We’ve all done it. Before you leave on your trip, you search for “best things to do in Barcelona” or “top sights in Seattle.” Then you get a checklist of the places everyone says you have to see.

But you know what? You’re not everyone. What if you don’t like standing in line, or being jostled by other tourists, or taking the same photos everyone else does? Then you need to follow the road less taken.

Strategies for finding hidden gems while traveling

Let your own obsessions be your travel guide.

• Are you a book nerd? Take yourself on a tour of the best indie bookstores, or visit the city’s most beautiful library.
• Do you enjoy weird facts? Visit a city’s small oddities, like the (now-gone) Chicago rat hole or the Hess Triangle in New York City.
• Are you an avid runner? Use Strava or another run planner to find routes that pass interesting sites in your destination city.

Narrow your search by neighborhood.

Searching for “the best things to do in Tokyo” will pull up a list of the best-known temples, the biggest museums, and the splashiest sights. But if you search for “the best things to do in Yanesen”—Tokyo’s historic downtown—then you’ll get a much more intriguing list of possibilities. You can visit one of the oldest coffee houses in Tokyo and see the famous cemetery cats of Yanaka.

Check your destination’s events calendar.

Some places come alive only at certain times. Look for street festivals, block parties, religious processions, and other events that transform an ordinary neighborhood into a magical experience. 

Consult Atlas Obscura.

The Atlas Obscura app and website have collected some 30,000 odd and unusual places to visit around the world. There, you’ll find the For Sale Pub in Budapest, where customers have stapled notes on scraps of paper all over the walls; the wishing trees in Lam Tsuen, Hong Kong; and the smallest house in Toronto. There’s no better way to find interesting sights and attractions that are well off the beaten path.

Call the local visitor’s center.

Yes, we said call—even if you’re phone-phobic! Visitor’s center staff love to share their knowledge about lesser-known spots in their city. Having a conversation with them is the best way to find out about places that match your specific interests.

Dive deep into your mapping apps.

Simply zooming into the map when you’re walking around your destination city can reveal secret spots to visit. Have an iPhone? Check out the “I Just Love” guides in Apple Maps, which feature famous folks’ lists of hidden gems. You might find an HGTV star’s list of favorite furniture shops in LA, or a noted chef’s go-to night markets in Taipei.

Just wander.

The best hidden travel gems are the ones you discover yourself. Do a little research into which neighborhoods are safe, walkable, and a bit off the beaten path. Then, put on your comfiest shoes and go. In cities with an extensive subway system, like Seoul, you can pick a few stops at random, get off, and explore.

One last tip: Keep some hidden gems to yourself. If you’re chatting with a local snorkeling guide and she tells you about a secret cove with pristine waters, don’t turn around and share the location with thousands of people on social media! Some gems are meant to stay hidden—or known to a lucky few.

Discover lesser-known attractions in the world’s most-visited cities

What are some hidden gems in London?

1. Sir John Soane’s Museum, the smallest of England’s National Museums, is the preserved house and studio of one of the most famed English architects.
2. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a serene garden built around the ruins of a medieval church.
3. God’s Own Junkyard is an art gallery and chaotic collection of neon signs.

What are some hidden gems in Paris?

1. The Jardin Tino Rossi is a riverside park that’s home to a collection of modern sculpture. In the evening, you’ll find people dancing tango and salsa.
2. The Petite Ceinture was once a railway that ran around Paris. Today, parts have been turned into a lush and secluded walking trail.
3. The Labrouste Room and the Oval Room in the library of the National Institute of Art History are stunning.

What are some hidden gems in Istanbul?

1. Inspired by a book written by Turkish author Orhan Pamuk, the Museum of Innocence is an intriguing place that pays homage to everyday life in Istanbul.
2. The Ottoman bird palaces are ornately carved birdhouses you can see on the wall of old mosques and schools.
3. A bronze statue honors Tombili (Turkish for “chubby”), a street cat who became Internet-famous as the “chill cat” meme.

What are some hidden gems in Bangkok?

1. Wat Pariwat is a small temple that’s often overlooked. Go to see its quirky carvings of Pikachu, Albert Einstein, Winnie the Pooh, Captain America, David Beckham and other figures.
2. Have a drink at Jack’s Bar, an old-school dive that’s “Bangkok's most cheap and cheerful riverside bar.”
3. At the Amulet Market, vendors sell all kinds of Buddhist charms, tokens, and protective amulets.

What are some hidden gems in Seoul?

1. Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a former prison that now honors those who were persecuted for fighting for Korea’s Independence. It might look familiar, because the site is a popular filming location for many Korean dramas.
2. The Ansan Jarak-gil Trail is a gentle wooded trail that encircles Ansan Mountain. It’s accessible for wheelchairs and baby strollers.
3. Sneak into a speakeasy bar in neighborhoods like Euljiro and Sinheung Market. You may find the entrance at the back of a clothing store or in a dim alley; there may be no signage at all.

What are some hidden gems in Sydney?

1. Surrounded by suburbs, the Angophora Reserve is loved by locals and little known to tourists. Walk the trails through gum tree forests and catch a great view of the bay.
2. Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden is a green oasis in Lavender Bay. A labor of love by one local woman, it’s now a public park.
3. The Bridgeclimb Pylon Lookout and Museum tells the story of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and offers some of the best views in the city.

Wherever your curiosity takes you, don’t forget to protect your trip! Find out why more than 70 million American travelers each year trust Allianz Travel Insurance to give them peace of mind. Get a quote for your next trip.

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