Although small cities in the world are often overshadowed by big cities, like New York City and London, they are definitely worth a visit. Small cities can be very charming and easy to navigate as they often offer better walking routes than big cities, and public transport is not always required. They are also a great option for those who don’t have a lot of time to explore a big city, and they tend to be much cheaper too. These small cities in the world are a great option for you if you’re seeking a quick city trip.
1 Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Of all the small cities in the world I’ve been to, Amsterdam is one of my favorites. The city center is filled with beautiful old buildings and canals, and walking or biking through this city is an absolute delight. The city has great museums, like the Van Gogh Museum, shopping for every budget, and beautiful parks for a picnic on a summer day. Amsterdam has a plethora of hotels, restaurants and bars and even if you stay outside the city center, it’s very easy and quick to get to the center area. You can also take trips to one of the picturesque villages just outside Amsterdam.
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2 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This might seem a bit odd. Yes, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, but it’s a beautiful country as well. Phnom Penh has a lot of French colonial buildings which gives it a real French charm. There are also many French bakeries, selling authentic croissants, baguettes and other treats. In fact, because of the huge expat community in Phnom Penh, you’ll find cuisines from all over the world as well as the authentic Asian fare. A beautiful contrast… A must in Phnom Penh are the museums, where you can learn more about the war. It can be a bit depressing, but smiling faces and delicious foods will lift your spirits again in no time.
3 Valletta, Malta
Valletta is the capital of Malta, an island below Italy. The city has some of the greatest architecture, especially the St. John’s Cathedral, which is very impressive and the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen. Valletta also has a great shopping street to get your fashion fix, and with restaurants and bars everywhere, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to rest your feet. This city is great for walking and the harbor is where you can book boat rides to nearby islands with beautiful beaches. Malta itself is a small country and even if you’re staying in one of the beach towns, you’re only a short bus ride away from Valletta.
4 Ghent, Belgium
This small city in Belgium is known for its wining and dining scene. Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with pretentiousness; it’s just the good old pubs offering the best foods at the best prices. Come to Ghent on a weekend and you’ll be amazed how many residents go out for dinner with their family and friends. No dinner reservations will leave you hungry for a whole night. Ghent is a very charming city with old buildings, and although there is not a lot to do, the city is great for going from breakfast to brunch, to lunch to dinner, and drinks and beer tasting. Foodies, this is your city in Europe.
5 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
I was surprised how much fun I had in Lancaster. It has some great restaurants, a cool market and the Pennsylvania Dutch areas just minutes from the city center. A great thing to do here is to drive up into the hills on the back roads, where you’ll have beautiful views of the whole area. The scenery will definitely give you some good photographs. On the main roads, there are cute little shops and markets with pies, cookies, jams and many more treats. If you spend time in the city center, there are great walking tours around.
6 Hoi an, Vietnam
Hoi An is a shopping paradise, but not in the traditional way. There are literally hundreds of tailor shops in this city and they are all on a mission to get you a new tailor-made wardrobe at bargain prices. You’ll get to pick your own fabrics and colors, and all you need to do is browse through a catalog and point out what you’d like. This charming city without any high-rise buildings is excellent for walking, and cars are not even allowed in the city center. Hoi An is also one of the best cities for great food in Vietnam and it’s awesome for people who love to take photos.
7 Willemstad, Curacao
This colorful city with sun all year long is great if you want to combine beach, shopping and nightlife. Willemstad has plenty of water sports facilities, such as diving and swimming with dolphins, but a stroll around town is just as fun as there are plenty of historic sightseeing opportunities. If you like to go out with your friends at night, you don’t have to worry about coming here only on the weekend. Willemstad’s clubs and bars go on 7 days a week and the Caribbean ambiance makes you forget what day it is anyway. The city is also a great starting point to explore other parts of this beautiful island, which also offers wildlife and hiking trails.
As you can see, you don’t have to go to a world city on your next city trip. Small cities can be just as fun and interesting and because many of them are so charming and budget-friendly, they can sometimes be even more enjoyable than big cities. Of course, there are so many small cities that are worth a visit and some of you might have them written down on a bucket list. Which small city would you like to visit?
