5 Lesser-known landmarks to unearth around the world
BY Wizz Air
8th Nov 2023 Places To Visit
2 min read
From lavish medieval churches in Paris to a unique Scottish chocolate factory experience, these lesser-known landmarks have won over thousands of travellers
Many people enjoy travelling throughout autumn due to the lack of tourists and cheaper costs. To help travellers choose their perfect destination, Wizz Air has ranked the top hidden gem locations and lesser-known landmarks around the world by examining positive reviews on TripAdvisor.
Speaking on the study, Tamara Vallois, head of communications 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.
“From a hands-on, Wonka-esque chocolate factory adventure in Edinburgh, to a secret chapel hidden away in an Amsterdam attic, there are plenty of hidden gems for tourists looking for a worthwhile, unique experience.
‘’We hope our study has educated travellers on some of the lesser-known attractions found around the world. Our investigation highlights the amazing locations that can be seen and experienced beyond the popular go-to tourist attractions."
Let’s take a look at the top five lesser-known landmarks and hidden gems around the world, according to Wizz Air research.
The Chocolatarium—Edinburgh, Scotland
The Chocolatarium's tours pair chocolate and whisky
The Chocolatarium has been revealed to be the top lesser-known landmark with an incredible 99.5 per cent of reviews tagged as “Excellent” or “Very Good”.
The micro chocolate factory has proven to be extremely popular and even ranked tenth on Edinburgh’s "Things to Do" list on TripAdvisor.
Al Masjid an Nabawi—Medina, Saudi Arabia
Credit: Omar A, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, via Flickr. Also known as The Prophet's Mosque, the Al Masjid an Nabawi is the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad
Next, the Al Masjid an Nabawi mosque comes in second place.The religious site had over 2,000 reviews with 99.4 per cent praising the landmark, and was also ranked as the best thing to do in Medina.
Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore—Milan, Italy
Credit: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. The Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore austere exterior conceals the sumptuous frescoes inside
Finalising the top three is the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore—found in the Italian city of Milan. Overall, the historic church received either “Excellent” or “Very Good” reviews on TripAdvisor.
Wallace Collection—London, UK
Credit: Martin Beek, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr. The Wallace Collection holds one of the largest collections of 18th-century French decorative arts in the world
The Wallace Collection, found in London, was the top "hidden gem" location for travellers, according to TripAdvisor and Wizz Air analysis. The art museum had a total of 6,598 user reviews and a high rating of 4.5.
Sainte-Chapelle—Paris, France
Moving on, the Sainte-Chapelle, located in the French capital, takes second place. The Gothic chapel was referred to as a hidden gem in positive reviews on TripAdvisor and received a 4.5 rating.
Overall, the study highlights the number of incredible landmarks that are often ignored by tourists. With so many amazing options available, it’s safe to say there’s a hidden gem out there for everyone.
Banner credit: Oldmanisold, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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