Hidden Gems That Most Tourists Never See

Most cities are defined by their landmark attractions, but often it’s the least conspicuous places that leave the biggest impression. If you like to get off the beaten path when you travel somewhere new, take a look at Culture Trip’s suggestions below.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh

There’s nothing like a wee dram to warm your cockles on a cold day in the Scottish capital – although most whisky enthusiasts don’t mind too much about the temperature outside. At Holyrood Distillery – Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery for almost a century – you can enjoy a sensory, hands-on experience with several whisky tastings included. And that’s just the start. Gin is also stilled in this renovated railway goods shed and made with equally creative measure. Sniff, swirl, taste and see if you can pick out the different flavours used to make each spirit.

Follow your nose through the history of the fragrance industry at the Fragonard Perfume Museum. Located in the heart of the Opera neighbourhood, the museum is housed in a 19th-century perfume factory and retains plenty of its original charm. Wander round and take in the fragrant aromas, or join the guided tour for the chance to see antique perfume bottles and learn a few secrets of the trade. A video will take you through the evolution of the industry, revealing historical perfume-making methods, and you’ll even get a scented soap to take home.

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.