Now, I like to get a coffee near a market square, and see how people comport themselves and live. Amazing conversations start about minor things: Maastrict Dutch dress much more luxe than Amsterdammers, but seem less outdoors. Aachen has a huge migrant community. (And a Lindt factory with an inflatable Lindt chocolate bunny on the roof)
I mean sure, Aachen has also the largest Gothic era domed church north of Rome and Maastricht has Andre Rieu and Dartagnan but the point is if you just go for the rough guide highlights you miss the nitty gritty of how ordinary peeps live.
I also stopped complaining about other tourists: if I'm there it's churlish to demand they not be. As long as I can watch the waiter bring a mini cappuccino for that lady's dog who is sitting at table I'm good.
