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12 of the Most Underrated Cities in the U.S. Americans Say To Add to Your Bucket List

There are a number of American cities that you hear about over and over again, like New York, Hollywood, and Miami. What about the cities you never knew would knock you off your socks? Users in an online forum rated this list of hidden gems across the USA as the most underrated places to visit. They’ll surprise you with their incredible attractions, tasty food, and natural beauty.

1. Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, USA coastal townscape.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

A beautiful northeastern town on the waterfront of Casco Bay, Portland offers delicious seafood, natural beauty, and charming Victorian architecture. One user says, “I visited here a few years ago and absolutely fell in love. I’m from the UK working my way through all 50 states and after 26, Portland remains my favourite city yet.”

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Rachel Carson Bridge (aka Ninth Street Bridge) spans Allegheny river in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Editorial credit: Mihai_Andritoiu / Shutterstock.com

Locals say that Pittsburgh gets a bad rap, but it actually has a lot to offer visitors. “For those not familiar, Pittsburgh will have a lot of the stuff that people look for in cities (sports, music, comedy, theater, museums) and it’s also surrounded by many parks and nature areas as well as an extensive rails-to-trails system if being outdoors is more your thing.” Many agree that no one should leave Pittsburgh without trying a Primanti sandwich.

3. Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida, USA downtown skyline on the Hillsborough River.
Photo credit: ESB Professional // Shutterstock.com

Other cities in Florida, like Miami and Orlando, get a lot more attention when it comes to tourism, but don’t sleep on Tampa! One traveler stated, “I was surprised how much fun I had in Tampa and surrounding suburbs last time I went. I always thought of it as sort of a subpar city comparable to a water version of Dallas, but there was a lot of interesting culture and stuff to do, and I was never bored. I had some of the most genuinely authentic Italian and Greek food I’ve had since I lived up north.”

4. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, USA - September 6, 2017: Famous Cloud Gate also known as the Bean is one of the park's major attractions at night
Photo credit: ferita Rahayuningsih // Shutterstock.com

Chicago has a reputation as a dangerous city in the national news, but many tourists report feeling safe when visiting. A frequent traveler to Chicago says, “Every time I tell extended family I’m visiting, they tell me to be careful since I’m obviously going to a war-zone. Meanwhile, the museums, lakefront, dining, shopping, neighborhoods, bars, pubs, breweries, etc. are all top-notch. It’s a great city for food, strolling, nightlife, sports, museums, etc. Just a top-notch weekend that I feel is completely underrated. I also think architectural tours of Chicago are something people forget to do … and they’re incredible.”

5. Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington, USA downtown skyline.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

A number of visitors mentioned they were expecting to have an OK time in Seattle, but ended up loving it and planning their return trip before even leaving. “Seafood if that’s your thing, incredible coffee, fun and wacky little shops, the train to Portland is breathtakingly beautiful, lots of live entertainment, college and pro sports…air museum that’s really neat, ships all around the ports, the public market, cool music”, states one Seattle fan.

6. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA Downtown Skyline Aerial.
Photo credit: Kevin Ruck // Shutterstock.com

“Midsized, lots of fun outdoors (the “Urban Wilderness” is a national gem that should be emulated by other cities). I think people just go to Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains and miss a cool city,” says one visitor. Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, is famously just outside of Knoxville, but if you’re a fan of history, nature, and good food, you’ll love the city itself.

7. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA skyline at dusk.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

Cincinnati isn’t always at the top of everyone’s travel list, but many think it should be. “Great restaurants, some cool bars and awesome breweries, the zoo, the art museum, Krohn conservatory, union station and the museum center, the list goes on. The city is also full of cool old architecture from its heyday around the turn of the last century,” according to one user. Cincinnati is known for its chili, so don’t miss out on your next visit!

8. Kansas City, Missouri

The Scout overlooking(108 years old statue) in downtown Kansas City. It was conceived in 1910
Photo credit: f11photo // Shutterstock.com

Known for its rich history, jazz music, and delicious barbecue, Kansas City is a must-see. Everyone raves about the WWI museum. One visitor says, “The WWI Museum remains one of the best museums I’ve ever visited. It’s so impressive, I can’t even explain it.”

9. Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, NE - October 11, 2018: An evening view of the Omaha, Nebraska skyline from the Gene Leahy Mall.
Editorial credit: Kristopher Kettner / Shutterstock.com

You don’t often hear about Nebraska as a tourist destination, but it has a lot to offer, including pioneer history, impressive museums, quirky shops, and good food. One user says, “I’m a New Englander and when my job sent me to Omaha, I legit cried. I fell in love with the city! I also met my husband there. There is so much to do, so many restaurants, and mostly friendly people! It’s not like any city I’ve ever been!”

10. Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island, USA park and skyline.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

Providence is a smaller city, but it delivers big when it comes to food. Most visitors raved about the restaurants. “Went to providence for work and good lord…some of the best food I’ve ever had. Every meal was a 10/10. (Oberlin on Westminster Street goes on the hall of fame list.)”

11. Louisville, Kentucky

View of Skyline downtown Louisville in Kentucky USA
Photo credit: f11photo // Shutterstock.com

Host to the famous Kentucky Derby, Louisville is no stranger to entertaining tourists. One frequent visitor raves about all Louisville has to offer: “lots to do, TONS to eat, bourbon? The nature is incredibly beautiful there and the surrounding area”

12. St. Louis, Missouri

Downtown St. Louis, Missouri, USA viewed from below the arch.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

St. Louis is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, but the attractions don’t end there: “Numerous gorgeous parks, an iconic monument, incredible food, and a world-class FREE zoo,” says one St. Louis fan. Don’t miss the Soulard district for authentic barbecue and blues music.

Source: Reddit

12 of the Most Overrated Cities to Visit in The U.S. According to Americans

ATX City Skyline Texas Flag patriotic National Pride Displays the Lone Star State with a Colorful Austin Texas Skyline Cityscape Capital Cities Background on a Nice Sunny Summer Blue Sky Day
Editorial credit: Roschetzky Photography / Shutterstock.com

Have you ever traveled to a city that you’ve heard endless hype about but were completely underwhelmed when you finally visited? You are not alone! Let’s go over some of the most overrated cities in the United States, according to real travelers’ experiences, so you can make more informed choices with your vacation time.

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12 of the Most Beautiful Cities in the United States According to Americans

San Luis Obispo city from Cerro San Luis Peak in spring season, CA
Editorial credit: Alisa_Ch / Shutterstock.com

From the skyscrapers of Chicago to the charming streets of Savannah, beauty can be found in various forms across the United States. But which city takes the title of the most beautiful? Recently, people shared their opinions on the most beautiful city in the US on an online platform.

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Top 12 Cities in the U.S. That Americans Consider Boring

Drone photo of sunset over downtown San Jose in California
Editorial credit: Uladzik Kryhin / Shutterstock.com

In a nation celebrated for its diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and vibrant cities, there are some pockets that some might find “boring.” Recently, Americans on an online platform shared their views on the least eventful cities in the country. Let’s find out their choices!

Read more: Top 12 Cities in the U.S. That Americans Consider Boring

The 12 U.S. Cities Americans Consider the Worst

Jackson, Mississippi, USA skyline over the Capitol Building.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Some cities in the United States may be less desirable to visit than others, due to crime rates, infrastructure, and cleanliness. Recently on an online platform, Americans have shared their views on the worst big cities in the USA and why they believe so.

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25 Awesome Gifts for Outdoorsy Women in 2023

Full body young woman sit near bag with stuff tent hold gift coupon voucher isolated on plain yellow background. Tourist leads active lifestyle walk on spare time. Hiking trek rest travel trip concept
Photo credit: ViDI Studio // Shutterstock.com

Looking for a gift for your favorite outdoorsy gal? Here’s a roundup of great gift ideas for ladies who love the outdoor life. You can use this gift guide for holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, or other special occasions to give the outdoor gal in your life a fantastic gift. 

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