock

If there is a city that gets a bad reputation, it's New York. And although there are certainly disadvantages to visit New York - rats, garbage, high cost of living and noisy traffic, to name only a few - transport experts say that The advantages prevail over the disadvantages in this case.

"New York is a crucible of cultures, offering endless opportunities to explore various districts, kitchens and experiences," explains Hoffman. "Emblematic monuments like the Statue of Liberty And Empire State Building to the animated streets of Times Square And Central park , there is never a boring moment in this city. And for those who seek to escape the bustle, New York [State] also has beautiful parks, beaches and hiking trails a few steps away. ""

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