From postcard-perfect mountains to iconic views of historic architecture, there’s so much that awaits travellers around the world. But with tourism becoming more of a lifestyle than a luxury, catching a glimpse of these must-see spots without having to scramble through crowds can prove challenging. So, what’s the best way to commemorate your “been there, seen that” moment while staying away from the crowds as you travel?
Together with our travel advisors and fellow adventurers, we’ve curated a list of hidden spots that offer the best views of the world’s must-see attractions, giving you a quieter and more memorable way to experience these iconic destinations.
What to prepare when visiting the world’s most iconic views
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However, finding secret spots isn’t just about knowing where or when to go. In fact, preparing ahead will help make the most of your holiday experience, turning it from a rushed excursion to a truly memorable moment. Here are some things to keep in mind before setting off to see the world’s most iconic views.
Tip 1: Go early, late, or stay close to the attraction
As some of these attractions are often on the bucket list of many travellers like yourself, one good tip is to capture the best views when the crowds are scarce. Whether it’s waking up earlier than the rest of the city or visiting later at night when most of the travellers have left, finding the right time will help you enjoy your excursion and turn it into what feels like a private tour. Alternatively, booking a stay that’s close to the attraction can be just as helpful, as you’ll spend less time travelling to the spot you need to be or even wake up to the sights themselves.
Tip 2: Learn more about the weather
Can you imagine heading to the mountains only to find that the summit has been completely shrouded by clouds and thick fog? While the changing weather is not something that you can control, learning more about the seasons of your holiday destination can help with predicting what’s ahead of you. For instance, fall and winter holidays may bring constant rain, winds or even thick snowstorms, making planning crucial, especially if you’re visiting iconic views that require outdoor excursions.
Tip 3: Buy your passes in advance
In some cases, you may need to prepare travel passes or entrance tickets that will lead you to the secret spot where you can take in the best views possible. It’s always recommended that you buy or book these passes in advance, as it guarantees you a spot, especially at places where daily tickets may be limited for crowd control. Occasionally, discounts are also given to travellers who book ahead, stretching your money further for a travel experience of a lifetime.
5 secret spots that will take you to the world’s most iconic views
With 5 hidden gems that may just surprise you, these tips will help shape your travel itinerary into one where you can avoid the crowds and still capture the wonders of your dream destination.
Get up close with the Matterhorn in Zermatt
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Believed to be the most photographed mountain in the world, the Matterhorn in Switzerland is a majestic natural formation that stands at 4,478 metres tall. With its exceptionally awe-inspiring, near-perfect silhouette, especially at sunrise and sunset, it’s easy to see why making a trip to Zermatt is on every traveller’s bucket list.
While the easiest way to see the Matterhorn is to hope for a clear day while you’re in Zermatt town, many tourists will also opt to take the Gornergrat Railway, which takes you to the peak where a 360-degree viewing platform sits. Unsurprisingly, crowds are often aplenty at the top of Gorgergrat, and the 45-minute ride up Europe’s highest open-cog railway is a huge draw to rail enthusiasts. If this is how you’d like to catch the mountain, we recommend sitting on the right side of the train during the ascent from Zermatt. This will reward you with the best views of the Matterhorn throughout the journey.
However, we have a better idea for those who prefer to take in the iconic views of the Matterhorn at their own pace. To find this secret spot, you’ll want to stop at the Rotenboden Station. This is doable both as you head up to Gornergrat Station for the first time, or when coming back down after. Often used as the starting point for hiking and sledging, this mid-way stop offers the same unobstructed views of the Matterhorn, but you get to skip the crowds.
Perfect for travellers who want to spend some time away from the noise, Rotenboden Station also takes you down to Riffelsee following a 12-minute hike. The stunning alpine lake is best known for creating a dreamy experience as it reflects the majestic mountains on its surface, capturing what many call the upside-down Matterhorn. As a bonus, you’ll also catch glimpses of Switzerland’s highest mountain, the Monte Rosa, here at the Riffelsee.
Experience the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
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Set on the southwestern edge of the Burren Region in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most stunning natural landmarks. It sits above the Atlantic Ocean and stretches for nearly 8 kilometres along the County Clare coastline, with many visitors noting that you could even see the Aran Islands in the distance on a clear day.
To get a good glimpse of the rugged rock formations and crashing waves, many visitors often head to the main viewing platforms that are located near O’Brien’s Tower. Known to the locals as the South Viewing Platform, this is where every tourist gathers during their trip to the Cliffs of Moher and photography sessions of this breathtaking spot typically take place. Visitors who don’t mind a short walk may also venture to the North Viewing Platform for a different perspective of O’Brien’s Tower, along with the iconic views of the Cliffs of Moher. However, this viewing spot is still well-trafficked on a busy day.
But if you’d like to experience the raw beauty of the Cliffs of Moher without the crowds, then visiting the secret spot known as “Hag’s Head” is your best bet. Located on the southern end of the cliffs near Liscannor, this hidden gem usually requires a short walk along the coastal trail, so bringing comfortable shoes for the trip is always recommended. The name of this spot is derived from the distinctive rock formation that’s said to resemble a woman’s head, and the uninterrupted views without the crowds are a true reward to those who are willing to explore beyond the obvious viewpoints.
Alternatively, Insight Vacations’ 8-day, 7-night Irish Elegance journey also makes for a fantastic way to take in the jaw-dropping sights of the Cliffs of Moher and other hotspots across Ireland. And for a limited time only, you can even save up to 25% off per person with your booking – so be sure to check with our holiday advisors to find out how.
Fall in love under the glistening Eiffel Tower in Paris
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If you’ve ever looked up the most romantic places to visit in Europe, then chances are that you would have seen Paris pop up. And we can’t blame them, as the gorgeous streets of Paris, France, are ones that were built for slow strolls and deep conversations. Who can then forget visiting the most iconic Eiffel Tower, a historic lattice tower built in 1889?
Measuring 330 metres tall, the Eiffel Tower has become such a symbolic spot in Paris that some even claim you’ve never been to the city until you’ve seen the tower with your own eyes. Unfortunately, this widespread reputation also means that the Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most visited monuments, with crowds hoping to frame the best of this phenomenal architecture into a picture or video to remember.
Thankfully, there are still several hidden gems around the city where you can experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower without having to wait for your turn for a picture. For instance, while many tourists are stopping by Trocadero to live out their dreams, most will miss out on the quiet street of Avenue de Camoëns. The French architecture that frames the sides of the streets while leaving the lattice tower unobstructed in the middle adds to the Parisian charm, making this one of the best secret spots for an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower.
If you’d like a truly magical experience, we recommend visiting this spot after sunset, as you’ll see the tower glisten under 20,000 lightbulbs. The lightshow twinkles for approximately 5 minutes at the top of every hour until 11PM, giving you plenty of opportunities to fall in love with Paris, the Eiffel Tower, and the city’s skyline all at once.
Visit the marvels of the Great Wall of China in Beijing
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The Great Wall of China, also known as the Great Wall, is a historic structure that spans through 15 different provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Inner Mongolia, and Shanxi. Stretching approximately 21,196 kilometres, this impressive feat in engineering is made of a series of fortifications, with the first of its walls dating back to the 7th century BC. In 1987, this defensive system by China was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It later became one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.
Today, exploring the Great Wall is an excursion that can’t be missed when visiting China. Due to structural changes and safety, however, not all parts of the Great Wall can be visited. Meanwhile, the areas of the Great Wall that are open to tourists are often flocked by local and international tourists alike. It’s exceptionally busy during the holiday seasons, though these conditions come as no surprise, especially since the structure is known to be the longest man-made structure in the world.
But all is not lost if you know where to go to get an iconic view of this impressive architecture. Partially restored and opened to the public, the Jinshanling section is a great spot to take in the picturesque landscape of the Great Wall. While a small hike across its stony paths is to be expected, the authentic experience from the age-old fortress without any of the tourist crowds makes the excursion worthwhile. To make your visit even more memorable, we recommend making your way up the section just before sunset so you can see the golden hour from above.
Want a better way to explore the Great Wall without the hassle? Holiday Tours’ 5-day, 4-night excursion is a great way to take in this historic site and more from China. With scheduled stops to even more iconic attractions such as the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Temple of Heaven, this is one holiday you wouldn’t want to skip.
Take in the views of the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra
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Sitting by the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra is the Taj Mahal, a majestic marble mausoleum that took nearly 22 years to build. The building was commissioned by the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal later became the final resting place of Shah Jahan himself. The tombs are a centrepiece to the 17-hectare complex, which includes a mosque and guest houses within the formal gardens.
For years, the Taj Mahal has been synonymous with what true love stories are, and continues to be one of the must-visit monuments. Of course, this also means that the Taj Mahal consistently remains busy year-round, as people flock from all over the world to see this wondrous architecture. For instance, the east gate is a prime spot for sunrise chasers, while the west gate is where most travellers begin their journey when visiting the mausoleum.
So, instead of adding to the crowd at the regular spots just to take in the Taj Mahal, we recommend heading over to Dusshera Ghat. This secluded riverside spot is a hidden gem that offers a serene, panoramic view of the Taj Mahal without the noise of tourists, both local and international.
Another secret spot we love is the Mehtab Bagh, or Moonlight Garden, which is located just across the Yamuna River. With perfectly manicured lawns and tree-lined pathways, the Mehtab Bagh was originally built to mirror the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Beautiful during sunrise or sunset, the ivory white mausoleum is majestically unobstructed from this spot, and you’ll get far fewer tourists who share this viewing spot.