Leading travel publication Lonely Planet has rated Newcastle as the ninth must-see city in the world.

The harbor city is the second most populated area in New South Wales and is one of the top ten places to see according to Lonely Planet's Asia Pacific editor Shane Low.<> "The rankings come down to topicality, excitement, value for money and that special X-factor," he said.

"We want to pick a destination that has good thing about it that has been flying under the radar a bit.

"Newcastle is a great city."

This is great news for MLS club LA Galaxy who arrive in Newcastle later this month for an exhibition game with A-League outfit Newcastle Jets.

The November 27 match is expected to attract around 30,000 fans to EnergyAustralia Stadium and is sure to give even more exposure to the underrated city.