Europe
While many Americans and their neighbors in Canada and Mexico spend entire lives exploring the countries they call home without venturing beyond national borders, Europe presents a continental opportunity for its residents that’s as culturally enriching as it is geographically feasible. It almost seems glib to refer to the continent as a single unit when its individual regions arguably surpass the sum of its parts; to truly experience Europe, even as a local, a person has to take things one deep dive at a time. We’ve got some ideas on what that might entail – just remember to leave room for the element of surprise.
Rome
Whether you thrive on its energy or are weary of being swallowed up whole, the birthplace of western culture is more than a city; it’s a life force. Like all big cities, Rome is not a destination to master. It’s one to humbly acknowledge as indomitable: Some days, that means you’ll hobble home, while others will leave you feeling a sense of coalescence with Rome. On any given day – whether you’re in Rome’s corner or TKO’d by it – it’s best to nourish yourself with a panino and an aimless stroll. You can’t beat it, but you can absolutely join it.
Vienna
With each passing year, the ancient city of Vienna gets a bit of a modern makeover. While its history is no doubt key to its charms, it doesn’t hurt that things here are also getting more practical, more eco-friendly, and better organized. Historians need not fret, though; Austrians are great at preserving their legacy and cherishing their traditions. Vienna is a city that is constantly redefining what it means to innovate without disturbing what came before, and it never forgets that it’s a pity for beauty to be wasted.
Helsinki
In stark contrast to destinations like Rome and Vienna, Helsinki is only just getting started in many ways. Though it’s been inhabited since the Ice Age, there are literally theaters in California standing today that have been around for longer than Finland has been a country. For Helsinki, this is a blessing, as the city isn’t mired in outdated policy or ritual. Instead, it exists on the forefront of European innovation, has for decades championed gender and economic equality, and no doubt earns extra points from a certain sort of person for the fact that smalltalk is famously not tolerated here.
Featured Localeurs in Europe
Cecilia Camacho, Madrid
Matteo Scaglione, London
Toyah Siegel, Berlin
