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Are you planning your maiden journey through the Atlantic? Europe is one of those places that will always remain in your memories even after you return home. From its cobbled streets, its historic cathedrals, its world-famous cuisine, and its rich cultural history that literally permeates everywhere around, Europe has everything. However, when you consider that there are over 44 countries in Europe and each of them boasts its own unique beauty, finding the right destination becomes difficult indeed.
That's why we at Fantastic Fare have put together this ultimate Europe Travel Guide for first-timers. This list includes some of the best cities in Europe, no matter whether you are an adventure seeker, a history lover, a passionate foodie, or a romantic soul.
There are many Europe cities to see, but there is no guide about traveling through Europe that does not mention Paris.
As far as first-time travel destinations are concerned, Paris has a lot of perks. The metro station can be easily accessed, English is spoken everywhere in tourists' zones, and the most popular sights in Paris the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre are easily accessible by foot.
What to do: Walk on the Seine in the evening light, visit the Museum of Orsay, enjoy some freshly baked croissant at a local bakery, and take a walk through the picturesque Le Marais district.
Best season to visit: From April till June and from September till October to avoid the heat.
Budget tip: Buy tickets for visiting the Eiffel Tower and Louvre before your arrival online.
Rome needs no introductions for anyone who visits Europe's top tourist cities for the first time. It is the eternal city, full of millennia of history in every step you make in it. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City the list of iconic sights feels endless.
Rome's biggest strength is the number of attractions in such a small space. Walking from one UNESCO World Heritage Site to another should take no longer than 20 minutes here. And talking about the cuisine, it's all about carbonara, cacio e pepe, supplì, and gelato in Rome.
What to do: Go to Colosseum early in the morning, throw a coin into Trevi Fountain, visit Vatican Museums and have dinner in Trastevere.
Best time to visit: March-May or October-November.
Save money: Centro storico is small enough, wear comfy shoes to avoid paying for transportation.
The most amazing thing about Barcelona is how captivating it is right from the start! Featuring breathtaking Gaudí architecture, vibrant culinary culture, beach life, and nightlife, it is no surprise why this wonderful place is considered one of the best cities in Europe.
For newbies, Barcelona combines the best cultural excursions and relaxation at a Mediterranean pace. Well-structured city and developed transport links make visiting the main landmarks effortless.
What to do: See La Sagrada Familia (book tickets in advance!); see Park Guell; stroll down Las Ramblas; and explore the Gothic Quarter with its winding, historic streets.
Ideal times to visit: May, June, or September when it’s pleasantly warm without being too hot.
Budget tip: It's a good idea to book tickets well in advance for visiting many of the famous Gaudi monuments in Barcelona.
Amsterdam is the ideal destination for travelers visiting Europe for the first time. This city is small and easy to navigate, English-speaking, and filled with world-class museums and a laid-back vibe.
As one of the best europe cities to visit, Amsterdam provides the visitor with a unique combination of art history museums like the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, intriguing Anne Frank history, stunning canal architecture, and a liberal, free-thinking culture. Also, the Schipol Airport is conveniently connected to many places in Europe.
What to do: Take a bike ride through the canals, visit the Van Gogh Museum, take a stroll through the Jordaan District, and explore the flowers markets.
The best time to visit: April (during tulip season) until early June or September.
Budget tip: Buy the Amsterdam City Card that provides unlimited access to all major museums and the entire public transportation system.
Also Read: How to Find Cheap International Flights and Vacation Packages
To experience medieval Europe without paying Western Europe prices, visit Prague. This picturesque city is considered one of the best cities in Europe. From Gothic towers to baroque churches, everything about the Old Town area of Prague is picture-perfect, making you feel like you've stepped into an old movie setting.
Prague is especially budget-friendly due to affordable accommodation and meals. In addition, the beer here is much more affordable compared to Western European cities, such as Paris and London.
What to do: Visit Prague Castle, cross the Charles Bridge at sunrise, see the Astronomical clock in the Old Town Square, and stroll around Malá Strana.
Best time to visit: May to June or September to October.
Budget tip: The most amazing activities in Prague walking around its areas, crossing the Charles Bridge, visiting the Vyšehrad are free.
London is probably the easiest European destination for tourists of any experience level since there's no need to struggle with the language as you'll speak English, the tube system will remind you of your local one, and the city itself is incredibly diverse in terms of offerings and experiences.
Once a center of an extensive global empire, museums in London will entertain you for days and most of them offer their collections free of charge.
What to do: Go to the British Museum, go to the Borough Market, enjoy a West End performance, walk across the Thames, and visit the Tower of London.
Best time to visit: May to September great weather awaits you.
Budget tip: Museums in London are free! Tube rides may cost you a lot, however; get yourself an Oyster Card for cheaper fares.
Budapest may not be on first-time visitors' radar as one of Europe's must-visit cities, but when they get there, they never leave disappointed. Sitting on top of the amazing Danube River, Budapest comprises two cities in one; Buda, with its castle, and the flat Pest, home to lots of ruin bars and beautiful architecture.
Value-wise, Budapest is one of the best places in Europe to go to since your euros or pounds will go very far while spending a great time in this amazing European city.
What to do: Take the time to enjoy the thermal baths of Széchenyi, marvel at the beauty of the parliament building lit up at night, tour Fisherman's Bastion and visit a ruin bar.
Best time to visit: April-June or September-October.
Budget tip: Get yourself a Budapest card which will allow you to use all forms of transportation and access some major tourist attractions for free.
It is no wonder that Lisbon has fast gained its reputation as one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Its pastel-colored houses, yellow trams, Atlantic vibes, and some of the lowest prices in Europe for a western capital make Lisbon heaven for newcomers.
Hilly, picturesque, and relatively small, the Portuguese capital can be explored mostly by walking. Moreover, its vibrant cafe scene fueled by delicious pastéis de nata and robust espresso is another reason why Lisbon should top your bucket list.
What to do: Take a ride on tram 28, explore the alleys of Alfama, visit Belém Tower, and spend a day in sintra visiting its fantastic palaces.
Best time to visit: March-May or September-October.
Budget tip: Lisbon is one of the most budget-friendly cities in western Europe where you can get excellent food at a price that would cost you much more in Paris or London.
Before you book, keep these key travel tips from our Europe Travel Guide in mind:
Planning your first holiday in Europe? Well, here’s the perfect travel guide for Europe that will make your journey memorable no matter where you decide to go, whether you begin with the enchanting boulevards of Paris, the historic ruins of Rome, or the charming streets of Prague.
Here at Fantastic Fare, we offer cheap flights to all the top tourist destinations in Europe, including the places mentioned above, so that you can save money while traveling. Check out the cheap flights to Europe available from us right now.
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