This is our last trip around 40 “second” cities of the world, which are worth visiting. Today no less beautiful, attractive and full of sights to see cities are waiting for you. We are going to introduce you 10 more cities around the world which you definitely should visit being in this or that country.Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi knows as a “city between the rivers” was founded in 1010. Now it is the capital of Vietnam. It is home to 2.6 million people what makes it the second largest city in the country. This is a huge metropolis. Among historical attractions you will find here the Presidential Palace, the Hanoi Citadel, the Temple of Literature and many others. Hanoi is not so expensive city indeed which has a special atmosphere, where the traditions of the East and West are combined. From the maze of narrow streets of the Old Quarter you can go out to hundred-meter skyscrapers. There are more than a hundred of them in Hanoi.
Montreal, Canada
It is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second largest in Canada. More than 1.6 million inhabitants enjoy living in this city, because it is one of the most convenient in the world. UNESCO considers Montreal a city of design, and the magazine Monocle called it the cultural capital of Canada. There are many cultural forums in the city: the World Cinema Festival, a jazz festival, a Francophone music festival and others. Montreal is a city for walking and contemplation. Locals and visitors like to walk along Bernard Avenue, and at the weekends they arrange picnics in the Lafontaine Park.
Medellin, Colombia
The city of Medellin has a lot of second names. “The city of eternal spring” – Medellin is located in the equatorial zone, but there is practically no moist stuffiness typical for the equator here. The city has a very comfortable climate. “Capital of the mountains” – Medellin is located in the north of the Andes in the Aburra valley. “City of Flowers” and “the capital of orchids” – in Medellin the annual popular flower fair takes place. Medellin is also called a “beautiful village”, but only 2.5 million people live in this “village”.
Manila, Philippines
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. One of the 16 cities forming the metropolitan region of the country is Metro Manila. It is the second most populated city after Quezon. It is a home to 1.7 million people. But the area of Manila is only 38.55 square kilometers, so this is the most populated city in the world (hence there are big problems with ecology here). Manila is a relatively young city, but it also has its own historic district, Intramuros. It is believed that it laid the foundation of modern Manila and exactly here there are the most beautiful palaces, temples and museums of the city.
Arequipa, Peru
In Arequipa, 861 thousand people live – this is the second most populous city of Peru, but not for cultural significance. In 1868, Arequipa was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake, but in the center of the city some Baroque and Neo-Gothic buildings still survived by a miracle. The historical part of the city, built in colonial times from white volcanic stone, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Also, Arequipa is famous for gastronomic establishments and is considered the capital of Peruvian cuisine.
Rabat, Morocco
Rabat is a beautiful ancient city. Now it is the capital of Morocco, its cultural and industrial center. It has about 1.7 million people. Among the sights you can find the royal palace, the mausoleum of Muhammad V, the minaret of Hasan, the fortress of Kasba Udayya. Also in Rabat there are many ethnic museums: the museum of crafts, the museum of antiquity, the museum of folk art and others.
Wellington, New Zealand
Another capital in the list of “second” cities in the world (with a population of about 400 thousand) is Wellington. It is located in the southern part of the North Island of New Zealand, on the shores of the same volcanic bay. It is a very cozy city with a lot of parks, bridges, tunnels, squares, viaducts. The historical development of the city of the late XIX – early XX century is combined with modern. One of the most interesting buildings in Wellington is the “Beehive.” So the townspeople call the local parliament for its peculiar form. Cathedral of St. Paul, the botanical garden, the zoo – in Wellington, of course, there are a lot of places to see and things to do.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a fabulous city. The capital of Catalonia is the second most populated city in Spain and the tenth in the European Union: more than 1.6 million people consider themselves barcelones. The city stands on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea (this is an important port) and is characterized by a mild climate. Right here in Barcelona there is the most famous street in Spain – the Ramblas, stretching to the Old Port. Between the streets of Rambla and Layetana there is another iconic landmark – the Gothic Quarter. And there, in the square of St. Haume, is the world-famous Barcelona Cathedral. Barcelona is a city in which it is impossible not to fall in love. This is one of the most beautiful cities not only in Spain but also in the whole world.
Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa is located on a coral island in the Indian Ocean and is connected to the mainland by several dams. This city proves once again the importance of ports for the country. Mombasa is the main seaport of Kenya, its economic and cultural center. The city is home to over 1.2 million people. Mombasa is famous for its coastal landscapes and well-kept beaches. Various water kinds of rest are developed here: water skiing and jet skiing, windsurfing, diving.
Maracaibo, Venezuela
This is the second city of Venezuela after Caracas with more than 1.4 million inhabitants. It stands on the shore of the strait, connecting the Venezuelan Gulf and Lake Maracaibo (the largest lake in South America). The city was founded in 1529 by German colonists. In the XVII century it was repeatedly attacked by pirates. In the twentieth century, Maracaibo found oil and as a result the city began to develop actively. Among popular historical sights here there are cathedrals, palaces and monuments of colonial times. Also in the city there are many shops with traditional Venezuelan souvenirs: rum, chocolate, clay dolls.
Hope you enjoyed our long trip around 40 most beautiful and worth visiting “second” cities in the world and have already chosen some cities for your next vacations!