Best Cities to Visit in Europe

European cities maintain their positions in the top spots of the International Tourism Rankings,
with over 600 million people travelling to Europe annually on average in recent years.
Not been to this stunning, inspiring, and exciting continent yet? What are you waiting for?
Let us give you our list of the best cities for the first time traveller to visit. Read on for tips
for the first time visitor to Europe: where to go on your first visit, which cities to visit first,
what to eat, and which attractions to head for!

Top European City Destinations to Visit (First Timers)

The Elegant Beauty of Florence Italy

When you first arrive in Florence, you are instantly struck
by the sophisticated glamour of its architecture. Not to mention
the delicious cuisine: traditional dishes include ‘pane sciocco’ (or ‘bland bread’)
which is an unsalted bread that is delectable in salads with fresh
tomatoes, courgettes and olive oil. It is also recommended that you try
the light yet hearty local soup known as panzanella and some sweet
almond biscuits (cantucci) dipped in vinsanto for afters. Florence is also
home to some of the best galleries and cultural attractions that you will
see in your life time: start at the Uffizi (where you can see priceless works
by world famous names like Michelangelo) and work from there.

Best Accommodation Florence

The Poetry of Prague Czech Republic

Prague is sometimes known as a city of stories, and its beautiful Castle,
fairytale Town Square, and unique Charles Bridge are just a few
of the exciting attractions in this wonderful part of Europe.

Best Accommodation in Prague

The Beaches of Barcelona Spain

Once you have finished gazing in awe at the amazing Sagrado Corazon cathedral (where many tourists make a bee line as the first thing
that they do on a first visit), you can simply head straight for the beach
where you can surf, swim, lounge, snorkel and sail to your heart’s content.
Barcelona has some of the best beaches in Europe! Brush up on your
Catalan and head for the local bars in the evening – in Barcelona,
the night life never stops.

Best Accommodation in Barcelona

Bruges or Brugge Belgium Belfort and Canal

The Historic Atmosphere of Bruges Belgium

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bruge is set within
a network of tranquil canals. Here, whilst sipping delectable
Belgian beers, you can plan your visit through beautiful art galleries,
medieval market squares, and much more. Bruges is often
dubbed ‘The Venice of the North’ because of its unique waterside
location: the sight of the ancient buildings reflected in the water
on a clear evening is a glorious thing to behold. One of the best ways
to see Bruges is from the water – you can take a canal boat
through the city and if you bring a picnic it can be one of the
best and most memorable aspects of your visit to Europe.

Best Accommodation in Bruges

Buapest Danube River and Parliament Building

The Beauty of Budapest Hungary

Originally two cities, Hungary’s capital is set on the
gorgeous Danube river. It is a great first stopping point for a
visit to central Europe. Budapest is famous for being filled
with great galleries and museums – and the Hungarian National Gallery
is perhaps the best place to visit if you are pressed for time
on a first visit to this part of Europe. Other galleries pop up in
unlikely spots, though – such as temporary outdoor exhibitions
in one of the many blooming parks.

Best Accommodation Budapest

Krakow Poland Wawel Castle and Cathedral

Plunge back in time in Krakow Poland

Krakow is home to an ancient castle which is said
to house a dragon. Out of all of the Polish cities, Krakow is the
one which has the best preserved medieval architecture.
The beautiful Vistula river flows through Krakow, and here
you can relax in one of the wonderful restaurants and sample
traditional Polish delicacies such as pierogi dumplings.
The legendary salt mines close to Krakow are also well worth a visit
– and from Krakow you can also visit other great Polish cities such as Warsaw.

Best Hotels in Krakow Poland

Rome Italy: Filled with Ancient Sights

Marvel at the Coliseum, see the ancient Roman Forum,
and be inspired by the well preserved ruins of the Pantheon.
A photo in front of the iconic Trevi Fountain is almost obligatory,
and a day trip to the Vatican and the opulent Vatican Museum
is also a great way to spend one of your days in sunny Rome.
This is one of those cities where your first time will most
probably not be your last time to visit

Best Accommodation in Rome

The History of London UK

From Tower Bridge to Buckingham Palace, there is so
much for any first time visitor to Europe to get their teeth
into in London. One of the best ways to see the city is
from the London Eye – or you can ascend The Shard
and look down over this most beautiful of cities as the sun
sets or the morning mist sweeps away to reveal a world
of excitement at your feet. A first time visitor to London has
so many exciting attractions to visit. Will you head first to the
Olympic Park, for instance, or will you catch a play at
Shakespeare’s Globe on Bankside?

Best Accommodation in London

Spend a Cultured Time in Amsterdam The Netherlands

Renowned for its canals, Amsterdam is one of the
first places that many visitors to Western Europe like to stop off.
The Rijksmuseum is definitely one of the best museums in
the world, and here you can go back in time to see works by
Old Dutch Masters. The Van Gogh House and the Anne Frank House
are also highly recommended sites to visit.

Best Accommodation in Amsterdam

Ride a Gondola in Venice Italy

If this is your first visit to Europe, then what more
iconic way to spend your time than by sailing through the
watery ‘streets’ of Venice in a gondola? This is one of Europe’s
most instantly recognisable cities, and there are also some
of Europe’s best sights close by. Head to nearby Verona to
see Juliet’s Balcony, for example (of Romeo and Juliet fame).

Best Accommodation in Venice

Paying a visit to gorgeous Lisbon Portugal

Just a stroll around Lisbon will fill you with delight:
the streets are literally paved with beautifully glazed tiles.
In this part of Europe, you can enjoy beautiful weather
through most of the year – and it is one of those cities where
each neighbourhood has something different to offer.
Bairro Alto is one of the best places to go in the night time,
for instance, whilst the Parque das Nações is home to the
World Exhibition Centre and has events going on all the time.

Best Accommodation in Lisbon

The Fourteen Islands of Stockholm Sweden

Stockholm is one of the most buzzing and populated
cities in the Nordic regions. Laid out across fourteen
separate islands it has plenty of cultural attractions to fill
your first time visit to Europe with interesting anecdotes.
The Vasa Museum, for example, which is devoted to maritime
exhibits, is one of Scandinavia’s most visited non art based
museums. Stockholm is one of the best cities to visit if you
want to get a taste of Scandinavia, and it is very well connected
so it will be easy for you to reach other cities in the Nordic
regions from here as well.

Best Hotels in Stockholm Sweden

The Romance of Paris France

In the popular imagination, the city of Paris is synonymous
with romance – and there is a very good reason for that.
Wander through the Louvre museum, where you can see
amazing works such as the Mona Lisa, then head through to
the beautiful Tuilleries gardens before perhaps taking a stroll
beside the Seine. Paris’s restaurants are incredible, and the
view from the hill of Montmartre (where the Sacre Coeur cathedral
is to be found) is absolutely breathtaking. There are also regular
bus trips to the resplendent palace of Versailles, and this is one
of the best day trips you can do from Paris.

Best Accommodation in Paris

Simply the Best for Fun: Vienna Austria

Some of the best cakes and delicacies in the world
are available in Vienna, including the world famous Sacher Tort.
In this, one of the most elegant cities in Europe, you can have
a wonderful time in the Museum Quarter (the Art Museum has
some original Bruegel works, for example whilst the
Natural History Museum is great for a family friendly visit).
Make sure to visit Freud’s house and Mozart’s House too!

Best Hotels in Vienna Austria

Berlin Spree river and Fernsehturm TV tower

The Cool Atmosphere of Berlin Germany

Berlin is one of those cities that will always be on the map.
Visit the Brandenburg Gate and see the site of the Berlin Wall.
It is definitely one of the coolest cities in Europe – if not the world
– and the first (and, many will swear, the best) place for lovers of
innovative film, art and theatre to visit when they want to be inspired.

Best Hotels in Berlin Germany