Discovering The Most Underrated Tourist Attractions Around The World
Every years, thousands if not millions of tourists flock to the same few destinations. Nowadays, it doesn't seem hard to attract people to Paris, New York City, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Mount Everest. Unfortunately, this means that anyone who visits any of these places is going to have to deal with a big crowd.
However, not every place in the world has been blessed and cursed with massive international attention. Some places are arguably better than the attractions everyone knows about, but remains as hidden gems appreciated only by the savviest of travelers. However, they don't have to hidden anymore.
Ahhh Rasnatango Gallery and Garden, Jamaica
Although Montego Bay is an incredibly popular tourist destination in Jamaica, that doesn't mean the tourists visiting the place always find everything worth doing there. Indeed, that's what the data reported by Travel + Leisure Magazine suggests.
That's because the city's Ahhh Rasnatango Gallery and Garden was informally voted the world's most underrated tourist attraction. Although eco-tourism isn't everyone's thing, and people likely reason that they have botanical gardens closer to home, visitors have consistently reported feeling impressed by how much more beautiful and unforgettable the business' colorful array of foliage is than they expected.
Lima, Peru
Although people often visit Peru to experience Machu Picchu, the typical wisdom among them is that the city of Lima is little more than a gateway to the famous ruins. The BBC noted this is partially because the city can get cold and bleak-looking during the summer months.
However, those who visited between December and February came away regarding Lima as a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and similar hippy vibes to parts of California. Perhaps the biggest seling point of Lima, however, is the cuisine. As one traveler told the BBC, "Peruvians are passionate to an Italian degree over their ingredients and their cuisine."
Petra, Jordan
According to National Geographic, the ancient city of Petra spreads out for a 100 square miles, making it four times as large as Manhattan. This makes it perhaps the ultimate ancient ruin to explore, as even archaeologists have only explored less than half of it.
As such, those who think they can explore it in one day are likely to miss out on the wealth of incredible sights that this ancient city has to offer. Besides, one has to spend at least one night there to catch the "Petra By Night" show, which offers stunning yet haunting visuals.
Sarandë, Albania
When people imagine world-class beaches, they typically think of the ones in popular locales like Hawaii, Australia, or Brazil. However, some of the most scenic and gorgeous ones people can find are in Albania. Sarandë alone features Mirror Beach, Santa Quaranta Beach, and Pulebardha Beach, and they all look as lovely as this photo.
In addition to these scenic beaches, the surrounding region of Albania also features some overlooked ancient structures. As Business Insider reported, not only is Sarandë the site of a Fifth-Century synagogue, but nearby Butrinthas a rich history as both an ancient Greek and ancient Roman colony.
Pienza, Italy
Although so much of Italy looks absolutely beautiful, one of its loveliest towns is also one people tend to forget. Although Pisa has its famous tower, Pienza packs significantly more old world beauty into a similarly small space.
As travel blogger The Common Wanderer explained, it takes about an hour to walk from one end of Pienza to the other. That means visitors can pack their exploration of gorgeous old buildings like the Palazzo Piccolomini and their sampling of the town's uniquely delicious cuisine and wine offerings into one day.
Panama
Although Panama is an important hub for South and Central American commerce, it's not usually regarded as a swinging tourist hot spot. As Liz Newman wrote for Thrillist, most people (including herself at first) tend to pass Panama over for Costa Rica when they visit the region.
However, Panama has similarly breathtaking beaches and rich culture to its northern cousin. Better yet, Newman mentioned that it also has even more remote mountain ranges and uninhabited islands loaded with coral than Costa Rica does. It also has more reliable internet connectivity, so travelers don't have to wait until they get home to show off the amazing sights.
Cape Verde
As Becki Iverson wrote for Thrillist, this island nation 350 miles off the coast of northwestern Africa has all the markers of an enviable tropical paradise. Its beaches sparkle, it features exquisite mountain ranges, and its waters feature scenic shipwrecks while also being a prime spot for whale watching.
The people of Cape Verde are also known for their love of partying, and their cuisine seems to blend African and European tastes well, given Cape Verde's location and history of Portuguese colonialism. The island nation is also known for an emotionally complex style of music called Morna.
Lake Bacalar, Mexico
When people are planning a trip to Mexico, the words "Cancún" and "Cabo San Lucas" usually tend to come up. Yet, while these areas both feature resorts overlooking scenic waters, neither of them can boast the unique and aesthetically gorgeous site that Lake Bacalar is known for.
As Time Out explained, the array of dazzling blue shades that sparkle from the lake gives it the name the Lagoon of Seven Colours. Despite how scenic it is, however, it hasn't quite attracted the horde of influencers that Mexico's other vacation spots have. So visitors can bask in the natural beauty in peace.
Bruges, Belgium
Although the movie In Bruges made it clear that the historic Belgian town may not be the best destination for those craving excitement, those seeking a quieter vacation experience will likely fall in love quickly. Its well-preserved historic buildings and artifacts can make it feel like stepping into the past in the most serene way possible.
However, those who do get a little bored of traversing the canals might be interested to know that Bruges — like Belgium at large — is famous for a staggering array of craft beer that commonly boasts over 400 varieties. According to The Guardian, there's enough of the stuff in Bruges to necessitate a two-mile underground beer pipeline. Yes, really.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Mongolia
Although many people's understanding of Mongolia begins and ends with Genghis Khan, the nation he once made into an empire is filled with breathtaking natural sights and a warm, friendly local culture. According to Time Out Singapore, new airport infrastructure and guided tours make Mongolia more accessible than ever.
The publication also noted that the nation's capital of Ulaanbaatar is a great introduction to Mongolia that's surprisingly easy to explore. However, the real experience of Mongolia involves taking in the mountainous glory of Gorkhi Terelj National Park.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany
Although Europe has no shortage of old castles, Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle stands out from the rest. As the German manufacturer BEGA explained, that's because it was built according to the eccentric standards of King Ludwig II, who had quite an inventive spirit.
Indeed, his crowning achievement that partially influenced his nickname "the Fairytale King" was the fact that Neuschwanstein Castle can still be seen from miles away at night. This is thanks to the dazzling and carefully placed colored lights that he had installed in the late 19th Century, which made him a technological visionary at the time.
Al Noor Island, United Arab Emirates
Although tourists flock to Dubai every year, they often find that only the super-rich can afford its biggest attractions. Instead, there's a better destination in the United Arab Emirates that doesn't feel so soullessly commercial, and that is Al-Noor Island.
As the travel blog At World's Origins explained, it was once a wasteland that's been converted to a stunning world of natural beauty that's enhanced by tastefully placed colored lights. While its natural scenes feel almost magical (especially at night), there are also mazes and trampoline pads to keep families from getting bored.
Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
In general, Tunisia is considered an incredibly underrated country to visit. Other than a littering problem, the biggest reason for this seems to be a lack of global promotion. Although Tunisia's capital city, Tunis, is a bustling place near ancient Carthaginian ruins, its most scenic locale is Sidi Bou Said.
Known for its striking blue and white buildings and picturesque, temperate beaches, Sidi Bou Said was credited by The Daily Express for offering some truly breathtaking Mediterranean views. Considering its aesthetics, it's a wonder the influencers haven't started crowding it, but it's there to enjoy before that happens.
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
In general, Newfoundland is a pretty underrated part of Canada, even among other Canadians. Those who head for the nation's east coast tend to gravitate towards the quaint charm of Prince Edward Island or the rich history of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
However, the view from Signal Hill shows how charming St. John's is in its own right, with hillside buildings and the quirky look of its "The Battery" neighborhood. Its famous museum, The Rooms, is also an unpredictable cultural space just as likely to feature fleeting art exhibits as historical information.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Although many South American locales are known for their beaches, the most celebrated part of the small city of Cuenca is at the center of town. According to Time Out, this shining example of Cuenca's beautiful architecture was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
It's also a city known for its thriving arts community, which is particularly apparent at the Bienal de Cuenca festival that happens there each year between December and March. That sounds like a perfect time to visit.
Calistoga, California
Those who take their vacations in California are usually either visiting bustling metropolises like Los Angeles or San Francisco, camping out in Yosemite, or taking in a scenic wine tour in lovely Napa Valley. While the last of those experiences works best when a traveler has peace and quiet, Napa Valley can get pretty crowded.
According to Destination Of The World News, those looking for a more restful experience should consider visiting Calistoga instead. Not only does it feature similar quality wineries to Napa Valley, but it's also known for its rejuvenating spas, especially around its natural hot springs.
Montenegro
For those throughout eastern Europe, the beauty of Montenegro isn't the most well-kept secret. However, international travelers would likely be surprised to know that the nation's stunning beachfront cities are home to a wild enough party culture to rival Ibiza and Cancún.
As Daniel Cole wrote for Thrillist, those looking for a quieter time will likely prefer the historic towns of Budva, Kotor, and Perast, which have architecture dating back to the 15th Century. The Biogradska Gora National Park is also a scenic place that offers some great skiing during winter.
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Although it's undeniable that most international travelers go to Nepal to try and conquer Mount Everest, a less crowded and just as unforgettable experience can be found at Chitwan National Park. According to Condé Nast Traveler, that's partially because the park features the highest density of tigers in Asia.
However, that's not all visitors can hope to see there, as rhinoceroses, monkeys, leopards, and sloth bears can also be encountered from the back of an elephant, as shown here. The national park also has one of the world's most colorful and diverse arrays of bird life. Visitors will likely see about 20 different extravagant birds before they see one tiger.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Just one look at the Pacific island of Rarotonga gives the impression of a tropical paradise. Indeed, it's hard not to bask in the tranquility of its white sand and pristine waters. However, there's one feature of this island that sets it apart from the others.
As Discover Magazine noted, Rarotonga is known for its massive population of stray dogs. Tourists need not feed them, however, as that responsibility is handled communally. These dogs are generally friendly to visitors, and the island's isolation has allowed them to flourish to the extent that they look like earlier versions of the dogs we're used to.
Lisbon, Portugal
While there's much to explore in Portugal (including the seaside town of Nazare, which features the world's tallest waves), it's easy to underestimate how many curiosities and unique sights are packed into Lisbon, the nation's colorful capital.
Much of its architecture features the rich terracotta that defines Portuguese architecture at large, but the colors of those buildings are a little more vibrant in Lisbon. The city also features the most top-notch cuisine in the nation, as well as a host of unique sights like this popular Pink Street, which dots its famous alley with overhead rainbow umbrellas.
Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, Japan
Although cities like Tokyo and Osaka can be deeply fun to visit, some who go to Japan are seeking an experience that feels like stepping into its rich cultural past. Although some people suggest Kyoto is a good destination for this purpose, it's hard to get more authentic than the villages in Japan's central river valley.
Whether it's called Shirakawa-go or Gokayama depends on where you're from, but Business Insider reported the villages of Ogimachi, Ainokura, and Suganuma in the area were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The architecture is traditional, and these houses were built so silkworms could produce their wares in the attics.
Irish National Stud and Gardens, Kildare, Ireland
From Blarney Castle to the Cliffs of Moher to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland is loaded with historic and natural attractions that have enchanted tourists for decades. However, one spot in the town of Kildare doesn't get quite as much attention, but data suggests that it deserves it.
According to The Irish Independent, aggregated TripAdvisor reviews suggest that the Irish National Stud and Gardens is one of the most underrated tourist attractions in the world. Almost all of them indicated that these grounds are gorgeous and interesting to explore, but the overall number of reviews suggests it's a seriously hidden gem.
Srebrenik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
For the most part, castles throughout Europe tend to share fairly similar designs. However, the fortress that overlooks Srebrenik is unique not just for its design but for its age. Although much of it is overrun by vegetation, it remains the nation's best-preserved medieval structure and dates back to the 12th Century.
As Time Out reported, Srebrenik is also near the breathtaking peak of the Majevica mountain, sits near scenic Lake Ingram, and is dotted with highly-regarded restaurants. With all of these features going for it, it's not hard to see why Srebrenik is considered one of Europe's most underrated destinations.
Newcastle Memorial Walk, Newcastle, Australia
Although most visitors to Australia are either there to surf or check out the nation's unique wildlife, one attraction that many apparently consider unfairly overlooked is Newcastle's steel boardwalk, which commemorates Australia's military history.
As the government of New South Wales explained, the walk was built for the 100th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landing in Gallipoli during World War I. The haunting but scenic seaside walkway lists the names of the 11,000 soldiers who were among Australia's first independent troops and features steel silhouettes of some of them. According to aggregated TripAdvisor reviews, it's considered one of the world's most underrated attractions.
Krakow, Poland
As the blog Cultural Foodie mused, the architecture and food alone should position Krakow as a European cultural experience on par with Vienna, Florence, or Budapest. However, the nation of Poland is considered a pretty underrated place to visit. However, other than bad marketing, it's unclear what's keeping people from visiting Krakow.
As the blog described, Krakow is considered a clean, safe city with friendly locals, much to see, and fewer crowds than most other cities like it. It's also rich in history, as visitors can experience Wawel Castle as well as more solemn historical attractions like Oskar Schindler's former enamel factory, the Ghetto Heroes Square, and other sites throughout the Jewish Quarter.
Helsinki, Finland
Although many underrated cities are more rewarding places to visit than they seem, the Finnish capital is also a tempting city to live in. Not only does Helsinki feature some of Finland's famous saunas and geothermal spas, but it's also one of the world's most walkable cities.
Helsinki is always about 15 minutes away from an exquisite natural scene, and the city is celebrated for its seafood, although the Nordic Visitor blog also notes that it's a great place to try reindeer paté. With a wide array of charming vintage shops, cool museums, and design boutiques, Helsinki also leaves travels with a lot to check out.
Marseille, Frances
Although Paris remains hailed as a city of picturesque romance despite the reality being a little grittier than that, Marseille has somehow avoided a similar reputation. Yet, while it's true that Marseille can get as chaotic as Paris, it's just as easy to turn around and see a breathtaking sight out of nowhere.
Condé Nast Traveler also described the bustle of Marseille as betraying its surprising friendliness, as the city was described as accommodating visitors whether they're looking for a friend or a fight. It's also one of the world's most multicultural cities, as it was named the European Capital of Culture.
Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa
As is common for a park of its stature, Tsitsikamma National Park is known for featuring some fascinating wildlife among its gorgeous multi-colored rocks and serene fields. Although it's not unusual to see wild horses wandering there, it's best known for its dolphins and otters.
However, Business Insider noted that this natural beauty doesn't quite express what makes the park so underrated. It also has the infrastructure for a wide range of activities, with the most unique among them being bungee jumping.
San Sebastian, Spain
When people visit Spain, they don't often pay much mind to the northernmost portion that borders France. However, the travel blog Will Fly For Food noted that it has some of the world's best cuisine. This is particularly true in the Basque town of San Sebastian, which is second only to Kyoto, Japan, for having the most Michelin stars per capita in the world.
San Sebastian also leaves visitors with as much to look at as they have to eat, as the town's architecture (particularly in its churches) is stunning. Its wide, sandy beach also has the distinction of being one of Europe's best in-city beaches.
Anguilla
According to Business Insider, U.S. News and the World Report ranked the British territory of Anguilla as the home of the best beaches in the Caribbean. In particular, the white sand that's comparable with Hawaii's best beaches meets the area's dazzling blue-green to make one of the most pristine sights the world has to offer.
So why aren't these beaches teeming with tourists? That's somewhat by design. Since Anguilla has a ban on high-rise hotels, cruise ships, and casinos, it's clear that the last thing the island wants to be is a tourist trap.
