Rick Steves' Tip To Avoid Crowds In Europe Is These Cozy, Historic Establishments

Europe is home to bucket list destinations that everyone needs to experience at least once. Each year, tourists from around the world flock to iconic places across the continent, and many of the most famous cities become extremely crowded during peak tourist season. When overtourism gets overwhelming, European travel expert Rick Steves has some excellent tips for people who hate crowds.

If you've ever waited in a massive line to visit a historic attraction or a well-known museum, you know that it can be a bit chaotic and draining. You may have been left disappointed when a place you've dreamed of visiting turns out to be more touristy than expected. Luckily, Rick Steves has the perfect solution for traveler's in search of a way to escape the crowds and indulge in some rest and relaxation. He suggests taking a break from the tourist hotspots and visiting historic cafés or pubs instead.

Rick Steves is best known for his travel guidebooks. Europe is his specialty, and if you've ever planned a European getaway, then chances are you may have referenced one of his books. He also hosted a popular television program, Rick Steves' Europe, which was one of the longest-running travel shows on public television. He's built a wildly successful business encouraging Americans to visit Europe and hosts thousands of people on his group tours each year. Even with his extensive travel experience, he still finds himself looking to get away from the crowds. Next time you're feeling exasperated from the hustle and bustle while traveling abroad, consider taking his advice by spending some time at a cozy spot with some history.

Many travelers tend to jam-pack their itineraries. While it's totally understandable to try to make the most out of your trip, sometimes the best travel moments occur when we're able to kick back and relax. Endless planes, trains, and automobiles can be exhausting. It's okay to enjoy some down time during your trip, but there's no need to hole up in your hotel room when you're in need of a break. 

Intimate cafés and pubs are the perfect place to chill out for a few hours. That's exactly where you'll find Rick Steves when he's feeling a little worn down after a long day of sightseeing. "Delving into the café culture and historic pubs of the world's most elegant cities is an enriching way to get some distance from the sightseeing crowds," Rick Steves wrote on his website. He added that spending some time in a warm, comfortable spot can even help out with feelings of homesickness, which can creep up when you least expect it — especially if you're on an extended trip. Since Rick Steves spends several months out of each year traveling, you can bet that he's had to cope with feeling homesick now and then.

You might also gain a deeper connection to the locals. "After taking in the sights of Europe's magnificent cities, look for an inviting café or pub where you can soak in the locals' enthusiasm for their national heritage and traditions. Slow down and experience a good cup of coffee or local beer — and make yourself at home. You'll return with a broader perspective, some interesting stories, and maybe even a new friend or two," Rick Steves wrote.

Rick Steves has visited at least 30 countries in Europe. He's had the opportunity to discover the best cafés and pubs where you can relax and soak up the European vibes. In Vienna, he suggests visiting Café Hawelka, which has become his "local living room in Austria." Café Sperl, which has been around since the late 1800s, is another one of his favorite places to hang out in Vienna. He calls it a "cultural treasure" that will leave you feeling as though you've time traveled to the 19th century.

When he's in Venice, he loves to visit Caffè Florian, which dates back to 1720. Lord Byron, Goethe, Charles Dickens, Marcel Proust, Elton John, Oliver Stone, Charlie Chaplin, Nicholas Cage, Matt Damon, Clint Eastwood, and Giorgio Armani are just a few of the famous patrons  who have visited during its 300-year history. It's decked out with glamorous decor, and live orchestra performances are common.

According to Rick Steves, London is one of the best cities in all of Europe. He calls London's pubs the "heart of the people's England, where all manner of folks have, for generations, found a home away from home." Pubs, or "public houses," have been popular social gathering places in London for hundreds of years. During a trip to London, Steves suggests visiting Anglesea Arms, which is located in South Kensington. "Today, timeworn taverns such as the Anglesea Arms are national treasures that still make a cheery refuge from the daily grind or a brief escape for a tired traveler," he wrote.