Living Like a Local
in Europe
      Means . . .

It means becoming temporary residents in a smaller town or a singular big city
neighborhood where we can experience, appreciate and immerse ourselves in a
unique European community — something not easily done when
 traveling as a typical tourist.

It also means avoiding the barriers we usually put up between ourselves and the places we visit, and creating bridges instead. For example, renting a cozy, economical apartment rather than staying
at an impersonal, expensive hotel. Joining our neighbors at the farmer’s market to buy ingredients for some
of the meals we will prepare in our own kitchen. At other times, finding restaurants patronized not by tourists but by locals. And in general, venturing a little out of our comfort zones to engage with the community.

And while one can live like a local in a smaller town as we usually do, you can also enjoy everything a big city neighborhood has to offer while still living there like locals, as we write about here.   

In any case, if you want to make your next European vacation a more purposeful and memorable experience,
we think the philosophy of living like a local is worth considering, as we hope you will discover in the pages that follow.

Thanks for joining us! 

Living Like a Local is . . .

  • Renting an apartment — preferably in the old part of a town, rather than staying at an impersonal hotel with other tourists

  • Meeting your neighbors — getting to know the locals, as well as chefs, bakers and other shopkeepers

  • Preparing some meals in your own kitchen — joining the locals at the farmer’s market to buy fresh produce to prepare yourself rather than going out for every meal

  • Taking time to explore — discovering areas off-the-beaten-path, not with a tour but on your own, by foot or on bicycle

  • Seeking out local activities — checking the calendar for community events and performances to support

  • Finding a favorite hangout  — relaxing in a cozy and familiar place where you can plan each day to do as much or as little as you want

Five Essential Principles for Choosing that perfect place

We rely on 5 essential principles for choosing the perfect live-like-a-local town or neighborhood in Europe. (Of course, you may want to consider other factors as well.)


1. Easy To Reach
The place must be relatively easy to get to. You don’t want to be exhausted from a multi-stage journey, nor spend your vacation dreading the trip back. Maybe an easy train or bus ride from your arrival city, or a reasonable drive by rental car.


2. Off the Radar
You want a town or neighborhood that is not associated with the terms “Trendy” or “Popular Vacation Destination.” There are countless gems out there that are generally off the radar of the typical tourist, allowing for a more authentic and
laid-back experience.


3. Not too Big, Not too Small
The town or neighborhood should be small enough to be walkable (or with convenient public transportation), but with enough shops, cultural sites and activities to hold your interest. You will not need a car to get around except for an optional day trip, where you can go to the local rental office. 


4. Farmer’s Market
Your chosen town should have a good daily, bi-weekly or weekly farmer’s market where you will purchase much of your food. Shopping alongside your neighbors and picking out fresh, local produce to cook in your own kitchen is an essential and tasty part of this type of vacation. And the opportunity to mingle with your fellow shoppers, discover new vegetables and cheeses, or ask recipe advice from a vendor,
is part of the fun.


5. Charm
A place may be easy to reach, off the radar, the right size and have a good market, but how special is it, really?
It should have several charming attributes that make it distinctive and memorable. You’ll know it
when you see it.

So, Where Are These Places?

 They’re all over!

But to get you started, click on the PLACES tab on any page or the button below for Live-Like-a-Local towns we have enjoyed and recommend. 

Consider visiting these places yourself, or use them as comparisons for others you may be interested in . . . and let us know what others you find!          

Places