Most Under-rated Cities pt2

From Ukraine to Chile con’t

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello travelers, it is time once again for your favorite podcast,
The World Traveler Podcasts, a show dedicated to you getting
around in all the wonderful places that there are to
see in this planet. Today's episode is going to be
a continuation. If you didn't catch last week's episode, you

(00:21):
should double back in consume that one first, because you
missed a lot of good details. We started a list
of most underrated cities to travel to. Whether it's they're
just a little off the beaten path or not quite
as flashy as some of their other competitors, but all

(00:48):
of these cities carry rich culture and beauty and offer
much experiences and then all on their own. We're going
to start this list today in Morocco. Marrakesh one of

(01:13):
Morocco's most famous cities, known for its bustling markets, historic palaces,
and vibrant cultural scene. These cities Medina or Old Town,
is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's filled with winding alleys,
colorful markets, and traditional Moroccan houses known as riads. The

(01:40):
Jima El Nah Square is the heart of the city,
where visitors can find street performers, food stalls, and vendors
selling everything from spices to textiles. Marrakesh is also home
to stunning landmarks like Mosquin, the Baya Palace and major

(02:05):
el garden once owned by West Saint Laurent. The city's
rich history as a former imperial capital is reflected in
its architecture and culture. Marrakesh's cuisine is also a highlight,
with many flavorful dishes to enjoy, kuskous and meant tea

(02:25):
being staples of the local diet. Next to Laos, Luong
Prubang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a small
town in northern Laos. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere,
Buddhist temples, and natural beauty. It's situated at the confluence

(02:49):
of the Meikong and nam Khan rivers. The town is
surrounded by lush mountains and waterfalls. The town's most iconic
feature is collection of more than thirty temples, including the
stunning Watzang Tong, known for its intricate mosaics and carvings.

(03:10):
Each morning, the streets are lined with locals offering alms
to monks in a centuries old Buddhist tradition. Visitors can
also explore the nearby Kiang Sea Falls, a series of
stunning turquoise waterfalls. You can also visit the Paku Caves,
which house thousands of Buddhist statues. Luang Prubang's laid back

(03:35):
charm in strong sense of tradition make it a perfect
destination for travelers seeking peace and culture and Next up
on our list of destinations, Zanzibar City in Tanzania. Zanzibar
City is the capital of Zanzibar, an archipelago off the
coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. The city is

(03:58):
famous for its rich history as a center of the
spice trade and as the birthplace of legendary music Freddie Mercury. Stonetown,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the historic heart of
the city, with its narrow streets, intricately carved doors, and
bustling markets. Zanzibar's spice plantations are a major attraction where

(04:22):
visitors can learn about the cultivation of clothes, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
The island is also known for its pristine beaches and
coral reefs, making it a popular destination for those seeking
relaxation as well as adventure. Zanzibar has a unique cultural
blend of African, Arab and European influences reflected in its architecture, cuisine,

(04:46):
and traditions. And next up on our list of sites. Bologna, Italy,
Italy's culinary capital, known for its rich history, vibrant university atmosphere,
and mouth watering food. The city is home to the
oldest university in the world, and its historic center is
filled with medieval towers, portico streets, and impressive churches. Bologna

(05:12):
is best known for its traditional cuisine, including the famous ragu, Bolonese, sauce, tortalini,
and mortadella. These cities market squares are perfect for sampling
local delicacies and exploring the city's rich cultural offerings. Bologna
is also home to a number of historic sites you

(05:34):
can see while you're there. With its combination of history, food,
and student energy, Bologna is a must visit for anybody
interested in Italian culture. Next stop, let's go to Peru.
While many people flock to Gustco and Machu Picchu, Lima,

(05:56):
the capital of Peru, often gets overlooked. However, Lima is
a vibrant culture hub with a fascinating blend of history,
modernity and stunning cuisine. The city's historical Center is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring beautiful Colonial Arab buildings like
the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral Da Lima, and the Archbishop's Palace.

(06:20):
Lima's coastal location along the Pacific Ocean also gives it
dramatic views, especially from the Miraflores neighborhood, which boasts modern
shopping malls and great restaurants. Lima is also one of
the cullionary capitals of the world, famous for its zavice
pesco sours and a variety of fusion dishes blending indigenous

(06:42):
ingredients and international flavors. The city's rich cultural scene includes
art galleries, museums, and theaters, making it a fantastic destination
for food lovers and culture seekers alike. Sium Reap in
Cambodia is a charming town best known as a gateway

(07:05):
to the Angkor Archeological Park, home to the world famous
Ankor Watt Temple complex. However, cm Reap itself is a
delightful destination filled with a mix of ancient history, vibrant markets,
and relaxed night life. The town has a number of

(07:25):
colonial Arab buildings, lively markets like the Ancor Night Market,
and is home to many excellent restaurants and bars. Beyond
the temples, cm REAP offers traditional Cambodian culture with performances
an opportunity to learn about local handicrafts at the workshops.

(07:46):
The nearby Toney Sap Lake is home to floating villages,
providing a glimpse into rural life in Cambodia. Cm Reap's
combination of cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and friendly atmosphere make
it a hidden gym for travelers. Next to the USA, Asheville,

(08:07):
North Carolina. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western
North Carolina, Asheville is an artsy, eclectic city with a
laid back vibe. Known for its vibrant art scenes, craft breweries,
and historic architecture. Ashville is a fantastic place for creative
types and outdoor enthusiasts. The city is home to the

(08:30):
Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the United States,
offering expansive gardens and wine tastings. Ashville's downtown area is
filled with locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and cafes, creating
a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for wandering the surrounding mountain

(08:51):
landscape offers numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor exploration.
With its blend of natural beauty, artistic flair, and jullionary delights,
Asheville is an underrated destination in the American South. Next
on our lists, back to Laos. The capital city Viantine.

(09:13):
It is a capital, but it remains a quiet and
peaceful destination compared to other Southeast Asian capitals. The city
offers a charming blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples,
and serene riverside views along the me Kang. The Fa
that Luang, a golden Buddhist stupa, is the most iconic

(09:33):
landmark in Via and Thaienne and a symbol of Lao nationalism.
The city is also home to a number of other
temples and historic sites. The laid back pace of life
in Via Tayanne is ideal for travelers looking to experience
the heart of Laos without the hustle and bustle of
larger cities. The city street food scene is also excellent,

(09:56):
with fresh local dishes like papaya salad, sticky rice, and
grilled meats. Lastly, for today back in the USA. Tucson, Arizona.
Tucson is a sun soaked city located in the Sonoran Desert,
offering a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Western heritage.

(10:17):
The city is home to the stunning Seguro National Park,
where visitors can hike among the iconic Saguro cacti, some
of which is over one hundred years old. Tucson is
also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, known for the exceptional
food scene, which includes everything from delicious Mexican and Southwestern

(10:39):
dishes to innovative local restaurants. These cities Historic District features
Spanish colonial architecture. Tucson is also a great place for stargazing,
with its clear desert skies and nearby kit Peak National Observatory.
The combination of nature, history, and culture make Tucson a

(10:59):
fantastic off the beaten path destination. Folks, I hope you've
enjoyed this episode of World Traveler. That's all the time
we have for this one until next time. What's your
favorite country? Where are we going next?