Feeling tired of tourist attractions and cities packed with more travelers than locals? Well, we are, too! This world is a huge place, yet it seems that most people tend to flock in the most known locations, looking at the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty for the umpteenth time. Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing bad in wanting to see the world’s most famous attractions, but if you’re looking for something more exciting off the beaten path, we’ve made this list especially for you. Here are 10 of the coolest places in the world you never knew about, but should.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Vietnam may be popular for its coffee and breathtaking nature, but it is in Hoi An where you’ll find the perfect mix of splendid landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and finger-licking cuisine. Explore the city via a cycling tour, head to the nearest beach in Cua Dai, and try the local specialty – cao lau noodles prepared with fresh herbs and spices.
Sintra, Portugal
This charming town is like a traveller’s dream come true. Surrounded by breathtaking green landscapes, Sintra boasts an incredible number of ancient palaces and castles scattered all over its hills. Needless to say, you can spend hours just exploring these majestic sites. And don’t get us started about Portugal’s yummy cuisine!
Lviv, Ukraine
One of the most romantic places in Ukraine, Lviv seems to have it all: stunning architecture, restaurants with mouth-watering food, lush parks, live music street performances, and more cafes than you can visit in one go. It is also considered to be the ‘coffee mecca’ of Ukraine, so be prepared for a variety of energizing coffee drinks made with high-grade coffee beans.
Semuc Champey, Guatemala
When you get tired of exploring beautiful cities (like that is ever going happen, duh), head to Guatemala’s enchanting Semuc Champey and enjoy the bluest and clearest pools surrounded by dense jungle forest. This is the very definition of ‘exotic’!
Giverny, France
Claude Monet House & Gardens in the picturesque village of Giverny, France, is a true masterpiece that you can walk around, touch, and breath in the aroma of numerous flowers growing there. Monet renovated the house to his liking, using his own palette and ancient Japanese Prints. He invited seven gardeners to make his artistic vision come to life!
Yangshuo, China
If you think you have seen breathtaking mountains, wait till you visit Yangshuo in China! It took Mother Nature around 70 million years to create these spectacular karst formations out of bedrock. Accompanied by dreamy landscapes, Yangshuo is also home to fishermen that are still using a technique that dates back one thousand years!
Burano, Italy
Venice might be gorgeous, but there’s an even more charming place located in its very heart – the Burano island. This small village might very well be the cutest place on Earth! All houses in Burano are painted in different bright colors, creating the feeling you’ve ended up in a real life fairy tale. Needless to say, photos from here are beyond Instagrammable.
Merzouga, Morocco
Nothing can quite compare to the colors you see in the dessert, especially a majestic one like Sahara. Visit Morocco’s Merzouga village for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the very heart of the dessert with all the modern amenities one could want during such a trip. Hop onto a camel and enjoy the most spectacular sunset of your life!
Smögen, Sweden
Smögen is a small Swedish town bustling with life of its own. Apart from being a busy tourist hub, especially during ‘warm’ summer days, Smögen offers some of the most fascinating natural views one can imagine. If you stray away from the bars, restaurants, and main streets, you’ll be rewarded by the sheer silence of gorgeous rock formations reflecting solemnly in the still waters surrounding the island.
Las Coloradas, Mexico
Ever wondered why flamingos are pink? Well, it’s because they drink and feed in the pink waters of Las Coloradas Salt Mines! Seriously though, the water of Las Coloradas owes its pink and all kinds of red hues to the micro-organisms that live there. The same Beta Carotene they produce is what makes flamingos so daringly pink!
