Europe Unfiltered: Part 2—Concrete Jungles and Iconic Landmarks
- Barry Branaugh
- 13m
- 2 min read
Thinking about a European getaway? As a travel specialist, it remains my absolute favorite corner of the world. But as we discussed in [Part 1: The Reality of Crowds and Culture], it’s not always postcards and perfect sunsets. In this second installment of our five-part series, we’re looking at the heartbeat of the continent: The Major Cities.
The Pros: Why We Love the Great Metros
When you touch down in hubs like London, Paris, Madrid, or Berlin, you are stepping into a concentrated dose of history.
Everything is Within Reach: You’ll find world-class museums, iconic architecture, and historic sites in walkable or incredibly well-connected districts.
Ditch the Keys: Public transportation is so efficient that driving is not only unnecessary—it’s actually a burden.
Endless Variety: Whether you want a Michelin-starred dinner or a street-side crepe, a luxury hotel or a quirky boutique stay, these cities cater to every budget.
Ease of Travel: In these hubs, English is widely spoken, signage is clear, and the infrastructure is built to help you navigate with ease.
The Cons: The "Unfiltered" Reality
While the city lights are bright, there are some logistical hurdles to be aware of:
The Crowd Factor: As I mentioned in my previous post, the crowds are real. For major attractions, "winging it" no longer works; you’ll need advance tickets and a healthy dose of patience.
The Price Tag: Convenience comes at a premium. Expect higher costs for lodging and dining compared to smaller, rural destinations.
Sensory Overload: The constant hum of traffic, sirens, and bustling crowds can be exhausting. If you’re prone to sensory overload, the "big city pace" can feel like a lot to handle.
The "Tourist Bubble": With so many visitors, it can be harder to find that "authentic"
local immersion. These hubs are also where you’re most likely to encounter petty crimes like pickpocketing.
The Bottom Line
Major cities excel at variety and iconic experiences, making them the perfect "anchors" for any trip. To make the most of them, I recommend balancing that high-octane city energy with strategic pre-booking and perhaps a few day trips to smaller, quieter towns.
My name is Barry Branaugh and I am a retired high school history teacher from Redmond, Oregon, who became a travel advisor in 2023.
I have a passion for travel, but also get great fulfillment out of helping others achieve their travel dreams!
In North America I have traveled to 45 of the 50 US states, Canada, Mexico, and Belize. In Europe I have traveled to Ireland, all four countries withing the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Portugal, and Spain.
Reach out to Barry to get started planning your European adventure!
541-480-3889
Instagram: cnc_barry_branaugh
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