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Hop-on, hop-off city buses are a fun and convenient way of taking in the best sights of Europe’s greatest cities. There is, however, a downside: generally speaking, this kind of tour is a pricey proposition. A possible workaround is to forgo the tour bus in favor of the city’s public transportation network. Of course, this isn’t a great option during peak commuter times, or for when you’re hauling about great quantities of luggage. However, during the off-hours, it can make for cheap sightseeing. And if you’d ever wondered what it might be like to be a resident of the place you’re visiting, this form of tourism provides a snapshot of a day in the life in real-time. A word of caution: wherever there are distracted tourists, there are pickpockets ready to prey on them. Don’t fall victim to their evil ways by keeping an eagle eye on your possessions at all times. Here is a roundup of some scenic, regularly scheduled routes to aid you in your urban exploration.
Berlin
East meets West on this half-hour tour through recent history. Board bus 100 at the Zoologischer Garten train station. Its 19-stop route passes by the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial Church, the spacious Tiergarten park, Victory Column, Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. It rolls by the classical buildings lining the bustling Unter den Linden, the Museum Island with its world-class museums and the Television Tower before ending at Alexanderplatz, Germany’s largest square.
Lisbon
The quaint yellow trams rattling along the steep city streets resemble relics from the past because they are: the trams serving the E28 route date back to the 1930s. This classic route passes through the popular tourist districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela. Sights you’ll see include the Basílica da Estrela, the main plaza of the funky Bairro Alto, the Se Cathedral and Saint Anthony Church and the Portas do Sol, from where splendid views over the Tejo Estuary can be taken in. During peak hours, your best shot at a seat may come by boarding at the Martim Moniz or Campo Ourique departure stations.
London
Board bus number 11 on the upscale King’s Road in Chelsea and travel in a northeasterly direction, passing the posh residences of Belgravia, Westminster Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the Royal Courts of Justice, through the financial district, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London mayor's official home known as the Mansion House and on to the bus’s terminus at Liverpool Street station. Just a short walk from there, you’ll find Spitalfields market, along with trendy Brick Lane and Shoreditch.
Milan
The city’s excellent public transportation system includes several delightful vintage yellow trams. A great introduction to the city is provided by the route of Tram 1. Sights along the way include the Sempione city park, the Arco della Pace, Castello Sforzesco, Cadorna, Piazza Cordusio, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala opera theater, Montenapoleon, Piazza della Repubblica and Giardini Pubblici before terminating near the grand Centrale Station. Note you don’t have to purchase the Tramilano tour package which comes with an audio-guide in order to ride the old, wooden-benched trams. Those who’ve posted in tourist advice forums stress the importance of validating one’s ticket before boarding the tram, as zealous inspectors eager to fine unwitting tourists are on standby.
Paris
Tour along the Right Bank of the Seine with bus line 72. This route runs alongside the river from the Eiffel Tower to the Hotel de Ville and circles around the Louvre and the Tuileries for good measure. When traveling from west to east, sit on the right-hand side of bus to soak up the best views.
Prague
A ride on Tram 22 will take you past countless landmarks. Boarding in Vinohrady, where vineyards once stood, you’ll pass by the gothic New Town Hall, Diamant cubist house, a giant model of Franz Kafka´s Head and the National Theater with its golden roof. As you cross the river, Prague Castle looms in front of you. From here you’ll pass through the Mala Strana and steeply upward before reaching the castle and its sprawling grounds. You’ll also be close to the Strahov Monastery, which has a lovely library and a brewery.
Stockholm
Bus 2 moves from north to south, cutting through the heart of the city as it takes in and spits off passengers along 22 stops. Should you board by the Royal Library, you will pass by Kungstradgaden and the pretty red Saint James Church before crossing over into the Gamla Stan, or Old Town, where Stockholm Castle and the colorful houses of the Stortorget square await exploration. The bus continues to Södermalm, an island and city district with charming cafes and an artsy vibe.
Vienna
The trams traveling along the Ringstrasse pass by this majestic city’s best bits. Hop on board Tram 1 at Schwedenplatz, heading in the direction of Stefan-Fadinger-Platz. This circular route takes you past the Monument to the Victims of Fascism at the former Gestapo headquarters site, the Stock Exchange, the Votive Church and City Hall. Change onto Tram 2 at Staiongasse/Parlament and pass by Parliament, the Athena Fountain, the statue of Empress Maria Theresa and State Opera House before returning to your starting point.
