As tourism rapidly bounces back to pre-pandemic levels, 2024 will see a surge in travel among Britons.
This surge will also be marked by popular travel trends, including slower days, relaxed itineraries, and taking the off-beaten path.
WizzAir used reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor to arrive at a list of ‘least known’ landmarks, for those keen on exploring local attractions, as well as a list of ‘hidden gems’, for those straying away from touristy hotspots.
Tamara Vallois, head of communications at WizzAir said, “While most of us may be familiar with the famous landmarks in each country – from the Eiffel Tower to Stonehenge – there are a wide range of fantastic destinations that fly under the radar for many travellers.”
According to their research, here are the top least known landmarks:
The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh, Scotland
Ranking first on this list is The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh, which offers delectable chocolate tours, truffle making workshops and other chocolate and wine tasting experiences. The Chocolatarium is as popular as it a ‘hidden gem’- popular among locals, and overlooked among tourists. This micro chocolate factory has “Excellent” or “Very Good” in 99.5 percent of its reviews, and even ranks 10th on Edinburgh’s ‘Things to Do’ list on Tripadvisor.
Al Masjid an Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia
Al Masjid an Nabawi or the Mosque of the Prophet is the second largest mosque in the world, after the well-known Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Ranking as second-best in the lesser-known landmarks list, the religious monument has 2,347 reviews, 99.4 percent of which are “Excellent” or “Very Good”. The popular mosque also ranks first in Medina’s ‘Things To Do’ list.
Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore in Milan, Italy
Third on the list is this Church in northern Italy best known for its breathtaking frescoes, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel’ of Milan. The religious landmark received 4,559 reviews, of which 98.6 percent were “Excellent” or “Very Good”, and is the 6th best thing to do in Milan, according to Tripadvisor.
The complete list is as follows:
- The Chocolatarium, Edinburgh
- Al Masjid an Nabawi, Medina
- Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, Milan
- Guild Houses, Brussels
- Stare Miasto, Krakow
- Aura Skypool, Dubai
- Budapest Pinball Museum, Budapest
- Monteliusvagen, Stockholm
- Museo Sorolla, Madrid
- Gallery of Steel Figures, Prague
According to the same research, these are the top three ‘hidden gem’ locations for travellers:
Wallace Collection in London, UK
The Hertford House in Manchester Square, home to the Wallace Collection museum, houses artistic masterpieces, paintings, and sculptures. Ranking first on this list, 551 out of 6,598 reviews called the location a hidden gem, which has an overall rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor.
Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, France
This Gothic style chapel in the capital of France ranks second on the list, with 302 reviews out of 27,896 reviews hailing it as a hidden gem. With an average rating of 4.5, the historic Sainte-Chapelle is located on an island in the River Seine and is well worth a visit.
Our Lord in the Attic Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Making it to the top three on this list is Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, or Our Lord in the Attic. The 17th-century canal house serves as a museum today, and is centrally located in the city of Amsterdam. With an overall rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor, it was noted that a total of 238 reviewers called it a hidden gem.
The complete list is as follows:
- Wallace Collection, UK
- Sainte-Chapelle, Paris
- Our Lord in the Attic Museum, Amsterdam
- Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
- Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
- Palazzo Doria Pamphili, Rome
- Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, Budapest
- Asamkirche, Munich
- The Vrtba Garden, Prague
- Peterskirche, Vienna
