Unveiling the Magic: Top Cities to Visit in Europe for First-Timers

There’s nothing like that feeling of being swept off your feet the first time you visit Europe. There is so much to absorb and take in when exploring countries like Italy, France, Spain and more. From bustling, walkable cities that leave you breathless to the Baroque and Renaissance architecture that capture the continent’s old-world charm, there is so much to see and admire in Europe.

Foodies, history buffs, adventure seekers and art lovers alike will find something magical in the many beautiful cities around this much-loved continent. In this Europe travel guide, we’re breaking down five cities you must see when visiting for the first time. Keep reading to discover which iconic places made the list and learn our top tips for travelling in Europe.

5 Quintessentially European Cities First-Timers Need to Visit

Paris, France

Any Paris travel guide will tell you that the French capital is known as the City of Love, making it the perfect place to visit for romantics.

Make it a romantic holiday by dining on freshly baked croissants from the local boulangerie and exploring the most magical places in the city, from the Eiffel Tower to Jardin du Luxembourg.

If you love art, one of the best things to do in Paris is go museum-hopping to see popular works like the Mona Lisa at the Louvre or the works of Renoir and Monet at the Musée d'Orsay.

Rome, Italy

History buffs and foodies will love Italy for its abundance of culturally significant landmarks and delicious food.

Explore the Eternal City’s most popular spots, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain. If you want to go off the beaten path, ask a Rome travel guide to bring you to best regions to visit in Spain for its impressive architectural structures, like the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló.

To learn more about the city’s history, visit the Gothic Quarter to see mediaeval buildings and narrow alleys that take you back in time. Don’t forget to stop by Calle Blai, known for its numerous tapas bars, to get a taste of the best local cuisine.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Looking for a more laid back experience in Europe? Head to Scandinavia and visit Copenhagen, a quaint fishing town with an idyllic charm.

Admire the serene waters of Nyhavn harbour, one of the must-sees in the city. The canals are dotted with the iconic colourful houses Copenhagen is known for.

You can also explore many of the open parks and green spaces in this bicycle-friendly city to take it slow and be one with nature.

Santorini, Greece

We can’t end this Europe holiday guide without mentioning Santorini. This breathtaking island is known for its cliffs with charming, white-washed homes overlooking the Aegean Sea.

It’s the perfect destination for couples and romantics. Some of the must-visits in Santorini include the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church and the many beaches with beautiful turquoise waters near the area.

Helpful Tips for Planning Your Itinerary

Can’t decide on travel dates to book, which cities to visit and what to do at every stop of your European adventure? Here are the three things to keep in mind when planning your itinerary:

Seasonality: Every season offers something different in Europe. Summer has pleasant weather and is best for outdoor activities and picnics in lakeside towns. Meanwhile, winter is best for seeing snow, snuggling up in wool coats and hitting Europe’s popular Christmas markets. Don’t forget to check what months are the best to go to each city you’re thinking of adding to your itinerary.
Transportation: It's best to thoroughly research a city’s transportation options before adding it to your travel itinerary. Make sure there are available flights that can take you from your hometown to the European cities of your dreams. Then, learn how to get around the city before you even embark on your journey.
Choosing landmarks: List down your non-negotiable sights per city—the places you need to see while you’re in Europe. This can help you prioritise where to go on each day of your holiday. Not sure what the best places are to see in the cities you’re visiting? Consider booking Europe holiday packages with award-winning travel companies like Entire Travel Group.

Your European Holiday Checklist: Preparing for Your Trip

Here’s the ultimate checklist of things you need to prepare before you hop on a plane and come to Europe:

Visa: Double-check if you need a Schengen visa to enter Europe. Apply for it at least a month or so in advance to ensure you get your visa and passport in time for your scheduled flights.
Travel insurance: The last thing you want is to lose your luggage at the airport or get injured in another continent. Make sure you get travel insurance to cover for unexpected mishaps and expenses like these.
Local currency: You can either exchange your banknotes for local currency when you land at the airport or acquire local notes for the country you’re visiting in advance. The latter may get you a better deal, as the airport is known to have high exchange rates.

Visit Europe’s Iconic Cities with Entire Travel Group

Don’t be surprised if you leave half of your heart in Europe—it’s one part of the world you’d be crazy not to fall in love with. Whether you prefer the imposing architecture and fast-paced city life in Paris, Rome and Barcelona or the calming, laidback nature of Santorini and Copenhagen, at least one of these cities will take your breath away. Bookmark this Europe travel guide to remember the best places to see across the continent.

Wandering around Europe for the first time might sound intimidating. But with a well-planned itinerary to the most beautiful cities the continent has to offer, you will surely have an unforgettable first European holiday—and it surely won’t be the last! Need extra help planning for your adventure to the old world? Book one of Entire Travel Group’s Europe Holiday Packages for the smoothest, most seamless trip yet!