Europe String

Public Transit Tours

by Jacy Meyer on July 17th, 2008

I’m a walker - and will always provide walking instructions and suggestions to anyone who asks for directions - whether they wish to walk or not. However, taking public transit does have its perks: resting the tootsies, covering long distances, avoiding bad weather, etc. Some cities have normal bus/tram routes that practically double as a sight-seeing tour. You may or may not know what you are seeing, but the views are interesting, you may see a part of the city you hadn’t planned on and, oh you are sitting for the price of a public transport ticket. Sweet.

Berlin: Bus 100 or 200. Pick up the 100 at the Zoologischer Garten metro station and ride to the Alexanderplatz metro station. You’ll bypass the Siegessaule, Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and the TV tower, just to name a few sites. The 200 also starts at Zoologischer Garten, but ends at Prenzlauer Berg, Michelangelostrasse and shows off more of East Berlin than the 100. You can jump off at the Alexanderplatz station, most of the major sites will have been seen. The tourist office has capitalized on this goodie and in their offices you can purchase a map with details of what you’ll be seeing. Hop on, and climb to the top for the best sightseeing. Cost: 2.10 EUR.

Prague: Tram 22 or 23. Pick-up the tram at either Karlova náměstí or Náměstí Míru, depending on where you are beginning. A Nám. Míru start will wind you through the leafy Vinohrady district; you’ll hit Karlova nám. three stops later. You’ll pass through the New Town and by the National Theater before crossing the Vltava River and into the Lesser Quarter of Malá Strana. Up the hill and on to Prague Castle. You can get off here, or stay on two more stops to Pohořelec and walk down towards the castle via Loretánská. Magical Prague for a mere 26 CZK.

Rome: Take bus 40 from Termini Station in the direction of the Vatican, which is your final destination. Keep your cameras ready because along the route you’ll sit in cozy comfort past the city center, Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia before crossing the river. Spot Castel Sant’Angelo and the Bridge of Angels before debussing at Vatican City. Price: 1 EUR.

I’m sure there are many other cities with convenient transport “tours.” If you know of any - please share!

Photo Credit: Prague Castle as seen from Charles Bridge; Jacy Meyer

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POSTED IN: Eastern Europe, Germany, Italy, Sightseeing in Europe