Europe: More than Sightseeing

                As far as historical treasures go, Europe is the place to visit.  With hundreds of art, architecture and historical wonders spread across the continent, it is tempting to whirlwind your way from London to Istanbul trying to see everything in a short amount of time.  Taking pictures of famous monuments and decorating your fridge with magnets may be fun but Europe (or anywhere else for that matter) is more than just a collection of pretty buildings and souvenir shops.  Behind those monuments, there are stories.  Behind the stories, there are people.  How those people live and interact in their daily lives form the culture of their cities or nations.  Experiencing the culture of Europe is the most memorable part of any Euro trip.

London: Theatre

                No trip to London is complete without watching a performance in a West End theatre.  With about 40 theatres, West End shows have become an attraction in itself, drawing in tourists from all over the world.  Together with New York City’s Broadway, they represent the highest level of theatre in the English speaking world.  Theatre has been a part of the English culture since the days of William Shakespeare.  Although his plays are no longer the hottest shows, his spirit lives on through the various musicals, dramas and comedies.  Long running shows like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera still draw large crowds despite having been performed over ten thousand times.  The number of old and new shows available will ensure your return to London again and again.

Theatre is an essential part of the London experience.

The Netherlands: Cycling

                The Netherlands are one of the best cycling nations in the world.  There are more bicycles than people in the country and most children can confidently ride on the roads by the time they are twelve.  The Dutch love cycling so much that motorists need to learn how to interact with cyclists as part of their driver’s license requirement.  While most of Amsterdam’s streets have dedicated cycling lanes, and you can definitely make your way around the city on a bicycle, it is the countryside that offers the most charm.  You can always travel to Volendam or Zaanse Schans by bus or private car, but arriving there on two wheels is an unforgettable experience and something to brag about.

The Swiss Alps: Outdoor Activities

                The Alps is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world and makes Switzerland an automatic inclusion in any European itinerary.  It would be a shame if your Alps experience consists only of taking the cable car up Mount Titlis.  There are so many outdoors activities, summer or winter up there that would enhance your Swiss experience considerably.  Even if you’re not a skier, you can like snow-shoe walking, sledding or tobogganing.  Summer brings you the opportunity to enjoy a hike at one of the many hiking trails throughout the country.  One option is to take a cable car up a mountain and hike down.  Those cows you see in many Swiss postcards?  You can only find them if you move away from the touristy areas onto the hiking trails.

Cows grazing near a hiking trail in Switzerland.

Rome: Piazzas and La Passegiata

                Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for good reasons.  It was the capital of the Roman Empire and there are marvelous amounts of Roman treasures to keep a history buff busy for days.  In addition to that, Vatican City lies within Rome’s boundary.  While those are two good reasons why you want to visit the Italy’s capital, don’t miss out on the romantic side of Rome: the piazzas.  Piazzas are public squares where Romans hang out, especially in the evening.  Local artists show off their skills and spontaneous markets may appear.  Most piazzas in Rome are graced by fountains, complete with potable water.  A famous example is Piazza Navona, where Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers stands proudly in the middle.  When the sun goes down, many Romans engage in la passegiata or evening stroll.  Join them for a walk to nowhere in particular.  See bankers and merchants on the streets enjoying their amazing city.  A good route would be to start at Piazza Navona, pass the Pantheon and finish at the Trevi Fountain, where a coin toss would ensure your return to the Eternal City.

Bavaria: Christmas Markets

                It’s seasonal but well worth a visit during the Christmas Market season, usually running from the end of November to Christmas Eve.  Many of Germany’s town squares are transformed into beautiful markets where stalls decorated in Christmas themes.  Their merchandise varies from Christmas artwork to pretzels.  Don’t miss the stalls selling Glühwein (mulled wine).  Its sweet and warm property will keep you heated during the cold German winter.  Nonalcoholic version is usually available at every stall.  While most cities in Germany hold their own Christmas Markets, the Bavarian towns seem to put the best ones.  Combine your trip with a dinner at one of many Bavarian beer halls to complete an unforgettable German experience.

 

The legendary Christmas Market in Nuremberg.

                Europe is expensive and, for Asians, far.  That is why you have to make every Euro trip counts.   Don’t just tick off your check list of things to see.  Spending one or two days in each city doing nothing but taking pictures of monuments will leave you exhausted with very little to show for.  Slow down and soak in the atmosphere.  Be temporary Europeans and live like a local.  The next time your friend brags about how he just came back from one of those lame one-day-per-city tours, ask them “you may have seen Europe, but have you experienced it?”