Top 10 Underrated Travel Destinations
Brief Overview
Despite the fact that travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, it can be challenging to discover a truly memorable experience when visiting a popular tourist spot due to the large number of other visitors. The good news is that there are underrated travel locations all over the world, each of which is home to stunning natural wonders, fascinating historical sites, and unforgettable cultural encounters. You’ll find 10 of the world’s most underrated travel destinations featured here.
Ghent, Belgium
In comparison to Brussels and Bruges, the Belgian city of Ghent tends to get overlooked. This hidden gem, however, is bursting with mediaeval character, magnificent buildings, and an exciting cultural environment. The city’s many museums, galleries, and historic buildings are all open to the public. The Gravensteen Castle, built in the 12th century, is a must-see because of the amazing vistas it provides over the city.
To see a more in-depth guide to Ghent, take a look at our travel guide here
Top Attractions in Ghent:
- Gravensteen
- Graslei and Korenlei
- St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)
- Ghent City Center
- St Michael’s Bridge
Rotorua, New Zealand
The small New Zealand town of Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and rich Maori heritage. Geysers, hot springs, and mud pools are just a few of the unusual attractions that can be found in this often-overlooked area. Also, tourists can take part in cultural activities including learning about Maori traditions and watching traditional performances. Rotorua is also a fantastic place to go for extreme sports like mountain biking, ziplining, and hiking.
Top Attractions in Rotorua:
- Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Te Puia
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Whakarewarewa
Mostar, Bosnia - Herzegovina
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is an attractive city that receives little attention from tourists. Its historic Old Bridge, which spans the Neretva River, and Ottoman-era buildings are two of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, yet the area is often overlooked as a tourist destination. Tourists can also visit the city’s many museums, galleries, and mosques.
Top Attractions in Mostar:
- Old Bridge (Stari Most)
- Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
- Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995
Zhangjiajie, China
Even though it is gorgeous, Zhangjiajie National Park in China is sometimes overshadowed by more well-known cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The tall sandstone pillars, deep gorges, and thick forests of this underappreciated travel destination are well-known. Take a ride on the cable car to the top of the Alps for spectacular vistas, or stroll the park’s many paths to get a feel for the varied landscape, that look like something straight out of Avatar.
Top Attractions in Zhangjiajie:
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
- Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
- Tianzi Mountain
- The Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor, Montenegro, is a beautiful location, although it is often overlooked by more well-known tourist hotspots in the region, such as Dubrovnik, Croatia. Yet, the Bay of Kotor, historic structures, and a lovely old town make this a hidden gem. Tourists can go on a boat tour of the bay and the neighbouring islands, or they can check out the town’s many churches, museums, and galleries.
Top Attractions in Kotor:
- Kotor Old City
- Bay of Kotor
- City Walls
- Viewing Point at the Road Kotor-Lovcen
- St. Tryphon Cathedral
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv is the cultural and historical heart of Bulgaria and the country’s second-largest city. Roman ruins and mediaeval buildings mingle with contemporary galleries and museums in this underappreciated location. Tourists can go to one of the various festivals or cultural events, or see the city’s many historical sites, such as the Ancient Roman Theatre.
Top Attractions in Plovdiv:
- Plovdiv Old Town
- Plovdiv Roman Theatre
- Ethnographic Museum
- Alyosha
- Park Tsar Simeon
La Paz, Bolivia
Tourists generally go past La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, in favour of more well-known locations like Cusco in neighbouring Peru. To be sure, this often-overlooked travel destination has a lot to offer, including a wealth of cultural attractions, beautiful scenery, and lively marketplaces. Tourists can go to the San Francisco Church and other historical sites, or ride the cable cars for breathtaking panoramas of the city and the mountains.
Top Attractions in La Paz:
- Mi Teleferico
- WMDR Yungas Road
- Urban Rush Bolivia
- Valley of the Moon
- National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and is often overshadowed by more popular destinations in neighbouring Italy and Austria. However, this underrated destination offers a unique blend of medieval and modern architecture, with a charming old town and numerous galleries and museums. Visitors can explore the city’s many landmarks, such as the Ljubljana Castle or take a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River.
Top Attractions in Ljubljana:
- Ljubljana Old Town
- Union Experience
- Triple Bridge (Tromostovje)
- Preseren Square
- Tivoli Park
Gdansk, Poland
While Krakow and Warsaw get all the attention, Poland is home to the mediaeval city of Gdansk. This often-overlooked travel destination, however, is bursting at the cultural and historical seams with exciting activities and attractions. St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Royal Way are only two of the many museums and galleries that welcome tourists to this city.
Top Attractions in Gdansk:
- Old Town
- Europejskie Centrum Solidarności
- Museum of the Second World War (Muzeum II Wojny Swiatowej)
- Dluga Street
Lombok, Indonesia
It’s easy to overlook Lombok, an Indonesian island, in favour of its more famous neighbour, Bali. Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks make up the spectacular natural landscape of this overlooked destination. Travellers can go up Mount Rinjani or take a boat to one of the many neighbouring islands to do scuba diving or snorkelling.
Top Attractions in Lombok:
- Mount Rinjani
- Gili Trawangan Island
- Kuta Beach – Lombok
- Gili Islands
- Selong Belanak Beach
FAQ’s:
Q: Why Choose Underrated Travel Destinations? A: Popular tourist spots may have excellent attractions, but visitors should be prepared to wait in long lines and pay a hefty fee. Yet, less popular places to visit are sometimes less expensive and have fewer tourists, making them a better option for those looking for an authentic experience. In addition, off-the-beaten-path locations typically feature an endearing singularity not present in more popular areas.
Q: Why do some destinations remain underrated? A: Some destinations remain underrated due to lack of promotion or limited accessibility. However, social media and word-of-mouth can help spread the word about these hidden gems.
Q: Are underrated travel destinations safe to visit? A: Underrated travel destinations can be just as safe as popular tourist destinations. However, it is always recommended to do proper research and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a break from the usual tourist traps, look no further than one of the world’s many underrated travel locations. These off-the-beaten-path places, which range from historic city centres to breathtaking nature settings, are definitely worth checking out. We hope you’ll be encouraged to broaden your travel horizons and visit some of these lesser-known places.
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