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19 weird landmarks in the U.S. that are worth a visit

Plan a trip to these quirky sites because this kind of travel can't go wrong

The Statue of Liberty , the Golden Gate Bridge and the Grand Canyon . Sure, these U.S. landmarks are cool and all, but have you ever seen hundreds of mustard brands at the National Mustard Museum? Or witnessed the world's largest collection of ventriloquist dummies? How about visiting a building hosting an incredible number of large objects?

Well, in America, you can have it all.

If you're the kind of traveler who's always down for a funky road trip stop, this list of weird landmarks in the U.S. is for you. What's so bizarre about them? Think shrunken heads and wax movie monsters at the Museum of the Weird in Austin to a collection of 140 human skulls at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia , each of these destinations is bucket-list worthy in the most untraditional of sense.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Famous weird landmarks in the U.S.

1. big fish set | jackson lake island, al.

<i>Big Fish</i> set | Jackson Lake Island, AL

Just outside of Montgomery on the Alabama River, you’ll find a Tim Burton wonderland on a privately owned island. The production company behind the movie Big Fish built the fictitious town of Spectre here back in the early 2000s and decided to leave it up after filming. For a small fee, visitors to Jackson Lake Island can follow Ewan McGregor’s footsteps through the town square to the rundown church, to the remaining styrofoam trees from the haunted forest and even hang a pair of shoes off the clothesline. Best part? Goats roam the island, too.

2. La Brea Tar Pits | Los Angeles, CA

Natural history
Miracle Mile

At the La Brea Tar Pits in L.A., see where animals of yore ambled over—and became stuck, forever, in tar. Their predators would see them struggling, come over to partake in the easy feast, and become stuck themselves. It’s actually pretty awful to contemplate, yet fascinating. Paleontologists have recovered around 1 million bones from the tar pit, including from a mammoth, dire wolves, saber tooth cats and one unlucky woman. Walk the outdoor park to sniff the signature sulphuric smell and see pits that are still being excavated, then head into the Page Museum to check out the incredible collection of items found in the pits.

3. World Erotic Art Museum | Miami, FL

Things to do
Cultural centers
South Beach

Don’t bring the family to this Miami museum devoted to all kinds of X-rated art (it's only open to 18+). Billed as the only institution that exclusively shows fine erotic art in the entire country, the World Erotic Art Museum has a renowned collection of antique sex toys, carved phalluses and nudes by Picasso and Rembrandt. Just thinking about exploring the 12,000-square-foot space is enough to make you blush.

4. The World's Only Corn Palace | Mitchell, SD

Corn is quite important in the Midwest, so it rightfully deserves a palace in its honor. The aptly named World's Only Corn Palace —designed with 13 different colors and shades of corn—has been charming visitors for the past century. During the day, tourists stop by to snap selfies with the building, including the six-foot-tall ear of corn named Cornelius (because why not?). At night, color-changing domes illuminate the town. While the exterior of the building is an attraction in itself, the building has a lot going on inside, too, hosting basketball games and concerts throughout the year.

5. Madonna Inn | San Luis Obispo, CA

The Madonna Inn on the central California coast is the epitome of kitsch. Built by Alex and Phyllis Madonna in 1958, the hotel supposedly has a Swiss Alps theme, but in reality, it seems dedicated to all things over the top. Each of the 110 rooms is decorated in a unique theme—the Caveman has faux rock walls and a waterfall shower while the Pony Room has bright red carpets and prominently features a carousel horse statue. You certainly won’t forget a stay here.

6. Dole Plantation Maze | Oahu, HI

One of the world’s largest plant mazes is located on the Dole Pineapple Plantation on the north shore of Oahu. More than two miles of paths wind through the hedges of 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants such as hibiscus, heliconia and pineapples, of course. The maze itself from the air includes a pineapple shape. Most people complete the maze in about an hour, but this couple did it in five minutes, sprinting.

7. Mystery Spot | Santa Cruz, CA

Whether you believe the tour guide’s schtick about the supposed “gravitational anomaly” at work at this roadside attraction, the tilted cabin seemingly defying the laws of physics is still fun to visit. Even skeptics will have a blast exploring the curious shack that is the Mystery Spot where balls appear to roll uphill and chairs seem to sit on walls. Not convinced? See if you can puzzle out the reason behind this optical illusion for bonus points.

8. The world’s largest objects | Casey, IL

This small town in Illinois is home to not one, not two, but 12 of the world’s largest objects, including a rocking chair, mailbox, gavel, wind chime and golf tee, plus a slew of really big things. Resident Jim Bolin installed the first piece, the wind chime, in 2011 and things snowballed from there. Bolin thought a public art installation (titled Big Things in a Small Town ) might help bring in some tourists. His theory seems to be working, and the attractions are all free to visit.

9. Witch House | Salem, MA

Attractions
Historic buildings and sites

This New England town’s dark past draws urban witches and history buffs from all over the country. Learn about the infamous Witch Trials of 1692 with a visit to the Witch House . This 17th-century home was owned by James Corwin, a local merchant who presided over many witchcraft examinations. The self-guided tours offer a great primer on both the country’s largest witch hunt and early colonial life.

10. Busy Beaver Button Co. | Chicago, IL

Logan Square

The Busy Beaver Button Co. has produced tens of millions of shiny pins and buttons since it opened in 1995. They’ll still gladly make you any design you desire, but shopping isn't the only reason to visit the Chicago store. Art lovers and culture vultures will also want to check out the eponymous museum. Scope out the collection of more than 9,000 historical pin-back buttons, including concert memorabilia and political campaign collateral.

11. The Mapparium | Boston, MA

Libraries, archives and foundations
Fenway/Kenmore

You’ll find another of the world’s largest items inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston: The world’s largest walk-in globe. The Mapparium is a three-story spherical model of a globe built to scale out of brightly-hued stained glass. Stand at one edge of the glass bridge that bisects the globe's interior and whisper something to a friend at the other end. Since the glass walls amplify sound, they’ll be able to hear you loud and clear. Built in 1935 and representing the world at that time, it has some outdated country names, so this registers as a historical artifact as well.

12. Area 51 | Lincoln County, NV

Deep in the middle of the barren Nevada desert, you’ll find Area 51 , the top-secret installation that has been shrouded in mystery for decades. Little is known about what goes on inside, except that the military developed and tested spy planes at the base during the Cold War—this is the site of a U.S. Air Force base specializing in experimental aircraft, after all. The secrecy, combined with strange sightings leaving Area 51, led to countless rumors of UFO sightings, alien abductions, and other extraterrestrial activities over the years. Curious visitors and alien enthusiasts should check out the Alien Research Center.

13. Tony Packo's | Toledo, OH

If you're planning a coast-to-coast road trip and have decided to incorporate Route 66 , you'll want to make this one weird and wonderful pit stop: Tony Packo's authentic Hungarian restaurant. Why? Because every wall of the eatery's interior is covered with autographed hot dog buns. Burt Reynolds signed the first one, and now there are more than 1,500, all in display cases. Everyone from Debbie Reynolds to Stevie Nicks and Steve Martin has somehow, at some time, visited this obscure restaurant and signed one.

14. Mütter Museum | Philadelphia, PA

Science and technology
Center City West

If you’re the squeamish type, you better avoid the Mütter Museum . It’s jampacked with human specimens, stomach-churning medical objects and more bones than you could imagine. Think you can handle it? Don’t miss the slices of Albert Einstein’s brain, the Hyrtl Skull Collection of 139 human heads, or the corset skeleton, which shows what Victorian corsetry may have done to ribcages.

15. National Mustard Museum | Middleton, WI

They may not be wrong when they say there's a museum for anything. At the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin, you'll find the widest selection of quality mustards in the world. Admissions are free, so browse away—and enjoy some high-quality mustard from around the globe at home. You can also peruse the vast displays of mustard memorabilia, including over 6,000 jars, bottles, and tins from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.

16. Museum of the Weird | Austin, TX

Congress Ave District

In the tradition of old-school curio museums, the Museum of the Weird celebrates oddities like shrunken heads, wax movie monsters and the Minnesota Iceman, a carnival exhibit of a “caveman” trapped in a block of ice. The museum also added a photograph of the infamous Cottingley Fairies to its collection in recent years. It’s only fitting that such a museum would be in Austin—the city’s unofficial slogan (predating Portland by a year!) is “Keep Austin Weird,” after all.

17. Vent Haven Museum | Fort Mitchell, KY

The stuff of nightmares or a cool ode to an interesting American entertainment act? You choose. The Vent Haven Museum claims to be the only museum in the world dedicated to the act of ventriloquism, ventriloquism, a stagecraft technique where the performer speaks as if your voice is coming from a "dummy" puppet. Housing more than 1,100 dummies used by ventriloquists throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, this museum is only available to view by appointment only.

18. Dinosaur Drive | Granger, WA

Not far from Yakima, you’ll find the city of Granger with the tagline, “Where dinosaurs roam.” Its Dinosaur Drive welcomes you to drive around town and see various dinosaurs. Fittingly, the first dinosaur was a baby brontosaurus and now there are 33 dinosaurs, typically constructed and painted by the community at a “Dino-n-a-Day” work day at Hisey Park. Catch the plesiosaurus in the park’s pond or the nearby dimetrodon, see the apatosaurus positioned by a tree to “eat” its greenery, or thrill at the sight of a T-Rex busting through the side of a building. Strong bonus: in the park, you can see volcanoes that once used to spew smoke (they house non-operational bathrooms).

19. Gravity Hill | New Paris, PA

Just outside of Pittsburgh in McCandless Township, you can experience this wild road that defies gravity. At a particular intersection, you’ll stop at a stop sign and put your car into neutral and then wait for your skin to crawl. Because instead of your car rolling forward, downhill, as it should, it will start to move backward, up the hill. Why? How? We don't know, but check your rearview mirror before doing this, or the anomaly could become an accident. Watch this video to see Gravity Hill in action. More weirdness? There is also water that flows the wrong way.

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20 seriously weird places around the world

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written by Rachel Mills

updated 11.07.2023

The world is a weird (and wonderful) place. And from a rose-coloured lake to a Japanese island ruled by cats, we've got twenty pictures to prove it.

20 of the strangest places in the world

1. spotted lake, british columbia, canada.

2. The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

3. Thor’s Well, Oregon, USA

4. pamukkale, turkey, 5. lake hillier, western australia, 6. badab-e surt, iran, 7. the tianzi mountains, china, 8. the nasca lines, peru, 9. the bermuda triangle, north atlantic ocean, 10. socotra island, yemen, 11. the hand in the desert, chile.

12. Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island, the Philippines

13. Red Beach, Panjin, China

14. plain of jars, laos, 15. goblin valley state park, utah, usa, 16. whale bone alley, siberia.

17. Glass Beach, California, USA

18. The Catacombs, Paris, France

19. fly geyser, nevada, usa, 20. cat island, japan, travel ideas for peru, created by local experts.

Peru: into the Incan Empire

Who were the Incas? What did they do? What happened to them? Discover the answers, and much more, with this unique trip into the heart of the former Inca Empire.

Female Empowerment Tour

From meditations in Miraflores over visits to craftswomen in Chincheros to gratitude rituals in the Sacred Valley. This itinerary will allow you to reconnect with your feminine energy and learn more about women's lives in Peru.

Culture, Nature and Adventure in Peru

Get to know Peru through its locals and breathtaking trails- full of history. Hop aboard a motorboat to get to know the local way of life of the Uros people, before you start the great Inca trail, where beautiful landscapes, archaeological sites and fresh air are waiting for you.

The Inca Empire and the Nazca Culture

Peru has a rich history and culture, this itinerary will give you a taste of just how special it is. Take a flight over the mysterious Nasca lines, head to Cusco for some brilliant archaeological sites and discover the Inca cities. This trip will leave you wanting more!

Peru - the modern, the iconic, the wild

Spend 12 days in magnificent Peru - famous Machu Picchu, legendary Titicaca Lake and the wild Amazon await. This tour is great for foodies with amazing Peruvian delights, for history and culture lovers in the Sacred Valleys as well as wildlife enthusiasts in the Amazon. Something for everyone!

Best of Peru & Galapagos Islands

Split your South America trip into two fascinating countries: Peru with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as ocean-facing capital Lima. Afterwards, proceed to the Galapagos Islands. You will stay on 3 different islands and explore many more.

Canada's Spotted Lake has long been revered by the native Okanagan (Syilx) people and it’s easy to see why they think of it as sacred. In the summer the water of the lake evaporates and small mineral pools are left behind, each one different in colour to the next.

The unique lake can be viewed on Highway 3, northwest of the small town of Osoyoos , although visitors are asked not to trespass on tribal land. If you're looking to explore more waters, read our selection of 20 breathtaking lakes around the world.

Spotted Lake in Okanagan valley, Canada © sebastienlemyre/Shutterstock

Spotted Lake in Okanagan valley in Canada is a truly funny place to visit © sebastienlemyre/Shutterstock

2. The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Sixty million years ago a huge volcanic eruption spewed out a mass of molten basalt, which then solidified and contracted as it cooled, creating the cracks that can be seen today. There are an estimated 37,000 polygon columns at this World Heritage Site , so geometrically perfect that local legend has it they were created by a giant. It's a firm contender for one of the weirdest places on earth.

Consider taking a day tour from Belfast to explore the scenery . If you're thinking of heading further afield to find natural wonders, read our write-up on the best volcanoes around the world .

The fascinating Giant Causeway in Northern Ireland © Kanuman/Shutterstock

The Giant Causeway with its otherworldly basalt columns is a very unique places to visit in the world © Shutterstock

In rough conditions at Thor’s Well in Oregon , also known as Spouting Horn, the surf rushes into the gaping sinkhole and then shoots upwards with great force. It can be viewed by taking the Captain Cook Trail from the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area visitor centre – but for your own safety stay well back, especially at high tide or during winter storms.

If you're looking to travel around the surrounding area, read up on our reasons for exploring either Portland or Seattle , or both!

thors-well-oregon-usa-shutterstock_1147344110

Thor's Well © Mike Trachtenberg/Shutterstock

12. Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island , the Philippines

Bohol’s 1700-odd conical hills dot the middle of the island in the Philippines . they range in height but are so regular in shape that they could be mistaken for being man-made. However, according to UNESCO they are the uplift of coral deposits and a result of rainwater erosion. The hills only earn their 'chocolate' nickname in the dry season when the foliage goes from lush green to brown.

Consider combining a trip to the Chocolate Hills with a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary and a lunch cruise along the Loboc River. Bohol Island is just one of our favourite islands in the Philippines . Make sure to head to Olango Island to find migratory birds and try diving on Panago Island.

The pointed Chocolate Hills in the Philippines © Shutterstock

The famous Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island in the Philippines are one of the most interesting places in the world © Pelikh Alexey/Shutterstock

Very cool and very weird, this beach is covered in a type of seaweed called Sueda, which turns bright red in autumn. Thirty kilometres southwest of Panjin in China , these tidal wetlands are an important nature reserve for migrating birds. Only a small section of the beach is open to the public, but it can be explored via a wooden walkway that stretches out to sea.

Red Beach may just be one of China's best secret beaches. Head here quick, along with these other secret beaches around the world before the crowds arrive.

A beach to remember in China - Red Beach

Red Beach in China, one of those unique, really weirdcore places © 54613/Shutterstock

Shrouded in myth, megalithic stone jars are scattered across Xieng Khouang Province , Laos , in groups from one to one hundred. A working theory is that the huge cylindrical jars were used in ancient funeral ceremonies, though local legend has it that the jars were used to brew rice wine for giants.

In the 1960s Northern Laos was subject to a massive aerial bombardment by the USA and it’s only been relatively recently that some areas have been cleared and declared safe for visitors.

Plain of Jars © Dmitry Chulov/Shutterstock

No, this is not Mars but an uninhabited valley 216 miles southeast of Salt Lake City in Utah in the USA . Soft sandstone has, for many years, been eroded by wind and water to form strange pinnacles or hoodoos that some think resemble goblins. The eerie landscape is only about a mile across and two miles long and it’s well worth exploring the marked trails to get up close to the bizarre formations.

Also relatively unknown is the fact that you can go on a spectacular canyoneering adventure in the Valley of Goblins. Looking for more outdoor adventures in Utah ? Why not stargaze in Antelope Island State Park?

The eerie Goblin Valley State Park in Utah

Goblin Valley State Park © Natali Glado/Shutterstock

A stretch of the northern shore on remote Yttygran Island, 82km off the coast of Alaska , has become a macabre tourist destination. Massive whale jawbones, ribs and vertebrae stand horizontal in the ground forming an eerie alleyway.

It’s generally agreed that the site dates back to the fourteenth or fifteenth century, but whether it was a sacred spot for native tribes to meet or simply a gathering place for mass slaughter, no one knows. What we do know is that it stands as one of the weirdest places in the world.

The mysterious Whale Bone Alley, Siberia

Whale Bone Alley © Shutterstock

17. Glass Beach, California , USA

This glittering sea glass beach in California is a remarkable side effect of years of rubbish being dumped on the beach. It wasn’t until the 1960s that this was stopped and by then the sea was full of everything from electrical appliances to bottles and cans.

Over time, the waves broke everything down into colourful pebbles and the beach became a major tourist attraction – now ironically under threat because visitors are taking home the glass. It's not all glass on the beaches in the state! Here are the best 10 beaches in California if you're looking for sun, sea and sand.

The glistening Glass Beach in California

Glass Beach © Shutterstock

The deeply creepy catacombs are a network of old quarry tunnels beneath Paris and the final resting place of around six million Parisians. Most are anonymous skulls and bones taken from the city’s overcrowded graveyards during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It wasn’t until the authorities realised its potential as a tourist attraction that the bones were arranged in the macabre displays seen today. It's a sure contender for one of the strangest places in the world.

As a popular tourist attraction nowadays, make sure to get your Catacombs tickets beforehand to skip-the-lines . The catacombs are open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 8.30pm. If you're keen on exploring the underground of Paris, you might like to discover these subterranean wonders elsewhere too.

One of the best things to see in Paris is its catacombs © I. Casavechia/Shutterstock

Les Catacombes de Paris © I. Casavechia/Shutterstock

This otherworldly geyser is on private land on the edge of Black Rock Desert in Nevada . Created accidentally in 1964 after an energy company drilled down into geothermal waters, today a scalding fountain erupts up to five feet high and the resulting mineral build up means the cone is growing by several inches each year.

The brilliant hues of red and green are down to thermophilic algae. Interested in more beauties in this part of America? Read more about the most spectacular sights in Southwest USA .

The accidental but incredible Fly Geyser in Nevada

Multi-hued Fly Geyser © Shutterstock

One of the weirdest places on earth has to be the Japanese Cat Island. A short ferry ride from Japan’s east coast, Tashirojima has a population of one hundred humans who are vastly outnumbered by their furry friends.

Originally the cats were encouraged since the island produced silk, and mice are a natural predator of silkworms. Local fishermen regarded them as good luck. The island even has a cat shrine, along with newly built cat shaped cabins for tourists to stay in. It goes without saying that there are no dogs allowed. If you're looking to find more animals on your travels, enjoy reading more about where to see animals up close in Japan, or further afield.

Cats rule on the Cat Island in Japan - where else?

Cat island's feline inhabitants © SakSa/Shutterstock

For more inspiration, explore the most beautiful countries in the world — as voted by you. Or, if it's weird you're after, discover weird foods of the world .

Top image: Endemic dragon trees of Socotra Island © Michail Vorobyev/Shutterstock

This article contains affiliate links.

Rachel Mills is a freelance writer, editor and broadcaster based by the sea in Kent. She is a co-author for Rough Guides to New Zealand, India, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain a contributor to Telegraph Travel, the Independent, AFAR, DK Eyewitness and loveEXPLORING.com and an expert in sustainable, responsible tourism. Follow her @rachmillstravel on Twitter and Instagram .

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The 45 Weirdest Places in the World

Are you into weird and wacky? Great. So are we. Here’s a handy guide to finding some of the oddest, most interesting locations on Earth.

Are you the kind of traveler who loves to visit the weirdest places in the world? Great! So are we. Earth is filled with fascinating historical sites, famous cities, and stunning landscapes that keep visitors flocking. However, some of the most interesting destinations are not on the mass tourist track. In this guide, we’ve gathered the strangest places in the world to add to your bucket list. We’ll cover otherworldly landscapes, mysterious triangles, ghost towns, and a few manmade oddities too! If you’re intrigued by all things peculiar, then strap in, we’re heading around the world to find the strangest and most awesome sites out there.

Roam wild. Roam weird!

By far the best way to discover secret spots and hidden locations is to ask an expert. At Let’s Roam we’re all about the oddities, and we can help you enjoy a strange day out or an alternative adventure with no fuss at all! Perhaps you fancy a ghost tour of a haunted city? Or maybe you’re in the mood for date night with a difference ? Whatever weird and wonderful trip you have in mind, do it with the Let’s Roam app .

The Weirdest Travel Destinations in the World

“Weirdness” is certainly a vague concept. What is weird to some is completely normal to others. Most of the odd destinations on this list probably seem normal to those who were born and raised there. That’s the beauty of travel, it allows us to come face to face with customs that are, at first, jaw-droppingly weird, and leave with a new understanding of humankind. Some of the places on this list are just weird geologically. A few are “weird” due to the rare population who inhabit the area. Some are weird because they just don’t seem to belong in their particular location, and others are a bit more sinister.

1. Utah, USA

Weird Factor: The landscape

Utah is covered in the strangest rock formations. From famous national parks like Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park to the curious creatures that fill Goblin Valley. Utah is littered with hoodoos, slot canyons, and salt flats. It’s home to one of the saltiest lakes on earth, and Salt Lake City, while beautiful, can give off an eerie vibe.

2. Darvaza Crater, Turkmenistan

Weird Factor: Hellish

The Darvaza Gas Crater is nicknamed, the “Gates of Hell,” and for obvious reasons. When a natural gas field collapsed into a giant sinkhole in the desert, the rumor is that Soviet geologists lit it on fire to prevent the spread of methane. That was in 1971, and it’s still burning with no end in sight. The almost 70 x 100 feet firey inferno has become a popular tourist attraction.

3. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Weird Factor: It’s all for the show

Turkmenistan is one of the least visited countries in the world but has a very strange capital which is, to say the least, intriguing. Once liberated from the Soviet Union, the new dictator of Turkmenistan went on a major remodeling rampage, ripping out shady trees, gazebos, and canals and replacing them with wide travertine streets, conifers, golden-clad monuments, and huge marble-faced skyrises. The whole place was built to break records—the largest star in the world, the most marble buildings in the world, and the largest indoor Ferris wheel. The weird thing is… there are no people, save thousands of portraits of their leader. Locals call it “the city of the dead,” under their breath, of course. Sadly, the world press often dubs reclusive Turkmenistan as the next North Korea, with all the same scare tactics.

4. Love Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey

Weird Factor: Giant phalluses

Turkey is a wonderland of historic cities, fabulous architecture, and natural wonders. Tourist flock to the ethereal hot springs of Pamukkale and the cave homes of Cappadocia, but one wonder is weirder than the rest. The walking paths of Love Valley meander through towers of rock shaped like male genitalia. Yep, hundreds of giant phalluses! Believe it or not, these monoliths are completely formed by nature.

5. Tangier, Virginia

Weird Factor: The accent

Twelve miles off Virginia’s shore, you will find Tangier Island. The population of this isolated region has retained much of the English accent of the original British settlers. The island dialect includes words and phrases not used anywhere else in the modern world. The island can only be reached by boat service, which is infrequent. A visit to Tangier is like stepping back in time… way back!

6. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh, India

Weird Factor: It defies gravity

Just outside of Leh City, India, there is a unique stretch of road that defies physics and the constraints of the mind. The region sits 14,000 feet above sea level, and due to a particularly magnetic phenomenon, cars driving this road are actually pulled up the mountain. Tourists are amused by parking on the road, shutting off the engine, and letting magnetism take them to the top of the mountain at speeds of up to 20km/hr! Local legend says this is the original road to heaven, and only the worthy will be pulled up the hill.

7. Suicide Forest, Aokighara, Japan

Weird Factor: Its creepiness

The dense forests around Japan’s famous Mt. Fuji are eerily silent. The trees grow so thickly that only small streams of light can pass under the canopy, and the porous, lava forest bed absorbs all noise. Aokigahara Forest is the home of the yūrei, ghosts of Japanese folklore. Unfortunately, the dense forest has become the home of many modern-day ghosts, as the government is battling a surge of suicides committed in the forest. At its peak, over 100 people per year chose this forest to take their lives. It makes you wonder what is drawing these poor souls here.

8. The Ruin Bars, Budapest, Hungary

Weird Factor: Fantastic quirkiness

Budapest is a funny city with a friendly and quirky vibe. It’s known for its super cheap alcohol and the huge variation of nightlife spots. Among the most unique are its Ruin Bars. All across post-communist Europe, you will find derelict Soviet structures. Most cities destroy them, update them, or just try to ignore them. Not Budapest! They have turned their crumbling, boring squares into garden-filled bars. The funny thing is, they didn’t get rid of the junk, so these bars have booths built into 50’s era cars, random bathtubs, and communist-era knick-knacks. Each bar has its own vibe, but they are all eccentric and weird… in the best way!

9. Coober Pedy, Australia

Weird Factor: People live underground

This teeny Australian town was founded on the mining of opal. The outback heat is pretty atrocious though, so miners decided to just stay underground once they went home, and built their castles into the earth. The approximately 1,600 residents still mostly live underground like prairie dogs. They say it cuts down drastically on heating and AC bills.

10. The Federation of Damanhur, Italy

Weird Factor: Eccentric Futurism

The Federation of Damanhur is a tiny town of 600, formed by some inventive hippies, in 1975. The city consists of several “Temples of Humankind,” buried far beneath the ground. They are a multinational, multilingual population with their own constitution and different levels of citizenship. They even have their own currency, the Credito. They describe themselves as a “living laboratory for the future,” whatever that means, but hey, it looks like they are living in peace and having fun!

11. The Bermuda Triangle, North Atlantic Ocean

Weird Factor: Disappearances

The Bermuda Triangle is one of the most mysterious places on earth. This iconic region has lured ships, planes, and curious travelers to their deaths for centuries. Or, at least, to their disappearances. Some say that the disappearances are no mystery and are overexploited. Nothing is going on here, but others insist that compasses lose their bearing, communications don’t function correctly, and the whole place feels strange. Theories abound from Atlantis to vortexes—the truth, who knows?

12. Centralia, Pennsylvania

Weird Factor: It’s on fire

The population of Centralia, Pennsylvania is a whopping seven people. That’s because the former mining town experienced a horrendous coal fire in 1962. The thing is, the fires are still burning beneath the city, and they are not expected to stop for another 250 years! The road into town is littered with graffiti, mostly just blatantly obvious odes to hellfire, but one section “penis trail,” is lovingly devoted to male genitalia. Main Street is split by a steaming crevice. The government has revoked the zip code, and the whole town has been officially condemned. These seven weirdos have decided to stay though, and the government says they can. I guess they figure you can’t fix weird.

13. Elista, Russia

Weird Factor: Obsession with chess

Not only is Elista the most prominent Buddhist community in Europe, and doused in giant pagodas, but it also has an entire section built around chess. “Chess City” was reportedly created by megalomaniac Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, leader of the province and the International Chess Club. Get ready, here comes the weird… Kirsan says that he was abducted by aliens who gave him the utopian chess vision.

14. Nazca Lines, Peru

Weird Factor: Desert geoglyphs

The Nazca Lines are geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert of Southern Peru. Scientists believe they were created as early as 500 BC. These desert carvings take the shape of animals, plants, and geometric shapes. Their creators and tactics are a mystery, and we are still finding more carvings today, thanks to tourist and researcher drones.

15. Dwarf Village, China

Weird Factor: Wizard of Oz-ish

Dwarf village is an unusual place with a height limitation of 4’3.” While it’s a bit weird, this “tiny” village arose out of necessity and is a haven for many. The residents built this home to escape persecution. They now have 120 residents, their own police and fire departments, and a unique source of income. The inhabitants have chosen to make light of their situation and build their homes in fanciful and whimsical shapes to draw in tourists. Their village is essentially a living theme park, which, depending on perception, is either very fun and liberating or very sad. We aren’t sure which.

16. Colma, California

Weird Factor: Dead people ratio

San Francisco decided to ban new cemeteries, which created a dead-people problem! The nearby town of Colma has taken on the deceased as a source of income. The town now consists of 1800 living residents and about 1.5 million underground residents.

17. Ireland’s Fairy Forests

Weird Factor: Strong belief in fairies

Nobody does “fairy tales” like Ireland—just look at the Giant’s Causeway—the clue’s in the name. The folklore of “The Emerald Isle,” is loaded with fairies, nymphs, and trolls, and if you have ever hiked in its mossy, misty forests, you can see where the belief comes from. They are mystical forests, indeed! In homage to their little forest friends, the Irish create “fairy forests” all over the country. These paths are littered with adorable tiny homes cut into tree trunks and hanging from limbs. They keep the homes updated and comfortable for their very real visitors.

18. Monowi, Nebraska

Weird Factor: The population

Monowi is officially the smallest town in America. According to the 2010 census, it has just one resident, Mrs. Elsie Eiler. She spends her days running the town’s library, which is named after her late husband. We aren’t sure who comes to check out books, though. Since 2004, she has been the mayor, the sole proprietor of the Monowi Tavern, and much more. She files and collects the taxes, and does all the city paperwork for government funding for water, lighting, etc. She’s a one-woman show!

19. Thames Town, China

Weird Factor: Out of place

In a strange move to decentralize the population out of the major cities, the Chinese government went on a building spree of copycat cities. Thames Town is a replica of part of London, with a row of Tudor houses, its own Tower Bridge, traditional pubs on every corner, and those characteristic red phone boxes. Unfortunately, they made the prices so high that the gorgeous little town is grossly uninhabited, making it even weirder. They also have an almost identical replica of Hallstatt, Austria, Interlaken, Switzerland, Paris, France, and Florence, Italy.

20. Richat Structure, Mauritania

Weird Factor : Natural Earth rings

Mauritania is one of those locations that has mostly been consumed by the ever-expanding Sahara Desert. The once thriving desert communities have migrated to live along the sea, due to the harsh conditions, but in a low area, surrounded by towering dunes, one of the earth’s greatest natural wonders captivates NASA and pilots. What looks like rock, from the ground, is actually a giant circular multi-ring structure that no one really understands. Is it a meteor impact scar? Or the lost city of Atlantis? Is it a dome formed by the Pangea separation of tectonic plates, millions of years ago? Who knows?

21. Battleship Island, Japan

Weird Factor: Abandoned

Hashima Island was used as a coal mining operation, established in the late 19th century (1887, to be precise). The sea wall of the island looks like a gigantic battleship, which is weird enough, but the little island gained fame in the early 2000s due to its eery pristineness. Abandoned by its 5,000 citizens, in 1974, when the coal dried up, the island city persists, almost unchanged. The island started trending as a tourist attraction when CNN featured it as one of the “10 Freakiest Places Around the World.” It was voted a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

22. Kathmandu, Nepal

Weird Factor: Child goddesses

Kathmandu is a wonderful mystery to outsiders. The streets are littered with tiny, shining temples, and homes to their millions of gods. While perfectly normal to Nepalese citizens, it’s a strange maze to outsiders. You can watch a Hindu burial ceremony from the pyres at Pashupatinath Temple. “Freak Street” is populated by dreadlocked inner-peace-seekers from all over the world. Durbar Square is filled with temples and representations of the gods-some ethereal, others, downright terrifying. It’s a fascinating and somewhat strange city walkabout.

The square also boasts a palace that serves as home to the Kumari, a child goddess of sorts. She is plucked from the Shakya caste of the Newari Buddhist tribe and moved to Kathmandu where she undergoes a series of tests, after which, she is considered to be endowed with the divine female presence known as Devi. You can sometimes see the secluded child goddess from her balcony window. She only leaves the palace to perform religious ceremonies and allow dignitaries to grovel at her feet.

23. Roswell, New Mexico, USA

Weird Factor: Aliens

In 1947, an unidentified flying object landed in Corona, near Roswell. The official government story is that it was a weather balloon. However, this was not the original statement, and theories of a cover-up abound. Roswell just might be the capital of conspiracy theories, and the town has accepted its alien heritage. Ufologists come here to study, and the city’s large tourism industry thrives on little green men. It’s a weird little city.

24. Easter Island, Chile

Weird Factor: Giant heads

Mysterious Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited locations on earth. It’s 1200 miles from its nearest neighbors. This island was home to the Rapa Nui people who made the island famous for the over 1,000 giant moai that they erected all over the island. Researchers aren’t sure how old they are, and they aren’t sure how the Rapa Nui executed the seemingly impossible task of erecting these giants. Theories abound, but no one knows the answers.

25. Las Vegas, Nevada

Weird Factor: Overly flamboyant

To Americans, Las Vegas is just a party town, a place to go to blow off some steam. However, to outsiders, Vegas is weird. It’s a glimmering, neon-laced anomaly in the desert. Sphynxes and glass pyramids, the Eiffel tower, and now they are building a giant resort shaped like the moon. It’s otherwordly! Add in a few prostitutes, wild cabaret shows, and costumed street performers, and you have one seriously strange place.

26. Blood Falls, Antarctica

In a land of endless white, Blood Falls stands out as a pretty strange anomaly. It’s an outflow of iron-oxide-rich saltwater from out of a glacier. The natural phenomenon gives the illusion that the flowing water is made of blood. It’s quite an unusual sight.

27. Lake Hillier, Western Australia

Weird Factor: The color

Lake Hillier is best seen from above! This 2,000-foot lake is surrounded by dense forest and is just a short distance from the coast of Middle Island. The saline lake is the perfect shade of Pepto-Bismol pink due to the single-celled organism, Dunaliella Saline . It’s a weird place, but it’s gorgeous!

28. Socotra Archipelago, Yemen

Weird Factor: Alien plants and hermits

Socotra is a bit of Africa that is drifting between the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The isolation of the area has produced flora and fauna that do not exist anywhere else in the world. Ninety perfect of the reptiles on the archipelago are unique, and there are almost 300 endemic plant species. It’s a stunning landscape, full of unseen (to most) wonders. Oh, and there is a hermit named Ellai that refused to live in the town with the others and still calls the ancient caves of Socotra home. He sometimes meets with tourists for conversation or to help pitch a tent.

29. Cat Island, Japan

Weird Factor: Fanatical about felines

Aoshima Island introduced cats to handle the mice brought in by the shipping industry. The cats eventually took over and, by some estimates, outnumber humans 36 to 1. They are fed by donations from all over Japan and weirdly have become a tourist attraction.

30. Nagoro, Japan

Weird factor: Doll obsession

Okay, we are just starting to think that Japan is just weird, in general! The population of Nagoro, Japan consists of 35 people and 350 life-sized dolls. Artist Ayano Tsukimi was distraught at the decline in the population of her hometown, so she replaced the dwindling human population with dolls. Her creations sit in classrooms, stand in the fields, and hang out at the bus stop… weird!

31. Lake Natron, Tanzania

Weird Factor: It’s petrifying

Tanzania is a stunning country, full of powder-white beaches and thundering waterfalls, but one natural wonder is a bit more unusual than these beauties. Lake Natron is made from a unique mixture of highly alkaline minerals, part of the reason is the surrounding ground, which is very low in calcium and magnesium levels. The lake is salty enough to poison animals and hot enough to boil them. While the region is home to an endangered species of flamingos that thrive in harsh environments, any animal unlucky enough to die in the lake is petrified in perpetuity. The lake is populated with dead birds and bats, all perfectly calcified statues of their former selves!

32. The Doorway Railway, Hanoi, Vietnam

Weird Factor: Train safety

In a commercial neighborhood in Hanoi, Vietnam, the city train passes twice a day, just inches from onlookers. The train runs down a thin street, filled with shops and restaurants. The locals know the schedule, and everyone either goes indoors or squishes themselves flat against the wall to allow the train to pass, mere inches from their faces.

33. Sedona, Arizona

Weird Factor: Vortexes

Sedona, Arizona is claimed to be the home of several energy vortexes. Spiritualists swear that the vibrations of this energy can bring healing of all kinds. These vortexes were once home to Native American rituals, but now mostly host drum circles, yoga sessions, and shops selling crystals.

34. La Isla de las Muñecas, Xochimilco, Mexico

Weird Factor: Dolls

Doll Island was created by Don Julian, after leaving his wife and family. He secluded himself on the island where he reportedly found the body of a dead girl and her doll floating in the canal. To honor her, he hung her doll from a tree, but then he proceeded to hang hundreds more dolls from every space available on the little island. These dolls were found in the trash, and they are scroungy at best. It’s an incredibly creepy tourist attraction, made by a man that locals say was not of sound mind.

35. Slab City, California

Weird Factor: Squatters

Slab City was once a Marine base, but it was decommissioned. The abandoned concrete slabs are now home to a population of desert dwellers. In the summer, there are only a few dozen, but in the winter, the population of squatters grows to around 4,000. You can rent an Airbnb squat spot and go hang out with the artsy community if you want.

36. Iceland

Weird Factor: Odd landscapes

Iceland is a weird and wonderful marvel. The little island features a ravine where you can scuba dive between two continents, ice caves, basalt column masterpieces, painted mountains, ice-blue hot springs, and black and red beaches dotted with ice sculptures. The weird little capital also has a museum devoted to the penile parts of Icelandic creatures, with over 215 specimens.

37. Chocolate Hills, Bohol Island

Weird Factor: Otherworldly

Bohol Island in the Philippines has a series of 1700 cone-shaped hills, rising out of the lush, Avatar-ish jungle. They are so perfectly formed that they look like something out of Willy Wonka. During the dry season, the foliage dies, and the hills are brown, giving them their nickname of “Chocolate Hills.”

38. The Catacombs, Paris, France

Weird Factor: Bone sculptures

The Catacombs of Paris are a huge tourist attraction because people can’t get enough of the macabre. The underground tombs are home to 6 million folks, their anonymous skeletons stacked to the ceilings. Paris isn’t the one with a bone issue. When Sedlec Ossuary, in the Czech Republic, was built over a popular cemetery, the bones were moved inside the chapel and arranged into all kinds of decorations, including the creepiest chandelier you have ever seen in your life!

39. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

Weird Factor: Glowing worms

The extensive cave system on North Island is home to a species of worms that glow! Arachnocampa Luminosa is unique to New Zealand, and tourists can take a boat ride on an underground river to gaze at the thousands of bright blue creatures that populate the subterranean walls and ceilings.

40. Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil

Weird Factor: Venom

You cannot visit “Snake Island,” but why in the world would you want to? The island is only 0.066 square miles, but it’s home to between 2,000 and 4,000 Golden Lancehead snakes. Rising ocean levels isolated the endemic species during the last ice age, but they have been thriving on the island and seem to be doing just fine.

41. The Merry Cemetery, Romania

Weird Factor: Too happy

Transylvania is a strange place. The home of misty mountain castles and vampire lore, but the strangest site has nothing to do with Dracula. It’s actually quite happy. The Merry Cemetery has become a popular tourist attraction due to its vibrantly painted tombstones. The colorful arrays feature poetry describing scenes from the deceased person’s life and sometimes even their manner of death, to celebrate their existence. It’s weird, but it’s also kind of great.

42. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Weird Factor: Eeriness

Salar de Uyuni, amid the Andes of South America, is the dried-up bed of a prehistoric lake. It covers 4,000 square miles and is the largest salt pan in the world. Standing in the vast nothingness, surrounded by salt and rock formations, gives you an awe-struck but eery feeling. Not to mention when a little moisture covers the salt bed, the pan turns into the world’s largest mirror, perfectly reflecting the sky.

43. Restroom Cultural Park, South Korea

Weird Factor: Poop obsession

Korea has a theme park devoted to toilets and poop. Yes, you heard that right. The main building is shaped like a giant toilet. All the art is toilet-themed, and they hold an annual Golden Poop Festival.

44. Rajasthan, India

Weird Factor: Too many to list

India is a weird and wonderful cacophony that can only be adequately described as beautiful chaos. Rajasthan is another level of fantastic weirdness. There is a wind palace, a pink city, and a shrine to a motorcycle, but perhaps the strangest to outsiders is Karni Mata Temple. The region is loaded with glorious, stunning, temples, but this one is filled with over 25,000 rats. The rats are worshipped by thousands of devotees that come on long journeys to share nibbled food, as the rat’s saliva is believed, by some, to have healing properties. Rajasthan is one of the strangest places on earth, and it should be on your travel list!

45. Lake Baikal , Russia

Weird Factor: Bubbles

Lake Baikal is the world’s oldest, largest, and deepest lake! It holds 23% of the world’s fresh surface water. It’s gorgeous year-round, but in the winter, the lake freezes, and its copious amounts of methane form some of nature’s greatest artwork. Skaters and curious tourists walk the lake to try to capture the beauty of these methane-bubble creations, frozen in time. Canada also features a lake, Abraham Lake, with a similar phenomenon, as well as a “spotted lake.”

Ready to roam?

Well, that was a lot of weirdness in one article, and it’s just the tip of the oddities that are out there! Let us know in the comments which weird wonder you’re heading off to see. We want to hear your thoughts.

If you’re going to be hanging out in petrifying lakes and rat temples, you better watch out for your health! Our new guide on “How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling” is here to help! And don’t forget to take the Let’s Roam app with you on your quirky adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Earth is filled with truly strange places! Cities like Reykjavik, Ashgabat, New Orleans, and Pyongyang are often listed as the weirdest.

The globe is full of unique places , too many to pick one. Check out the Richat structure of Mauritania, the Blood Falls of Antarctica, or Lake Baikal in Siberia.

For a one-of-a-kind vacation, pick some fun activities from the Let’s Roam Adventures From Scratch , book a trip through a surprise travel agency, or visit one of the weirdest places on Earth !

13 seriously weird places to visit

Have you ever just seen something so strange that you could not look away? I once saw a man in Vietnam drink a shot of Vodka with a still-beating snake heart inside and I was so fascinated that I could not look anywhere else. Is there something wrong with me? Well, let’s not deny it. We all love a little bit of weirdness in our lives.

It adds a touch of twisted enjoyment into our lives. Whatever that means. If you are shaking your head right now, keep reading. The world is full of weird yet very cool places created by both man and mother nature.

We are about to spice up your day with some seriously strange places on earth listed below!

Here are 10 of the weirdest places on Earth

Nazca Lines, Peru
Cat Island, Japan
Chocolate Hills, Philippines
Thor’s Well, Oregon, USA
Red Beach, Panjin, China
Crazy House, Dalat, Vietnam
Glass Beach, California
Tianzi Mountains, China
Spotted Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Pamukkale Pools, Turkey
Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
Salar De Uyumi, Bolivia
Plain of Jars, Laos

1 Be confused by the Nazca Lines – Peru

Walking on the barren desert sands of Pampa San de José will not reveal anything out of the ordinary. Looking down from the sky, however, you will suddenly understand why this is one of the weirdest places on earth. From a bird’s eye view, you will clearly see thousands of lines up to 9 kilometres long etched into the ground forming hundreds of animal shapes and mysterious geometric sketches. These massive drawings are believed to be the work of the Nazca culture that thrived from 100 BC to 800 AD.

2 Make furry friends at Cat Island – Japan

Cat lovers, get ready to update your travel bucket list. There are 3 cat islands in Japan, each home to over 100 small and adorable cats and even fewer humans. Aoshima, the most famous of the 3 cat islands, stretches a modest 1.6 kilometres near the southern coast of Japan. The cats were introduced as a means to fix the island’s rodent problems. Today the cats have multiplied in population and have drawn many curious tourists.

3 Marvel at the Chocolate Hills – Philippines

Spanning across 50 kilometres are enormous, ready-to-eat chocolate drops. No, the hills are not made of actual chocolate, but rather are uplifts of coral that have been shaped by rainwater erosion into seemingly perfect mounds. During the dry season, the grass on all 1,700 hills turns brown, which explains its ‘chocolate’ appearance. It may be one of the weird places, but it is definitely a very unique sight to behold.

4 Go speechless at Thor’s Well – Oregon, USA

Make your way to the Oregon coast to witness one of the strangest places in the world. Located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, you will see Thor’s Well, a 6-metre-deep, bowl-shaped hole in the rocks draining and spouting up ocean water. It truly resembles something out of a sci-fi film.

5 Experience confusion at Red Beach – Panjin, China

During autumn, a unique seaweed called Sueda turns from green to a dark-red hue. As a result, the Sueda-covered wetland 30 kilometres south of Panjin transforms into a remarkable red beach. No swimming is allowed, but there is a wooden walkway to allow tourists to check out one of China’s most weird places to visit.

6 Bend your mind inside Crazy House – Dalat, Vietnam

Imagine Disneyland’s castle, but completely bizarre. Drawing inspiration from the natural environment of the city of Dalat, Vietnamese Dang Nga architect designed this bizarre house to resemble a giant tree. The 5-story house, riddled with enigmatic rooms and sprawling designs, draws tourists daily to appreciate the artistic expression in the design of a house.

7 Enjoy the colors at Glass Beach – California

Years of dumping garbage near the Fort Bragg coastline have led to unexpectedly strange yet beautiful results: colourful glass pebbles lining the beaches. The glass pebbles formed as the lapping waves broke down the littered bottles and cans over numerous years and have resulted in the beach being known as one of the most unusual places to visit in the world. Nature brings beauty, although sometimes in unexpectedly weird places.

8 Be mystified by the Tianzi Mountains – China

The Tianzi Mountains are an extremely unique example of the way the earth has developed over history. A product of millions of years of rising crust and running water erosion, the Tianzi Mountains are staggering greenery-covered peaks that seem to shoot vertically to the sky. With some peaks reaching over 1,200 metres high, the mountains can be observed from cable car access.

9 Witness the Spotted Lake – British Columbia, Canada

During the hot summer months in British Columbia, the 1.7-kilometre long Spotted Lake near Osoyoos evaporates, revealing colourful mineral deposits that give the ‘spotted’ look. The other-worldly appearance makes it a big draw for tourists seeking the weirdest places on earth. However, as the lake is a part of private property, no swimming is allowed.

10 Take a dip in the Pamukkale pools – Turkey

The UNESCO World Heritage site is a gorgeous yet very strange spectacle. Located in Western Turkey, Pamukkale is a small town known for its shimmering mineral-rich waters flowing down white travertine terraces. What results is an incredible formation of blue, heavenly pools that are open for a quick dip.

11 Admire the perfectness at Giant’s Causeway – Ireland

Formed after an enormous volcano eruption that blasted a mass of molten basalt six million years ago, these were the fractures of the consolidated and cooled aftermath. It is home to an estimated number of 37,000 geometrically perfect polygon columns. Legend has it that a giant built this structure as it seems almost impossible and weird for the polygons to be so geometrically flawless.

12 Be careful of the salt in Salar De Uyuni – Bolivia

The world’s largest salt flat, Salar De Uyuni. It is a dry lake of around 11,000 square kilometres that curated a landscape of crystal-like white salt ground. Classified as a cold climate desert, the temperatures are below 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 Fahrenheit). Well if you are daring, it is 100% safe to walk on the salt flat and even take reflection photos as your weird places discovery’s souvenior!

13 Awe at the Plain of Jars – Laos

Classified as one of the UNESCO Historical sites, these stone jars are located around the central plain of Xiangkhoang Plateau. The jars are clustered in varying numbers, from one to a few hundreds of them. According to local mythologies, these were created by Cheung after a victorious war to brew lao lao rice wine for the celebrations. However, as much as your curious and daring self would want to explore the whole of this weird place, do note that only a small portion of the area is safe for visiting.

These unusual places are worth a visit

The world is full of weird places, some are simply beautiful to gaze at while others leave you more confused than when you arrived. From cat-filled islands to heavenly white pools, these strange places on earth must be seen to be believed.

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Unusual Places

Destinations

Travel is all about experiencing something new, learning about something previously not encountered, and meeting the unexpected. When we go abroad, we often do so to get out of our comfort zone, to be confronted with the unknown, but also to have fun and enjoy a really good time away from our day-to-day life.

So, what better than searching out not only great new destinations but also staying in some unique places? And, while the experience might be surprising, it does not have to be out of your comfort zone. I have discovered some strange and wonderful hotels, motels, and resorts — some of which fit into neither category. All bring something new to the table. Strewn across six continents, there is bound to be something that appeals to many of you.

1. The Lookout Cave Underground Motel, Coober Pedy, Australia

Coober Pedy is a strange place. It is the middle of nowhere, in northern South Australia, roughly halfway between Adelaide and Alice Springs. It is pretty much a hole in the ground, which also gave the “town” its name: it comes from the local aboriginal name for “white man in hole .” That hole, though, is what makes Coober Pedy the opal capital of the world, with it supplying roughly 90 percent of the world’s opals.

But with Coober Pedy being a hole in the ground, surrounded pretty much by desert, the people living and working there live in caves dug out within the hole. No windows, but cooler than outside in the blazing heat with all the creature comforts, make the Lookout Cave Underground Motel an ideal place to experience just how people live in this isolated spot. From your cozy cave, you can learn more about the history of opal mining, and even mine yourself. Should you come up empty, the local shops have all the multi-colored sparkle you could wish for.

Pro Tip: Getting there is usually by car, driving along the Stuart Highway, which crosses Australia; by plane and then hiring a car , or as an excursion from the Ghan Train .

Glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Finland during magical polar twilight.

2. Kakslauttanen Igloo Village, Finland

From one empty wilderness to another, on the other hemisphere. The Kakslauttanen Igloo Village lies in northern Finland above the Arctic Circle. Here trees vastly outnumber people, as do the reindeer and sled hounds. It’s most magical in winter. The Igloo Village is just that: a selection of glass-domed igloos, one a room, allowing you to lie in bed and look up at the sky, watching the northern lights, or the stars. Activities here revolve around the snow, with sled or snowmobile safaris, reindeer or husky safaris, skiing, and, of course, a visit to Santa. The resort is open throughout the year, and each season brings something special to the table, but if you have a choice, go in winter.

Pro Tip: If you need a break from snow, then in Kakslauttanen West Village you’ll find an art gallery that probably houses the northernmost art exhibitions.

3. Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania

If staying on an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania with neighboring island Zanzibar close by isn’t enough, along comes Manta Resort . We have all seen the over-water villas in places such as Tahiti, but they tend to be connected to the main resort by a wooden walkway. This resort’s Underwater Sea Room floats on its own, only reached by boat ( your dinner and breakfast will be delivered by canoe), and has two floors — or three if you wish. The sea-level platform is perfect for swimming from, and above you, there’s a roof terrace where you can sunbathe and enjoy the view across the turquoise ocean. Steps down from the sea-level platform is your bedroom, underwater and encased in glass so you can watch the fishes while they watch you. Solitude and romance, and utter privacy. If you don’t count the fish.

Pro Tip: Between October and April, you will see why it’s called the Manta Resort, with elegant manta rays coming close to the coast, and from your underwater room, you’ll have the best vantage point.

4. Treehouse Lodge Resort, Iquitos, Peru

I never had a treehouse when I was a kid, but I would dearly have loved one. Is there anything more magical than sitting in the branches of a large tree, in a lush green forest? The light is soft, the birds sing, and you can really relax and hide from the outside world. The Treehouse Lodge Resort is located near Iquitos by the Yarapa River, a tributary of the Amazon River, and right in the rainforest. The only way to get to Iquitos is by plane or boat, there are no roads connecting you with the outside world. There are 12 treehouses to choose from, all comfortably designed and open to the elements. Some have been built incorporating the tree’s branches, making for unique clothes hooks.

Pro Tip: Lying close to the equator, the temperatures are similar throughout the year, but between December and May there is the rainy season, making the rivers more navigable and offering sightings of pink dolphins below the treehouses.

Train on bridge as sun sets in Kruger Shalati.

5. Kruger Shalati, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Turning a train into accommodations is not necessarily a new thing, even if the train is no longer in use. But what is different about this luxury train, it is parked on a historic and abandoned Shalati or Selati bridge across a beautiful river with stellar views. Not only has the train been turned into luxury accommodations, but there is even a pool platform right in the middle of the bridge. And, all around you, the famous Kruger National Park, teeming with lush greenery and abundant wildlife is your landscape. The train and the bridge were once used to transport chic 1920s travelers through the national park, now it offers modern travelers a bit of time travel and nostalgia and a truly unique place to stay a night.

Pro Tip: Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, just keep in mind that summer (the Northern Hemisphere’s winter) is the rainy season.

trekkers walking to the Hotel Everest View in Nepal.

6. Hotel Everest View, Solukhumbu, Nepal

There are hotels with great views in every city and in every country, and there is nothing unique about having a view. Or is there? Try Mount Everest right outside your window. Hotel Everest View delivers what the name promises. Each of the 12 rooms has a seating area in front of panoramic windows which open up to a balcony, and Mount Everest’s iconic triangular peak is right in front of you. From the hotel, you will be able to explore the area going on hikes ranging from moderate to challenging, all several hours’ duration, and you can even choose to hike to the hotel for check-in. Alternatively, there are helicopter transfers available.

Pro Tip: This hotel has been mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest in the world, at 13,000 feet. Altitude sickness is a very real possibility, so allow yourself either sometime in the hotel to adjust to the altitude, or opt for the trekking up, as that will give you time to slowly reach the height.

Exterior and landscape of Fogo Inn on a cloudy early morning.

7. Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada

This is another of those wonderful unique places to stay that combine an unusual location to call home for a few nights with a destination you have put some effort in to get to. Once you get there, your experience will be multiplied. In this case, it is a flight, a drive, and a ferry ride to get to reception. Fogo Island, out in the iceberg-strewn north Atlantic, is an island where living is tough. Tech entrepreneur Zita Cobb was born there and after a high-flying career away from home, came back and built Fogo Island Inn using local materials, inspiration, design, and manpower, and all with sustainability and her island foremost in her mind.

The views of this rough and tumble corner of the world are so magnificent that there are binoculars supplied everywhere. Beautifully designed, with local materials woven and knitted on the island, to modern art and architecture, the Fogo Island Inn offers every possible luxury you could ask for. The inn is a testament to the island and its people.

Pro Tip: Hikes, northern lights, whale and birdwatching, food foraging, art and more, provides plenty to do. Plan your trip according to the “Seven Seasons” of Fogo .

To add to your travel portfolio, visit some of these unusual destinations:

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A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

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A 2024 Compilation Of 59 Weirdest Places Across the World You Should Stop By

Where words fail, pictures do the trick. And in this blog, you require the pictures to understand the baffling beauty and sublime grace of some of the strangest places on earth. You will be shocked to read about some weird places in the world that are too shocking to believe. We have carefully shortlisted 59 weirdest places across the world based on human interactions with these destinations. We bet you will be rushing to change your bucket list just about now. Take a look at the most bizarre destinations in the history of the world. You will be taken in by shock, awe, surprise; in a nutshell, the entire spectrum of human emotions.

59 Weirdest Places Across The World

The world we live in is a very interesting place. Each place on this Earth has its own unique features. Some features are not just unique but can also seem weird to our human minds. Here are the 59 weirdest places across the world that are a must-visit:

Salar De Uyuni – Explore The White Salt Bed
Lake Natron – The Scariest Lake
Die Rakotzbrück – The Nature’s Own Ring
Spotted Lake Khiluk – Puddles Of Water
Slope Point – Windy Spot
Dead Vlei – The Beautiful Yet Dead Forest
Underwater Park – Fun Below The Water
Eternal Flame Falls – Nature’s Unique Phenomena
Tunnel Of Love – Walk Amidst The Greenery
Christ Of The Abyss – Explore Underwater
The Silfra Rift – Experience The Two Continents Underwater
Caño Cristales – The River Of 5 Colors
Jellyfish Lake – See The Creatures
Blood Falls – Witness The Red Water Flow
Painted Hills – Witness The Nature’s Painting
Confluence Of Rhone And Arve Rivers – See The Merge
Sea Of Stars – Walk Down The Glowing Water
Huashan Mountain – Road To Heaven
Nelson Lakes National Park – Witness The Beauty
Giant Crystal Cave – See The Unreal Beauty
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Painted Picture
Yonaguni Monument – Dive And Explore
Crooked Forest – Spooky Yet Beautiful
Pink Sands Beach – See Something Different
Richat Structure – See The Nature’s Unique View
Great Blue Hole – Take A Dive At Sinkhole
Dead Sea – Float Over The Water
Lake Retba – Witness The Pink Waterbody
The Wave – Just Out Of A Painting
Mt. Kelimutu – Witness 3 Different Color Lakes
Al Naslaa Rock Formation – Bewildering Natural Phenomena
Mendenhall Ice Caves – Walk Amidst The Ice Crystals
Fingal’s Cave – Symmeterical Natural Wonder
Ruby Falls – Visit The Underground Waterfall
Oneuli Beach – Black Beach Will Fascinate You
Marble Caverns – Unusual Marble Creations
Nyaung Ohak – Explore The Jungle Village
Iguazu Falls- World’s Widest Waterfall
The Doorway Railway – Get A City Tour
Koekohe Beach – The Beach With Giant Boulders
Monolith Of Uluru – The World’s Largest Rock
Mount Roraima – Witness The Highest Mountain
Danakil Depression – The Place With Acid Pools
Travertine Pools – Explore The Cotton Castle
The Giant’s Causeway – Ancient Volcanic Eruption
Pancake Rocks – Natural Staircases
Lencois Maranhenses National Park – White Sand Dunes Structures
Red Beach – Get A Break From White Beaches
The Seven Giants – Incredible Rock Structures
Cat Island – What Is Too Many Cats?
Sailing Stones – See The Stones Moving
Magnetic Hill – Get Ready For A Tough Ride
Moeraki Boulders – Looks Like Giant Eggs
Aokigahara Forest – The Suicide Forest
The Stone Forest – Not Trees But Stones
Nazca Lines – Find The Discovered City
Easter Island Heads – An Unusual Site
Island Of Dolls – Spooky Forest
Tianzi Mountains – See The Tall Natural Structures

1. Salar De Uyuni – Explore The White Salt Bed

Clear blue waters of Bolivia in South America

Image Source

One of the top weirdest places across the world is located in Potosí and Oruro departments, this is the world’s largest salt pan and one of the strange places in the world. And when a thin film of water gathers on the surface it is also the world’s largest natural mirror. The best sight of this space can be observed from the central Incahuasi Island. Salar De Uyuni is the remains of a prehistoric lake that dried off and left behind void space of bright-white salt, rock formations, and cacti-islands. This place harbors large flocks of beautiful pink flamingos that can be seen grazing in the water. The best time to visit this place is in the months of July and October. This is definitely one of the most strange places in the world .

Location: Bolivia Best time to visit: July to October How to reach: Fly or take a train/bus to Uyuni and then take a hired vehicle to the salt flats.

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2. Lake Natron – The Scariest Lake

Looking for some weird places in the world? How about this terrifying lake? Animals that die in this African lake are turned into statues, through calcification. The presence of huge volumes of sodium bicarbonate ensures they turn into mummies. And because of the high alkaline collection, the lake looks red in color, especially during summer in Tanzania . This is the reason why this lake is also known as the ‘Petrifying Lake’. In spite of all these conditions, it is grazing ground for the Lesser Flamingos. Fancy a dip? Don’t even think about it!

Location: Tanzania Best time to visit: June to August How to reach: Fly to Tanzania and book a guided tour of Rift Valley of which the lake is a part.

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3. Die Rakotzbrück – The Nature’s Own Ring

The Die Rakotzbrück bridge is another strange places and comes under the weird places in the world. Constructed in the 19th century is famed for its unique construction accuracy, with the bridge and its reflection merging into a complete and perfect stone circle, no matter where you see it from. Spooky! It is in fact one of the weirdest places across the world. This is probably why the bridge is also known as the ‘Devil’s Bridge’. It seems that the makers of the bridge emphasized more on its aesthetics than its utility. Both the ends of the Rakotzbrücke have thin rock spires installed, to make it look like natural basalt columns, which commonly occur in many parts of Germany.

Location: Altes Schloß 11, 02953 Gablenz, Germany Best time to visit: May to September How to reach: Fly to Dresden and take a train to Gablenz from Dresden Hauptbahnhof. From there you can take a taxi to the Devil’s Bridge.

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4. Spotted Lake Khiluk – Puddles Of Water

Spotted Lake Khiluk is the most mineralized lake in the world. Another bizarre place that makes it to the weirdest places across the world. The lake is spotted with 365 separate pools arranged in a strange mosaic-like pattern. Each of these spots holds a unique and highly concentrated chemical content and is said to cure different diseases. Definitely one of the nicer strangest places in the world.

Location: Northwest of Osoyoos, British Columbia Best time to visit: April to October How to reach: Fly to British Columbia and take a bus or train to Osoyoos.

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5. Slope Point – Windy Spot

The most beautiful southernmost point of New Zealand

Slope Point is the South Island’s southernmost point is another of the strange places in the world . The forest here is home to trees that are permanently twisted and windblown thanks to the intense Antarctic gusts . Windy much? This is one of the windiest strangest places in the world. The sight is all the more intensified by the rugged cliffs, eroded by the strong winds and time. The place is used for sheep farming, though there are no houses around. Another highlight of this place is the AA signpost that is installed here showing the distance to the Equator (5,140 km) and the South Pole (4,803 km).

Location: New Zealand Best time to visit: December to February How to reach: Fly to Auckland and take a ferry to South Island.

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6. Dead Vlei – The Beautiful Yet Dead Forest

The name Deadvlei means ‘dead marsh’ and the place is also known as ‘Dooie Vlei’. It is a sun-blackened dead forest in a white clay pan which is basically a dried oasis. An amazing yet counted as one of the strange places in the world, the lack of water forces the roots of trees to come outside looking for moisture. The struggle is real! The place is surrounded by rust-orange giant sand dunes that form a contrasting backdrop. This place is also said to be surrounded by the highest sand dunes in the world.

Location: Namibia Best time to visit: March to May How to reach: Fly to Namibia and take a bus or taxi to Namib-Naukluft Park.

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7. Underwater Park – Fun Below The Water

Every spring this park disappears under water

This list won’t be complete without some underwater beauties. One of the most weird places in the world, located in the Green Lake in Tragoess, this is not just a gimmick, but a genuine park that goes underwater during spring. After all, the scuba divers do need to rest and relax. It is considered as one of the most fabulous waters to dive in around Europe due to the rarest natural phenomenon in one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria . Have you booked your tickets yet?

Location: Austria Best time to visit: April to May How to reach: Fly to Vienna and take the train to Bruck an der Mur using the OEBB. From there, you can take bus 175 that will get you to the lake in 35 minutes.

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8. Eternal Flame Falls – Nature’s Unique Phenomena

Mysterious eternal flame burning under the waterfall

The Eternal Flame Falls is one of the most craziest places in the world. However, it is a quaint waterfall located in Shale Creek Preserve, which is a section of Chestnut Ridge Park in Western New York. A small item at the waterfall’s base emits natural gas. Interestingly, it can be lit to produce a flame. This flame is visible all year round. It can be extinguished and must occasionally be re-lit. The flame is fueled by natural gases and burns bright right under a waterfall.

Location: New York, the US Best time to visit: April to October How to reach: Fly to New York and take a train to Buffalo. From here, take a train or bus to Orchard Park where the falls are located.

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9. Tunnel Of Love – Walk Amidst The Greenery

The beautiful view of the Tunnel of love

A section of industrial railway in Ukraine, this green leafy tunnel seems like something out of a fairy tale. It is known for being a favorite place for couples to take morning or evening strolls. If you’re planning to surprise your significant other on Valentine’s day, ditch the usual trip to Disneyland and book your trip to Ukraine . You will not be disappointed by everything that Ukraine has to offer, especially if your reason to visit it is to see one of the weirdest places across the world. The beauty of the Tunnel Of Love will astound you.

Location: Ukraine Best time to visit: May How to reach: Fly to Ukraine and take a bus or train to Rivne. Get to Rivne train station where you’ll be able to see the tunnel.

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10. Christ Of The Abyss – Explore Underwater

This is 2.50 meters, you read that right, it is a 2.5 METRES TALL bronze statue of Jesus Christ, which is under water. A favorite place for deep sea divers, and definitely one of the strange places around the world situated underwater. It is a submerged bronze statue of Jesus Christ by Guido Galletti and is one of the best tourist spots in Italy for thrill seekers. The original copy of the same is located in the Mediterranean Sea, off San Fruttuoso, between Camogli and Portofino.

Location: Italy Best time to visit: May to June How to reach: Fly to Milan and take a train to Genoa city. From here, take a taxi, bus, or another train to either Portofino or Camogli. Book a diving tour here to swim down to see the Christ Of The Abyss.

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11. The Silfra Rift – Experience The Two Continents Underwater

The Silfra Rift, one of the most obscure places in the world separates two continents and two tectonic plates, namely the North American and Eurasian plates. It occupies an area of approximately 600 by 200 meters. It is touted to be one of the most unique phenomena on Earth. Snorkeling in Silfra Rift is one of Iceland’s awesomest experiences. Make sure to indulge in it on your trip to Iceland. You will be blown away by the beauty of this natural marvel. Prepare to be bedazzled by one of the weirdest places across the world.

Location: Iceland Best time to visit: June to August How to reach: Fly to Reykjavik and take a taxi or hired vehicle to drive to Silfra (one hour away).

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12. Caño Cristales – The River Of 5 Colors

In the summer months, this Colombian river turns red. Counted as the most weirdest places in the world, the river bed is covered by a unique species of plant, and that is what turns red. Another one of those mysterious places on earth underwater. The river is commonly called the “River of Five Colors” or the “Liquid Rainbow”. It has been called the most beautiful water body on Earth. You can make a time lapse here of the water cascading down the rocks.

Location: Colombia Best time to visit: How to reach: Fly to Bogotá or Villavicencio and take an internal flight to La Macarena. From here, book a local tour of the national park which will cover the land transfers to and fro.

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13. Jellyfish Lake – See The Creatures

There are 70 marine lakes located in this region. What makes Jellyfish Lake stand apart from the rest is that it contains jellyfish. Too many of them! It was closed for public in 2012 owing to the diminishing population of jellyfish in this lake, one of the weirdest places across the world for sure! Scientists assumed that it was the end of this beautiful lake. But the population of jellyfish grew in recent years and it has once again been opened for the public. Cool, right?

Location: Palau Best time to visit: November to April How to reach: Take a speedboat from Palau mainland to Eil Malk Island and opt for a snorkeling tour in the Rock Islands to see the jellyfish.

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14. Blood Falls – Witness The Red Water Flow

Amidst the unending whiteness of the snow, Blood Falls provides a creepy relief. The water is red in color due to the presence of huge amounts of Iron. Definitely makes the list of the strangest places in the world. According to Forbes, the mystery surrounding Blood Falls has been solved. According to the researchers of the University of Alaska, the red coloring is due to “oxidized iron in brine saltwater, the same process that gives the iron a dark red color when it rusts.”

Location: Antarctica Best time to visit: November to March How to reach: Fly to Taylor Valley and hike to the waterfall with a guide.

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15. Painted Hills – Witness The Nature’s Painting

Different shades of hills of John day fossil beds

How often do you come across a place and are simply left awestruck by its beauty? Painted Hills is one of those weirdest places across the world. Don’t believe us? Book a trip to Oregon right away and see for yourself. We promise you will change your mind after you find it in every Oregon travel guide and when it you see it for yourself! At Painted Hills of John Day Fossil Beds, the presence of minerals stain the hills in myriad hues. The ever changing light and moisture levels affect the yellows, reds, golds, and blacks.

Location: Oregon, the US Best time to visit: June to August How to reach: Fly to Oregon and drive (or take a taxi) via the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway to get to the hills.

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16. Confluence Of Rhone And Arve Rivers – See The Merge

Spellbinding view of two different colors of rivers emerging together

There is a defined contrast between these two rivers of Switzerland ; one is blue and the other brown. They never fully mix due to the difference in density. They mix in Geneva, which is situated in Switzerland. It is hard to walk by this beautiful marvel of nature and not feel overwhelmed by whatever nature has to offer us. Go ahead and Google search this place to check out beautiful photographs of this place. You will be blown away by the beauty of one of the most scenic places in Switzerland .

Location: Switzerland Best time to visit: March to June How to reach: Fly to Geneva and either take a taxi or walk to the confluence point.

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17. Sea Of Stars – Walk Down The Glowing Water

Sea of stars that shines bright blue during night

Bioluminescent sea plankton that shines bright blue during the night makes the sea area at Vaadhoo Island look like the Sea of Stars. The sea of stars of Vaadhoo Island Maldives attracts millions of tourists every year. The tourist footfall seems to be only increasing after the sea was featured in far and few Bollywood and Hollywood films. The Maldives is listed as one of the cheapest destinations in the world and this beach is one of the weirdest places across the world. So, what’s stopping you from seeing this sight?

Location: Maldives Best time to visit: May to November How to reach: From to Male and take a speedboat to Vaadhoo Island.

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18. Huashan Mountain – Road To Heaven

An adventurous walk on the Huashan Mountain

What’s weird about Huashan Mountain, you say? Well, look closely On the end of this treacherous death-defying trail in China is a mere tea house, but this Mount Huashan Plank Walk in the Sky is famed for its adrenaline raising effects. It is known as the Road to Heaven. Would you walk the plank here, at one of the strangest places on earth? Let us know in the comments section below. Tag your friends and get going.

Location: China Best time to visit: April to October How to reach: Take a train to either Xian Railway Station or Xian Cheng Dong Coach Station and take a bus to Huayin.

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19. Nelson Lakes National Park – Witness The Beauty

Crystal clear waters of blue lake in New Zealand

Do you get extremely excited about jungle safaris and walking tours of the national park in general? This one might just surprise you with its quirkiness. There is an interesting Blue Lake at the Nelson Lakes National Park, one of the weirdest places across the world. But what’s so weird about it? How about the fact that this is a lake so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, and can’t even make out the depth. Go ahead, visit it. We dare you. Don’t blame us for your mind being blown to smithereens.

Location: New Zealand Best time to visit: December to February How to reach: Fly to Nelson or Blenheim and take a bus or taxi to Lake Rotoroa.

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20. Giant Crystal Cave – See The Unreal Beauty

Glistening view of the shiny mineral pillars

Giant Crystal Cave at Naica Mine is also one of the weirdest places on the Earth. Deep down in the bowels of the Earth, these huge shiny mineral pillars are enough to make you feel claustrophobic. This mammoth structure has been growing underneath Mexico for more than 500,000 years. It makes for an exceptional case study on how organisms survive in extreme heat and humidity. All nature lovers must visit this place at least once.

Location: Mexico Best time to visit: December to April How to reach: Fly to Chihuahua and take a bus or train to Naica. From here you can get a taxi to the caves.

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21. Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Painted Picture

Watch different shades of colors at this rainbow mountain

Covered in wide lines of pastel blue, intense red, green, pink and yellow. There are currently no scientific explanations for this phenomenon. Often referred to as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain is a colorful peak in Peru. It is extremely difficult to reach, we will not lie. But the strenuous effort is worth the trek. The sights that you will behold from the top of the mountain will dazzle you and tell you why it’s on every list of the weirdest places across the world. Are you ready to do this?

Location: Peru Best time to visit: June to August How to reach: Fly to Cusco and hike to Rainbow Mountain on the well-laid out trail for the same.

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22. Yonaguni Monument – Dive And Explore

Have an out the world experience at this extrinsic monument

Scientists have only been able to confirm that this monument underwater in Japan is five thousand years old. It is still not confirmed if it is natural or manmade. Theorists say that it could be alien-made. Which theory do you believe in? If you believe in the former, you probably are of the school of thought that renders the existence of unicorns impossible. Jokes apart, visit this region for a day full of mysterious adventures.

Location: Japan Best time to visit: November to May How to reach: Fly to Ishigaki and and then a ferry to Yonaguni Island from there.

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23. Crooked Forest – Spooky Yet Beautiful

Came across any oddly-shaped pine trees outside Nowe Czarnowo near the town of Gryfino, West Pomerania? Welcome to the most bizarre place on Earth. Very few people visit this region, so why you happened to be there is a mystery in itself. In an otherwise normal forest in Poland, full of straight trees, there is this collection of curved trees, for which there is no scientific explanation. One of the world’s weirdest places in Poland , indeed.

Location: Poland Best time to visit: March to June How to reach: Fly to Warsaw Chopin Airport and take a train or bus to Crooked Forest.

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24. Pink Sands Beach – See Something Different

The sand at this beach is pink in color due to the presence of certain minerals and plankton. According to recent scientific research, the pink hue comes from foraminifera, a microscopic organism that actually has a reddish-pink shell. The sand is a mix of coral, shells, and calcium carbonate. Only a few pink sand beaches exist in the world. The rarity of these beaches adds to the charm and mystery they hold among the human population.

Location: The Bahamas Best time to visit: December to May How to reach: Fly to the Bahamas and take a ferry or private boat to Harbour Island where the beach is located.

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25. Richat Structure – See The Nature’s Unique View

With a diameter of almost 30 miles, this is a structure in the deserts. One of the most unique places in the world, it looks like a massive fossil. Or maybe an alien spaceship landing strip? It is a prominent circle-shaped structure smack in the middle of Mauritania. You can get to the destination from the quaint desert town of Ouadane in the west-central part of Mauritania in western North Africa. Make sure to pack according to the weather of the region. Keep a lookout for the weather.

Location: Mauritania Best time to visit: December How to reach: Fly to Mauritania and take a bus or taxi to the destination.

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26. Great Blue Hole – Take A Dive At Sinkhole

Indeterminable depth of the great blue hole in Belize

A gigantic natural submarine sinkhole! No one knows the depth of the sinkhole. The Blue Hole is a popular spot for freediving. You will be amazed at the power this sinkhole exudes. It is also touted to be the most dangerous and deadliest spots in the world by experts. We suggest that you exercise caution in this area. It has claimed the lives of many divers in the past. Do not be reckless and take care of yourself and your fellow divers.

Location: Belize Best time to visit: January to May How to reach: Fly to Cancun and then take an internal flight to Belize City. Take a bus or taxi to Ambergris Caye from where you’ll need to snorkel or take a boat to the Great Blue Hole.

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27. Dead Sea – Float Over The Water

Can’t swim? No problem! The Dead Sea, a salt lake, will ensure you can float without any effort, due to the high volume of salt and other minerals in the water. The Dead Sea is 10 times as salty as the ocean, with a salinity of about 34%. Just a disclaimer, if you open your eyes while in its water, it will sting quite a bit. It is inhospitable. Interestingly, in the Greek Era, it was inhabited by savage tribes. Visit the site to know more awesome facts.

Location: Jordan Best time to visit: November or December How to reach: Take a train to Be’er Sheva and from there a bus to the Dead Sea.

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28. Lake Retba – Witness The Pink Waterbody

Mesmerizing view of the pink waters at Retba Lake

Ever seen a lake that’s pink in color? That’s what is weird here, thanks to the presence of certain plankton and minerals. It is located some 30 kilometers northeast of Dakar. The reason behind the water being pink is the huge presence of Dunaliella salina algae in the water body. It is known for its high salt content, up to 40% in some areas. It will surely catch your eye in Senegal. Swimming in this water is safe, so pack your swimsuit and head here.

Location: Senegal Best time to visit: November to June How to reach: Fly to Dakar and take a bus or taxi to Lake Retba.

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29. The Wave – Just Out Of A Painting

Watch the wavy rock formations in Arizona

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located near the northern border Arizona shares with Utah. It is a dreamlike world of swirling colors and psychedelic patterns. The rock formations are said to be from the Jurassic era. In an effort to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of this natural site, there are no signage for hikers. You have to find your way in and out of this site. Sounds like a challenge. Who is up for it?

Location: Arizona, the US Best time to visit: November to January How to reach: Fly to Arizona and get to North Coyote Buttes permit area by bus or taxi. Trek on the Wire Pass Trailhead of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument to get to The Wave.

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30. Mt. Kelimutu – Witness 3 Different Color Lakes

An enchanting view of the three different colors of lake at the same place

The result of a volcanic eruption, this wonder is home to three separate lakes, all of the different colors – black, blue, and turquoise. Weirdly, at the summit of Mount Kelimutu summit, there are three crater lakes in three different colors, and those colors change all the time. If this isn’t the most bizarre thing that you have read this week, we don’t know what is. It is often times blue. Make sure to stop by this lake and tell us in the comments section below which color it was when you saw it.

Location: Indonesia Best time to visit: May to September How to reach: Fly to Ende and get a bus or taxi to the nearest village from where people usually trek (2.5 hours) to the lakes and mountains.

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31. Al Naslaa Rock Formation – Bewildering Natural Phenomena

There are many natural occurrences that can bewilder the traveler. This is one of them. This little slice of perfection. See the uniform slit between the flat faces of these two standing stones? Al Naslaa is one of the most photogenic petroglyphs in the area. Its natural shape is a big mystery that no one has been able to solve yet. Make sure you embark on a holiday to Saudi Arabia to catch a sight of this natural structure.

Location: Saudi Arabia Best time to visit: October and early March How to reach: Take a taxi or drive a hired vehicle to Tayma oasis from Tabouk.

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32. Mendenhall Ice Caves – Walk Amidst The Ice Crystals

The different shades of blue in the ice crystals inside these caves is a natural phenomenon that has left scientists baffled for years. As global warming is on the rise, there is a chance that these ice caves might be affected. Geologists are doing everything possible in their capacity to save these ice caves from becoming extinct. The glacier was named Auke (Auk) Glacier by naturalist John Muir for the Tlingit Auk Kwaan band.

Location: Alaska Best time to visit: mid May to mid September How to reach: Ride to Tongass National Forest in Juneau and then trek to the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves with a guide.

Suggested Read: The Wondrous Mendenhall Ice Caves Of Alaska

33. Fingal’s Cave – Symmeterical Natural Wonder

As a rule, caves are round in shape with round rocks, right? Wrong! Take a look at these symmetrical square caves. These caves are situated on the uninhabited islands of Staffa in Scotland. Except for researchers and scientists, people don’t usually visit these caves. But you can still look at this photograph and admire the bounties of nature. Doesn’t this strike as beautiful to you? The cave has a large entrance and is filled by seawater.

Location: Scotland Best time to visit: April to October How to reach: Take a ferry from Fionnphort to the Isle of Staffna.

Suggested Read: Scottish Highland Railways: 12 Most Breathtaking Train Rides Of Scotland!

34. Ruby Falls – Visit The Underground Waterfall

A 145-foot high underground waterfall that is illuminated to create this lovely purplish hue. It is located within Lookout Mountain near Tennessee. They have existed for millions of years. Ruby Falls Cave features prominent cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites, columns, drapery, and flow stone. The caves were opened to the public only recently, so make sure you don’t miss out on a trip to this destination.

Location: Tennessee, the USA Best time to visit: Year-round How to reach: Fly to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport and take a bus or taxi to the Lookout Mountains.

Suggested Read: 8 Enthralling Places To Visit in Tennessee That You Might Not Want To Miss Out On In 2023!

35. Oneuli Beach – Black Beach Will Fascinate You

Have a view of the black sand amidst the crystal clear waters

A remarkable beach that boasts of pitch black sand due to volcanic activity in the past. If you know how to swim or snorkel, you will have the time of your life here. If you don’t, you can train with certified instructors first and then take a dive into this beautiful black sand beach. You will not regret a visit to this destination. We promise you will be blown away.

Location: Hawaii, the US Best time to visit: April to May How to reach: Drive from Wailea towards the Grand Wailea Resort in Makena. 4 miles south of the resort is a dirt path, taking which will lead you to the parking lot of this beach.

Suggested Read: 28 Offbeat Honeymoon Destinations In The World For 2023 You’d Have Never Heard Of!

36. Marble Caverns – Unusual Marble Creations

The Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake have amazingly smooth and cool caves of marble. The water is clear enough to see deep down to the bottom. The Marble Caves, Marble Chapel, and Marble Cathedral are an unusual geological formation in the General Carrera Lake or Lake Buenos Aires (as it is popularly called) located in Patagonia. Hop on a ferry and take a trip to these unusual marble formations. Don’t forget to get your camera with you.

Location: Chile Best time to visit: December to March How to reach: Fly to Santiago and then take an internal flight to Balmaceda. From there, you can take a taxi or hired vehicle to drive down the Carretera Austral road to Puerto Tranquilo, and from here you’ll get a motorboat or kayak to reach the Marble Caves.

Suggested Read: 16 Most Expensive Islands In The World To Check Out In 2023

37. Nyaung Ohak – Explore The Jungle Village

Myanmar may not be the most popular destination, but it definitely features on the list of places you should visit once before you die. Here is why. Myanmar houses Nyaung Ohak, which is a beauty in its own right. A surreal jungle-village of over 1000 crumbling temples is hard to come by elsewhere. This destination is covered in greenery. It is a sight to behold. Getting to Nyaung Ohak involves an exciting boat ride.

Location: Myanmar Best time to visit: November to February How to reach: Take a train or bus from anywhere in Myanmar.

Suggested Read: 24 Best Honeymoon Destinations In February To Explore Around The World In 2023!

38. Iguazu Falls- World’s Widest Waterfall

Extensively expanded waterfall in Brazil

One of the widest waterfalls in the entire world . Iguazu Falls will give Niagara Falls a run for its money. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The power of the falls was not utilized until the construction of Itaipu Dam. It is a dam built jointly by Paraguay and Brazil. It was completed in 1991. If cascading waterfalls mesmerize you, plan a visit to this beautiful destination and prepare to be blown away.

Location: Brazil Best time to visit: July to October and February to April How to reach: Fly to either Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) in Brazil or Cataratas del Iguazú (IGR) in Argentina. The falls are a bus or taxi ride away from both Buenos Aires and Rio.

39. The Doorway Railway – Get A City Tour

Interesting track of a railway in Vietnam

The Doorway Railway of Hanoi is a railway line passes inches away from the doorsteps of shops, through the residential neighborhood and commercial area of Hanoi. There’s a street in Hanoi, Vietnam where a speeding train passes straight through twice a day. If you’re in the way of the train, you are supposed to press tight into the adjoining wall or duck into a nearby cafe to escape being killed. You can feel the iron resonate against your skin. Sounds terrifying, right?

Location: Vietnam Best time to visit: February to April and October-November How to reach: Take a taxi or shared cab from anywhere in Hanoi to get to Train Street.

Suggested Read: 20 Best Beaches In Vietnam For Some Sun, Sand & Surf!

40. Koekohe Beach – The Beach With Giant Boulders

Mesmerizing beauty of Koekohe beach in New Zealand

Unusually-giant boulders dot the eroded Otago coastline along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Scientists are unable to explain what is expected to be a natural phenomenon. They are unusually large and either occur scattered in the region or in clusters. Though the beach faces erosion now and then, the rocks refuse to change their structure and remain firmly cemented in the ground. This is a must-visit site for nature lovers. It is also one of the top cool things to do in New Zealand .

Location: New Zealand Best time to visit: December to February (visit the site between low-tide and mid-tide at sunrise) How to reach: It’s a 30-minute drive on State Highway 1 from Moerkai or Hampden to Koekohe Beach.

Suggested Read: 19 Adventure Sports In New Zealand That Will Make The Thrillist In You Super Happy In 20233!

41. Monolith Of Uluru – The World’s Largest Rock

This is a single rock. One single, gigantic rock, which is a mountain in itself. With a height of 348 meters and a circumference of 5.8 miles, this is the world’s largest rock and one of the weirdest places on earth. While the rocks surrounding it eroded, it stood its ground to become the longest surviving Monolithic rock structure. If this rock doesn’t inspire you to keep hustling in life and staying true to all the promises you made to yourself, we don’t know what will.

Location: Australia Best time to visit: September to November How to reach: Fly to Yulara and take a taxi, hired vehicle, or bus to Uluru.

42. Mount Roraima – Witness The Highest Mountain

An enormous surreal flat top mountain said to be one of the most mysterious, with an abundance of unusual plants and animals. Welcome to one of the weirdest places on earth. This is the highest mountain in the Pakaraima chain. It is furthermore, the highest point in Venezuela. The mountain’s highest point is named as Laberintos del Norte. Hire a tour guide and trek these mountains to marvel at nature’s wonders. Don’t forget to take your friends along.

Location: Venezuela Best time to visit: December to April How to reach: Fly to Boa Vista and take a bus or taxi to Mount Roraima.

43. Danakil Depression – The Place With Acid Pools

These are not your average run-of-the-mill pools; these are actually acid pools. Even what looks like land are brittle crusts of salt and sulfur. Totally one of the strangest places on earth. The tectonic plates underneath the Danakil Depression continue to move, even after millions of years. Scientists believe that if the movement doesn’t cease, the land will drop further below sea level. Won’t that be a sight to behold?

Location: Ethiopia Best time to visit: November to early January How to reach: Take a bus or taxi from the nearest town of Berahile.

44. Travertine Pools – Explore The Cotton Castle

A group of small pools that result from calcium carbonate deposits. Looks cold, but these are actually pools of warm water, fed by an underground spring. The area is immensely famous among the locals and tourists alike for the carbonate mineral left by flowing water, which lends this natural site the name “cotton castle”. This place in Turkey is a sight to behold and we recommend you to stop by there on your trip to the region.

Location: Pamukkale, Turkey Best time to visit: April to mid-June How to reach: Fly to Denizli Airport from where you can get into any of the shuttles or mini buses to reach Pamukkale.

Suggested Read: 9 Best Museums In The World For Every Historophile

45. The Giant’s Causeway – Ancient Volcanic Eruption

Symmetrical rock formation at the Giant's Causeway in Ireland

The result of an ancient volcanic eruption, these are perfectly straight rocks jutting out of the sea. Around 60 million years ago, this place was subjected to intense volcanic eruptions. As the lava cooled and the smoke enveloping the region disappeared, people found pillar like structures jutting out. They were amazed and began researching the origin of the Giant’s Causeway. To date, scientists are perplexed by the firmness of these rocks.

Location: Ireland Best time to visit: April to June How to reach: Take a bus from Dublin to Bushmills. From there, take another bus or taxi to Giant’s Causeway.

46. Pancake Rocks – Natural Staircases

The thousands of layers of sandstone and limestone accumulated on the ocean floor has given shape to these stacks of pancake-like rocks. The Pancake Rocks are reachable by a number of walkways winding through the rock formations, parts of these wheelchair-accessible and others carved into stairways up and down the rock faces. Make sure to visit this place on your trip to New Zealand. Prepare to be bedazzled by this natural wonder on Earth.

Location: New Zealand Best time to visit: January How to reach: Take a train or bus to Greymouth and then a taxi or hired vehicle to drive to Punakaiki where the rocks are located.

47. Lencois Maranhenses National Park – White Sand Dunes Structures

Lencois Maranhenses National Park is one of the mysterious places on Earth which is a protected area in Brazil. There is a reason why this place has a special status in the country. Although it deceptively looks like a desert, this national park of Brazil has many small pools bordered by the sandy dune-like structures. Have you ever come across white sand dunes on your desert trips? If your answer is no, pack your bags and head to Lencois Maranhenses National Park.

Location: Brazil Best time to visit: May to August How to reach: Fly to São Luís International Airport where you can get taxi or private van to get to the park.

48. Red Beach – Get A Break From White Beaches

Have a sight of blood red colored beach in China

Red beach is famed for its red-hued sand which is one of the unique places to visit . It is a renowned tourist attraction. The place receives a tourist footfall of tens of thousands of people each year. The tourists seem to be in love with this place. Every year in autumn, The Red Beach in Tianjin, China comes alive with Suaeda salsa, a red colored plant that thrives well in salt water. The entire beach blooms red, leaving only thin strips of sea visible. Make sure to come here with your friends and get a photograph for your Instagram.

Location: China Best time to visit: May to October How to reach: Get to Panjin City by bus or train from anywhere in China.

Suggested Read: Visit These 10 Uninhabited Islands For A Trip Of A Lifetime In 2023!

49. The Seven Giants – Incredible Rock Structures

Locally known as the Seven Strong Men of Russia or The Little Mountain of the Gods, these behemoth stone pillars, created by frost and snow over many years, are a mystery as yet unsolved by science. You will find seven rock formations here. Their heights vary from 30 to 42 meters. Behold them and get lost in the divine wonders of nature. We dare you to book a ticket to this region, which is officially one of the most mysterious places in the world. You’ll be amazed at the sight of this unusual places to visit .

Location: Russia Best time to visit: March to August How to reach: Take a bus to the Ural mountains.

50. Cat Island – What Is Too Many Cats?

Get ready to spot thousands of cats at this strange place

An island that is home to a mere 100 humans, and thousands of cats which makes it one of the strange places on Earth . The locals love the living situation though. For a dog-lover like me, this is one of the strangest places on earth. Cat Island is located in a remote region of Japan that goes by the name of Ehime Prefecture. Here, the cats outnumber human beings by a ratio of 10:1. People were introduced to combat rodents on fishing boats but remained on this island. They procreated and thus, the human settlement flourished.

Location: Japan Best time to visit: mid-December to mid-April How to reach: Take a train from Sendai to Ishinomaki Station and then a bus and ferry from the station to Tashirojima Island.

51. Sailing Stones – See The Stones Moving

Image Source The Death Valley in California is one of the weirdest places in the world owing to the phenomenon of the Sailing Stones that have bewildered people for generations. In 1915 people had discovered a track here which indicated that a particular stone had moved from its place in the dry land. This sailing stone had immediately been recorded and the locals began further study so that they could learn more about this mystery. A lot of rocks have moved on their own since then, and the natives believe it happens because of the formation of ice around the stones, though it’s not confirmed.

Location: Death Valley, California Best time to visit: mid-October to mid-May How to reach: The nearest airport is McCarran International Airport from where you can get a taxi or bus.

Suggested Read: 12 Things To Do In California: Indulge In Activities That Treasure Forever

52. Magnetic Hill – Get Ready For A Tough Ride

A vehicle moving on the road that leads to Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, India, is known to be one of the most unique places in the world where you can experience a truly unusual phenomenon. When you travel into the land of Ladakh, you will come across this place which tends to pull vehicles. This is essentially a tiny stretch of road on a hill that lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway. The mystery is that you can park your vehicle here and turn off the ignition of your car, your vehicle will slowly start moving on its own!

Location: Ladakh, India Best time to visit: July to September How to reach: Take a flight to Leh, or a road trip on the Delhi-Manali-Leh route.

Suggested Read: Magnetic Hill In Ladakh: A Handy Guide To Unravel This Mystery In 2023

53. Moeraki Boulders – Looks Like Giant Eggs

Image Source The first thing you’ll notice about these weird rocks is that they look like giant eggs! Moeraki boulders are said to be one of the most unique places in the world and are laid out on the Koekohe Beach in New Zealand while people come to see them from far and wide and end up being puzzled! It’s a rare sight to gaze at and the mammoth 12-feet high boulders are scattered around in the most peculiar formation, which makes them even more bizarre! The locals believe the rocks have been formed as a result of tremendous mineral and sediment accumulation around this area which eventually fossilized.

54. Aokigahara Forest – The Suicide Forest

Image Source The Aokigahara Forest is said to be one of the weirdest places in the world by locals and travelers alike, at least the ones who did not venture into it! In fact, the Hollywood flick The Forest is entirely based on this forest itself, the story in that movie explores the spooky nature of this very jungle which is said to have been haunting people for a very long time now. Also called the Suicide Forest, this place is situated at the foothills of the famed volcano Mount Fuji in Japan and is notorious for its endless cases of haunting and apparitions that have occurred here. The worst part is that more than 500 people are said to have committed suicide in this forest.

Location: Japan Best time to visit: mid-June to mid-September How to reach: You can take a taxi or bus from Tokyo to the entrance of the forest (don’t go inside!)

Suggested Read: 7 Best Gardens In Japan Which Will Take You Into A Utopian World!

55. The Stone Forest – Not Trees But Stones

Image Source Another one on our list of the most unusual places in the world is the Stone Forest in the world which draws most of its fame on the grounds of how strange it is! Unlike the green and wildlife nurturing forests in the world (that is what the word “forest” is usually associated with), this one is compiled mainly of strange rocks and stones. That’s right! Located in Yunnan Province of China, this Stone Forest is a one-of-its-kind Shilin Stone Forest where you will find towering limestone rock formations instead of the usual tall trees and shrubs. These tall limestone structures have cropped up over an area of around 100,000 acres and make the whole place look like a “forest”, thus the name!

Location: Yunnan Province, China Best time to visit: March to October How to reach: Take a train to Shilin from Kunming Train Station and then a bus to the forest area.

56. Nazca Lines – Find The Discovered City

Image Source You may remember the Nazca Lines reference from the movie Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull where they played a huge role in enabling the explorer-cum-professor where the hidden city lied. Most people are not aware that this place is real and actually exists on the world map.

One of the most unusual places in the world, these are humongous lines scarred into the desert landscapes of southern Peru. As explained in the movie itself, these only make sense from the skies (a plane!) from where people can make out the strange shapes carved into the otherwise barren desert landscape. These prehistoric remains in South America are amongst the most awesome phenomenon and one of the most revered they UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing thousands of tourists here every year.

Location: Peru Best time to visit: May to October How to reach: Fly over Nazca or get a bus ride to the mirador (viewpoint) in the middle of the desert for a restricted view.

Suggested Read: 9 Coolest Things To Do In Peru In 2023 For The Adventurous Souls

57. Easter Island Heads – An Unusual Site

Image Source Made by the Rapa Nui civilization back in the first millennium AD when this place wasn’t even called the Easter Island, there are countless carved effigies of gigantic heads spread across the beach. They have been made by the Para Nui people using the early tools and have been carved right out of the black rock boulders on the island, chiseled and chipped to perfection. Displaying a brilliant example of the masonry and creativity at that time, these Easter Island heads are some of the earliest examples of prehistoric art, many others being cave drawings and the like. They have surely made this island one of the most unique places to visit in the world for travelers who come here every year in huge numbers.

Location: Polynesia Best time to visit: April to June or October to December How to reach: Get a seat on the LATAM airline from Santiago which is the only airline that flies to this island.

58. Island Of Dolls – Spooky Forest

When it comes to exploring the weirdest places in the world, among all the list comes this crazy island in Mexico. The uninhabited Mexican island of Xochimilco has eerie and roughed-up dolls hanging up on the trees. The sight looks like just out of a horror movie where there are dolls hanging amidst the wilderness. According to the legends, these dolls started washing down the shore after a girl died in one of the canals in the vicinity. After this one of the single inhabitants hung them from the trees for some creepy reasons. Tourists often make a trip to this place during the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico .

Location: Xochimilco

59. Tianzi Mountains – See The Tall Natural Structures

The Tianzi Mountains are one of the unique places to visit in the world which was the sole inspiration for the sets of Avatar. These mountain peaks abruptly rose from the ground to create a beautiful landscape. Spread across an area of 21 square miles, these mountain landscapes are located inside the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. These mountains are a product of millions of years of sedimentary rock erosion.

Location: Hunan Province of China

Further Read: 20 Weird, Strange Islands Of The World You Should Visit In 2023

So, what do you think about this list of 59 weirdest places across the world? Do you think they are worth visiting? Did we miss out on any? What is your opinion on the aforementioned destinations? Any place that you think is not bizarre or quirky enough? Any place that you’d love to visit solo or with a group of friends? Don’t wait. Book your world trip with TravelTriangle now! You will not regret visiting any of these strange places on Earth, we assure you.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weirdest Places Across The World

Is it safe to travel amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit these places as the place has a relatively low number of cases. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure. It is safer to undertake solo travel or with a small group of people to somewhere that is not overly crowded at the moment.

Which are the weirdest places in the US?

You will find numerous weird places in the US in terms of their architecture, nature, spook level and quirk. Here are a few of the weirdest places in the US that are kind of a must-visit.The sandstone waves in Arizona colored in orange, purple, and red are as alluring as they are hypnotizing. It puts you in wonder how nature is so amazing. You may not believe but there is Thor’s well in reality in Yachats in Lincoln County, Oregon. There is a fountain of gurgling ocean tides by the sea but don’t plunge in because nobody knows how deep it is. You will also find a house in Rockport, Massachusetts made entirely out of newspaper. Everyone knows about Area 51, of course, bt o one knows what is inside it.

Which are the weirdest places in London?

For starters, there is A Clown Gallery and Museum where you will find clown dolls, clown portraits, and clown costumes on display. Creepy much? Then there is Dennis Severs House that will give you a glimpse of London that was hundreds of years ago. Check into the oldest prison in England, the Clink Prison Museum, and discover the historical graveyards – The magnificent Seven, where famous historical figures like Karl Marx are buried.

Which are the weirdest places on google maps?

The sprawling Swastika designs in Kazakhstan were spotted on Google Maps that date back to 2,000 years ago. There is an island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island in the Philippines where no man has ever stepped foot. A phantom island popped up on Google Maps in 2012 located northwest of New Caledonia.

Which are the most dangerous places in the world?

Here are some of the most dangerous places in the world: 1. Snake Island, Brazil 2. Danakil Desert, East Africa 3. Sahel, North Africa 4. Oymyakon, Russia 5. Mount Sinabung, Indonesia 6. Skeleton Coast, Namibia 7. Lake Nyos, Cameroon 8. Lake Natron, Tanzania 9. Bermuda Triangle, North Atlantic 10. Mailu Suu, Kyrgyzstan 11. Manaus, Brazil 12. Dallol, Ethiopia 13. North Sentinel Island, India

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Wander-Lush

35 Unusual Holiday Destinations for Alternative Travellers

The very best quirky, unconventional and unusual holiday destinations for travellers who love to go their own way.

Do you consider yourself an unconventional tourist, or are you happy enough to stick to the path well travelled?

‘Off the beaten track’ is one of the most overused phrases in travel writing. In this day and age, there are few destinations truly worthy of such a title. But it’s also true that there’s never been a better time to break from the crowd and travel off the radar.

Also read: 25 best alternative city breaks in Europe .

Some of these holiday destinations are considered unusual because they’re remote and difficult to reach. Others have a harsh climate or are misunderstood, while some are simply overlooked for more touristy alternatives.

Whether it’s pristine nature, complete solitude or authentic cultural encounters you seek, this list has something for you. Compiled by a list of expert travellers, each of these places is utterly underrated and more than worthy of your consideration as an alternative holiday destination.

Browse the full list or use the links below to find a favourite.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

35 unusual holiday destinations that should be on your radar

With the help of my favourite travel bloggers, I scoured every continent to find the best unusual travel destinations worthy of a mention. Here’s what we came up with!

If you have anything more to add, please leave your suggestions in the comments section at the end!

1. Azerbaijan, the land of fire

Editor’s choice

Azerbaijan is a strong contender for the world’s most underrated holiday destination.

Compared to its more-popular neighbours, Georgia and Armenia , Azerbaijan’s relatively strict visa policy has been a deterrent for many travellers. But an e-visa introduced in 2017 now makes it easier than ever to travel to Azerbaijan .

Baku, the biggest city, is one of the most curious capitals in the world . Enriched by decades of oil wealth, it boasts ambitious architecture and large-scale civic projects including the Bulvar, a massive seaside boulevard along the Caspian, and the world’s largest flag pole. Icherisheher , Old Baku’s historic core, is a complete contrast, with its Zoroastrian tower and stone caravanserais.

Beyond the city, the otherworldly landscape of the Absheron Peninsula includes mud volcanoes and flaming hillsides (a result of all that subterranean oil). Go mountain hiking, visit the small towns of Guba and Lahic where artisans ply their traditional trades, and visit Sheki , home of the legendary UNESCO Site , the Palace of the Sheki Khans.

2. Oman, for a Middle Eastern road trip

The Middle East is the last place most people think of when planning a road trip. But Oman is the perfect place for self-driving.

New highways, cheap fuel and a surplus of things to see make this the perfect spot for an adventurous holiday. If you’re on a budget , you’ll be pleased to know that it’s perfectly legal to pitch a tent almost anywhere you fancy in Oman. A night of glamping in one of the country’s desert camps is also a must.

Start your road trip in Muscat, where you’ll find Oman’s premier cultural institutions and the lively Muttrah Souq, before making your way down the coast. At Ras Al Jinz, the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, you can visit one of the world’s most active turtle nesting sights.

Inland, Oman offers sweeping deserts, dramatic mountains and valleys for hiking, and a variety of historic fortresses. Drop into some of the many wadis and sinkholes as you go to cool off from the desert heat.

Don’t judge Oman by it’s location on the map – this is an overwhelmingly safe, relatively budget-friendly and abundantly beautiful country with a strong tradition of hospitality and a vibrant, well-preserved cultural heritage.

3. The far north of Vietnam

A large tree hangs over a lake in Northern Vietnam.

Aside from super-popular Sapa and Bac Ha , far Northern-Vietnam is home to a number of lesser-visited national parks and alternative trekking spots. Second or third-time visitors to Vietnam should prioritise spending time in the north.

Ha Giang and Pu Luong both offer underrated landscapes largely free of crowds, while the charming colonial port city of Hai Phong has a similar vibe to Hanoi but with a much slower pace of life. Picking tea in Thai Nguyen, trekking in Moc Chau during spring bloom or tea-picking season , taking a boat out on Ba Be Lake and gazing up at the vertiginous rice terraces around Son La are just a few of the totally unique experiences you can have in Northern Vietnam.

Treat yourself to a local homestay while you’re there – this is far and away the best strategy to get an inside look at some of Vietnam’s many ethnic minority cultures. In Da Bac , yet another hidden gem in the far-north, you can stay with the community in traditional wooden houses while using the small villages as a base for trekking.

4. Transnistria, a breakaway state in Eastern Europe

By Luda from Adventures with Luda

A Lenin statue in front of a Soviet-style building in Transnistria.

Transnistria is an unconventional travel destination for two reasons. First, it’s referred to as ‘a country that doesn’t exist’. Even though it has its own constitution, army, currency, and citizenship, no other sovereign nation actually recognises it as such.

Secondly, Transnistria feels as though it’s stuck in time thanks to the Soviet posters, Lenin statues and 60s-style Khrushchyovka buildings sprinkled around town. Many travellers have called it a ‘Communist theme park’ because of how well-preserved everything is.

Transnistria is the perfect place for travellers who are interested in Soviet history and off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s easy to reach from Chisinau, Moldova or Odessa, Ukraine and can be part of a day trip or a longer journey.

The majority of things to do in Transnistria are in Tiraspol, the capital. Start off with a walk along October 25th Street, the main road that runs through the city, before stopping at the colourful House of Soviets. See the historical moments on Suvorov Square and take a peek inside the City Library, which still has its Soviet-era murals.

5. Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital

By Helen from Helen on her Holidays

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the world’s last divided capital city.

Since 1983, the city has been split by the ‘Green Line’, a border between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus.

The border was completely sealed and crossed only by UN peacekeeping forces for decades, but in 2008 the restrictions were relaxed. Today it’s possible to visit both parts of Nicosia . The border crossing and distinct character of the two sides of Nicosia make it one of the world’s most unusual city breaks.

The Greek-speaking Republic side of the border is much like other European capitals, with Starbucks, McDonalds and H&M all present. But at the end of the main shopping street there’s a border crossing, and if you cross into North Nicosia it’s immediately clear that you’ve stepped into a completely different culture.

Both sides of Nicosia have interesting sights, but North Nicosia has the edge in atmosphere and attractions. Don’t miss the stunning mosque set in a former cathedral and the medieval caravanserai.

6. Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, a hidden gem in Canada

By Lee & Stacey from One Trip at a Time

Most visitors to Nova Scotia will likely visit Halifax, the South Shore, or drive the Cabot Trail. Those who are a little more adventurous might hike the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton , part of the coastal road that encircles the island.

If you’re looking for somewhere less travelled, check out the Annapolis Valley , which may be more than you expect!

History buffs will find places to learn about this part of Canada including the Grand-Pré, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the tragic story of Acadian expulsion, and Port-Royal, the first European settlement in Canada founded in 1605.

Food and wine lovers can savour the flavours of the region: Taste hand-picked berries, take a wine tour and tasting at one of the many vineyards, and try the apples the Valley is known for. Locals have been celebrating the annual Apple Blossom Festival here since 1933.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to love. You can go whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, hike along coastal cliffs or forest trails leading to waterfalls, or canoe and back-country camp in one of the province’s parks or wilderness areas.

All of this is just a taste of what this vibrant region of Nova Scotia has to offer.

7. Mississippi Gulf Coast, the ‘secret coast’

By Charles from McCool Travel

Sunset over a bridge on Mississippi's Gulf Coast.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of America’s most underrated destinations and should top every intrepid traveller’s wish list.

This relatively undiscovered area – also called Coastal Mississippi (or The Secret Coast) – is located between New Orleans and Mobile Alabama, and highlighted by gorgeous beaches (with magnificent sunrises and sunsets), abundant waterways, fresh seafood, and a quirky culture.

Popular Coastal Mississippi outdoor activities centre around the USA’s largest man-made beach and largest free-flowing river. At 26 miles wide and 200 feet deep, the continuous beach from Pass Christian to Biloxi is a constant enticement for travellers on the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway. Explore the Pascagoula River on a guided McCoy’s Swamp Tour or rented kayak from Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

Mississippi Gulf Coast is a wonderfully unique and rare coastal ecosystem because of its magnificent live oak trees which magically enhance its two phenomenal small beach towns, Ocean Springs and Bay St Louis.

During your Coastal Mississippi visit, try every version of shrimp and grits and savour as many sunsets as you can.

8. Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, the ‘singing sands’

By Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic

Purple mountains and golden sands in Mongolia's Gobi Desert.

Despite being the most popular destination in Mongolia (which really isn’t saying much considering how few tourists make it there), most travellers still know very little about the sprawling natural beauty of the Gobi Desert .

Fascinating and diverse, it features an impressively desolate and atmospheric desert, along with the 300-metre high ‘singing sands’ of Khongoryn Els, the tallest and most picturesque of the country’s extensive series of wild sand dunes. But there is far more to the Gobi than just desert.

The most efficient way to visit is by rustic-but-adventurous jeep tour. On a typical 7-day, 6-night excursion, you can try horseback riding through the steppes and camel riding through the dunes, enjoy cosy nights and typical Mongolian BBQ in traditional gers , and explore the Flaming Cliffs, the Olgiid Khiid monastery, Yolyn Am gorge, and the deceptively named White Stupa (which is actually a set of stupa-like rocks).

Needless to say, the Gobi Desert has a little something for everyone, except maybe those looking for a decent toilet.

9. Lithuania, a history buff’s dream

By Monica from This Rare Earth

Aerial view of a castle surrounded by a lake in Lithuania, one of the most unusual destinations in Europe.

Lithuania is a little-known country in Eastern Europe filled with castles and forests, shore line and old-town charm.

The capital city of Vilnius was the first of four places in Lithuania to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. A charming blend of old and new, Vilnius is a city of contradictions that any traveller can fall in love with.

Many of the notable sights in Vilnius, Lithuania are completely free to visit. St. Anne’s Church offers an amazing example of architecture, with its stunning gothic-style facade, and the Cathedral Square with its tall white bell tower is stunning. So much of the city’s history can be discovered on a walk around Old Town Vilnius .

An extensive bus system covers the country and can take you to locations such as Trakai Castle, the port town of Klaipeda, and – reachable by ferry – the unbelievable Curonian Spit.

Thirty percent of the country is covered with forest and nature. Between the unspoiled wilderness and the charm of the historical cities, there is truly something for everyone in unexpected Lithuania!

10. The Bahamas Out Islands, an unconventional island paradise

By Jackie from Enjoy Travel Life

Blue waters and cute houses in The Bahamas.

If you’re thinking of a tropical getaway to the Caribbean but feel discouraged by overcrowded beaches and towering resort chains, look to The Bahamas Out Islands. This collection of small islands south of the popular Grand Bahamas offers deserted beaches, unspoiled nature and secluded bungalows.

Here you’ll find an exclusive, unconventional island paradise.

Perhaps you’ve heard about The Abacos or Eleuthera, but as you travel further south along the archipelago, the islands become almost unknown: Cat Island , Crooked Island and Ackins each offer unique island beauty.

You’ll enjoy the laid-back beach vibe, fruity rum drinks and delicious Bahamian seafood dishes – try Conch and Grouper! If you’re seeking more adventure, you can scuba dive along the islands’ rich coral reef or kayak through the mangroves. You might even try bonefishing or wind-sailing.

Be sure to pack several bathing suits and leave your laptop behind. While some resorts may have Wi-Fi in the common areas, it’s spotty at best. Rest assured, there’s no better place for a digital detox.

11. The High Canadian Arctic

By Mikaela from Voyageur Tripper

A person rides a sled across an ice sheet in the Canadian Arctic.

Nunavut is a seldom traveled destination, but one that deserves a place on any traveller’s bucket list. The largest territory in Canada, Nunavut covers one fifth of the country and extends into the High Arctic, nearly reaching the North Pole.

This land is vast, characterised by rolling tundra and meandering icebergs, ragged cliffs and frozen sea ice. As one of the most remote regions on the globe, activities out on the land are varied and plentiful, including snowmobiling, dog sledding, hiking and kayaking.

Travellers on a budget can explore the capital city of Iqaluit and experience a taste of life north of the 60th parallel. Those with larger budgets can join wildlife safaris and witness wild animals including polar bears, narwhals, beluga, walrus and caribou.

Regardless of the type of trip, any time in Nunavut will leave you craving more. Its magical environment is one that lingers long after the flight home has landed.

12. Lichtenstein, a tiny country with big heart

By Derek & Mike from Robe Trotting

A green valley in Lichtenstein with a small town of orange-roofed houses and a backdrop of mountains.

An amazing destination in Europe that doesn’t attract a lot of tourism is the micro-state of Liechtenstein. One reason this tiny country is so unconventional is the fact that it’s doubly land-locked by Austria and Switzerland. It’s also a mere 25 kilometres long.

While it may lack territory, there are surprisingly a lot of things to do in Liechtenstein . There are five castles to visit, two of which have been fully restored and three more that are ruins. The royal family also maintains a vineyard and wine cellar in Vaduz, the largest city and capital. Visitors can enjoy a walk-in tasting and wine dinners can be arranged for larger groups.

In Liechtenstein you’ll also discover beautiful natural wonders. Hiking is one of the most popular activities and Eschnerberg Trail is one of the most-hiked trails in the entire region. The views of the Alpine Rhine and mountains are reason enough to visit Liechtenstein.

13. Iran, the home of hospitality

By Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Unusual architecture in Iran, one of the world's most unconventional destinations.

Iran is often portrayed in the media as a dangerous destination, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s one of the most diverse countries in the world, which makes it a great destination for any kind of traveller.

In Iran, you’ll find rich history, nature, architecture, culture and adventure. But what defines this country is its people. The hospitality you experience has no comparison; it’s simply reason enough to book a ticket.

The country is big, so dedicate as much time as possible to explore it. In a couple of weeks, you can fit in the main sights: Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, the Silk Road city of Shiraz and Persepolis. If you have more time, add Kerman and the Lut desert to the list, the ancient citadels of Rayen and Bam, and Qeshm and Hormuz islands for stunning nature.

If you want to go absolutely off the beaten path and experience the nation’s hospitality at its very best, also include Iranian Kurdistan in your itinerary.

14. Iraqi Kurdistan, a diverse corner of the Middle East

By Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

A beautiful mountain gorge in Iraqi Kurdistan, viewed from above.

Iraqi Kurdistan is not a well-known travel destination due to the negative portrayal and misconceptions fuelled by the media. First of all, it’s crucial that we understand that Iraqi Kurdistan is an autonomous region recognised by the Republic of Iraq.

It means that Iraqi Kurdistan has its own borders and their own government and military. Therefore, when you hear something about Iraq in the news, that’s most probably not valid for Iraqi Kurdistan.

To see the reality, we have to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraqi Kurdistan, similarly to Iran, is an extremely safe travel destination.

The first thing that you will learn about in Iraqi Kurdistan is Kurdish hospitality. Hospitality is definitely running in the veins of Kurdish people. They cherish their visitors like a precious jewel and treat them with utmost respect and care. People are so friendly and deeply kind that Iraqi Kurdistan will just get under your skin and you will not want to leave. One feeling that this place can give visitors is that the world would be a much better place just by simply being kind to each other.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, there are tons of mind-blowing places to visit.

Kurdistan offers a plethora of natural beauties such as the Rawanduz Canyon, Halgurd Mountain and Dukan Lake which are perfect hiking destinations as well. You can also witness a lot of cultural diversity in Iraqi Kurdistan. You can learn about Muslim, Christian and Yazidi cultures.

The capital, Erbil, is one of the oldest cities in the world where you can find historical sites, old bazaars, cosy cafés where you can get to know friendly locals.

Some of the oldest Christian monasteries of the world, namely Mar Mattai Monastery and the Rabban Hormizd Monastery are to be found in Iraqi Kurdistan. Another iconic and very important cultural site is Lalish, the most sacred place of the followers of Yazidi faith, where you can only enter barefoot.

15. Pakistan, mother nature at her finest

By Samantha from Intentional Detours

A woman looks out at a blue lake in Pakistan.

Pakistan might just be the most underrated holiday destination in the world. Dozens of record-breaking mountain peaks, lush green valleys, hundreds of kilometres of coastline, a rich cuisine that constantly awes the tastebuds – plus some of the friendliest people in the world – all make this South Asian destination a traveller’s dream.

Perhaps the best thing about Pakistan is that it yet remains mostly undiscovered by foreign tourists. Though numbers are steadily increasing, it’s not uncommon to go weeks without meeting a fellow foreigner when you’re on the road.

Pakistan’s mountains are its crown jewel, and no trip to the country would be complete with a visit to Gilgit Baltistan. Though the Hunza district gets all the glory, don’t be afraid to get a bit off the beaten path and explore places like Ghizer Valley, a beautiful hamlet filled with the bluest lakes and rivers you could ever dream of.

It’s easy to get lost in the mountains, but skipping out on Pakistan’s historical places would be akin to a crime. The country boasts thousands of years of human history, and cities such as Lahore reveal pieces of the Mughal Era everywhere, from the 300-year-old mosques to summer pavilions, tombs, and vast gardens.

The southern province of Sindh is also teeming with historically and culturally important sites and should not be missed, especially when it cools down come October.

16. Sumba, a Bali alternative

By Sarah from Hotels & Hand Luggage

Traditional village houses nestled in a forest in Sumba, Indonesia.

Sumba is a relatively unknown Indonesian island that’s just an hour and a half flight from Bali.

The landscape is teeming with beautiful photo spots including deserted beaches, dancing trees, rolling hills, traditional villages and hidden lagoons. Unlike Bali however, it’s likely you’ll arrive at these enchanting places without any other tourists around.

Sumba is larger than Bali so hiring a driver is a must if you want to make the most of your time here. The island is divided into east and west, with the locals on each side holding different ancient traditions.

There aren’t many hotel options on the island and most offerings are still very basic, but the lack of comfort is worth it to experience a place still steeped in tradition. One accommodation option well worth a visit is Maringi Eco Resort by Sumba Hospitality Foundation, a small, eco-friendly hotel and restaurant that trains young Sumbanese students in hospitality.

17. Small-town Slovakia, one of the most unusual holiday destinations in Central Europe

By Kami from Kami & the Rest of the World

A beautiful church and colourful houses in Slovakia.

Slovakia isn’t exactly the most popular country in Europe Even if tourists decide to visit, they usually only go to the capital city, Bratislava. But Slovakia has so much more to offer. There are so many amazing yet lesser-known places to visit in Slovakia that you should visit before everyone else does.

While Bratislava is a nice place to see, the second-largest city, Kosice offers even more attractions – from historical monuments to amazing cultural spaces and a wonderful food scene.

In Slovakia, you can find one of the most beautiful and impressive mountain ranges in Europe, the High Tatras, with its highest peak Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 metres AMSL. The nearby Spiš Castle is one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a truly remarkable site.

If you like to visit charming Central European towns, you’ll find plenty of them in Slovakia. Bardejov, Banska Stiavnica and Levoca are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

18. Grenada beyond the beach, for a unique holiday in the Caribbean

By Michele from A Taste for Travel

Although famous for its white-sand beaches, this fertile mountainous island might be one of the most overlooked destinations in the Caribbean when it comes to outdoor adventure and cuisine. And while beautiful Grand Anse beach does deserve its many accolades, unconventional travellers will discover it’s well worth exploring beyond Grenada’s beaches.

Top things to do include trekking to sky-high crater lakes, jumping into Concord Waterfall or snorkelling among coral-draped statues within the Underwater Sculpture Museum. After a full day of outdoor adventure, it’s possible to relax in comfort at one of the luxury hotels in Grenada where accommodation options include beach bungalows with plunge pools, hilltop suites and contemporary villas overlooking the sea.

Unlike other destinations in the Caribbean where all-inclusive resorts promote mass tourism, many of Grenada’s hotels are independently owned and operated. They offer travellers a way to experience the island’s unique rhythm, character and local cuisine.

Must-try dishes and drinks to try when visiting the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’ include rum punch topped with freshly-grated island nutmeg, oil down (a hearty stew featuring callaloo, root vegetables, coconut milk and chicken), bean-to-bar chocolate and doubles, a savoury spiced snack.

19. Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth

By Dalya from Sweet Little Journey

An ultra-blue lake in Chile's Atacama Desert.

If you love extreme, unique and completely remote holiday destinations, the Atacama Desert should definitely be on your list.

Located on the northern tip of Chile and spanning over 40,000 square-miles, this is the driest place on Earth. Walking through the landscape will make you feel like you’re treading on a completely different planet. In fact, given its uncanny similarity to the surface of Mars, NASA uses this terrain to simulate conditions when testing their rovers!

Aside from the extraterrestrial landscapes, you’ll find various volcanoes, red and pink lagoons , salt lagoons, alpine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. There’s only one small town in this whole desert, San Pedro de Atacama , which serves as the perfect home base for exploring all the different attractions here.

Given that there are no other settlements for many miles aside from San Pedro, the Atacama Desert has the clearest night skies on Earth.

20. Tajikistan’s Kulikalon Valley, prime hiking country

By Stephen from MonkBoughtLunch

Rugged mountains in Tajikistan, one of the world's most unusual holiday destinations.

Tajikistan’s Kulikalon Valley is off the beaten track even for a relatively un-touristed country. While most international travellers head primarily to the Pamir Mountains in the east of the country, the Fann Mountains in the northwest offer just as much in terms of scenery – and are arguably even better for trekking.

Of all the treks in the region, camping in Kulilkalon is one of the most popular – and for good reason. A string of sparkling mountain lakes that stretch across Kulikalon are fed by glacial streams that run down the valley, and on every side towering snow-capped peaks and a handful of beautiful glaciers dominate the view.

Though transport options are limited and expensive in rural Tajikistan, Kulikalon is made even more attractive by proximity to a rough road. It’s possible to hike up and back as a day trip from the nearby Artuch camp or to make a multi-day trek over the Alaudin Pass and down to the eponymous lake below, returning to a different trailhead in the Alaudin Valley or pushing on deeper into the heart of the Fann Mountains.

21. Asturias, Spain’s cheese capital

By Dagney from Cultura Obscura

The Asturias region of Northern Spain is definitely one of the most underrated parts of this otherwise highly touristed country.

For visitors from outside of Spain, the most likely reason for visiting is the Camino, which passes through the Asturian countryside. In general, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The countryside is full of picturesque towns and beautiful lakes.

However, there is so much more to see and do here. Foodies in particular will love Asturias. The region produces over 50 different cheeses, while nearly every town and city has at least one local cider.

Oviedo, the capital of the region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside the city, you’ll find La Iglesia Skate, a church that’s been converted into a skate park and is full of beautiful, vibrant paintings.

In Gijón , another major Asturian city in Spain , you can visit the Universidad Laboral, the biggest building in Spain, or head to the International Bagpipe Museum.

22. Palestine, the heart of the Middle East

By Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

An aerial view of Palestine's city scape.

Palestine is a terribly underrated destination, and many who travel to the Middle East decide not to visit for fear that it may be dangerous or unwelcoming. It’s actually quite the other way around.

People in Palestine are the epitome of friendly, and they go above and beyond to make visitors feel like guests of honour. Add to that the rich, intricate history, the archeological sites, the natural wonders and the delicious food (and even wine and beer!), and it’s easy to see why this is a place you should not skip when you’re in the region.

Among the highlights of visiting Palestine there’s exploring the city of Bethlehem, where you will find the Church of the Holy Nativity, the Chapel of the Milk Grotto and the West Bank Separation Wall that has been adorned with many murals. There also are also a few Banksy pieces scattered around. Not far from Bethlehem, the Israeli-controlled Palace of Herodion is another very interesting site.

Hebron, a city terribly fought over by Jews and Muslims, should also be visited. Similarly, Ramallah – the current administrative centre – is a city thriving with life. Finally, make sure to go to the Baptismal Source at the River Jordan for a truly mystical experience.

The easiest way to get into Palestine is from Jerusalem. Take bus 231 from the bus station near Damascus gate. Be sure to bring your passport with you and the Israeli custom slip you get at the airport, as you’ll need it to get back into Israel to continue your journey.

23. Gopeng, Malaysia’s little-known heritage town

By Marco from Penang Insider

Inside a heritage wooden house in Gopeng Malaysia.

Gopeng is only 20 km south of Ipoh , but it’s shamefully overlooked, notwithstanding being one of West Malaysia’s top adventure eco-tourism destinations.

Set on a bend of the Kampar river, Gopeng is tiny but boasts natural wonders including Gua Tempurung and Gua Kandu, two of the country’s biggest caves, and tall waterfalls such as Ulu Geruntum, a popular abseiling spot. There are plenty of eco-friendly activities around, including stand up paddle boarding and a tree-top obstacle courses offered by Nomad Adventure.

Further inland is Ulu geroh, an orang asli (Malaysian aboriginal) village from where you can strike out on a short trek to see the Rafflesia in bloom. The world’s biggest flower can be a bit smelly, but the packs of rare rajah Brooke butterflies you’ll spot along the way make up for the stink big time.

Back in town, don’t forget to visit the Heritage House for a dive into the area’s colonial history, and the Gopeng Museum for a simple yet informative look at the town’s tin mining past.

24. Bhutan, for time-honoured traditions and unspoiled landscapes

By Sonakshi & Mainak from Places In Pixel

A traditional ceremony in Bhutan, one of Asia's most unusual travel destinations.

Bhutan is a tiny landlocked country perched in the Himalayas. Due to its location and restrictions around tourism, Bhutan remains an under-explored destination even today. But it’s exactly this reality that makes Bhutan scenically spectacular and a must-visit unconventional destination.

Apart from the usual things to do and places to visit in the major cities of Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, Bhutan has a lot to offer travellers who are willing to try something different. The most unique things to do in Bhutan include:

Hiking up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery – nestled high on a precarious cliff, it’s said that a Buddhist Master (Guru Rinpoche) flew on a ‘flying tigress’ and meditated here for months.
Trying Ema Datchi (Chilli Cheese) – the national dish of Bhutan is a deliciously spicy stew made of chilli peppers, onions and locally produced yak cheese.
Watching the ‘flag down’ ceremony in Thimphu – this takes place every evening at 5pm with great honour and traditional flair.

25. Benin, the birthplace of Voodoo

By Helen from Helen in Wonderlust

Benin is a magical place full of mystery and superstition. Whilst West Africa is a notoriously difficult area to travel to due to the heat, visa restrictions and lack of tourist infrastructure, Benin is an incredibly rewarding destination for the intrepid traveller.

It is also the birthplace of the Voodoo religion.

Voodoo is one of the oldest and most complex religions in the world. It’s often demonised in popular culture, and yet there’s a lot more to this ancient way of life than meets the eye. The word Voodoo itself means ‘spirit’; practitioners believe that everything is alive and connected spiritually.

As well as discovering the ‘secrets’ of Voodoo , there are plenty of other things to do in Benin. You can gain an insight into the trans-Atlantic slave trade on the Route des Enclaves, relax on the beaches of the south coast, see a very different way of life at the Ganvie Stilt Village, and learn about the history of the powerful Dahomey Empire in Abomey.

Benin is a French-speaking country, therefore having a good understanding of the French language or having a guide that can translate for you is essential.

Go with an open mind and prepare to be blown away.

26. Northern Tunisia, for unusual beach holidays

By Stephanie from The Africa Cookbook

Beach umbrellas and a marina in Northern Tunisia.

While most travellers think of Sousse and other popular beaches in Tunisia when they start planning a vacation, anyone who heads to the north instead of the south will find a wealth of hidden gems to discover.

The white-washed town of Sidi Bou Said on the water has a Greek-island feel, while Lake Ichkeul is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also head to Cap Angela, the northernmost point in the country, where you’ll find a beautiful lighthouse and a statue of the African continent as well as some gorgeous seascapes.

If you’re interested in Carthaginian and Roman history, you can visit the ancient city of Utica, which you’ll find practically empty for much of the year. Yes, you can walk around a millennia-old city and imagine what it would have been like in its heyday without competing with noisy, modern crowds.

Be sure to enjoy the local Tunisian cuisine, which is both tasty and economical.

27. Greenland, for remote adventures

By Kay from The Awkward Traveller

Cute houses and laundry in a village in Greenland.

There are many myths and stereotypes about Greenland , simply because it’s not the first country most people think of for a holiday.

Technically a territory of Denmark, it’s a challenging destination to visit due to expensive flights and limited availability. There are so few visitors that some airports don’t even have a baggage carousel.

However, if you can manage to get there, you’ll find this is a country full of colourful buildings, dramatic landscapes, and unique culture.

Although it’s one of the least populated capitals in the world with only 16,000 residents, Nuuk is the busiest and most active of all Greenlandic cities. Somewhat surprisingly, it’s filled with art and museums as well as nods to Greenlandic history and mythology in its various statues and memorials.

In Greenland, the availability of activities varies entirely based on the seasons. Summer offers hiking and festivals , while winter brings snowmobiling, sledding, and amazing displays of the Northern Lights.

28. The Falkland Islands, for extreme wildlife encounters

By Nadine from Le Long Weekend

A group of penguins in the Falkland Islands, one of the world's most unusual holiday destinations.

The Falklands Islands, or Islas Malvinas as they’re also known, are a destination like no other. They’re a place where you can truly get away from daily life and enter a world that seems unencumbered by modern distractions.

Here, the wildlife rules, and you’ll get well-acquainted with many species as you tour some of the islands that make up this Southern Archipelago off the coast of Argentina. The penguins of the Falkland Islands are the main drawcard, and there are five different species to discover – from the regal King Penguins to the curious little red-eyed Rockhoppers.

Then there are the formidable elephant seals, the talkative sea lions, the hundreds of different birds, and a few unlikely additions too. Both reindeer and foxes roam on two of the islands.

Wildlife aside, the islands are an amazing place to go trekking, explore untouched beaches and enjoy old-school hospitality. Get around by using the Falklands’ dedicated air service, FIGAS, to island-hop.

29. Montenegro’s national parks, beyond the bay

By Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

A wide valley with a winding road running between the mountains.

Most visitors to Montenegro spend their time in the Bay of Kotor. While undeniably beautiful, there is so much more to discover beyond the coastline.

Take the scenic and winding Kotor Serpentine to the village of Njegusi to visit the humble home where Njegoš, Montenegro’s most influential poet-philosopher, was born. Head further up to Lovcen National Park where you can hike and visit the mausoleum of Njegoš. Stop by the old Montenegrin capital of Cetinje to visit the iconic monastery and admire the architecture.

Lake Skadar National Park is another must-visit in Montenegro . Boat tours are available from Virpazar or the sleepy village of Rijeka Crnojevica. The surface of the lake is covered with lily pads, and you can see any number of birds here.

Up north, Durmitor National Park , the only UNESCO-designated park in Montenegro, offers stunning vistas and the chance to do some epic hikes. Go river rafting on the Tara River and visit the Tara Canyon Bridge, which spans one of the deepest canyons in the world.

30. The Faroe Islands, A self-governed archipelago in Europe

By Supriya from Fun Travelog

Traditional houses in the Faroe Islands with turf roofs.

Europe has thousands of island destinations to choose from, but the Faroes still remain relatively unspoiled thanks to their location.

The Faroe Islands is an independent nation comprised of 18 small islands located between Iceland and Norway. Governed by Denmark, it’s a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers particularly.

Begin your journey by flying into the small and vibrant city of Torshavn, the country’s capital, which is connected by short flight from Copenhagen , Paris, Reykjavik, Bergen or Edinburgh . Make your first stop at the Gásadalur to see the famed waterfall from a marked trail.

From there, every moment of your journey in this small country will be replete with awe-inspiring sights. There are lots of hikes in Faroe Islands , but the most beautiful ones are definitely on the coast of Vagar Island and in Gjógv.

For a completely unique experience, take a 30-minute boat ride to the island of Mykines, which is home to thousands of puffins. They aren’t at all perturbed by human presence and watching them in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

31. Ukraine, for budget-savvy travellers

By Inessa & Natalie from Through a Travel Lens

A railway line tunnel in Ukraine formed by leafy trees.

There are only a few destinations left in Europe that still remain under the radar. Ukraine is definitely one of them.

Geographically one of the biggest countries on the continent, Ukraine offers something for every travel taste, from sunbathing by the Black Sea in Odessa to hiking in the Carpathians, wandering the magical streets of old Lviv, and exploring the caves of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Pechersk Lavra in Kiev.

It’s best to save at least two weeks to explore Ukraine’s most popular locations. Kiev alone deserves at least four days, let alone the numerous great weekend breaks and trips you can take from the capital. In addition to the aforementioned Odessa, Lviv, and Kiev, smaller towns such as Uzhgorod, Chernihiv, Kamyanets-Podilsky, and Chernivtsi are also highly recommended.

Besides being an underestimated and unconventional destination, Ukraine also remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly travel adventures, with the daily budget for food, accommodations, transportation, and activities remaining under 30 USD.

32. Latvia, the lesser-visited capital of Art Nouveau

By Eden from Rock a Little Travel

Art Nouveau architecture in Riga, Latvia, one of Europe's top unusual holiday destinations.

Home to a historic city centre, a thriving arts scene and vast countryside dotted with castles, Latvia is one of the world’s most underrated travel destinations.

Visitors to Latvia should experience Riga , the lively capital city best known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. In fact, Riga has the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings, examples of which are on display across the city.

Riga’s walkable centre also features local boutiques, cafes , restaurants, bars, and even a few city parks. Riga Beer District is home to several local breweries that serve a variety of craft beers. This is the perfect destination for a night out and a great opportunity to mingle with the locals.

Outside the capital, visitors to Latvia can tour the country’s many medieval castles and fortifications. Those looking to spend some time outdoors can head to Latvia’s beaches along the Baltic coast, or to one of the country’s many national parks.

33. North Macedonia, home of Europe’s Quirkiest capital city

A woman approached a large white spomenik sculpture in the town of Krusevo, North Macedonia.

The tiny nation of North Macedonia is quirky even by Balkan standards. Formerly known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, it may have undergone several name changes in its recent history, but it’s status as a unique destination in Eastern Europe has endured.

North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, is a mix of archaic Ottoman architecture (the Old Bazaar is one of the largest in Europe) and brand new, shiny sculptures and facades installed as part of Skopje 2014, a huge project to give the city a facelift. The result is a Disneylandesque mix of styles that pushes the ambit of imagination.

Skopje makes for a wonderfully offbeat city break, but when visiting North Macedonia , you should also explore beyond the capital. Lake Ohrid is the biggest tourist draw, while the second-largest city, Bitola , and the alpine town of Krusevo – with its wonderful spomenik – both promise off-the-beaten-path, history steeped travel experiences.

34. Piacenza, a hidden gem in Northern Italy

By Helga from ShegoWandering

A beautiful square and traditional building in Piacenza, an offbeat destination in Italy.

Piacenza is a small Italian city located near the Po river in Emilia Romagna. While still easily accessible by train from Milan or Bologna, it remains a hidden gem.

This town boasts over 1,000 years of local history. Discover the beautiful historic centre of Piacenza with its colourful houses and beautiful passages. Make sure the Piazza Cavalli, home to the town’s most famous landmark, the Palazzo Gotico, is also on your list.

Piacenza has some of the oldest, most important Romanesque churches in the region, including the Duomo di Piacenza, the St. Antoninus Basilica, and the Church of San Francesco. Another important landmark is the Palazzo Farnese, an immense palace now houses a collection of museums.

The region of Emilia-Romagna is famous for its food products. Be sure to sample Salame Piacentini , Coppa Piacentina and Pancetta Piacentina .

35. Brasov, the gateway to Transylvania

By Nicola Rae of See Nic Wander

A historic church and old town in Brasov, Romania.

The Transylvanian town of Brasov, Romania is tucked away in the Carpathian mountains just 2.5 hours from the capital on the way to Transylvania .

Since many people travel to Romania to explore Bucharest or relax on the Black Sea coast, the smaller Romanian city of Brasov often gets overlooked. But for travellers interested in great hiking, quirky historical sites and a bit of Dracula folklore, Brasov can’t be missed.

Explore the 14th century Black Church, which got its name after being scorched in a fire, a 15th-century citadel that also served as a prison, and Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in the world.

Brasov is just a short drive from Bran Castle, a fortress that dates back to the 1200s and is famously also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

When in Brasov, make sure to take the Tampa Mountain Cable Car up to the prominent Hollywood-style ‘Brasov’ sign for the best views of the city and surrounding mountains.

35 of the most unusual holiday destinations for those who love to travel off the beaten path – from Benin to the Atacama Desert, Pakistan to Lithuania.

Unusual holiday destinations: Share it on Pinterest

Wow, that’s a great guide.

That was an amazing article. Good work Keep it up!

Lichtenstein castle (named after the family) pictured above is in Germany and not in The Principality of Lichtenstein and hence that part of the article is misleading. One visiting Lichtenstein (the country) will not find this castle how hard one looks.

Good pick up, PK! That is my fault – I will update it immediately. Thanks for letting me know!

This was so helpful, I’m doing a school project and I have to find a unique travel destination. Got lots of ideas

Awesome Tshia, glad I could help!

Fantastic list! Considering many of your picks are also on my own list, I have a feeling we are of the same mindset. As I sit at home travel planning for a post-Covid-vaccine world, you have helped to add more places I hadn’t thought of but was searching for in concept.

Thank you and stay healthy!

So glad to hear you found this post inspiring, Nancy! Thanks a lot for the feedback. Happy future travel planning 🙂

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Travel Weird: The Eeriest Places and Phenomena in Every Region of the US

Everything is so weird right now.

And while I’m thankful to be in a position where I can quarantine at home with my husband and dog while staying relatively safe, it’s hard not to feel a little … trapped. Like so many of you, I, too, have passed the time by perusing old travel photos and daydreaming about adventures to come. But I’m not looking forward to the day I can nap on a tropical beach or wander quaint towns filled with charming shops. My brain has gone in a different direction. I don’t just want an escape from day-to-day life. I want a true escape from reality.

Example: I’ve been dealing with pandemic anxiety-induced insomnia by falling into some of the internet’s strangest wormholes – I’ve battled sleeplessness with reading everything I can about conspiracy theories, cold cases and unexplainable mysteries. The brain can go in weird directions when kicked into survival mode. Now, I can’t wait to visit some of the sites of the country’s most unexplainable mysteries: hills that defy gravity, a bottomless hole that resurrects the dead and a lake haunted by a woman who drowns one man every year.

Since traveling isn’t really an option right now, I’ve included tons of links, so you can dig in and get lost in these strange little worlds while staying safely at home.

*Insert Twilight Zone theme music here*

In This Article

Mel’s Hole

Ellensburg, WA

The Pacific Northwest is known for many things – coffee, music, serial killers, software moguls and … holes? Yup, Washington State is riddled with all kinds of holes, from abandoned mines to terrifying sinkholes that randomly open up all over the city of Seattle. And the most famous hole of the bunch is Mel’s Hole in Ellensburg . Mel’s Hole is named after Mel Waters, a man who called into Art Bell’s “Coast to Coastâ€ radio show back in the 90s and told the world unbelievable stories about this supposedly 80,000-feet deep hole (Mel measured it using fishing line and Lifesavers ). He claimed he witnessed unexplainable lights, heard otherworldly noises and spotted UFOs in and around the hole. And, the hole even brought his beloved dead dog back to life.

The weirdest part? No one can find it! Mel only gave vague details about its location. What’s more, there’s no record of a Mel Waters in Washington’s Kittitas County, either. Is the hole real? Is Mel? Was this a very elaborate, years-long hoax? We may never know, but next time you’re walking around Ellensburg, watch your step.

The 12 Greatest Things About Living in the Pacific Northwest

The Oregon Vortex

Gold Hill, OR

Scully, you’re not gonna believe this. As visitors wander through The Oregon Vortex, a roadside attraction that has been open since the 1930s, something very strange begins to happen – tall people get short, short people get tall and marbles start to roll uphill! Is there really a vortex in the middle of the Oregon woods? Is a magnetic force pulling from the center of the Earth? Unfortunately, it’s none of the above. The SyFy show “ Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files” concluded The Oregon Vortex’s magic lies in well-done optical illusions, much like the similarly strange and famous Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, CA. Sure, this destination is more silly than spooky, but roadside attractions like The Oregon Vortex are becoming more rare as the years go by, and sci-fi nerds will appreciate that this one was once name-checked by Fox Mulder on an episode of the “ X-Files .”

10 True Crime Landmarks Every Murderino Needs to Visit

Skinwalker Ranch

Ballard, UT

Skinwalker Ranch takes up more than 400 acres near Ballard, UT, and it is supposedly one of the most active paranormal sites in the country, with more than one hundred different sightings – UFOs! Shapeshifting creatures! Inexplicable orbs of light! – being reported as far back as the 1950s. The land was owned by rancher Terry Sherman through much of the 80s and 90s, and in 1996, after selling the property, Sherman told Deseret News he and his family saw everything from crop circles to several different UFOs, including one that was “the size of several football fields.â€ Those UFOs, Sherman said, were “definitely associatedâ€ with mutilated and disappearing cattle. Yikes. Today the private land is owned by Brandon Fugal ( Vice published a fascinating profile about him and the ranch earlier this year), and while Fugal claims he has no interest in converting Skinwalker Ranch into a tourist attraction, paranormal enthusiasts still drive out to the Uintah Basin to pose with the property’s trespass warning sign and try to get a peek of something spectral.

Racetrack Playa’s Sailing Rocks

Death Valley National Park, CA

This one really rocks ! Ugh, sorry. But seriously, Racetrack Playa in Death Valley is full of some very mysterious rocks. These “sailing stones,â€ as they’re often called, weigh hundreds of pounds and yet, seem to move slowly across the desert’s surface, leaving trails of displaced dirt in their wake. So what causes it? Aliens? Animals? Magnets? Nope. Ice. In 2014, a scientist was able to finally and scientifically confirm that rainfall, overnight freezing temperatures and strong winds all play a roll, er, role in the rock’s movements. Even knowing what we know now, the rocks’ history still manages to surprise and delight. In the ’70s researchers studied the stones for a period of seven years, and gave many of the stones names like Nancy, Mary Ann and Karen. During the study, 700-pound Karen didn’t move at all. But when researchers returned years later, Karen was gone . How? Where? We don’t know exactly, but she was eventually found again more than half a mile away in 1996. While this is less a story for “ Unsolved Mysteries” and more just a cool geological phenomenon, many mystery lovers still think the rocks are worth the bumpy, 80-mile trek to see in person. Better head out there sooner than later, though – the rock’s movements only happen under very specific weather conditions and it has been suggested that global warming is slowing them down .

Camp Funston

Fort Riley, KS

OK, this one might be a little too real for some people right now, but I have found comfort in knowing the world has been where we are before. The 1918 flu pandemic spread worldwide, infected an estimated half a billion people, and killed an estimated 50 million. Horrifying. But the human race survived. Eventually, people left their houses, they gathered in public, they celebrated and danced and hugged and shook hands. We will, too. But it wasn’t until reading up on that pandemic, and how the world eventually recovered from it, that I learned some historians believe the deadly strain of H1N1 originated right here in the U.S., first infecting soldiers at Fort Riley in Kansas. (Others have claimed it started in France or China.) It you want to see some history for yourself, while maintaining a responsible distance from others, Fort Riley’s Camp Funston, the building that housed hundreds of sick soldiers 102 years ago, is part of the U.S. Cavalry Museum’s driving tour . And you can still find tombstones for some of those who died during the pandemic at Post Cemetery .

Lake Ronkonkoma

Ronkonkoma, NY

I always thought Ronkonkoma was just a stereotypical Long Island suburb with a fun name to say. Only recently did I learn more about the sordid history of its lake, Lake Ronkonkoma. The story goes like this: In the mid-1600s a Native American princess, Princess Tuskawanta, fell in love with a white man named Hugh Birdsall. Her father wouldn’t allow them to see one another. Heartbroken when she died, the princess now haunts the bottom of the lake and drowns one man every year. Interestingly, there aren’t reliable death records for the lake prior to this millennium. For some, it’s a fascinating piece of fiction, but other locals take the legend seriously – a former lifeguard claims to know about at least 30 deaths in the 32 years he worked at the lake and all victims were male, and n 2018 the New York Post spoke to several residents who refuse to swim in the lake to this day after having their own eerie experiences.

Spook Hill

Lake Whales, FL

The state of Florida, generally speaking, offers more questions than answers. If you want to take a dark deep dive, there are plenty of weird and upsetting mysteries to get lost in. Skeletons found in the woods ? Men going missing after being arrested by the same cop in separate instances? The metal plate and screws that were found in the stomach of a 60-year-old alligator ? Florida has it all. On the more lighthearted end of Florida’s unexplainable spectrum, though, is the gravity-defying stretch of road known as Spook Hill. While the road appears to go uphill, drivers can put their cars in neutral and the vehicle will continue to roll forward. Creepy! (Related: There is also a Spook Hill Elementary and their mascot is Casper the Friendly Ghost .) There are dozens of these so-called “mystery hillsâ€ around the country – in Tennessee , Pennsylvania and even a graveyard in Michigan – so when we’re allowed to gather again, fill your car with friends, don’t tell them where you’re going and watch them freak out when the car starts rolling backwards uphill .

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17 Epic Places You Never Thought To Travel, But Should

Lifestyle Editor, HuffPost

Senior Editor, Life and Shopping

Paris? Been there. London? Done that. No offense to those storied standbys , but now is the time to break out of your travel bubble and try someplace you’ve never thought to visit before.

Travel teaches us invaluable lessons we can’t learn in school. It expands our worldview. It pushes us to be better, stronger, more empathetic human beings. And these 17 places, in no particular order, are where that magic is going to happen. Some of them can be experienced in the lap of luxury, while others are for only the most adventurous souls. But all of them have the potential to be the best trip you’ve ever taken.

1. South Korea

Don’t let its northern neighbor scare you off: South Korea is full of adventurous travelers’ delights like national parks, mountains and islands . Ski resorts here are top-notch, as the country hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics. For a more urban feel, try Korean BBQ in Seoul or chill out in Busan , a coastal city.

Seoraksan National Park is the proud site of South Korea’s third-highest mountain. It also features hot springs, temples and jagged rock formations.

Locals vacation on Jeju Island for its beaches, outdoor spas and spine-tingling lava tube tours.

Changdeokgung Palace , a 15th-century royal villa in Seoul, is a UNESCO world heritage site . Builders expertly designed the complex to accommodate the uneven terrain at the foot of a mountain peak.

Cable cars haul skiers at what is now Deogyusan Resort , where hot springs await after a day on the slopes.

2. Mauritius

Mauritius is delicious . This tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean offers up a low-key vibe and endless turquoise waters perfect for sports like wind and kitesurfing. You can also sample local rum and street food or explore churches, temples, mosques and lighthouses from Mauritius’ rich history as a colonial trade hub .

Le Morne Brabant is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as “an exceptional testimony to... resistance to slavery.” The mountain’s forbidding cliffs hid runaway slaves known as maroons, and their oral traditions live on.

It doesn’t get better than this.

This is the Seven Colored Earths in Chamarel, where naturally occurring sands of different colors form unique striped dunes.

Above is a shopping center in the capital of Port Louis. English, French, and Mauritian Creole are the most commonly spoken languages in Mauritius, while Hinduism and Christianity are the top two religions.

3. Kazakhstan

The world’s ninth-largest country is not just for Borat : Fans of architecture, city tours and wilderness explorations will feel right at home in this little-explored corner of the earth. Start in Almaty , the biggest city, for clothing markets and upscale restaurants. Then, venture out to the Tian Shan mountains and hike sacred forests where many modern fruit crops were first cultivated.

Astana has been called the “ world’s weirdest capital city ,” in part because it hardly existed 20 years ago. CNN reports the area was “an empty patch of land... best known as a former gulag prison camp for the wives of Soviet traitors” before it was declared the new capital in 1997, sparking the quick rise of a futuristic skyline.

Almaty’s wooden Ascension Cathedral was constructed without nails between 1904 and 1907, and is one of the only buildings in the city to survive a 1911 earthquake. Used for state and public purposes after the Russian Revolution, it was returned to the Russian Orthodox church in the 1990s.

Big Almaty Lake sits in the Tian Shan mountains. The western Tian Shan range stretches into China and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site , in part for its biodiversity.

The city of Aktau, a hub for the oil industry, sits on the Caspian Sea and is a popular spot among locals for swimming .

This lush Mediterranean island sat under the rule of many ancient empires , and it shows: A trip here might include visits to a Byzantine monastery, a mosque or the tombs of high-ranking Hellenistic and Roman officials, which are part of a larger UNESCO world heritage site . Oh, and did we mention the island’s postcard-perfect beaches ?

In the port town of Kyrenia , you can take a boat cruise to swimming and snorkeling spots or visit a castle for a charming bird’s-eye view of the harbor.

Limassol , Cyprus’ second-biggest city (and still a quaint one at that), has a lively bar and restaurant scene.

See remains of an ancient outdoor theater, villas and baths at Kourion, a former city-kingdom on the coast.

Adorable Pissouri village is the place to go for horseback riding and pub-hopping. Don’t be fooled, though: The ocean and impeccable diving are still within reach.

Did you know Latvia has white sand beaches ? This Baltic Sea gem, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is full of little surprises and a slight Scandinavian flair. The capital, Riga, was named the European Capital of Culture in 2014, and roughly half of the country is made up of pristine, accessible natural ecosystems. Historical Old Towns , churches and castles abound.

Riga’s town hall square features the iconic House of the Blackheads , which was built in 1334, destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1999.

Above is the Gauja River, on the border between Estonia and Latvia. Its namesake national park holds more than 500 cultural and historical monuments.

Not a bad place to spend a summer’s day! Latvia sits across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm, Sweden.

Kemeri National Park features a variety of wetlands, including the Great Kemeri Bog , which can be traversed by boardwalk.

Perched between Colombia and Peru on the Pacific, Ecuador has everything: mountains, beaches, rainforest, volcanos, hot springs , and the famous wildlife of the Galapagos Islands . Once part of the Inca Empire, this dramatically beautiful land is steeped in both pre-Colombian and Spanish colonial culture and is perfect for cheap travelers , trek-happy adventurers and history lovers ― after all, Quito ’s sprawling UNESCO-tapped city center is the colonial jewel of South America. (Small bonus: Ecuador is on the dollar, so there’s no need to exchange currency.)

Above is a photo of Bartolome Island in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands . The endemic species in this volcanic archipelago inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, and both land and sea are UNESCO World Heritage sites .

The Chimborazo volcano is the highest mountain in Ecuador.

The historic center of Cuenca is yet another of Ecuador’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites . The town still subscribes to the rigid planning guidelines with which it was founded in 1557.

Quito’s Jesuit Church of the Society of Jesus, informally known as la Compañía, has enough gold leaf inside to wow the most jaded travelers . The stunning baroque church also has a charming number of hidden nods to the local culture, including symbols of suns that salute Inca history and indigenous faces and plants worked into the ornate interior designs.

This island nation ― not be confused with its equally awesome neighbor, American Samoa ― includes 10 islands brimming with volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, swimming holes and beaches. Journeying to a natural ocean blowhole or diving deep into a cave pool is just the beginning. Down-to-earth travelers will enjoy its lack of fancy resorts , too.

Swimmers hop into To Sua Ocean Trench , part of a larger area with natural rock pools and blowholes.

Perfect water awaits you on Upolu Island’s southwest coast .

Papapapaitai Falls is about as impressive as waterfalls get: This showstopper tumbles into a giant gorge . Continue down the Cross Island Road for more falls, swimming holes and picnic spots.

Upolu Island has plenty of beachfront hotels and ecolodges to maximize your time on the warm white sand.

Uruguay doesn’t get as much attention as neighboring Argentina and Brazil, but this polished, progressive paradise on the Atlantic has a pinch of European flair and is well worth a visit. Experience gaucho culture on a ranch of rolling hills, take to the surf at Punta del Diablo , or party the night away in the clubs at Punta del Este .

Stroll the cosmopolitan streets of Montevideo, including the famous Plaza Independencia.

The rambling, eccentric Casapueblo resort in Punta Ballena was built by late Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, who was inspired by the mud nests of native hornero birds.

The resort town of Punta del Este is known as a place to party, but the public art deserves a hand, too.

Uruguay’s interior hills are rich in gaucho culture . Book a rural lodge and explore the beautiful countryside on horseback.

First-time visitors to Africa can start here, in the world’s oldest desert, for the thrill of feeling like the last tourist on Earth. Considering its vast selection of wildlife , national parks , shipwrecks and larger-than-life sand dunes , Namibia somehow remains awesomely uncrowded . Many cities and towns have a distinctly German feel ― complete with German restaurants and colonial architecture ― due to years of European rule.

Zebras drink at a waterhole in Etosha National Park, which offers various epic safaris .

Luderitz, a colonial harbor town with German roots , includes an old Lutheran church and bustling village shops.

The quiver tree , a common sight in Southern Namibia, stands tall in a nature park known as Giant’s Playground .

Off-roaders sit ready to explore the desert’s massive sand dunes, which also make for a daring day hike .

10. Guatemala

Mayan ruins play a starring role in Guatemala. Deep in the jungle, Tikal National Park is a lush playground of plazas, temples and dwellings that are well over 1,000 years old. Equally gorgeous are Guatemala’s active volcanoes , cascading lagoons and the Caribbean-blue Lake Petén Itzá . Even with all these natural wonders, a historic hotel-museum tops the list of places to visit nationwide.

From the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D., Mayans inhabited what is now Tikal National Park . Current residents include jaguars, howler monkeys and more than 60 species of bats.

Parque Central is a popular outdoor gathering place in Antigua, a city in the highlands.

At Lake Petén Itzá , the blue water is perfect for sunsets and swimming with the locals.

Daredevils can hike or camp near a handful of active volcanos in Guatemala’s rugged wilderness, though be careful to do so at the right time of year.

11. Papua New Guinea

One look at the water should make it clear that this is a paradise. The U.S. State Department cautions that due to crime, an organized tour booked through a travel agency is the best way to explore this stunningly diverse and practically untouched country. ( There’s little luxury involved , but it’s a trip of a lifetime.) Try a trekking tour along the rugged, mountainous Kokoda Track or journey to a sing-sing festival , at which Papua New Guineans display their many unique tribal cultures through music and dance.

White sand beaches and few interruptions are hallmarks of the New Ireland Province .

Capital Port Moresby is beautiful from the air, though its crime rate calls for sensible precautions. Infrastructure is virtually non-existent outside PNG’s major cities ― another reason to book a tour rather than traveling on your own.

Local tribes celebrate a sing-sing in the Highlands. Some 836 indigenous languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea, most by fewer than a thousand speakers each.

Of course, Papua New Guinea boasts excellent snorkeling and diving .

12. Newfoundland, Canada

Why Newfoundland? Here, east coasters can kayak with icebergs without taking a long flight to Greenland or Alaska and beyond. Then there’s 18,000 miles of unspoiled coastline with some 200 walking trails, plus the 22 species of whales that pass through Newfoundland and Labrador between May and September. Add in dramatic, glacier-carved fjords , and this part of Canada is truly a dream for nature lovers who prefer their international travel over-easy.

Icebergs arrive from the Arctic each spring to places like Trinity Bay, above. Check the map of “Iceberg Alley,” then book a boat or kayak or car to experience them up close.

We really can’t get enough of Gros Morne National Park , which, in addition to cool neon jellyfish, contains towering fjords you can tour by boat.

The Fort Amherst historical site in St. John’s honors Colonel William Amherst, who recaptured the area from the French in 1762.

Fall in Newfoundland is not too shabby. This is the Humber River in autumn.

13. Romania

Dracula’s homeland oozes eeriness and intrigue: The country has emerged from its Communist past to the delight of travelers who come to explore its medieval towns and ornate castles , including the one in which fiction’s scariest bloodsucker once lived. Beyond the charming cobblestone streets, you’ll find adventurous alpine hikes through the towering Carpathian Mountains and all-inclusive beach resorts on the Black Sea coast.

The Black Church , with its interior walls adorned with Turkish carpets, is the star of Brasov , a popular medieval town at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains.

Corvin Castle in Transylvania features about 50 rooms of medieval art. It’s known as the most impressive Gothic castle in the country.

It can take all day to drive the hairpin turns of Transfagarasan Road, which connects the provinces of Transylvania and Walachia through the mountains. Thanks to a gentle gradient, you can even bike it if you dare.

Bucharest , Romania’s capital, is known for high energy and good food . Socialist and Art Nouveau architecture coexist here, and the nightlife is some of Eastern Europe’s best.

Even backpackers who have “ seen it all ” in Thailand and Cambodia will be awestruck in Laos. Stunning waterfalls , soaring mountains and blazing green rice fields are best enjoyed at the Laotian locals’ decidedly slow pace of life . Take a break from zip-lining and cave kayaking to join a yoga retreat or help out on an organic farm . The cuisine ― think sticky rice, papaya salad and fresh fish ― is worth savoring, too.

A hot air balloon flies over Vang Vieng , a jungle town and magnet for backpackers.

Kuang Si Falls are a refreshing ― but cold! ― place to swim . Prepare for the hike in, and look out for hidden pools along the way.

Terraced rice fields overlook a village in Mu Cang Chai.

Buddha Park in Vientiane is probably the most stunning sculpture park you’ll ever see.

15. Azerbaijan

“Untapped” may be the best way to describe this coastal country between Iran and Russia. Start in the capital of Baku, whose Old City has UNESCO world heritage status as a rare example of ancient architecture. Then, move out to explore quaint rural villages at the base of the Great Caucasus mountains. Former Peace Corps volunteers have set up a network of local homestays to help visitors enjoy the country’s outer fringes, where paved roads are scarce but the land is lush.

In Baku , old architecture mixes with glittering 21st century towers on the Caspian Sea.

The Government House is just one of many historic monuments to see in Baku.

Baku also offers museums, theaters, libraries and an opera house. Treat yourself to a balcony room at the glimmering Four Seasons Hotel .

High in the mountains, Xinaliq is home to friendly shepherds who can point you in the right direction for adventurous hikes.

16. Slovenia

Croatia’s been a hot travel destination for a few years now, but don’t overlook its charming neighbor to the north. The snowy peaks of the Julian Alps are the dramatic backdrop for Slovenia’s storybook Lake Bled , while outdoor restaurants line the riverwalk in the friendly capital city Ljubljana and the sprawling Postojna Cave is a dramatic diversion. (Pro tip: You’ll likely save a few bucks by flying into Venice, Italy, rather than Ljubljana ― it’s not far over the border.)

The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation overlooks Ljubljana’s famous Triple Bridge , a lively spot at night.

Above you’ll see Lake Bled in the summer. Swim or row in the crystal-clear lake, dine at Bled Castle perched high on a cliff, or stroll the equally Instagram-worthy Vintgar Gorge .

A tour boat on the Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana.

The town of Piran is a “ luminescent pearl ” on the Adriatic Sea.

17. The Seychelles

Will and Kate honeymooned here, so you know the views are fit for royalty. This collection of around 115 islands in the Indian Ocean is basically a beach-y theme park, with inlets of every size and type . It could take weeks to see them all. Thank goodness there are both private island villas and casual B&Bs to stay in.

With its pink sand and smooth boulders, Anse Source D’Argent is regularly praised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Get there early in the day before other fanatics arrive.

The beaches at Beau Vallon are some of the most highly trafficked in the Seychelles, but they’re still pleasantly low-key.

From above, Mahe Island’s jungle flora and coastal towns shine in all their glory. Aside from the usual lineup of tucked-away beaches, the island’s forested interior is a hiker’s paradise .

St. Pierre is the teensy-tiny islet of your wildest dreams. Seriously.

CLARIFICATION : Language has been updated to specify that while that quiver tree is representative of Namibia, it is not a singular symbol of the country.

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16 Top Weird and Wacky PA Destinations

Pennsylvania is home to some weird and wacky attractions that may not be in your typical travel guide but are sure to blow any visitor’s mind! Your Pennsylvania bucket list just may get a facelift after you read a roundup of our top 16 favorites.

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1. Mütter Museum

Philadelphia

Founded in 1863, the Mütter Museum provides the fearless a tour of thousands of items that span the medical realm — from deformed and diseased body parts to slides of Albert Einstein’s gloriously geeky brain. The museum displays its beautifully preserved collections of anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments in a nineteenth century "cabinet museum" setting. Filled with some impossible-to-believe specimens, the collections are still used to advance medical science today!

2. The Pizza Brain

Pizza lovers unite at The Pizza Brain , the world’s first pizza culture museum and shop! The museum boasts the largest collection of pizza-related items in the world, with more than 550 artifacts in rotation — earning it a coveted Guinness World Record. Pizza Brain educates foodies about the cultural impact of the famed Italian import while serving up gas oven-fired pies to satisfy your appetite! They also stock a full range of unique, pizza-themed gear, clothes, and accessories for die-hard pizza lovers!

3. Ringing Rocks Park

Upper Black Eddy

Let the rocks sing! Ringing Rocks Park is the most famous of several Pennsylvania fields of igneous rock. The 10-foot rock piles produce variously pitched ringing sounds when hit with a hammer or other rocks. While theories abound about how and why these ancient rocks sound like they do, scientists remain baffled. Along with the rock field, there’s also plenty of flora, fauna, and beautiful waterfalls to explore in the 123-acre park. For true thrill seekers, the nearby Ralph Stover State Park boasts one of PA’s three state-run rock climbing areas.

4. Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland

Get up close and personal with reptiles and amphibians at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland , an AZA-accredited zoo. Reptiland allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the less-loved members of the animal kingdom through daily feedings and regularly scheduled shows, where you can even touch a variety of reptile skins to feel the difference between turtles, snakes, and crocodiles!

5. Trundle Manor

Billing itself as “ The most unusual tourist trap in the world meets the most bizarre private collection on display ,” a trip to Trundle Manor is a must-visit for those who love wacky, weird, and fun experiences. Tour the first floor of this private residence to gaze at all sorts of “unusual items” including jarred specimens, sadistic medical implements, bizarre weaponry, antique taxidermy specimens, coffins, and oh so much more! Tours are on evenings and weekends and by appointment only with donations requested (e.g., “money, taxidermy, dead things, killing implements, and even booze”).

6. Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium

Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium is a one-of-a-kind attraction that you do not want to miss on your trip to Gettysburg! Located just a short distance from the historic downtown, Mister Ed’s features more than 900 varieties of candy, 100 flavors of fudge, and more than 12,000 elephant figurines on display. You can also grab freshly roasted peanuts to snack on as you take a walk through the gardens or enjoy one of the special events that are hosted throughout the year.

7. American Philatelic Center

Home to the American Philatelic Society — the largest nonprofit organization for stamp collectors in the world, the Center is part museum, part research library, and the renowned headquarters for stamp collecting hobbyists throughout the U.S. Located in a restored 19th-century match factory complex that’s on the National Historic Register, tour the historic Center to see stamps galore, learn some stamp collecting lingo, and view all sorts of U.S. mail- and stamp-related memorabilia including toys and vintage stamp dispensing machines.

8. The Stoogeum

The Stoogeum in Montgomery County is a unique destination that honors the kings of low-brow comedy. North America’s only permanent tribute to the comedy of Moe, Larry, and Curley (and Shemp, Joe, and Curly Joe), the 100,000-item museum covers everything from Stooge-themed memorabilia — including pinball machines and breakfast cereal — to personal items, such as Shemp Howard’s military discharge papers and Larry Fine’s driver’s license. Plan ahead to visit because appointment dates and times to tour the facility are limited to certain weekdays each month and must be reserved ahead of time online.

9. The Big Mac ® Museum

North Huntingdon

Located within a traditional McDonald’s restaurant, The Big Mac Museum pays homage to the iconic, all American sandwich, the Big Mac ® with hands-on exhibits and historic memorabilia. Enjoy a Big Mac ® and all your favorite McDonald's cuisine as you learn how the famous sandwich was created — while not at this location, still within the region! — and be sure to snap a selfie with the 14-foot tall Big Mac ® statue.

10. Mack Truck Historical Museum

Calling all big rig truck buffs! Trucking fans can learn about how these powerful machines evolved over the years, including the history behind the iconic Mack Bulldog hood ornament, and view a collection of vintage Mack truck models and Mack memorabilia at the Mack Truck Historical Museum . Admission to the Mack Truck Historical Museum is free; however, a $5 donation per visitor is suggested and greatly appreciated!

11. Playthings Etc.

A steel structure with trees in the background

Step through the super cool, futuristic doors of Playthings Etc. and enter a toy realm unlike any other. Housed within a spaceship-shaped building, you’ll find thousand and thousands of toys, puzzles, and games — most of which you’ve likely never seen or experienced before. They pride themselves on finding unique toys with “high play value” that beg to played with over and over again. Prepare to spend several hours there because many of the 7,000 toys in their inventory are out of their packaging just waiting for you to try them out — from remote-controlled cars to rockets and magic. Playthings Etc. is more than just a store — it’s an out-of-this-world experience!

12. American Treasure Tour Museum

If you love a bit of kitsch mixed in with memorabilia from the country’s silent film era and circuses from days long past, along with century-old classic cars in pristine condition, dance hall organs, ornate dollhouses, and even an actual airplane, the American Treasure Tour Museum is a must for your bucket list! Featuring a treasure trove of Americana, the exhibits and displays are so many, large, and varied, you have to take a tram ride to see them all! See and hear “automatic music players” from days long past. Marvel at the castle made from 400,000 popsicle sticks. And feel free to snap photos as you sit back and enjoy the tram ride surrounded by surprises.

Sitting high atop Mount Penn, Reading’s legendary Pagoda has greeted visitors for more than 100 years. Built in 1908 as a luxury resort (which never actually happened) and topped with a Japanese bell cast in 1739, the Pagoda is one of the area’s prime tourist attractions with its stunning, 30-mile panoramic views. In recent years, the city has undertaken extensive renovations of the grounds and the Pagoda itself, including the installation of ADA-accessible parking and ramps. While the grounds are open to the public, interior renovations are on-going so check back often to learn when visitors will once again be allowed to climb the Pagoda’s seven stories.

14. Randyland

Randyland is one of Pittsburgh’s most colorful and Instagrammable landmarks. Self-described as “an all outdoor courtyard museum of the heart (and the most painted house in the galaxy!),” Randyland offers a unique insight into the mind of its artist and owner, Randy Gilson — “An Outdoor Museum, A Yard Filled With LOTS Of Recycled, Repurposed, Found, Dumpster TREASURES, PAINTED IN 100s OF HAPPY BRIGHT COLORS. Kinda Like A Misfit Puzzle, Resembles The Owner.” Open daily from noon to dusk, admission is free!

15. Goose Day

This isn’t the typical shenanigans of duck, duck, GOOSE! Goose Day was brought to the Juniata River Valley by an English settler in the late 1700s. Legend has it that consuming Goose on September 29, also known as Saint Michaelmas Day, will leave you with no money problems for the rest of the year. Join in on the celebration at nearby restaurants as they add goose to their menu items! Local businesses, organizations, and non-profits also get into the spirit by holding special promotions, events, and sales throughout September.

16. Schaefer’s Auto Art

Schaefer’s Auto Art proves the old adage that one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. With bits and pieces from discarded automobiles, Richard Schaefer has welded together a sculpture garden filled with his whimsical creations. Gigantic spiders and a bumblebee, a two-headed dragon that’s fishing, a rocketship, and welcoming “Automan” are among the amazing masterpieces. No charge for admiring the sculptures, they just ask visitors to respect and stay within the property’s boundaries.

Visit our website to see what else is happening around the Keystone State and follow us on Facebook , X (Twitter) , Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

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Home » Travel Guides » World » 15 Most Mysterious Places in the World

15 Most Mysterious Places in the World

From energised rocks in the middle of the Aussie Outback to spooky hotels a la Stephen King, the homes of famous vamps to off-the-beaten track groves of malformed trees in the depths of Slavic Europe, this list of the world’s most mysterious places to visit is sure to have something to pique the interest. No matter if you’re a conspiracy theorist, a dedicated UFO hunter, a proponent of the Nosferatu, a medium, or a supernatural buff – or even if you just fancy heading away from the tourist trail for something a little different- there should be plenty to be getting on with.

Some spots are perfect places to indulge those weird and wonderful interests in the otherworldly, others will have you jumping out of your skin. Some are just awesome places to travel to, while everything here promises mystery by the bucket load.

Enjoy our list of the most mysterious places in the world :

1. The Bermuda Triangle, Atlantic Ocean

Tales of lost mariners and disappeared ships, crashed aircraft and even vanishing humans, have been emerging from the waters of the Bermuda Triangle for centuries.

The vast area of more than half a million square miles is also known as the Devil’s Triangle, and theories as to why so many travelers fall foul of its clutches abound.

Some say there are magnetic anomalies that throw compasses off course, others that tropical cyclones are to blame, and some say there’s simply no mystery at all! Today, visiting the area can be much more pleasant than you might think, with the sun-splashed islands of Turks and Caicos beckoning in the south and the coves of Bermuda in the north.

You may actually want to never be seen again!

2. The Banff Springs Hotel, Canada

With overtures of the Timberline Lodge of Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining fame, the Banff Springs Hotel of Canada is said to be the home of a plethora of ghost stories and mysterious happenings.

Locals tell tales of an entire family that was murdered in cold-blood in room 873. Others talk of reappearing doormen who vanish into thin air.

But if you think you can deal with the supernatural rep, then you’re in for a real treat here.

The handsome hotel oozes Scottish Baronial styles, is shrouded by the fir-dressed peaks of the Canadian Rockies, and offers access to the iconic ski fields of Jasper and Banff.

Worth the risk? We think so!

3. Transylvania, Romania

Sylvan hills and mist-topped mountains, the clanging echo of church bells and the stone-built medieval steeples of towns like Sibiu, Brasov and Cluj, all add to the eerie atmosphere of this vast region at the very heart of Romania.

But it’s one place that really brings the chills and gets the spine a-tingling: Bran Castle.

This turret-topped citadel soars from the forests on the edge of Wallachia in a medley of Gothic towers and gargoyle-peppered roofs.

Over the years it’s been associated with a number of less-than-savoury, uber-mysterious figures: Vlad the Impaler, the most bloodthirsty of the Wallachian kings, and – of course – Count Dracula, the archetype of the nail-biting Nosferatu.

4. Crooked Forest, Poland

Just south of the unpronounceable city of Szczecin on Poland’s extreme eastern haunch, a stone’s throw west of the border with Germany, a small clutch of just over 400 pine trees has been garnering the attention of Atlas Obscura types and off-the-beaten-track travelers for years.

The entire forest appears to be bent over almost 90 degrees at the trunk, before twisting back straight again and growing vertically into the Slavic sky.

Debate has raged as to what caused the unusual wood to come to look like it has, with theories as wide ranging as torrential snowstorms and lumberjack growing techniques.

5. Bhangarh Fort, India

Enfolded by the rises of the Aravali Hills and baked by the Rajasthani sun, the old bulwarks of the Bhangarh Fort are said to echo with the ethereal presence of one cursed princess and her would-be captor, the wizard Sinhai.

It’s said that Sinhai tried to ensnare the young royal by offering her a love potion.

The plan backfired, the wizard ended up dead, but not before he could lay his hex on all the inhabitants of Bhangarh.

Today, the Mughlai complex once trodden by Madho Singh I is considered one of the most haunted spots in India.

No one is allowed to enter after dark, and locals have even reported deaths as a result of the continued curse!

6. The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Wales

Set between the rising fells and lichen-spotted stone villages on the eastern edge of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales’ lesser-known, southern mountain range), The Skirrid Mountain Inn oozes with tales and stories of the Gaelic nation’s past.

Some say it was the gathering point of rebel fighters under the banner of Owain Glyndŵr, the hero of Welsh resistance against Henry IV. Others claim that it was once a courthouse where criminals were not only condemned to death but also hung, all under the command of the infamous so-called Hanging Judge, George Jeffreys.

There’s even a swinging noose still dangling from the rafters inside, and oodles of ghost stories to hear over your cawl (traditional Welsh soup)!

7. The Tower of London, England

The beheading of kings, the incarceration of state enemies, the plotting of political machinations from the Tudors to the Elizabethans; all manner of dark and shady deeds has gone down between the crenulations of London’s old fortress on the north bank.

Stories of hauntings and mysterious happenings began with the sighting of Thomas Becket (a martyred saint), who is said to have stymied construction of the palace’s extension from the grave.

However, it’s the apparition of one Queen Anne Boleyn that causes the biggest stir – her headless body is seen lurking by the spot where she was killed at the behest of Henry VII back in the 1530s!

8. Eternal Flame Falls, United States

Delve into the winding walking trails that crisscross the Chestnut Ridge Park and discover the hidden wonder of Shale Creek.

Called, appropriately, Eternal Flame Falls, this curious natural phenomenon is a real mystery to behold.

Why? Well, because it manages to fuse two of the earth’s most elemental forces in one single spot – that’s why! You’ll first see the gorgeous falls themselves, cascading down over layers of chiselled granite rock.

Then comes the flame, which can be seen flickering behind the cataracts.

It never goes out, and scientists say the conflagration is created by the presence of natural gas seeping from the subterrane.

9. Richat Structure, Mauritania

Seemingly swirling and spinning and twisting like a cyclone through the heart of the mighty Sahara Desert, the great Richat Structure in the depths of Mauritania is something truly mysterious (although you’ll certainly have to take to the skies to see it!). Scientists have puzzled for years as to how the perfect circular set of concentric rings got there.

Some think it was an asteroid impact in centuries gone by.

Others say it was the simple process of natural geological attrition and erosion.

And then – of course – there are some who think it was the creation of extra-terrestrials, who passed this way and marked a landing point for future visits to earth.

Hmm, maybe!

10. The Nazca Lines, Peru

Scarring their way across the dusty desert landscapes of southern Peru, the Nazca Lines are amongst the most mysterious and awesome prehistoric remains in all of South America.

And while they typically take a backseat to the country’s other major tourist draws – Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley, Cuzco – they do draw in their fair share of visitors.

Most opt to do flyovers and see the great wonders from above, which is when the curious geoglyphs depicting spiders and monkeys come into full view.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no one really knows why they were made by the ancient Nazca people.

Perhaps they were an offering to the gods? Perhaps they were a cultist symbol? It’s still a mystery.

11. Highgate Cemetery, England

If you choose to navigate the crawling vines and ivy shoots, the looming oak trees and the lichen-spotted tombstones of London’s Highgate Cemetery, then beware: this is considered by many to be the single most haunted place in the United Kingdom (Tower of London omitted, of course). The setting is certainly enough to curdle the blood, with age-old angelic figures hiding amidst the shadow growth, gargoyles laughing from the crevices, and endless rows of tombs running into the distance.

Some ghost watchers say they’ve seen apparitions flitting between the Gothic carvings.

Others report vampires lurk in the shadows there.

12. Area 51, United States

A magnet for conspiracy theorists like no other place on this list, Area 51 has inspired UFO hunters and extra-terrestrial buffs for years – it even featured in Roland Emmerich’s alien-rich masterpiece Independence Day back in 1996! Located smack bang in the midst of the Nevadan desert, the site has been kept top secret by the United States government since it began developing reconnaissance and spy planes back in the 50s.

Today, speculators think it could be anything from a public surveillance hub to a weather control station to a time travel station.

Don’t expect a visitor’s center or anything, but then Vegas is just down the road!

13. Easter Island, Polynesia

It was just at the turn of the first millennium AD that the Rapa Nui peoples of eastern Polynesia landed and began surveying the wind-blasted shores of Easter Island.

Of course, it wasn’t called Easter Island then – the name is a later European addition courtesy of the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen, who happened upon the land in 1722. What he discovered would have surely wowed him: countless carved effigies of colossal heads, chiselled and chipped from the black rock boulders of the land.

In fact, there are over more than 880 of the so-called moai heads here, which are each thought to represent the final member of one of the tribal family clans.

14. Stonehenge, England

Set deep in the middle of the verdant lowlands of south-central England, where Salisbury Plain emerges in peaks and troughs of heath from the oak forests, Stonehenge has long oozed mystery and magic.

Created an estimated 5,000 years ago, this circular conglomeration of huge megalith stones is thought to have been made with unique bluestone material that could only have been quarried from the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire, some 200 miles away in Wales.

Mystery surrounds both how the Neolithic people managed to transport such huge rocks all that way, and as to the purpose of the building.

Today, it’s wrapped up in Arthurian legends and attracts Pagans for the summer solstice.

15. Uluru, Australia

Uluru is the mighty pillar at the middle of the Australian Outback.

It shoulders its way high above the flatlands that encompass it; a gargantuan block of sandstone rock that looks like the carapace of a petrified animal.

A truly breathtaking place to behold, it attracts everyone from hikers to history buffs (who come mainly for the pre-historic petroglyphs that mark the caves nearby). However, Ayers Rock, as the site is also called, also figures as a focal point for the old traditions of the Australian Aborigines.

They believe it’s one of the last remaining homes of the creator beings who forged the earth.

Meanwhile, other folk come here to energise themselves at the fluvial channels that run underneath the rock – whatever that means!

15 Most Mysterious Places in the World:

The Bermuda Triangle, Atlantic Ocean
The Banff Springs Hotel, Canada
Transylvania, Romania
Crooked Forest, Poland
Bhangarh Fort, India
The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Wales
The Tower of London, England
Eternal Flame Falls, United States
Richat Structure, Mauritania
The Nazca Lines, Peru
Highgate Cemetery, England
Area 51, United States
Easter Island, Polynesia
Stonehenge, England
Uluru, Australia

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50 unusual things to do in New York City by a native New Yorker

August 23, 2019 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

New York is full of hidden gems. This insider guide to New York City written by a native New Yorker will show you best unusual things to do in New York City that are alternative, kooky, fascinating, and just weird. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride as New York has so much to offer that you might not expect. I’ve grouped these activities by borough and location.

1.1 Take yourself down to the Lower East Side for a DIY Jewish food tour
1.2 Explore the catacombs of St. Patrick’s Basilica
1.3 Sit down for endless coffee and kitsch at a 24/7 diner or deli
1.4 Find New York’s hidden streets
1.5 Attend a wild off-off-broadway play for a fraction of a broadway play
1.6 Browse the fantastic thrift stores and bookstores for secondhand books
1.7 Get a drink at a speakeasy
1.8 Discover revolutionary-era New York
1.9 Experience Korean karaoke in K-Town
1.10 Find the African Burial Ground National Monument
1.11 Visit the Tenement Museum
1.12 Attend a free concert/play at Summerstage or Shakespeare in the Park
1.13 Discover New York’s classic bars that haven’t changed in years!
1.14 Attend a gospel concert in Harlem
1.15 Enter a European monastery at the Cloisters
1.16 Discover New York’s hip hop roots
2.1 Enjoy New York’s oldest working farm
2.2 Browse LIC Flea
2.3 Go surfing in the Rockaways
2.4 Find Zen at the Noguchi Museum
2.5 Taste greek pastries in Astoria!
2.6 Discover the quietness of Jacob Riis Park and the surrounding abandoned sites
2.7 Explore the diversity of Jackson Heights
2.8 Go kayaking in the East River
2.9 Eat your way through Flushing
2.10 Discover New York in miniature and go around the world 😉
2.11 Discover the Dutch history of New York in Flushing!
2.12 Dive into jazz history at the Louis Armstrong House
2.13 Transport yourself to England in Forest Hill Gardens
2.14 Take in modern art in Socrates Sculpture Park
2.15 Enjoy a traditional beer at New York’s oldest beer hall
2.16 Discover Fort Totten
3.1 Go antique hunting and enjoy Arabic coffee along Atlantic Avenue
3.2 Practice your Russian/Ukrainian and eat vareniki in Brighton Beach
3.3 Head underground at New York Transit Museum
3.4 Stroll along the boardwalk on Coney Island and ride New York’s oldest wooden rollercoaster.
3.5 Discover the weirdness that is Gowanus, New York’s very own Superfund site, with a beer.
3.6 Find artwork in Bushwick
3.7 Eat your way through New York’s pizza!
3.8 Experience New York’s alternative side at House of Yes
3.9 Discover the insanity of Christmas lights in Dyker Heights
4.1 Eat your way through New York’s real Little Italy
4.2 Discover Woodlawn Cemetery
4.3 Go for a hike through van Cortlandt park
4.4 Pretend you’re in New England on City Island
5.1 Go back in time at Historic Richmond Town
5.2 Transport yourself to China within the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden
5.3 Hike in the Greenbelt and learn about the strange past of this green space!
6.1 Discover the dark history of Ellis Island
6.2 Discover Roosevelt island’s dark history!
6.3 Meet the friendly cats on Roosevelt Island!
6.4 Take an architectural tour of New York by boat
7 Any other recommendations for unusual things to do in New York City?

Unusual things to do in Manhattan

Take yourself down to the lower east side for a diy jewish food tour.

Bialy from Kossar's Bialys on the Lower East Side, one of the best places to try Jewish food in Manhattan

An oft-overlooked portion of New York has to be the Lower East Side. This part of New York was once where my ancestors lived when they arrived in New York and it’s long been the Jewish cultural capital of New York. Here, you’ll find all kinds of delicious Jewish foods that you will want to try. Don’t worry, you don’t need a food tour to taste the best of this! Click for my self-guided tour of the best places to eat on the Lower East Side.

Explore the catacombs of St. Patrick’s Basilica

Although many people know St. Patrick’s, however many don’t realize that there’s another St. Patrick’s in New York. Underneath the Basilica of St. Patrick has catacombs underneath. There are very catacombs in the United States and this is the only one in all of New York. The catacombs have been closed for many years, but luckily they’ve now been opened to the public. You can take a candlelight tour of the catacombs to learn more about the history of this epic Basilica!

Sit down for endless coffee and kitsch at a 24/7 diner or deli

One of the most New York experiences off the beaten path that you can have (in my humble opinion!) is to sit at a 24-hour deli or diner and people watch as you get endless refills of black coffee. Veselka (from Nick & Norah ) is where you can eat Ukrainian vareniki all night. Similarly, Tick Tock Diner is where my husband (and I have) stopped for a coffee while waiting around for bus near Penn Station. I was recently in Sarge’s Deli , which is a great place to stop off for a proper pastrami sandwich past midnight (or anytime).

Find New York’s hidden streets

Private street in New York, one of the highlights of Alternative New York

New York is full of secrets if you know where to look! My other post about Secret New York goes more into detail about these streets, but I recently was in Henderson Place. This small private street is full of beautiful houses was intended for middle-class people, however, it’s one of the sought-out places to live on the Upper East Side today…

Attend a wild off-off-broadway play for a fraction of a broadway play

One of the best alternative activities in NYC has to be attending and off-off broadway play. Many people assume that you have to attend a Broadway play to get the New York play experience, however at any point, there are dozens of plays in New York that range in topic and you can see one of these plays for very little. Some are a wild experience if you’re open to something new. You can always see the Broadway favorites, but if you look through the TKTS list of shows, you might find something intriguing that you might not have known about otherwise.

Browse the fantastic thrift stores and bookstores for secondhand books

New York is full of beautiful and numerous bookstores. Whenever I’m in the area, I always stop by the Strand for a book, which is easily one of New York’s best bookstores. For shopping, New York is unparalleled and I consider thrifting in New York to be a true art as you have no idea what you’ll find. Click here for my recommendations on the best places to shop on a budget in New York.

Get a drink at a speakeasy

A speakeasy is a bit cliche at this point in New York, but it’s not to say that it’s still cool to enter a hidden bar as something different to do in New York. It’s pretty easy to find most speakeasies online without much effort, however for the full experience and to learn more about the history of these bars, you can take a Prohibition bar tour , which will bring you to New York’s oldest speakeasies.

Discover revolutionary-era New York

Fraunces Tavern, the spot where the Boston Tea Party was planned, is a historic restaurant in New York

New York was once the capital of the United States. Us New Yorkers are proud of everything that started in New York and although we won’t take credit for the American Revolution as much as we do for New York pizza (you’re welcome!), you can visit the exact spot (Fraunces Tavern) where the Sons of Liberty, who help plan the Boston Tea Party plotted. Later on, this was George Washington’s unofficial headquarters. You do have to pay for entry to the museum or you can pay for a meal within the restaurant.

Experience Korean karaoke in K-Town

One of the most fun unusual things to do in New York has to be KTV in Koreatown. Right in the 30s, you’ll find Koreatown, the heart of Korean culture in New York. I recommend looking up KTV bars for the private experience. It’s best to reserve in advance as these bars are quite popular in the evenings on weekends. Within the private boots, you and friends can drink soju (Korean liquor) and belt out your favorite tunes. It’s as much fun as you think!

Find the African Burial Ground National Monument

African Burial Grounds National Monument, Manhattan, New York

During a construction project, a mass grave filled with human remains was found in New York. Quickly, it was discovered that this six-acre wide site was the resting place of 15,000 enslaved and free Africans who lived in colonial New York. This monument is the oldest African burial ground in existence. It is free to visit and a great starting place to learn about the darker past of New York. To learn more about the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad in New York, you can take a two-hour tour about the early African American history of New York .

Visit the Tenement Museum

One of my favorite museums for an unusual experience for adults and children alike in New York has to be the Tenement Museum. This museum helps visitors experience what it was like to live in New York at the turn of the century. My own great-grandparents lived in conditions like this and it’s an eye-opener to enter these apartments that are beautifully decorated with accurately represented decor with historians. Reserve in advance! Click for more tips for the Lower East Side.

Attend a free concert/play at Summerstage or Shakespeare in the Park

Every summer, you can attend free world-class plays and concerts in the middle of Central Park. I always love attending Summerstage, which brings many popular music stars from all over the world to New York. Tickets are free. If you’re willing to put up with the lines, you can also line up for New York’s famous Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare in the park!

Discover New York’s classic bars that haven’t changed in years!

Old bar in New York where Mrs. Maisel was filmed

If you’re a fan of Mrs. Maisel, you might be wondering where they filmed many of the classic bars scenes in Mrs. Maisel. Although the new and shiny is always popular in New York, there’s something about the old and worn. There are a number of old historic bars in New York worth visiting, including the White Ho r se Tavern , which is where Dylan Thomas supposedly took his last drink. I was recently in Old Town Bar (pictured), which was one of the filming locations of Mrs. Maisel. It’s simply a beautiful bar with wooden booths and a cozy atmosphere where the locals chat with those coming in.

Attend a gospel concert in Harlem

One of the most unique things to experience in New York is to experience the richness of African American culture in Harlem. Harlem is truly an incredible place to visit due to the world-famous Apollo, its legacy with jazz music, and its churches. Many others have covered Harlem more in-depth than me, however, it’s worth taking time to see Haarlem whether to visit the Apollo for a show or visit a church for a choir performance. Click for a tour of Harlem!

Enter a European monastery at the Cloisters

Columns of the Cloisters, a medieval museum in New York that is part of the Met!

One of the best museums in New York for lovers of medieval art has to be the Cloisters. It’s a bit mindboggling to consider that this museum with fairly accurate construction, inspired by medieval monasteries, exists in New York City. Within the museum, you can visit the various sections to look at priceless artifacts from medieval times. Entire sections of monasteries from Spain and France have been moved here although my favorite exhibition had to be the unicorn tapestry. You can get in here free with your Met ticket on the same day. Just include enough time to take the subway or train uptown! I recommend exploring Fort Tyron park after.

Discover New York’s hip hop roots

We say in New York, “East Coast is Beast Coast.” Well, the Beastie Boys were formed in New York. I can’t even list every hip hop and R&B artist from New York, but let’s just keep it simple: Nas, the Notorious B.I.G., Nicki Minaj, Wuu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Tupac, and many others are from New York. If you’re a rap fan, consider taking a tour to visit many of the key locations with local artists that shaped hip-hop in New York .

Wondering what to do in New York that isn't the same old? Read this insider guide by a native New Yorker to 50+ unusual and fun things to do in New York City (all boroughs), highlighting the strange, old, alternative, quirky, and dark sides to New York City. Includes what to do in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx off the beaten path!

Unusual things to do in Queens

Please leave Manhattan, especially if you’re tired of the same old things. As someone who grew up in Queens, I”m horribly biased, but the rest of this article will discuss unusual thing things to do in the other boroughs! Trust me, you’ll fall in love!

Enjoy New York’s oldest working farm

Sunny day at Queens County Farm, a historic farm in Queens

One of the most unusual places to visit in New York has to be the Queens County Farm. I grew up coming here with my parents and went back here. This working farm is New York’s oldest continuously farmed site (since the 1600s) and you’ll wonder if you’re still in New York City. It’s all the way out by the Queens-Nassau County border, but if you have a car, it’s fantastic for families. The farm itself is free to visit although it’s worth looking up the schedule for the events, which are generally held on weekends. It’s a nice respite from the steel of Manhattan!

Browse LIC Flea

Each weekend, you can browse the LIC Flea Market. This lively market in Long Island City is one of the upcoming cool neighborhoods in Queens where you’ll find lots of cute shops and cafes. Notably, you can browse for locally made products, snack, and head to the beer garden along the water (the East River) in good weather.

Go surfing in the Rockaways

Colorful interior of the Rockaways Surf Club, a highlight of Alternative New York!

Did you know that you could go surfing in New York!? The Rockaways have been undergoing some massive changes for the better in recent years. For those seeking a truly unusual experience in New York, consider renting a surfboard at the cash-only Rockaway Surf Club. I highly recommend stopping off for some Mexican tacos and a craft beer afterward!

Find Zen at the Noguchi Museum

Not too far from Long Island City, you’ll find the Noguchi Museum. This museum dedicated to zen was once the studio of Isamu Noguchi, a world-renown Japanse-born sculptor who lived in New York. This large museum showcases his beautiful minimalistic models, drawings, and sculptures. I dare say that it’s the most relaxing place to visit in New York.

Taste greek pastries in Astoria!

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Queens is Astoria. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Queens, which is the home to many New Yorkers who immigrated from Greece. I always love browsing the Greek supermarkets, stopping into the bakeries, and coming here for a meal. Click for my guide to Astoria.

Discover the quietness of Jacob Riis Park and the surrounding abandoned sites

Jacob Riis Park, a hidden beach in New York City worth visiting!

One of the most unusual places that I’ve visited in New York has to be Jacob Riis Park. This beach on the most western part of Queens is not as famous as Coney Island or any of the beaches on Long Island, but it’s absolutely beautiful. I came here in May and we were the only ones on the beach! The old-school beach pavilion is very much old New York although lovers of abandoned places will love exploring the cold war-era Fort Tilton and viewing the former Neponsit Beach Hospital, a tuberculosis sanatorium, from a distance. It’s a nice place for a quiet walk along the beach.

Explore the diversity of Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights is one of those quintessential New York neighborhoods that New Yorkers love. Why? It’s truly representative of the diversity within New York. Here, you can eat Tibetan dumpling before picking up Colombian arepas, Indian snacks at Patel Brothers, or even finding something from another country. Your options are almost limitless as long as you have cash as many businesses are cash only.

Go kayaking in the East River

Have you seen everything in New York? I promise you that you probably haven’t gone kayaking in the East River. I’m not sure that I’d recommend swimming in the water, however you can rent kayaks at the LIC Boathouse.

Eat your way through Flushing

If you’ve not heard of Flushing, you nd to come to Flushing! Although you might have heard of Chinatown, Flushing is at the epicenter of New York’s Chinese community. Here, you can taste Chinese food from various Chinese regions. You can click for my guide to Flushing for the best places to eat in Flushing.

Discover New York in miniature and go around the world 😉

A perfectly sized and accurate miniature of New York City

Skip the touristy exhibition in Times Square and head to one of my favorite novelty museum exhibitions in New York, the Panorama of the City of New York ! This miniature of New York is absolutely astounding in detail. It’s within the Queens Museum of Art, which sits right around the corner from the world-famous Unisphere .

Discover the Dutch history of New York in Flushing!

Although many have heard the story of how the Dutch settled in New York, you’ll find many traces of the Dutch still here. Queens has several houses that were built when the Dutch ruled New York. My favorite has to be the John Bowne House in Flushing , which traces the rise of religious freedom in North America. The tour, which is affordable, is run by knowledgeable volunteers. I have been to several of the other Dutch-era properties, but I think that this one is the most intriguing!

Dive into jazz history at the Louis Armstrong House

Instagrammers, take note, you can’t take photos within the Louis Armstrong House. However, for jazz lovers, this house is a bit of a pilgrimage location. This home was where Louis Armstrong and his wife lived until his death in 1971. Today, the house is a museum dedicated to his life and music. You must come here with a tour, so please check the official website for more information.

Transport yourself to England in Forest Hill Gardens

Beautiful home within Forest Hills Gardens in Queens, one of the most unusual things to see in New York City!

Although people assume that New York is all skyscrapers, Queens is full of normal houses where normal New Yorkers live. One of my favorite neighborhoods of New York for a stroll has to be Forest Hill Gardens. Here, you’ll find this Garden-inspired neighborhood full of beautiful Tudors. I recommend enjoying the quiet of Forest Park, a popular getaway in the 1920s for New Yorkers before stepping in for a snack at one of the old German delis in Kew Gardens (Homestead Gourmet Shop).

Take in modern art in Socrates Sculpture Park

One of my favorite free things to do in New York that is a bit unusual has to be gong to Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City. This free park hosts sculptures from sculptors from all around the world along this water-front property. The sculptures are always fun to interact with–and enjoy from a distance, so if you’re looking for something different to enjoy, consider bringing a picnic (after stopping by Costco!) to eat in the park.

Enjoy a traditional beer at New York’s oldest beer hall

In the heart of Astoria, you’ll find New York’s oldest beer hall. Although beer halls used to be more common throughout New York, this Czech-run beer hall is still in business 100 years later. It’s a great place to enjoy a beer with a pretzel.

Discover Fort Totten

Beautiful sunny day with views of Fort Totten, Queens, one of the best alternative places to visit in New York City!

Fort Totten is where I used to go rollerblading with my mom. This was a key place for defending New York from the British and the Nazis as it’s the entry to New York Harbor. For a long time, there was an army base here (even during the Civil War) and you can view some of the beautiful buildings from this period as you walk around, including the remains of the Civil War-era battery. It’s free to visit although not so easy to get here. The views from the water are gorgeous and worth the trip. It’s a popular destination for runners!

Unusual things to do in Brooklyn

Go antique hunting and enjoy arabic coffee along atlantic avenue.

One of my father’s favorite things to do quite a bit off the beaten path in Brooklyn is to stop by the Yemanese coffee to watch chess and relax. Atlantic Avenue has long been at the heart of Brooklyn and you can now enjoy great craft beer at nearby Circa Brewing. If you’re an antique lover, I recommend browsing the antique shops for fun decorations for your home closer to Boerum Hill.

Practice your Russian/Ukrainian and eat vareniki in Brighton Beach

vareniki in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NYC

Brighton Beach is a unique neighborhood that is mostly populated by ethnic Russians and Ukrainians who fled when the Soviet Union fell. Here, you’ll find signs in Cyrillic and food from all over the former USSR from Georgian food to Ukranian vareniki (dumplings). I recently went to Varenichnaya with my cousin, who described it as the most hole-in-the-wall place that he’s ever been to in New York. Don’t worry: They speak English too.

Head underground at New York Transit Museum

Lovers of trains, rejoice! New York Transit Museum is an entire museum dedicated to the history of the New York subway. I’ve been several times when I was younger and it’s really fantastic. I always love boarding the old subway cars, which they occasionally ride on special occasions.

Stroll along the boardwalk on Coney Island and ride New York’s oldest wooden rollercoaster.

Cyclone, New York's wooden roller coaster that you have to ride!

I love Coney Island . I’ve been coming here since I was a child. This island off Brooklyn (named for rabbits!) is home to one of New York’s most popular beaches, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, New York’s oldest wooden rollercoaster, cool artwork (for the Instagrammers), an amusement park, and a lovely boardwalk. It’s completely free to visit Coney Island. After you’re done, head to Brighton Beach!

Discover the weirdness that is Gowanus, New York’s very own Superfund site, with a beer.

Have you read about the Gowanus Canal? I’m not sure that New York should be proud of having its very own toxic superfund site, but the Gowanus neighborhood is perfect for those looking to experience the alternative side to Brooklyn. One of Brooklyn’s best breweries is Other Half Brewing Company , so consider grabbing a pint before exploring the neighborhood! History lovers might like the Old Stone House of Brooklyn. For supper, stop at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for southern-style BBQ!

Find artwork in Bushwick

It’s a bit strange seeing Bushwick gentrifying so much as a New Yorker, however you’ll want to look up the Bushwick Collective. This open-air gallery run by Bushwick local Joseph Ficalora features local artists along with more famous street artists! It’s free to visit and perfect for street art lovers.

Eat your way through New York’s pizza!

Pizza pie during a pizza tour of New York City, an unusual thing to do in New York City for foodies!

Who doesn’t love pizza!? New York is the birthplace of pizza as we know it. Although New York’s old pizza parlor closed, you can head into Brooklyn to Totonno’s to taste pizza at this classic New York institution open since 1924! I was recently at Juliana’s (shown above), which was very tasty. For true foodies, consider taking a pizza tour of New York . Yes, these really exist.

Experience New York’s alternative side at House of Yes

Looking to dance the night away? House of Yes is one of New York’s wildest alternative places to go out. Here, you’ll find great music, a disco bathroom, drag shows, and a fully inclusive environment to dance with your friends.

Discover the insanity of Christmas lights in Dyker Heights

If you’ll be visiting New York in time for the holiday s, I recommend taking a detour to Dyker Heights! This charming Brooklyn neighborhood is famous for its epic Christmas light displays in front of the houses! It’s free to visit on your own, however, this neighborhood is a bit out of the way. Consider taking a tour of the best Christmas light displays if you’re not keen on figuring out the logistics.

Unusual things to do in the Bronx

Eat your way through new york’s real little italy.

Beautiful storefront in the real Little Italy in the Bronx (NYC).

Hidden in the Bronx, you’ll find Arthur Avenue. Although you have heard of Little Italy, you need to head this old school neighborhood of the Bronx where Italian culture in New York has been preserved with old school pasta makers, Michelin-starred restaurants serving up incredible pizza, and mozzarella makers worth of the James Beard award. Click for my guide to Arthur Avenue!

Discover Woodlawn Cemetery

If you’re a cemetery lover, you need to head to Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. This notable cemetery built on rolling hills in the Bronx is the final resting place of many famous stars, including Herman Melville and Miles Davis! It’s a bit of fresh air oddly enough in New York and a nice respite from the busy city.

Go for a hike through van Cortlandt park

New York City Landscapes - Van Cortlandt Park

Not many people realize that you can actually go hiking in New York City. This large park in the Bronx was once the home of the Van Cortlandt family, which still sits on the property. Within the park, you can kayak, hike, run, horseback ride, and even golf. Unfortunately, Robert Moses (one of the urban planners who largely shaped modern-day New York [Read the Power Broker to learn more about his legacy!]) broke up the park and much of the Bronx, however, the park is worth a visit if you think that you’ve seen it all!

Pretend you’re in New England on City Island

City Island is very surprising. This small island off the Bronx feels like New England due to its many seafood restaurants, docks, and the general holiday feeling. The houses here are really cute and trust me when I say that you don’t need to drive another 2 hours to see something different in New York. Consider trying the lobster!

Unusual things to do on Staten Island

Go back in time at historic richmond town.

Beautiful house in Historic Richmond Village on Staten Island, one of the most surprising sites in NYC!

One of the most fascinating places that I’ve visited in New York recently has to be Historic Richmond Town! This open-air museum in Staten Island is full of beautiful homes and shops from different historic periods, including the Dutch-era. Although you can arrive generally anytime, I recommend trying to go on one of the tours, done by knowledgable volunteers in period clothing, which will enable you to enter a few of the houses. We spent several hours here and you cannot get better bang for your buck! (We also recommend the ice cream.) Many TV shows and films were set here, including Boardwalk Empire.

Transport yourself to China within the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

One of Staten Island’s unexpected delights has to the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden. This charming garden was created by Chinse artists and architectures to help bring a bit of Chinese culture to New York. All the materials come from China. Despite its beauty, this garden is not very well-known and right on the edge of the water, so consider coming here on a nice day as it’s the perfect lead-in to discovering that there’s more to Staten Island that just the ferry!

Hike in the Greenbelt and learn about the strange past of this green space!

The Greenbelt is a relatively new part of Staten Island. This park is home to one of the largest green spaces in New York. As part of this space, you’ll find the land that once belonged to the New York City Farm Colony and Willowbrook State School. This former working farm, once the home of Alice Austen (whose home is on Staten Island), has now been taken over by the city. Today, you can walk past some of these semi-abandoned buildings as they figure out what is next for this land (likely condos..)

If you’ve read about the movie Cropsy , Willowbrook State School is one of many urban legends. This institution for those with disabilities became infamous after investigative reports came out, which resulted in the shutting down of this school. Now some of the grounds are part of the College of Staten Island and the Greenbelt.

Other unusual things to do in New York City

Discover the dark history of ellis island.

Although Ellis Island is famous for immigration, Ellis Island also has some dark stories in its past… Notably, there were separate wards where those who were sick were held prior to being deported. Today, you can tour these “abandoned” sections of Ellis Island. Click for more information about visiting Ellis Island.

Discover Roosevelt island’s dark history!

Roosevelt Island is a strange place, arguably one of the most strange places in New York City. This island sandwiched between Manhattan and Queens has a surprisingly dark history between Blackwell’s Peneiteary, which was shut down after becoming one of New York’s most famous prisons and “lunatic asylums.” It was torn down and now, you’ll find a smallpox hospital (abandoned, but still there) that sits in its place. For the best views of Roosevelt Island, consider taking the tramway for excellent views of Manhattan on the way back!

Meet the friendly cats on Roosevelt Island!

Cat lovers, I haven’t forgotten about you. The Cat Sanctuary in Southpoint Park is a non-profit cat sanctuary on Roosevelt Island where you can visit twenty-two friendly strays that live here full-time. Please consider making a donation if you visit! I got to say hello to one of these kitties when I was on Roosevelt Island recently!

Take an architectural tour of New York by boat

New York skyline seen from the water from an architecture cruise of New York, an unusual thing that you can do in NYC!

One of the most unusual activities in New York has to be the architectural boat tour of New York that we recently went on! This 3-hour boat tour goes around Manhattan Island and is narrated by a licensed architect in cooperation with the American Institute of Architects.

Review from my dad: I had my doubts about whether it would teach me anything new about my home city of New York. I have an undergraduate degree in History, read The Power Broker by Robert Caro, watched many Ken Burns documentaries, and lived here my entire life. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this tour–and many of the guests were visiting for the second and third time. We also enjoyed the free drink (champagne, wine, water, or soda) and snackers (olives and hummus) that come with the tour.

I could go on endlessly about the Domino Sugar Refinery, Governor’s Island, Spuyten Duyvil Bridge, and Roberto Clemente State Park which I had never personally seen. We had poor weather on the day of our tour and they were happy to switch our tour to Friday. I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for something different to do in New York.

Any other recommendations for unusual things to do in New York City?

Your perfect first time NYC itinerary
Insider tips for visiting NYC
New York for the holidays
What to pack for NYC
Foods to try in New York City
How to take the subway
Where to shop in NYC
A walking tour of the Lower East Side
Arthur Avenue
New York City on a budget tips
Affordable hotels in Manhattan

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

August 24, 2019 at 6:46 pm

Had no idea there was an architectural boat tour in New York! I must do that next time. I definitely agree with you about seeing some off-Broadway shows too to save some coin but still have that experience. The Cloisters and Tenement Museum have long been on my to-do list as well!

September 27, 2023 at 11:06 am

Needed to compose you a very little word to thank you yet again regarding the nice suggestions you’ve contributed here.

November 24, 2023 at 10:12 am

Thank you so much for your kind words! Enjoy your time in the city, and I hope you discover some truly unique experiences!

Your Wanderlustingk Team

17 Unforgettable Places to Travel This Spring

18 Unforgettable Places to Travel This Spring

Screen Rant

Where was the shining filmed the real overlook hotel location explained.

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The Shining Book Spoilers: 11 Biggest Differences From The Movie

Top 10 fan theories about the shining, explained, the shining movie's most significant difference from stephen king's book.

Stanley Kubrick shot the interiors and exteriors of The Shining at different locations, disorienting the audience and allowing the director to manipulate the layout of the Overlook Hotel.
The exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel were filmed at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, while the interiors were filmed at Elstree Studios in England.
The opening sequence of the film, following Jack's car to the resort, was filmed in Glacier National Park, Montana, with additional footage later used in Blade Runner.

Stanley Kubrick took inspiration from a few real and fictional locations for his 1980 adaptation of The Shining , but he mostly filmed the Overlook Hotel in one place, far from where the movie was set. While the movie's Colorado resort is not a real place, author Stephen King based the Overlook on the Stanley Hotel . For Kubrick's movie, another hotel was employed as a stand-in for the exterior of the Overlook, while its interiors were based on the Ahwahnee Hotel in California's Yosemite National Park, plus other similar establishments.

However, the filmmaker primarily shot indoor and outdoor scenes on studio stages and lots. That was mostly so the production could have easier and longer access to sets, but for Kubrick, it also meant he could better manipulate the layout of the Overlook, disorienting the audience. The mix of real and constructed locations for The Shining and the patchwork of influences on the Overlook adds to the disconnectedness of the spaces and places in the movie. The fact that one alleged shooting location has also been challenged over the years contributes to the perplexity of The Shining .

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The Shining's Hotel Exterior Was Shot At The Timberline Lodge In Mount Hood, Oregon

The shining was filmed far away from the colorado landscape.

For the establishing shots of the Overlook Hotel, The Shining features the front of the Timberline Lodge , which is located on the side of Mount Hood in Oregon. The Timberline is nowhere near the setting and doesn't resemble the Colorado-based Stanley Hotel, which served as the Overlook Hotel's main inspiration in the book. Yet its rustic architecture, U.S. government involvement, and appropriated Native American influence fit the aesthetic and thematic needs of Stanley Kubrick's vision for the film adaptation.

The Timberline was designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, the same architect as the Ahwahnee Hotel, which was the model for the interior of the Overlook in the movie. Some interesting things about the Timberline Lodge in terms of its disconnect to the story of the film include its distinct late-1930s construction, compared to 1907-1909 as stated in the movie.

Also, while the establishing shots of the Overlook don't reveal too much of what is behind the Timberline Lodge, as the aerial establishing shot cuts just before any confirmation, it's pretty obvious that there's nowhere for The Shining 's hedge maze to fit on the grounds. It's unknown whether Kubrick intended this inconsistency, like how he made the interior layout of the Overlook not align with the Timberline's structure, but the subtle way the locations don't line up perfectly suits the movie.

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The Interior Of The Overlook Hotel Was Filmed At Elstree Studios In England

The shining was filmed outside the us for the majority of the movie.

The design of the Overlook set was based on the interiors of the Ahwahnee Hotel, but nothing was actually filmed on location there

Despite being an American filmmaker, Stanley Kubrick spent most of his life in England, and shot all of his later films there, regardless of whether they took place in New York City, Vietnam, or, in the case of The Shining , the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The interiors of the Overlook Hotel were filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, England. This allowed Kubrick to play with space, as nothing of the hotel's layout makes any sense, and to also create iconic visuals such as an elevator gushing blood, which wouldn't have gone over well with the owners of an actual lodge.

The design of the Overlook set was based on the interiors of the Ahwahnee Hotel, but nothing was actually filmed on location there. One interesting detail about the interior locations of the Overlook in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is that the movie changes Room 217 from the book to Room 237 . One of the reasons for this is that there is no Room 237 in the Timberline Lodge.

The owners of the real hotel were afraid that guests would avoid the Timberline Lodge's Room 217 after seeing it used in the film. In reality, Room 217 apparently became the most-requested room at the Timberline due to its pop culture significance.

The Shining's Bear Man Is The Film's Biggest Mystery: Here's What It Means

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Other Interior Locations & Some Exterior Shots Of The Overlook Were Also Filmed At Elstree Studios

The shining made use of multiple uk studios.

Almost anytime a character is indoors in The Shining , they are actually on a soundstage in England. Other scenes shot at Elstree Studios on various stages include the interiors of the Torrance's Boulder apartment, Dick Halloran's place in Miami, the ranger station, and Durkin's Store. One interior not filmed at Elstree was the airport where Halloran makes his payphone call.

Keen-eyed viewers will notice that the back of the Overlook is mostly shot from one angle that best captured the fabricated hotel exterior.

The UK studio wasn't just used for interior sets. Even the back exteriors of the Overlook when the Torrances are being shown around the grounds, when Wendy and Danny run out to the hedge maze early on in the film, and later when Jack chases his son outside into the snow were filmed at Elstree.

The backside of the Timberline Lodge was partly reconstructed on a sound stage, along with pieces of the nonexistent maze being filmed on a backlot at the studio. Keen-eyed viewers will notice that the back of the Overlook is mostly shot from one angle that best captured the fabricated hotel exterior.

The Movies That Inspired The Shining's Most Iconic Scene

The Shining has one of the most iconic scenes in film history, but it's not entirely a product of Stanley Kubrick's creativity. Let's take a look.

London Stansted Airport Stood In For Denver's Stapleton Airport

The shining's airport scene was shot at one of the uk's biggest terminals.

For whatever reason, the one shot of Dick Halloran on the pay phone at the airport was not shot on a set at Elstree Studios. Instead, Kubrick shot the quick moment at London Stansted Airport. Keeping with his attention to detail, the director apparently had American pay phones shipped over to England to use for the shot. Perhaps the fact that they are cut off in the frame is because they were so temporarily positioned there in the airport terminal.

10 Interpretations Of The Shining

Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is still dissected by fans today. Here are some interpretations of the horror film based on Stephen King's novel.

The Opening Sequence Of The Shining Was Filmed In Glacier National Park, Montana

The location was thematically tied to the lore of the shining.

While The Shining used a location in Oregon for the establishing shots of Colorado's Overlook Hotel, the opening sequence following Jack's car to the resort was filmed elsewhere, far away. The Timberline Lodge isn't located in the Rocky Mountains like the Overlook, so the second-unit filmmakers couldn't use any nearby roads for this sequence. Instead, the helicopter shots of the car driving through the mountains were achieved along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in Montana . Intentional or not, the area also has ties to Native American culture, further fitting The Shining 's lore.

Some additional shots taken during this aerial filming were later used in Blade Runner .

10 Crazy Production & Development Facts About The Shining

The Shining is one of the most lauded horror movies ever made, but what don't even fans know about the making of the Stanley Kubrick classic?

Other Exterior Road Scenes Were Filmed In The UK

Some of the shining's filming locations remain debated.

There's another exterior road scene in The Shining where Dick Halloran is trying to drive to the Overlook and hits traffic caused by an overturned truck smashed into a red Volkswagen Bug. This part of the movie is said to have been filmed on the Radlett Aerodrome outside of London. Other reports claim that scene was shot at Elstree Studios , but the Radlett Aerorome was used for other exteriors, including the summer maze sequence.

The Shining is one of the most well-known adaptations of Stephen King's work, but it's very different from the book it's based on.

The Shining Did Actually Film One Exterior In Colorado

The shining was filmed where it's set for only one shot.

The second-unit filmmakers for The Shining seem to have gone all over the place while capturing exteriors for the movie. In addition to filming in Oregon and Montana, they did shoot in Colorado, the state where The Shining takes place. Before Jack gets the job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook, the Torrances live in an apartment in Boulder, Colorado. While the interior scenes of that home were filmed on a set built at Elstree Studios, the exterior establishing shot was taken at an actual apartment complex in Boulder.

Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is considered to be one of the greatest horror movies. Here are some interesting fan theories about the movie.

The Overlook Hotel's Hedge Maze Was Created For The Shining

One of the shining's most iconic locations didn't actually exist.

The maze seen in The Shining was never a real maze anywhere, even as a full set.

The iconic hedge maze in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining was not in Stephen King's book, which instead features animal topiary sculptures that come to life. There also was no maze at the Stanley Hotel, which was the original inspiration for the Overlook — though there is one at the Stanley now, inspired by the movie. No maze existed at the Timberline Lodge or the Ahwahnee Hotel either. In fact, the maze seen in The Shining was never a real maze anywhere, even as a full set.

The parts shown in the movie with the characters walking through the maze employed bits of constructed sets arranged just for the specific shots. Meanwhile, the overhead shot of the Overlook maze in The Shining was achieved by filming Wendy and Danny from above from a high-rise and combining that shot with a matte painting. Interestingly enough and adding to the disjointedness of the movie's locations, the overhead shot of the maze doesn't match either the map of the maze seen in the film or the model of the maze located inside the Overlook Hotel.

Stanley Kubrick's The Shining took many liberties from Stephen King's novel, but one difference makes it an almost entirely different story.

Was The Shining's Gold Room Bar Scene Filmed At Hollywood's American Legion Post 43?

One scene in the shining gave birth to an infamous hollywood myth.

A lot of The Shining filming locations found on the internet are incorrect, including many added to IMDb by anonymous users without sources. That's the case with a claim that some pickup shots for The Shining , specifically of the Gold Room bar, were filmed at the American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood. Complicating matters is the fact that the website and social media accounts for that famous post list The Shining as one of the films shot there, and a Los Angeles Times article makes the same connection, though it's noted as being a rumor.

Yet people involved in the production, as well The Shining megafan (and Toy Story 3 director) Lee Unkrich have disputed that any part of The Shining was filmed in Hollywood, let alone at the American Legion Post 43. Whether the room at the American Legion post was made to look like the bar in The Shining , or vice versa, or they simply have a resemblance, is not clear. Still, the confusion involved with this supposed filming location is quite appropriate for The Shining and the mysteries of both its production and narrative.

Can You Visit Any Of The Places Where The Shining Was Filmed?

Several of the important locations are tourist attractions.

The Shining may have released almost five decades ago, but many of the filming locations still exist and can be visited, with some even being popular tourist attractions. For fans of the movie and the original Stephen King novel, the most appealing is perhaps the Stanley Hotel tour. The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King to write The Shining in the first place, and the hotel has fully leaned into this reputation.

" The Shining Tour " remains a popular revenue stream for the Stanley Hotel. Fans of The Shining are treated to a visit to The Shining Suite in a restored caretakers' cottage. This includes a recreation of the bathroom from The Shining movie, as well as one of the prop aces wielded by Jack Nicholson. The tour takes about an hour, and also includes some of the history of the Stanley Hotel and supernatural goings-on that inspired King in the first place.

Timberline Lodge, where many of the exterior locations of The Shining were filmed, is also still open to the public, though doesn't seem to offer an experience catering to fans in the same way that the Stanley Hotel does. There unfortunately aren't any tours available of Elstree Studios in the UK, and many of the sets used in The Shining also likely no longer exist. For fans of the Stanley Kubrick movie, the best option is inarguably the Stanley Hotel's dedicated tour.

The Shining

Not available

Stanley Kubrick's horror classic starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall tells the story of the Torrance family, who move to the isolated Overlook Hotel so that father Jack Torrance can act as its winter caretaker. Stuck at the hotel due to the winter storms, the malevolent supernatural forces inhabiting the building slowly begin to drive Jack insane, causing his wife and psychically gifted son to be caught up in a fight for their lives when Jack is pushed over the edge.

Money blog: Map shows where house prices are rising and falling

Welcome to the Money blog, a hub for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include Zoopla data on where house prices are rising and falling. Leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering in the form below.

Wednesday 28 August 2024 06:56, UK

Map shows house price change in each region - with most up
Fuel prices are 6p more than they should be - RAC
PM tells Britons he'll make 'big asks' of them in budget

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Ask a question or make a comment

House prices have risen by 1.4% so far this year and are on track to be 2.5% higher annually by the end of 2024, according to one measure of market conditions.

Zoopla's latest house price index also shows that buyer demand has risen by a fifth compared with this time last year, while the supply of homes for sale is at a seven-year high.

"All key measures of sales market activity are higher than 2023 supported by economic growth and rising consumer confidence," the property portal said.

Annually, the cost of the average home has risen by 0.5% - but the picture differs across the country, as this map shows...

Most areas have seen an improvement, though the South West, South East, East of England and East Midlands have recorded "small falls", Zoopla noted.

Overall, the UK's housing market is "more balanced than at any time in the last five years", it said.

"Lower mortgage rates and an improving economic outlook has bought more sellers and buyers into the market...

"Our view is average mortgage rates will remain above 4%, which is sufficient to support more homes moves and sales," it added.

Fuel retailers are being urged to "do the right thing" and cut prices for motorists as wholesale costs fall.

The RAC has issued an appeal to retailers up and down the country to reflect a "steady drop" in costs, "which began at the start of July and accelerated sharply last week".

What are wholesale costs?

Data from its Fuel Watch service shows the wholesale price of petrol averaged 103p a litre last week, with a retailer margin of 10p. That's 2p more than the long-term average of 8p and should lead to average prices of just under 136p per litre including VAT, the RAC said.

What are costs at the pump?

However, the average price of petrol currently sits at 142p - 6p more. When it comes to diesel, RAC says retailers should be selling the fuel at around 139p per litre - 8p less than the current 147p.

It comes after regulators found last month that fuel prices in the UK remain a rip-off .

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "It's all the more outrageous when you factor in the fact we're all meant to be benefitting from a temporary 5p cut in fuel duty, that looks likely to disappear in the coming months.

"Once again, we urge retailers to do the right thing and reflect the lower prices they're paying for wholesale fuel on their forecourts."

Asda has been forced to apologise after an IT glitch meant thousands of customers who ordered from its clothing range were left out of pocket.

It comes after the supermarket upgraded George's online system as part of an £800m IT project. Asda says all orders have now been fulfilled.

River Island has threatened to send back clothing to suppliers over quality and sizing issues.

The Times is reporting that the fashion retailer has requested discounts on goods that it says have not met its standards.

One supplier said River Island had accused it of sending a shipment of tops worth hundreds of thousands of pounds that were "ever so slightly too short in length. They threatened to send the whole lot back if we didn't agree to a discount".

According to Waitrose we are buying more treats , with early signs people are feeling increasingly confident about their finances.

James Bailey, Waitrose's executive director, said the grocer was seeing more sales of its premium products compared to this time last year.

He said that earlier in August, sales of its premium own-brand No.1 range were up about a fifth compared with the same week a year ago, in terms of volume.

Other premium labels, such as its Duchy Organic food and drink products, were also selling better than last year, he added.

Retail sales have dropped for the third month in a row, new data suggests.

The Confederation of British Industry's (CBI) latest Distributive Trades Survey found that sales have been "poor" in August.

The latest report's headline retail sales balance hit -27% for the month, as significantly more retailers witnessed a dip in sales.

However, it did represent an improvement, following a balance of -43% in July.

Martin Sartorius, principal economist at the CBI, struck a hopeful note: "Although households seem to still be feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis, firms should gradually begin to see some tailwinds from consumers' rising real incomes."

By Katie Williams and Brad Young , Money reporters

Half of young people are making the costly error of exchanging pounds for foreign currency at the airport instead of sorting it before their trip, a new survey has found.

Research from Compare the Market found that nearly three in 10 holidaymakers (28%) have opted for a currency exchange just before their flight - including more than half of people aged 16-24 (51%).

Those aged over 55 (12%) were more prepared, with most exchanging currency elsewhere.

Meanwhile, more than one in five people (22%) said they withdrew money from a cashpoint or bank during their last holiday abroad and were charged a fee, rising to 26% of 16 to 24-year-olds and a third of 25 to 34-year-olds.

Guy Anker, money expert at Compare the Market, said buying currency at the airport is a "big no-no".

Earlier this year we spoke with three travel experts to find out when, where and how to pay abroad to make your money goes as far as possible...

CREDIT CARD

"The cheapest way to spend overseas is often on plastic , if you've got the right plastic," said James Jones, head of consumer affairs at Experian.

"Using credit and debit cards can be a great way to get the very best exchange rates."

He said rates offered by currency exchange shops are usually "much less attractive" than those offered on some cards, which were much closer to the rates the banks use themselves.

Fees could wipe out any gains

But it's essential to be aware of things like non-sterling transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees and credit card interest.

So shop around for a card with travel rewards, Mr Jones said - and do this before your trip.

"You probably need to give yourself, ideally, six weeks."

Extra protection

When you book a trip between £100 and £30,000, try and pay for some of it on a credit card to get "extra protection" under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, said Mr Jones.

That means the card provider is jointly responsible with the retailer if something goes wrong, such as arriving at a hotel only to find it has closed down.

If you are using a credit card, make sure you can pay it off in full to avoid interest charges, said Sean Tipton from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

One trap you must not fall into

An increasingly common trap when paying with card (credit or debit) is being presented with the option to pay in the local currency or in pounds, said Mr Jones and Mr Tipton.

While paying in sterling might "seem like a wonderful convenience" you will ultimately be paying "quite a bit more for the purchase", Mr Jones said.

If you pay in pounds, the local retailer's bank sets the exchange rate, but if you pay in the local currency, your UK bank sets the rate.

DEBIT CARDS

"Some service providers don't apply fees for overseas use on their regular UK debit cards," says Moneyfacts - but you must always check as some incur big fees.

Alternatively, "some service providers offer specialist travel debit cards that don't impose non-sterling transaction fees and cash withdrawal fees".

PREPAID TRAVEL CARDS

If you're looking to avoid a credit check, prepaid cards can be loaded with multiple currencies and work like a debit card, without being connected to your bank.

"Typically, prepaid travel cards will offer competitive or even no charges for foreign usage, which can make them a cheaper alternative to using a normal credit or debit card while on holiday," says MoneyFacts.

One of the most popular prepaid cards, Revolut, uses its own exchange rates, which might not always be the best you can find - and while it is fee free on weekdays, there are charges at weekends, so do your research.

Also be aware - prepaid cards do not offer purchase protection like a credit card and aren't regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

"Don't rely solely on a card - it can backfire on you if you do," said Mr Tipton.

Some taxis only take cash, leaving you to face hefty charges withdrawing from an ATM.

In some countries, like Argentina, it can be difficult to get money out of ATMs without a local bank account, Mr Tipton said.

Mr Jones added: "If you're in a very remote part of the world that actually doesn't have many ATMs and maybe where cash is king, then that might dictate what you need to do."

Where and when to get cash

"I'd strongly recommend [to] get some cash out in the UK," said Mr Tipton.

It can be difficult to find a bureau de change in some developing nations, and ATMs have "started introducing quite hefty charges" across the board, he said.

The exceptions are countries with really high inflation rates, where it may make more sense to get cash out when you arrive, he added.

When to exchange currency really depends on the destination, said Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office.

"Exchange rates change frequently, so if you have time, do your homework and lock in a rate when it is good."

What is a good exchange rate for Europe?

Some 80% of British holidays abroad take place in the Eurozone, said Mr Tipton.

The rate has remained "fairly stable", but if you see the pound increasing in value that may be the time to buy a larger amount of Euros for a couple of years in advance, he added.

Mr Tipton said 1.2 to the pound is a "pretty healthy" time to buy, but "it is a bit of a lottery".

Every year the pound gets stronger against the South African rand, and the same in Argentina, where the peso is "unbelievably weak", Mr Tipton suggested.

In store or online?

"Most online suppliers will insist on a minimum order value that might be too high for some people, and you'll have to make sure that you're home for when it's delivered," said Ms Plunkett.

"But typically, rates are better online if that's an option for you."

Terry's is hoping to move "beyond" just being known for its famous chocolate orange and is launching a milk chocolate ball.

It will come in the same 20-segment format as its orange counterpart - to enable some "familiarity" to shoppers, Terry's has said.

It will roll into "all major retailers" in September, with full distribution in October. The expected price will be £2, putting it on par with previous versions (although you can usually find them on sale somewhere - they're currently £1 at Asda and £1.50 at Tesco).

It comes after Terry's launched its chocolate mint ball last year, which sold out halfway through the Christmas season (it will also return again this year).

"Terry's is an institution so anything we do needs to respect the love that our customers have for it," said Terry's senior marketing manager Lorène Decam.

"We are always very careful to balance innovation with the brand's core."

It's not the first time the brand has tried to innovate - some slightly less successful predecessors to the famous orange were Terry's chocolate apple (1926) and the Terry's chocolate lemon (1970).

If you're looking to consolidate your credit card debt, you may find that some of the top deals have worsened - with several big banks reducing the amount of interest-free time they allow.

An 0% interest card is actually what it says on the tin - you can put spending/debt on it and you won't pay any interest for a set amount of time. It can be a good option if you are looking to spread out spending on a high-value item, such as a sofa or washing machine.

But once the interest-free period ends, you can quickly rack up interest, with the average rate of APR standing at 35.6%.

While consumers could find offers of up to 30 months (two-and-a-half years) interest-free, these are becoming harder to come by, according to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk .

Tesco Bank, one of the market leaders, has reduced its 0% balance transfer offer from 29 months down to 27 months.

And a month ago, Virgin Money cut its 28-month 0% balance transfer offer to 26 months.

In August 2023, the top offer was 30 months interest-free - today it is 28 months.

If you are shopping around for a new interest-free card, it's worth being aware of exactly when your rate ends, as the interest can quickly stack up.

Set a calendar reminder a month ahead of time, and try and stick to repayments to ensure the debt is cleared in time.

A typical small business (such as a restaurant, pub or independent retailer) is now paying over £5,000 more a year in energy bills than before the energy crisis in 2021.

Data from Cornwall Insight 's newly launched Business Energy Cost Forecast predicts annual electricity bills for a "typical small business" to be an average of £13,264 by April 2025 - 70% more than they were before the energy crisis began.

While this is a decrease on 2022-23, when the bill for a typical small business rocketed higher than £20,000, the market has never fully recovered from the impact of the energy crisis and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

And, unlike household energy bills, businesses do not benefit from any price cap to protect them.

"For all the criticism of the household energy price cap, it does provide a level of protection that businesses simply do not have," says Dr Craig Lowrey, principal consultant at Cornwall Insight.

"Given the impact of the cost of living crisis on consumer spending and high street trade, the government will need to seriously consider how to support businesses with their high energy costs if they want to prevent further closures."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Last week we brought you news of the pound hitting its highest level against the US dollar since March 2022.

After a slight dip, sterling is back at those levels with £1 buying more than $1.32.

It's good for any Britons travelling to America or buying anything in dollars, as your pound is literally giving you more bang for your buck.

The currency shift comes after the chair of the Federal Reserve declared that "the time has come" for an interest rate cut.

Higher interest rates are generally supportive of a domestic currency - one reason is investors get more for their money.

A lack of guidance on how many cuts are likely across the rest of the year bolstered market predictions that several were on the cards before the end of 2024.

That has pushed the US currency sharply down against a basket of international rivals.

The pound is doing well, but not quite as well, against the euro, as £1 will get you €1.18, the most since the very start of this month.

The oil price is up about to $81.04 for a barrel of the benchmark Brent crude, the highest in nearly two weeks.

The UK's benchmark stock exchange index, the FTSE 100 index of most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, is up 0.46%.

The larger FTSE 250 index of more UK-based companies rose 0.19%.

Sir Keir Starmer has given the clearest indication yet that major tax rises are coming in the October budget.

In a news conference in Downing Street, the prime minister said the economic legacy from the previous government was worse than expected - or "dire", to use his word.

He said even the Office for Budget Responsibility had been unaware - and pointed to bigger-then-forecast borrowing for last month.

Sir Keir said: "I'll have to turn to the country and make big asks of you... to accept short-term pain for long-term good."

He went on: "I know that after all you have been through, that is a really big ask and really difficult to hear.

"That is not the position we should be in. It's not the position I want to be in, but we have to end the politics of the easy answer that solves nothing."

Sir Keir reiterated his promise that VAT, national insurance and income tax won't rise, and the pensions triple lock will be protected.

Follow live updates of this story in our Politics Hub...

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