The Top 5 European Cities to Visit on Your First Trip to Europe

Choosing just 5 European cities from the many out there is almost impossible for me… and the list is always changing. I’ve managed to compile a list of great cities to visit on your first trip to Europe. There are so many cities I absolutely love though, and when you’re in Europe you really can’t go wrong with where you go! Plus, with future explorations and SO many beautiful cities to explore, I’m sure this list will be changing constantly! But for now, keep reading for the top 5 European cities to visit on your first trip to Europe!

1. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a definite MUST when visiting Europe. If you have to make cuts on your itinerary for your trip, make sure Prague is the last thing you get rid of. Prague is stunning and affordable!! The architecture of Prague is an embodiment of what I picture Europe to be, this city went almost untouched during World War 2, and is a favorite among so many travelers!

Read more: Prague Bucketlist – 15 Things to See & Do

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

The moment I stepped out of the train station in Edinburgh my heart was taken. The architecture was so unique and incomparable to anything I had ever seen before. The city has a prominent medieval theme, and with the sound of bagpipes always in the air and the infamous Edinburgh Castle right in the middle of it all, it’s hard not to fall in love!

3. Budapest, Hungary

Everywhere you look in Budapest is just SO picturesque and beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Budapest for the first time, and I definitely think it is not a city that makes everyone’s “first time visits”. But, I think it is so worth it!! I am dying to get back to Budapest, I just love it so much. Budapest is home to two castles, rose-shaped gelato, a STUNNING parliament building, and all around good vibes. Not to mention, it is cheap!! Budapest is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lives.

Read more: 2 Days in Budapest: How to Spend 2 Days in One of my Favourite Cities

4. Berlin, Germany

With Berlin’s history alone it is truly one of a kind. This city has a dark past that draws tourists in from around the globe – there are so many sights to see with so much history behind them. Berlin is a city I find to be one of the most interesting as well; along with its chilling past, today the city has such a modern and friendly vibe to it you wouldn’t even guess what it’s been through to get where it is today. Let’s just say that visiting Berlin is a must see European city for any European itinerary. 

Read more: 20 of the Best Things to See & Do in Berlin

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is pretty unique in itself with the many many canals running through the city, along with the various bikers, the infamous red light district, and the tall but skinny buildings lining the streets. Wandering the city and taking in its beauty is one of my favourite things to do here; Amsterdam is such a picturesque and beautiful city, I could spend forever exploring it!

Tip: If you are visiting Amsterdam in the Spring, make sure to visit the World’s Largest Flower Festival: The Keukenhof Gardens and the surrounding tulip fields

Read more: Visiting the Keukenhof Gardens & the Netherlands Tulip Fields

I love Europe… So. Much. Any city you visit in Europe will be well worth it, but these 5 will give you a nice taste of what Europe has to offer, and are not as visited as some of the bigger & well known cities that Europe has! (Even though those cities are amazing too).

Hopefully, this list of the top 5 European Cities to visit in Europe helped you out and or gave you inspiration for your next trip! What are your top cities to visit in Europe?

Follow me on Instagram for more travel inspo!

Keep Reading:

• How to Save Money Backpacking Europe for the First Time
• How to Travel Around Europe – Plane, Train, or Bus…?
• How to Plan a Trip to Europe for the First Time
• 2 Week Europe Itinerary: Berlin to Vienna