You will love these secret places in famous travel destinations – and hardly anyone knows them
Many of the world's most popular travel destinations have long been suffering from overtourism, with countless travelers always flocking to the main attractions. If places like London , Paris ,South Africa 's Kruger National Park, or India's Taj Mahal are still on your bucket list, we have good news for you.
During your visit, you can easily escape the tourist crowds by visiting some of the lesser-known spots there or nearby. These may not be as social media-friendly as the highlights of the world's most popular vacation destinations, but that's precisely what makes them so beautiful. Here are our top 10 tips for lesser-known spots in popular travel destinations.
On the Promenade Plantée you get to know Paris from a completely different perspective.
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There's no question: Paris is one of the world's most popular travel destinations. When thinking of a trip to Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée du Louvre, and the Champs-Élysées immediately come to mind. However, tourists have to share these landmarks with many others – but not the lesser-known places that Paris hides away from its iconic landmarks.
These include the Coulée Verte René-Dumont in the southeast of the city, also known as the "Promenade Plantée," a planted promenade. It's a 4.5-kilometer-long, disused railway line that now serves as a green oasis above the city's streets and rooftops. There, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll with fantastic views.
If that's not enough, nearby, hidden between the Haussmann-era blocks, are the historic Passages Couverts: covered passages from the 19th century that house antiquarian bookshops, tea salons and quaint little shops.
Another of our lesser-known favorite places in Paris is the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This beautifully landscaped park is located in the northeast of the city and boasts waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and even a temple perched on a hill.
Kyoto Garden in London’s Holland Park is an insider tip in the metropolis.
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Have you already seen Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament on your London city breaks and are you looking for something new? Then we have some tips for special places in the popular English capital: How about a visit to Leighton House in the Kensington district? Built and furnished in an oriental style, this artist's house looks like something out of "1001 Arabian Nights." In the 19th century, it was the home and studio of the Victorian artist Frederic Lord Leighton; today it's an art museum, unknown even to many locals.
If you're looking for a relaxing spot in the greenery amidst the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, we recommend a much less crowded green space than Hyde Park or St. James' Park: Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, not far from Leighton House. This small Japanese garden features waterfalls and maple trees.
London also has a hidden gem for street art fans: You might think of the famous Brick Lane, but you'll rarely find a quiet spot to photograph your favorite works of art there. You're more likely to find that in the side streets of Hackney Wick. Many artist collectives and alternative galleries have settled there, and you'll experience a different, authentic London that few travel guides show.
From the Bunker del Carmel in Barcelona you can enjoy a dream panorama and breathe deeply at the same time.
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The Spanish city of Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Visitors often find themselves in a rut at the Sagrada Família, on the promenade La Rambla, and in Güell Park, but the metropolis also boasts beautiful, lesser-known places.
Our first tip if you'd like to get a panoramic view of the metropolis without the crowds: the Bunker del Carmel. This old anti-aircraft emplacement from the Spanish Civil War is now a popular vantage point among locals. The adjacent Parc del Guinardo is also ideal for long walks, relaxation, and picnics.
Speaking of parks: On the northern outskirts of Barcelona, the Parc del Laberint d'Horta is worth a visit. This historic garden enchants with its hedge maze. It's not only romantic but also ideal for beautiful photos like no other corner of Barcelona offers.
The Gràcia district is relaxed yet urban. It's known for its narrow streets, where you'll discover cozy boutiques, cafés, and squares. There, you'll mostly encounter locals and fewer other travelers.
The Ad Deir Monastery in Petra is just as beautiful as the Treasury – and not overcrowded.
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The historic site of Petra in Jordan is also one of the world's most sought-after destinations. Most visitors walk through the narrow gorge, the Siq, to quickly reach the world-famous Treasury of Al-Khazneh—the iconic, pink structure carved into the rock and considered Petra's symbol.
Many believe they can tick off Petra after visiting the Treasury – but in doing so, they miss a sight that is much less well-known but no less beautiful: the Ad Deir Monastery. Unlike the Treasury, this building, situated on a large plateau and with its monumental facade, can be enjoyed in peace and quiet. Far fewer tourists venture there. The only catch: You have to climb 800 steps, past Bedouin tea stalls and small cave stalls.
And we have another insider tip for Petra! Few people know about the Little Petra complex, also called the Siq al-Barid, which is located just a few kilometers from the main site. This is a smaller version of Petra, which was once an important caravan station for the Nabataeans. There, you can stroll through almost deserted caves, living quarters, and frescoes.
Even in the Kruger National Park there are hidden places where you can enjoy nature in peace and quiet.
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For many, a safari holiday in Africa is synonymous with Kruger National Park in northern South Africa – one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. Most travelers choose a self-drive tour or guided game drive to see the "Big Five." However, these safaris usually take place on paved roads and lead to the most famous and therefore most visited viewpoints.
There's another way: If you want to experience Kruger National Park away from the crowds, it's worth checking out the Wilderness Trails. They allow you to embark on multi-day walking safaris into remote parts of the park, always accompanied by experienced rangers. Routes like the Mphongolo Trail or the Nyalaland Trail take you deep into the bush. You'll sleep in simple, unsecured camps, right in the middle of the wild.
Another insider tip in Kruger National Park is the Pafuri Triangle in the northernmost part. There, the Limpopo River flows through fig groves and sand forests – an ideal habitat for various birds, rare antelopes, and elephants.
Even the cable car ride over to Roosevelt Island provides a special New York experience.
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One of the world's most popular city destinations is New York City . Many associate the metropolis with the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the vast Central Park. But even away from the tourist hotspots, New York City has some treasures to offer. Among them is the Roosevelt Island Tramway, arguably the most modern aerial tramway in the world. It floats over the East River to a narrow island that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
But the journey isn't the only destination: On Roosevelt Island, sights like the ruins of a 19th-century smallpox hospital and pretty parks await you, with views of the metropolis' skyline!
Another place in New York City that's less well-known to travelers is Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. And yes, in this case, a cemetery is worth visiting, because much more than a burial site, it's a historic park with spectacular mausoleums, ancient trees, and viewpoints from which the view extends all the way to the Statue of Liberty.
And if you're spending a weekend in New York City and are passionate about culinary experiences, instead of the crowded food markets in Manhattan, visit the Queens Night Markets. There you'll find delicacies from a variety of countries and can enjoy them without the crowds.
If you want to escape the crowds in Machu Picchu, you should visit Putucusi Mountain.
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Machu Picchu in Peru is considered the most popular bucket list destination in South America – and has long been suffering from overtourism. Most visitors to the famous Inca site take the classic route through the ruins, usually arriving at the famous viewpoint above the Temple of the Sun early in the morning. But there are still a few hidden highlights in Machu Picchu that few discover.
Typical Machu Picchu photos feature the spiky mountain Huayna Picchu as a backdrop. Far fewer tourists climb this mountain, although it is possible with a special ticket. However, the path climbs steeply and is partially exposed, making it only suitable for those with a head for heights. You'll be rewarded with a unique view that you won't have to share with many others—and you'll also find small ruins known as the Temple of the Moon.
Even less well-known in Machu Picchu is Putucusi Mountain, which primarily attracts adventure seekers. Behind it lies a wild, steep climb with ladders and rocks that leads to a neighboring mountain. From there, you can see Machu Picchu from a rarely seen perspective, namely from the other side of the valley. But check in advance whether the path is currently open, as it is often closed depending on weather conditions!
Experience the Taj Mahal without the crowds – one of the places you can do this is from the little-visited Mehtab Bagh Park.
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There's no question that India's Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the most famous buildings in the world – and one of the most visited. Tourists crowd together to get the perfect photo in front of the white marble dome, especially at sunrise. It's hard to imagine that such a destination could also contain lesser-known sites. But there they are!
One such place is the garden called Mehtab Bagh, located across the Yamuna River. Its unique feature is that it offers a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, which few people discover. If you visit at sunset, it's particularly quiet, while the side of the main terrace is constantly crowded.
Equally beautiful and less crowded is the riverside setting behind the Taj Mahal. To get there, you walk through the narrow alleys north of the complex to the riverbank, where water buffalo gather and locals do their laundry. The Taj Mahal serves as a backdrop.
If you'd like to visit the Taj Mahal's "little brother"—a lesser-known, quiet place—we recommend the so-called Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah). This white marble tomb was one of India's first monuments built entirely of marble and served as the inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Not far from Kyoto, you can visit impressive temples like Kuruma-dera without crowds.
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The Japanese city ofKyoto is another of the world's top travel destinations, one that has long suffered from overtourism. Travelers there are drawn to the geisha district of Gion and the Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari, among others. While paths like the Philosopher's Path are a bit quieter, they're no longer truly unknown. That's why we have two other tips for your visit to Kyoto:
The two villages of Kurama and Kibune are located north of Kyoto, amidst forested hills. Unlike many places in the city center, they allow you to immerse yourself deeply in nature, spirituality, and Japanese myths. The two villages are connected by a roughly four-kilometer hiking trail.
In Kurama, you can visit the impressive Kurama-dera Temple without the crowds. It's said to be a "power spot" where the energies of the mountains and mythical tengu—red-faced, long-nosed mythical creatures—reign. For 200 yen, you can take a cable car up to the main temple.
Kibune is known for its picturesque Kifune-jinja Shrine, dedicated to the water god. It is particularly famous for its stone staircase lined with red lanterns, which makes for an ideal photo opportunity.
The rocks in Kata Tjuta National Park are no less picturesque than Uluru, but are much less visited.
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One of Australia's often overcrowded highlights is Uluru, the mighty red monolith in the Outback. It's even considered one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Anyone who wants to photograph the red giant in its most beautiful colors at sunrise or sunset will have to share the best spots with crowds of travelers. But beyond these classic photo spots, Uluru offers many quieter, lesser-known places.
These include the Mala Walk, a short, easy-to-walk trail on the northwest side of the rock. Hidden there are rock paintings by the Anangu, the local Aboriginal people, as well as mysterious caves and sacred sites. The trail offers the opportunity to delve into the spiritual significance of the place.
Another attraction that many overlook is the nearby Kata Tjuta National Park. The group of mighty, rounded rocks that awaits travelers there is no less picturesque than Uluru, only less well-known. The best way to explore the national park is by hiking the 7.4-kilometer Valley of the Winds route, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.
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