Some of the world’s most intriguing tourist spots started as abandoned or forgotten places, but their allure has only grown over time.
From submerged train cars off the coast of New Jersey to Communist-era monuments high in the mountains of Bulgaria, these locations have captivated urban explorers, photographers, and curious travelers. The question is, could these surprising landmarks become the next must-see attractions for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike?
1. Buzludzha Monument, Bulgaria
This massive, UFO-shaped relic of Communist Bulgaria has attracted urban explorers for years. Located in the Balkan Mountains, the decaying monument is now being considered for restoration to serve as a tourist attraction. Despite being abandoned, the monument still pulls in around 50,000 visitors annually, thanks to its otherworldly architecture and eerie atmosphere.
2. The Island of the Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas), Mexico
Located in the canals of Xochimilco, this unnerving island is filled with hundreds of deteriorating dolls hanging from trees, left by the late caretaker, Don Julian Santana. Legend has it that he placed the dolls to ward off the spirit of a girl who drowned in the area. Today, it’s a chilling but popular attraction for travelers seeking a more eerie adventure.
3. Sunken Train Cars, New Jersey, USA
Off the coast of Long Branch, New Jersey, divers can explore two mysterious train cars resting on the ocean floor. These sunken relics from the early 1900s are a rare find for adventurers and diving enthusiasts. The train cars were likely lost during transport by ship. However, the exact details are still debated among historians and divers.
4. Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois, USA
This lesser-known oddity in Illinois is a half-scale replica of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in the 1930s as part of a park, it now stands as a quirky roadside attraction. Visitors come to snap pictures of this unexpected piece of Italy in the heart of the Midwest.
5. The Winchester Mystery House, California, USA
Built by Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester fortune, this sprawling mansion is a labyrinth of staircases that lead nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows built into floors. It’s said that she kept building to appease the spirits of those killed by her family’s famous rifles. The house’s bizarre construction makes it a popular yet surprising tourist destination for fans of the paranormal.
6. The Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple), India
This temple in Rajasthan is home to thousands of holy rats, believed to be reincarnations of Karni Mata’s devotees. While rats may scare off most people, visitors flock here to witness the unusual sight of worshipers feeding and walking amongst the rodents, which are considered sacred.
7. Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church), Czech Republic
This Gothic church in Kutná Hora holds the remains of more than 40,000 people, with bones artistically arranged to form chandeliers, wall decorations, and other sculptures. Though macabre, the Sedlec Ossuary draws tourists curious to see this haunting yet intricate display of human remains.
8. Crooked Forest, Poland
This strange forest near the village of Gryfino features about 400 pine trees, all bent at their base in a uniform curve. No one knows for sure what caused the trees to grow this way, though theories range from human intervention to natural phenomena. It’s an oddly beautiful sight that puzzles visitors.
9. The Neon Boneyard, Las Vegas, USA
In a city known for its dazzling lights and flashy attractions, the Neon Boneyard offers a different kind of spectacle. This graveyard of old Las Vegas neon signs offers a glimpse into the city’s glamorous past, with massive, glowing relics from long-gone casinos and hotels. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in retro design or Vegas history.
10. Bubblegum Alley, California, USA
This 70-foot-long alley in San Luis Obispo is covered with thousands of chewed pieces of bubblegum. While it’s certainly not the most hygienic attraction, the colorful display has become a local legend. Visitors either love it or find it revolting, but it remains a surprisingly popular stop for tourists looking for something quirky.
From eerie islands and sunken train cars to bizarre buildings and mysterious forests, these strange attractions defy the ordinary and offer adventurous tourists the chance to see something truly unique. While some places may not yet be overrun with tourists, their growing popularity hints that the most surprising destinations often become the most sought-after.
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Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Edgar Mosqueda Camacho.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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