Best Places in Europe for First Time Visitors (based on travel type)

If you opened this, I assume you are thinking of your first Europe trip and wondering where to go? First of all, congratulations. How lucky, I am so jealous. I wish I could go back and experience the European continent for the first time all over again.

My first ever trip to Europe was to France in 2017. Since then, I have visited over 30 European countries and lived in France, Belgium, UK and Denmark. I have also hosted and shown family around, so I know a thing or two about what are the best locations for different kinds of travellers.

This post shares my recommendations on the best European destinations for those who are new to the continent. Recommendations are based on traveller type: For urban explorers, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Prague and London are great introductions to European cities.

Paris, Vienna and Edinburgh for the culture-curious traveller. For those starting their scenic and slow-travel journey, then you need to check out Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland.

If you’re travelling on a budget, then look at Portugal (Porto) and the Balkans specifically Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Malta, Southern Spain and Greece should be high on your list if you’re keen for some warm weather and relaxation.

Lastly, if you want to evade the crowds and explore some amazing spots that are relatively off-the-beaten-path, then you should have Ghent, Rotterdam, Annecy (France) and the Baltics on your list.

The post is quite long, so please scroll to whatever section you’re interested in to see our reasoning for why it’s great destination for your first time in Europe.

What makes a travel destination friendly for first time visitors?

It can be quite nerve-wracking travelling to a new place: you’re trying to navigate new cities, understand cultural norms, adjust to the food, while also trying to soak in the experience.

For visa-required travellers like me, there is also the added element of needing to prepare detailed application, gather documents and secure a visa.

Here are some criteria I use to define places friendly to first-timers:

• Good English levels: While there are a lot of non-English speaking places that you should visit, it’s nice to arrive at a place where you immediately know what’s going on. You can focus on exploring and not worry about translating or understanding train announcements. Thankfully, this is not a major worry as most European countries – and especially major cities have decent English levels. For some places in this list, they have good tourist infrastructure despite not being fully English-speaking such that you can get by easily.
  
  
• Safety and walkability: Feeling safe and being able to explore on foot makes a huge difference on your first trip. European cities generally have good walking infrastructure, especially compared to cities in other continents.
  
  
• Clear Public Transport: If it’s your first time in Europe, the public transport system can be quite confusing. My brother-in-law once took a train between Austrian towns and somehow ended up in a small town in Czech Republic, lol. There will always be a bit of a curve when figuring out public transit in a new place, but it helps when there are a variety of options – train, buses, metro, taxis etc.
  
  
• Available accommodation and food: Destinations with plenty of accommodation options ate different price points makes planning much easier, especially when you’re figuring out your travel preferences and style. I recommend starting your search on booking.com – the biggest booking accommodation booking platform.
  And having accessible, affordable food – cafes, street food or restaurants – means you can enjoy sampling local food without overthinking.
  
  
• Easy clear entry requirements: Understanding visa rules, border checks and entry procedures upfront removes a lot of pre-trip anxiety. Countries with straightforward entry requirements (or those in the Schengen area where rules are consistent) are great as you can focus on your trip instead of administrative surprises.

The Easy Urban Explorer

If you enjoy cities that are compact, well-connected and easy to understand from day one, these spots are perfect. They’re the kind of places where you can land, drop your bags and immediately start roaming around without an elaborate plan. You’ll rack up the steps and each of those steps will be worth it – cause they’re so beautiful.

Amsterdam

One of the most effortless cities , Amsterdam is a city that every European traveler should explore. The canals are beautiful in that instantly recognisable way, and Van Gogh Museum is a must if you enjoy meaningful art or the Anne Frank House for some sobering history.

Amsterdam was the second city I visited after Paris, and it felt like I experienced it in my dreams way before stepping foot. It feels familiar enough to navigate yet so full of character.

You can cycle (rent a bike for your stay!), walk, or hop on the metro and get anywhere quickly. The city is one of those where you just need to “be” and experience it at a relaxed pace – ideal for first timers. I promise you’ll be spoilt for things to do: museums, churches, and food places.

To get a feel of the city and a unique view, I recommend booking a canal tour.

Copenhagen

I lived in Copenhagen for two years and still miss it. Copenhagen is quiet, clean and incredibly easy to move through. It’s walkable or you can get around on metro or train, but it’s one of those cities where you truly get a taste of the local life once you get on a bike. Most locals cycle everywhere so consider hiring one for at least a day.

You’ll find pastries that ruin your standards forever, plus castles, gardens, museums and waterfront neighborhoods (like Christianshavn!) that are perfect for slow exploring. You also have Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world right in the city.

Copenhagen has a great dining scene, lots of great bars and a lovely canal area to walk and hang out at. If you’re visiting in summer, you should look into spots for a dip, or some city festivals and concerts. Additionally, most if not all, Danish people speak perfect English and are very helpful.

One of the things friends and family loved when visiting me in Copenhagen was doing a half-day trip to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. You could also decide and pop over to Sweden for a day trip – why not take advantage and do that 2 country tour!

Prague

Prague is one of those places that pulls you in immediately. The beer culture is legendary, but beyond that, it’s simply a stunning city. The views from Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Tower, Castle Hill, the cobblestone streets – everything feels very picturesque.

Prague is compact and very walkable, and most of the major sights naturally connect as you stroll through the city. For a first timer who wants beauty, atmosphere, and an easy flow, Prague delivers.

It can be quite touristy, so you might want to also get out of Old Town and explore parks, restaurants, bars and bakeries in the rest of the city.

London

London deserves a place on this list. It’s the city I love and now call home. There’s genuinely no European city that’s easier to move through on a first trip.

Everything is in English, public transport is extensive and relatively intuitive, and there’s an endless list of things to do no matter your interests. You can start with the classics – Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Tower Bridge, The London Eye, a cruise along the Thames – but London really shines once you go beyond them.

Each neighbourhood feels like its own mini-city, full of markets, parks and local spots. Explore areas like Hackney, Notting Hill, Bermondsey, Shoreditch or Camden and you’ll start to see how layered London is. And when it comes to food, London’s diversity means whatever cuisine you’re craving, you’ll find it done well.

London is a great confidence-builder for first-time Europe travellers, it offers endless choice of things to do while still feeling relatively familiar. With 5 airports, it’s also an excellent base – easy connections to other UK cities and short flights or trains into mainland Europe.

The Culture-Curious First-Timer

You’ve been dreaming of travelling to Europe. You think of Europe and imagine museums, architecture, historic streets and cities that make you pause. Well, then I have the trio for you: Paris, Vienna and Edinburgh. You can’t go wrong with these cities; they are iconic for a reason.

Paris

A classic – the version of Europe many of us dream about long before we ever step foot there. Paris was the first city I ever visited in Europe, and I remember feeling so emotional seeing all the places I had only heard about. I have been back a few times and it’s always humbling. Paris has that cinematic feel – the cafes, the grand boulevards, museums, the food, effortless and chic fashion and the way the city’s lights up at night.

Paris is very popular, and because of its tourist infrastructure – it’s quite manageable for a first timer. It has great public transport, endless alleys to discover, and enough variety that you can shape the city to your pace.

There is of course, the question of English and the understandable fatigue of locals when dealing with tourists sometimes. Even with my very basic French, I got around with no trouble – you can get around easily with a translator app like Google translate.

Even if a bit cliché, Paris delivers a classic Europe experience for the first-time traveller. I also recommend France as an entry point for a first Schengen visa, simply because the country receives the most tourist visa applications.

Vienna

Vienna has that “old Europe” charm in the most elegant, effortless way. It feels like a polished imperial city without being intimidating; there are museums that pull you in, streets with some beautiful buildings, numerous palaces to choose from, magnificent churches, castles and libraries – among others.

You will be spoiled for things to do and see in Vienna, particularly if you enjoy classical music or want to experience cultural events straight out of the 20^th century. Consider tours or shows at the Opera house and concert hall.

Vienna has both the old classic Europe feel mixed with a more diverse offering (think middle eastern food, all sorts of cafes etc). It offers great markets and great nightlife that you shouldn’t miss out on. Public transport is very efficient – and widespread. There is a reason Vienna is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world.

If you’re visiting in winter, Christmas markets there are magical. You can stroll for hours, snack your way through local treats (doner kebabs and frankfurters anyone?) and feel like you’ve stepped back into a more graceful time.

Oh also, if you’re in Vienna, why not take a day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia? Bratislava and Vienna are some of the closest capital cities – only 1 hour drive, or about 81 km.

Edinburgh

oh, Edinburgh – a city that impresses beyond measure. Edinburgh is one of those cities where every turn reveals something dramatic: castle perched on a cliff, winding streets, views that stop you mid-walk. It’s hard to describe. There’s such a rugged beauty with its city views amidst up-and-down hills that photographs can’t fully capture.

For culture lovers – it’s a full sensory experience – history, architecture (castles, gardens), museums, folklore – all packed into a city that’s easy to navigate and endlessly fascinating. For Harry Potter fans, you’re in for a heavenly treat exploring Edinburgh. Or if you’re a whisky lover, then you have to check out the Johnnie Walker Signature Experience.

Since you’re in Scotland, consider doing a one-day guided tour to some more of Scotland’s mind-blowing beauty. I did the Rabbies tour to the Highlands and Loch Ness and found it very worthwhile.

The Scenic & Slow-Travel Starter

If you prefer nature and space over noise, slower days over packed itineraries, and scenic landscapes that make you stop, then these countries are a great introduction to Europe. They’re easy to navigate, extremely safe, and built for travellers who don’t want to rush from one attraction to another.

Norway

Norway is one of the best places to start if you want scenery and slow exploration. Everything just works in Norway: excellent infrastructure, trains and ferries that run on time, and locals who speak great English such that communication is not a problem. Despite Norway’s reputation, the train journeys aren’t as crazy expensive as you might think.

You can explore fjords, take long scenic train rides, wander through quiet towns and it will all feel like you’re experiencing something magic while still moving at your pace.

You can’t do better than Norway when it comes to hiking, the country has a good maintained national website for hiking routes across the country. In the winter, it’s also one of the best places to catch the Northern lights.

Switzerland

Switzerland is on another level – the views feel unreal, perfect, almost like they were made by AI. Crystal-clear lakes, perfect alpine towns, mountains that look too dramatic to be real – it’s easily one of the most beautiful and organized countries I have visited. Trains connect everything seamlessly (and there are some beautiful train rides!), and the whole system is built for effortless exploration.

The only caveat is price, the beauty and perfection come at a hefty price! Switzerland is often at the top of lists like highest salaries, highest cost of living etc – and you’ll quickly see why.

But if your priority is jaw-dropping scenery and an incredibly smooth introduction to European travel, then Switzerland impresses beyond expectations.

Slovenia

Slovenia offers a softer, more budget-friendly version of slow and quiet-travel experience. It’s small, relaxed and full of natural beauty – from Lake Bled to the Julian Alps to Ljublana, its lovely, compact capital. It has a lot of forests and mountains so you’re in for some good hiking and cycling.

Everything in Slovenia is easy: distances are short, transport is well connected, and you can mix nature, culture and day trips without rushing.

Slovenia often surprises people in the best way, especially if you want something peaceful and manageable for your first European trip. It’s become much more popular in recent years, so you better get there ASAP 😊

The Budget-Conscious Traveller

If you’re planning your first trip and the numbers are already making you think twice, these ones are for you. Most people think Europe travel equals expensive – but there are some corners that are more kind to your wallet and easy to navigate, as you still find your travel rhythm.

The Balkans

My top picks here are the Balkans particularly Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania and Montenegro. I exclude Croatia as it became much more expensive after they fully transitioned their currency to euro in early 2024.

The Balkans will give you so much bang for your buck. You can stay in an amazing hotel with beautiful seaside views in Kotor, Montenegro without worrying about finances. Or like I did, you could enjoy a glass of wine for 1 euro and some more affordable cocktails in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The vibe is generally relaxed. The Balkans have something to offer for every interest – beach and water views, fascinating history, small towns, big towns alike, and amazing nature with unrivalled hiking options. The only caveat is that English prevalence isn’t so high – it’s just enough to get by and get directions.

Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Albania are also well connected. We travelled across the countries on cheap (but eventful) buses, so that’s another plus. Do check out omio.com for transportation options.

Porto

Porto, Portugal is another solid option which works especially well for beginners on a budget: reliable public transport, great food that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (you need to try Port wine and local pastel del nata), a slightly slower place with so much to do.

You get culture, beautiful scenery (include Harry Potter history) and lots of natural magic while keeping costs reasonable.

The Warm-Weather and Relaxation Seeker

If your ideal first trip is all about sunshine, warm evenings, long lunches and destinations where you can slow down guilt-free, these places are perfect. They’re easy to settle into, full of good food, great architecture and built for simple, feel-good days that aren’t about checking off a list.

Malta

Malta positively surprised me, it is a great easy warm-weather destination for first-timers. It’s small, safe and incredibly straightforward to get around. The buses connect almost everywhere you’d want to go, and the island – together with its neighbour Gozo Island – has a relaxed charm.

You will get some historic sites that’ll wow you. You also get a mix of beaches, pretty harbour towns, dramatic cliffs and a warm Mediterranean climate that means you can plan a laid-back itinerary without worrying too much about extreme cold.

Southern Spain

Southern Spain is another great option if you want warmth and culture in a relaxed atmosphere. Cities like Cardiz, Seville, Malaga and Granada strike that perfect balance – sunny, vibrant, full of flavour and easy to explore on foot. Food is affordable and pace is gentle with some cozy streets. You can mix sightseeing with lazy afternoons at tapas bar or on the beach.

The transport is solid, with places like being on the train line. You can essentially pick one as a home base and do day trips from there or hop between towns. You can also get some good hiking options or nearby coastal spots.

Southern Spain is an excellent choice if you want warmth, history and a relaxed rhythm.

Greece

Greece offers some of the most effortless warm-weather travel experiences. Whether you choose islands like Crete, Naxos or Paros, or stick to places on the mainland, Greece is built for slow days and scenery.

Great food, friendly locals, and clear blue waters that never gets old – it’s everything people imagine when they think of an easy, sunny European holiday. If you’re interested in ancient ruins, then Greece is a must – specifically Delphi and Olympia. Athens, especially the Acropolis and Parthenon, is also definitely worth a couple nights.

Despite how popular Greece is (Hello Santorini and Mykonos), you can still find quieter islands that allow you to unwind and explore properly.

Underrated Gems Traveller

If you’re the kind of traveller looking to discover places that are quiet, less expected and more charming than the usual “first time in Europe” shortlist, then this section is for you.

These are the cities I’d recommend to someone who wants Europe without the crowds, inflated tourist prices or sensory overload. They may not be the first places you think of when planning a Europe trip, but that’s why they’re great. They’re compact so quite easy to navigate but they’re still so full of personality. When I have visited the Baltics and Annecy – and when I lived in Ghent, I felt like I had lots of space and comfort – perfect for easing into Europe.

The Baltics – Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga

Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga are the heart of underrated European gems. Each of these cities has its own character, but the common thread is an underlying calmness, beauty and ease. I have been so pleasantly surprised on my trips to the Baltics. You get some very uniquely beautiful – and the most well preserved – Old Towns in Europe.

You’ll also get a slower pace and welcoming locals. They’re walkable and photogenic without that feeling of being overly curated for tourists. For a first-timer, these cities offer a nice soft landing into Europe while still giving something fresh and memorable.

Ghent

Ghent is another gem that deserves more love. Everyone rushes to Bruges (still equally beautiful) or Amsterdam, but Ghent sits there quietly with its canals, beautiful architecture and great food (the best waffles, fries etc etc). I spent a year in Ghent during my master’s and it’s my favourite city in Belgium.

Owing to Ghent University, there are a lot of young people in the city which contributes to a more energetic feel and increased offerings of things to do. Yet it still manages to be small enough to walk everywhere without feeling crowded.

Wholeheartedly recommend for someone who wants some classic European charm with no chaos. If you’re in Brussels and have limited time, then consider doing Ghent and Bruges as a day tour.

Annecy, France

Annecy is like stepping into a real-life postcard but somehow, still not crowded. Lake Annecy, the mountains, the pastel buildings…everything feels peaceful.

It’s an ideal pick if you want scenery and a slower pace. You can wander, sit by the water, take a boat ride, or explore the Old Town at a leisurely place.

It’s an amazing location for all kinds of sports – winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, lake sports, hiking, cycling or even running (it’s the home of running brands Salomon and Hoka).

Rotterdam

And then there’s Rotterdam – modern, bold, and very different from the typical “European” look. If you’re curious about architecture, design, and a more contemporary vibe, Rotterdam is a great introduction. It has a lot of cool buildings and very interesting, converted spaces alongside interesting neighbourhoods.

You’ll find great cycling infrastructure, and inspiring urban planning. There are lots of events, so just check what’s on.

It’s also close enough to Amsterdam for a day trip, but without Amsterdam’s crowds or prices. A fun city that doesn’t feel overwhelming – great if you’re looking for something unexpected but still very accessible.

Closing Thoughts

No matter where you choose to start, your first trip to Europe should be exciting, not overwhelming. The goal is to find a place that matches your pace, interests and the kind of experience you want to remember.

Once you choose the right destination, everything else becomes easier. I hope you have a wonderful time planning your first European adventure.