Top 5 alternatives to traditional sightseeing

Instead of (or as well as) crossing monuments off a sightseeing list on holiday, you can visit the lesser-known, local equivalents and delve deeper into a destination. Here, we’ve chosen five of the world’s most popular tourist attractions and offered five alternatives.

Feriköy Flea Market instead of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Trade the historic but touristy Grand Bazaar for the Sunday flea market in Bomonti, Istanbul. A local favourite, tourists are refreshingly absent at this typically Turkish market with around 200 stalls selling everything from old gramophones and chipped porcelain to ancient coins. Expect lively and long-winded stories from flea market vendors keen to practise their English and be sure to try the traditional gözleme from the stall near the entrance; a buttery Turkish flatbread made of layered hand-rolled dough.

Your Style Aparts Bomonti offer self-catered, modern accommodation minutes from the flea market.

Sir John Soane’s Museum instead of the British Museum, London

Just ten minutes’ walk from the hallowed halls of the British Museum in London, you’ll find another intricate world of antiquities and historic curiosities. The Sir John Soane’s Museum was the home of the eponymous, seminal architect who rose from humble beginnings in the 18th century. Flat and convex mirrors expand the space and reflect the rich reds, velvets, leather bound books and period furniture, and this complex collection is so absorbing you’ll feel confused stepping back into the real world.

The Rosewood London is a sophisticated hotel around the corner from the Sir John Soane’s Museum, with interiors that rival the great architect’s own. Or if you’re keen to have your own space, this central London apartment is also mere minutes away.

Vaux le Vicomte instead of Versailles, Paris

For those that are in the know, Versailles isn’t the only jewel in Paris’ crown. Château Vaux le Vicomte can also be seen on a day trip from the French capital, and has the added benefit of fewer crowds. The grounds were designed by André Le Nôtre, the same landscape architect who later did Versailles, so look out for his trademark optical illusions and pools, fountains, elaborate parterres and even grottoes. From May until October, visitors can enjoy dinner al fresco at Les Charmilles restaurant with the grounds illuminated by 2,000 candles, the garden’s Champagne Bar, or a gourmet picnic arranged by the Château.

With peach-coloured walls, Parisian balconies and an amazing location, the Champs Elysees Executive Apartment is a good starting point from which to explore Paris.

The Golden Temple instead of the Taj Mahal, Amritsar

Though the magnificence of the Taj Mahal can’t be downplayed, the Golden Temple of Amritsar is a worthy alternative. In the Indian state of Punjab, the Golden Temple is the holiest place in Sikhism but even non-believers will enjoy the calm atmosphere of this atmospheric space. Appearing to float upon an artificial lake, the central building of the complex is covered with 750kg of gold, thanks to a flamboyant maharajah in the early 19th century. Walk barefoot over the marble promenade that surrounds the lake and observe people praying and light candles, before joining pilgrims in the Harmandir Sahib, the world’s largest free kitchen. Designed to uphold the principle of equality by feeding all castes, religions, or genders, it can serve free food for up to 300,000 people per day and is a truly special experience.

Hotel Krishnas is a friendly, highly rated accommodation just 100 metres from the Golden Temple.

The Jewish Historical Museum Instead of Anne Frank’s House, Amsterdam

Standing in the room where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis for over two years certainly brings her devastating story to life. But if you can’t face the queues or slightly claustrophobic climb into the attic, Amsterdam’s Jewish Historical Museum very thoroughly explains the events of the Holocaust in relation to Anne’s life. Comprising four adjacent 17th- and 18th-century Ashkenazi synagogues in the city’s Jewish quarter, it houses a permanent collection as well as rotating and visiting exhibits (and a kosher café).

Houseboat Ms 3 Gebroeders is a luxurious canal boat moored only a 15-minute walk from the Jewish Historical Museum.