6 of the World’s Most Underrated Skateboarding Cities
The big cities across the world, maybe they’re the capitals of these nations, get all the shine. We all know about London, Paris, NYC, etc. But what about the smaller cities, sister towns, the quieter metropolises that don’t get visited by the big skate tours yet hold secret treasure troves of skate spots? Well, we’ve been to a handful, and we’re letting the cat out of the bag. Tired of seeing footage from the same rinsed scenes around the world? Try these oft-overlooked cities on for size. We guarantee they’ll be worth your time.
1. Taichung, Taiwan
You’ve likely seen tons of skate footage out of Taiwan. Nike SB, LRG, to name just a couple companies that have scoured the island nation for its spots that go crazy. Taipei gets all the shine, but take a bullet train two hours south and discover what the slower-paced city of Taichung has to offer. A creek runs through the whole town, and there are natural concrete kickers over the water in certain spots. Taichung is also home to the best brick quarterpipe-to-curb spot in the world.
2. Hanoi, Vietnam
Spend some time in Anthony Bourdain’s favorite city in Northern Vietnam, and you’ll see what all the hype is about. It’s got two of the best, smoothest marble plazas the world’s ever seen (Lenin Plaza and Lý Thái Tổ Plaza), and the whole city is dirt cheap. Sit outside a local, family-owned pho restaurant and eat for $1.50 USD. The best and most fun way to get around the city is via motorbike. Head to the outskirts of town for an amazing skateable, picturesque temple. Roam the formerly French-occupied streets at night with cheap Bia Saigon and party with travelers from around the world.
3. Hamburg, Germany
The city where The Beatles put in their 10,000 hours of work, and home to Richie Loffler’s Mantis Skateshop and Trap Skateboards, and the bucket-list-worthy Wilhelmsburg Banks! Europe’s third-largest port city is actually quite small and easy to get around. The locals are friendly, food is great, and there are tons of art and museums. After skating all day, be sure to check out the Reeperbahn, home to the nightclub where The Beatles honed their craft, plus the street is full of all kinds of late-night fun.
Related: 9 Things Every Skateboarder Should Keep in Their Backpack
4. Leeds, England
We’ve got to admit that we didn’t know much about Leeds, but we just watched this incredible video piece by The Ben Raemers Foundation, and it looks to be about the best skate scene in the world. They’ve got the street spots, the indoor park, the outdoor bowl and the shop is doing all kinds of great things to support the scene. Those football kits are sick!
5. Mar Del Plata, Argentina
Sure, if you ever take the flight down to South America, you might hit the massive streets and plazas of Buenos Aires, but how many take the bus ride out to the coast to sample Milton Martinez’s stomping grounds in Mar Del Plata? Well, we can tell you the beachside city has everything you need. Skateparks, street spots, amazing restaurants, sunbathing and more. Stay at La Maquinita hostel with the mini ramp right across from the beach, say hello to Ezequiel, and tell him TransWorld sent ya!
6. Bordeaux, France
Like many cities on this list, Bordeaux gets outshined by its bigger sister city, in this case, Paris. But it’s very much worth taking the time to discover what the Magenta team already knows: Bordeaux is just as beautiful as Paris but smaller, easier to navigate and with a fraction of the tourists and crowds. You’ve got to powerslide down the butter-smooth “Magenta hallway” at least once in your life. Check our articles with the Sour team and the Riddles in Mathematics crew to get a little slice of the French scene in the city of great wine.
Bordeaux spots start below at 14:25.
Related: 10 Best Cities to Skate in the World (Redux)
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