Since its inception, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has identified and preserved dozens of culturally significant sites around the world. From historical buildings to natural marvels, each heritage site offers a unique historical, cultural, or monumental impression to visitors.
Many UNESCO sites are staples for world travelers like the Taj Mahal in India or Yosemite National Park in the United States. But many countries around the world have their own gorgeous heritage sites that, for the most part, don't get as much attention. As you travel, consider visiting one (or more) of these 15 underrated herritage sights.
1. Ningaloo Coast, Australia
Often overshadowed by the Great Barrier Reef, the Ningaloo Coast is itself a haven for rare aquatic life. Nestled off of Australia’s remote west coast, visitors can swim with rare whale sharks and snorkel over bright coral formations. It might be a bit further off the beaten path, surrounded by remote sand dunes and tiny towns, but this site is definitely worth adding to your Australia itinerary.
2. Hanseatic Town of Visby, Sweden
One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia, the Hanseatic Town in Visby, is a delightful retreat. With medieval walls, spiraling churches, and pointed rooftops, this town feels like it's straight out of a fairy tale. A simple stroll through the cobblestone streets of this charming and cozy heritage site will transport you back in time for a holiday you won't forget.
3. Huascarán National Park, Peru
Peru is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, and while you're visiting the famous Machu Picchu, make a side trip to the gorgeous Huascaran National Park. Home to towering mountain peaks (including Peru's tallest mountain), glacial lakes, and tropical forests, it's everything you could ever want from a natural UNESCO site.
4. Mir Castle Complex, Belarus
It's not a surprise that one of the biggest attractions in Belarus is called "peace" in the native language. The Mir Castle Complex consists of quiet gardens and a towering fortress influenced by Gothic, Renaissance, and Rococo design. With a long, mythical history to back up this historic site, this lesser known attraction has perfected charming its visitors.
5. National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers - Haiti
The structures at the National History Park in Haiti represent the dawn of the nation's independence. Following a 14-year struggle by the island's Black slaves against the colonists, the independent Republic of Haiti was born. The Citadel, Sans Souci Palace, and buildings at Ramiers remain a testament to liberty and freedom.
6. Bukhara, Uzbekistan
The city-museum of Bukhara is a true wonder to behold. Adorned with 140 architectural monuments — including stunning mosques and schools — this city remains a monument to the Silk Road era. The entire historic district is part of the UNESCO protected area, but worth a special visit are the Po-i Kalan religious complex and the Ark of Bukhara.
7. Gulf of Porto, Corsica
Red granite cliffs towering above crashing blue waves — it's not hard to see how this region earned its UNESCO status. The coast of the Gulf of Porto is marked by exceptional wilderness and steep rocky formations. This tiny island in the Mediterranean was formed by volcanic eruptions which gave the rocks their unique, carved appearance.
8. Australian Convict Sites
These 11 penal sites were built by the British Empire and housed exiled convicts during the 18th and 19th centuries. Scattered along the Australian coast, they represent the widespread colonial expansion of the British Empire and its effect on the controlled territories. Among these sites is Port Arthur, a Tasmanian town and open-air museum that draws thousands of visitors each year, located just outside Hobart.
9. Tsingy de Bemaraha Integral Nature Reserve, Madagascar
Featuring karst limestone formations, large mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife, the Tsingy Nature Reserve is a stunning protected area. Until the 1990s, the only guests of this remote area were lemurs and birds. But since it was established as a national park, more and more visitors have flocked to experience this rich territory.
10. Shibam, Yemen
Also called the "Manhattan of the Desert" this ancient town in Yemen is famous for its mudbrick high-rise buildings. These incredible structures can rise between 4-11 stories, and have long protected their inhabitants from Yemen's unforgiving heat and Bedouin attacks. The city is almost 1,700 years old and was once a beacon of wealth in the Arabian peninsula.
11. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Boasting 16 breathtaking lakes connected by waterfalls, this national park is one of the most stunning natural gems of Croatia. With lush green vegetation surrounding these beautiful waterholes, it's no wonder this park attracts thousands of visitors each year.
12. Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, Palau
Mushroom-shaped islands pop out over turquoise water in Rock Islands Southern Lagoon. Previously unidentified species are continuously being discovered by eager marine biologists in this area, making this site breathtaking from above and below the waterline.
13. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA
Carved into the cliff of this US National Park are some of the best preserved Native American dwellings in the country. With over 5,000 archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, this park protects an intricate history. Not to mention the hiking trails that serve as guides through the territory and shadows of anceint culture.
14. Fatehpur Sikri, India
India's most famous historical site, the Taj Mahal, is not its only notable addition to the UNESCO list. The Agra city of Fatehpur Sikri is an architectural treasure trove. Featuring its own stunning palaces and mosque, this city was a historical disaster for the Mughal empire but is also a testament to India's architectural brilliance.
15. Garamba National Park
One of the last remaining homes of elephants, rhinos, and giraffes in the Congo, this expansive and beautiful national park is the pièce de résistance of African wildlife. One of Africa's oldest national parks, Garamba is also one of the most threatened of the UNESCO sites due to extensive poaching. Nonetheless, with sites this beautiful and diverse we wouldn't be surprised if you've made your travel list uniquely out of UNESCO Heritage Sights.
