Europe is a continent that people all around the world are desperate to explore at some point in their lives. In fact, even the Europeans themselves do a lot of their vacations within the countries around Europe, because each place has something entirely new and original to offer tourists and locals alike. Unlike the American continents, Europe has a long and rich history spanning back thousands of years, giving the European cities an amazing blend of old and new, where cobblestone streets are mixed in with modern glass skyscrapers.
There is such as wide mix of cultures around Europe that there is always something for everyone, whether it be an eclectic combination of cuisines, music or arts and entertainment. For those interested in history, there are plenty of museums and galleries scattered around the cities in Europe which pay testament to the legacies which evolved. However, while there are lots of obvious reasons to visit various cities in Europe, there are also lots of common mistakes that tourists make when on vacation there. So if you want to make the most out of your vacation, here are a few things you can do to make sure you don’t miss out on the best parts of some of Europe’s most popular cities.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a beautiful city, filled with stunning architecture and scenic canals. However, when most people think of Amsterdam, they tend to only think about the X-rated red light district, and the various ‘coffee shops’ that are scattered around the city. Therefore, it is no surprise that one of the most common mistakes people make when visiting Amsterdam is to overindulge in legal Marijuana. A lot of people who visit the city have never tried this drug before, or at least have not had access to it in such large quantities; which is why some people end up experiencing more of the negative effects than the positive ones (find out more here).
This is one of the reasons that Amsterdam has gotten its name as a party scene, but the truth is that this city has a great balance of day and nightlife, and is home to just as many locals as it is tourists. Therefore, if you are planning to take a vacation to this city, it would be wise to remember that there is more to Amsterdam than you might hear tell of. There are a lot of tourist opportunities on offer, such as the chance to visit the Anne Frank museum, or walk around the Amsterdam Dungeon. Alternatively, you could visit the markets, take a tour of the city on one of the many canal tours or bus routes, or just sit and enjoy the atmosphere while indulging in some great local cuisine. The Dutch culture is a rich one, so make sure to explore every aspect of life that Amsterdam has to offer, not just the benefits of legal marijuana.
Berlin
Berlin is home to some amazing and important historical sites, which is one of the main reasons it is so popular with tourists. If you visit Berlin, then you’ll see many people flocking towards to Brandenburg Gate to get pictures, or walking around the remnants of what is left of the Berlin Wall, and for good reason. After all, these sites hold the memories of really significant historical events, and also chronical the lives of some of the people who were affected by them. However, there is much more to Berlin than its history: it also has a vibrant nightlife, which is another reason why many people visit the city, especially the younger generations. On top of that, there is an eclectic mix of architecture and some beautiful scenery which is woven in amongst the urban lifestyle, you just need to know where to look.
One common mistake that people make when visiting Berlin is that they don’t really take in the atmosphere in each of the neighborhoods they pass when on the way to visit different attractions. Berlin has a lot of diverse regions throughout the city, from Mitte, which is a slick and modern area, to the more traditional Soviet-style construction around areas like Lichtenberg. This is one of the reasons why grabbing your walking boots and exploring the city on foot is best, as you get to indulge in what it feels like to truly be a part of Berlin, rather than being restricted to tourist hot spots.
Paris
Paris is one of the travel destinations that people around the world dream of visiting one day: after all, who doesn’t want to spend time in the renowned ‘city of love.’ One of the biggest draws to Paris are the landmarks and tourist attractions that are scattered around the city, from Notre Dame and Arc de Triomphe, to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. One of the first mistakes that people make when visiting Paris is expecting to be able to take in each of these landmarks within a day or two.
While it would be possible to briefly visit everything that Paris has to offer within a matter of days, you cannot get the full impact of the city or its history in this short a time. Like many capital cities, the heart of Paris is a place which is best explored on foot (with the aid of public transport if you are planning on travelling far), as this is the only way to see the city as the Parisians do. Don’t rush around trying to cram everything into a short time frame; instead, make sure to book your stay for a few days (mid week and off season would be the cheapest way to find good accommodation), and just live in the city for a while. France is famous for its decadent cuisine, and some of the best evenings in Paris are just spent relaxing outside of a Café and soaking up the atmosphere with a coffee and pastry. If you really want to get the most out of a trip to Paris, the most important thing to do is to see past the stereotypes and obvious tourism spots, and to try and experience the city as the locals do.
