13 Underrated Local Spots That Beat World-Famous Tourist Traps
Waiting in long lines at a “must-see” tourist attraction, only to be underwhelmed when you finally get inside can ruin a trip’s atmosphere. The world’s most famous spots are sometimes more hassle than they’re worth, from jostling through the crowds at the Louvre to catch a brief glimpse of the Mona Lisa to being packed shoulder to shoulder at the Colosseum.
Here’s the good news: There are lesser-known gems in the world that don’t get the attention they deserve, and they can provide as much (if not more) enjoyment without the stress.
Erawan Falls, Thailand
Don’t go to Phuket’s crowded beaches, head instead to the beautiful Erawan Falls in Thailand. A beautiful place for nature’s eye to feast upon and an escape from the ‘tourist traps’ this seven-tier waterfall is situated within Erawan National Park. Enjoy nature at its best without a sea of selfie sticks. Hike through the jungle and dip in the clear turquoise pools for a truly magical time.
Bologna, Italy
Venice and Rome hog all the limelight, but Bologna gets on with the business of being one of Italy’s most charming cities. Bologna is known for its food, medieval architecture, porticoes, and smaller crowds. Climb the Asinelli Tower for a view that is as good as any in the country or take a stroll through the Piazza Maggiore.
Jiufen, Taiwan
A cozy village tucked into the mountains of northern Taiwan, Jiufen is often overshadowed by Taipei. Being narrow lantern-lit streets with teahouses set on steep hillsides it feels like a slip into another world. Jiufen’s dreamy atmosphere is hard to beat, and it’s said to have inspired scenes from the beloved animated film Spirited Away.
Sighișoara, Romania
Bran’s Dracula’s Castle may have all the press, but Sighisoara is where the real magic of Romania is. This colorful medieval town, also Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace, is filled with cobbled streets, vibrant houses, and a peaceful environment. Enjoy a travel back in time and wander the old town, maybe even climb the clock tower.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Dubrovnik is pretty, but Croatia’s real jewel is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is something out of a fairytale with stunning terraced lakes and waterfalls. It’s popular, but not as crazy as the Game of Thrones fans-filled streets of Dubrovnik, and it’s pure bliss for nature lovers.
Noto, Japan
Kyoto is all about temples and historic streets, but head a little bit off the beaten path to Noto and you’ll discover a very different kind of beauty. This quiet region is full of charming fishing villages, terraced rice paddies and dramatic coastal views, and is located in the rugged Noto Peninsula. It’s a peaceful retreat with an authentic view of rural Japan.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Visitors to Marrakech are treated to the bustling souks, but Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets are a more tranquil, but no less interesting version of the Moroccan experience. Located in the Rif Mountains, this small town is a photographer’s paradise. Its cobalt-colored buildings are backed by curving alleyways. A wonderful place for a relaxing time.
Salta, Argentina
Buenos Aires gets the headlines, but the small city of Salta in Argentina’s northwest feels like a different country altogether. Salta has colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and jaw-dropping Andean scenery, with canyons, salt flats, and wineries. The warm welcoming locals are always happy to share their culture.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Skip Cancun and go to Isla Holbox, a sleepy island off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This is a paradise for those looking for a less frantic beach experience since it is car-free. The streets are made of sand, the sunsets are surreal, and of course, you can swim with whale sharks if you like. It’s a jewel of Mexico without the hustle and bustle.
Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is where the cool kids go, even if Bruges is Belgium’s tourist darling. Ghent is a wonder of medieval architecture, canals, and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s a lively city, with fewer tourists and local flavor. Explore Gravensteen Castle, boat ride on the river, or just relax in one of the many cozy cafes.
Matera, Italy
No doubt the Amalfi Coast is beautiful, but the ancient city of Matera is a hidden gem of a place. Matera is so steeped in cave dwellings carved out of the mountainside that it feels as if it were from another age. Winding streets to explore, and underground churches to visit. It’s one of Italy’s most underrated treasures.
Belgrade, Serbia
Paris might be the “City of Love,” but Belgrade has charm. It’s a lively Serbian capital, full of energy due to its buzzing nightlife, café culture, and historic sites. Belgrade is full of history but also modern flair without the pretentiousness of more famous cities and yet from Kalemegdan Fortress to the hip neighborhood of Savamala.
Porto, Portugal
Lisbon is great, but Porto? Porto’s got a soul. With narrow streets and colored buildings, Porto has a charm of its own. The stunning Douro River cutting its way through the city glimmers and reflects the city lights. It’s the birthplace of port wine, which is reason enough to visit, plus impressive architecture, friendly locals, and a slower pace than Portugal’s capital.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
