PHOTOS – Five stunning lesser-known tourist destinations

Some of the world’s major tourist destinations attract millions of visitors from around the world each year.

The world is becoming a smaller place, with even more people able to visit many of the world’s most popular tourist hotspots.

IMPACT OF MASS TOURISM

This has both positive and negative impacts on the communities, the local economies, and the natural environments of many places.

So many tourist hotspots have become outrageously expensive because of the high demand from many visitors. Others are suffering from environmental and cultural integrity influences, caused by over-tourism.

This is the reason why visiting lesser-known places which offer authentic experiences is always a good option. Add these places to your bucket list before the masses arrive.

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LESSER-KNOWN DESTINATIONS

Here is a list of lesser-known places which offer visitors an authentic but equally great experience. They also have unique cultural, historical and architectural sites.

1. Gdansk  (Poland)

Gdansk is quite unknown to tourists, but certainly worth visiting. This historic port city has a rich history and fascinating culture. Gdansk is found on the Baltic Sea, on Poland’s northern coast. It has played an important role in the history of Poland and Europe.

Throughout history, the city has been ruled by different countries, including Germany and Russia. This foreign influence has shaped the city’s culture and architecture, creating a unique fusion of architectural styles and cultural traditions.

The historic centre of Gdansk boasts colourful buildings and cobbled streets that transport visitors to a bygone era. Other highlights outside the old town, include the Hevelianum Centre science museum, the Artus Court on the lively central square and the Gdansk National Museum, which houses an interesting collection of Polish art and artifacts.

2. Vilnius  (Lithuania)

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, a small country located in Northern Europe. Vilnius is often overlooked by tourists. Although less famous than other European capitals such as Paris, London or Rome, Vilnius has a lot to offer in the way of history, culture and picturesque landscapes.

One of the most striking features of Vilnius is its architecture. Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its narrow, cobbled streets, colourful buildings and numerous historical monuments.

The city boasts a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque to neoclassicism and art nouveau.

3. Da Nang  (Vietnam)

Da Nang in Vietnam is worth a visit.  It is located between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, on the coastline. Although it is Vietnam’s fourth largest city, it is less known to international travellers.

Da Nang has a lot to offer visitors, including beautiful beaches, breathtaking natural scenery, rich culture and delicious food. In recent years the city has undergone rapid development, with many hotels, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions now open.

One of Da Nang’s major attractions is its sandy My Khe beach, which stretches almost 20 km along the coast. Another attraction not to miss is Da Nang’s Golden Bridge (or Giant Hand Bridge).

4. Cuenca  (Ecuador)

Cuenca is situated in the Andes, in Ecuador, and is a lesser-known city because of its small size and distance from popular tourist destinations along the coast.

This historical and cultural city has remarkable sites that should be explored. The narrow, cobbled streets, colourful buildings with wrought-iron balconies and baroque churches are part of the city’s history.

Visitors should wander through the historic districts and admire the architectural beauty and discover fascinating museums and art galleries. One can also explore the region’s Inca ruins, including those found at Pumapungo – an important archaeological site belonging to the Incan civilisation.

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5. Valparaiso  (Chile)

Valparaiso is a port city located on the coast of Chile. It is situated almost 120 km west of Chile’s capital, Santiago. This little-known city is worth a visit for its scenic hills, historic architecture, cobbled streets and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

According to En-Vols, Valparaiso is known for its steep hills, dotted with colourful houses, cobbled streets and zigzag staircases that wind through picturesque neighbourhoods. The historic district of Valparaiso has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique architecture.

Many of the buildings have been restored, featuring a variety of architectural styles, ranging from neoclassical to baroque, art deco and art nouveau. The city walls are covered with works of art from local and international street artists, making it one of the biggest street art cities in the world.

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