Almost every city has a historical hidden gem, a site that doesn’t get the social media hype or listed as a must-see. However, these unknown homes and museums have become some of my favorite places as they tell a rich history that is often forgotten. Take a look at some of my favorites in Europe (check out this earlier post for hidden gems in the United States!).
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Paris
Of course, the City of Lights is full of amazing museums like the Louvre. However, these two sites aren’t on many lists but are definitely worth checking out.
Located in a magnificent building, this museum is worth a visit, especially if you can’t make it all the way out to Versailles. It was originally built in the 14th century and was a noble’s palace before Napoleon designated it the home of the National Archives. The interior rooms upstairs are just as beautiful as the opulent rooms at Versailles, and better yet, it’s free and in the heart of Paris. We didn’t stay long as most of the exhibits are in French only; however if you’re in the Marais, check it out!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: Free
- Recommended: 10 and up
- Tour time: 30 minutes
- Transportation: In the Marais, it’s an easy walk to or from Place de Vosges or Halles areas.
- Dining options: Being Paris, there are tons of quaint restaurants nearby. Comptoir des Archives is a brasserie across the street. The famous Robert et Louise restaurant is also nearby.
- Nearby hotels: Check out my Paris guide for recommendations.
- Nearby attractions include: Musée Carnavalet, Picasso Museum, Holocaust Memorial, and Place des Vosges
Read: Seven Ages of Paris
Just a ten-minute walk from the National Archives is the somber Holocaust Memorial called Mémorial de la Shoah. This powerful museum commemorates the lives of the over 76,000 Jewish people deported from France in WWII. No pictures are allowed, but you can take a virtual tour here. I highly recommend visiting and taking your older children here.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: Free
- Recommended: 13 and up
- Tour time: 30-45 minutes
- Transportation: It’s easily accessible in the Marais district near the Seine River.
- Dining options: We really enjoyed a snack from Le Peloton Café nearby.
- Nearby hotels: Check out my Paris guide for recommendations.
- Nearby attractions include: National Archives, Musée Carnavalet, Picasso Museum, and Place des Vosges
Read: Suite Francaise
Rome
Catacombs on the Appian Way
A tour we will never forget is of the Christian catacombs located along Rome’s Appian Way, San Sebastiano and San Callisto. We took the city bus out to the start of the famous road built in 312 BC and visited these underground cemeteries from the earliest Christians. Some of the catacombs were creepier than the others but all were different and unique. Be sure to visit on a Sunday when the road is closed to most traffic. Not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or scared of the dark (my then seven-year-old was fine) and note that there are lots of stairs. It really made an impression! Check out Rick Steves’ article about the catacombs here.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €10/adults; €7/child (each catacomb charges separately)
- Recommended: 10 and up (unless you have a fearless child like I did!)
- Tour time: 3-5 hours (including travel)
- Transportation: We took the city bus out and a taxi back. I would recommend using taxis/Uber with kids.
- Dining options: We stumbled across a lovely little cafe along the Appian Way. There are two close restaurants – Giardino di Giulia e fratelli and Garden Ristò.
- Nearby hotels: Read my Rome guide for recommendations.
- Nearby attractions include: There are other mausoleums and ruins along the Appian Way. We walked through the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the ruins of the Church of San Nicola in Capo di Bove among others.
Read: The Appian Way: The people, the places and the history of the road that led to Europe
Greece
To learn more about the history of Greece, I highly recommend a visit to this museum in Athens. It is especially interesting as you research more into Greece’s role in WWII. I had read several books about Greece’s horrific battles against the Italians and Nazis, so this museum was particularly poignant. While Athens is known for its ancient history, don’t overlook the more recent history that still reverberates today.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €6/adults; €3/children
- Recommended: 13 and up
- Tour time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
- Transportation: Walkable from Syntagma Square, it’s also an easy cab ride from most of the tourist areas of Athens.
- Dining options: The museum has a small cafe or it’s a short walk to the Placa.
- Nearby hotels: We stayed at the nearby King George Hotel, and it was great.
- Nearby attractions include: Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle (reviewed in my post here), Hellenic Children’s Museum, National Botanical Gardens, Monument to the Unknown Soldier, and Syntagma Square
Read: Once We Were Here
Spain
The little town of Segovia is just outside of Madrid and is a quaint stop if you’re visiting El Escorial. Wander its lively streets and marvel at its Roman aqueduct, beautiful cathedral, and imposting castle (alcazar) built into the rock.
The inside of the castle is spectacular!
Don’t miss eating the town specialty – cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). Just hope you don’t get the head or hoof like we did!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: Free
- Recommended: all ages
- Tour time: 3-5 hours (including travel from Madrid)
- Transportation: The fast AVE train can get you from Madrid to Segovia in 30 minutes. We visited via a private guided tour as part of a day trip to El Escorial. We used Letango Tours and had a great experience.
- Dining options: We had an authentic Segovia experience at El Bernardino.
- Nearby hotels: We stayed at the Intercontinental in Madrid and had a great experience. In Segovia, the Hotel Real Segovia looks good.
- Nearby attractions include: El Escorial and Valley of Cuelgamuros
Read: Discovering Roman Spain: A Guide to Visiting Roman and Pre-Roman Archaeological Sites in Spain
Hopefully this list will inspire you to find the hidden gems on our next vacation!
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