30 Tourist Attractions Abroad That Are Worth The Hype

1.

Iceland: “Brúarfoss Waterfall is somewhat hard to find, but it’s amazing. I almost don’t want to mention it because I had it to myself, even though it’s so close to a lot of the Golden Circle attractions and the more popular Gulfoss Falls.”

2.

Agra: “The Taj Mahal is absolutely stunning in person. The detailed stone work is mind-boggling and the way sounds echo inside the main building is fascinating. Since you aren’t allowed to take photos inside, it’s really somewhere you have to see with your own eyes. Sure, it’s crowded, but it’s still incredible to visit.”

3.

United Kingdom: “Instead of visiting Stonehenge, I highly recommend Avebury Henge. Avebury is a village that was built within a much larger stone circle about 40 minutes away from Stonehenge. You can hike around the Neolithic monument and get right up close to the stones. It is still a bit ‘touristy,’ but much less so than Stonehenge.”

4.

Bali: “Tirta Empul Temple. I traveled around Bali for the day with a local guide, and when he first took me to Tirta Empul, one of the largest and busiest Hindu temples, I was skeptical. It was so crowded with people I expected a giant tourist trap. But by the time I got to the holy springs and followed the ritual of cleansing myself in the water, I understood the hype and exactly why Bali is known as such a spiritual and peaceful place.”

5.

Istanbul: “The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is so worth it. It took me a while to get through the line, but when I finally got inside the bright morning rays of sunlight were shining through the windows and it was absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever visited.”

6.

Ireland: “The Cliffs of Moher are completely stunning, and photos do not do them justice. The entire country of Ireland is beautiful, but spending a few hours soaking in the views and the sunset from the Cliffs of Moher was a highlight of my trip.”

7.

Peru: “I visited Machu Picchu and took an early hike up before sunrise with a lantern helmet. I watched the sun come up with a small group of travelers from all over the world. It was absolutely stunning and a highlight of my life thus far.”

8.

New Zealand: “Milford Sound on the South Island. For me, it’s tied with the Grand Canyon as the most amazing scenery on earth.”

9.

Alberta: “Banff National Park is home to tons of beautiful mountains, lakes, and glaciers. Unlike many popular tourist attractions, everything here actually looks just as gorgeous as it does in the photos.”

10.

Scotland: “The Scottish Highlands are absolutely incredible. Between the landscapes and the abandoned castles scattered all over, it’s incredible just to drive around and take in the views.”

11.

Barcelona: “La Sagrada Familia is amazing. It’s such a disorientating experience. Logically you know you’re in a church, but it sort of feels like you’re on a forest floor staring up at huge trees, but also under the sea and looking up at the water’s surface.”

12.

Beijing: “The Great Wall Of China. Find a quiet spot that isn’t flanked by tourists. They do exist! Or try visiting the wall at sunset. It’s remarkable.”

13.

Florence: “The Duomo really is breathtaking between the colored marble, the sheer size, and the intricate carvings. It’s incredible to see with your own eyes because pictures really don’t do it justice.”

14.

Marrakesh: “The main square in Marrakesh’s medina is called Jemaa el-Fnaa, and it’s a dizzying experience for all of the senses. There are snake charmers and story tellers, restaurant stands serving and ladles of snail soup and piping hot tagine, and market stalls displaying giant piles of Moroccan spices, dried fruits, and pastries. If you visit around sunset it’s overwhelming and crowded, but it’s also enchanting, mystical, and unlike anywhere else I’ve ever seen.”

15.

Granada: The Alhambra is incredible. I didn’t buy tickets ahead of time and had to wake up very early in the morning in order to visit, but seeing this gorgeous palace was 100% worth it.”

16.

Paris: “Notre Dame Cathedral. Some might tell you to skip this popular site, but I say it’s well worth a visit. It’s so beautiful and iconic. It’s also located on Île de la Cité, a short walk from Sainte-Chapelle, so you can easily visit both.”

17.

Cambodia: “Angkor Wat. There’s so much more to it than just the one very famous temple. If you take the time to explore beyond the Angkor complex there are some amazing sights. It definitely lives up to any hype.”

18.

Paris: “The Louvre. I’ve been twice and I still haven’t come close to seeing everything I want to see. If you go to Paris, it’s a must visit.”

19.

Croatia: “Plitvice Lakes National Park. I went expecting a tourist-filled nightmare, but it was so worth it. Sure, there were other travelers and it was busy in some places, but there were also areas where you couldn’t spot a single other person. The color of the water was unreal, and the views over the lakes were stunning. Definitely make the trip here if you’re in Croatia.”

20.

Hong Kong: “Victoria Peak. It’s the highest point on Hong Kong Island. It’s one of the most visited places by tourists, and it’s easy to see why. The tram that takes you to the peak is easily accessible, and it takes you to scenic forests and picturesque walks. It’s become a bit of a circus, but there’s still plenty of magic to be found here.”

21.

Cape Town: “Table Mountain. It’s about a three-hour hike, but if you’re not a hiker, you can take the cable car up. It’s the best place to take in the spectacular views of the Cape Peninsula, especially around sunset.”

22.

Copenhagen: “Visiting Nyhavn is a must. It’s the iconic image of Copenhagen where most postcard photos are taken. The best way to see it is by boat tour. You’ll explore the canals of Copenhagen, pass by the famous Little Mermaid statue, and get a bit of history.”

23.

Sydney: “The Sydney Opera House. It’s stunning from the outside, functional as a theatre, and a diamond in the Sydney Harbour. It has the Harbour Bridge as the backdrop on one side and beautiful beaches on the other. It’s magical to visit.”

24.

Kyoto: “Fushimi Inari shinto shrine, aka the thousand torii gates. It was so beautiful, and such a fun little challenge to walk up. It can get busy, but if you arrive early it’s wonderful and empty. Most tourists stop after they get a few photos, so it’s well worth the hour-long hike to the top.”

25.

Virginia: “The Blue Ridge Parkway. I visit Asheville a lot and always make a few trips out to the BRP while I’m there. I’d recommend getting up early to see the sunrise or going late at night when there’s a meteor shower in the forecast. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I actually got engaged on an overlook there.”

26.

New York: “Central Park. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, a visit to Central Park makes every single list…and for good reason. This leafy and serene urban oasis changes with every season, but it’s always beautiful. And it’s so large, there’s always a new section of the park to explore. Even as a New Yorker, I find myself walking about Central Park all the time, and it never ceases to amaze me.”

27.

California: “I recently visited Redwood National Park and it was much more amazing than I expected. You can’t fathom how tall the trees are until you actually see them for yourself. It’s awe-inspiring.”

28.

Washington D.C: “The National Mall. IMO, it was so impactful and moving. It’s one place every Americans should visit once.”

29.

Michigan: “Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I live close by and I spend nearly every weekend somewhere on the lakeshore. There are beaches galore plus over one hundred miles of trails for hiking, biking, and just appreciating nature. The views are stunning and the water is so beautiful — it’s Lake Michigan but looks more like the ocean. It’s truly a little slice of heaven on Earth.”

30.

New Mexico: “Carlsbad Caverns National Park is amazing. It’s definitely known by tourists, but it’s still off-the-beaten-path enough that it probably won’t be overly crowded.”

31.

California: “Yosemite. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you go, make sure to see the panoramic view from Glacier Point. It literally looks like a painting. The Mist trail past Vernal Falls, to the top of Nevada falls, and finally down the John Muir trail leads you past two large waterfalls and spectacular views. Finally, picnic anywhere in the meadow of Yosemite Valley. If you can visit during the middle of the week when it isn’t so busy, it’s an incredibly relaxing and beautiful experience.”

32.

Maine: Acadia National Park is a true gem. Catch the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain — it’s unforgettable. And make sure to enjoy to taste some lobster chowder while you’re in coastal Maine.”

33.

New York: “If you’re in NYC, take a ferry ride to Staten Island. It’s not really a touristy activity, but it should be. The ferry takes you past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, plus you get great views of the Hudson River and NYC skyline. There’s a fun little snack bar to get ice cream and popcorn. Oh, and best of all, it’s free!”

34.

Pennsylvania: “Reading Terminal Market. It can get busy on weekends, but if you go on a weekdays before 11am or after 4pm, it’s like a private market you get all to yourself. Living within a mile of this place is a highlight of my life in Philly.”

35.

New Orleans: “The French Quarter is definitely worth visiting, but I would avoid Bourbon Street unless you’re a party person. The nightlife in the French Quater is awesome and civilized, there’s plenty of talented local musicians, great places to eat, and nice hotels to make your home base.”