Europe is massive, with so much diversity and a chance to have unforgettable European experiences. It has different cultures, foods, and landscapes that change every half hour! It has everything, from brilliant Mediterranean beaches to Paris’ ancient streets and Iceland’s rugged mountains.
Planning your first trip can be a little overwhelming, but with a few tips for a first-time visit to Europe, you’ll find it incredibly easy. The key to a successful vacation is to prioritise your sites, identify the optimum times to visit, understand travel issues such as transportation, and figure out the best places to stay.
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Best Places to Visit on Your First Europe Trip
Italy
Visiting Italy in summer is unforgettable due to the abundance of activities, longer days, and always bustling streets.
A handful of the sights in Rome that you must see include the Pantheon, Vatican City, and the Colosseum. After learning about Rome’s history at the Roman Forum, take a walk in the evening to enjoy Rome’s sights and have dinner at an authentic trattoria.
Venetians like its stunning structures and waterways. Take a boat cruise to see the Rialto Bridge. Discover Venetian culture at St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Visit the Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s largest churches, in Milan. See Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Santa Maria delle Grazie Convent houses it.
Where to stay in Italy?
Hotel Artemide: In central Rome, Hotel Artemide has chic, modern accommodations. The Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are nearby.
Switzerland
The Swiss landscape includes towering mountains and amazing lakes, making it a popular choice. The Swiss Pass makes getting on and off the numerous trains, vehicles, and boats around the country quite simple.
Furthermore, the pass provides free or inexpensive admission to over 500 locations.
Gaze at Zurich’s Old Town first. Then, visit Lake Geneva and other stunning Swiss locations, and savour historic Lucerne along the lake and the Chapel Bridge.
Interlaken and the Jungfrau area are beautiful Alpine locations you should include on your Switzerland trip when in Europe. There are numerous activities you can do in Switzerland no matter the season; it’ll definitely keep you busy!
Lausanne and Montreux are a couple of other stunning cities worth considering for your itinerary. Whereas Montreux is well-known for its jazz festival and stunning lakefront, Lausanne is noted for its vibrant cultural scene and Olympic Museum.
Where to stay in Switzerland?
Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich: The Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich is centrally positioned in Zurich and boasts superb city panoramas. Its central location makes it immediately accessible to the city’s points of interest, shopping districts, and dining.
Spain
Spain is an exciting destination packed with culture and monuments. Its uniqueness as one of the warmest places in Europe is why many people prefer to visit Spain and the coastal region of Costa Brava. A terrific month to visit is May, before the summer heat makes stepping out post-noon frustrating.
Start your Spain trip in Madrid. Great museums where you can study art include the Prado and Reina Sofia. While rambling around the crowded streets, you can have tapas at energetic pubs full of locals.
The Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in Barcelona, two of Gaudi’s buildings, are incredible and showcase his unique, inspired-by natural elements architectural style.
Go south to Andalusia to learn about Spain’s Moorish past. See Granada’s Alhambra, a magnificent example of old architecture, and stroll around the charming alleys of Seville and Cordoba.
Where to stay in Spain?
Hotel 1898: This is a cosy accommodation on Barcelona’s famous La Rambla street. Its ideal location makes visiting places like the Gothic Quarter or Plaça de Catalunya easy.
Greece
While pretty with numerous things to do, Greece also has the beautiful Aegean Sea, fascinating islands, and impressive ruins, making it all the more impressive. This location provides the ideal mix of natural beauty and cultural discovery.
Athens is the capital, and the well-known Acropolis represents ancient Greece. Amazingly stunning, the Parthenon was constructed in the fifth century BC. You can stroll around the little alleyways of the Plaka neighbourhood and dine at excellent Greek restaurants nearby.
You must see Santorini, where painted homes are perched atop rocks that rise from the water and overlook the azure Aegean. Following a thrilling sunset view of Oia and Fira, rewind and relax on the island’s unique black sand beaches. To avoid the crowds, opt for a sunrise rather than a sunset!
Along with Delphi, home of the ancient Oracle of Apollo, you should also see the island of Crete, which boasts stunning landscapes and Minoan relics.
Iceland
Iceland is full of unbelievable natural places. When you first arrive, unwind in the Sky Lagoon’s geothermal waters. Its infinity pools and masks made of silica mud are said to improve your health.
Strokkur geyser is located in Iceland’s Geysir Geothermal Area. It shoots hot water into the air every ten minutes. The sensational Gullfoss waterfall is one of the numerous waterfalls in Iceland and is located close to the capital, so it is worth including in a day trip.
Walk between the continental tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city. It has bright buildings, street art, and sights like Hallgrímskirkja Church.
The Icelandic midnight sun brightens the country and displays an unusual phenomenon during the summer.
France
Everyone should witness France’s excellent food scene, stunning art, and rich history. Start your journey in Paris, the city of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum.
Go to Provence to escape the bustle and commotion of the capital. Charming villages and lovely lavender fields are what make this region quite popular. Remember to see Avignon, the site of the renowned Pont d’Avignon bridge and the stunning Palais des Papes.
Not to mention Lyon’s incredible culinary scene! Savour fine dining and take in the vibe of busy food markets. On the French Riviera, explore secret old seaside villages or relax on the stunning beaches of Cannes and Nice.
Portugal
Portugal is quite famous for seaside towns, historic cities, and green valleys, especially among wine enthusiasts. You can start your journey in Lisbon by exploring the oldest district, Alfama, and admiring the beautiful Belém Tower, which symbolises the country’s nautical legacy.
With its colourful houses and energetic atmosphere, the historic Ribeira region awaits you when you go north to Porto. Among the most gorgeous bookshops on earth is Livraria Lello. See the local wineries by travelling down the Douro River.
Check out the cute sand beaches and cobblestone paths in the town of Cascais near the beach. Beautiful gardens and buildings, like Sintra’s Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, are nearby, and they are from fairy tales.
Discover the Douro Valley’s beautiful sloped fields and traditional Quintas on a wine-tasting tour or a scenic train ride.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is world-renowned for its bike-friendly roads, museum cities and tulip (flower) fields during the spring. Start your trip from Amsterdam, where you will visit some of the best museums in the world, like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
Head to Utrecht, renowned for its beautiful canals and flourishing art world. Experience the city from the top of the famous Dom Tower.
Springtime comes with stunning tulip fields at Keukenhof Gardens and the well-known flower market in Aalsmeer.
Groningen is a bicycle-friendly city with a network of bike routes and several busy student districts. Another option is to stroll around Delft’s historic streets, famous for their Delft Blue artwork and charming Markt Square.
Essential Tips for a First-Time Visit to Europe
●Booking flights: Check for the best prices on travel comparison sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to figure when is the best month to travel as shoulder season tends to be cheaper and think about making your reservations well in advance for the cheapest pricing. Check out my guide to finding cheap flights.
●Getting visas: Verify the criteria for your intended country and make sure you have all the paperwork before you go
●Packing: Travel adapters, a universal charger, and any prescription drugs you may need should also be packed along with light, adaptable clothes appropriate for the weather where you are going
●Getting about: Consider public transport choices and buy city or train passes for ease and to save money
●Effective communication: Consider installing translation apps and learning a few words in the local language
●Managing finances: Consider bringing a combination of cash and cards. Also consider using cards that do not charge withdrawal and conversion fees!
●Cultural sensitivity: Honour regional traditions and customs, cover up while visiting religious places, and know how greetings and gestures change between cultures
● Respect local traditions: Before you go, learn about simple local traditions, and tipping conventions in the area
●Maintaining your health and safety: In tourist sites, remember to stay alert, pay attention to your belongings, and beware of scams and pickpocketing. Additionally, ensure you eat well, drink lots of water, and get enough sleep to maintain energy while on the trip.
Be open to sampling regional food, and be confident when exploring. Take lots of pictures and treasure the memories you create along the road on your Euro trip!
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