Okay, I didn’t actually hike the Matterhorn. That would require a lot of training and time. I’m not a mountain climber but I still wanted to get as close to the famous mountaintop as possible. For years, I had gazed at the replica of the Matterhorn and ridden the bobsleds while being chased by a yeti at Disneyland, but I always dreamed of seeing the real thing.
Don’t be fooled. That tiny peak on the left is not the Matterhorn. The real thing is towering over us from behind the thick clouds
My mom also had this at the very top of her bucket list. As a kid, she often when to Disneyland as well and the Matterhorn has long been one of her favorite rides, so when I asked her where she wanted to go on our big trip through Europe to celebrate my graduation, her first answer was the Matterhorn. So, I started planning all around Zermatt.
Zermatt is a small mountain resort town in the south of Switzerland, near the border with Italy. We arrived by train after our day in Verona and though we arrived late, it was easy to get a quick taxi to our hotel and check-in was simple. We stayed at the lovely Le Petit Charme-Inn and our room had an incredible view of the town around us. The mountains around us were filled with trees and the ground with covered in a thick layer of snow. It looked like something from a movie, a perfect little resort that was so different from anywhere I had been. The homes reminded me much of Triberg, Germany but the church spire overlooking the town was like those I saw in Zurich, Switzerland, and the mountains around us reminded me of childhood visits to Big Bear in California.
It felt as if we were in the Black Forest
In all the familiarity was still a sense of wonder and awe at this lovely place. Despite the cold January winter, the city was warm and friendly. While in town, you can do plenty of shopping. Whether you’re looking for sporting goods for your ski trip or need some new clothes or just want to stock up on souvenirs, you can find just about anything. I suggest stopping by a chocolate shop and sampling some amazing Swiss chocolate before you leave.
Who could resist Matterhorn-shaped chocolate?
But the thing you absolutely must do when you’re visiting Zermatt is get your tickets to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. As the highest cable car station in Europe, at 3,883 meters, you can see 38 peaks and 14 glaciers. The station is perfect for spending your day, with so many things to do. You can enjoy an informational film at the Cinema Lounge, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant with panoramic windows to view the mountain peaks, and visit the frozen statues at the palace. But the biggest spectacle is the viewing platform. You get to step out into the frigid air for a 360° view. Unfortunately for us, all we saw was a sheet of white. The weather was so bad that we could barely see more than several feet in front of us. I got a few glimpses of the mountainside below us, but that was about it.
White all around us as we reached the top
I would highly recommend that if you are the sightseeing type, go in the spring or summer to see the iconic peak. The platform has signs telling you which mountain peak you are looking at, so it’s better to go at a time when they are visible. Throughout our entire trip, we never got a clear view of the Matterhorn’s peak. We got a very brief, cloudy glimpse of it for about a minute but that was all. It was a shame that we didn’t get to bask in it, but it was still a dream to be there. We are definitely planning a return to see the mountain and will be spending more time there.
Even if you’re afraid of heights, the Matterhorn Express will safely guide you to Glacier Paradise
After you visit the station, you can enjoy a warm dinner in the town, and I cannot stress enough how integral a fondue dinner is for a Swiss visit. I had fondue for the first time in Zurich so I knew that we would have fondue for our one big meal in Zermatt. We went to Whymper-Stube, a lovely little restaurant with reasonable prices. Our dish came with the standard bread pieces and small potatoes to dip in the cheese, but we also opted for a side of pears. Everyone looks at us funny, but the Gruyere paired perfectly with the fruit. It’s definitely worth trying the various additions to your fondue they offer.
Fondue dinner from Whymper-Stube to warm up after Glacier Paradise
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. I’ve only visited Zurich and Zermatt so far, but if you are looking for that lush greenery with picturesque mountains all around you, Switzerland is the place to be. And if you’re a mountain climber, the famous Matterhorn peak should be on your bucket list.
Traveling alone can incredibly intimidating. So many unknowns can happen, and you don’t have someone at your side in case something goes wrong. I can say from experience that traveling alone is also one of the best things you can do. When I lived in London, I knew I had the opportunity to see so many of the things I had always dreamt of seeing. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anyone to go with. If I had let my anxiety over the idea of traveling alone win, I would’ve missed out on so many incredible things.
Traveling solo is such an amazing experience. There is so much you can do and really take the time to enjoy yourself. In this post, I’ll share all the things I learned to keep yourself safe while traveling alone, how to make the most of your trip, and how to break out of your shell.
Don’t miss your departure for your next adventure
Always be aware of your surroundings
The simplest way to keep yourself safe when you’re traveling solo is to always be aware of your surroundings. Keep your head up and not buried in your phone, even if you need directions. Walk like you have a purpose and even if you’re lost, don’t let it show. To everyone else, you should look like you belong there. If anything makes you appear like an easy target, you are at risk of being mugged, pickpocketed, or worse. As long as you let everyone around you believe in your confidence, you have a much smaller chance of being targeted.
A few things to always keep in mind as you travel:
Carry a sturdy bag and keep it closed.
Don’t carry your phone/wallet/keys in your pockets, especially your back pocket.
Be wary of strangers coming up and asking questions. For example, in Paris, children will run up and ask you to buy something from them. While you’re distracted, someone else will pickpocket you. If you’re in a café in London, someone, usually a woman, will walk up and place a map or piece of paper on the table, hiding your phone. While asking you a question, they’ll take your phone off the table. Whatever the situation, always be aware of your belongings and if someone is making you uncomfortable, walk away towards a crowd or into a shop.
Never share a taxi with a stranger. Taken definitely taught us this lesson, but it’s one to always remember.
Be smart about accommodation
Just when you think you’ve found a great deal on your hotel, you realize that it’s not in the city center. That 10-mile distance on Expedia doesn’t seem that bad. Surely there’s a bus that can get you there. This is exactly the mistake I made in Germany.
When I was planning my trip, I booked a hotel just outside the city of Munich. It was a reasonable deal and was very budget friendly for my three-night stay. Unfortunately, while I saved on money, I took on a lot of hassle. I arrived in Munich around 9 pm and had to find a way to my hotel far in the distance. I attempted to take a train but with all the people around, the late hour, and the anxiety that had been plaguing me since the beginning of my trip, I was overwhelmed. I decided to take a taxi, which set me back about €30. The next day, after some rest and time to ease my mind, I managed the train. And still, it was not that easy. My hotel was a 20-minute walk from the station which isn’t bad until you’re rolling a suitcase all that way. Then, it was another 35 minutes on the train, so I had to spend nearly two hours on travel every day during my time in Munich.
So always check the map when booking your hotel and look for transportation to and from the city center to your accommodation.
Another option to consider when saving money are hostels. Personally, I was terrified to stay in one. I get really nervous around strangers and the idea of sharing a bedroom with them is terrifying. Eventually, I decided to chance it for the first time when I was in Denmark. Copenhagen is a very expensive place to visit and so a hostel was the only reasonable accommodation I could find. I actually found it to be not too bad. Though I will always prefer the comfort of a private hotel room, hostels are a reasonable option. People pretty much keep to themselves and are they are a very warm and welcoming environment, so even the shyest person won’t feel too out of place.
Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel in Liechtenstein
A few things to pack if you’re staying at a hostel
A lock to secure your belongings in the lockers. Some will come with locks, but many times, it’s on you to keep your things safe.
A towel if you can spare the luggage space. Hostels do offer towels at a small fee.
Shower shoes, as you’ll be using a communal shower.
Headphones if you need music to sleep.
A book light if you read before bed. Depending on the hostel, you may have a bed light but if you’re bunk doesn’t have privacy walls, your night light can bother your fellow roommates.
An open mind. Those you end up sharing a hostel with are just like you; travelers looking for adventure on a budget.
Be smart with your money
Exchange for the currency you’ll need beforehand to avoid fees. You can usually get a good exchange rate at the airport or train station, but usually the best rates will be from your bank back home. A lot of places will take cards, but each transaction will come with an exchange fee.
If you have a travel credit card, exchange fees may be waived, but always check with your T&C before traveling to see what benefits you get from using it abroad.
If you are carrying cash, never carry all of it at once. Divide your money so that if you get pickpocketed, you haven’t lost all of your money. Do the same with your cards so that you aren’t stranded with nothing should the worst happen.
Be smart with your time
Try and get as many trips as you can out of one. If you live in the US, you know just how astronomical flight prices can be. Even domestic flights between states can reach hundreds of dollars for the bare minimum. Not to mention you have to pay for parking, baggage fees, food and drink. Costs skyrocket quickly and when it’s international, it’s even more expensive. One trick I discovered is that, once you book the initial flight out of the US, flight prices drop drastically. Even flights between European countries are a fraction of the price of domestic flights in the US. I’ve found flights for under $100 from one side of the EU to the other.
So, if you plan a trip to Germany, consider also visiting the neighboring countries of the Czech Republic or France. Visiting Switzerland? Take a trip to the small principality of Liechtenstein. Trains offer an easy way to explore the many countries of Europe and you can visit many different places at a reasonable price. For my graduation trip, we visited eight cities in six different countries over the span of eleven days. We managed to get the most out of our days in each city and see so many different countries, all thanks to the amazing train system of Europe.
Trains will get you anywhere
Don’t sneer at lesser-known cities
Some of the most beautiful places I’ve visited are the lesser-known cities that don’t see heavy tourism that their neighboring cities do. Tintagel, United Kingdom is one of my favorite places I’ve ever seen. Triberg, Germany is the best place to experience the Black Forest, Caernarfon and Pembroke are two stunning Welsh cities, Colmar, France is a fairytale come to life. When you’re planning your trip, make sure to check out the small towns as well as the big cities.
Colmar is a real-life fairytale
Go off season
If you’re looking for another way to save on money, try going off season. I visited Venice in late January and experienced only a fraction of the tourists. When I went to Tintagel in early January, I got to stay at the gorgeous Camelot Castle Hotel for a reasonable price. There are of course some cons. A lot of the shops and museums in Tintagel were closed for the season and transportation was reduced. So, consider what you’ll be sacrificing and decide if going off season works for you.
Now that you’re ready for you trip, here are some things to make it as memorable as it can be.
Eat local
This seems obvious but I feel like I should mention it anyway. When I stayed in Paris for a month for French class, there was a group that ate at Chipotle every single day so clearly some people need to be reminded to eat the local food.
I developed a system when I was traveling as a way of trying the local cuisine while staying on my tight budget so I could do as many things as possible. When you travel in Europe, you’ll find that almost all hotels do not include a complimentary breakfast. Breakfast almost always comes at an extra charge, with some exceptions, so be sure to check your amenities when booking your hotel. So, for breakfast, usually I’d grab a local pastry or something I can eat on the go. When in the Czech Republic, I had to try a real kolache and compare it to the kolaches of West, Texas. Croissants are a must have in France and scones are necessary in the UK.
Kolache in Prague
This would fuel me for a day of walking through the city I was exploring for the day. Then by the late afternoon, I’d be ready for a dinner. This is where I would splurge for some good cuisine. In Switzerland, I couldn’t leave without trying fondue and in Barcelona, paella was mandatory. And what better place to have French onion soup than France?
Black forest cake tastes so much better in the Black Forest, and ice cream is always a treat on a hot day, especially in the special chimney cake of Prague. Even things I was scared to try, I forced myself to do so. I was an incredibly picky eater as a child and so I have a lot to make up for, though there are still some things I can’t bring myself to try. I’ve been to France a few times and I’ve yet to eat a single escargot. I highly recommend trying at least one thing you’re afraid of that is reasonable. You may end up finding something you love.
Climb for a bird’s-eye-view
One of my favorite things to do in any city is go somewhere high up and look over the buildings and the people below. Nothing puts it into perspective quite like seeing just how huge Paris is from the Eiffel Tower, the gorgeous rooftops of Prague, or the mountains in the distance of Zurich. You can walk the streets all day, but I think that looking down from above gives such a unique perspective that shows you another side to the city.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria
There are many ways to get this view. The most obvious is a structure specifically made for this, like the Eiffel Tower and the London Eye. If the city you’re visiting doesn’t have this, look for a clock tower in the town center, or a cathedral with a tall bell tower. Many times, you’ll be able to go up these for cheap and you’ll get that awesome view. Cathedrals like Grossmünster in Zurich and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna are gorgeous on the inside and offer stunning views. You can see the city of Munich from the clock tower of the New Town Hall or visit the top of Prague’s Astronomical Clock.
The view from Prague’s Astronomical Clock Tower
You can also get the views for free by climbing hills around the city if there are any. You can see the entire city of Vaduz, Liechtenstein from the hill where the castle sits. In Budapest, you can climb up Gellért Hill or you can see Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat, a hill next to the city. The most interesting tower I’ve climbed so far is the Freitag Tower in Zurich. Made up of old shipping containers, it serves as the store for Freitag, but you can also climb up to the top of the nine stacked containers and look over Zurich from the Industrial Quarter. There are endless possibilities and unique experiences so always keep your mind open for surprises.
This leads to my next tip.
Be spontaneous
No matter how much research you’ll do before your trip, you won’t know everything about the city you’re visiting before you go. Of course, you’ll see all the famous tourist sites and a few well-loved local spots that people share online, but the only way you’ll truly know the city is by exploring. As you navigate, Google Maps will often show you places of interest near you. Don’t be afraid to take a moment and check them out. Myself, I am very much interested in the old Roman architecture that still stands in Europe, as well as old castle ruins. Google helped me find these easily, often when I wasn’t even looking for them. I just find it so fascinating to see the small pieces of the past in the present and it helps me appreciate the city even more so.
Whatever interests you, make sure to keep your eyes open. You may find an experience you never would have otherwise.
Go at your own pace
The best thing about traveling solo is that you only have to worry about yourself. There is no compromise, except for those with time and money. You are allowed to see the things you want, eat at the places you choose, and you can go at your own speed. For me, I like to get the most out of my trip. I get up early, I walk all day to see all I can, and I return to my hotel after dinner. I take breaks when I’m ready and I keep going when I feel like.
You also get some time to yourself. I did my traveling at a really difficult time in my life. My depression hit a record low when I lived in London, and I found myself locked away in my room for many days at a time. But when I got myself together and out into the world, I was able to improve my mental health. I got to enjoy the moment and enjoy life again. Seeing the beauty of the world helped me more than I will ever truly know.
My fear of flights is miniscule compared to my love for travel
I truly believe that traveling alone can do so much for you. You will learn so much about yourself and the world and get a new appreciation for travel. As long as you pack smart, keep yourself safe and aware of your surroundings, and allow flexibility in your plans, you will have an amazing experience. I hope this little guide helps you to either take that leap and book your first solo trip, or it gives you something new to do on your next solo adventure.
William Shakespeare has captivated audiences for hundreds of years. Born in a small town called Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, the playwright has become one of the most recognized authors in the world. His tragedies about kings and princes, and his comedies involving bizarre situations have been translated into over 100 languages and performed in countries all over the world. During my studies in London, I found myself discovering many places related to either Shakespeare himself or one of his plays. There are countless more that I missed but these are the all the stops in my Shakespearean tour through Europe.
“You could argue we are a different audience today, but on the other hand what is it that makes Shakespeare great? It is that he understands the common denominator of man, his emotions and relationships.”
Sam Wanamaker
London
Shakespeare’s Globe in London is one of the best places to start a Shakespearean tour. This recreation of the original Globe Theatre, built by Sam Wanamaker in 1997, is the home of many of Shakespeare’s plays throughout the year. One can almost go back in time to the early 1600s as the theatre is as close a recreation of the original Globe Theatre that we can get, complete with a thatch roof (slightly modified for London’s modern fire code), the standing room for the crowd which the actors often interact with during the play, and the words of Shakespeare entertaining visitors. What might shock Shakespeare’s contemporaries is seeing women on the stage, not only taking the female roles, but often the male roles as well. Some of the best portrayals of the male leads were by women, such as Sara Amankwah as Henry V in the History Plays and Sophie Russell as the titular Richard III. At the Globe, you can experience Shakespeare as one might expect to have done so in its original time, with some performances remaining truer to the original form, while others offer a modern take on the story. One example is the 2019-2020 performance of Richard III at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. The directors followed the original dialogue but added modern props to the setting, creating this conglomerate of old and new.
Audience Choice at the Globe during the 2019 Summer Solstice
There is also a guided tour of the Globe Theatre that runs daily which explains the history of the building, from the original’s destruction caused by a fire from a cannon launch to the rebuilding of the theatre 400 years later. The original site of the theatre is only a few blocks away and is commemorated by a plaque. Though no pieces of the original remain, the new Globe is worth the visit for any London-goer. After your tour, be sure to stop by The Swan Bar & Restaurant for tea. The illustrator Annika Wester specially designs the dishware, and they are serving a special Romeo and Juliet version of the afternoon tea selection. When I visited the restaurant in 2018/19, they were serving a Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea.
Afternoon Tea with Friends at the Swan at The Globe
The Globe is a cornerstone of London and Shakespeare’s influence is everywhere. Just a short walk away along the Thames River is a mural of the playwright on Southwark Bridge and I lived next to The Shakespeare, a small pub in Stoke Newington. London may not have been his birthplace, but London is his home. This is something that truly resonated with me while I lived there as I came to see London as my home.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is another iconic location of the city and home to the Bloody Tower. The story of a king hungry for power inspired one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, Richard III. I fell in love with this play after seeing an incredible performance at the Alexandria Palace and I am a sucker for a good villain/anti-hero story. For those unfamiliar, Richard III is widely speculated to have murdered his young nephews after the death of their father, King Edward IV, before the young king was officially crowned. Richard III took the throne for himself, and the boys were never seen again after they were locked in the Tower. You can visit the Bloody Tower, named for the supposed assassination of the boys, where visuals tell the ill-fated story of the two princes as you walk through the chambers.
“The tyrannous and bloody act is done,
The most arched deed of piteous massacre
That ever yet this land is guilty of.”
Richard III Act IV, Scene 3
The Bloody Tower at The Tower of London
Stratford-Upon-Avon
A Jester Welcomes You to the Town Centre
Shakespeare’s birthplace is a small town about two hours north of London by train called Stratford-Upon-Avon. When you buy your ticket for the many Shakespeare sights, you’ll find that you are able to return within the year to ensure that you see everything, which is incredibly useful because there is a lot, and they are spread throughout the town. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust includes five locations, two of which are quite a way outside of the town.
Your tour begins at Shakespeare’s Birthplace where you can visit the room it’s believed that the playwright was born in in 1564 and it has been recreated as close as possible to what his early life would’ve looked like. There’s also a replication of his father’s glove-making work room and the area of the house that William leased as an inn called the Swan and Maidenhead. Out in the courtyard, one can listen to performers recite Shakespeare’s plays.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
The other locations within the town include Shakespeare’s New Place where he lived with his family during the height of his career, and Hall’s Croft, the home of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband John Hall.
About a 25-minute walk from the town centre is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage where she lived with her family and where Shakespeare began his relationship with her. Much of the original house remains, including the furniture, so you truly get to step back in time here. The gardens are a lovely spot to rest after your long walk and you can enjoy a bite from the café.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Mary Aden’s Tudor Farm is the last spot on the list and is on the opposite side of the town centre and is preferably reached by car or bus. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to visit this location, but this is the most immersive of them as you get to experience the life of Shakespeare’s mother on her Tudor farm.
Aside from all the Shakespeare sites, Stratford-Upon-Avon is a lovely little town worth the visit if you’re ever in the UK. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and the keepers of these important landmarks were so helpful. It’s a perfect little getaway from the big cities.
Scotland
“This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air,
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Unto our senses.”
Macbeth Act I, Scene 6
Inverness Castle in Scotland is said to be the home of Macbeth. While Macbeth was a real Scottish king and the castle is a real place, the story of Macbeth, like many other literary kings, is heavily fictionalized and it’s only through the play that the castle is associated with the ancient king. Currently, the castle only offers a lookout point via the castle grounds and the north tower. The view is absolutely stunning as you look over the River Ness, the city, and the gorgeous Scottish Highlands.
Inverness Castle looking over the River Ness
Just beyond the city of Inverness sits Cawdor Castle, another castle associated with Macbeth due to his title as the “Thane of Cawdor” which was never actually taken by him. This has not stopped the castle from taking on the mantle of “Macbeth’s Castle.” Unfortunately, if you find yourself there in the off-season like I did, touring this castle is impossible. The closest I managed to get was Cawdor Tavern where I had a delicious steak pie.
“All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!”
Macbeth Act 1, Scene 3
Denmark
“Gentlemen, you are welcome to Elsinore.”
Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2
This famous line introduces the setting of Shakespeare’s famous play, Hamlet and is based in Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark. I found this castle by chance when looking for places to visit around Copenhagen and had no idea the Shakespearean journey I was about to embark on.
Kronborg Slot of Helsingør, Denmark
Not only is this castle absolutely stunning with breathtaking views of the North Sea and Sweden and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, but the castle is itself is the setting for Hamlet. Throughout the day, actors roam the castle grounds and perform the play for attendees of the castle. I joined just as Horatio beckoned the visitors in the courtyard to follow him to the castmates below the castle where a ghost had been spotted. As you continue touring the castle, you get to follow along the play, watching Hamlet perform his puppet play for his murderous uncle, Hamlet scuttling like a crab in the courtyard as everyone around him fears he has lost his mind, and the famous “To be or not to be” scene in the throne room. All of this comes at no extra charge. Once you purchase a ticket to enter the castle, you can go along with the play as much as you please or you can take our own route. It’s great how they utilize the castle and add something extra special to the experience, Shakespearean fan or not. This is still one of my favorite experiences of my life and I cannot recommend it enough.
Hamlet Duels Laertes
Germany
If one knows where to look, one can find a statue placed in a nook just beyond the Altes Rathaus, or the Old Town Hall, in Munich, Germany. This young woman is often holding flowers in her arm, given to her by visitors vying for romantic luck. Her right breast and arm are smoothened by the countless hands who have rubbed her in hopes of finding their true love. This young woman is Juliet Capulet, and she was gifted to the city of Munich in 1974 by Verona. Juliet is the icon of love even though her story ends in tragedy. It seems as if everyone knows her and even in this country far, far away from her home in Italy, she is capturing the hearts of many.
Juliet in Munich
“Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.”
Romeo and Juliet Act 1, Scene 5
Italy
Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy
Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy is a stunning Gothic palace. I happened upon this site in my quest to visit one castle in every European country and later came to realize it’s the site of the court scene in The Merchant of Venice. Every inch of the palace and the courtyard are stunning as you visit the various chambers filled with beautiful artwork and facades. It’s one of the more expensive places on the list to visit and without much mention of the Palace itself in the play, if you’re not keen on the architecture and art, it might be one of those places to skip.
“What news on the Rialto?”
The Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 3
Of course, one can’t leave Venice without visiting the gorgeous Rialto Bridge. The Rialto is the setting where merchants met and is a stunning sight to behold. The site is mentioned a few times in The Merchant of Venice and as there’s no fee to cross, it’s a definite must-see. There are hundreds of bridges in Venice but none like the Rialto.
The Famouse Rialto Bridge of Venice
“In fair Verona, where we lay our scene.”
Romeo and Juliet, Prologue
The little city of Verona, Italy is home to one of the most famous couples in all of history. One can find many sites dedicated to the pair and is a must for any Shakespearean fan’s Bucket List. Just a quick Google search brings up many, many Romeo and Juliet hotels, tours, and adventures. I did not get to experience any of these, as Verona was just a day trip, but I did visit all of the proclaimed historical sites.
The first of which is the Casa di Cagnolo Nogarola detto Romeo, or the home of Romeo Montague. This 14th century medieval palace is a stunning sight and worth the visit. It’s currently a private residence so visitors only get a view of the outside of the fortress but don’t let the reviews fool you. Verona is a city worth walking through and taking the time to see Romeo’s home offers many other beautiful views. Nearby are the Arche Scaligere and the Piazza dei Signori where a statue of Dante stands. Walking through Verona is an easy feat so do take the time to see the area.
Romeo’s Home in Verona
Opposite of Romeo’s home is the Casa di Giulietta which is a museum dedicated to Juliet Capulet. The home was restored to look very much like the medieval home of the Capulets would have, but with some embellishments. The furniture that fills the home are either pieces from films or plays or were handcrafted for the museum. But the most famous part of the house is Juliet’s balcony. Overlooking the courtyard, many, many visitors stand here for their photo in the spot where Romeo and Juliet proclaimed their love for one another. I was fortunate to be visiting during off-season so the queue to get my photo was very short. If you go during peak season, expect to wait for your photo opportunity but it is worth the memory. Below in the courtyard, you’ll find a statue of Juliet where, like in Munich, people rub her right breast in hopes of finding their true love. There’s also a wall filled with love letters to Juliet and a gift shop, so you can bring home a memory of your visit.
“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name,
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.”
Romeo and Juliet Act II, Scene 2
Juliet’s Balcony in Verona
Finally, there’s the Tomba di Guilietta where an ancient red sarcophagus is immortalized as the tomb of Juliet. The museum is in a 13th century convent, and it also houses frescoes and Roman sculptures. The tomb is quite a walk from the city center, but the garden offers a peaceful break from the tourist sites of Verona. If you’re looking to complete your Romeo and Juliet tour, it’s definitely worth the visit for the story behind it.
Juliet’s Tomb
“O, happy dagger,
This is thy sheath. There rust, and let me die.”
Romeo and Juliet Act V, Scene 3
France
The final stop on the Shakespearean tour is related to Shakespeare by name alone. Shakespeare and Company is a famous bookstore in Paris near the Notre Dame Cathedral along the Seine. The shop is more famous for the Ex-Pats who were associated with the original shop before WWII and the recreated shop opened after the war. If you’re a Shakespeare fan, you’re likely a bookworm like me. This is one of the most prolific book shops in the world and carries a large variety of titles. They carry both new releases as well as rare editions that you keep up with on their website. And with every purchase, you are offered a stamp in your book, showing that you got to visit this iconic location.
Stamped Copy of Richard III from Shakespeare and Company
Hidden away in a little nook upstairs is a typewriter and a wall where visitors have shared letters to the store. When I visited the shop for the first time in 2013, I wrote a letter as well and stuck it to the wall. I’ve wanted to share my stories with the world for many years and being surrounded by those who did just that was incredibly inspiring. Shakespeare is in good company here and it’s the perfect place to find a new book.
My Letter to Shakespeare and Company
Conclusion
Though Shakespeare likely never left the UK, he touched the world with his plays. He immortalized tales inspired by legends from faraway places which we enjoy centuries later. When I got the opportunity to live in London, the first place I wanted to see was Shakespeare’s Globe. As I traveled to the many European countries I got to explore, I found myself encountering more and more Shakespearean sites, even when I wasn’t looking for them. As a writer myself, I am always in awe of how much one person can touch the world just by words alone. So, if you’re looking to visit some of the real-life places that inspired the classic plays, as well as places touched by the playwright, I hope this guide can be of use on your adventure.
Be Bold 