People who like to travel and explore different cultures, architecture, and learn about stories older than a century are always trying to find the right way to see as much as they can as tourists.
There’s no recipe for how you should explore a historic city, but there are so many ways you can do it. If you are willing to dive into all the beauty that one historic city has to offer, that doesn’t require a car. There are so many benefits in slowing down and embracing alternative modes of travel.
Here are five unique ways to explore historic cities without a car.
1. Guided Bike Tours
If you want to enjoy sightseeing, but you are not so much into walking, there is a simple solution. Bike tours are the perfect balance for you, because you can see a lot of things, and be faster than pedestrians. In many cities, you can cover more ground with a bike than on foot, because there are some dedicated bike lanes and scenic routes.
Here are the main benefits of bike tours:
- You will have access to narrow streets where cars aren’t allowed.
- You can stop whenever you want to take photos and for local treats.
- Having a guide is great because they will share with you historical insights.
For example, you can explore Rome’s ancient streets and ruins, cycle past the Colosseum, or along the Appian Way. In that way, you can connect with history but in a more dynamic way. Companies like Top Bike Rental offer guided tours on bikes throughout the city, which is a great way to experience the city in a more active and fun way.
Visitors who are looking to explore the Eternal City without losing their nerves in traffic can benefit from this option.
2. Walking Tours with a Twist
Walking tours never get old, but if you want something different, themed tours should be a more interesting way of exploring.
Here are three popular themes:
- Ghost Tours – If you are interested in learning about haunted locations, this one is for you.
- Culinary Walks – Taste your way through historic districts.
- Architectural Walks – You can focus on some specific style or period, like Baroque.
These types of tours offer so much more than usual historic places, because you can see hidden alleys and local neighborhoods that vehicles can’t reach. Walking tours are perfect for cities like Prague or Edinburgh, because you can meet the city’s past more intriguingly. Also, personal interaction with guides makes walking tours the most informative part of any trip.
3. Public Transit Adventures
When you really want to feel the everyday vibe of a city, you should get into public transport. There is no isolation and filter, just pure beauty and all the good and bad sides of that city’s life. So if you are looking for a real experience, you should try this option.
Here are some suggestions on what transit type is best for some cities.
| City | Transit Type | Fun Fact |
| Lisbon (Portugal) | Tram 28 | Routes through Alfama’s narrow streets. |
| Istanbul (Turkey) | Ferry | Europe and Asia are connected via the Bosphorus. |
| Budapest (Hungary) | Metro Line 1 | The oldest metro line in continental Europe. |
4. Horse-Dawn Carriages
For couples, romantic souls, and those who love that nostalgic way of seeing historic landmarks, the traditional horse-drawn carriages are the best option. There are cities perfect for this type of tour:
- Vienna, Austria – You can take a ride with fiakers around the historic Ringstrasse.
- Seville, Spain – See the Alcazar and the Cathedral while you enjoy the ride in carriages.
- Kraków, Poland – See the medieval charm of the Old Town.
This is a great option for those who are not looking for a fast pass through historic sites. You can relax and enjoy sightseeing, take photos, and feel all the beauty around you. Prices for this type of tour vary from town to town, but a typical 30-minute ride costs from $40 to $100. Price also depends on the season.
5. Boat Tours Along Historic Waterways
Some cities can’t be seen in full without a boat tour because it gives you a different perspective on historic skylines and waterfronts. There are many options for boat tours, from small private rides to some large excursions with historical commentary.
In some cities, popular options are hop-on-hop-off boat services, or if you want to make it even more special, then evening/dinner cruises are the way to go.
Here are some top destinations for boat tours:
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Cruise through 17th-century canals.
- Prague, Czech Republic – Sail along the Vltava with views of Charles Bridge.
- Venice, Italy – Sail through narrow canals and the Grand Canal.
Conclusion
As you can see, not only that you not going to miss out on anything because you are skipping the car, but you will also gain a deeper and more personal travel experience.
You can choose any of these five alternatives, depending on the location and attractions you are about to visit.
