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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Must Do's...The Three Places We Visit in Every City

People say that those who travel fall into two camps: tourists and travelers. The SeƱor and I consider ourselves travelers more than tourists. When we visit a city for the first time, we enjoy visiting the places for which the city is known, no doubt, but whenever it is possible, we prefer living like locals. We take public transportation, we chat with people, and we avoid anything marketed for American tourists.  

Everyone has their preferences, and this is ours. 


There are, however, three places we go in every city we visit. You can learn a lot about people and culture in these places and you're sure to have memorable experiences hat outweigh the pricey souvenirs offered in the tourist shoppes. 



When we travel we always visit:

1. The local market. 

A local market tells you so much about the people that live there. Look at what is for sale, what is grown and sourced locally, and more importantly, notice the interaction between the vendors and their patrons. When we go to the market, we get a sense of the dynamic of the neighborhood, something that is lost in the supermarket chain. 




2. A local cafe/bar
Cafe culture is so much more than having a drink. When you go to a local bar, at least overseas, you can enjoy your coffee and read the paper or chat with, both the employees, and the cast of characters from every walk of life who come in to enjoy a coffee or some other drink. 

Unlike a typical coffee chain store, where there is an assembly line of workers to take orders, make drinks, and deliver drinks, a local cafe or bar has one person (maybe two) who does it all. It's not complicated. There's no fuss, and rarely are you given a paper cup from which to drink your coffee or your drink. 

More civilized? Maybe not, but it certainly feels like your time...the time you take to sit and enjoy your coffee...is more your own. 


3. The main plaza

The main plaza, like a Plaza Mayor in Spain, is always a treat because you can go and feel the pulse of a city. 

You see people, locals and tourists alike, attending to business and enjoying some retail therapy. You may see friends gathered for a drink or enjoying a gelato. 

In Spain, at least, you see the old Grandpas chatting about local politics and what's on their radar. 

You see what businesses have won that prized real estate and you can often catch live music or some other cultural event close by. 

While I wouldn't' recommend eating in the main plazas because of the tourists, it's always fun to people watch and take in what draws people in to this hub of city life. 



When we travel, the city landscape changes, and, if we're lucky, so does the language, but the one thing that remains constant is our desire to live like locals, enjoying the people, the sounds, the flavors, and the magic that each place brings to life. 

When you travel, where are the places that you frequent? Do you prefer to travel like a tourist or a traveler?


29 comments:

  1. These are great ideas. In addition to a local market, I always like to go into a grocery store as well as a drug store. I love to see the similarities and differences with what we have back home.

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    1. I love grocery stores too, Shari, for the same reason. Drug stores in Europe are pretty much on lockdown (at least they are in Spain and France)...you have to ask the pharmacist for just about everything, but it's fun, nonetheless.

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  2. We like to do both. Our MO is to do a city your when we first arrive so we can get a local's overview of the city and then plot out the rest of our adventures. We definitely do the market thing too!

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    1. We do too, Sara. We like to get our bearings and then go where we want. It's so much fun.

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  3. Terrific Picks Kelly and I would (have) done the same. Oh, and I love Plaza Mayor!!!

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    1. Plaza Mayor is always a hit, isn't it, Peggy? It's a great place to people watch.

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  4. Right now I'm in Germany, so I always want to see the Rathaus (town hall) of each city we visit - they tend to be pretty impressive.

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    1. Great point, Ava. Each one has its own signature and character.

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  5. Great ideas, I will have to keep these in mind on my upcoming travels.

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    1. Have a wonderful trip, Rena. You deserve all the best.

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  6. Love these wonderful pictures! Make me want to go back and visit asap!

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    1. Wanderlust is serious business. I am happy afflicted, so I understand, Ellen.

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  7. I am definitely a tourist - I want to see what a place is famous for - but I also want to eat and experience off the beaten path. I'm a combination I think.

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    1. Everything in balance is the way to go, I think. Your trip--your choices.

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  8. I definitely prefer to travel as a traveler not a tourist. I love these tips. I also recommend researching before you travel so you know what you want to do or where you want to eat :) It helps you enjoy as much of your time as possible!

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    1. I do the same, Allie. Research also gives you a fun preview of what's coming.

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  9. I like visiting a local old church/cemetery. I know a bit weird but I love reading the history of the people and the church.

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    1. Great points! Old churches and cemeteries can show you a lot about a place and its culture.

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  10. I agree with your ideas, but I rarely visit the local market.#travel tuesday

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  11. Love these - and totally agree. There's nothing more satisfying than people watching in coffee shops and city squares around the world!

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  12. Great recommendations! I try to do the same things as well. My favorite are the plazas! My favorite thing to do is find a local dessert shop :)

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  13. I'm a little bit of both I'd have to say! If a city is known for something specifically I want to see it and experience it, but I also love exploring and finding places that are lesser known. My best trips are when I get a good dose of both!

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  14. What a great post! My favorite things to do in a new city are find/climb a tower (or find the highest point of view), go to a library and try the local food! #wanderfulwednesdays

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  15. Great tips! And find the local bar to find out all the strange and wonderful tales of the residents...

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  16. I definitely agree about the local market! They can be lot of fun to wander around.

    I'd also say that I like to visit the highest point in a city/town, or a good viewpoint. It's a good way to get your bearings and see the place from a new perspective!

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  17. I love that you always visit these three places! They are so applicable to almost everywhere I've been, especially Spain! Every time I go somewhere new, I try my hardest to see the place from the view of a local! The markets, local restaurants and the main plaza are just the places to do that! Thanks for sharing and linking up :D

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  18. Your post title is great! I immediately want to know where you recommended. I agree with all three! I try my best to do the same in each place I visit because I'm obsessed with fresh produce & coffee, and where better to enjoy those than in the main plaza!

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  19. I love visiting market squares! It's where all the locals gather and you really can learn so much about local culture and traditions there!

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  20. I definitely go for all three of these, plus a viewpoint like a church tower or hill so I can get an overview of the city :)

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