For new experiences to add to your bucket list, these hidden gems might be worth adding to your next vacation. Even at popular tourist destinations, many lesser-known landmarks await discovery by travelers seeking something more off the beaten path.
From secluded beaches to delicious restaurants, these places offer a refreshing escape from the crowded tourist spots. Check out these four suggestions from frequent travelers.
The Shrink’s Office Bar – Prague
@aroundtheatlas One of the coolest things to do in Prague! This bar is definetly worth the visit! #travel #prague #coolbar #hiddengems #traveltiktok #blacktiktok #thingstodo #fyp ♬ Stranger Things – Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein
London-based TikTok user @aroundtheatlas is on a mission to explore the Earth “bit by bit,” according to her bio. She shares must-do activities and places to visit from her travels. In 2023, she posted a video about a bar in Prague called The Shrink’s Office by Anonymous.
The speakeasy-style bar utilizes psychoanalysis and a wordless menu to delight guests with unique, flavorful drinks. According to the TikTok user, the bar shows guests a series of art pieces and notes the ones they gravitate toward the most. The bartender then uses the information to make a drink for the guest.
The second part of the menu offers guests a whiff of various perfumes. According to the TikToker, whichever scent stood out the most to the guests determined the drink they were served. She noted the experience a “ten out of ten” and suggested the bar as a must-do in Prague.
The Graduate Hotel – Nashville, Tennessee
Daisy Myles is a travel content creator who shares solo and group travel experiences via her Instagram and TikTok. One hidden gem she suggests people add to their bucket lists is The Graduate Hotel. Myles has previously visited the Nashville and Tuscon, Arizona locations.
The Graduate Hotel brand is a collection of unique hotels designed with nostalgia and pop culture in mind. She told Travel Noire that the hotel brand is “so nice” and that each location has a unique theme. Myles said she enjoyed both stays and plans to add other Graduate locations to her list.
Yours Truly Hotel – Washington, D.C.
@chadiea_ Replying to @_domyenn If you’re going to DC, you need to check out Yours Truly DC #travel #traveltiktok #washingtondc #dmv #blackgirlswhotravel #momswhotravel #fyp ♬ Storytelling – Adriel
According to TikTok user @chadiea_’s bio, she’s on the internet to empower moms to find the balance between their families and personal adventures. Her account shares things to do, life as a mom, and more.
In a video from last year, she shared a hotel recommendation she describes as a hidden gem. The hotel, called Yours Truly D.C., is a boutique hotel in the city’s West End. The hotel has a full bar, restaurant, deli, and modern decor.
“It did not disappoint,” she said of the hotel’s standard king room.
Dexter’s Restaurant – Grenada
Ashley Creft is a frequent traveler and group travel planner who recommends visiting Grenada for any traveler interested in the Caribbean. She told Travel Noire that the country’s culture and relaxed pace are the recipe for an amazing trip.
One hidden gem she recommended in Grenada is a fine-dining restaurant called Dexter’s Restaurant. The restaurant offers multi-course dining with an ever-changing menu that offers a new experience for every visit. Creft said the food was delicious, presented well, and reflected the unique flavors of the island. She also noted that the Black-owned restaurant “feels like home.”
Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma – Egypt
Located on the coast of Egypt, the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma is a hidden gem that offers an unmatched combination of serenity and elegance. This private beachside paradise, featured by travel blogger @nia.beth, has seas that sparkle under the warm Egyptian sun and are incredibly clear. Situated in the region of Safaga, this resort provides a unique opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and leisure away from the busy tourist areas.
Guests can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. If you go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear blue seas, you’ll see a fascinating underwater ecosystem with exotic marine creatures. For those who prefer to stay on land, the resort’s gardens and architecture create a serene atmosphere that invites strolls and moments of quiet reflection.
Stratosphere Social – Eldersburg, Maryland
Eldersburg, Maryland is home to Stratosphere Social, about an hour’s drive from Baltimore. This venue, highlighted by TikToker @a.leahaa, stands out for its mix of activities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to have fun. It offers axe throwing, bowling, an arcade, and even virtual reality games, all under one roof.
The atmosphere is electric, with a lively and welcoming vibe that appeals to visitors of all ages. @a.leahaa recommended this place for its inclusive and engaging environment. She noted the friendly staff and the overall fun atmosphere. The TikTok video highlighted the dynamic arcade, the modern bowling alleys, and the exhilarating axe-throwing lanes, showcasing snippets of the activities that make this place special.
Remedy Spa & Wellness – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Featured in a TikTok video by Cass and the City, Remedy Spa & Wellness in Philadelphia offers a retreat from the fast-paced city life. The moment you walk through the doors, you will be swept away to a peaceful haven and calming atmosphere. Inviting furnishings that combine contemporary style with natural elements create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
The soft sound of running water and the faint aroma of essential oils make this spot so soothing. This Black-owned oasis goes beyond being a mere haven to relax by embracing holistic wellness and communal spirit. Remedy Spa & Wellness offers rejuvenating treatments to cater to every need, from invigorating deep tissue massages to revitalizing facials and holistic healing therapies.
Las’ Lap – Lower East Side, New York
As seen in a TikTok video by @tablefortwonyc, Las’ Lap is a chic pub with a Caribbean vibe that will captivate you. As you walk in, you are greeted by an inviting mix of tropical decor with lush greenery and murals. The cozy seating is a hit with patrons as it evokes the warmth and color of the Caribbean.
The air is filled with the sounds of upbeat reggae and calypso tunes. Las’ Lap is renowned for its innovative cocktails, fusing traditional Caribbean flavors with modern mixology techniques. Beyond the drinks, the menu features mouthwatering Caribbean bites that will take your taste buds straight to the islands.
