Europe, a part of the old world, a continent that sees thousands of tourists every year. As someone with an EU citizenship, I consider Europe to be like a second home to me. While I haven’t even explored half of what the continent has to offer, I feel like I know enough to give any Euro travel some general tips on things to do when in Europe.

Here are 11 things you MUST do while visiting this amazing continent:

1. Visit a Stereotypical European Tourist city.

Visit a city like Paris, Rome, or London, basically the major cities that pop up in your mind when you think of a stereotypical Euro vacation. While out of the three I’ve only been to Pairs. But from what I’ve heard from other friends, I can say that all three of these cities aren’t necessarily what they are made out to be. Plus, they are filled with tourists and pickpockets.

But before you think I’m trash talking these cities, I’d like to point out that they still have so much to offer. For instance, immersing oneself in the Catholic culture of Rome and the Vatican, exploring London’s beautiful architecture, and checking out all the amazing museums of Paris. The truth is that, yes, these cities are the overrated, stereotypical Euro cities, but that doesn’t make them any less amazing. But hey, doing stereotypical things like seeing the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, or the Coliseum is still really fun, and I think that most Euro Travels have an urge to see these cities (which they should). Maybe good to get it over with early in the trip, right?

2. Learn (at least) part of the language.

While I would say this for any country that anyone visits, PLEASE try to at least learn a few key words of the language. For example, in France use your "Bonjour’s", "s’il vous plait’s", and "merci’s". In Germany, "guten tag," and "danke". Even if you’re in places like the Czech Republic, just try to say things like "ahoj" (hello), or "dekuji" (thank you). The locals will definitely appreciate you and it will put you a step above the average tourist.

Additionally, actually being in the country will give you such an amazing opportunity to learn new phrases and how to say them. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t know how to say something. The important thing here is to be open about to know that traveling should be as much about learning as it should be about leisure!

3. Get some Gelato from Amorino.

Amorino is an Italian Gelateria chain that serves delicious gelato, sorbet, gelato shakes, macarons, and other delicious European treats. The best part is when scooping your gelato/sorbet into a cone the employees carve the gelato into the shape of a rose and it’s just beautiful. Even better, they can put a macaron in the middle of your rose!

Granted you can find Amorino in the States in major American cities like New York or LA, but they are far more common in Western Europe than they are anywhere else in the world. And besides, what’s better than strolling through the streets of Paris or Rome with a cone of rose-shaped Gelato?

4. Centre Pompidou

Please, please, please go to Centre Pompidou. It’s a building near the Marias district of Paris that’s all funky looking and modern, with tube escalators that are visible from the outside. Best part? IT HOUSES THE LARGEST MODERN ART MUSEUM IN ALL OF EUROPE!!! Paris’ Musée National d'Art Moderne.

The Museum is fairly large, but it’s just small enough that you could fully explore it and navigate it in a day or two. The museum really hosts a spectacular array of modern artworks, which every modern art lover is bound to appreciate. Even if you don’t like modern art, I would recommend just checking it out an being open to it. Remember you can still enjoy modern art even if you don’t “get it”.

5. Explore Eastern Europe.

After getting a taste of Western Europe, check out the East side. Countries like Poland. Hungary, Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Baltic States, and Russia have so much to offer. Considering most of Eastern Europe was closed off for the average westerners until the early 90’s, there are still so many untapped and unique places to explore. Plus, there’s a slightly different culture to deal with on the east being more Slavic and all.

Another thing to keep in mind when going to the east is that you will be exploring post-communism and it’s social, political, cultural, and even geographic ramifications. This is super interesting to learn about.

Finally, many Eastern European countries still have developing economies and therefore things tend to be a lot cheaper in Eastern Europe than in the West (like $20 total for two nights in a hostel cheap).

6. Visit Prague or Krakow, please.

Besides simply going to Eastern Europe try to visit a major Eastern European city like Prague or Krakow, being Polish I’m more biased towards Krakow and have actually never been to Prague. I can say with certainty that both cities are stunning examples of Eastern European culture and architecture.

The sad thing about a lot of Eastern European cities is that many of them (especially in Poland) were destroyed during WWII and have lost a lot of their old-world charm. However, both Prague and Krakow (thankfully) did not experience such a horrible fate and have been well preserved (Krakow has an old town dating back to the 13^th century that still exists!!).

7. Go Clubbing

Europe, in general, has a great club scene with each country offering a vibrant interpretation of what clubbing is like (like the techno clubs of Berlin for instance). Truthfully, clubbing is clubbing wherever you go, but it’s nice to experience different culture and music in the clubs.

For instance, clubs in Europe tend to have more electronic, techno music. Hell, even Eurodance music (think Haddaway what is love) which is pretty different from the usual trap music clubs you find in the U.S. Some might find it strange, but I honestly like it better. Either way, definitely check it out.

8. Just get a small espresso and a pastry.

One of the things I love the most about Europe is how common coffee and pastry shops are in every city of every country in Europe. Like, really on every street corner, and trust me these ain't no Starbucks. They are usually privately owned and have freshly made pastries.

Also, don’t expect your typical American latté. Your coffee drink will be small (like a Starbucks kids size). It will have very little cream if any, it will 100% be espresso based, and no it usually won’t be flavored with syrup, most likely all you will get is a little sugar packet, so don’t expect to order a triple shot venti latté with three pumps caramel, one pump mocha. Then after getting your espresso and pastry, take some time to soak in the world and read a book or something.

So go out of your way and try to find a locally run café or bakery (most bakeries usually have espresso, but some don’t), get yourself a treat, sit down, and relax.

9. Try Chocolate in Switzerland.

Switzerland is an expensive country with their own currency (Swiss Francs) because Switzerland, I guess. And no doubt, buying Swiss Chocolate in Switzerland is expensive. But by God, is it worth it, seriously. Never have I tasted more delicious chocolate on this planet, with deep rich cocoa bean flavors and smooth milky creaminess (for the milk chocolate).

Also, you can buy your chocolate with a variety of fillings such as typical nuts, caramel, or even absinthe (delicious by the way). However, be warned there are ‘affordable’ brands of Swiss chocolate that are geared towards tourists. Don’t get those because they taste just like cheap chocolate. Invest in some Lindt, Godiva, Villars, or even some of the more generic Swiss brands like Milka or Nestlé (you can get most of those brands here too, but en Suisse, there is more variety and they do taste a little different too.)

10. Go to a beach.

Take some time to chillax by the ocean whether that be in the South of France, the UK, Croatia, or any European country with ocean access. Even if it’s a more northern country. The weather in the summer in most places in Europe usually permits swimming no matter where you are. That being said, this is definitely a summer activity since the water around Europe is pretty cold in non-summer months.

Also, be prepared to see scantily clad men in speedos, it’s just kind of a thing in Europe (you could also try a nudist beach...if that's your thing...). Of course, not every guy wears one, but it’s certainly more common to find guys wearing them publicly in Europe as opposed to North America. Guys traveling to Europe don’t HAVE to wear them, but still, my advice would be to just do it anyway. So guys rock those speedos!

11. Visit Auschwitz or other Concentration Camps.

When I was visiting friends and family in Poland this last summer, I originally hadn’t planned on going to Auschwitz. But, after visiting the Holocaust museum in Berlin, I suddenly felt compelled to see a concentration camp. When I was deciding on going to Auschwitz, a close friend of mine said to me “every person in the world needs to go to that place at least once in their life”, and boy let me tell you how right he was. Never have I been to a more horrible place. Yet, after seeing Israeli children gather in a circle and pray for Auschwitz lost souls, I have never been so moved.

If there is anything anyone must do while in Europe, it’s visiting a concentration camp. Yes, it’s not a very relaxing or pleasant experience. But as sad as visiting a concentration camp is, the experience is so powerful. WWII and the Holocaust are such important parts of modern world history. While the way people were treated in those camps is unfathomably horrible, simply going to a camp and seeing what’s left over from the war can at least give you a glimpse of the unspeakable suffering that went on in those camps to other HUMANS. It’s a powerful and fundamentally important experience.

While the options for actives and things to do in Europe are endless, hopefully, this list has given you a place to start. Also, when traveling in Europe or any place for that matter, try to go out of your comfort zone and try something new. Remember to be open to learning new things and to actively try to do so.

Traveling is as much about learning as it is about leisure.