Europe's Best-Kept Secrets Have Just Been Revealed

This guide to some of Europe’s local hotspots will have you feeling like a native in no time, so what’s stopping you from jumping behind the wheel, putting the pedal to the metal and getting out there on your own European road trip? If you’re looking for more local insights head to smart magazine, the official online magazine for smart car, where you’ll find more on what some of Europe’s leading lights have to say about the cities they call home.

La Musa Latina, Madrid

If you love tapas then you’ll love La Musa Latina, where classic dishes are given a contemporary twist. Try the carilleras (pork cheeks) with mushroom and aioli honey and Spanish omelette in Iberian snout stew. Japanese dumplings and hoisin-glazed short ribs add an oriental twist to this classic setting. For more information about what to do around the Spanish capital check out Local Secrets Madrid.

LX Factory, Lisbon

Le Labo, Geneva

Summer shopping in Geneva? Then you’ll want to visit Rue Henri-Blanvalet, one of the city’s most interesting streets. While you’re there check out Le Labo for some amazing bespoke sunglasses, many of which were designed by founder Leila Krir. If you’re looking for more on how to make the most of your time in Switzerland’s second-largest city then head to Local Secrets Geneva.

Teatern, Stockholm

Hungry in Stockholm but looking for something unfussy and off the beaten track? Look no further than Teatern. The food court in the middle of an unassuming shopping centre – bear with us – has food from some of Sweden’s best chefs. Be sure to try Adam & Albin’s Scandinavian-style ramen noodles, and you can head to Local Secrets Stockholm where you’ll find a plethora of other options to explore.

Michelle Records, Hamburg

This award-winning vinyl store is just one of many reasons to visit Hamburg. Mingle with the crowds, leaf through records new and old, catch one of their shop window concerts, or simply talk about your favourite bands with locals. Looking for more tips on how to spend an afternoon? Then check out Local Secrets Hamburg.

Philibert, Toulouse

A skateboarding graffiti artist and butcher have partnered to create one of Toulouse’s best kept secrets. Try Philibert’s trademark faux filet with fries and a delicious, mousse au chocolat that’s good for the soul. Don’t be dissuaded by its inconspicuous surroundings, this is the lunch venue you won’t forget. Don’t forget you can find more great recommendations on Local Secrets Toulouse.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.