Top 5 European Vacation Spots That Should Be Part of Your First Europe Trip

So, you are thinking about heading to Europe for the first time, huh? Well, there’s no denying that it will be exciting but, naturally, a little overwhelming, too. With so many countries, cities, and famous places to choose from, it sure is hard to know where to start. You might be asking yourself, Should I see the Eiffel Tower first? What about trying pasta in Italy? That’s completely normal, I had the same questions before my first trip.

Just know that this guide will help make your first Euro trip, much, much, easier. I’ve picked five great cities that are perfect for your first visit—places that are full of famous sights, great food, and fun things to do, basically, all the reasons you likely want to visit Europe in the first place.

Let’s get a move on, shall we?

1. Paris, France

Paris is often the first city travelers visit in Europe, and for good reason. With its famous landmarks, beautiful streets, and excellent food, getting around the city is even easier thanks to updates to the public transportation system. Since January 1, 2025, visitors can ride the metro, RER trains, and buses across all zones for up to two hours using just one ticket. A single metro ride costs €2.50, while a Navigo Day Pass covers zones 1–5 for €12 per day. Most paper tickets are no longer sold, so travelers now use a reloadable Navigo Easy card or digital tickets.

A major highlight in Paris this year is the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. After a fire in 2019 destroyed much of its roof and spire, the cathedral reopened on December 7, 2024. The restoration took five years and cost between €700 million and €850 million. Nearly 2,000 workers cleaned 40,000 square meters of stone, rebuilt wooden frameworks, added modern fire protection and restored stained glass windows. Visitors can now return to the church, though entry is limited to manage large crowds.

Other famous spots include the Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 and standing 330 meters tall. The Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and over 35,000 works of art, is another must-see. To enjoy the quieter side of Paris, visit Luxembourg Gardens—a sublime park filled with fountains, flower beds, and people enjoying picnics on sunny days.

A part of the best areas to stay in is Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, this neighborhood is known for cafés, bakeries, and bookshops, plus it’s also close to many museums and parks. The newly renovated Hôtel du Savoir offers a solid location and a comfortable place to stay.

Paris is also known for its food. Try a croissant from Du Pain et des Idées, a bakery known for its buttery pastries. For dinner, go to a bistro in the Marais, one of the oldest areas in the city. The food is simple but rich in flavor, like French onion soup or steak frites.

The best time to visit Paris is April to June. The weather is mild, flowers are blooming, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer months.

2. Rome, Italy

Rome, maybe the most talked-about bucket list travel destination, is full of ancient buildings, public squares, and churches. Genuinely, it feels like a museum you can walk through. So, for anyone visiting Europe for the first time, this city shows you what thousands of years of history look like up close.

Not really up for much debate, the biggest attraction in Rome is the Colosseum, a Roman amphitheater built in 80 CE. It could hold around 50,000 people for gladiator fights and public events. In 2025, general admission costs €18, and a reduced ticket is €6 for visitors under 18. To avoid waiting in long lines, it’s best to book tickets online, which become available 30 days before the visit date. You can also join guided tours that include special access to the arena floor and underground levels.

Next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, where Roman citizens once held markets, trials, and ceremonies. A short walk away, the Pantheon is a temple built nearly 2,000 years ago, still standing with its giant dome. Another famous site is the Trevi Fountain, where visitors throw coins over their shoulders to ensure they’ll return to Rome.

The city also includes Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and the home of the Pope. Inside the Vatican, you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica and see Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Tickets for the Vatican Museums often sell out, so it’s best to reserve ahead online.

Beyond the monuments, Rome is known for its lively neighborhoods, and one you must check out is Trastevere. The area has narrow streets, old houses, and family-run restaurants called trattorias—many people go there in the evening to eat pasta dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara.

Two of the best places to try Roman pasta are Da Enzo al 29 and Felice a Testaccio, where they mix the pasta right at your table. These renowned pasta joints are super popular with locals and tourists, so it helps to go early or make a reservation.

The best time to visit Rome is May to June or September to October. During these months, the weather is warm—usually between 20°C and 27°C—and the city is less crowded than in the middle of summer.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a great place to visit if you’re coming to Europe for the first time. The city has warm weather, beaches, and very unique buildings. Quite a few people make their way to this Spanish gem of a city to see the work of Antoni Gaudí, a famous architect from the early 1900s.

His most famous building is La Sagrada Família, a church that has been under construction since 1882. Even though it’s not finished, it’s open to visitors and is one of the most visited places in Spain. Over 4.7 million people go each year, with about 13,000 visitors each day. If you want to go inside, it’s best to book your ticket at least two months ahead. Basic tickets cost €26, and if you want to visit one of the towers or take a guided tour, prices go up to €36 or €40. The stained-glass windows inside are especially beautiful in the morning.

Another famous place you should check out is Park Güell, also designed by Gaudí. The park sits on a hill and has colorful tile benches, curved paths, and a large mosaic lizard statue at the entrance. Tickets for adults cost €18, and children or seniors pay less. You need to book your visit in advance and choose a time. From March to October, the park is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Once you’ve seen the main sights, you can walk through the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city. The streets are narrow and filled with small shops, cafes, and churches. After that, take a walk down La Rambla, which is a wide street filled with street performers, markets, and tourists, leading all the way to the harbor.

In the afternoon, you can go to the beach for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Later, have dinner near the water. Many people enjoy seafood paella—a rice dish cooked with shellfish—and a glass of sangria, which is a sweet drink made with wine and fruit.

Food is a big part of the culture in Barcelona. People eat late, often starting dinner around 9 or 10 pm. Tapas are small plates that are perfect for sharing. You can try dishes like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), jamón ibérico (cured ham), and pan con tomate (bread with tomato and olive oil).

The best times to visit are May and September. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the city is not as crowded as it is in July or August.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the easiest and most relaxing cities to visit in Europe. It has canals, narrow houses, and lots of bikes. The city is small enough to walk almost everywhere, but you can also ride trams or rent a bicycle.

A good way to start your visit is with a canal tour. The boat rides take you through the center of the city and let you see the famous canal houses and bridges from the water. After that, you can visit the city’s best museums.

The Rijksmuseum has paintings by Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Nearby is the Van Gogh Museum, which shows the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, housing over 200 of his paintings. Then, there’s the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. This is easily one of the most popular museums in Europe, so you should book tickets online ahead of time.

After the museums, take a walk through the Jordaan neighborhood. It’s full of small cafes, art galleries, and peaceful streets, meaning it’s also a great place to stop for coffee and people-watch.

Amsterdam is also a city that cares about the environment. It has many bike paths, green buildings, and clean public transportation. At the same time, it keeps its old charm with 17th-century houses and cobbled streets.

You’ll also find a lot of different foods in Amsterdam. Try a stroopwafel, which is a thin waffle filled with syrup. You can also try raw herring, which is a local snack often served with onions and pickles. Another popular option is Indonesian rijsttafel, a meal with many small dishes served together. This comes from the time when Indonesia was a Dutch colony.

The best times to visit are in April, when tulips are blooming, or in early summer when the days are long and the weather is nice. During this time, you can enjoy walking outside until late in the evening.

5. London, United Kingdom

London is one of the most well-known cities in Europe, and it’s a great place to start if you’re visiting for the first time. The city is full of history, but for the most part, it feels modern and lively. You can see royal buildings, old landmarks, and exciting neighborhoods all in one trip.

One of the most popular places to visit is, of course, Buckingham Palace, the official home of the King. Every summer, the public is allowed to tour parts of the palace. In 2025, tours run from July 10 to September 28. During that time, you can walk through the State Rooms, which are used for official events. Tickets cost £32 for adults, £20.50 for young adults (18 to 24), and £16 for children. Kids under five can enter for free. You can also watch the Changing of the Guard, a ceremony where soldiers march in formation while music plays.

Next, head over to the Tower of London—an old castle more than 1,000 years old. Once used as a royal palace, a prison, and even a zoo, people now come to see the Crown Jewels, the famous jewels used in royal events. You can also take a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder, also known as a Beefeater, who will tell you stories about the Tower’s long history.

Not far from there, you’ll see Big Ben, the big clock tower next to the Houses of Parliament. Many people take pictures here, and it’s one of the most famous sights in the UK. You can also walk along the River Thames, where you’ll find more great views of the city.

While you’re near the river, take a ride on the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel that gives you a full view of the city from the top. Each ride takes about 30 minutes. Online tickets start at £29, but if you want to skip the line, fast-track tickets cost more.

Right across the river is the South Bank, a great place for a walk. You’ll find food stands, street performers, and theaters like the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe.

London also has many museums, and most of them are free—the most popular being the British Museum, where you’ll find the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Greek sculptures. You don’t need to pay to enter, but it’s smart to book a free ticket online, especially during busy times.

As you move around the city, you’ll notice that each neighborhood has its own look and feel. For example, Notting Hill is known for its colorful houses and the Portobello Road Market, where you can buy antiques, books, and clothes. Camden Town is more edgy, with loud music, street art, and food from around the world. It has been a favorite spot for musicians since the 1960s. Shoreditch is full of street murals and cool cafes. You’ll find creative spaces, pop-up shops, and small bars that serve unique cocktails.

Food is also a big reason why people love visiting London. You can try traditional dishes like fish and chips, or go for afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes. If you enjoy fine dining, London has many Michelin-starred restaurants serving food from all over the world.

At night, the city has plenty of things to do. You can watch a play in the West End, listen to live music in Camden or explore the bars and clubs in Shoreditch.

On the other hand, if you’re feeling lucky, you could always take a trip to the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, the second-largest casino in England. That said, if you’re not up for the full casino floor, there’s always the option to mess around with a few of the best online casinos in Europe back at the hotel.

The icing on the cake: getting to London is easy. The city has direct flights from most large cities around the world. It’s also well-connected to nearby countries by train—the Eurostar can take you from London to Paris in just over two hours.

The best time to visit London is from May to July. The weather is usually mild, the city’s parks are green and full of flowers, and there are lots of outdoor events and festivals.

Make Your First Trip to Europe One to Remember

Now is the perfect time to turn those travel dreams into real plans. Don’t just scroll past photos of Paris streets or Rome’s ancient ruins, go see them for yourself. Walk through the art-filled halls of the Louvre, hear the bells ring at Big Ben, watch the sunset from a canal boat in Amsterdam, and taste fresh paella by the sea in Barcelona.

Start by choosing your first city, booking your stay, and creating a simple plan for each day. Say yes to trying new foods, getting lost in beautiful neighborhoods, and meeting people from around the world.

Don’t wait for the “right” time. The best memories are made when you go for it. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and start your European vacation.