Ten great cities unfairly labelled ‘boring’ (plus five that really are)

We often hear people claim cities such as Zurich and Brussels, Adelaide and Wellington are boring, but do they really deserve a dissing?

Many places considered dull never were. Others struggle to shake off an outdated reputation, even though they’ve changed in interesting or exciting ways to become much more entertaining than they once were.

Maybe we shouldn’t even think of “boring” as pejorative. Quite often what travellers are really saying is that a destination is organised, safe, clean and crowd-free, and surely there’s nothing wrong with that?

Cities considered dull can slide beneath mass-tourism attention, and as a result have far fewer crowds and queues, and far fewer frustrations. Nothing wrong with that, either.

Besides, travel can be an exhausting rush to see everything. Why not find pleasure in languor and in the giving up bucket lists? Tourism marketing pushes us towards big sights, but ask yourself if you really need to see another famous painting or palace.

Busy sightseeing distracts us from enjoying a city’s vibe, its everyday life and human interactions. And low expectations can be wonderful: we can only end up pleasantly surprised. Here’s our guide to cities you should reconsider.

Brussels, Belgium

The Grand-Place market square surrounded by guild halls in the Belgian capital.Credit: Getty Images

What they say Not enough excitement, no soul, too many regulations and full of European Union bureaucrats. One commentator once memorably remarked online that visiting Brussels is like dancing with your sister (or brother).

What we say While you can count famous sights on no fingers, who cares? When you’re over Europe’s cathedrals and palaces, come to Brussels for beautiful gothic and art nouveau architecture, great art, street art, top-class gastronomy and tempting chocolate shops. The old Marolles district contrasts with trendy shopping district Ixelles. You can follow a comic-strip trail devoted to European figures such as Asterix, Tintin and the Smurfs, get surreal in the Magritte Museum and enjoy the world’s best beers in endless bars.

Tell me more If you persist in sticking to the tourist Europe of dead white men, no wonder it seems dull. A third of Brussels residents were born elsewhere, so spice up your visit in places such as arty, multicultural Saint-Gilles, the Marolles flea market (North African) or Matonge quarter, where Congolese and those originally from other African countries congregate. Saint Boniface has hip bars and every sort of eatery you can imagine.

Essentials Visit May to September, though you might avoid the July-August high season. Stay at the stylish but quiet Atlas Hotel. See visitbrussels.com; atlas-hotel.be

Frankfurt, Germany

The German city of Frankfurt has one of Europe’s premier art precincts along the Main River.Credit: Getty Images

What they say Who wouldn’t consider a major financial capital dull, at least for tourists? Frankfurt’s only asset is its transit airport. Nightlife and notions of fun are non-existent.

What we say We admit that this modern city doesn’t wow on looks alone. But if you’re after a contemporary European vibe instead of the usual medieval tourism mummery, then you can be sure the shopping, food and entertainment in this wealthy business city is first class. It also has one of Europe’s premier art precincts along the Main River, where striking contemporary-architecture buildings house superb collections of Impressionist works, ancient sculpture, photography and much more – all with elbow room.

Tell me more Who said you can’t have fun in Frankfurt? Head south of the river to the Sachsenhausen district and visit its traditional cider taverns, where long communal tables invite socialising and occasional bouts of singing as patrons tuck into boiled beef in herb sauce or giant sausages. In contrast, the area around the train station is full of hip nightclubs and bars, as is Bornheim, especially along Bergerstrasse.

Essentials Visit April to September for the best weather and festival action. Stay at the funky 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. See visitfrankfurt.travel; 25hours-hotels.com

Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand’s capital city has incredible views from Mount Victoria.Credit: iStock

What they say Wellington has been called old-fashioned and unexciting, and even New Zealanders themselves once thought of it as a windy cultural wasteland devoid of entertainment.

What we say Wellington is admittedly a small capital, but for its size surprisingly enjoyable. You’ll find renovated Victorian-era buildings, arts and festival events and world-class beer and coffee scenes. Laneways and lively, eclectic Cuba Street have been transformed by trendy initiatives and New Zealanders now nominate Wellington as the city they’d most like to live in. At the same time, the city retains an endearingly old-fashioned air in places, and is never pretentious. The long-established Te Papa museum is still one of the world’s best national exhibitions.

Tell me more Wellington is a great place for food lovers, whether you’re plundering the bakeries and delis lodged in a former shoe factory in Hannahs Laneway, or sampling the fare in world-class restaurants. Logan Brown has boldly flavoured set menus inspired by the seasons. If you’re after seafood, head to Ortega Fish Shack.

Essentials March to May is the pleasant, less windy shoulder season. Stay at the heritage-listed, boutique Naumi Studio Wellington. See wellingtonnz.com; naumihotels.com

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich’s Christmas markets can be more impressive than those in Germany.Credit: Getty Images

What they say Safe, sparkling clean, too tranquil, too money-minded, and inhabited only by secretive international spies and bankers disparagingly nicknamed the Gnomes of Zurich.

What we say A city’s long-held reputation often obscures its alter egos. Scratch beneath Zurich’s luxury surface and you’ll find an anti-establishment city: it was a leader of the Protestant Reformation and in the early 19th century founded the anti-bourgeois, surrealist Dada art movement that influenced pop art and punk. It still has avant-garde art and architecture, not to mention quirky shopping, vegan restaurants, raucous nightlife and odd festivals such as April’s Sechselauten, which heralds the beginning of spring and features an exploding snowman effigy. Zurich West has been transformed from a former industrial area through hip hotels, shops, bars and nightclubs.

Tell me more Don’t rule out a winter visit for something more traditional: Zurich has some fine Christmas markets that are far more atmospheric than the famous, tourist-jammed markets of Germany. The best is on Sechselautenplatz in front of the opera house, but there are several in the old town too, and the train station hosts a delightful indoor market.

Essentials June to September is best, unless you want a Christmas atmosphere. Stay at the urban-chic but old-town Marktgasse Hotel. See zuerich.com; marktgassehotel.ch

Vancouver, Canada

The winter wonderland of Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain is only 20 minutes from downtown.Credit: Getty Images

What they say The Economist caused a furore when it called Vancouver “mind-numbingly boring” in 2015. Its nightlife in particular was derided as lacklustre.

What we say Vancouver has benefited in the past decade from more relaxed liquor laws, a growing craft beer scene and a new wave of young, inventive restaurant and bar owners. Former rundown inner-city neighbourhoods Gastown, Railtown and adjacent Chinatown in particular have been reinvigorated with quirky cocktail bars, fusion eateries and the offices of youthful entrepreneurs and artists. Apart from that, the city has a sophisticated arts and theatre scene and good museums, especially the Museum of Anthropology for terrific First Nations artefacts.

Tell me more You’d have to be dull of soul not to appreciate Vancouver’s great outdoors and its terrific setting. Walk or cycle sea-hugging promenades or kayak on the harbour. The crown jewel is vast semi-wild Stanley Park, which has views to snowy mountains and stands of cedar trees. You can even hit the ski and snowshoe slopes on Grouse Mountain, 20 minutes from downtown.

Essentials April to May and September to October are agreeable shoulder seasons. Stay at motel-inspired The Burrard. See destinationvancouver.com; theburrard.com

Oslo, Norway

Art lovers can get up close to works by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch at Oslo’s Munch Museum.Credit: Getty Images

What they say The unexciting suburban cousin of Scandinavia’s other hipper capitals, overlooked and rather unloved, except by those with a taste for dark detective stories.

What we say Norway spends its oil money on the right things, such as green initiatives, social welfare, great public transport and eye-catching public buildings. Its sleek, youthful capital showcases all that and more. In 2008, the iceberg-like Oslo Opera House signalled a changing skyline, to which the Munch Museum and the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design are recent startling additions. The restaurants, bars and boardwalks of redeveloped, fjord-front Aker Brygge district capture the capital’s buzz, but amid the trendiness you can still buy a bag of prawns straight off a fishing boat.

Tell me more Scoot across to Bygdoy peninsula on the ferry and a couple of days’ worth of treats await, starting with the sprawling Norwegian Folk Museum, where 160 relocated historic buildings seem straight out of troll tales. Several museums are dedicated to aspects of maritime history, including polar exploration, and all are excellent.

Essentials June to September brings the warmest weather and long daylight. Stay at the latest industrial-chic hotel sensation Sommero. See visitoslo.com; sommerrohouse.com

Adelaide, Australia

Bonus: you can be on the beach or among the vineyards in no time at all.

What they say The City of Churches moniker doesn’t project excitement, and Adelaide is the butt of “you’re boring” jokes. Even the South Australia Tourism Commission thought the nickname “Radelaide” unsuitable.

What we say Last year The Wall Street Journal announced that Adelaide “might secretly be Australia’s coolest city”, although it actually found its groove long before that. Adelaide has cool laneways, a fine restaurant scene, a great multi-ethnic mix and lively music and festival scenes. And while it doesn’t have big-city excitement, it has what a lot of us are looking for these days: leafy parkland, a relaxed yet quirky vibe and an eco-friendly footprint. Bonus: you can be on the beach or among the vineyards in no time at all.

Tell me more Adelaide’s food and wine reputation make it feel like an adult destination, but you’ll find plenty to occupy the kids: dolphin-watching tours, two aerial obstacle courses, Australia’s only pandas (to be swapped by China) and plenty of open spaces for running off energy. RoofClimb at Adelaide Oval is a dizzying clamber above one of our greatest sporting venues, with views to match. Interactive science museum MOD suits teenagers.

Essentials March to May has lovely autumn weather. Stay at the sophisticated, light-flooded Majestic M Suites. See southaustralia.com; majesticmsuites.com.au

Singapore

Echoes of old Singapore can be seen in colourful preserved residences in Chinatown.Credit: Getty Images

What they say Small, subdued and shopping worthy, but where are the surprises? Singapore is too organised, too bland, too prim and proper – and you’re not even allowed to chew gum.

What we say Is there something wrong with well-behaved people, clean streets and good public transport? Besides, Singapore has become more than the quick stopover city it once was. Plentiful attractions, newfound buzz, greatly improved nightlife and some of the world’s best bars make this a place to linger. Social attitudes are relaxing. The multi-ethnic food scene is outstanding, from hawker centres to Michelin-starred restaurants. Visit during January’s Tamil Hindu Thaipusam festival and the glitter, drumming and devotees with skewered tongues are anything but bland.

Tell me more Singapore has a terrific variety of child-friendly attractions, from innovative Singapore Zoo to a giant ferris wheel, theme parks such as Wild Wild Wet and Universal Studios Singapore, plus exceptional gardens and open spaces. Sentosa Island, the city’s favourite weekend getaway, features adventure rides, nature walks, beaches and family-oriented resorts.

Essentials The climate is equatorial, so visit any time. Stay at the not dull harbourside Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore or the adjacent and less pricey Fullerton Hotel Singapore. See fullertonhotels.com; visitsingapore.com

Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou’s Shangxiajiu street is a pedestrian-friendly shopping thoroughfare.Credit: Getty Images

What they say Formerly referred to as Canton, this city is only thought of as a fast-paced, profit-oriented trading town with little of interest to tourists.

What we say Get off the (Western) tourist trail and enjoy the eye-popping sights of a thrusting Chinese city bursting with people and positive energy. Its wealth has given it outstanding fine dining – and street food – that showcases the elegant subtlety of Cantonese cuisine, plus outrageous contemporary architecture such as the Guangzhou Opera House, Xinghai Concert Hall and Canton Tower. Yet it doesn’t lack history, with sights that include the intricately decorated Chen Clan Academy, ancient temples, and sites associated with colonial-era, republican and revolutionary history.

Tell me more The good thing about a city focused on trade, and a major retail distribution centre? Great shopping. Top shopping drags include pedestrian Beijing and Shangxiajiu streets. Then head to the huge Grandview Mall and Teemall, upscale La Perle, or Taikoo Hui for a cornucopia of high-end fashion brands. Haizhu Wholesale Market is fantastic for homeware, Zhanxi Clothing Wholesale Market for clothes and textiles.

Essentials October to December, and February and March provide the most pleasant weather. Stay at the sleek, glamorous Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou. See gz.gov.cn; mandarinoriental.com

Santiago, Chile

The magnificent Andes overlook the skyline of Santiago, Chile.Credit: Getty Images

What they say Santiago suffers from being compared to other South American cities, such as Buenos Aires and Rio, and found wanting. Even the neighbouring city of Valparaiso is considered more characterful.

What we say Nearly half of all Chileans live in Santiago, so how could it be boring? It’s full of history, art, restaurants, quirky neighbourhoods, huge shopping malls, soaring skyscrapers, green spaces and live music venues. Of late, historic architecture has been spruced up; the fusion of old and new at the cultural centre below La Moneda Palace is fabulous. The food and wine scene has become very sophisticated, public transport is great and museums would keep you busy for a week. Look up, and the Andes float on the horizon.

Tell me more Sure the nightlife isn’t as glamorous as Rio’s, but you can’t deny Santiago’s energy. Many visitors miss it entirely because Santaiguinos don’t emerge until late at night, and party until dawn. Bellavista, Lastarria, Providencia and Vitacura are the best neighbourhoods for vampires (or the jet-lagged) looking to eat late, drink late and party on.

Essentials September to February is warm and dry. Stay at the pink art deco Luciano K Hotel. See chile.travel; lucianokhotel.com

These cities really are dull, dull, dull

Only the splendid Hassan II Mosque is worth a visit in Casablanca, Morocco.Credit: Getty Images

Casablanca, Morocco

Thanks to a famous movie we assume Casablanca is romantic and interesting. It isn’t. Only the splendid Hassan II Mosque is worth the visit. The city is otherwise a sea of concrete lined on the oceanfront by tatty seafood restaurants and bars. Scurry off to Marrakech, Meknes and Fes instead.

Houston, Texas

Houston, we have a problem: too sprawling, too little public transport, a surfeit of Tex-Mex food and burgers, humid as hell and frequently seedy. It’s often cited even by Americans as one of their most boring cities, though it does admittedly have some good museums, including Space Centre Houston.

Doha, Qatar

It’s hot, soulless, bristling with skyscrapers, crammed with shopping malls, and delights in conspicuous consumption, but has no lively spirit. Only its many international sporting events relieve the tedium, plus the outstanding Museum of Islamic Art.

Birmingham, UK

Back in 2010, a TripAdvisor survey called industrial Birmingham the most boring city in Europe, then rubbed it in by declaring it had the third-worst food. Things have become livelier since then, but regeneration projects and flash residential districts will please residents and conference-goers more than tourists.

Nagoya, Japan

Consult Frommer’s travel guide and under “Things to See in Nagoya” its first suggestion is that you sneak off to nearby Inuyama City. Only an aquarium and garden in Nagoya get the nod. Even a Japan Times headline once called Nagoya the most boring city in Japan.