Whether you’re trying to save some money on long hotel stays or you’re just looking to see as much of the continent as possible, Europe offers some truly premier destinations for city-hopping. However, if you want to truly make the most of each spot you stop in, then it’s worth learning what travel hacks you can to help you save money, see more, and have a much better time in general. Below, we have some time-honored advice on how to navigate those European cities like you’re a real pro.
Bring A Carry-On Mindset
If you want to really explore each city as best as possible, then you should be mindful of all of the stairways, cobbled streets, and packed train cars that can get in your way. If you’re bringing too much luggage, staying mobile and stress-free can be a lot more difficult. A carry-on-sized bag or a convenient wheeled trunk should be enough for all of your travel essentials. Choose lightweight, multi-purpose clothing that you can mix and match. Many European accommodations, especially budget options, lack elevators, so you’ll be thankful not to haul heavy suitcases. When it comes to toiletries and daily essentials, you won’t have a hard time finding those in most major European cities.
Make Good Use Of Your Stopovers
If you’re traveling by train, then there’s a good chance that you’re going to find yourself spending a couple of hours or more in the train stations of some of the best cities Europe has to offer, even if you’re not staying the night. When you do, be sure to take advantage of their luggage storage options and see what the city has to offer. In most major cities, train stations are usually positioned pretty close to the city center and some of the highlights of the area. It’s a smart way to make transportation time more productive and see more without booking extra nights. Especially in compact cities, even a two-hour window becomes an adventure when you’re not dragging bags behind you.
Be Strategic With Trains And Buses
One of the absolute best things about city-hopping in Europe is just how easy the extensive rail and bus networks can make it. It allows for spontaneous travel, but it’s always a good idea to do a little planning, all the same. There are travel planning sites that allow you to quickly compare routes, times, and prices across countries in Europe. You should also be mindful of how your choice of travel affects your plans, as high-speed trains are super efficient, but also pricy, while overnight trains might be a little slower, but aside from being cheaper they can help you see a lot more of the countries that you’re moving through, as well.
Stay Central With Your Accommodation
For the cities where you do intend to spend the night, be extra sure to make the location your priority. Centrally located accommodations not only put you closer to many of the hotspots that cities have to offer, but they are also typically near train stations and major metro lines, which reduces the amount of time you have to spend in transit, and can prevent you from being late on your way out of the city. Budget-friendly hostels, boutique hotels, and even short-term rentals often offer walkable access to landmarks, dining, and public transport. Look for accommodations with 24-hour check-in if you’re arriving at odd hours. You might have to pay a little more to stay central, but it’s typically worth it for the convenience alone.
Don’t Get Locked Into Box-Ticking Behavior
When you’re visiting some of the most bucket list-worthy cities in the whole world, it’s only natural for your head to be full of the famous attractions, major landmarks, and hidden gems that you know are waiting. However, if you attempt to rush them all, it can make planning out your time a lot more stressful and, what’s more, you can miss the appreciation of the cities that are in between those hotspots, as well. One well-enjoyed city is better than five half-seen ones. Consider guided walking tours to get a richer understanding, or spend time simply people-watching at a cafe with a cup of coffee. Let there be some room for spontaneity and the experience.
Learn The Local Public Transport
If you’re spending a day or two in a city, it’s worth taking the time to quickly learn how its public transport works. Metro cities, trams, and buses can be found in the majority of European cities and offer a much more cost-effective and culturally immersive way to get around the city than hiring a car. If you’re staying in one place a little longer, then you should pick up a multi-day or city travel card to make some big savings. Don’t be afraid to ask the station staff for help, as many of them are happy to assist and can accommodate English-speaking travellers just fine.
Look For Their Local Apps
Your smartphone is going to be your best friend when you’re traveling through Europe. Aside from being your digital map, ticket holder, and reservation storage, you can also download the many city apps that are designed to streamline the experience of visiting for travelers. Many of the major cities have their own apps that can handle everything from directions to finding transport to budgeting your stay. Enable roaming or get a local SIM or eSIM to stay connected. Keep a small power bank to avoid being stranded with a dead battery mid-transit. Make sure that you save photos of things like your tickets and reservations, and download maps of the cities you’re visiting to use offline, because your connection may be spotty in some parts.
Each city you visit is going to have its own quirks, norms, and attitude towards travelers, so it’s always worth doing a little research before your next stop. Remember that. In general, however, the tips above can help you explore each city you stop in with a much greater appreciation for what they have to offer.
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