Welcome back to Underrated Cities, bringing you unexpected (and occasionally controversial) ideas for your next destination.
Whether it's being the lesser-known sibling of a more famous nearby city, paling in significance to world-famous landmarks, or just being in a country most people never think of visiting – this week is a set of legit hidden gems.
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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As an "industrial port city surrounded by green mountains", Bilbao is full of those types of contrasts – heritage facades and skyscrapers, art and industry, Spanish-ness and separate-ness.
Perpetually overshadowed by ritzy San Sebastián just up the coast, Bilbao is best approached with zero expectations.
Turn up with no plans, wander endlessly, follow your nose, pintxos pintxos pintxos, sleep, repeat.
All that, plus the relatively mild climate, make it an ideal launching pad for the rest of Spain.
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It's fair to say Hyderabad isn't the first destination on most itineraries, but that's almost entirely due to its distance from other attractions on the vast Indian subcontinent.
But Hyderabad is very much worth the detour. Despite its reputation for excellent infrastructure and its credentials as a tech hub, it's managed to preserve its historical essence in the form of the Old City – which remains the living, beating heart of the metropolis.
If medieval architecture alone doesn't sway you, there's also the city's famously welcoming culture, its delicious Irani chai, and – just quietly – the best biryani in India.
Our tip: White Mughals by William Dalrymple – the true story of an early 19th century British resident minister who fell in love with a local noblewoman, embraced local customs, and converted to Islam.
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If Central Asia is one of the most underrated regions on earth, then Samarkand is one of the most underrated cities. Historically one of the richest and most prosperous stops along the Silk Road, it still has some of the world's most stunning Islamic architecture.
Sit for a while in Registan Square as dusk falls over the city, and you'll already be glad you came. Then head to Mahalla Osh for a meal of authentic Uzbek plov. The next day, set aside an afternoon to explore the sprawling, bustling Siyob Bazaar.
Our tip: venture into to the mountains south of Samarkand, and make the pilgrimage up 1,303 steps to Hazrati Dovud Cave.
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Our rec for the Minaal gear best suited to these destinations?
You'll want to use every bit of spare space for some real long hauls - whether in a plane, train, chicken bus, tuk tuk, or local wagon you flagged down on the side of a dusty road.
So of course, it's the Carry-on 3.0. |
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Just want to drop in and say how much I love this bag.
Used it recently for a work vacation. On and off planes and city buses. Used it every day. It becomes like a part of you, even when full.
The pockets are perfectly placed. And I loved and used the water bottle pocket for my slim camelback.
Having a good bag makes the work easier. Thanks. :)
- Ginny. |
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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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