12 Hidden Gems in European Cities Every Traveler Must Discover 2024

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Any city has its famous landmarks and those that remain overshadowed. The latter typically go unnoticed by tourists but remain gems locals know to appreciate frequently.

To get the most out of a city, explore its most popular landmarks and then go beyond and explore hidden gems.

With these hidden gems in European cities, you can enjoy scenic beauty, rich history, and many activities while escaping crowds typical of famous landmarks. This way, you will likely get time for perfect relaxation, fantastic photo opportunities, and immersive exploration.

Looking for hidden gems that many tourists tend to skip? Add these spots to your itineraries for European cities.

Parc de Sceaux, Paris

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Parc de Sceaux is a magnificent park in the Parisian suburbs. It can be accessed by a short drive, connecting buses, or train. The park’s scenery features vast manicured lawns, magnificent gardens, tree-lined paths, fountains, statues, and ornamental ponds.

It is a perfect spot to relax, snap photos, have picnics, or escape the bustling streets of Paris. The centerpiece of the park, Château de Sceaux, is a 17th-century architectural gem that offers a glimpse into France’s rich cultural heritage.

Walk along the paths, admire the lawns, snap photos by the chateau, take boat rides on the Grand Canal, or enjoy stunning views of the park and surrounding countryside.

Furthermore, Parcs de Sceaux is known for its stunning cherry blossoms from mid-March to early April. If you would like to escape the crowds in the parks of Paris, have kids enjoy excellent playground facilities, or just enjoy a slice of French countryside without traveling far and wide, the perfect place to do it would be in Parc de Sceaux.

Willet-Holthuysen Museum, Amsterdam

Amsterdam has world-renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, which tend to overshadow other gems like Willet-Holthuysen Museum. The Willet-Holthuysen Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the country’s aristocratic history, including the lives of its wealthy residents.

The museum is housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century building along Herengracht, one of Amsterdam’s iconic canals. At first glance, the museum is a marvel that charms tourists with its traditional Dutch architecture.

In its interior, exhibits showcase the lives of Amsterdam’s affluent elite in the 19th century. You can enjoy views of antique and opulent furniture in The Grand Entrance, study the impressive Dutch art collection, and stop by the kitchen for insights into the culinary traditions and appliances of that time.

Wind up your trip by taking in the magnificence of the garden outside, a peaceful oasis from the busy streets.

Giardino Bardini, Florence, Italy

When thinking about gardens or green spaces to relax in Florence, the first choice is very likely to be Boboli Gardens. While it is charming, its popularity has made it very touristy. If you would like to unwind at a place where locals do, consider Giardino Bardini.

For starters, Giardino Bardini has elevated points that offer stunning panoramic views of Florence’s historic center, including landmarks like Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo and the surrounding hills of the Tuscany countryside.

There is a lot to do at Giardino Bardini, including walking along its terraces, exploring the cave-like structure called the Grotto, admiring the rose garden, or catching a coffee in the cafes with a view of Florence’s skyline.

El Born, Barcelona, Spain

El Born is a vibrant and historic neighborhood between the Gothic Quarter and Ciutadella in the heart of Barcelona. It is characterized by narrow medieval streets, charming squares, and a blend of historic and modern architecture. The neighborhood is like a maze featuring hidden squares, hidden courtyards, Gothic churches, and picturesque alleys. It offers a perfect ambiance for strolls and photo sessions.

Some noteworthy highlights of El Born include Santa Maria del Mar church, which perfectly showcases Catalan Gothic architecture, and the Picasso Museum, which showcases Pablo Picasso’s early works.

El Born also offers fantastic dining and shopping opportunities. For example, you can get a coffee or lunch at Passeig del Born, which is lined with outdoor cafes, bars, and restaurants.

There are also a lot of spots to see and buy apparel and locally-made artifacts.

The Giants of Anderlecht, Brussels, Belgium

If you are into street art or graffiti, make time for the Giants of Anderlecht in Brussels. Dubbed “The Hall Of Fame, the Giants of Anderlecht features 6-9 meters high pillars showcasing works of renowned artists like Steve Locatelli, Blanbec, Farm Prod, and Solo Cink.

While all the pillars feature breathtaking murals sure to impress any art enthusiast, Pillar 4, which has a Stromae mural drawn by Steve Locatelli, is definitely a star of the show.

Marvel at the larger-than-life murals, capture some photos, and get inspiration for your artistic ventures.

While there are many places to see street art in Brussels, The Giants of Anderlecht is definitely one you do not want to miss.

Doria Pamphilj Gallery, Rome, Italy

The Doria Pamphilj Gallery in Rome is a prestigious art museum housed in the magnificent Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a historic palace dating back to the 17th century. The palace is a stunning example of Roman Baroque architecture, featuring ornate decorations, grand halls, and beautifully frescoed ceilings.

Beyond the palace’s architectural splendor, this gallery hosts a world-class art collection collected by the noble Doria Pamphilj family over centuries and is sure to wow any art enthusiast. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative art from the Renaissance to the Baroque period.

Take audio guides or guided tours through the wealthy art gallery that showcases life through different periods.

Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France

With Jardin des Tuileries strategically located close to tourist hotspots in Paris, tourists will likely overlook other equally stunning gardens. Jardin des Plantes is one stunning garden that does not receive the appreciation it should.

Tree-lined avenues, meandering pathways, tranquil ponds, and historic buildings—this park offers a variety of scenery.

Thanks to its diverse flora and fauna, it is the perfect place for a peaceful retreat or reconnecting with nature’s beauty.

The park offers much more than scenery and tranquility; it provides educational content for kids and adults.

Beyond the botanical collections and gallery, ensure to explore the Alpine Garden, which features plants that thrive in mountainous terrains; the Rose Garden, which is home to over 1,200 varieties of roses that come into full bloom in summer months; the Evolution Gallery, which displays the evolution of fossils; and the Menagerie, a zoo that hosts big cats, exotic birds, and primates.

Quartiere Coppedè, Rome, Italy

Quartiere Coppedè is a charming and eclectic neighborhood known in Rome for its unique architecture, especially the Art Nouveau style. The buildings feature colorful mosaics, sculpted details, and ornate facades, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Explore its narrow streets for views of hidden courtyards, squares and charming buildings.

In your exploration, do not miss The Fountain of the Frogs and The Palazzo del Ragno (Palace of the Spider), which perfectly depicts the Art Nouveau architectural style.

This neighborhood is also home to stunning art galleries, studios, and boutiques. If you are a tourist who likes to explore the off-the-beaten-path, then be sure to spare enough time for Quartiere Coppede, which has so much to offer.

Kaisariani Monastery, Athens

Located just outside Athens, Kaisariani Monastery is a historic Orthodox monastery complex that offers picturesque and tranquil settings away from the city proper.

The monastery is surrounded by pine forests and olive groves on the slopes of Mount Hymettus, offering perfect opportunities to connect with nature.

Enjoy the Byzantine architectural style of the Katholikon (main church), explore the monk cells, or stop by The Saint John the Baptist Chapel for a spiritual retreat.

This monastery is a perfect place for all kinds of tourists, whether you are into history, architecture, nature, or looking for a calm place for spiritual reconnection.

Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, France

If you are going landmark-chasing in Paris, chances are high that Sainte-Chapelle will not make it to your must-visit places. However, this chapel is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece with so much history and culture to discover.

The chapel is known for stunning stained glass windows that cover most of the upper level. These windows are not just windows; they feature vibrant colors and intricate designs depicting Bible scenes. The play of light through the windows, especially on sunny days, is truly a sight to behold.

Some highlights to take interest in include the Rose Window, which is thought to be the most stunning in the chapel; The Apocalypse Window, which depicts scenes from the Biblical book of Revelations; and The Virgin Mary Window, which shows scenes of the Virgin Mary’s life.

In Paris, go beyond the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and The Eiffel Tower and stop by hidden gems like Sainte-Chapelle; it is an excellent opportunity to witness the grandeur and beauty of medieval Gothic architecture.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Venice

The unique staircase of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo is not to be missed when visiting Venice. The spiral staircase gracefully winds through a cylindrical tower and is adorned by arches, columns, and numerous decorative details. It is a striking example of Renaissance and Gothic architectural fusion.

Beyond the captivating details of the staircase itself, going up this staircase is an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Venice, including red-tiled rooftops, picturesque canals, and historical landmarks. It is a great way to get a different perspective on Venice’s beauty.

The Hunterian Museum, London

London is home to over 190 museums, meaning that if you are into museum culture, you will be spoiled for choice. However, if you want a fascinating hidden gem often overlooked in favor of the larger institutions, your first choice should be the Hunterian Museum.

The Hunterian Museum features a collection of anatomical and pathological specimens collected by 18th-century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter.

If you are intrigued by medicine, you will be impressed by the over 14,000 collection that includes anatomical specimens, pathological preparations, and medical instruments, all of which provide valuable insights into the history of medicine and surgery.