It’s time to reintroduce yourself to 10 cities that have done the impossible: transforming themselves from C-list destinations into ones worthy of your precious holiday time.
You’ll be glad you gave them that second chance to woo you, courtesy of new attractions, hotels, and restaurants that come wrapped up with a fresh “can-do” attitude and plenty of pride.
Buffalo, New York: Former visitors are in for a shock — in the best possible way. The city has shed its ugly duckling image to emerge a vibrant urban hub busily reinventing itself. Think new boutique hotels like soon-to-open Curtiss and Hotel Henry, both housed in beautifully renovated historic buildings; a revitalised Canalside area, where an old railway bridge hosts a cafe come summer; and a thriving craft beer industry.
Pittsburgh. Photo credit: Storm Cunningham.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Over the last decade, Pittsburgh has successfully shed its steel town image by showing off its playful, edgy, and sophisticated sides. This is, after all, home to The Warhol, a celebration of the work and life of hometown hero Andy Warhol; as well as the Mattress Factory, a funky space attracting international artists.
Liverpool, England: The English port town was a common punch line in jokes about how crummy life was there. Until recently, Liverpool’s primary bragging point centred on ties to the Beatles. But no more — it has become a cutting-edge cultural hub, now boasting the largest national museum collection outside of London, with standouts like The Tate Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery, focused on British works.
Cartagena, Colombia: Forget everything that you think you know about Colombia. It has entered a new chapter and has taken its place in the spotlight as a chic Caribbean holiday spot. Think of it as a more affordable, less crazy Rio.
Hess Village, Hamilton, Ontario.
Photo credit: Storm Cunningham
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: This metropolitan city has been called “Brooklyn of the North” and also the “waterfall capital of the world.” It’s a former industrial town whose affordable housing and proximity to Toronto (a 45-minute drive) is drawing new residents and investment.
Marseilles, France: Once upon a time, this port town was one you’d pass through without stopping because it was polluted and dangerous. Fast forward to 2016 and Marseilles is pretty, not gritty. Its revamped Vieux Port, the former domain of pickpockets, is full of cute-as-button cafes, market stalls, and attractions.
Ljubljana, Slovenia: As the European Capital of 2016, Slovenia’s capital — crowned elegantly with a castle perched high on a hill — has a new, yet old, face. It’s leading the way to greener pastures with lush parks, a car-free city centre and a clear river that runs through it all, and that’s perfect for urban paddle boarding and kayaking.
Detroit – Across from the River in Windsor, Canada
Detroit, Michigan: If there’s any city that has earned the right to be the poster child of comeback cities, it’s Detroit. It has been on the brink of total breakdown more than once, yet it always battles back better than ever.
This time, it’s the citizens who are leading the charge rather than city officials. Grassroots efforts are elevating the city with new businesses like Detroit Denim, which produces upscale all-American made jeans; and Shinola, known for its chic watches.
Restored Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Seoul, South Korea: Not so long ago, Seoul was a struggling city without much to woo visitors. But courtesy of its new status as a hi-tech capital of the world, everything has changed.
The flood of foreign investment is funding the city’s charge forward, and bolstering the kind of infrastructure that benefits tourism — think modern hotels, efficient transportation systems, and well-kept parks and attractions, including the ancient Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO heritage site dating back to the 13th century. And let’s not forget how they removed an ugly urban highway and restored the stream that had been buried under it for over half a century.
Melbourne, Queensland, Australia: With its more famous and glamorous sister city Sydney grabbing all the attention, Melbourne has long seemed like the shy, pretty wallflower at a high school dance. That’s not the case now. The city is strutting its stuff after being named one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Featured photo is Melbourne, via Adobe Stock.