In each country there is a city number 1, that is the largest and most developed one and which is usually a capital city of the country. Any self-respecting traveler considers it his duty to visit it. But along with this city there is a city number 2 in terms of size and population. But the “second” cities have sometimes even more glorious history, culture and sights. But they do not always get into the wish lists of travelers. We will prove that these cities are worth a visit at least once in your live.Yokohama, Japan
In Yokohama, there are 3.7 million people. This is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo in terms of size and total area. In the XIX century, Yokohama was the main port of the Land of the Rising Sun. The city still has a strong economic base. So, exactly here there is the headquarters of Nissan. In Yokohama there is something to see and visit: the Port of the Future, the Yokohama Landmark Tower (296.3 meters), the grandiose Ferris wheel, the largest in the Japan and in the world chinese quarter, the ramen museum and many other attractions.
Cork, Ireland
In Cork (translated from the Irish – “swamp”), about 119 thousand people live. It is not the largest city in the world, but the second largest in Ireland. Founded in the VI century, it has many ancient churches and buildings. Walking along the main boulevard of Cork (St. Patrick’s Street), admiring the cathedrals of St. Mary and St. Finbarra and sitting in one of the local pubs, you understand the whole charm of this place. Having investigated all the city sights, you can go out of the town: there are many wonderful castles there.
Gothenburg, Sweden
The palm of superiority in this country belongs to Stockholm, and Gothenburg with its half-million population takes the second place. Meanwhile, it is one of the industrial centers of Sweden, it is home to the headquarters of Volvo. This is one of the most picturesque cities in the country. Gothenburg stands on the shore of the Kattegat Strait, there are many parks here. It is one of the most culturally developed cities in Sweden. A melodic death was born here and the largest in Scandinavia film festival is held annually here too.
Ankara, Turkey
Many people are sincerely mistaken that the capital of Turkey is Istanbul. In fact, this is the first city in terms of population and tourist flows, but the administrative center of the country is Ankara. It is home to almost 5 million people, it is considered to be the cultural capital of Turkey. As a proof the Museum of Ancient Anatolian Civilizations (the Hittite Museum), the Rahmi Kocha Industrial Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and Sculpture, the War Museum, the Museum of Science and Technology, and dozens of mosques, the ruins of Roman baths and other can be found here in Ankara.
Bergen, Norway
Until the end of the 13th century, Bergen was the capital of Norway, and until the 1830s, the largest inhabited place in the country. Now about 278 thousand people live in Bergen. It is a large industrial center in Norway. The pride of Bergen is the medieval embankment of Bryggen, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city is famous for its street art and Floibanen funicular. In addition, right from Bergen, exciting excursions to the fjords start.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
6.4 million people and one giant statue of Jesus is Rio, it is all about Rio, friends. It is the second after Sao Paulo (there are almost 12 million people) city in Brazil, the third in South America and the 26th in the whole world. Rio is a holiday city. After all, the most colorful carnival of the planet takes place here. The famous Copacabana beach is also here. The Maracana stadium, which saw the tears of many foorball fans, is also situated here in Rio.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam – Amsterdam. Almost similar, is not it? But Amsterdam is a city number 1 (813 thousand people), and Rotterdam is number 2 city (618 thousand people). But its value can not be underestimated. After all, this is Europe’s largest port, an important transport hub. Rotterdam is famous for its cubic houses, Euromast, Erasmus Bridge, Zoo “Blyaidorp”, museums, as well as numerous nightclubs.
Košice, Slovakia
Košice is a small European town, where 241 thousand people live. But it has a glorious history. Kosice was founded in the XII century, and in the XIV century, it became the first town in Europe that received its own coat of arms. Now it is a major scientific and educational center of Slovakia: there is the University of Paul Josef Shafarik (an outstanding scientist) here. Another famous landmark of Košice is the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth with the tomb of Ferenc Ragoczy. Inside this temple there is a unique altar with a Gothic painting of the 15th century, and next to it there is a fascinating singing fountain.
Busan, South Korea
“The Sea Capital”, “Summer Capital” – Busan has many honorary titles, but in terms of population it is the second city after Seoul (3.6 million people). Busan is a typical modern metropolis with dizzying skyscrapers (Busan ”Lotte Super Tower” promises to be the highest in the world) and insane malls (Busan ”Shinsegue Centum City” is already the largest in the world). There are also six luxury beaches in the city, the most famous of which is Haeundae. However, any kind of amusement is available in Busan: the city has a lot of bars, restaurants, discos.
Porto, Portugal
1.3 million people live in Porto. But the city forms an even larger agglomeration (Greater Porto), with a population of 1.7 million. The city is often called the northern capital of Portugal. After all, for cultural and economic significance, it is not inferior to Lisbon. The main attraction of Porto is the Clerigush tower, 76 meters high. The city stands on the Douro River and is famous for its bridges. Finally, Porto is a birthplace of port wine.