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Anyone planning a first, second or even third trip to Europe knows that tourist information is readily available on the continent. But the true culture of a country is often discovered in the backyards of prominent destinations.

1. Markets are popular travel spots that offer insight into a nation's culture. One of the biggest street markets in Europe, the Albert Cuypmarkt, is on every must-see destination list for the first-time visitor to Amsterdam. But the Netherlands capital offers about a dozen open-air markets -- from the Dappermarkt, which is less overrun by tourists, to the Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market on the Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein.

While large street markets like the Albert Cuypmarkt offer everything from Holland cheeses to furniture, cloth, wigs and fresh produce, someone visiting Amsterdam for the second or third time would be wise to explore specialty markets like Amsterdam's Boekenmarkt (book market), located at the Oudemanhuispoort, for a more unique travel experience. Art lovers could visit the Art Plein Spui near the Begijnhof and the Historical Museum. Every Sunday between March and December, visitors can admire and purchase work from 25 artists who rotate each week from a roster of about 60 Dutch and internationally known artists.

With a little research, the truly savvy traveler may find surprising treasures such as a barrel organ festival, which was held in September 2006 on Amsterdam's Nieumarkt Square. Holland's street organs are known throughout Europe, and Dutch vendors travel thousands of miles to participate in annual organ festivals. Events like these are truly exceptional occasions that offer a rare glimpse into European culture in addition to being fare far from the normal tourist's European itinerary. Simply ask for a detailed event calendar at a city's tourist bureau when you arrive.

2. Exploring churches is another excellent way to experience Europe. The first-time tourist always makes plans to see Notre Dame in Paris, St. Peters in Vatican City or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

But the second or third time visitor should not overlook smaller, local churches that generally allow greater access. An example of this is the Kirchturm of Henau, a church tower located in a small village between Zurich and St. Gallen, Switzerland. Travelers can easily approach the local sexton after Sunday's mass and ask him to unlock the door leading up the more than 500-year-old tower. An ascent through the tower leads to several wooden platforms, each offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding country.

The St. Barbara Church in Austria, which was designed by the famed artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is another example of local color. While Hundertwasser was first known as a painter, tourists now flock to see his architectural designs. The church of St. Barbara is surrounded by 12 arches that represent the biggest religions and cultures of the world. A tour through the church will explain the many symbols integrated in its architectural design.

3. Rummaging through old stores and flea markets is another way to learn about foreign cultures. Second-hand or antique shops provide nice destinations and are often located in streets where locals conduct their business. First-time visitors to Vienna, Austria often take leisurely strolls through the city's old streets, alternating between the famous Wiener Kaffeehaus (Vienna coffee shop) to the Trödlerladen (second-hand store). The old Vienna flea market, the most established flea market in the city, is located in the Kettenbrückengasse, right behind the subway station. Open Saturdays from dawn until 5:00 p.m., it offers a mixture of antiques, photography, leather ware, records, jewelry and more.

However, travelers already familiar with Vienna's famous shopping roads, the Kärntner Strasse and the Graben, will prefer the Mariahilfer Strasse and the Favoritenstrasse because these two streets provide a good insight into locals' every day lives. Along the way, visitors should glance down side streets and keep their eyes open for second-hand stores like die Schatzinsel (Treasure Island) in the Schuettaustrasse. The shop offers everything including watches, jewelry, collectors' items, rare toys, furniture, art and books. Any box or even shop termed "Fundgrube," which indicates a corner or spot for finding things, may turn up a rare issue of Die Muskete or Simplicissimus, two historic satirical papers known for their critical approach towards the Nazi party before World War II. The artistic front covers may even hold a sticker announcing that this issue is not free for distribution in 1939 Austria. Such finds make nice framed art pieces, doubling as souvenirs from a well-known destination.

4. Following an attraction's history is another way to step off the beaten path. Study the life of an artist or a particular painting, discover the history behind a famous building or look into the past of the creator of an opera.

The first-time visitor to Vienna usually enjoys the performance of the famous Lipizzaner stallions in the Hofburg. During the show, visitors will learn that these stallions were raised in Piber, a small town in the Austrian Bundesland (state) of Styria where the famous white horses are bred. But for something different, take a tour through Piber's stud farm, where visitors will see the horses in their stables or, if the weather is nice, observe the mares with their dark-haired foals in the meadows. (It can take up to six to ten years before a foal's dark coat turns into the white color the Lipizzaners are known for.)

While in the area, explore other worthwhile destinations such as the neighboring monastery or the Stoelzle glass factory in Bärnbach, where you can observe how specialists are still blowing artistic glass. Chances are visitors will actually have already one of the Stoelzle glasses stored in a cabinet at home, since over the years the company created everything from nail polish containers to whiskey bottles.

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