Welcome back to Underrated Cities, bringing you unexpected (and occasionally controversial) ideas for your next destination.
We're going historic this edition – every city we explore was founded back in the days known as "BC" 😮
Know a city that's criminally underrated and should be featured in a deeply excellent email series? Hit reply and let us know your top tip.
In the meantime, find your next destination below... |
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If you already know and love Istanbul's bohemian Moda district, you're sure to appreciate Eskişehir – a university city buzzing with cafe culture, nightlife, and (by Turkish standards) outright hedonism.
But it's not all Sailing to Byzantium. Even if partying isn't your thing, Eskişehir has something for you – from tree-lined canals in summer, to dramatic snow-clad peaks in winter.
Thanks to its manageable size and efficient public transport, it's considered one of Turkey's most liveable cities.
Our tip: if you're a history enthusiast, do the the day trip to Yazılıkaya, part of the breathtaking Phrygian Valley. |
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Some say that to find Korea's soul, you need to look beyond Seoul. (Editor's Note: we apologize).
One of the strongest contenders for that soul is Andong, a compact, ancient riverside city in the country's mountainous hinterland.
Andong's most famous and alluring attraction is the nearby village of Hahoe (pictured), a well-preserved testament to Confucian learning and Joseon-era architecture. Perhaps the best example of those interwoven elements is Byeongsan Seowon, a 400-year-old Confucian academy.
Our tip: if you find yourself yearning for the bright lights and bustle of Hongdae, scratch that itch at least a little by heading to one of Andong's traditional markets.
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If you haven't heard much about Nantes, it might surprise you to hear it's the 6th biggest city in France – and to hear that it's flippin' sweet.
Nobody talks much about it, but you get the endless street brunches and tiled wanderings of Paris, without the madness.
Not to mention, it's a perfect launching pad for exploring Bretagne (Brittany), possibly the most underrated region of France. If you're lucky, you'll even end up invited to a fest-noz.
Our tip: as much as we'd love to avoid saying the elephant, it's the elephant.
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Our rec for the Minaal gear best suited to these destinations?
You'll want to take a 2-day trip from a larger hub, having just enough gear while avoiding the overhead bins.
So of course, it's the Daily 3.0. |
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"The Daily 3.0 is a perfect day and overnight bag.
I got the Daily 3.0 for my trip to Colombia and it was better than expected. I used it to hold clothes and personal items.
Although it looks slim, it had more room than expected. I took it to the jungle of Minca and the historic city of Cartagena – it was a perfect bag for both trips."
- Gilberto R. |
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Got a city you think is underrated? Hit reply!
Let's get planning,
J, D, & the Minaal team |
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