B-Side Cities Worthy of All The Attention

“Second” or “B-side city” refers to a destination often less well-known than its bigger counterpart in the same region or country. However, in my travels, I have enjoyed visiting quite a few that deserve all the love and attention. Here is my list of favorite, attention-worthy destinations full of character and charm and with so much to explore!

Check out our “B-Side Cities” Playlist Below:

B-Side Cities You Need to Check Out

Brooklyn, New York

Okay, technically Brooklyn is a borough, but if it weren’t it would be the 4^th largest city in the United States! Manhattan gets all the travel love and is nowhere near as cool as Brooklyn is. I am totally biased. The key to enjoying Brooklyn is to break it up into neighborhoods and organize your trip so that you’re in the same area each day. Spending the morning in Greenpoint and then the afternoon in Brighton Beach and then getting back to wherever you’re staying will not be fun. I’d also recommend enjoying the quirkiness of the borough! Seek out all the unique and often historic things to do whether it’s playing shuffleboard at a Palm Springs-themed spot in Gowanus or getting ice cream in a former pharmacy.

Birmingham, England

There are a lot of English cities that get quite a bit of attention, but one that often goes under the radar is Birmingham. In fact, for some people, you mention visiting Birmingham and they wonder, “Why?”  Well, here’s why! It’s a very small, charming city just two hours by train from London. You can walk all around very easily and find all sorts of hidden nooks and beautiful passageways as well as some classic British eats. Its library alone, which is the largest in all of the UK, is worth the trip. Oh, and did I mention you can book a tour over to Cadbury World for the day?

Traverse City, Michigan

A pocket-sized city with a vibrant downtown located on a Great Lake, Traverse City enjoys easy access to hundreds of wineries, farms, cheesemakers, and a national lakeshore. I was struck by feeling like a newbie discovering a place for the first time yet welcomed like I had lived there my entire life. If you’ve never seen a Great Lake in person before… it’s not like any lake you’ve ever imagined!

Flagstaff, Arizona

There’s a lot to love about Flagstaff, Arizona, and it starts with one of the coolest hotels I’ve ever stayed at – the Americana Motor Hotel. Think disco ball in your bedroom cool. The city is right on Route 66, and a great base to get outdoors either during the day at spots like Walnut Canyon or at night to take advantage of its Dark Sky status. They’ve also got a great culinary scene (my crew loved Fat Olives), and, of course, Lowell Observatory, aka where Pluto was discovered.

Bologna, Italy

Venice has canals; Rome and Florence have the history; Milan has the metropolitan chic… What exactly is there in Bologna? A lot, actually! This is a city with a bit of grit, where your historic buildings come with a side of normal life. And they take La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa (the learned, the fat, the red) very seriously. Tour the oldest university in the western world, eat your way through tortellini and mortadella, then walk under the porticoes until you reach Sanctuary of Madonna of San Luca to see one of the reasons why Bologna is known as the red city.

Huntsville, Alabama

This Southern gem has a lot of surprises. Huntsville is where the most creative people mix with scientists and the mash-up is travel perfection. I was in Huntsville for my very first season of Places to Love, and ten seasons later, it remains a favorite. I still think about that meal from G’s Country Kitchen, and tell everyone I know just how much fun exploring the U.S. Space & Rocket Center was!

Xi’an, China

Xi’an was the capital of China for thirteen dynasties and the terminus of the Silk Road. The Terra Cotta Warriors are unlike anything you will see in your life and at night, the historic buildings put on a light show that is totally magical.

Lafayette, Louisiana

Most people only really think of New Orleans when they think of Louisiana, but there’s truly something special about Lafayette, aka the heart of Cajun Country, one of the most unique cultures in the US. For example, did you know the Cajun language is a French dialect, not an English one?! The energy here is one where “no one is a stranger and everyone’s a friend,” and it was even named the happiest place on earth! When you come ask about Zydeco music, bayou kayaking, and, of course, crawfish boils.

Busan, South Korea

If Seoul is Korea’s NYC then Busan is its LA. Down in the southeast area, Busan mixes city culture with the kind of laid back energy that comes with being on the coast. Take advantage of its location to enjoy all the seafood, starting at Jalgalchi Market (the largest of its kind in the country). Enjoy the colorful homes in Gamcheon Culture Village and check out the beautiful seaside temple, Haedong Yonggungsa. Stay around Haeundae for the nightlife and to catch the sunset from the beach!

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore has shaped American colonial history from the beginning, yet it has an unconventional quirkiness that ensures you have a great time. Follow in the footsteps of Frederick Douglass and enjoy a museum known for outsider art. Do whatever it takes to meet a real life Hon and ask any local about trying some blue crabs.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

A cultural center of Europe, Belfast has some of the best live music venues as well as the coolest street art — all to the backdrop of incredibly preserved Victorian architecture. Get acquainted with the city from a black cab and learn all about its ties to the Titanic. Then rent a car and make your way along Antrim Coast to Giant’s Causeway, stopping into a historic castle for ice cream on your way. And, hey, if you’re up to it, try out blokarting on the beach!

Albuquerque, New Mexico

When most people think of visiting New Mexico, they immediately gravitate towards Santa Fe. Which is fair; it’s also one of my favorite places. However, Albuquerque really won me over when we filmed there for our “Route 66: New Mexico” episode! It’s the largest city in the state but even so it still feels fairly small and walkable, especially if you stay downtown along Central Ave. Spend your days sightseeing around the city, getting your fix of enchiladas (ask for them Christmas style!), and then spend your evenings either at the iconic KiMo Theatre or at Tablao Flamenco. Fun fact: New Mexico is the North American Capital of Flamenco!

Corning, New York

Home to the Main Street of your dreams, you would be forgiven to think of Corning as “cute.” And yet its famous 175-year-old glass manufacturer has been the center of so many life-altering innovations. Luckily, it has a state-of-the-art museum where its story can be told. Consider this the main city of the southern Finger Lakes region where you can enjoy all things crystal, gorgeous wineries, and, of course, easy access to some glistening lakes.

Madison, Wisconsin

When a city is consistently voted as one of the best places to live, it’s ALWAYS a good sign. Set on two lakes, Madison has an overall vibe that’s one part outdoorsy and one part food and beverage obsessed. Even in the dead of winter when temperatures can drop to the single digits, people are finding ways to get outside. And when I say food and beverage obsessed, I’m not even talking about the cheeseheads! Think National Mustard Museum, supper clubs out of your “Mad Men” dreams, and an organic brewery where sniffing your shirt enhances the tasting.

Oh, and curling! Doable even for the average Joe or deceptively difficult? You decide!

Tampa, Florida

Tampa is the kind of city most people gloss over when they plan a trip to Florida. Something about it seems more corporate — like it’s a city you go for work not play. And frankly… I don’t know how the wires got so crossed! Tampa is fun. The Riverwalk is full of activities and gorgeous views over the water. Ybor City feels a bit like New Orleans both with its architecture and night life potential. Not to mention — free roaming chickens! Tampa’s also got such a great food scene with spots like Ulele, which focuses on incorporating indigenous ingredients, and Bern’s Steak House, one of the most premium of its kind. Come on Sunday and venture to the gorgeous Thai Market at the Wat Mongkolratanaram of Florida.

Vienna, Austria

I know, I know the size of Vienna doesn’t exactly scream “B-Side.” But I’d argue it’s often overlooked compared to other major European capitals like Paris, London, and Rome. It’s one of the greenest cities in Europe with a lot to offer. Enjoy Grand Palace tours and world-class museums, then swim in the Danube.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Did you know New Hampshire even had a coastline? We call it the Seacoast, and it’s exactly nineteen miles long! The main city (and, yes, my hometown) is gorgeous Portsmouth. Founded in the 1600s, it’s become this beacon of small shops, restaurants, and some of the best music venues in all of New England. It’s got a ton of charm and gravitas with just the right bit of whimsy. Summertime is packed but it’s equally lovely in the off season!!

What are some B-side cities you think deserve more attention? Let me know in the comments!