Top 10 Greatest Comeback Cities: From Ruins to Must-Visit Destinations
Discover the world's greatest comeback cities in this expert excerpt from Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011. Once teetering on the edge of obscurity, these urban gems have transformed their turbulent histories into irresistible attractions for discerning travelers.
1. Berlin, Germany
Post-WWII Stalinist architecture along Karl-Marx-Allee was once derided as 'wedding-cake style.' Today, with communism a relic, these Soviet-era landmarks are preserved with ironic flair. After the Berlin Wall fell, debates raged over demolition, but now they thrive: enjoy live music at Tränenpalast ('hall of tears'), catch a film at Kino International, or interact with Stasi surveillance exhibits at the DDR Museum—beyond just the Wall itself.
2. Ayacucho, Peru
Today, this Andean colonial jewel rivals Cusco in splendor; two decades ago, it was the epicenter of the Shining Path insurgency, scaring off visitors. Paved roads arrived only in 1999, sparking a revival: facades restored, streets pedestrianized for timeless charm, plus chic, affordable hotels and eateries blending seamlessly with the vibrant colonial atmosphere.
4. Asmara, Eritrea
Hailed as Africa's most beautiful city for its striking art deco architecture—built by Mussolini in his bid for a new Roman empire—Asmara endured decades of war with Ethiopia over independence and borders. Now open to explorers, its architectural treasures await, from Benito's former party HQ to the airplane-shaped Fiat Tagliero service station.
6. León, Nicaragua
Devastated by earthquakes and aerial bombings during the Nicaraguan Revolution, León has risen with enduring colonial allure. As the first city to fall to Sandinistas, Somoza ordered: 'Bomb everything that moves.' Bullet-pocked buildings remain; delve deeper at Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas for the Sandinista saga.
7. Rotterdam, The Netherlands
WWII bombs razed its historic core, yet Rotterdam's rebirth shines through innovative design and a legendary underground scene in electronica and hip-hop. The blitzed zone now features cutting-edge projects, like colorful lights marking Luftwaffe paths. As 2007's City of Architecture, it pulses with festivals from film to Caribbean carnival.
8. Volgograd, Russia
Rarely on foreign itineraries, Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) was left in ruins after WWII's pivotal battle. The U.S. ambassador called it a 'dead city,' but memorials now dominate: an vast park of Soviet monuments topped by the 85m Motherland Statue. Visit for poignant WWII museums—its power lies in history, not glamour like St. Petersburg.
9. Yellowknife, Canada
Gold fueled its rise, then faded in the 1990s, but a diamond rush revived Northwest Territories' largest city (pop. ~20,000). A modern heritage center celebrates the gold era; in quirky Old Town ('The Rock'), sleek designs replace shacks, while Wildcat Cafe evokes rugged prospecting days.
10. Belgrade, Serbia
The nightlife hub of ex-Yugoslavia, Belgrade rebounded from Kosovo War bombs and hyperinflation via its indomitable music scene—from 1980s New Wave to rock and rave. Its layered cityscape mixes ancient forts, neoclassics, and modernist icons, drawing music fans across Eastern Europe.
Discover the hottest travel trends with Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011: top destinations, journeys, and experiences for the year ahead.
