Underrated Cities To Visit in 2013

Everyone knows the world’s top cities and tourism destinations. But the world is also filled with hidden gems that shield themselves from tourists but offer brilliant sights and fascinating landmarks to see. Here are just a few of them. For great deals on city breaks, check out Virgin Holidays to find a holiday that’ll suit you.

Manchester

The crown jewel of Northern England is quickly becoming a centre of arts, culture, theatre and fashion. With countless centuries of history and rich culture to discover, this city is among the most interesting in the UK. Be sure to visit Castlefield, the site of the Roman’s original settlement and home to many of the city’s iconic canals. The spectacular Manchester Cathedral is among the largest and most magnificent in England, making it a must-see attraction in the city. Manchester also hosts some of the world’s most renowned galleries and museums such as The Lowry, the Manchester Art Gallery and the fascinating Museum of Science and Industry. Other top sites range from the Manchester Wheel to St. Ann’s Church to the Manchester Museum, a vast collection of fossils, ancient relics and Roman and Egyptian artefacts.

Philadelphia

Long overshadowed by nearby New York City, Philadelphia is finally starting to be recognised as a centre of culture, history and tourism in the United States and abroad. A must-see attraction in this city is Independence National Historic Park, home of iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. A great place to learn about American history and heritage, it is one of the world’s most renowned cultural centres. The city also boasts the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the world’s finest art museums, and the Academy of Natural Sciences, an interesting natural history museum. Philadelphia is also home to historic neighbourhoods that date back to its colonial heritage like Old City and Society Hill. Be sure to also check out Rittenhouse Square, Fairmount Park and the world-class Philadelphia Zoo.

Melbourne

Often overlooked in favour of the larger Sydney, Melbourne still plays host to many of Australia’s finest museums, galleries, parks, theatres and historical sites. Colourful festivals and rich cultural events abound in this beautiful city. A great place to see is the Queen Victoria Market, one of the country’s largest and most vibrant marketplaces. The Melbourne Museum is a world-famous cultural institution and another must-see destination while the Melbourne Zoo is always a great place to spend the afternoon. Even more top attractions include the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Kilda, the Immigration Museum and the new Docklands district.

Aberdeen

The Granite City keeps a low profile yet is packed with great landmarks and interesting places to see. Old Aberdeen is filled with historic and beautiful buildings, including the St. Machar Cathedral. Aberdeen is also home to a plethora of museums and galleries such as the Maritime Museum, the Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Gordon Highlanders Museum.