As you plan your trip and the locations you will visit, do some research to find what to see and do while you are there. Don't miss something important because you didn't do your research. There can be important art located in churches and cathedrals throughout the town, festivals while you are there and closures on certain days you were not be aware of.
Of course, we cannot cover everything here, but we have listed several things to consider and why to help you do your research.
Country Entry Requirements
UK / Europe entry requirements
If you are traveling to the UK or Europe, be aware of the entry requirements and the forms that must be completed.
Other country Visa requirements
Be sure you are aware of Visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit.
Vaccines
Vaccinations may be advised or required for entry/exit in certain countries.
Food & Drinks (It would be impossible to cover everything here, so these are just a sample of what to research)
Seasonal Food
Knowing what is in season can help you eat fresh food at local restaurants.
Here is a tip. When you see those handwritten boards outside of restaurants, they typically list meals made from fresh daily from in season items compared to their printed menu.
Regional Food
Know what food is local to the area.
In some areas of Portugal, you want to try pan fried sardines. As a tip, search for how to eat fried sardines with the bones in. In England, try afternoon tea where you not only get tea, but multi-tier plates of different finger food. You can't visit England without finding and trying scones with clotted cream and jam. If you have never had clotted cream, it's a must, there is nothing like it. In Germany, try some fried schnitzel and potato dumplings. In Eastern Europe, try the goulash with bread dumplings. Note that Hungarian dumplings are different from Czech dumplings. It's mussels in Brussels but eat them correctly. See our notes on the tips page Travel Relationships & Encounters in the section Sardinia Italy.
These are just a few things to try, and I could go on and on. It should give you an idea of what to research for the locations you plan to visit.
Chain Restaurants
When we visit a new location, we like to eat at local, non-chain family-owned restaurants, but there is nothing wrong with trying a chain as it will most likely be an entirely new experience for you.
As an example, try the McDonalds in Porto Portugal located near the train station. It was formerly known as the Imperial Cafe, famous for the art deco interior and called the most beautiful McDonald's in the world. If you eat at the McDonald's in Jaipur India, you won't find any beef on the menu, but you will find chicken tika burgers and veggie burgers. There are other foreign chain restaurants that do not exist in the States, so trying on of those will be an entirely new and different experience.
As I first stated, if you eat in local restaurants, you will experience a more authentic dining experience compared to chain restaurants. As a tip, watch where the locals go. If locals are eating there, you know it must be good.
Specialty Restaurants
These are restaurants that serve local style food. One example is cicchetti (finger food) in Venice Italy. Tapas bars/restaurants in Spain are where you can sample smaller individual items. In Greece it's meze, offering smaller, sharable plates of different items.
Reservations
Before you visit a new location, do some research on the different restaurants in the area. If you find one you like and want to try, see if it's possible to make online reservations. It can be nearly impossible to get a table at some restaurants in popular tourist areas without having a reservation.
Some restaurants are only open for lunch and dinner during certain hours but if a restaurant is open, consider eating during off-peak times for a better chance and of obtaining a reservation.
Alcohol & Other Drinks
Try the different local drinks in the area. In Italy, try locally made limoncello, grappa or an Aperol spritz (those bright orange drinks you see everyone drinking). In Germany and Belgium, go with the beer. In Greece, it's Ouzo. Of course, in France, have some wine. You will also find that wine is regional and most places produce their own local wine. For example, along the Rhine River it's Reisling and in Rothenburg Germany, you will find white wine from the area being served.
Deserts / Sweets
You cannot visit Italy without having some gelato or tiramisu at least once. In France, try the creme brulee. In Belgium, it has to be chocolate, waffles and other items. I don’t think you can go wrong with any Belgium desert.
Bakeries
Don't miss out on stopping in at a local bakery.
There is nothing like a fresh pastry and a cup of tea or coffee as you make your way through town in the early morning on your way to catch the train. Don’t miss buying a fresh baguette from a French bakery. Be sure to pick up some cheese and meat to go with your baguette from the local cheese monger and butcher. Of course, don't forget the wine!
Markets
Farmers Markets
We often encounter farmers markets during our travels. When we lived in England, there would be a monthly market just around the corner from our flat. We would go and buy different homemade products from vendors that came from nearby towns. Markets are fun to walk through where you can try free samples of various food items.
Unless you are staying in a location having an oven or stove, you won’t be able to purchase most items for cooking. However, you can purchase fruit, cheese, deli meat, bread, etc. Green olives are one of our favorites to purchase as European olives are so fresh and seem to melt in your mouth; much different than the ones you purchase at the store in a jar.
Some markets in larger cities may be open daily but typically they are once a week on certain days. If you are lucky enough to stumble onto one, take some time to explore it.
Just a note that one of our favorites is the market in Lyon France along the river. It’s open every morning for several hours except Monday.
Market Halls
These are large buildings that typically house many different local restaurants, cafes and even shops selling local crafts. You will find them all over Europe, especially in larger towns. They are a great place to go and sample a variety of different food and are typically more affordable than going to an actual restaurant. In fact, many large restaurants will operate a smaller stall in the halls, selling the same food at a lower price from the actual restaurant.
Some of our favorites market halls include Time Out in Lisbon Portugal, Cloth Hall in Krakow Poland and Fovam in Budapest Hungary.
Food Markets
You may find that some cities host food markets on certain days where many different vendors come together and server local food.
One example is the Open Kitchen food market in Ljubljana Slovenia that operates the first Friday of every month. Here, food and drink vendors throughout Ljubljana and across Slovenia congregate and sell their food from individual stalls.
If you find one of these, be sure and give it a try. We actually cancelled our dinner reservations one night at a local restaurant in Ljubljana to attend the market.
Passes
Entry Passes
Nowadays, just about everything requires a pre-paid ticket for entry. Popular sites may not only require a ticket but also a ticket for a specific date and time.
When you find places to visit, especially popular places such as museums, cathedrals and other attractions, search for ticket requirements on their website. Even some cathedrals require a reservation date/time and ticket for entry. Some examples include the Milan Italy Cathedral rooftop walk which includes entry into the cathedral. The Notre Dame Bell Towers in Paris France require a specific date/time ticket to be purchased although entry into the cathedral is still free but there could be a long line to get in depending on the time of day.
When you have a ticket for a specific date and time, you just show up, show your ticket and go right in.
Museum Passes
You may find long lines at the Louvre in Paris but more than likely, those people are waiting in line to purchase a ticket. If you have bought your ticket ahead of time or have a museum pass, you go directly to the front of the line and go right in.
Other examples that require a ticket are the Vatican Museums in Rome and all the major museums in Florence Italy.
The benefits of having a set day/time ticket are obvious, but if you miss your entry window, you will probably not be allowed to enter. Research the benefits of purchasing an actual museum pass. Some let you skip the lines and usually all of them will save you money if you are visiting multiple museums.
Travel Passes
These passes are designed to save you time and money for actual travel. Most common are train passes in Europe, but others may include the metro (underground city trains) and buses.
If you are staying in a major city such as Paris or London, check into purchasing a multi-day metro or tube pass. These passes will be cheaper than paying for individual journeys, if you plan on riding several times. You simply scan your pass at the turnstile and go through.
For train travel between cities and even countries, check out multi-day Rail Passes.
Switzerland and the rest of Europe
For Switzerland, the Swiss Pass is a fantastic option for train travel. These passes also include different Gondola Rides between locations and free entry into sites such as the castle Chateau Chillon near Montreux Switzerland.
For both passes, you need to determine the number of days you will be using your rail pass, such as 3,4,5, etc. Keep in mind that sometimes it’s not worth using your pass for short travels. If you want to visit Pisa as a day trip from Florence, it’s far cheaper to purchase a round trip ticked for the day at the train station rather than use one of your rail pass days.
City Passes
City passes and benefits will vary by location. There can also be different types of passes providing different benefits at the same location. You should search the location you are visiting and see what passes are available. Compare the cost of the pass to what services you will take advantage of to see if it is worth purchasing one.
These passes typically offer 30% to 50% savings compared to buying individual tickets. However, they are not worth it if you prefer a slow-paced trip, only want to see one or two sights, or are forced to visit places that do not actually interest you.
We have purchased passes in different locations. Sometimes they have been worth it and other times not so much. As stated above, it depends on how often you intend to use it.
Accommodations (A few things to consider when selecting your hotel, B&B or other accommodations)
Pay for the view
Sometimes it pays to spend a little more for the view…if you can afford it. I have always wanted to say on the Grand Canal in Venice Italy, but those rooms are extremely expensive. We have found other rooms overlooking a plaza or smaller canals that are very reasonable.
In areas of the Alps like Germany, Austria and Switzerland, we have had rooms with gorgeous mountain views that were not all that expensive.
Ask yourself how much time you will be spending in your room and if paying more is worth it. If you are just in and out, it may not be. If you plan to spend an afternoon or evening in your room sitting out on the balcony with some wine and cheese, then it can be worth it.
Specialty Hotels
These are unique places that you would not normally consider staying and can be more expensive than your typical hotel but can be worth it for the experience.
Rather than stay in a typical hotel or guest house along the Rhine River in Germany, we try and spend a couple nights in an actual castle overlooking the river. We have done this on several occasions and those castle hotels are one of our most memorable experiences.
So, wherever you are traveling, if possible and affordable, try to spend at least one or two nights in some unique place such as a castle. We have also done this in Scotland and again, it was an extremely memorable experience.
Location
When selecting a hotel, B&B or some other accommodation be sure and consider the location. As mentioned above, staying in a castle is great, but you need to make sure you can actually get there. Several of the Rhine River castles require a car or local transportation to access it, so if you are traveling by train, they may not be your best option.
If traveling by train, can you easily get to your hotel from your arrival point? If traveling by car, where will you park and is there an additional cost?
Is the hotel convenient to the attractions you plan to visit? How far will you be walking to/from your hotel every day?
Other Items
-Is breakfast included?
-Does the room have an en-suite or shared bathroom?
-Is the room air conditioned?
Churches & Cathedrals
Art
When you search for museums and art, remember that some of the most important art is actually found in churches or cathedrals.
Leonardo's Last Supper is located in its original place, on the wall of the dining room of the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan Italy. Note: If you plan to go, you must purchase online, a timed reservation ahead of your visit.
All throughout Rome you will find paintings and statues in various churches throughout the city.
Cathedral Climb
Several of the large cathedrals or basilicas allow you to climb the steps to the top for incredible views or even a rooftop walk. Some of these are free while others require you have a reservation for a specific day and time.
Some of our favorites
Milan Italy Cathedral – Outdoor rooftop walk
Florence Cathedral - Florence Italy – Two separate climbs - Basilica and Bell Tower
Sacra Coeur Basilica – Paris France
Bern Minster – Tallest in Switzerland
St. Peter’s Basilica – Rome Italy
Notre Dame Cathedral – Bell Towers and Gargoyles - Paris France
Crypt
Many churches and cathedrals have an underground crypt that you can walk through as part of your tour. Some are basic while others are quite elaborate. Many are free while others require an additional fee or even a reservation. Some are self-guided while others require you be a part of a guided tour.
One of the most interesting is the Necropolis (city of the dead) beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This tour requires you book online ahead of time for a specific date and time to go with a tour guide beneath the Basilica.
History
What happened and when?
European history goes way back, thousands of years and more. Some of the most interesting times include The Renaissance, Medieval Times, The Roman Empire, WWI and WWII.
When you visit a site, it’s more interesting if you know something about it. A prime example would be WWII sites. Before visiting, do some reading and watch movies about what happened at the locations you plan to visit.
A very good movie is 'The Monuments Men' with George Clooney, Matt Damon and others. It tells the fact-based story of recovering artwork all throughout Europe during the end of WWII that was stolen by the Nazis. The movie is focused on how much of the art was recovered with a focus on Michelangelo's Madonna and Child in the Church of Our Lady in Bruges Belgium and the Ghent Altarpiece located inside Saint Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium.
Other examples include the Normandy Beach Landings, Hitler’s Eagle's Nest by Berchtesgaden and the Poland concentration camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau.
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Attractions & Sites
Sites by Day & Night
Paris is called the City of Lights for a reason. Actually, the history of the name goes way back but nowadays we think of the city being illuminated with lights. You will see sights during the day but many should be seen at night as well. Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower at both the day and night as well as the Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Bridges and other attractions. You will find that churches and cathedrals take on an entirely different atmosphere at night compared to the day.
There is a hill across from the Acropolis in Athens Greece where you have fantastic views of the area and especially the Parthenon. Be sure to go again at night where the entire Acropolis is lit up.
Towns with castles such as Prague in the Czech Republic and Salzburg Austria illuminate the castles for gorgeous views at night.
Holidays & Closures
Check local holidays for the locations you plan to visit. There may be national or regional holidays during the time you are there. Many things may be closed, so during planning, you may be able to adjust your scheduled arrival or departure by a day to avoid holiday closures.
Holiday Markets
If you visit a location during the holidays, especially during Christmas, you will more than likely run into Christmas markets as most towns have them. Larger towns such as Nuremburg Germany and Strasbourg France have a large central market while other large towns may have the market spread out throughout the various streets. Some of the smaller towns such as Rothenberg Germany have smaller and more cozy market stalls scattered throughout the town.
Christmas markets are not only in Germany. You will find them all throughout Europe. The large market in Copenhagen Denmark is located at the Tivoli Amusement park where you have access to rides and can watch live concerts.
Festivals
Do some research on what local festivals are taking place at your locations. As mentioned above, during planning, you may be able to adjust your schedule to coincide with the festival activities.
Local festivals may not be part of a national holiday, but only local to an area or town. Some examples include the Palio Horse Race in Sienna Italy and the Pamplona Spain Running of the Bulls. You may just stumble onto smaller festivals like the Fulehung & Marksmen's Festival in Thun Switzerland that we happened to run into on a trip.
Art
Hidden Treasures
These are art that is found in unexpected places such as churches and cathedrals.
You don’t want to skip the Church of Our Lady in Bruges Belgium only to find out later that Michelangelo’s sculpture of the Madonna and Child is in the church. Worse is the walk through the church and not realize it was there.
The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli is located in Rome, not fare from the Colosseum. It’s tucked away between buildings and you will miss it entirely if you are not specifically looking for it. Here is the location of Michelangelo’s Moses as well as the Chains that held St. Peter.
Museum Special Exhibits
There are often rotating or seasonal exhibits at museums. Depending on the event, you may need to purchase tickets ahead of time to view the exhibit.
Holidays & Closures
When your plans include visiting museums and other locations, keep in mind that they may be closed on certain days.
For example, the medieval history museum Musée de Cluny located in Paris is closed on Mondays. Visit the websites of the different museums and other place you plan to visit to verify that they are open on the days you will be there.
Miscellaneous
Souvenirs
What should you buy? Personally, for years, we have collected Christmas ornaments or something that can be used as a Christmas ornament from all our travels.
Each location you visit will more than likely have souvenirs related to the country or region. It would be impossible to list them all, but to give you an idea, we have mentioned a few.
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland – Steins, carved wood plates
- Greece – Etruscan museum replicas
- Slovenia – Hand blown and painted chicken, goose and duck eggs
- Portugal – The rooster
- Italy – Small recreations of famous statues such as Michelangelo’s David
- France – Metal Eiffel Tower
Day Trips
There may be near by locations you can visit as a day trip from your base location. Depending on your transportation, you may be able to drive there, take a train or go with an organized tour group.
See what is nearby and if something is interesting, work it into your trip.
In Ljubljana Slovenia, you can easily schedule a group trip to visit Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave, about an hour from town.
When we arrived in Salzburg Austria by train, we didn’t have a car, so we joined a group on a bus to see Hitler’s Eagle's Nest and the town of Berchtesgaden Germany. There are other day trip tours from Salzburg including the Sound of Music tour and the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine.
Boats / Cruises
Sometimes you can mix up your trip by selecting some different modes of transportation between locations.
In Switzerland, you can easily take the train from Thun to Interlaken in about 30 minutes. A better and more relaxing option, if you have the time, is to take the 2 hour ferry across Lake Thun where you can enjoy a glass of wine and great views along the way.
Gondolas
In Switzerland, you will find that gondola rides may be available as another mode of transportation between locations.
In the Bernese Oberland area, you can travel all throughout the area by car, train and gondola.
In this area, a gondola ride is not just a way to get to an attraction and back, but rather a way to get around between towns.
Some of the towns and sites you can access by gondola include Grindelwald, Lauterbrunen, Murren, The Schilthorn, Gimmelwald, Stechelberg, Trummelbach Falls, Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch.
Walks & Tours
Many places have historical city walks that are guided or self-guided depending on where you go. They are usually an inexpensive way to see the different sites around the town.
Some towns have apps you can download that will guide you from site to site. One example is the self-guided Owl Trail Walk through Dijon France that guides you to the different sites.
You may join group tours that lead you through the town or underneath it, as is the case with the Ghostly Underground tour in Edinburgh Scotland.
The Rothenburg Germany Night Watchman Tour is one of our favorites, and we do it every time we visit. It only coast a few Euros to walk the town in the evening with the Night Watchman.
Cemeteries
If you are new to Europe, you will find that many cemeteries in major towns are extremely popular tourist attractions.
Around Paris France there are several large cemeteries you can stroll through for free to find the tombstones of famous people or just to see the many elaborate grave sites.
A little further from the city and accessible by metro in Prais is the Cimetière des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques (dog and pet cemetery). It’s beautiful with amazing gave sites and being dog owners, one of the most moving places we have ever been. If you have dogs, definitely add this to your places to go.
Milan Italy has the Monumental Cemetery which is not to be missed and is located just a few minutes subway ride from the main train station.
Catacombs
Some sites you may not think about or know they exist are the catacombs. These are underground cemeteries made of tunnels, galleries, and chambers with recesses or niches dug out for burying the dead.
One of the best are the catacombs in Paris and should not be missed. Another is in Rome and is still on our list of places to go.
