Traveling to popular tourist destinations can be exciting and eye-opening. These cities are often home to famous landmarks, world-renowned museums, and delicious food. However, there is a danger in only sticking to the tried-and-true tourist destinations when traveling. You risk missing out on the hidden gems that can make a city truly special. In this blog post, we will explore some of the lesser-known, but equally incredible, destinations in three of the most visited cities in the world: New York City, Paris, and Tokyo.
Hidden gems in New York City
The High Line The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park built on an abandoned railroad track on the west side of Manhattan. The park offers a unique view of the city, and it’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets below. The park is open year-round and features gardens, art installations, and events.
The Cloisters The Cloisters is a museum located in Upper Manhattan that specializes in medieval art and architecture. The museum is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but it’s often overlooked by tourists. The building itself is a work of art, with its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the Hudson River.
The Frick Collection The Frick Collection is a small museum located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It houses a collection of art and decorative objects from the Renaissance through the late 19th century. The museum is housed in a mansion that was once the home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick. The building and its gardens are a beautiful example of Gilded Age architecture.
Hidden gems in Paris
The Musée de l’Orangerie The Musée de l’Orangerie is a small museum located in the Tuileries Gardens. The museum houses a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Cézanne. The museum is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the larger museums in Paris, but it’s worth a visit for any art lover.
Rue des Martyrs Rue des Martyrs is a charming street in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The street is lined with bakeries, cheese shops, and other food vendors, making it a great place to sample some of the city’s best cuisine. The street is also home to several boutiques and bookstores, making it a great place to shop for unique souvenirs.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a large park located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. The park features a man-made lake, a grotto, and several waterfalls. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll. The park also offers stunning views of the city.
Hidden gems in Tokyo
Golden Gai Golden Gai is a small neighborhood located in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo. The neighborhood is home to several small bars and restaurants, many of which are housed in historic buildings. It’s a great place to experience Tokyo’s nightlife and to sample some of the city’s best food and drink.
Yanaka Cemetery Yanaka Cemetery is a peaceful oasis located in the Taito ward of Tokyo. The cemetery is home to several historic graves, including those of famous writers and politicians. It’s a great place to escape the chaos of the city and to enjoy a quiet walk.
Nezu Museum The Nezu Museum is a small museum located in the Minato ward of Tokyo. The museum houses a collection of Asian art, including pottery, paintings, and sculptures. The museum’s gardens are also
Hidden gems in London
London is a city that’s often on the itinerary of travelers visiting Europe, and for good reason. The city is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. But there’s more to London than just the famous landmarks. Here are three hidden gems worth checking out:
Dennis Severs’ House Dennis Severs’ House is a unique museum located in the Spitalfields neighborhood of London. The museum is a recreation of a Huguenot silk weaver’s house from the 18th century. The house is furnished and decorated to look as though the family that lived there has just stepped out, and visitors are encouraged to use their imagination to envision what life would have been like in the house.
Leighton House Museum Leighton House Museum is a small museum located in the Kensington neighborhood of London. The museum is housed in the former home of artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, and it showcases his art collection as well as his former home. The museum is particularly known for its stunning Arab Hall, which is decorated with tiles and other objects from the Middle East.
Kyoto Garden Kyoto Garden is a small Japanese-style garden located in Holland Park in the Kensington neighborhood of London. The garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto to London, and it’s a peaceful oasis in the midst of the busy city. The garden features a pond, waterfall, and several species of Japanese plants.
Hidden gems in Rome
Rome is a city that’s rich in history, and it’s home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican. But there are also many hidden gems worth seeking out:
Basilica di San Clemente Basilica di San Clemente is a church located near the Colosseum in Rome. The church is built on top of two previous churches, and visitors can explore all three levels. The bottom level dates back to the 4th century and features an ancient Roman building, while the middle level is a 12th-century church, and the top level is a 17th-century basilica.
Gianicolo Hill Gianicolo Hill is a park located on one of the seven hills of Rome. The park offers stunning views of the city, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset. The park is also home to a monument to the Italian unification, and there are several restaurants and cafes in the area.
Villa Farnesina Villa Farnesina is a Renaissance villa located in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome. The villa is known for its stunning frescoes, which were painted by artists such as Raphael and Sebastiano del Piombo. The villa also features beautiful gardens and a small museum.
Hidden gems in Barcelona
Barcelona is a vibrant city that’s known for its architecture, art, and food. But there are also many hidden gems worth exploring:
Parc del Laberint d’Horta Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a beautiful garden located in the Horta-Guinardó neighborhood of Barcelona. The park features several gardens, fountains, and a labyrinth. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
Mercat de la Boqueria Mercat de la Boqueria is a large market located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. The market is a great place to sample local food and to buy souvenirs. The market has been in operation since the 13th century, and it’s a bustling hub of activity.
Montjuïc Castle Montjuïc Castle is a historic castle located on a
