World's Most Underrated Attractions to Visit Before It's Too Late
These most underrated attractions were described using keywords such as “breathtaking,” “value for money,” “highly recommended” and “hidden gem.”
World’s Most Underrated Attractions You Probably Don’t Know About
We all know the overrated attractions. The ones that tourists flock to and locals avoid at all costs. Think New York’s Times Square. Los Angeles’ Hollywood Boulevard. Really all of Venice, Italy.
But what about those underrated attractions around the globe? The ones that are sure to impress but have yet to attract hordes of crowds for one reason or another. Using Tripadvisor’s top 50 landmarks and attractions in each country, flight booking site Wingie analyzed keyword data and reviews to come up with a ranking of the most overrated and underrated attractions in the world.
These most underrated attractions were described using keywords such as “breathtaking,” “value for money,” “highly recommended” and “hidden gem.” In other words, where do we sign up?
5. Stetson Mansion (Tie)
Country: United States
Underrated word count: 8,290
No. of reviews: 5,974
Underrated score: 138%
* The underrated scores come from a Wingie study that analyzed the number of underrated keywords describing a specific attraction and divided them by the number of Tripadvisor reviews for that attraction.
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Get this: John B. Stetson, the inventor of the cowboy hat, didn't live in the Wild West or Texas. Instead, he set up residence in DeLand, Florida, of all places, and his mansion is the stuff of dreams.
Designed in 1886 by Philadelphia architect George T. Pearson, the mansion earned a spot on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. After a massive renovation in 2008, it became a popular landmark, with a similar (yet much less well-known) appeal as California's Hearst Castle. The Stetson Mansion is especially popular during the Christmas season when it's decked out for the holidays.
5. Stone Hall Castle (Tie)
Country: Canada
Underrated word count: 1,522
No. of reviews: 1,082
Underrated score: 138%
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Like most castle stories, this one starts with a woman. Francis Nicholson Darke built this fortress for his wife after a 1912 cyclone devastated their first home. With cost not being a concern, he imported limestone to construct a magnificent castle that has stood the test of time.
The Medieval-style castle in Regina, Canada, is as gorgeous as it is historic, with Canada's largest collection of mid-17th-century art, tapestries and furniture on full display. What's more, guests can even stay the night.
4. Cabot Trail
Country: Canada
Underrated word count: 2,605
No. of reviews: 1,824
Underrated score: 140%
Why It’s Worth a Visit
If coastal hikes are your jam, then look no further than Cabot Trail. This 185-mile highway takes you around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
Named after explorer John Cabot, the road passes through the Cape Breton Highlands and Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where several hiking trails invite adventurers to explore. We recommend a hike along the Skyline Trail for breathtaking views of the water below.
3. Al Noor Island
Country: United Arab Emirates
Underrated word count: 618
No. of reviews: 432
Underrated score: 143%
Why It’s Worth a Visit
This partially manmade island in Sharjah quite literally brings a rainforest experience to the desert. Kids will enjoy learning about all things butterflies in the Butterfly House, while art lovers will enjoy the island's modern sculptures on display throughout.
The high-tech architecture weaves amidst giant cacti and palm trees, creating a truly unparalleled blend of nature and technicolor art installations.
2. Irish National Stud & Gardens
Country: Ireland
Underrated word count: 2,713
No. of reviews: 1,857
Underrated score: 146%
Why It’s Worth a Visit
If you like Irish racehorses and Japanese gardens, you're in luck. You can find both at the Irish National Stud & Gardens.
This Thoroughbred horse breeding facility in Tully was first established in 1946 and has since become known as the birthplace of several champion horses. Visitors can check out the history of the facility and Irish horseracing, in general, in the Irish Racehorse Experience exhibit. Then, they can wander the intricately designed Japanese gardens to find their inner zen.
1. Ahhh … Ras Natango Gallery and Garden
Country: Jamaica
Underrated word count: 712
No. of reviews: 357
Underrated score: 199%
Why It’s Worth a Visit
These Jamaican gardens are both beautiful and fun. For instance, it has two fantasy gardens and a fairy's village built between the roots of a huge tree that's used to spark creativity among visiting student writers. There's also a Dinosaur Era garden to teach students about extinct and endangered animals in Jamaica.
Paintings and colorful mosaics are proudly on display throughout the space and highlight some of the island's bright flowers and plants as well as cultural references to the people of Jamaica.
For America's most overrated and underrated attractions, check out "Most Overrated and Underrated Attractions in Every U.S. State."