Places
Sights
On a short trip, the backpack on your shoulders affects everything: which museum will let you in, how long you will last at a viewpoint and whether you will feel like going into a market. So instead of specific sights, we describe types of places — what to see there when travelling light and how to plan a visit so your things do not get in the way. There are no opening hours, prices or rankings here: each place sets its own entry rules, and it is best to check them on the official website on the day you visit.
One place seen without hurrying stays in your memory longer than five rushed through with a backpack on your shoulders.
This section covers types of places, without addresses or names. Rules on entry, storing belongings and photography are set by the museums, churches and park authorities themselves.
What to see travelling light
Five types of places that fit well into a short trip.
A small museum
Where: In the old centre or near the main square
A local or specialist museum can be seen in an hour or so. It quickly explains what the town lives by and is proud of.
Tip: Large backpacks are often not allowed inside — find out in advance whether there is a cloakroom or lockers.
A viewpoint
Where: A hill, a bell tower, a high bank or the top floor of a building
The best way to understand in ten minutes how a city is laid out and where to go next.
Tip: It is usually windy at the top: keep a light warm layer at the top of your backpack, not at the bottom.
A market
Where: Usually not far from the station or the centre
Food for the journey, local produce and the everyday life of the town all in one place.
Tip: In crowded aisles, wear your backpack on your front or carry it, and keep your wallet in an inside pocket.
A city park or riverside
Where: Along the river, by old fortifications or at the edge of the centre
A place to pause between stops on your route: sit down, have a snack, repack your things.
Tip: If you are walking all day, this is a convenient spot to change your shoes or socks.
A church or monastery
Where: In the centre, on a hill or on the outskirts of town
Architecture, silence and often a beautiful view from the grounds.
Tip: Pack a light scarf or wrap: many churches ask visitors to cover their shoulders and knees.
How to visit
Practical tricks for seeing places without carrying extra weight.
Left luggage
Where: At railway and bus stations, sometimes at large museums
If your backpack is heavy, drop it off in the morning and explore with just a small bag.
Tip: Photograph the receipt and note the opening hours — collecting your things late in the evening is not always possible.
Museum cloakroom
Where: At the entrance, next to the ticket desk
Many museums ask you to check in large bags and backpacks, and sometimes coats too.
Tip: Keep your documents, phone and money with you in a small pouch or pocket.
Your accommodation as a base
Where: A guesthouse or flat in the centre
If you are staying overnight in town, leave your backpack at your accommodation and head out light.
Tip: Ask whether you can leave your things before check-in or after check-out — it often solves the last-day problem.
Dressing for the place
Where: Churches, monasteries and some museums
Dress codes can be stricter than you expect: covered shoulders, knees and sometimes a head covering.
Tip: A light scarf weighs almost nothing and does the job of several items.
Timing your visit
Where: Any popular place
In the morning and closer to closing time there are usually fewer people, and your backpack does not get in other visitors' way.
Tip: Check the museum's closing days on the day of your visit: many are closed on Mondays or on one of the weekdays.
Related sections
- Routes
Three hypothetical routes: a day on foot in a new city, a weekend out of town and two nights in a small town.
- On the spot
How to get your bearings in an unfamiliar place, and where to eat and sleep when travelling light.
- Packing
How to pack a backpack for three days step by step: a list, mistakes, fallback options and a checklist.
Sources
- Official websites of museums and protected natural areas
- Carriers' baggage rules
Information is current as of the date of preparation. Baggage rules, timetables, prices and conditions of carriage change, so check them with your carrier before every trip.