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Everybody loves getting a snap of themselves in front of an iconic world site, whether that be Buckingham Palace, Mount Rushmore, the Trevi Fountain and everything in between. Nobody likes the huge crowds that come with popular tourist hotspots though, and there are some hidden gems that you can go and visit.
So here are some less crowded travel destinations!
Colmar – France
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The most iconic part of the tourist trap that is Venice also make up the most beautiful parts of Colmar. It has its own canal and “Little Venice” and is filled with narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful old houses.
It’s also in one of the best wine regions in France, so drink up!
Cologne – Germany
If Gothic architecture is what you’re into, then you might be thinking of going to Milan, yet the smaller city of Cologne has just as much on offer.
Famous for its pale ale, Cologne is also home to a magnificent Gothic cathedral that is actually over 150ft taller than the one in Milan!
Plzen – Czech Republic
If beer culture is what you’re after then you don’t need to head to crowded Munich for Oktoberfest, go to Plzen instead!
The birthplace of the pilsner beer, Plzen is also home to the Europe’s second largest synagogue and a brilliant brewery museum. It’s well worth a visit!
Belgrade – Serbia
Despite being named the world’s best party city, people still seem to prefer to party in places like Istanbul and Berlin, always forgetting about Belgrade.
There is more than just partying in Belgrade though, you can relax on a beach in the middle of the Sava River, or delve into the Kalemegdan Forest which dates back over 1500 years. A truly stunning place.
York – England
Just a two-hour train journey from London, York’s biggest claim to fame is having the most beautiful street in Britain, named The Shambles, and is even reported to have been the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley!
Like many places in Britain, it is also home to a magnificent cathedral that is well worth a visit.
Ljubljana – Slovenia
Trade the beautiful streets, strange art and coffee culture of Paris for the beautiful streets, strange art and coffee culture of Ljubljana.
It may not have the Eiffel Tower, but Ljubljana can boast beautiful cobbled streets and magnificent old buildings in the old town that more than hold their own.
Al Hijr – Saudi Arabia
With ancient Bedouin ruins that compare to Petra in neighboring Jordan, the Al Hijr ruins are also carved from rock and contain ancient tombs and ruins.
It may be less popular because your need a permit to visit these ruins, but these are easy to get a hold of through your hotel or tour guide.
With other authentic Bedouin experiences available, there are a range of activities for you to try.
Tromso – Norway
With Iceland’s popularity skyrocketing in recent years, the city of Reykjavik is struggling to keep up with the increased demands of their boosted tourism numbers. To avoid all of this, head to Tromso in Norway.
The biggest difference between the two is that Norway doesn’t have any volcanic geysers, but it is right in the centre of the northern lights zone, meaning that you’re actually more likely to see them here than anywhere else!
With a number of other attractions as well, Tromso is an incredibly underrated tourist destination.
Graz – Austria
It seems that tourists seem to forget that there are other cities in Austria other than Vienna, but don’t sleep on Austria’s second largest city, Graz.
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Easter Island
Off the coast of Chile, this island is home to over 1000 iconic Easter Island Heads that sit all around the island.
A great travel option for those who love the outdoors, hikes around the island and beaches offer some of the most pristine and incredible views that the world has to offer.
Hvar – Croatia
Like Ibiza and Mallorca, Hvar is a party island. However, the mayor is trying to clean the place up to make it more welcoming to tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful beaches and architecture that Hvar has to offer.
With some of the new restrictions that have been put in place, you get the best of both worlds. An epic party scene if you want to be out all night, and cultural activities to widen your horizons throughout the day.
Valencia – Spain
Spain’s third largest city, Valencia is a stunning mix of medieval and contemporary architecture smashed together in a coupling of old meets new.
Compared to Barcelona but without the tourists, there is plenty to do in Valencia.
Utrecht – Netherlands
Much more relaxed than Amsterdam, Utrecht is still the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and has much of the same architecture and canals that make its cousin so popular.
The allure of Utrecht doesn’t stop in the city though, with several castles in the surrounding countryside, it’s easy to fall in love with the entire region.
Faroe Islands – Denmark
Home to more sheep than people, the Faroe Islands are a beautifully picturesque place where you can just slow down and decompress.
With activities ranging from scuba diving to horseback riding, time seems to slow down here, allowing you to take in all of the natural beauty around you.
Nara – Japan
With Tokyo and Kyoto proving to be far more popular tourist destinations, Nara is often forgotten about by travellers.
The first permanent capital of Japan contains an incredible eight world heritage listed sites, including the Todaiji Temple which houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha. Nara Park is also home to over 1200 wild deer that love to be fed by tourists!
Tiritiri Matangi Island – New Zealand
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Most people think of Lord of the Rings when they travel to New Zealand, but once you’ve finished enjoying Middle Earth then you have to check out this nature reserve.
Stay for a night on the island after taking in the natural beauty around you, and wake up to the beautiful songs of the islands native birds the next morning.
Sources
Time - Crowded Tourist Cities AlternativesNational Geographic - Avoid Crowds Popular Destinations And Try These Hidden Gems
Independent - 17 Under The Radar Alternatives To Major Tourist Destinations
The National - Avoid The Crowds 7 Popular Destinations And The Places To Go
Traveller - How To Beat The Big European Squeeze
MSN - 50 Most Underrated Tourist Spots In The World
Telegraph - Worlds Most Underrated Destinations
