Forget the popular, over crowded cities and try these urban destinations instead.

Whether travelling for the first time ever, the first time to a particular destination, as a particular type of traveller or in a particular type of accommodation, everyone remembers their ‘First Time’ on a significant trip.

When it comes to planning the next one, we all want to capture the excitement that comes from the novel and fresh. If you’re on the lookout for a brand new travel experience in 2017, Booking.com have shared with us some great recommendations when it comes to first time travel.

Having curated a bespoke list of 20 popular cities worldwide, Booking.com present a compelling alternative for each, using its unique traveller endorsement data.

Favourite destinations around the world are matched with lesser known places that offer an equally awesome experience when it comes to culture, food, nightlife and attractions – perfect for those looking to explore somewhere a little different for the first time. 

• If you like Paris, France, then you’ll love Quebec City, Canada
• If you like Tokyo Japan, then you’ll love Santiago, Chili 
• If you like London, UK, then you’ll love Seattle, USA
• If you like Rio, Brazil, then you’ll love San Sebastian, Spain
• If you like Sydney, Australia, then you’ll love San Diego, USA
• If you like Berlin, Germany, then you’ll love Belgrade, Serbia
• If you like Venice, Italy, then you’ll love Bruges, Belgium
• If you like Beijing, China, then you’ll love Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• If you like Miami, USA, then you’ll love Fuengirola, Spain
• If you like Cancun, Mexico, then you’ll love Adeje, Spain
• If you like Copenhagen, then you’ll love Denmark Perth, Australia
• If you like Auckland, then you’ll love New Zealand Calgary, Canada
• If you like Hvar, Croatia then you’ll love Alghero, Italy
• If you like Cape Town, South Africa, then you’ll love Santa Cruz, USA
• If you like St Ives, UK, then you’ll love Newport, USA
• If you like Leiden, The Netherlands, then you’ll love Leuven, Belgium
• If you like Vancouver, Canada, then you’ll love Bar Harbor, USA
• If you like Moscow, Russia, then you’ll love Mexico City, Mexico

Here are Some Detailed Highlights

If you like Paris, you’ll love…

Quebec City, Canada

 Although small, it is well known for its varied and picturesque cityscape. An UNESCO World Heritage site it is filled with cobbled streets, 17th and 18th century houses, churches, squares and the beautiful Chateau Frontenac on top of the hill – the city’s most visited attraction. 

The city is mainly split between the Old Town and Old Lower Town, and beyond the historic town gates you can reach Port St-Louis and Porte St-Jean and sample even more wonderful restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

Take a boat tour on the Saint Lawrence River to see the city in all its glory or walk down the Chateau Frontenac promenade to explore Quebec’s battlefield remnants and gain an appreciation of its rich military history. The city also has a dynamic and evolving food scene – famous for its gourmet coffee, meat pies and young raw milk cheese, you can sample pretty much anything at the local markets.

There are various nightlife options, ranging from art galleries with bars included, microbreweries, karaoke and even bars featuring church pews. The main area to head to is the Grande-Allee which contains the majority of the best restaurants, bars and even clubs situated in gutted Victoria style mansions.

If you like Tokyo, you’ll love…

Santiago, Chili 

Santiago offers a breath-taking and changing landscape, with pacific coastlines and the Andes as its backdrop. The historic Barrio Lastarria district is famous for its shops, restaurants and museums while the Barrio Italia district has more of an artsy, trendy vibe.

But with the whole city as a world heritage site, its traditional and vibrant culture can be sampled just from walking round the pretty streets. The Metropolitan Cathedral is a must see, as is the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, filled with the rich art of Chile.

Santa Lucia craft market is a bustling, exciting experience and the International Theatre Festival is a must see if you’re in the city during the summer. For local food, visit The Mercado Central for great seafood or La Vega,  where you can find delicious casseroles, soups and fresh seafood.

Nightlife in Santiago starts late. If you want to dance, there are a lot of clubs in different neighbourhoods where you can experience everything from exhilarating house DJs, to sexy salsa dancing.

If you love London, you’ll love… 

Seattle, USA 

Laying on the shores of the Puget Sound with Mount Rainier towering in the background, Seattle’s landscape is made up of smaller cities, each with its very own charming landscape. It has a growing population that’s well educated, tech-savvy and the most literate city in the US.

Seattle is the birthplace to Starbucks coffee but its independent coffee shops are well worth a visit. Music is also massive – there is a natural bias towards Jimi Hendrix but let’s not forget Pearl Jam, Kurt Cobain and its emerging hip hop scene. Head to the Pike Place Market on the waterside for a great foodie spot.

Then visit the top of the Space Needle for iconic views of the city or embrace a bit of musical history with the Museum of Pop Culture. There are plenty of dance clubs and bars and the Capitol Hill and Belltown neighbourhoods are where you’ll find it. From live theatre and jazz clubs, to craft cocktail bars.