While popular tourist destinations attract visitors for good reason, sometimes the most memorable travel experiences are found off the beaten path. In cities and countries around the globe, there are hidden gems and secret spots waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers.

In Paris, skip the long lines at the Louvre and head to the Musée d’Orsay instead. This converted railway station houses many famous works of art, including Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles. For a unique view of the city, climb the steps of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre. At the top, you’ll find stunning panoramas of Paris unfolding below.

In New York City, trade the bustle of Times Square for a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise or sunset. This historic span offers dramatic views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. For a quirky pit stop, drop by the City Reliquary Museum, filled with artifacts from New York’s past.

Rome’s Colosseum and Vatican City attract millions, but the Villa Borghese park is an oasis in the city center. Rent a bike to explore the landscaped gardens, small lakes, and architectural follies dotting this enormous green space. The Galleria Borghese museum within the park houses masterpiece artworks in an opulent Baroque villa.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous Inca site, but the Sacred Valley has additional treasures. The massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo is a sight to behold, with huge stone walls and ramps climbing a massive cliffside. The Maras salt mines feature over 3,000 small pools used by the Inca to extract salt from a nearby spring.

Off the beaten path destinations provide opportunities for adventure and one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll cherish for years to come. While popular spots should still make your list, save time to get lost and wander where the crowds don’t follow. The road less traveled often leads to the most unforgettable rewards.