Nova Friburgo, Brazil

With a population of just 167,081, Nova Friburgo is a provincial backwater, far removed from the glitz and glamour of Rio de Janeiro. The city's Alpine-style architecture and scenic mountain setting are charming, but they mask an economic reality of textile factories and metalworking shops. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the tropical climate can be oppressive, with temperatures reaching as high as 37.3°C. Still, the city's proximity to the coast and its small-town charms may appeal to those seeking an escape from the big city, though it's hardly a destination for the adventurous.