Finding off-the-beaten-path destinations is one of the greatest things you can do as travelers. Rather than staying in well-known hotspots or eating at your average restaurant, you will find yourself exploring new areas and trying different foods!
Many people get stuck in a rut when it comes to traveling, they stay in the same area for too long and spend their time browsing through pictures of overpriced restaurants that look amazing.
If you want to see more of the world then this isn’t the best way to go about it. You have to be willing to try new things and keep an open mind. Don’t stick to your budget if there are opportunities out there to enjoy something extra.
There are many ways to discover new parts of the country while still having fun. A great way to begin looking into these places is by starting with some place local to you. Check out some pictures and read some reviews before visiting so that you know what to expect. Then, pick somewhere close by and easy to get to and just don’t worry about anything else.
Rome, Italy
When it comes to choosing where to visit in Europe, there are two main things that people tend to prioritize – location and convenience. Given that you do not have close by accommodations, this is typically not a big concern for most.
If your travel budget is limited, however, then staying in popular locations can sometimes cost a little more money. This is particularly true if you want to experience the area’s local culture.
Fortunately, we have gathered some information about less expensive alternatives to consider when visiting Rome. These include all of the following:
Geoffrey C. Haynes/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Public transportation
Weekend festivals
Local cuisine
History of the city
We will now look at one such alternative – traveling outside of the traditional tourist areas.
Paris, France
Paris is one of the most visited destinations in the world. It has always been known for its beautiful architecture and rich culture, but it now boasts incredible offbeat attractions as well.
There are so many things to do in Paris that no one ever seems to run out of options. Some of these experiences are more expensive than others, but all are worth it if you’re looking to break away from the norm.
Here we will discuss five fun ways to spend your time in Paris beyond sightseeing at top tourist hot spots. These sites and adventures can be done either as part of an organized tour or on your own!
1. Take a boat cruise on The Seine
The best way to see some of the most famous sights in Paris is by taking a boat trip along The River Seine. There are several different companies that offer this experience, with varying levels of sophistication.
Most have two boats per visit, which makes it easy to choose between experiencing cruising past monuments such as the Eiffel Tower or exploring some of the lesser know areas of the city.
Barcelona, Spain
When it comes to choosing where in the world to visit next, there are few hard and fast rules when it comes to which cities should be visited and what type of sightseeing you should do while there.
That is unless you’re very specific about your goals for traveling and the kind of traveler you are. If you want to see lots of famous sites that have expensive tickets, then you’ll need to choose locations that are close so you can spend more money looking at things!
If you don’t care too much for big tourist attractions but instead enjoy cultural exchanges, spending time in local neighborhoods, or just wanting to explore new parts of the city, these types of vacations are perfect for you.
A location with no really well known sights is the perfect place to start exploring. With places like this, you won’t feel limited in terms of possibilities for what you can experience. There are many ways to gain knowledge around the area and pick and choose how best to use your time.
There are several great reasons to consider staying outside of the norm when it comes to destination travel.
Istanbul, Turkey
If you are looking to do some exploring outside of the typical tourist destinations, check out our list below for some fun experiences in Istanbul, Turkey.
Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, making it hard to stay motivated to go back home after spending time here. It has so many attractions that it will take you several days to see them all!
The best way to spend your time in this vibrant city is by taking day tours or organized bus trips. There are many companies that offer daily sightseeing tours around Sultanahmet (Sultan’s Quarters), Beyogulmeci (Beyoğlu) area, and other parts of town.
These guided tours usually have English speaking guides and/or translators onboard, refreshments, and easy transport to get you where you want to be.
Venice, Italy
With its maze of waterways and islands, Venetian canals are some of the most beautiful spaces in the world. Some say it looks like someone took all the natural resources in the area and made them into land, creating this aquatic landscape.
It is very easy to get away from the tourist crowds here, as there are only a few major attractions that draw large numbers. There are many churches you can visit, museums you can explore, and gondolas you can take rides on, making for an immersive experience.
There are so many things to do in Venice that even if you’re not interested in any one specific activity, you will find something you will enjoy. It has been described as both a museum and a garden at times, which makes sense given how much nature surrounds almost every corner.
The beauty of the city is truly timeless, no matter when it was built. People have spent generations writing about the wonders of Venice, and still people come today to appreciate what has already been said and done.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With its reputation as one of the most liberal cities in Europe and its thriving nightlife scene, Amsterdam is always a popular destination. Known for its canals, relaxed atmosphere, beautiful sights, and quality restaurants, this European city has become very accessible to travelers across the globe.
It’s not uncommon to encounter other tourists with similar interests at many attractions, making it easy to find like-minded people. While there are plenty of high end tourist destinations in The Netherlands that offer expensive hotel rooms or overpriced food and drinks, there are also some more affordable alternatives.
Amsterdam isn’t known for having many tall skyscrapers or major monuments, but you won’t feel too spoiled by that either. What makes Amsterdam special is all around it — from the little canal tours to the lush green spaces where you can relax after exploring.
There are so many ways to spend your time here outside of active tourism locations, which adds to the appeal.
Athens, Greece
With its rich history as one of the founding nations of Western civilization and as the birthplace of democracy, Athens is an incredible place to visit.
Athens has lots to see for both novice and experienced travelers. There are so many ways to spend your time here that you will find something for every style and budget.
Many people consider visiting Greece during the summer or spring in order to enjoy the beautiful weather. However, if you are looking to experience the vibrant culture of this country, then any season is a good one to visit.
Winter can be quite pleasant in Athens with only light rain usually occurring at night. If traveling during winter, make sure to have adequate layers since it may feel colder at times than others.
There are several sites where you can stay while in town. Many offer free use of showers which is very helpful when you get tired! Speaking from first hand experience, there are some excellent hotels near Monastirio Metro Station which allows easy access to just about anywhere in the city.
Florence, Italy
With its rich history as one of the world’s great cultural hubs, beautiful natural landscapes, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder that Florence has become a popular destination for travelers around the globe.
With its wealth of museums and galleries, charming piazzas and squares, and spectacular scenery (think cascading waterfalls or lush green valleys), there are never enough hours in the day to see it all.
And while many people visit for business purposes, others come solely to soak in the beauty of the city and experience what life here is like. You’ll also find plenty of locals who have lived here their entire lives and therefore know the best places to eat, drink, and stay within the area.
This article will focus on some offbeat but worthwhile experiences you can add to your list when traveling to Florence. For more information about things to do in Florence during non-peak season, read our separate article: Best Day Trips from Florence.
