4 cities to visit in Europe for your first trip
Heading to Europe for the first time? You’re in for a treat. Centuries of history can be explored alongside lively modern culture; there’s no shortage of gastronomic delights, and stunning scenery abounds. The major cities are the best place to start, combining famous landmarks and beautiful countryside with accessibility and amenities that support a smooth and comfortable trip. Many are walkable too, so you can soak up the sights, sounds and smells with ease.
Discover how to plan your visit to Europe and which cities should be on your hitlist. These four favourites barely scratch the surface of what’s on offer…
Planning your trip
There is a lot of choice with where to visit in Europe and within each destination, so proper research is key to ensuring you have the best possible vacation. Compare the cost of flights and accommodation to find the most budget-friendly option on your shortlist if you want to devote more bucks to experiences. Or, look at lists of the best cities and choose the one that best fits the time of year you’ll be travelling. Spring and summer are generally best for sightseeing.
From here, you can start in-depth research, looking at travel articles and recent reviews to get an idea of where to base yourself and what to do in your location. Plotting a potential route on an online map will give you a better idea of the city layout, helping you plan a manageable itinerary with accurate distances and timings. To ensure your privacy, you can use a tor browser when researching the details of your trip. This will also help you navigate any country-specific network blocks that could interrupt you trying to pre-book hotels and activities.
Having a simple day-by-day plan based on groups of attractions in close proximity means you’re less likely to waste time and energy when you’re away, ensuring you see everything you want to while allowing for spontaneity.
Paris
Ah, the City of Love. Paris is a city to be in love in and fall in love with, boasting magnificent architecture, wide boutique-lined boulevards, cosy cafés and restaurants and the mighty River Seine which can be explored on a sunset boat ride. The atmosphere invites relaxation too, and locals refuse to rush.
Must-sees in the centre are the Eiffel Tower, best visited early in the morning when queues are shorter, restored Notre Dame and the iconic Louvre Museum. It’s also worth heading out to Montmartre to see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and explore the area’s bohemian roots, and to fashionable outer neighbourhoods like Le Marais with its medieval charm, luxury boutiques and hidden courtyards. Buy a carnet or transport pass if you plan to use the Metro several times in one day – it’s well worth the investment.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the city for adventure, combining beach life with a wealth of cultural attractions within easy reach of each other. On the coast, you can chill out with kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding around the coves or try high-adrenaline options like flyboarding and eFoiling – the latest thing.
In the city, designs created by 19th-century architect Antoni Gaudí dominate, found in random side streets, the park and some of the main squares. Striking in their colourfulness and strangeness, they’re sure to captivate your attention. His most ambitious masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is finally complete after 144 years of construction. Complement these sites by wandering through the Gothic Quarter, where narrow streets lead to lively squares and independent shops.
London
If you’re looking for a fast-paced city with diversity and vibrancy, England’s thriving capital fits the bill. Live music, played by buskers and bands in bars, fills the air, tourists crowd the streets and the nightlife is as exceptional as the daytime attractions – crowned by the wonderful West End, where world-class theatre awaits. There are still plenty of places to retreat to if it starts to feel a bit too much, such as Richmond Park and the spectacular Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
London was founded 2,000 years ago, so there are some amazing historical sites to uncover. Head to Westminster Abbey to track the succession of kings, discover Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s domain, and watch actors bringing to life some of the city’s most grisly past events at the infamous Tower of London. And, of course, there’s Buckingham Palace, official royal residency, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard.
Amsterdam
At the other end of the spectrum is sedate Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands and haven for cyclists, with completely flat terrain. The city is highly pedestrianized too, making it a great choice for families. Criss-crossed by an intricate network of UNESCO-recognised canals, which you can sail down for a unique perspective of the charming heritage houses on either side, this old trade hub celebrates tradition. Visit flower and food markets that have been held in the same place for decades and feast on delicious local delicacies like the savoury bitterballen and sweet treats such as stroopwafel and appeltaart. Hire some bikes and travel like the locals do, perhaps out to the pretty and peaceful windmill-filled countryside.
Museums are in abundance here, and there are options to satisfy all interests. Anne Frank’s house is a poignant reminder of the past while extraordinary artwork can be admired at the various dedicated galleries, all set beside each other in the convenient Museumplein.
