Beyond the Landmarks: Hidden Educational Gems in Popular Destinations
We all know the heavy hitters: the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Colosseum. They’re iconic for a reason, and they absolutely deserve a spot on any student travel itinerary. But what if you could go a little deeper—show students the side of a city most tourists never see?
Here’s your guide to off-the-beaten-path educational experiences in some of Europe’s most beloved destinations. These hidden gems don’t just avoid the crowds—they offer fresh ways to spark curiosity, fuel learning, and make your student trip unforgettable.
🇫🇷 Paris: Catacombs & the Musée des Arts et Métiers
Sure, the Louvre is incredible—but descending into the Paris Catacombs is like stepping into a hidden chapter of the city’s history. Beneath the bustling streets lie miles of underground tunnels lined with the bones of over six million Parisians. It’s an eerie, powerful look at urban development, public health, and French history.
Then, trade bones for brilliance at the Musée des Arts et Métiers, a museum that often flies under the radar but houses France’s scientific and technological inventions—from Foucault’s Pendulum to early airplanes. Great for STEM-focused groups.
🇮🇹 Rome: Biblioteca Casanatense & Domus Aurea
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it definitely takes more than a day to discover its hidden wonders.
Skip the long lines at the Vatican Museums and head to the Biblioteca Casanatense, a serene and stunning 18th-century library that feels like a secret Hogwarts wing. Its wood-paneled halls and antique globes are ideal for sparking discussions about philosophy, printing, and the Enlightenment.
Want something more underground (literally)? Book a tour of Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s lavish golden palace buried beneath modern Rome. Students will love putting on hard hats to explore the fresco-covered ruins while learning about art, propaganda, and ancient engineering.
🇬🇧 London: The Old Operating Theatre & Dennis Severs’ House
London is full of surprises—like the Old Operating Theatre Museum, tucked above a church in Southwark. It’s one of the oldest surviving surgical theaters in Europe, and it offers a fascinating (and slightly chilling) look into the pre-anesthesia era of medicine. Bonus points for tying into both history and biology lessons.
For a totally different experience, head to Dennis Severs’ House, an immersive storytelling home where each room is frozen in time from the 18th to 20th centuries. Students step into the lives of a fictional Huguenot family, experiencing history not just visually but emotionally. It’s theatrical, intimate, and unlike anything they’ve done before.
🇪🇸 Barcelona: Bunkers del Carmel & MUHBA
Gaudí gets a lot of attention (rightfully so), but take a detour to the Bunkers del Carmel—a former anti-aircraft site turned viewpoint that offers sweeping views of the city. Beyond the views, it’s a powerful way to talk about the Spanish Civil War and the city’s strategic military past.
Then dive into the MUHBA (Barcelona History Museum), especially the Plaça del Rei location. Beneath modern Barcelona lies a sprawling Roman city—complete with ancient laundries, wine shops, and temples. It’s the kind of time-travel history lesson your students will remember forever.
