Prepare to embark on a journey that defies convention and embraces the extraordinary. In a world filled with the familiar and the expected, there exist places that beckon the curious, the daring, and the intrepid traveller. These are not your typical tourist destinations; they are the epitome of the offbeat, the eccentric, and the downright captivating. Imagine strolling through an alley where walls glisten with chewed bubblegum or wandering amidst the mummified remains of centuries past. Let’s go deeper into these unusual tourist sites, where every moment promises the unexpected and the extraordinary.
Unusual Tourist Sites In The World
1. Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
Bubblegum Alley is a 15-foot-high, 70-foot-long alleyway covered in layers of chewed bubblegum. It’s a peculiar form of street art where visitors add chewed gum to the walls, creating a colourful and sticky spectacle. What started as a local tradition in the 1950s has transformed into an ever-changing, chewy masterpiece, where each piece of gum tells its own story. Keep an eye out for creative gum art and sculptures that pop up within the alley’s walls.
Where: Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California
2. Dog Collar Museum, Kent, England
Housed within the historic Leeds Castle, the Dog Collar Museum showcases an impressive collection of over 130 historic dog collars. The collars range from elaborate Renaissance-era designs to more utilitarian collars used by working dogs. It offers a unique perspective on the history of dogs as pets and working animals.
Where: 2 Broomfield Rd, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL, United Kingdom
Cost: Adult (16+) £30 (₹3,033) | Child £22.50 (₹2,274)
3. Museum of Bad Art, Massachusetts, USA
Dive into a world where ‘bad’ becomes subjective and art transcends traditional norms. The museum’s collection includes peculiar portraits, abstract interpretations, and art that defies convention. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself pondering the artist’s intent and laughing at the unexpected charm. MOBA’s lighthearted approach to art appreciation encourages visitors to find beauty in the unconventional.
Where: 1250 Massachusetts Ave, Boston
When: 11:30 am – 10 pm
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4. Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb, Croatia
This museum is a place of emotional catharsis. It features personal objects and letters from individuals around the world, each accompanied by a story of a failed relationship. The items on display range from mundane to deeply sentimental, creating a powerful and relatable narrative of love, loss, and healing. Here, you can see a wedding dress alongside a divorce decree or a shared teddy bear from a lost love.
Where: Ćirilometodska ul. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
When: 9 am – 10 pm
Cost: ₹616
5. Akodessewa Fetish Market, Lomé, Togo
The Akodessewa Fetish Market is a place where traditional African spiritual practices and voodoo beliefs are palpable. Here, you’ll find a wide array of items believed to have spiritual significance, such as animal skulls, bones, herbs, and talismans. The market provides a unique glimpse into Togolese and West African culture. The market is a hub for traditional beliefs and practices. You can engage with local vendors, learn about the significance of each item, and discover how animal parts, herbs, and talismans are used in rituals and ceremonies, offering an intimate glimpse into the spirituality of Togolese culture.
Where: Lomé, Togo
When: 6:30 am – 6 pm
6. Catacombe dei Cappuccini (Capuchin Catacombs), Palermo, Italy
The Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo are a macabre yet historically significant attraction. They contain thousands of mummified remains dressed in clothing from the era when they were interred. The catacombs are a fascinating historical record and offer an eerie but educational experience. The eerie, yet respectful, preservation of the deceased offers a unique perspective on death and remembrance. The catacombs also house religious figures, adding a spiritual dimension to your visit.
Where: Piazza Cappuccini, 1, 90129 Palermo PA, Italy
When: 9 am–12:30 pm, 3 pm –5:30 pm
Cost: €5 (₹439)
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7. Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska, USA
Carhenge is a quirky roadside attraction featuring 38 vintage American cars arranged to replicate the famous Stonehenge monument in the UK. Created by artist Jim Reinders as a tribute to his father, the artwork is both a homage and a humorous take on the ancient stones. The art installation includes a car ‘heelstone’ and ‘slaughter stone,’ adding to the whimsical homage. Sunset and sunrise visits offer enchanting views of this modern roadside marvel.
Where: 2151 Co Rd 59, Alliance, NE 69301, United States
When: open 24 hours
8. Island of the Dead Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas), Mexico
Located in the canals of Xochimilco near Mexico City, this island is adorned with old, decaying dolls hanging from trees and fences. The island’s caretaker, Don Julian Santana, began placing the dolls there as a tribute to a drowned girl’s spirit. Over the years, the collection grew, creating a haunting and surreal atmosphere that attracts curious visitors. As you navigate the island’s labyrinth of hanging dolls, discover the stories behind their placement. Some say the dolls are guardians, while others believe they appease the spirit of a drowned girl.
Where: Parque Ecológico De Xochimilc, Mexico City, Mexico
These unusual tourist sites highlight the eclectic and sometimes bizarre nature of human interests and creativity.
Cover Image Courtesy: Carhenge Alliance/Instagram