If you have ever been to Europe during the height of the tourist season, you have probably stood in line for some of the most popular attractions. This is an unfortunate way to waste a lot of touring time. The following suggestions can eliminate this problem.
1. Reserve an entry time or purchase a ticket online or at a ticket agency. Most museums offer tickets for sale in advance--go the day before and purchase the ticket and avoid the lines. You can use an agency like FNAC which has locations all over Europe. I used them for a concert and a ticket to see the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt in Amsterdam. I walked past hundreds of people waiting in the cold and went straight to the exhibit.
2. Spring for a pass. Most cities offer passes to the major attractions at their tourist offices. These passes will be valid from 2-6 days.
3. Hire a guide. It'll cost you, but you will avoid the lines and receive additional information during your visits to the attractions. You should contact the tourist office for guide recommendations.
4. Join a tour. Most European cities have tours that show you all the major attractions. These are very good for families with children who don't want to wait in long lines. The tourist office has a list of all the tour groups.
5. Visit in the off-season. During the off-season, the crowds are less, but the opening hours are sometimes limited. You must check with the tourist office for the hours of operation. Also, make sure you know the days of operation--during off-season most attractions aren't open daily.

