Question 1

How do I find the best local restaurants in a foreign city?

Accepted Answer

Google Maps is your best friend: Search for restaurants with many reviews IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE — this indicates locals rather than tourists. The 'Popular Times' feature shows you when locals eat (in Spain, for example, not until 9–10 PM). Avoid restaurants directly at major attractions — two side streets away, the food is better and 40% cheaper. Food blogs and Instagram accounts of local foodies are invaluable — search for '[City] food blog' or '[City] restaurant tips' in the local language.

Question 2

Which cities are best explored on foot?

Accepted Answer

Florence, Bruges, Dubrovnik, and the historic center of Prague are compact enough to walk all the main attractions in 2–3 days. Barcelona is perfect for long walks along La Rambla, through the Gothic Quarter, and along the beach promenade. Lisbon is pedestrian-friendly despite the hills — trams and elevators help with the steepest climbs. Amsterdam and Copenhagen are ideal for cycling — rental bikes cost 10–15 euros per day and are the fastest mode of transport.

Question 3

What are the best cities for street art?

Accepted Answer

Berlin (Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain) is the European capital of street art with the East Side Gallery and constantly changing murals. Lisbon's neighborhoods of Mouraria and Alfama are dotted with works by international artists. London features Shoreditch and Brick Lane as vibrant open-air galleries. Buenos Aires (Palermo, La Boca) offers colorful murals that tell political and cultural stories. Free walking tours focused on street art are available in all major cities — often led by local artists.

Question 4

How can I save on museum visits in European cities?

Accepted Answer

London is unbeatable: The British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum are completely free. In Paris, the first Sunday of the month (October–March) is free in many museums, and under-26s with an EU passport always get in for free. Vienna offers free entry to federal museums on the first Sunday of the month. City cards (Vienna Pass, Barcelona Card, Roma Pass) are worth it after 3–4 museum visits and often include public transport.

Question 5

Which European cities have the best nightlife?

Accepted Answer

Berlin is legendary for its techno clubs (Berghain, Tresor, Watergate) that open Friday night and close Monday morning. Barcelona offers beach clubs, rooftop bars, and clubs that open at 2 AM. Belgrade is Europe's hidden gem with floating clubs (Splavovi) on the Danube and Sava rivers. Amsterdam has everything from jazz cafés to techno clubs to the infamous red-light district bars. Budapest combines ruin pubs (Szimpla Kert) with thermal bath parties and affordable prices.

Question 6

How do I plan a perfect 3-day city trip?

Accepted Answer

Day 1: Orientation and highlights — Free walking tour in the morning (2–3 hours), then the top 3 attractions. Day 2: Depth — visit a museum or take a thematic tour (food, street art, history), and explore a trendy neighborhood in the afternoon. Day 3: Like a local — visit a market, café-hopping, parks, shopping in non-touristy areas. Book museum tickets online in advance to skip the line. Plan a maximum of 3 activities per day — anything more will become stressful instead of enjoyable.

Question 7

Which cities are suitable for a romantic getaway?

Accepted Answer

Paris remains the classic: Sacré-Cœur at sunset, a boat ride on the Seine, Montmartre streets. Venice outside the high season (November–March) is magical — fog over the canals, empty piazzas, authentic trattorias. Prague offers castle panoramas, Art Nouveau cafés, and affordable luxury hotels starting at 80 euros/night. Porto enchants with Douro vineyards, azulejo facades, and the most romantic sunsets in Europe. Bruges is like a living medieval painting — perfect for a slow, romantic weekend.

Question 8

How do I get from the airport to the city center cheaply?

Accepted Answer

In almost all European cities, there are train, metro, or bus connections from the airport for 1–15 euros, which are faster than taxis. London Heathrow: Piccadilly Line (6 euros, 50 min) instead of Heathrow Express (25 euros). Barcelona El Prat: Aerobus (7 euros, 35 min) instead of taxi (40 euros). Rome Fiumicino: Leonardo Express (15 euros, 32 min) to the main train station. Istanbul: Metro + Marmaray (1 euro!) from the new airport to the city center. Ride-sharing (Uber, Bolt) is often 30–50% cheaper than official taxis.

Question 9

Which apps do I need for city trips?

Accepted Answer

Citymapper is the best public transport app for big cities — real-time connections, disruptions, and 'next exit' for subways. Google Maps for navigation, restaurant reviews, and offline maps. TripAdvisor or Yelp for reviews and discovering hidden gems. GetYourGuide or Viator for last-minute tour bookings with flexible cancellation. Currency Converter for quick price conversions. The official city app (Visit Berlin, Visit Barcelona) often has exclusive discounts and events.

Question 10

How do I avoid tourist traps in big cities?

Accepted Answer

Rule No. 1: Never enter a restaurant directly at a major attraction — prices are 50–100% higher with poorer quality. Be cautious of 'friendly strangers' who want to lead you to their favorite jeweler/tailor/restaurant — they are almost always commission agents. Buy tickets ONLY from official websites, not from street vendors who offer fake or overpriced tickets. Ignore people who unsolicitedly hand you something (roses, bracelets, birdseed) — they will aggressively demand money. Use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps instead of taxis that approach you at the airport.

City Trips — Insider Knowledge