Whether you’re city-hopping across Europe by train or spending all your time in one place to check off all the sights, crowds can put a damper on the day. But to experience Europe’s most iconic sights without standing in long lines or elbowing your way through crowds, travel expert Rick Steves has an unexpected tip. “The easiest way to enjoy the mainstream sights without the commotion, selfie-sticks, and intensity of modern commerce is in the fringiest of hours — very early. Set your alarm and experience the best of Europe at its best,” he writes in his article “Sightseeing at Dawn.”
“Throughout Europe — in city squares, outdoor markets, Alpine mountaintops, and Riviera beaches — the local scene comes alive while tourists sleep, when the best sights are blissfully crowd-free,” Steves shares. Speaking specifically of the Cinque Terre in Italy, he says, “When the bells chime six, I know it’s time to get up.” During this part of the day, cafés are just setting up for service, markets are opening up, and locals begin stirring to commute to work — all without the rush of peak tourist traffic.
While beating the crowds is a perk in itself, getting started early in the morning also helps you make the most of your day. You can visit more of the top sights, enjoy meals at a relaxed pace, and even take an afternoon siesta without any feelings of FOMO. So the next time you’re planning a European vacation, consider shifting your schedule just a bit earlier — as they say, the early bird gets the worm.
Why Rick Steves says you should go sightseeing in Europe at dawn
