Solo Travellers
Best Cities in Europe for First-Time Travelers
1. Introduction
If you’re a traveler, you know how hard it is to find a destination that truly lives up to the hype. Especially when it’s your first time in Europe, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Should you go somewhere iconic, affordable, easy to navigate—or all three?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide features the best cities in Europe for first-time travelers, based on ease of travel, culture, safety, and unforgettable experiences. We’ll also break down how to choose the right destination using Trip.com and answer a few of the most common questions. Let’s get you packed!
2. Best Cities in Europe for First-Time Travelers
1. Paris, France
Overview:
The “City of light” is the ultimate postcard-perfect introduction to Europe. From iconic landmarks to its cafe culture, Paris is as magical as you’ve imagined.
Key Features:
Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame
Café terraces and riverside strolls
Excellent metro system
Pros:
Rich in culture and history
English-friendly in tourist zones
Tons of iconic sights in one city
Cons:
Expensive
Crowded during peak season
Ideal for: Couples, culture lovers, art enthusiasts
Check Paris trip prices on Trip.com
2. Barcelona, Spain
Overview:
Barcelona blends beach vibes with stunning architecture and food you’ll crave forever. It’s relaxed, lively, and packed with unique attractions.
Key features:
Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
Tapas, sangria, and fresh seafood
City beaches and nightlife
Pros:
Warm Mediterranean climate
Affordable for Western Europe
Walkable and friendly
Cons:
Pickpocketing hotspots
Overcrowding in tourist areas
Ideal for: Young travelers, foodies, beach lovers
Compare Barcelona hotels on Trip.com
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Overview:
Compact, welcoming, and scenic—Amsterdam is perfect for first-time visitors. Its canals, bike paths, and open-minded culture make exploring effortless.
Key Features:
Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House
Iconic canals and historic neighborhoods
Bike-friendly city
Pros:
High English proficiency
Easy to navigate
Great for solo travel
Cons:
Can be expensive
Rainy weather is common
Ideal for: Solo travelers, museum-goers, weekend escapes
Book Amsterdam experiences on Trip.com
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Overview:
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most charming and budget-friendly capitals. With colorful tiles, soulful fado music, and ocean views, it’s a city full of surprises.
Key Features:
Belém Tower, Tram 28, Alfama District
Budget-friendly dining
Warm and sunny most of the year
Pros:
Lower cost of travel
Friendly and welcoming locals
Easy day trips nearby (Sintra, Cascais)
Cons:
Hilly terrain
Fewer direct international flights
Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers, digital nomads
Find Lisbon flight deals on Trip.com
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Overview:
Prague feels like a fairytale come to life. From gothic cathedrals to medieval bridges, this city offers beauty and affordability in equal measure.
Key Features:
Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square
World-class beer
Excellent value for money
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Very walkable
Safe and clean
Cons:
Very crowded in summer
Limited English outside tourist zones
Ideal for: Couples, budget travelers, photographers
Explore Prague packages on Trip.com
3. What to Look for When Choosing a Destination Using Trip.com
When booking your first Europe trip using Trip.com, here are key factors to consider:
1. Transportation AccessibilityLook for cities with major international airports and efficient public transport. Trip.com lets you compare flights, trains, and airport transfers.
2. Accommodation OptionsFrom budget hostels to boutique hotels, use Trip.com’s filters to find places that fit your travel style and budget.
3. Attractions & ExperiencesTrip.com bundles top attractions and guided tours, so you can pre-book must-sees and skip lines.
4. Travel Deals & PackagesTake advantage of Trip.com’s flash deals or package discounts that combine flights and stays.
5. Traveler ReviewsReal reviews help you find safe, convenient, and enjoyable places—especially if it’s your first time abroad.
4. FAQ Section
Q1: What’s the safest city in Europe for first-time travelers?Amsterdam and Lisbon are both known for being safe and friendly for newcomers.
Q2: How many days should I stay in each city?Aim for 3–5 days per city to enjoy the major sights without feeling rushed.
Q3: Is Trip.com reliable for booking European trips?Yes. Trip.com offers competitive prices, verified reviews, and excellent customer support.
5. Conclusion
Europe is full of amazing cities, but Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Prague stand out for first-time travelers. They’re accessible, rich in culture, and filled with memorable moments.
If we had to pick one? Amsterdam checks nearly every box—friendly, scenic, and incredibly easy to navigate.
Ready to plan your first European getaway? Start comparing deals on Trip.com now and turn your travel dreams into reality!
For the best places to visit in December, one must think creatively. Certainly, you’d be free and well-advised to visit a snow-filled escape for some time on the slopes and sitting by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. But also there are places in the world where the chill of winter is an unknown charm—think tropical islands and stretches of sand along the Equator that have never, ever seen a flake of snow. For that matter, in December, the Southern Hemisphere welcomes summer and Christmas in shorts and flip-flops are the standard. No matter where you go in the last month of the year (you’re certainly the proactive traveler if you’re already planning six months ahead!), you’ll find warmth or coziness, especially with our recommendations. Here are the 13 best places to travel in December, from seaside adventures with sharks to après-ski-and-spa vibes after a day of crushing powder.
(For more ideas, find our full list of the best places to go in 2025 here.)
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
It may seem like a mouthful, but Redwood National and State Parks come as a package. There are so many spectacular reasons to visit this exceptional collection of parks—the three state parks of Prairie Creek, Del Norte, and Jedediah Smith resulted from early 20th-century protection efforts, and Redwood National Park, which encircles the state parks, was created in 1968 to further preserve the trees’ natural Coast Range habitat—none the least, the plentiful lodging options surrounded by the gorgeous landscapes.
Home to the tallest trees in the world, coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) can grow to nearly 270 feet tall and live for up to 2,000 years. This is their habitat, along the coast in Northern California, where foggy summer days keep them hydrated during the dry season. Walking among these natural giants is an awe-inspiring experience that cannot be replicated almost anywhere else in the world.
Aside from camping among the trees, there are plenty of great places to stay near Redwood National Park to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a historic Victorian inn, a romantic bed-and-breakfast, an ocean-view home, or even a forest treehouse, we’ve found the best spots in the area. There’s so much variety that you’re bound to find something right for you. Read on to find the dreamiest places to stay near Redwood National Park.
A four-time Best of Bermuda award winner (and one-time honorable mention), The Retreat caters to locals, expats, and tourists alike with its menu of environmentally conscious spa and beauty treatments. The Retreat largely uses products by the California-based brand Osea, reflecting Danks’s commitment to environmentally conscious wellness practices. Their seaweed-based products “tick all the boxes,” Danks says: Packaging is glass, not plastic; ingredients are vegan and cruelty-free; they smell good (and they work); and, what’s more, the brand also invests in shoreline restoration projects across the globe, in California, Kenya, Cambodia, and Indonesia. The spa’s longtime nail artist, Skye, is so popular that last year, she had to pause new client bookings. Even with a new artist on staff, there’s still a waitlist—but if you can nab a coveted appointment, expect delicately decorated, immaculately shaped talons. The eight-step Cellstory facial, a buzzy treatment that’s said to provide all the benefits of microneedling without, well, needles, is another specialty.
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