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38 Most Bizarre Tourist Attractions In America

With a country as vast and diverse as the United States, there are bound to be countless interesting places to visit in just about every state — some more than others. When people think of tourist attractions, they tend to think of the popular ones like Chicago's "Bean," New York City's Empire State Building or even Los Angeles' Venice Beach, but what about the ones that are just off the beaten path?

The U.S. has plenty of bizarre tourist attractions that are hiding in plain sight and even more that are in cities less known by the public. There's a house in San Jose, California, with stairways and doors that don't lead anywhere; the world's most scenic urinal in Kealakekua, Hawaii; "mermaids" that put on elaborate underwater performances in Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida; and a wooden hot dog man in Winchester, New Hampshire.

Needless to say, that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to odd and unique places to visit when exploring the country. Whether you're flying somewhere or taking a road trip, try to visit as many of the 38 most bizarre tourist attractions in America as you can.

Grant County Historical Museum (Canyon City, Oregon)

This museum in Canyon City, Oregon, has everything from human skulls to stuffed two-headed calves. The human skulls are of Barry Way and William Cain, the first two men to be hanged in Canyon City... how charming. As for the three stuffed two-headed calves, they were born on ranches in the area and have been on display in the museum since its opening in 1954.

Hole N The Rock (Moab, Utah)

One of the weirdest roadside tourist traps in America, Hole N" The Rock is a 5,000-square-foot home carved out of a massive rock in Utah's Canyonlands country. The man-made home includes a 65-foot chimney, a bathtub built into the rock, and 14 rooms that visitors can now tour. To appeal further to tourists, the unique rock also features a gift shop, an exotic zoo (with camel, bison, and zebras), locally made Native American items (such as pottery, jewelry, and dream catchers) and other fun additions specific to its location.

Ben and Jerry's Flavor Graveyard (Waterbury, Vermont)

Leave it to Ben & Jerry's to create an ice cream graveyard that can be physically visited and even host funerals in honor of some of the fallen flavors. The "dearly de-pinted" are buried at the company's factory in Waterbury, Vermont, each with a granite headstone and epitaph. There are currently 34 flavors in the Flavor Graveyard, but at this cemetery there are sometimes resurrections. Fans can request that a flavor be brought back from the dead through an online form on the brand's website. The graveyard is intended as a celebration of the company's failed flavors and can be seen on their factory tour.

Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, California)

Constructed in 1884, the Winchester Mystery House became a popular tourist attraction for its peculiar history and architecture, as well as the fact that it's allegedly haunted. The house is filled with random rooms, doors, and stairs that lead nowhere. Legend has it that a widow, Sarah Winchester, built this house with the direction from spirits and built it ceaselessly over the course of 30 years until the day of her death in 1922. Her family descendants now own the property but open it to the public for various tours.

Corn Palace (Mitchell, South Dakota)

South Dakota's weirdest tourist attraction is its Corn Palace, a magnificent building covered in creative murals made out of corn to resemble various themes. 2016's theme, which coincidentally was 2017's theme (for monetary reasons) happened to be "Rock of Ages" and included corn depictions of the likes of Elvis, Willie Nelson, and John Travolta.

Market Theater Gum Wall (Seattle, Washington)

There's a brick alleyway under Pike Place Market in Seattle that is covered completely in chewing gum. The gum takes over the space, which is 15 feet high and 50 feet long, and has been a tourist attraction since 1999. People sometimes create artworks with their gum, and the wall has even been featured on CNN's "germiest" tourist attractions.

National Mustard Museum (Middleton, Wisconsin)

If you find condiments exciting, then this museum dedicated to mustard will knock your socks off. The National Mustard Museum features a collection of countless prepared mustards from over 60 countries for visitors to explore. Try samples of new and antique mustards from around the world, and be sure check out the exhibit about the condiment's history while there.

Mermaids of Weeki Wachee (Weeki Wachee, Florida)

Florida — known for its swampland and... mermaids? At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, visitors can watch "mermaids" (women dressed up and wearing fishtails) perform elaborate shows underwater through windows in an underground auditorium.

Gatorland (Orlando, Florida)

Alligators may be common to Florida, but the idea of going somewhere on purpose to be surrounded by them is a bizarre concept and usually not recommended. For those interested, however, Gatorland is "The Alligator Capital of the World" and the best place to see both alligators and crocodiles. There's even a petting zoo where you can pet these wild reptiles!

Vent Haven Museum (Fort Mitchell, Kentucky)

One of the weirdest museums on the planet, the Vent Haven Museum is the world's only museum of ventriloquism. With over 900 dummies alone spanning three centuries, nearly everything from puppets, memorabilia, recordings, photos, and scripts related to ventriloquism can be found here. Founded by W.S. Berger, who developed a large personal collection over the course of 40 years, Vent Haven Museum was opened to the public in 1973. We can't image how creepy it must've been to have so many ventriloquist dummies in one home!

Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail (Weldon Spring, Missouri)

In Saint Charles County, Missouri, sits a 17,323-acre nuclear waste disposal site that visitors can tour. Weldon Spring was a major manufacturer of explosives, producing over 700 million pounds of TNT by the end of the World War II. A decade later it became a uranium refinery during the Cold War for nuclear bombs. In the 1980s, all the abandoned radioactive material was buried in a man-made mini-mountain that people can now climb.

The Hammer Museum (Haines, Alaska)

The world's first museum dedicated to hammers features roughly 2,000 hammers. Some hammers date back to ancient times — one such artifact was used to craft perfect sugar cubes to win a woman's hand in marriage — while others include those used by miners, the railroad industry, and even medical industries.

The Thing (Cochise County, Arizona)

A tourist trap at its finest, The Thing is a roadside attraction between El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona, off of Interstate 10. "The Thing" is said to be a mummified mother and child, but was likely created as a sideshow piece by exhibit curator Homer Tate — who was known to do that during his time. However, this hasn't stopped travelers from visiting the bizarre museum.

International Banana Museum (Mecca, California)

This museum is bananas... in every way. Not only will visitors find every type of banana-related item imaginable, but they also have an international banana ambassador called Platty who travels around the world. The bright yellow museum is located in Mecca, California, and holds the title of world's largest collection dedicated to only one fruit, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

UFO Watchtower (Sagauche County, Colorado)

This strange roadside attraction near Hooper, Colorado, was created in 2000. With 360-degree views of the San Luis Valley, this observation deck has garnered much publicity over the years. Created as a joke on Judy Messoline's property, she began making money charging admission, so she built a saucer dome gift shop and only a 10-foot-high platform that acts as the observation deck. Nevertheless, people still stop by to try their luck at seeing UFO activity above.

The World's Largest Toilet (Columbus, Indiana)

This attraction is intended for children, but that doesn't make it any less bizarre. Within a massive playhouse, children can explore between the house walls and tubes. The toilet itself is the entrance to a slide that will take visitors through the plumbing system of this playhouse. It's certainly an interesting way to teach kids about how things function.

The Hobo Museum (Britt, Iowa)

Britt, Iowa, has been home to the Hobo Museum since the 1980s, when the Hobo Foundation purchased the Chief Theatre and turned it into the museum it is today. The collection has been created with artifacts sent in from around the world including original photographs, videos, music recorded by hobos, books written by the community, paintings, doll collections, and plenty of other items depicting their lifestyle. It's an interest look into a part of American history rarely spoken about.

World's Largest Ball of Twine (Cawker City, Kansas)

Surprisingly there are a few towns in the U.S. claiming to have the world's largest ball of twine, but as of 2014, the winner for largest circumference went to this one located in northern Kansas. With an 11-foot diameter, this creation by Frank Stoeber was made up of 1.6 million feet of twine — recorded at the point of his death in 1974. However, every year more twine is added to the ball during the city's "twine-a-thon." Its last known dimensions from 2014 are 41.2 feet in circumference, and 10.83 feet high; but the ball keep growing with each year. Visitors can stop by and take photos with it at any point.

Nicolas Cage's Pyramid Tomb (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Louisiana is home to several bizarre grave sites, but this one is particularly eerie because it is an empty grave purchased by Nicolas Cage and the reasoning has yet to be explained. Many believe the unnamed pyramid tomb was purchased as an homage to his movie "National Treasure." The only words on the 9-foot-tall pyramid tomb — which bears no resemblance to any other tomb in the cemetery — is the Latin phrase Omni Ab Uno , meaning "Everything From One." Regardless of the reason for his purchase, it's worth stopping by before or after visiting Marie Laveau's voodoo tomb. Oh, and don't forget to leave a lipstick kiss on the back of the pyramid (another oddity associated with this tomb).

Grave of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Visit Marie Laveau's grave... if you dare. The notorious Louisiana Voodoo queen may have died in 1881, but it's still widely believed that her spirit will help you with whatever you need should you leave the right combination of offerings or draw three X's on her tomb, located in one of the most beautiful cemeteries in America. Unfortunately, due to tons of grave-defacing, the only way to visit her final resting place now is by taking a tour with a licensed tour guide.

Havre de Grace Decoy Museum (Havre de Grace, Maryland)

Decoy enthusiasts will enjoy the collections of Chesapeake Bay decoys on display here. Known as the Decoy Capital of the World, people — not waterfowl — flock to the Maryland town of Havre de Grace to check them out.

Leila's Hair Museum (Independence, Missouri)

This underrated museum features over 400 wreaths and more than 2,000 pieces of jewelry all made from human hair. This form of art was particularly popular in the Victorian era, but lives on in Independence, Missouri. Some of the pieces on display here date back to the 1600s.

Talking Penguin Statue (Cut Bank, Montana)

This terrifyingly large statue in Montana sometimes decides to speak (when the feature is actually functioning), making it an unintentionally creepy tourist attraction. The nameless talking penguin sculpture was created by Ron Gustafson out of concrete and metal. It weighs 10,000 pounds and stands at 27 feet tall.

Carhenge (Alliance, Nebraska)

Carhenge sounds exactly like what one might think it is — a replica of Stonehenge, but using cars. Made with vintage cars all painted gray to match the Stonehenge rocks, this Nebraska replica was originally created for the summer solstice of 1987 and has remained there ever since, perfect for your Instagram feed.

Ouija Board Inventor's Tombstone (Baltimore, Maryland)

The inventor of the Ouija Board has the coolest tombstone ever in Baltimore, Maryland. Carved into the back of Elijah Jefferson Bond's tombstone is a Ouija Board with the traditional "yes" and "no" in the left and right corners. It's the perfect spot to snap a cool Instagram-worthy shot or build your Tumblr aesthetic. Recently, someone left a crying-eye planchette on the Ouija Board part of the headstone. Would you dare try to communicate with Mr. Bond?

Pit of Buffalo Bones (Vore, Wyoming)

Hunters in the Vore, Wyoming, area once drove herds of bison off the neighboring cliff into this pit to kill them, and over roughly 300 years of use, the site accumulated the remains of between 10,000 to 20,000 buffalo. Visitors and archeologists are welcome, but only 5 percent of the bones have been excavated, so no one really knows what could be under there!

The Clown Motel (Tonopah, Nevada)

If you're scared of clowns you may want to stay far away from this strange hotel. The Clown Motel in Nevada is next to an abandoned graveyard and filled with a variety of clown dolls. This bizarre pit-stop in the middle of the desert seems like a place found only in nightmares or horror movies.

Shoe House (York, Pennsylvania)

This shoe-shaped house sits on Shoe House Road and was created by none other than a shoe salesman called Mahlon Haines. The Haines Shoe House is a five-story home that is now open to the public for tours. Next to it is a shoe-shaped dog house to boot.

Gun Totem (Providence, Rhode Island)

This interesting sculpture in Rhode Island was made using over 1,000 reclaimed guns and concrete. It's a 12-foot obelisk that was commissioned by the Providence Parks Department and stands across from the Federal Courthouse.

UFO Welcome Center (Bowman, South Carolina)

Built by a man named Jody Pendarvis, the UFO Welcome Center in the Midlands of South Carolina is intended to be a safe space for aliens and humans to meet. The saucer-shaped center has an additional, smaller saucer attached to the top. It's been put together using scrap metals and junk material, but it includes a shower, toilet and air conditioning for the long eventual ride into space.

World's Most Scenic Urinal (Holualoa, Hawaii)

Located in beautiful Hawaii, Kona Hotel hosts the world's most scenic urinal, and they are proud of it. Men using the facilities get to enjoy a gorgeous view of the ocean and the green terrain while they relieve themselves. The hotel's manager told R oadside America that she is very pleased with the bathroom's notoriety as an odd attraction.

White House Replica (Atlanta, Georgia)

Want to see the White House without having to go to D.C.? Consider traveling to Atlanta, where someone built a replica three-quarters the size! The mini White House used to offer tours of its replica of the Oval Office and the Lincoln bedroom, but now it's a private home. However, it's still frequently photographed by on-lookers, because... it's basically the White House.

Man-Killing Clam (Cheboygan, Michigan)

Located inside Sea Shell City in Cheboygan, Michigan, this enormous man-killing clam is totally kitschy-cool — plus there are kooky signs for it on the road the closer you get. Although the clam is genuinely quite large, it's more silly than scary, and it's one of the most photographed items at Sea Shell City!

World's Largest Paul Bunyan (Akeley, Minnesota)

This Paul Bunyan statue in Akeley, Minnesota, stands out because you can sit in his huge palm and take the perfect road-trip vacation photo. Although the crouching figure is currently not technically the tallest Paul Bunyan statue in the U.S., his creators say that if he stood upright he would be about 60 feet fall, making him officially the largest Paul Bunyan.

Town Named Hot Coffee (Covington County, Mississippi)

There is a town named Hot Coffee in southern Mississippi, but if you blink you might miss it. The teeny tiny town is now just a green highway sign and an abandoned grocery store. People often stop to take photos that reaffirm their love of java.

Death Rock of Alexander Hamilton (Weehawken, New Jersey)

If you're a "Hamilton" fan, this is a must-see in Weehawken, New Jersey. The actual rock where Alexander Hamilton rested his head after he lost his duel with Aaron Burr is now a monument! Plus it's seriously close to the Lincoln Tunnel to New York City, so you could always see the Broadway show, hop in a cab, and go!

Plastic Flamingo Petting Zoo (Cedar Point, North Carolina)

Ever wanted to pet a flamingo? You can pet the birds without the fishy smell or the worry of getting pecked at this plastic flamingo petting zoo in Cedar Point, North Carolina! Located in the front yard of a tourist information center next to the highway, this is an incredible Instagram opportunity just waiting to happen. The flamingos aren't just for petting and photos — they can also be adopted (purchased).

World's Largest Peanut (Ashburn, Georgia)

The best and weirdest attractions are always large versions of everyday things. Durant's "World's Largest Peanut" in Ashburn, Georgia is no exception. Although the hefty peanut was taken down in 2010 because college kids kept stealing it, it is now back on its pedestal, looking enormous as ever and serving as one of the country's oddest attractions.​​​​​​​

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The 23 weirdest places on earth you have to visit at least once

Rainbow-coloured mountains, red beaches and ‘cotton castles’, these destinations are certainly one for the bucket list.

Photograph: Shutterstock.com

Louis Armstrong certainly got it right: we really do live in a wonderful world. From the mountains of China to the coasts of Ireland , each corner of this glorious planet is steeped in (almost) other-worldly wonders. 

Some exist almost beyond comprehension. Beaches aren’t supposed to be red, nor are lakes supposed to be pink, but we suppose that’s the beauty of this planet. The earth’s environments give us life and look darn good doing it, too. Keen to see what all the fuss is about? Here are our top picks for the weirdest places in the world, that you’ve absolutely got to pay a visit.

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For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The weirdest places in the world

1.  jervis bay, australia.

Australia ’s Jervis Bay is actually home to the whitest sandy beach on the planet, but visitors don’t flock here for whiter-than-white sand. Okay, some do, but most head to this 102-square-kilometre oceanic bay for the magic that comes after dark. Jervis Bay is one of the few places on the planet where people can see the wonder of bioluminescence, as masses of plankton glow in the dark and give the water a gorgeously ethereal look. These are  noctiluca,  or maybe the more apt ‘sea sparkle’, and the light is a chemical reaction causing excitement and vibration, generating the glow in the process. Bioluminescence is most often seen in the warmer months, but you can get lucky at all times of the year in Jervis Bay. 

2.  Spotted Lake, Canada

Hidden away in British Columbia, Canada ’s Spotted Lake (known to First Nations people as Kliluk ) is straight out of science fiction. This small body of water is packed with different minerals, from masses of calcium and sodium sulphates to small amounts of silver and titanium. When the water evaporates in summer, a weird collection of deposits is left behind, giving the Spotted Lake its moniker. You can actually walk around the deposits in summer, although good luck shaking the feeling that something might jump out at any moment…

3.  Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

If aliens exist on Earth, they exist here. The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is a weirder-than-weird piece of wonder that is the result of three tectonic plates diverging and leaving behind lava lakes, acidic springs and more. It is known as the ‘hottest place on the planet’, and that is no joke. Geothermal activity in summer causes temperates to reach as high as 55 degrees celsius.

4.  Zhangye Danxia, China

It's easy to convince yourself that the swirling colours of China ’s Zhangye Danxia mountains are actually a painting, but this gorgeous landscape is very, very real. The colours are thanks to the whimsical movements of mineral deposits over millennia, although it took just about that much time for China to pay much attention to it. Several observation decks offer visitors stunning views without damaging the landscape, which is good news for everyone. 

5.  Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

According to legend, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland dates back to the time of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, a giant tasked with defending his land from the fearsome Benandonner. The story goes that Fionn decided to take the challenge head on, and built this causeway as a way to approach his foe, although the story goes off in many directions from there. Whatever its origins, the sight of some 40,000 basalt columns jutting out into the North Atlantic Ocean is one of the most unique images around, backed by imposing hills and the quietly seething sea.  

6.  Lake Hillier, Australia

We wouldn’t ever claim to be expert limnologists, but we know enough about lakes to know that they aren’t usually pink. Not pink of any shade, let alone bright bubblegum pink, but that is the hue of Lake Hillier, a saline lake found on the edges of Middle Island in Western Australia. Algae, halobacteria and other microbes create this incredible scene, one that would be safe to swim in if you could actually go in the water. It isn’t the easiest to get to, though, with scenic flights pretty much the best option.

7.  Tianzi Mountains, China

Not your ordinary mountain peaks, that’s for sure. The peaks of the Tianzi Mountains are China look as if they were designed by a writer of dystopian fiction, straight out of a post-apocalyptic planet where survival is the only ambition. That may sound very dramatic, but the drama is inspired in heavy doses by these stunners, found in Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province. The mountains are easily accessible from Zhangjiajie, although you really need to be a bird to see the full picture.  

8.  Green Bridge of Wales

Natural arches are weird wherever they are, be it the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina or the massive arch found in Arches National Park, Utah . There is something beautifully fragile about the Green Bridge of Wales , however, and it’s accentuated by the sleepy serenity of the Pembrokeshire coast and that inimitable sense of poetry that flows out of this small nation. The arch is located in the Castlemartin military area, so be sure to call ahead and make sure you can actually get to the thing.

9.  Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Gates of Hell, you better get your skates on. Not the actual gates of hell, that will have to wait for the afterlife, but Turkmenistan is planning on closing its Darvaza gas crater soon. The crater has been burning for decades, creating one of the most intense images on the planet, and visitors have flocked here for the sort of view that just shouldn’t be possible. Nobody really knows how it ignited, but we can only assume it had something to do with Beelzebub. 

10.  Rainbow River, Colombia

The name is something of a giveaway. Okay, the official name is Caño Cristales, but Colombia ’s Rainbow River is an incredible celebration of colour that must be seen to be believed. Red, yellow, purple and greens abound in this liquid rainbow, flowing dramatically through the Serranía de la Macarena National Park, with the colours changing depending on light conditions. Red dominates, thanks to the  Macarenia clavigera  plants on the river’s bed, and the many waterfalls accentuate what is already an incredible sight. 

11.  Vinicunca, Peru

Sticking with rainbows and South America, Peru ’s Rainbow Mountain is straight out of a psychedelic dream. Vinicunca’s unique multi-coloured marble look is the result of sedimentary deposits over the centuries, and the whole thing makes for a truly remarkable hike. It takes around four hours to scale the mountain, depending on how often you stop to marvel at how you’re actually climbing a rainbow mountain.  

12.  Chocolate Hills, Philippines

Unfortunately, these natural wonders aren’t literally made out of chocolate, they are simply covered in grass that turns brown during the dry season. Found in the Bohol province of the Philippines , the Chocolate Hills are among the most popular tourist attractions in the country and are undoubtedly its weirdest. Nobody really knows how many chocolate hills there actually are, with most estimates in the 1,800 range. That doesn’t really matter though – only chocolate does.

13.  Lunar Rainbow, Victoria Falls, Zambia

A moonbow! No, it isn’t the fantastical creation of a children’s fiction writer, but a very real phenomenon found at the already-magnificent Victoria Falls in southern Africa . These nighttime rainbows are only visible when there is a considerable amount of spray splashing back from the powerful cascades, so don’t bother heading here during the dry season in hopes of a miracle. The rainbow happens when light from the moon interacts with all the spray, and the results are magical.  

14.  Thor’s Well, USA

Some people refer to Thor’s Well as the ‘Drainpipe of the Pacific’, but that just sounds downright disgusting. We’ll stick to Thor’s Well, a thrilling sinkhole that seems to suck the power of the ocean into its grasp at will. It is something of an oceanic black hole, so don’t expect to be able to go for a dip in it, lest you be sucked into the underworld for all eternity. This rough basalt hole is a few miles south of Yachats in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Oregon .  

15.  Champagne Pool, New Zealand

We aren’t entirely sure if swimming in champagne sounds fantastic or just really, really sticky, but New Zealand ’s Champagne Pool well and truly deserves its spot on our collection of weird and wonderful places around the world. This fascinating pool (some 30km southeast of Rotorua) isn’t actually filled with champagne, but it gets the name from the constant flow of carbon dioxide gas, giving it a bubbling characteristic similar to that oh-so-luxurious beverage.

16.  Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale literally translates as ‘cotton castle’, and that feels like a particularly apt name for this incredible network of thermal waters found in the west of Turkey . The geothermal phenomenon has been attracting visitors looking for revitalisation for centuries, but it took designation as a Unesco World Heritage site for the area to be maintained and preserved. The nearby Hierapolis ruins can be underwhelming, but the Cotton Castle never fails to delight.  

17.  Sand Pyramids, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sand pyramids are weird. They crop up here and there across the world, but the small collection of sand structures found just outside Foča (Bosnia and Herzegovina) are the only ones in the world that are still growing to this very day. What does that mean? It’ll take many a year before we find out, so make a beeline for this beautiful part of the world for some tranquil observation.  

18.  Red Beach, China

What an incredible image this is. China’s Red Beach (found in Panjin) looks like something straight out of a heavily-edited movie, as deep crimson takes the place of colours we’ve come to expect in marshes. The Red Beach forms part of the biggest wetland on the planet (itself pretty darn weird), and the colour comes from the Suaeda salsa plant, one of the few species that have what it takes to survive in highly alkaline soil. Don’t worry about the science, just focus on how darn beautiful it is.

19.  Fly Geyser, USA

Nothing to see here, just a vivid six-foot geyser spitting water into the air at all times in the middle of the Nevada desert. It has been described as an accidental wonder, but nothing this marvellous can be an accident, so we’re chalking the Fly Geyser up to the ingenious creativity of whoever created this world.  The only way to visit it is via a private tour with the Friends of Nevada Black Rock High Rock. 

20.  Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

Human beings couldn’t survive without salt. The most important of all seasonings is responsible for a heck of a lot more than people realise, so there’s an extra special joy to the Uyuni Salt Flat. Of course, nobody really comes here to ponder the importance of salt. They come to see something truly incredible: nearly 11,000 square kilometres of flat land that is simultaneously otherworldly and very much of this place.

21.  Badab-e-Surt, Iran

A preposterous amount of iron oxide has come together at this natural wonder in Iran’s Mazandaran province, giving Badab-e-Surt a distinctive orange glow that is straight out of an Ursula K. Le Guin novella. The name sort of translates as ‘fizzy water’, although the copper colour will likely put you off sipping the stuff (a good thing!). That said, the waters are considered to be particularly good for rheumatism and certain skin conditions. Either way, you will find yourself needing to devote attention towards working out what planet you are on. 

22.  Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

The definition of a cave is ‘a natural underground chamber’, and you’d be right if you assumed that the ‘underground’ part of that meant that you don’t find a huge amount of light. New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves are a little different, however, lit up as they are by thousands upon thousands of glowworms, giving this subterranean place an undeniably romantic feel. Unless you’re scared of glowworms, of course. 

23.  Echo Beach, Indonesia

We know a thing or two about beaches, and we’re sure that they traditionally aren’t black. Sand usually veers towards the lighter end of the colour scale, and this makes the black sand beaches of Bali all the more jarring. Jarring in a good way, obviously, as there is something otherworldly about wandering down a jet-black beach, hand-in-hand with your loved one, as the turquoise waters do their thing. There are several black beaches in Bali – Echo being one of them – so get your Pokemon on and try to, erm, visit them all.

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10 of the World's Most Unusual Attractions

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Most tourist attractions are popular for obvious reasons. They are defined by superlatives — the biggest, oldest, most beautiful — or they benefit from heavy promotion by a city or country's tourism stakeholders. And then there are those attractions that have gained fame for less obvious reasons.

Some of these offbeat places are so odd or unusual that you can't help but want to see them. Social media has certainly helped their causes, but Facebook and Instagram aren't the only influencers. The popularity of many strange and unexpected attractions predates the rise of YouTube and Facebook when promotion consisted of word of mouth, physical guidebooks, and perhaps the occasional feature in a magazine or newspaper.

Here are 10 of the world's most-unexpected attractions.

Nicolas Cage's Tomb

Star of both acclaimed films and box-office flops, Nicolas Cage is known for his eccentric behavior away from the screen. One of the more noticeable examples of his quirks is his tomb in New Orleans. Back in 2010, the year that he turned 50, Cage purchased two plots in the famed St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans. He used the space to build a white, 9-foot-tall pyramid. Cage fans might recognize the Latin phrase on the front of the structure: "Omnia Ab Uno" ("Everything from One"). The words were featured in his action movie, "National Treasure."

The grave was a popular attraction in the cemetery, which is one of the most crowded burial grounds in the city, until authorities restricted access to the area in 2015. If you don't have a family member interred in the cemetery, you need to join a guided tour to visit. Theories about the tomb abound: that Cage hid money from the IRS inside, that he is counteracting a voodoo curse, or that the grave is somehow connected to the Illuminati.

Fremont Troll

The Troll Under the Bridge, more popularly known as the Fremont Troll , is an intimidating-looking sculpture in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, under the Aurora Bridge. There have been numerous "troll sightings" under the bridge since the 1930s, when the span opened, and the artists who sculpted the monster in 1990 chose the subject after local residents overwhelmingly voted for it.

The troll is 15 feet tall and made from concrete. It is a popular spot for visitors who take selfies, and it gained notoriety among tourists after being featured in the 1999 movie, "10 Things I Hate about You." Seattle residents also like the troll. Some celebrate Trolloween on Oct. 31. During this event, people in troll-inspired costumes meet at the statue before walking through Fremont, past other art installations and street performances . Another reason the troll is attractive to tourists and locals is that you can climb on it. The concrete material is durable, and there is space behind the troll to scramble up for an elevated picture.

Bude Tunnel

The Bude Tunnel is in its namesake town in Cornwall, England. This acrylic glass tunnel is next to Bude's Sainsbury's supermarket. The 70-meter (229-foot) passage is transparent, so people can see the town as they walk along the street while protected from the elements. Its purpose is to keep customers dry as they walk between the supermarket entrance and its parking lot, so you would not expect it to be the main attraction in this pretty Cornish seaside destination.

However, when the Bude Tunnel was rated as Bude's No. 1 attraction on TripAdvisor, the U.K. media took notice, and the site earned a fair amount of viral attention. Perhaps the attraction is due to the length and transparency of the tunnel or its holiday lights show. During the holidays, the long corridor is lit with LED lights that change in rhythm with holiday music.

Haserot Angel

Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery is an historic site that has the tombs of some of America's most famous industrial-age figures as well as the grave of U.S. President James Garfield. One of the most-well-known figures here, however, is the Haserot Angel . It is a statue that marks the burial place of food industry mogul Francis Haserot. The dramatic, life-size bronze figure, created by artist Herman Matzen in 1923, is officially titled the Angel of Death Victorious. The angel is seated, and its hands rest on an extinguished torch.

The most unusual feature of this melancholy-but-thought-provoking statue is that it appears like it has "tears" running down its cheeks and onto its neck. The tears are not actually liquid; they are a discoloration caused by the aging of the bronze material that Matzen used to make the statue. The cemetery is open daily, though groups of more than 12 people need permission before entering.

Seattle's Gum Wall

The Gum Wall is in Post Alley, a lane under Seattle's Pike Place Market. The tradition of sticking gum on the wall here started in the 1990s when patrons of a local theater stuck their gum on the wall while waiting to get inside. At first, theater workers scrapped off the gum, but they gave up after people persisted with the practice. Eventually, the colorful additions stretched up and down the alley. Pike Place Market officials even started calling the strange decorations a tourist attraction, and Washington's governor, Jay Inslee, once said the spot was one of his "favorite things about Seattle."

City officials scrapped the wall and steam-cleaned it in 2015 because they were concerned about the gum eroding the old brick structure. During the cleaning, they removed more than 2,000 pounds of gum. Almost immediately after they finished, people began adding new gum.

Island of the Dolls

Isla de las Munecas , the Island of the Dolls, seems like it should be in a hidden, remote location. It is actually in the Mexico City metro area, not far from the famous Estadio Azteca soccer stadium. This unusual, undeniably-spooky place is defined by hundreds of dolls. The dolls (many of which have been disfigured by weathering) hang from the trees around the island, which is within a labyrinthine network of canals in the Xochimilco district. The property, now run by the family of the original owner, is a major tourist attraction for people who cruise the canals.

The story of Isla de las Munecas is disturbing or tragic depending on your viewpoint. When a man named Don Julian Santana Barrera moved to the island to live as a hermit, he found a girl who had recently drowned in a nearby canal. Barrera felt haunted by the experience and began hanging scavenged dolls in the trees as a kind of memorial meant to appease the drowning victim's spirit. Barrera lived on the island for 50 years, collecting and hanging dolls the whole time. When he passed away (some say he drowned in the same spot as the girl he discovered 50 years earlier), members of his family opened the island as a tourist attraction.

Hell, Michigan

Hell, Michigan, has embraced its strange name and the attention that has come along with it. The town's official website has clever catchphrases such as, "More people tell you to go to our town than anywhere else on Earth." A large number of tourists descended on the southern Michigan village on June 6, 2006 (6-6-06), the date that reminded many of the biblical "sign of the beast." Others come when they are in the area, not far from Ann Arbor, so that they can say that they have been to Hell.

Actually, the name "Hell" may not refer to the place of eternal damnation. Some theories about the origin of Hell, Michigan, contend that early German settlers in the area described it as "hell," which means "bright" or "light" in German. ("Hell" in German is "Hölle.") Others say that the name refers to the English word "hell" because early residents had to contend with extensive wetlands, numerous mosquitoes and generally harsh conditions. The name is now embraced for tourism purposes, but the U.S. Post Office uses the name of neighboring Pinckney for addresses.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

The Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks are on the popular Lamai Beach on Samui Island, Thailand. If you did not know what you were looking for, chances are you would miss these rocks, which are located amidst other formations on the shoreline. The names of these two particular formations, which translate from Thai as "Grandpa Grandma rocks," come from the fact that they resemble, somewhat vaguely, male and female sex organs.

This might seem like a good site for a chuckle, but it is actually one of the most popular places on Samui, which is one of Thailand's most popular island destinations. The popularity might have more to do with the central location of the beach and the great views of the sea and neighboring islands from the area near Hin Ta and Hin Yai. Locals have embraced the interest, even placing a board explaining the legend of how the rocks came to be known by their names. According to the story, an old man and his wife were traveling to a neighboring island to finalize marriage plans for their son when they drowned after their boat capsized. They were swept to the shore, where they turned into rocks. The over-sized genitalia was supposedly a sign to tell their families to go ahead with the wedding.

World's Largest Catsup Bottle

The World's Largest Catsup Bottle , in Collinsville, Illinois, does not actually contain ketchup (or catsup). It was built to provide water for a nearby ketchup plant in the late 1940s. The water tower eventually became a landmark in this southern Illinois town. Actually, it became so well-known among locals that when the company that owned the factory decided to sell the tower, a group of people came together to save it. They were even able to raise money for renovations and a fresh paint job.

In 2002, the tower earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Collinsville is along historic Route 66, so the bottle is a landmark for people taking that road trip. The tower even has its own fan club and annual festival , which takes place in June. (Ketchup bottles are hardly the only culinary-related roadside attraction. From doughnuts to bananas, apples to hot dogs, buildings that look like food can be found all over the country.)

Fairy Glen is on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This fairy tale-like landscape is above a small village called Uig. The area consists of gentle green hills with round tops that rise up in between small ponds. There is even a rock formation on the top of one of the hills that resembles the ruins of a castle, though it is actually just a rock formation. Some visitors think that if you press coins into the rocks in a small cave near the castle, you will enjoy good luck in the future.

The odd thing about this site is that it has absolutely no connections whatsoever to fairies or fairy legends. Though the Isle of Skye has some legends involving fairies, none are related to this particular place. Tourists simply decided that this area was "Fairy Glen" and the idea took off. Tour guides have apparently added stories about various rituals involving making spiral shapes with rocks and placing coins in the middle (also for good luck). Again, these rituals have no connection to traditional legends (and locals frown on the practice and remove the rock spirals).

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13 unusual roadside attractions across america.

You'll want to schedule a stop at these unconventional sites, found everywhere from Texas to Hawaii.

(Getty Images) |

Make room for these quirky attractions on your next road trip.

Salvation Mountain: Niland, California

Hole N" The Rock: Moab, Utah

(Getty Image) |

Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska

Prada Marfa: Valentine, Texas

(Courtesy of North Dakota Department of Commerce-Tourism Division) |

Enchanted Highway: North Dakota

Dinosaur Kingdom II: Natural Bridge, Virginia

Cadillac Ranch: Amarillo, Texas

Winchester Mystery House: San Jose, California

Pineapple Garden Maze: Wahiawa, Hawaii

Bubblegum Alley: San Luis Obispo, California

Wall Drug Store: Wall, South Dakota

(Courtesy of Dog Bark Park Inn) |

Dog Bark Park Inn: Cottonwood, Idaho

(Richard Maack Photography | Courtesy of Flintstone Bedrock City)

Flintstones Bedrock City: Coconino County, Arizona

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New Zealand's Steepest Street

Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand, is home to one of the most photogenic optical illusions in the world: when photos of houses on the street are taken on a specific angle, it creates the illusion that all are sinking. At just 1,150 feet long, Baldwin is at a 19-degree slope, and is the Guinness World Record holder of the world's steepest street. Still, despite its trick on the eyes and mind, the street may be most famous for the annual Cadbury Jaffa Race, where thousands of colored chocolates are released down the hill to raise money for charity.

California’s Life-Size Dinosaurs

With just two life-size residents, the World’s Biggest Dinosaurs don’t exactly rival Jurassic Park . But if you ever wanted a T. Rex’s-eye-view of California, climb up into Mr. Rex—all four stories—and gaze through his teeth to the world beyond. Mr. Rex’s counterpart is Ms. Dinny, a 150-foot-long, 150-ton model of an Apatosaurus. Claude K. Bell designed the pair, and since his death in 1988, the World’s Biggest Dinosaurs have been taken over by a religious group who also set up a Creationist museum at the site.

England’s Gnome Reserve

There’s no place like the Gnome Reserve: Fans of the cheeky lawn ornaments can travel here to see more than 1,000 gnomes and pixies in their natural outdoor habitat. (There are also more than 250 labeled species of wildflowers.) The Reserve hosts an on-site museum with a collection of antique statues. The dress code? Pointed hats and fishing rods are loaned out to visitors for free, “so you don’t embarrass the gnomes.”

Nebraska’s Carhenge

No one knows who built Stonehenge, or why, but we do know who built Carhenge (artist Jim Reinders and his family) and why (as a tribute to his father, and because it’s cool). The Stonehenge replica uses 38 classic cars, all painted gray and arranged in the same proportions as the original. Since the dedication of Carhenge—on the summer solstice in 1987—other works of car art have been added to the site, including Reinders’ Ford Seasons , inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons .

China’s Upside-Down House

If you’ve ever felt like dancing on the ceiling, head to the China Folk Painting Village in Fengjing Ancient Town, just south of Shanghai. Once inside, you’ll have to look up to see the furniture; everything from a kitchen table set for dinner to a child’s bedroom is arranged in a way that appears to defy gravity.

Japan’s Ramen Museum

Those inexpensive instant noodles got you through those college all-nighters—surely they’re worthy of their own museum, right? The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum pays tribute to the Cup Noodles founder and his creations. Visitors can see a reproduction of the shack where Momofuku Ando first invented chicken ramen, explore an exhibition about instant noodles all over the world , and, of course, visit a tasting room of different Nissin products, giving visitors a sampling of flavors that might not be sold in their region.

Australia’s Big Lobster

Australia has its fair share of giant kitschy monuments —including an oversized park bench that holds eight people and a huge tennis racket honoring player Evonne Goolagong Cawley. But none have as much personality as Larry, the Big Lobster. (How big? About 56 feet.) Larry was built in 1979 to promote the region’s seafood, wine, cheese , and timber industries. At its base is a tourist complex, complete with restaurant and gift shop.

Iceland’s Phallus Museum

It’s “members only” here: The Icelandic Phallological Museum hosts a collection of more than 200 phallic specimens representing almost every mammal in the country. Simply put, if you ever wanted to see a whale penis in a jar, this is the place to do it. The museum is currently the subject of a documentary, The Final Member, about two (brave?) souls competing to be the first human specimen.

South Africa’s Big Pineapple

There’s no better place to look out over the Eastern Cape’s pineapple industry than from the top-floor observation deck of this nearly 55-foot-high fiberglass pineapple. After checking out the 360-degree view, visitors can watch a film about the area’s agriculture, or head to the ground floor to buy pineapple jam and chutney.

England’s Petrifying Well

Legend has it that Mother Shipton was a witch with the power of prophecy, predicting many events, including the Great Fire of London in 1666. At Mother Shipton’s Cave, you’ll discover her stony dwellings as well as the Petrifying Well, also said to have magical properties. Early on, some claimed the waters had healing powers; others feared that touching the cascade would turn you into a rock. Today, science may have demystified the petrifaction process, but that doesn’t make the cave any less fun. The cheeky Brits have tied up everyday objects in the stream, waiting for them to turn to stone.

Thailand’s Hell Garden

The sign that greets visitors entering this sculpture garden pretty much says it all: “Welcome to Hell.” The Wang Saen Suk’s “hell garden” depicts, in garish detail, the punishments in store for those who transgress in life. If the statues are to be believed—with impaling, transfiguration, and disemboweling all represented—the tortures for sinners are pretty gruesome, so you might want to bank a few good deeds before you visit.

20 seriously weird places around the world

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written by Rachel Mills

updated 11.07.2023

The world is a weird (and wonderful) place. And from a rose-coloured lake to a Japanese island ruled by cats, we've got twenty pictures to prove it.

20 of the strangest places in the world

1. spotted lake, british columbia, canada.

• 2. The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

3. Thor’s Well, Oregon, USA

4. pamukkale, turkey, 5. lake hillier, western australia, 6. badab-e surt, iran, 7. the tianzi mountains, china, 8. the nasca lines, peru, 9. the bermuda triangle, north atlantic ocean, 10. socotra island, yemen, 11. the hand in the desert, chile.

• 12. Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island, the Philippines

13. Red Beach, Panjin, China

14. plain of jars, laos, 15. goblin valley state park, utah, usa, 16. whale bone alley, siberia.

• 17. Glass Beach, California, USA

18. The Catacombs, Paris, France

19. fly geyser, nevada, usa, 20. cat island, japan, travel ideas for peru, created by local experts.

Peru: into the Incan Empire

Who were the Incas? What did they do? What happened to them? Discover the answers, and much more, with this unique trip into the heart of the former Inca Empire.

Female Empowerment Tour

From meditations in Miraflores over visits to craftswomen in Chincheros to gratitude rituals in the Sacred Valley. This itinerary will allow you to reconnect with your feminine energy and learn more about women's lives in Peru.

Culture, Nature and Adventure in Peru

Get to know Peru through its locals and breathtaking trails- full of history. Hop aboard a motorboat to get to know the local way of life of the Uros people, before you start the great Inca trail, where beautiful landscapes, archaeological sites and fresh air are waiting for you.

The Inca Empire and the Nazca Culture

Peru has a rich history and culture, this itinerary will give you a taste of just how special it is. Take a flight over the mysterious Nasca lines, head to Cusco for some brilliant archaeological sites and discover the Inca cities. This trip will leave you wanting more!

Peru - the modern, the iconic, the wild

Spend 12 days in magnificent Peru - famous Machu Picchu, legendary Titicaca Lake and the wild Amazon await. This tour is great for foodies with amazing Peruvian delights, for history and culture lovers in the Sacred Valleys as well as wildlife enthusiasts in the Amazon. Something for everyone!

Best of Peru & Galapagos Islands

Split your South America trip into two fascinating countries: Peru with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as ocean-facing capital Lima. Afterwards, proceed to the Galapagos Islands. You will stay on 3 different islands and explore many more.

Canada's Spotted Lake has long been revered by the native Okanagan (Syilx) people and it’s easy to see why they think of it as sacred. In the summer the water of the lake evaporates and small mineral pools are left behind, each one different in colour to the next.

The unique lake can be viewed on Highway 3, northwest of the small town of Osoyoos , although visitors are asked not to trespass on tribal land. If you're looking to explore more waters, read our selection of 20 breathtaking lakes around the world.

Spotted Lake in Okanagan valley in Canada is a truly funny place to visit © sebastienlemyre/Shutterstock

2. The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Sixty million years ago a huge volcanic eruption spewed out a mass of molten basalt, which then solidified and contracted as it cooled, creating the cracks that can be seen today. There are an estimated 37,000 polygon columns at this World Heritage Site , so geometrically perfect that local legend has it they were created by a giant. It's a firm contender for one of the weirdest places on earth.

Consider taking a day tour from Belfast to explore the scenery . If you're thinking of heading further afield to find natural wonders, read our write-up on the  best volcanoes around the world .

The Giant Causeway with its otherworldly basalt columns is a very unique places to visit in the world © Shutterstock

In rough conditions at Thor’s Well in Oregon , also known as Spouting Horn, the surf rushes into the gaping sinkhole and then shoots upwards with great force. It can be viewed by taking the Captain Cook Trail from the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area visitor centre – but for your own safety stay well back, especially at high tide or during winter storms.

If you're looking to travel around the surrounding area, read up on our reasons for exploring either Portland or Seattle , or both!

Thor's Well © Mike Trachtenberg/Shutterstock

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A remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Turkey, a visit to Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) also takes in the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, the once great city that was built around it. Water cascades from natural springs and down the white travertine terraces and forms stunning thermal pools perfect for a quick dip.

We recommend joining a small group tour to have a guide with you. If this is the first you've heard of Pamukkale, you may also want to find out more facts about Turkey .

Pamukkale's striking terraces are certainly a weird place to visit © Shutterstock

This remarkable lake is on the largest of the islands in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago. The lake keeps its deep pink colour year-round, which some scientists say is down to high salinity combined with the presence of a salt-loving algae species known as Dunaliella salina and pink bacteria known as halobacteria.

To really take in this spectacle, consider a scenic flight (1:40h) from Esperance airport . If you're travelling around this part of Australia, discover the must-see sights in our stunning gallery of Western Australia's remote northwest .

Pretty in pink: Lake Hillier — a seriously weird place © Shutterstock

These beautiful travertine terraces in northern Iran are an incredible natural phenomenon that developed over thousands of years. Travertine is a type of limestone formed from the calcium deposit in flowing water, and in this case it's two hot springs with different mineral properties. The unusual reddish colour of the terraces is caused by the high content of iron oxide in one of the springs.

There is plenty of colour elsewhere in Iran. Head to the Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan to find endless bright tiles in one of the biggest squares on the planet. Iran's Masjid i-Imam mosque also features in our round-up of awe-inspiring architectural wonders ,

Badab-e Surt at sunrise © Jakob Fischer/Shutterstock

Found in the northwest of Hunan Province in China , these staggering limestone pinnacles are covered in lush greenery and often shrouded in mist. A cable car goes as far as Huangshi village and from here there are plenty of trails to take in the breathtaking views of Tianzi ('son of heaven'). Unsurprisingly, they are the inspiration for the floating mountains in the blockbuster movie Avatar .

If you're looking to explore more of what the country has to offer, discover things not to miss in China .

Tianzi Shan Mountain Peak © Ayotography/Shutterstock

The animal figures and geometric shapes etched by the ancient Nasca into Peru’s barren Pampa de San José are one of South America ’s great mysteries. Visible only from the air or from a metal viewing tower beside the highway, some of the unexplained shapes are up to 200m in length and each one is executed in a single continuous line. It's most certainly one of the strangest places in the world.

The Nasca Lines are best to be explored from one of the scenic flights , to discover the huge figures and animals. Beyond the Nasca Lines, there is plenty more to explore in the fascinating country of Peru. From the Uros Islands to the Valley of the Pyramids, don't miss out on its must see sights .

The Condor © Robert CHG/Shutterstock

Long shrouded in myth and mystery, the infamous 500,000 square miles also dubbed the Devil’s Triangle is roughly the area between Bermuda , Florida and Puerto Rico .

Although the US Coastguard disputes any such area exists, conspiracy theories thrive on stories about unusual magnetic readings and ships, planes and people who have disappeared here without a trace.

Catamaran Sailing

Separated from mainland Africa more than six million years ago, this remote island looks like the set of a sci-fi film. Socotra’s incredible and unique biodiversity means that there are plants and trees here not found anywhere else in the world – particularly bizarre are the ancient and twisted dragon’s blood tree and the bulbous bottle tree. Definitely one of the most unique places to visit in the world!

Endemic dragon trees of Socotra Island © Michail Vorobyev/Shutterstock

Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal is responsible for this very weird work of art rising out of the sand in the middle of Chile’s Atacama desert, 46 miles south of the city of Antofagasta . Irarrázabal is known for his works associated with human suffering and this huge unnerving sculpture captures a feeling of loneliness, exacerbated by its desolate and secluded location.

If you're a creative type, check out our selection of artwork around the world , you won't have to travel far for some of these.

The bizarre Hand in the Desert is one of the weirdest places in the world © Ksenia Ragozina/Shutterstock

12. Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island , the Philippines

Bohol’s 1700-odd conical hills dot the middle of the island in the Philippines . they range in height but are so regular in shape that they could be mistaken for being man-made. However, according to UNESCO they are the uplift of coral deposits and a result of rainwater erosion. The hills only earn their 'chocolate' nickname in the dry season when the foliage goes from lush green to brown.

Consider combining a trip to the Chocolate Hills with a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary and a lunch cruise along the Loboc River. Bohol Island is just one of our favourite islands in the Philippines . Make sure to head to Olango Island to find migratory birds and try diving on Panago Island.

The famous Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island in the Philippines are one of the most interesting places in the world © Pelikh Alexey/Shutterstock

Very cool and very weird, this beach is covered in a type of seaweed called Sueda, which turns bright red in autumn. Thirty kilometres southwest of Panjin in China , these tidal wetlands are an important nature reserve for migrating birds. Only a small section of the beach is open to the public, but it can be explored via a wooden walkway that stretches out to sea.

Red Beach may just be one of China's best secret beaches. Head here quick, along with these other secret beaches around the world before the crowds arrive.

Red Beach in China, one of those unique, really weirdcore places © 54613/Shutterstock

Shrouded in myth, megalithic stone jars are scattered across Xieng Khouang Province , Laos , in groups from one to one hundred. A working theory is that the huge cylindrical jars were used in ancient funeral ceremonies, though local legend has it that the jars were used to brew rice wine for giants.

In the 1960s Northern Laos was subject to a massive aerial bombardment by the USA and it’s only been relatively recently that some areas have been cleared and declared safe for visitors.

Plain of Jars © Dmitry Chulov/Shutterstock

No, this is not Mars but an uninhabited valley 216 miles southeast of Salt Lake City in Utah in the USA . Soft sandstone has, for many years, been eroded by wind and water to form strange pinnacles or hoodoos that some think resemble goblins. The eerie landscape is only about a mile across and two miles long and it’s well worth exploring the marked trails to get up close to the bizarre formations.

Also relatively unknown is the fact that you can go on a spectacular canyoneering adventure in the Valley of Goblins. Looking for more outdoor adventures in Utah ? Why not stargaze in Antelope Island State Park?

Goblin Valley State Park © Natali Glado/Shutterstock

A stretch of the northern shore on remote Yttygran Island, 82km off the coast of Alaska , has become a macabre tourist destination. Massive whale jawbones, ribs and vertebrae stand horizontal in the ground forming an eerie alleyway.

It’s generally agreed that the site dates back to the fourteenth or fifteenth century, but whether it was a sacred spot for native tribes to meet or simply a gathering place for mass slaughter, no one knows. What we do know is that it stands as one of the weirdest places in the world.

Whale Bone Alley © Shutterstock

17. Glass Beach, California , USA

This glittering sea glass beach in California is a remarkable side effect of years of rubbish being dumped on the beach. It wasn’t until the 1960s that this was stopped and by then the sea was full of everything from electrical appliances to bottles and cans.

Over time, the waves broke everything down into colourful pebbles and the beach became a major tourist attraction – now ironically under threat because visitors are taking home the glass. It's not all glass on the beaches in the state! Here are the best 10 beaches in California if you're looking for sun, sea and sand.

Glass Beach © Shutterstock

The deeply creepy catacombs are a network of old quarry tunnels beneath Paris and the final resting place of around six million Parisians. Most are anonymous skulls and bones taken from the city’s overcrowded graveyards during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It wasn’t until the authorities realised its potential as a tourist attraction that the bones were arranged in the macabre displays seen today. It's a sure contender for one of the strangest places in the world.

As a popular tourist attraction nowadays, make sure to get your Catacombs tickets beforehand to skip-the-lines . The catacombs are open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 8.30pm. If you're keen on exploring the underground of Paris, you might like to discover these  subterranean wonders elsewhere too.

Les Catacombes de Paris © I. Casavechia/Shutterstock

This otherworldly geyser is on private land on the edge of Black Rock Desert in Nevada . Created accidentally in 1964 after an energy company drilled down into geothermal waters, today a scalding fountain erupts up to five feet high and the resulting mineral build up means the cone is growing by several inches each year.

The brilliant hues of red and green are down to thermophilic algae. Interested in more beauties in this part of America? Read more about the most spectacular sights in Southwest USA .

Multi-hued Fly Geyser © Shutterstock

One of the weirdest places on earth has to be the Japanese Cat Island. A short ferry ride from Japan’s east coast, Tashirojima has a population of one hundred humans who are vastly outnumbered by their furry friends.

Originally the cats were encouraged since the island produced silk, and mice are a natural predator of silkworms. Local fishermen regarded them as good luck. The island even has a cat shrine, along with newly built cat shaped cabins for tourists to stay in. It goes without saying that there are no dogs allowed. If you're looking to find more animals on your travels, enjoy reading more about where to see animals up close in Japan, or further afield.

Cat island's feline inhabitants © SakSa/Shutterstock

For more inspiration, explore the most beautiful countries in the world — as voted by you. Or, if it's weird you're after, discover weird foods of the world .

Top image: Endemic dragon trees of Socotra Island © Michail Vorobyev/Shutterstock

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Rachel Mills is a freelance writer, editor and broadcaster based by the sea in Kent. She is a co-author for Rough Guides to New Zealand, India, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain a contributor to Telegraph Travel, the Independent, AFAR, DK Eyewitness and loveEXPLORING.com and an expert in sustainable, responsible tourism. Follow her @rachmillstravel on Twitter and Instagram and listen to her show Over Here on ramsgateradio.com .

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Are Tokyo’s public toilets the new tourist attractions? Here are 13 unique ones worth visiting

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Tired of crowded and overhyped tourist attractions in Tokyo? Why not join a toilet tour in Shibuya? CNA Lifestyle visited a few of these facilities under the Tokyo Toilet Project that left us flushed with excitement.

Japanese toilets designed by Shigeru Ban and Kazoo Sato (Photos: CNA/Jasper Loh)

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A few months back, I caught the film Perfect Days. The Oscar-nominated movie by renowned director Wim Wenders followed a Japanese toilet janitor who performs his job with pride and dedication – and featured some cool-looking restrooms in Tokyo.

Now, I normally don’t give public toilets a second thought – I walk in, take care of business, wash up and walk out. But the toilets in the movie, which I later learned was part of something called the Tokyo Toilet Project (TTP) , got me so intrigued that I decided I wanted to check them out during my Japan trip earlier this month.

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THE TOKYO TOILET PROJECT

Launched in 2020 by The Nippon Foundation non-profit organisation, the TTP’s aim was to promote the use of public toilets and remove the stigma of them being dark, unsafe and unsanitary, especially for children and women.

Sixteen world class designers, architects and creatives such as Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Shigeru Ban and Nigo were tasked to redesign and improve the accessibility of 17 public toilets situated around the Shibuya district  – which explains why many of them look like art installations.

And as I eventually found out, you can actually take a tour of these toilets. Nearme , a shuttle service provider, organises twice-weekly tours. For ¥4,950 (SG$42.50), you can take your pick from two routes: The East or the West course. The West course, which I took, features nine toilets while the East route has eight. Each tour takes about two hours.

Here’s a roundup of the locations I visited. Plus a few more I randomly stumbled upon. Happy toilet hunting!

1. NABESHIMA SHOTO PARK TOILET (KENGO KUMA)

Architect Kengo Kuma wanted to make this public facility a site to connect people with nature. Situated near a playground that overlooks a lush greenery of trees, the toilets resemble a village hidden within a forest. There are five cubicles, all covered up with planks of cedar wood, lending them a raw, rugged feel.

2. YOYOGI FUKAMACHI MINI PARK TOILET (SHIGERU BAN)

Pritzker Prize winner Shigeru Ban has two toilets on the list and both feature a new technology that lets users know if a toilet is in use or not – when the door is lock, the glass panels turn opaque to ensure privacy.

3. HARU-NO-OGAWA COMMUNITY PARK TOILET (SHIGERU BAN)

His second toilet employs the same technology and the only difference between the two are in the shades used on the glass panels – this one goes from a cool shade of turquoise green to blue while the former goes from warm orange to purple.

4. JINGU-DORI PARK TOILET (TADAO ANDO)

Architect and Pritzker Prize winner Ando described public toilets as a place where people can seek refuge. With that concept, he created a circular minimalist toilet with the walls made of vertical metal blinders for better ventilation. The rounded canopy is extended out and acts as a place for Amayadori, meaning “waiting out the rain” in Japanese. The overall design is both thoughtful yet functional.

5. YOYOGI  HACHIMAN PUBLIC TOILET (TOYO ITO)

Located beneath a hilly walk up the Yoyogi Hachiman shrine, the restrooms here used to be dark and uninviting. Pritzker Prize winner Toyo Ito wanted to make the toilets well lit, so users need not worry about using it at night. He designed the space as a cluster of three mushroom-like towers that look like they’re sprouting out of the ground. The brown gradient tiles represent the energy of earth rising to the sky.

6. NISHIHARA ITCHOME PARK (TAKENOSUKE SAKAKURA)

The three unisex restrooms here feature bright green doors that are at once calm and welcoming. The word Andon translates to paper lantern in Japanese. And that’s what the toilets look like. At night, the frosted glass printed with trees glows like a lantern when lit. Takenosuke Sakakura’s intention was to give people feel a sense of serenity and assurance when using the facility.  

7. NANAGO DORI PARK TOILET (KAZOO SATO)

Named Hi Toilet , the white spherical shape of the structure looks like a scene right out of a sci-fi movie. With Hi Toilet, Kazoo and his team aimed to make this the world’s most hygienic toilet using voice control technology. Users can open the door, change the color of the lights, flush and even play music, all without making any form of physical contact. The globe shape also allows for better air circulation and keeps the toilet from smelling bad.

8. NISHISANDO PUBLIC TOILET (SOU FUJIMOTO)

Sou Fujimoto embraced a playful approach to his design. He wanted the toilets to feel like an urban water fountain in the city and a vessel that serves everyone. The concave sink at the centre feature taps of different heights so that users of all ages can wash their hands conveniently. The cut-through path across the structure also creates a sense of openness and safety for the public.

9. JINGUMAE PUBLIC TOILET (NIGO)

Japanese fashion designer, DJ record producer and entrepreneur Nigo designed the toilet near Harajuku where Japanese street fashion originated. Simple yet playful, he approached the design of the restroom based on comfort and easy accessibility. The structure, partially surrounded by white fences and mint green doors, resembles how one would doodle a house as a child.

10. SASAZUKA GREENWAY PUBLIC TOILET (JUNKO KOBAYASHI)

Built just beneath the Keio line Sasazuka train station, the group of weather resistant cylinders are constructed with a yellow canopy to counter the claustrophobic feeling of being located under the train tracks. While the exterior looks rusty and worn out, the restrooms feel bright and clean. The cute bunnies peeking out of the wall light up at night, giving out a playful vibe.

11. HATAGAYA PUBLIC TOILET (MILES PENNINGTON/ UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO DLX DESIGN LAB)

British designer and professor Miles Pennington, together with the University of Tokyo DLX Design Lab, wanted to build a restroom that not only serves its function, but also doubles up as an area to bring the local community together. The structure is designed such that it can also be used as a space for events or pop ups.

12. HIGASHI SANCHOME PUBLIC TOILET (NAO TAMURA)

Product designer Nao Tamura’s approach her design as traditional Japanese gift wrapping, with the intention for users to feel safe and have a sense of privacy. Striking red is used on the exterior because it attracts attention, and she hopes that it will also deter unlawful acts.

13. EBISU EAST PARK TOILET (FUMIHIKO MAKI)

Located near a playground that has long been a part of the local community, Pritzker Prize winner Fumihiko Maki designed the facility as a white pavilion with curvy roof as well as a little courtyard at the centre that is bright airy and a place for resting. This place is also known as the Squid Toilet because the park was formerly known as Octopus Park due to the octopus-shaped slides in playground.

While I didn’t manage to visit all the toilets under the TTP, the experience was more than enough to give me a better understanding of Japan’s cultural values and innovative designs (not to mention their outlook on hygiene). Hopefully, it inspires other cities and organisations to rethink these often overlooked and undervalued public places.

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10 Unusual Tourist Attractions Around The US

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When you're visiting a new place, it can be a lot of fun to see some of the interesting tourist destinations in the area. From museums to historic sites and parks, there are a lot of them all over the US. But some of them are really popular and, let's be honest, a little bit overrated. Because of that, there are some places that we're just not interested in seeing.

Related: 10 Of The Most Overrated Tourist Attractions In The US (& What To See Instead)

Along with the more overrated and over-visited tourist destinations around the US, there are also quite a few tourist destinations that don't get so much attention. They're a little bit on the unusual side and a lot more interesting.

To see 10 unusual tourist destinations around the US, keep reading!

10 Mmuseumm

No, that's not a typo. This tiny museum is located in an elevator shaft in New York City and is called Mmuseumm, pronounced as "museum." What will you see in Mmuseumm? Well, it depends. It changes regularly and, just like the location, features things that are typically overlooked and wouldn't typically be considered extraordinary enough to be put into a museum.

Mmuseumm is big enough to fit three people at a time and features a selection of different things that change out periodically. But the items on display aren't random , the different exhibits that rotate through Mmuseumm shine a light on society and different aspects of humanity.

9 New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Voodoo is a huge part of the culture and history of the city of New Orleans. This city is known for being a little spooky and mysterious and their history in the world of voodoo is definitely on board with the rest of their strange and mysterious past.

Related: 10 Destinations Where The Disney Princesses Actually Came From

If you are interested in learning more about the dark underside of New Orleans' history and voodoo, visiting the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is definitely something that has to go on your travel bucket list. All kinds of antique artifacts are on display and show the history of voodoo.

8 The Witch House Of Salem

Salem, Massachusetts is a historic town that has become best-known throughout history for one unfortunate period of time: The Salem Witch Trials. Many people who are interested in history, witchcraft, and all things spooky visit Salem because of this, but there's one place in Salem that can't be missed.

The Witch House of Salem is a house in Salem, Massachusetts that was once home to Jonathan Corwin. During the Witch Trials in the 17th century, Corwin was one of the judges in charge of finding alleged witches guilty. Today, his home is the last building in Salem with direct ties to this point in history.

7 The Echo Park Time Travel Mart

Planning to take a trip through time? Make sure you stock up on plenty of robot emotions for your trip to the future or take a spare Victorian iPad for your trip back in time. Where can you get these items? From the Time Travel Mart in Los Angeles, California, of course!

Related: The 10 Most Crowded Tourist Destinations In America

This non-profit convenience store is a novelty store dedicated to selling everything a time traveler could ever need. Whether it's dinosaur eggs or Viking deodorant, this store sells it all. All the proceeds from this novelty store go straight to 826LA, so on top of being totally hilarious, this store supports a good cause.

6 House Of Eternal Return

Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the House of Eternal Return is a mysterious and unique tourist destination. It's part-maze, part-art installation, and part-interactive story for visitors to experience. It's a permanent art installation that spans over 20,000 feet. Visitors who come here are only given one piece of information about the storyline before they're set free: The Selig family used to live here and then something happened. What was it?

That's what visitors have to figure out. Visitors get to wander through this house, explore all the unique details, and find all the secrets hidden here. If you're someone that likes escape rooms but wants more of the story and less of the puzzle-solving, the House of Eternal Return is perfect.

5 Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Thousands of years ago, Native Americans were drawn to this part of Colorado in order to collect clay and see the natural wonders that this area has. Today, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a unique natural landmark that draws in visitors from around the world because of the bright colors and unique landscape.

Related: 10 Tourist Destinations That Are Nearly Impossible To Reach

Camping and motor vehicles are strictly forbidden here, as is climbing on the formations and taking rocks or clay home. Paint Mines Interpretive Park has looked this way for a long time and we definitely want it to stay as natural and beautiful as it is now. Because of this, visitors are encouraged to stay on the path as they walk through and take nothing but photos for Instagram.

4 Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze

Just about everyone has been through a funhouse in an amusement park or carnival. They're a maze of mirrors and windows and it's just about impossible to see where you're going or how to get to the end - but in the most fun way imaginable.

In San Francisco, there's an insane mirror maze just like those, but way cooler. Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze may look unassuming on the outside but once you go inside, you're greeted with a maze of bright, neon colors in the dark building. Making your way through this maze of mirrors and bright colors is challenging but fun.

3 Mütter Museum

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the Mütter Museum. This museum is one that is definitely not for the faint of heart or people that want to avoid all things creepy. This museum is dedicated to the body, to diseases, and to the wonders of medicine.

Related: 10 Tourist Traps That Are Actually Worth It

The museum opened in the mid-19th century and has been located in the same place since then. The walls are lined with bones, bodies, and skulls. Skeletons of people that lost their lives to rare diseases and people that lived with medical anomalies are on display here.

2 The Neon Boneyard

Las Vegas is a city that's known for its bright, neon signs that are outside of casinos, hotels, and restaurants. Neon signs have come and gone over the years, but people don't often consider what happens to the ones that are taken down and replaced.

Many of them are taken to The Neon Boneyard. This is a place where old neon signs that are no longer being used around Sin City are left. Many of them still light up and are turned on at night for visitors. This unique piece of Las Vegas history is a popular tourist destination for people that love the look of these signs and want to experience a bit of Vegas history.

1 Loved To Death

For people that like to shop for the stranger things in life, Loved to Death in San Francisco is an excellent place to visit. This store was featured on the Science Channel's series Oddities: San Francisco but has been a popular tourist destination for some time, even for people that haven't seen that show.

This store sells everything unusual. From jewelry to antiques, Loved to Death has it all. The store used to sell a lot of unique pieces of taxidermy but has since stopped in an effort to support ethical sourcing in the oddities community, though. Still, jewelry, artwork, and antiques are on display in this store.

Next: The 10 Most Crowded Tourist Destinations Ever

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19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

Hidden Caves, Cosmonauts Alley, and More: Moscow’s Unexpected Attractions

By Liana Satenstein

Sure, most of Moscow’s tourist attractions seem to be focused on the Red Square, ranging from the mammoth Kremlin to the historical department store GUM. And there’s the reputation that it’s a city saturated with luxury, complete with tinted BMWs and platefuls of beluga caviar. But Moscow is much more than this stereotypical Communist-dampened, money-pumped culture. There’s also the weird and wacky, like subterranean man-made caves to museums fully focused on turn-of-the-century desserts. Our tip? Score that tourist visa, make that trek, and save your rubles by taking the trolley bus with babushkas en route to the city’s oddities. Here, see the weirdest attractions that Moscow has to offer.

1. Not All Hotels Are Created Equal The Metropol is one of the oldest hotels in Russia. It was created in 1905 and is located smack-dab in the center of Moscow, across from the Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Bolshoi Theater. This gem boasts 394 exquisite rooms complete with fit-for-a-czar decor. But that’s not the only reason why you should check it out: There are reportedly secret rooms and passageways throughout the structure.

Izmailovsky Market

2. Skip the Tourist Trap—Go to the Outskirts for Souvenirs Souvenir shopping is a must in Moscow. The famous Arbat Street is dotted with faux-fur incarnations of ushankas and Putin-emblazoned T-shirts touting the president’s glossy crown. But further outside of the city, about a 40-minute metro ride to Partizanskaya station, is Izmailovsky Market—the motherland’s version of a warped Disney World—a cheeky fortification of wooden castles and a fairy tale of blindingly bright cupolas, solely for kitschy souvenirs. Though it’s a site to see on its own, on the weekends, the fortress turns into a flea market with antique goodies too, ranging from peasant blouses to silver samovars. The best part? Stop for cheap shawarma to fuel your trek through the federation’s booths of yesteryear.

The exterior of Lenin's Mausoleum

By Madeline Fass

By Calin Van Paris

By Maria Goldbach

3. Kremlin’s Not Just for Cupolas: There’s a Pickled Revolutionary If you go to Moscow, well, of course, go to the Kremlin. Everyone needs a selfie next to the famed St. Basil’s cathedral and some person dressed up as Stalin (it’s kind of like the cartoon characters who slink around Times Square—but for dead dictators). But don’t be so transfixed by the Red Square. There’s also the actual preserved body of Vladimir Lenin that has been marinating in a mausoleum since 1924. The embalmed former leader has been meticulously preserved, complete with faux eyelashes and more recent additions of patches of artificial skin .

4. The Most Abstract Building in Moscow There is plenty of historical architecture throughout Moscow, mostly hailing from before the revolution or the Brutalist-Communist era, but if you want to cleanse your palate with something more contemporary, head over to the Zaha Hadid–designed building the Dominion . It’s a multitiered, rectangular stacked structure that looks like it’s plucked out of a chic space age, with trippy, weaving, wavy walls and staircases.

The Cosmonautics Memorial Museum

5. See the Stars on the Sidewalk Russia has long been obsessed with outer space. Playground structures mimicked rocket ships in the ’60s, and many buildings look like spaceships . Astronaut Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, is considered a star-strewn god and even has a day for himself: Yuri’s Night on April 12. To catch a glimpse of how space has permeated day-to-day Russia, head over to the Russian Museum of Cosmonautics . But take a good look around before you enter: The path to the museum, Cosmonauts Alley, is lined with monuments made to mimic the solar system, as well as the carved busts of astronauts.

moscow metro

6. Explore Underneath the Underground There are definitely no long lines to wait in or a ticketed entry when it comes to this site in Moscow—artificial limestone caves located at the Pochta station on the Domodedovskaya metro line . Rumor has it the underground space was closed in 1974 but unsealed in 1988. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dive into the cave culture . . . but maybe try to find a guide.

Pastila for sale at The Kolomna Pastila Museum

7. Food Can Be Art Too There are stellar museums throughout Moscow, like Dasha Zhukova’s It girl–frequented Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and Tretyakov Gallery, which is filled with Russian works of art ranging from avant-garde to Socialist realism. But a real delectable treat? The Kolomna Pastila Museum , which specializes in and revived the 18th-century Russian confectionary dessert pastila. It’s typically squared, infused with fruit, and oven-dried.

A memorial statue for “Malchik” the stray dog

8. All Dogs Go to Subway Heaven Stray dogs are common sights throughout Russia. You’ll probably see them roaming around in feral packs in the more suburban, sleepy regions. But when it comes to the city centers, they’re there too, maybe right beside you on the subway. In fact, they’ve adapted to metropolitan cities and are able to navigate the subways . There’s also a tragic, but heartwarming, story that has to do with the Muscovite canines: A stray dog called “Malchik” (little boy) lived at the Mendeleevskaya station in Moscow but was killed in 2001 by a passerby. In 2007, a bronze stature was erected in the station in his honor and is worth a look.

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Days of UAE Culture will be held in the Russian Capital

F rom June 28 to July 2, Days of UAE Culture will be held on Manezhnaya Square—one of the central locations of the "Summer in Moscow" project. Citizens and tourists are invited to learn more about the country's attractions, traditional attire and cuisine, partake in henna painting, and explore an exhibition of paintings and photo displays.

The program is organized by the UAE Embassy and the Government of Moscow. It will be part of a cycle of events held on a reciprocal basis within the framework of bilateral cooperation, said Deputy Mayor Natalia Sergunina.

"Partnership relations between our countries are developing in many areas, including tourism. In 2023 alone, more than 42,000 travelers from the UAE visited Moscow—eight times more than the previous year. This trend continued in the first quarter of 2024—we are again recording growth. We invite everyone to Manezhnaya Square to see the exhibitions and musical performances, participate in master classes, take photos in front of art objects, and try popular Arab delicacies," announced Natalia Sergunina.

According to her, guests from the United Arab Emirates are attracted by the centuries-old Russian culture and the abundance of parks and museums. Gastronomy, which combines the cuisines of different peoples of the world, is also particularly popular. Most often, travelers from the UAE come to the capital alone (34.2%) or with a partner (23.8%). They choose comfortable hotels: about a quarter of them stay in five-star hotels (23.4%).

"We express deep appreciation and joy regarding holding the UAE Culture Days in the very center of Moscow, on Manezhnaya Square. We were very eager to host the event in this iconic place, on this beautiful square. This historical area is considered one of Moscow's most beautiful tourist spots. Our goal was to introduce the friendly Russian people to the culture and heritage of the UAE. We strongly believe that culture serves as a bridge between peoples and societies. The cultural event will be held over five days, during which we will try to showcase the true national heritage of the Emirates through folk performances by national art groups, a demonstration of an ancient Emirati wedding show, a falconry show, an engraving exhibition, henna pattern drawing, and an exhibition of antiques and folk crafts. Visitors will also be able to taste Emirati coffee and popular Emirati dishes. In addition, visitors to the event will be able to purchase traditional Emirati goods, and there will also be an opportunity to take memorable photos in a specially equipped photo zone. Cultural exchange between our two friendly countries has reached a new and qualitative stage, as there is an increasing flow of UAE citizens coming to Moscow for tourism, expressing their admiration and interest in the culture, art, history, as well as various customs and traditions of the friendly Russian people, which is why many of them have already made multiple visits to your beautiful country. Moscow is considered one of the attractive tourist destinations for tourists from the Emirates. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the Government of Moscow for their cooperation and support in successfully holding this important event for us and wish everyone to enjoy their visit, " noted His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Sultan Essa Al Jaber , Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation.

Moscow is an important tourist destination not only in Russia but also internationally. In 2023, the foreign tourist flow amounted to 23 million people, most often coming from China, India, CIS countries, and the Middle East. To strengthen international ties, the capital participates in major specialized exhibitions, organizes business missions, and organizes projects and events aimed at an international audience.

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Top 10 Nigerian tourist attractions for Filipino tourists

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Nigeria, the Giant of West Africa, is a place with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique cities.

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Visitors find a world where ancient customs meet modern innovation. The warmth of the Nigerian people, the rhythm of Afrobeat music, and the taste of spicy, flavorful cuisine make for an unforgettable journey. Along with heritage and traditional culture and other options, let's see what the country offers and discover the ten best places to visit in Nigeria.

Reasons to visit Nigeria

The African regional power is a destination with unique urban energy. The country offers something for every Filipino traveller, including nature adventures, cultural immersion, and relaxation on pristine beaches. Moreover, Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, has a well-educated population, and is home to the continent's leading technology sector.

Summing it up, Filipinos and tourists worldwide visit Nigeria for:

• Cultural Tapestry: Nigeria boasts over 250 ethnic groups with unique traditions, languages, and art forms.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: Trek the lush rainforests, hike up majestic mountains or relax on pristine beaches.
• Thriving Art Scene: Learn more about Nigeria's artistic soul through contemporary galleries, ancient sculptures, and traditional crafts. Moreover, this is home to Nollywood, the world's second-largest movie production scene.
• Warm Hospitality: Nigerians are renowned for their warmth and friendliness. Prepare to receive an open-arm welcome and experience genuine African hospitality.

While listening to the " palm wine," highlife, and Naija Music, consider exploring popular tourist places in Nigeria.

Best places to visit in Nigeria

The list of tourist attractions in Nigeria has more than just ten places. With so many to choose from, it was challenging to pick the top ones. Yet, considering Filipinos' interests, we gathered several famous places, vacation spots, and a national park.

1. Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos

Spanning over 78 hectares, the Lekki Conservation Centre is a nature oasis amidst the Lagos city’s hustle. Offering stunning treetop views, Lekki is famous for its long canopy walkway. This is an excellent place for Filipinos looking for diverse wildlife habitats and rare birds while encountering monkeys and crocodiles.

2. Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River State

When M. McCaughey, a Scottish rancher, established Obudu Cattle Ranch in 1951, few could dream it would evolve into a popular tourist destination. Nigerians and internationals come here for a tranquil escape from the city life's hustle and bustle. The national park stands at 1,600 meters high near the Cameroon border. Obudu provides a refreshing contrast to Nigeria’s typically tropical weather with its semi-temperate mountain climate. It features a famous cable car system and offers an 870-meter ascent to the plateau and panoramic vistas. For accommodation, tourists pick between cozy mountain villas and luxury suites.

3. Federal Palace Hotel & Casino, Lagos

The in-house casino in the Capital City has operated since 1960. Today, the Sun International-owned Federal Palace Hotel & Casino is famous for its massive gaming floor and attractive incentives. For Filipino tourists, according to TestCasinos.org experts who studied their habits and expectations, this is an attractive place for recurring visits. Thanks to the Sun MVG Loyalty Programme, everyone who wants to enjoy a quality casino in Nigeria marks this place at the top of their bucket list.

4. Zuma Rock, Abuja

Standing tall near Nigeria's capital, Zuma Rock is more than a geographical landmark. The iconic Inselberg is a natural monolith with rich cultural significance. When the Zuba and Gwari settled around in the 15th century, they saw the rock as a protective guardian. You'll see Zuma when exchanging pesos as one of the most popular places in Nigeria stands on the 100 Naira note.

5. Olumo Rock, Abeokuta

We're still on natural wonders and rocks with deeper meanings. Olumo Rock was pivotal in the Egba people's history, serving as a fortress. During the 19th-century inter-tribal wars, the Egbas used it as a refuge and vantage point. Today, Filipinos may get inside the granite monolith caves that sheltered Egbas. Also, in the Yoruba religion, Oluma Rock is an orisha, a patron spirit.

6. Nike Art Gallery, Lagos

Experiencing Lagos' much-talked vibrancy is only possible with the Nike Art Gallery. The home of 8K+ artworks, this is one of the most extensive galleries in West Africa. Nike Davies-Okundaye, the famous artist and the owner, displays paintings, sculptures, textiles, and more.

7. Park Vega Waterpark, Agbor

The largest park in West Africa, Vega Waterpark, is among Nigerians' most popular vacation spots. It offers more than Space Hole and Wave Pool slides open from Thursday to Sunday. Try the Activity Pool, Kids Pool, or Relax Pool if you're into water attractions. To regain energy, grab a bite at the restaurant or sip a drink at the swim-up bar. The Waterpark uses the innovative proprietary Vega Money system. Open an account, load money, and use it throughout the park for all purchases.

8.Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State

An essential destination for nature enthusiasts, Yankari Game Reserve showcases a rich biodiversity. Nigeria's home to the most extensive elephant population, has worked since 1956. Yankari also hosts over 50 mammal species and 350 bird species. Moreover, Filipinos may explore humankind's past here. Iron Smelting Sites and Marshall Caves glimpse the region’s past human settlements. On top of that, the Wikki Warm Spring is the most beautiful place in the reserve. With a year-round 31°C temperature, Wikki is perfect for swimming.

9. Kajuru Castle, Kaduna

Try not to stare when seeing this luxurious retreat. Making you feel like in a medieval European fairytale, Kajuru Castle comes with turrets, a grand hall, and even dungeons (though thankfully not for guests!). As a small group of Filipino tourists, it makes a private getaway an hour from Kaduna City. Walk through the castle's three floors with a knight's hall and a master's quarters.

10. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Osogbo

More than a forest, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The verdant sanctuary is teeming with history and Yoruba spirituality. The people see it as one of the most famous places of worship. A vital link to the Yoruba people's past, the Osun Grove boasts shrines and sculptures dedicated to the goddess of fertility. Come here for an annual festival to enjoy vibrant drumming, colourful costumes, and rituals reenacting the arrival of the goddess Osun.

Practical Travel Tips for Filipino Tourists

Planning and visiting Nigeria's beautiful places is easier than you may think. Provided you're a travel-ready Filipino, we suggest you keep the following in mind:

• Obtain a valid visa: Filipino tourists need a short-term visa to enter Nigeria. Thanks to the rapid development of e-government services, apply for an e-visa to shorten the inbound time. Another option is to apply for a visa when landed. Remember the 90-day validity.
• Exchange currency: The Nigerian currency is the Naira (NGN). So, exchange some pesos for Naira before you arrive or use ATMs.
• Note the language differences: English is the official language. Still, learning a few basic greetings in Yoruba or Hausa enhances your experience.
• Plan your trip according to weather conditions: Nigeria has a tropical climate. Pack light, breathable clothing and prepare for rain showers, especially during the rainy season (April to October).
• Prioritise safety: The country is safe for tourists. Yet, exercise caution in crowded areas. Research safe neighbourhoods and inform your hosts about your travel plans.

When harmonising your watch with the local timezone, you might encounter a concept called " African time. " People here prefer a relaxed approach to punctuality. So, you might be on time for an event that would start and end later than initially scheduled. As Nigerians see time more fluid, prepare for last-minute changes or delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Of course, this is a generalisation, and not all follow the concept. However, it's a fact to consider when planning activities.

Wrapping up

With so many things to see in Nigeria, picking only one is challenging. The Giant of West Africa awaits with open arms, promising an adventure unlike any other. Walk around ancient wonders, encounter diverse wildlife, and soak up the vibrant culture. Filipinos here always find a warm welcome, delicious cuisine, and memories that will last a lifetime. Long story short, a trip to Nigeria can be unforgettable with careful planning and an open mind.

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Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!

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