Darwin voted one of the world’s most underrated cities

DARWIN has won bragging rights after being voted one of the world’s most underrated cities by CNN.

Sunset over the rock pools at East Point Reserve in Darwin. ##No resale, copyright Stuart Walmsley##

DARWIN has been hailed by US broadcaster CNN as one of the world’s top 10 most underrated cities.

The Top End’s top city is listed alongside the likes of Puerto Rico’s San Juan, Portuguese capital Lisbon, and Queens in New York.

Darwin might be facing some tough competition with Durban, South Africa, where visitors can go cage-diving with Tiger Sharks.

With Darwin being home to Crocosaurus Cove’s famous Cage of Death, the battle for tourism bragging rights between us and Durban really is a case of shark versus croc. Game on, Durban.

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But one CNN commenter also said that Durban “makes Iran look like Disneyland,” and that the city of 3.5 million is a “cesspool of crime and shear (sic) filth.”

Iran’s Isfahan, famed for its cosy cafes and covered bazaar, also made the list.

We reckon it’s got nothing on a night at the Deckhair Cinema and our own Mindil Markets.

Canadian city Calgary was also underrated, according to CNN.

It is noted for the annual Calgary Stampede, one of the world’s largest rodeos. Tourists might want to check out one of the Top End’s rodeos in August and decide if bigger really is better.

On the other hand, Calgary’s average winter minimum is a frosty -15C, so don’t bother packing the double-pluggers.

Bergen, Norway, gets a mention for its fish markets, picturesque old-quarter and scenic harbour.

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We wonder how a visit to Bergen’s fish markets stacks up against the thrill of landing a big Barra in the NT.

Not everyone thinks Darwin should be on the list though, former top-ender Prasad Gunatunga doesn’t regret leaving for Melbourne.

“Darwin??!?! Really??! I grew up there and couldn’t wait to leave! I now reside in Melbourne and nothing could drag me back!” Ms Gunatunga commented.

Melbourne did not make CNN’s list.