It’s finally time for you to plan your first trip to Europe. You’ve saved all the money you needed; you spent your days dreaming of the adventure you’re about to start, but where do you begin in your planning process?
Deciding which cities to travel to or which ones to make your base in Europe is very important. Not all of the cities and towns across the continent are beginner-friendly. For first-timers, the perfect city has to be more than just beautiful. It should be easy to get around, should have welcoming people, plenty of places to stay, and should offer a wide range of things to see and do without feeling overwhelming. (Bonus points if it’s well-connected to smaller towns and day trip spots nearby.)
After taking all of these factors into consideration, we developed a list of eight European cities that check every box. They are fairly intuitive to explore, even for first-timers, rich in culture, and serve as ideal bases for discovering more of Europe. Regardless of whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, these destinations will make your first European adventure fun and problem-free.
Vienna
Why it works: Easy transport, elegant atmosphere, and plenty to do without feeling chaotic.
Many first-time travelers to Europe overlook Vienna as a base for their trip, but the truth is that Vienna is one of the most organized and easy-to-navigate cities in Europe.
The public transportation system, especially the metro and tram network, is efficient, safe, and easy to use, even if you don’t speak German. The city itself feels calm and well-paced. Locals may seem formal, but they’re polite and helpful when you ask for directions or assistance. English is also widely understood in tourist areas.
While visiting, make sure you prioritize visiting Schönbrunn Palace, attending a classical concert, exploring art museums like the Belvedere, and spending time in the city’s historic coffeehouses.
Vienna is also a great city for walking with its wide boulevards and plenty of green spaces. The city is also well-connected to other beautiful destinations like Salzburg, Melk, Hallstatt, and even Bratislava, which is just an hour away.
Paris
Why it works: Well-connected, packed with iconic sights, and easy to explore with or without a plan.
Paris is a great starting point for a first-timers trip to Europe.
Central Paris is also very walkable. So if you’re staying close to the centre, you can explore the town on foot as well without trying to figure out the public transport system immediately on arrival. However, even if you have to use the metro, you should know that the entire system is extensive, but it can be easily navigated with just a little practice.
If you learn a few basic French phrases, the locals are happy to help as well. In tourist areas, many people speak some English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and museums.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Paris. So whether it’s visiting the Eiffel Tower, walking along the Seine, exploring world-class museums like the Louvre and Orsay, or just spending time in different neighborhoods like Le Marais or Montmartre, Paris can give you the perfect European experience you would be longing for.
Paris also offers accommodation options in every price range and is very well-connected for day trips. Popular day trip options include Versailles, Giverny, Reims, and the Loire Valley.
Rome
Why it works: It is full of iconic sights, incredible food, and vibrant energy that first-timers will love.
Rome can feel busy, but it’s an unforgettable place to begin a European trip.
The historic center is very walkable, and many major attractions like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona are all within reach on foot.
The metro system is limited compared to other European capital cities, and taxis can be unpredictable, but given how walkable the town is, it’s best to explore on foot as much as possible. You can also use local buses when needed.
Locals are expressive and warm, and the city is very used to tourists. In central areas, you’ll often find that people in restaurants and shops speak some English. Rome offers a mix of ancient ruins, beautiful churches, lively piazzas, and food markets. You could spend an entire day just wandering around and still feel like you’ve had a full experience.
One more first-timer-friendly aspect of Rome is that there are hotels, B&Bs, and apartments that work with almost any budget. Rome also makes a great base for day trips to places like Tivoli, Orvieto, Naples, or even Florence via the high-speed train.
Pro Tip: Use a Rome Pass or skip-the-line tickets to avoid long queues at major sites.
Amsterdam
Why it works: Incredibly easy to get around, very English-friendly, and compact enough to explore without stress.
Amsterdam is one of the most beginner-friendly cities in Europe. The layout is compact, and the tram system is also efficient. Most locals speak fluent English. Even if you’ve never been to Europe before, navigating the city is intuitive and low-stress.
You can explore the canals on foot, rent a bike like the locals do, or take a cruise to get a feel for the city’s layout. First-timers will find that even just walking around offers plenty to see. There are charming bridges, boats, and beautiful streets everywhere you go.
Top things to do include visiting the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Albert Cuyp Market or Foodhallen, where you can sample foods all day.
You should note though that staying in the city center can be expensive, especially if you don’t book in advance. You can also consider staying in quieter neighborhoods like De Pijp or Jordaan, which might fit your budget a bit better.
From Amsterdam, you can take day trips by train to Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, Utrecht, and Rotterdam.
Barcelona
Why it works: It is a great mix of beaches, culture, and easy navigation, with a relaxed, sunny vibe that’s ideal for first-time visitors.
Although Barcelona is a southern beach town, it ticks a lot of boxes for first-time European travelers. For starters, the metro is affordable, extensive, and easy to use. You can explore most of the city without needing a car, and walking around neighborhoods like El Born, the Gothic Quarter, or Gràcia is part of the fun.
English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, and major attractions, so you’ll get by comfortably even without knowing Spanish or Catalan.
There’s no shortage of things to do, either. You can relax at the beach, explore markets like La Boqueria, or visit iconic Gaudí landmarks like Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Additionally, unlike other major European cities, staying in the city center isn’t necessary for a smoother experience.
The city also makes a great base for day trips to Sitges, Montserrat, and Girona if you’re hoping to get out of the city for a day or two!
Lisbon
Why it works: A relaxed vibe, friendly locals, and great value make it ideal for first-time travelers who want a slower pace and avoid popular, crowded cities.
Lisbon is one of the most welcoming cities in Europe, especially for first-timers. The locals in tourist areas are warm, easygoing, and often understand basic English as well.
The city is built on hills, but its compact layout, metro system, and much-photographed trams make getting around manageable, even if you’re not accustomed to the elevation.
What makes the stay delightful is that the pace here is slower than in most major capitals. In Lisbon, explore the Alfama district, enjoy local music (like Fado), and catch incredible views from the many miradouros (viewpoints) around town.
Lisbon also offers great value for money compared to its neighbor Spain. You’ll find excellent food for a fraction of what you’d pay in major Spanish towns. The accommodation here is also more budget-friendly, which will make your wallet happy.
For day trips, Sintra is a must-see with its palaces and fairytale architecture. Cascais, Évora, and Óbidos are also popular and easily reachable from your base in Lisbon.
Budapest
Why it works: Affordable, scenic, and packed with things to do and perfect for budget-conscious first-time travelers.
Budapest is a strong pick for first-timers who want to experience history, culture, and nightlife without breaking the bank. The city is well connected by metro, trams, and buses, and it’s relatively easy to figure out even if you’ve never used public transport in Europe before.
English is widely spoken, especially among younger locals and in tourist-facing spots. The people are helpful, and the general vibe is laid-back and unpretentious across the city.
There’s a lot to explore here, too. From its famous thermal baths, castles, and riverfront walks to one of the best nightlife scenes in Central Europe, this city has got it all going for a first-timer. It also helps that it’s a very photogenic city, especially along the Danube at sunset.
Budapest offers a good mix of hostels, boutique hotels, and mid-range stays that work well for all budgets. You can also use it as a base for day trips to Szentendre, Eger, or Lake Balaton.
Prague
Why it works: Affordable, compact, and great for first-timers who want classic European charm without the crowds.
Prague is a very beginner-friendly city. The historic center is compact and walkable, allowing you to cover a lot on foot without needing to rely on transportation right away. When you do need to get around faster or go further throughout the city, the metro and tram system is reliable and easy to use.
English is widely spoken in most tourist areas, and the locals here are generally polite and used to helping visitors. The vibe is a mix of historic and quirky, which could be exactly what you’re looking for on your next trip.
Spend your time visiting Prague Castle, walking across Charles Bridge, and exploring the Old Town Square. There are also offbeat museums and scenic river walks if you want a slower pace.
Prague has lots of budget and mid-range hotels, and it’s one of the more affordable capitals in Europe, which makes it ideal if you’re trying to keep costs down. It’s also well-placed for day trips to Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, and Karlovy Vary.