Exploring the beautiful cities of Europe can be an exciting and enriching experience. With hundreds of wonderful cities to choose from, you can have your fill several vacations over with the number of spots to visit. Here are ten tips to get even more out of a European city break, experiencing authentic culture and making unforgettable memories. (Photo Credit: Werner Kunz)Guardian Home Exchange
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture of a new city, live like a local. The Guardian Home Exchange gives you the opportunity to swap homes with other families from cities all around the world. The simple tool matches up families who would like to experience each other’s city lives. As well as allowing visitors a more authentic experience, it can also be a great money-saver for travellers on a budget.
Cruise the Cities
With 50 countries, 6 partially-recognised states and almost limitless cities to visit with distinct cultures and sights, it can be difficult to choose the perfect city break in Europe. Rather than restrict yourself to one, a cruise holiday can help you take in many of the continent’s most beautiful destinations in one fell swoop. Cruise1st offer a selection of Mediterranean city cruises taking in beautiful cities including Barcelona, Nice,
Florence, Athens and more.
Avoid the Capitals
Bruges, Bordeaux and Bilbao are not just a selection of European cities which begin with B, but also ideal locations for capital city-avoiding trips. Secondary cities are traditionally less touristy, less crowded and less expensive than their respective capitals. Enjoy the country’s culture amongst the locals rather than solely sampling from the tourist menu. (Photo Credit - Wolfgang Straudt)
Read Reviews not Ratings
TripAdvisor is an incredibly useful tool when researching hotels/restaurants/bars in a new city to visit. However, the star ratings can be slightly skewed by faked accounts with vested interests to boost/cripple the reputations of a location. Read the attached reviews for more accurate appraisals of destinations. Delve deeper into the reviewer’s accounts and other reviews to determine whether you share tastes and interests.
Leave the Eurozone
Although staying within the EU and Eurozone can seem simpler and less daunting, there are beautiful, culturally-enriching cities outside the Eurozone to experience. From the sophisticated cities of Switzerland to the relaxed unspoiled stretches of Montenegro and Albania; leaving your comfort zone is not necessarily a bad thing.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Whilst hotel clerks, taxi drivers and shop owners may be sufficient sources of information, their dining suggestions may be guided by personal loyalties or catered towards your status as a tourist. Follow the crowds of locals and see where they are lending their dining patronage to discover local gems, great deals and delicious dinners.
Research School Holidays
If you are traveling without school-age children, you may be mindful of school holidays to get the best deals. It is also worth checking the school holidays of your destination to help you save money and avoid crowds on your travels. School Holidays Europe can help you find the holiday dates of schools throughout the continent.
Try the Local Wine
Old world wine countries such as Italy and France still dominate the wine shelves, but this is largely built on historical reputation. Improved farming techniques and shifting climates have seen locations throughout Europe produce some delicious wines to challenge the regions of Tuscany and Bordeaux. Give the local wine a try, and both your wallet and tastes buds may be in for a pleasant surprise. (Photo Credit: BlakJakDavy)
Speak the Lingo
Whilst becoming fluent in the local language will be an immeasurable help, there are a number of cheats which will help you skip the hours of homework and practice. The iTranslate app helps translates over 80 languages into your native tongue, ensuring you won’t become unstuck in new lands, manically waving your hands to convey a message.
Make the Most of Hostels
Not only are hostels an affordable way to stay in cities throughout Europe, they offer an incredible range of benefits allowing you to make the most of relaxing and enjoyable stay. Meet like-minded people from around the world, engage in group activities and enjoy book swap shops. Hostelworld is a fantastic hostel search tool, helping you find the ideal place to rest your head after a long day exploring new lands.
