When it comes to exploring the charm of Europe, several cities stand out for different types of travelers. The best European cities for first-timers include Paris & Rome, while Barcelona & Berlin are ideal for young adults, and Copenhagen & Munich are great options for families. Prague offers the best budget value at €50-70/day.
It's time to make plans for that trip you'll never forget! Europe is an ideal destination for travelers, offering a rich history, stunning architecture, and a diverse range of cultures. The perfect European city awaits you, whether you love history, are seeking safe family fun, or are a curious traveler on a budget.
New data shows that both the number of visitors and the amount of money they spend are steadily going up in Europe. A report from July 2025 by the European Travel Commission (ETC) stated that the number of foreign visitors increased by 3.3% in the second quarter of the year. This shows that Europe remains a highly sought-after tourist destination worldwide and reaffirms its position as the world's leading tourist region. The main question is, how do you choose when there are so many choices?
We've examined the data on safety, cost of living, cultural richness, and the friendliness of cities to families to compile the best list of cities to visit in Europe. We want to help you have an experience that is memorable, respectful, and very rewarding.
It's helpful to know what makes a place transition from "good" to "must-see" before you review the list. The best European cities have more than just famous sights. They also have a great mix of historical European landmarks, easy-to-use public transportation, a friendly atmosphere, and a sense of absolute safety.
We selected locations known for their low crime rates and excellent experiences that require minimal financial investment. This focus ensures that your trip is highly valuable and gives you peace of mind, making it one of the best cultural European capitals for travelers who know what they want.
These cities are great places to start if you're new to traveling in Europe. They have famous landmarks, are easy to get around, and the people speak English.
Paris, known as the City of Light, is definitely the most popular spot in Europe. attracting approximately 38 million visitors annually. Paris has the best mix of world-famous museums, beautiful buildings, and a romantic atmosphere for first-time visitors.
Why Paris is great for beginners: The Metro system links all the main attractions in just a few minutes. Most restaurants have menus in English, and the city is small enough that you can walk from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum to Notre-Dame Cathedral in one day.
Key statistics:: Paris has 206 museums and more than 1,800 historical sites. Most visitors spend three to four days in the city and spend between €80 and €150 per person each day.
Must-see attractions: The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Montmartre neighborhood, a cruise on the Seine River, and the Champs-Élysées shopping district are all must-see places.
2. Rome, Italy
Rome is like an open-air museum where ancient history and modern Italian culture come together. Rome has more than 900 churches and has been home to people for 2,500 years, making it a unique historical experience for first-time visitors compared to other European capitals.
Tip for travelers: Get a Roma Pass so you can use public transportation as much as you want and get into major archaeological sites for free. This saves time and money because tickets for the Colosseum sell out weeks in advance.
Budget considerations: When it comes to money, Rome is a great deal because you can get real pasta dishes at cheap trattorias for €10–15. A ride on public transportation costs only €1.50, and many attractions are free to enter on the first Sunday of every month.
Essential experiences include the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Villa Borghese gardens, all of which are must-see places.
Every year, more than 20 million people visit Amsterdam to admire its stunning canals and experience its vibrant cycling culture. With more than 90% of its residents speaking fluent English, the city is one of the most English-friendly places in Europe.
What makes Amsterdam easy for beginners: The small city center is only 5 km wide, so it's easy to get around on foot or by bike. The I Amsterdam City Card simplifies the experience for first-time visitors by offering free entry to museums and providing unlimited use of public transportation.
Some of the best things to do in Amsterdam include visiting the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum; taking a canal boat tour; exploring the Jordaan neighborhood; and riding a bike through Vondelpark.
Young travelers want to see lively cultural scenes, have fun without spending a lot of money, and meet other travelers. The following cities are enjoyable without incurring a significant expense.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the perfect place to relax on the beach and explore the city. According to data from the Barcelona Tourism Board, the city receives more than 32 million visitors annually, with 40% of those visitors being young adults.
Why young adults love Barcelona: The city has 4.5 km of Mediterranean coastline with free beach access, cheap tapas bars all over the Gothic Quarter, and famous buildings by Antoni Gaudí. Riding the bus or train in Barcelona costs only € 2.40, and many museums offer reduced prices for children.
Barcelona has a lot going on socially. Every month, there are over 300 cultural events, including concerts and art shows. Digital nomads often congregate in the numerous coworking spaces and cafes in the Gràcia neighborhood.
The best things to do are visit the Sagrada Família basilica, Park Güell, Las Ramblas street, the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta Beach, Camp Nou stadium, and Montjuïc hill at sunset.
Berlin is the most affordable major capital in Europe, with daily costs 30% lower than those in Paris or London. Young travelers looking for genuine experiences are drawn to the city's creative energy and historical importance.
Berlin offers free walking tours, €3 döner kebabs, and €2.90 day passes that allow you to use public transportation as much as you want. You don't have to pay to get into a lot of galleries and street art shows.
Additionally, Berlin boasts 175 museums that span a wide range of topics, from ancient history to the Cold War. This shows how deep its history and culture are. The East Side Gallery features the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, which has been transformed into a 1.3-kilometer outdoor art installation.
Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery, Tiergarten park, and the Kreuzberg neighborhood are all places you have to see.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has fairy-tale buildings that don't cost a lot of money. Young adults often claim that Prague is one of the three most affordable cities in Europe, with daily costs ranging from €50 to €70 per person.
What is the value proposition? Food in the Czech Republic costs between €7 and €12, hostels cost between €25 and €40 per night, and attractions like Charles Bridge don't charge an entrance fee. For just €58 for 48 hours, the Prague Card gives you access to more than 60 attractions and unlimited transportation.
Unique things to do: see the astronomical clock show in Old Town Square, go on a cruise on the Vltava River, climb the Petřín Tower, and take pictures of the Lennon Wall.
Family-friendly European cities offer a range of fun and educational activities that appeal to kids of all ages.
Copenhagen is always one of the happiest cities in the world and the most family-friendly capital in Europe. The city built Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest amusement park in the world, which has been a source of fun for kids since 1843.
Infrastructure that is good for families: Copenhagen offers free public restrooms, numerous places to change clothes, and restaurants that provide kids with free meals. Copenhagenize design prioritizes cyclists and pedestrians, making streets safe for families.
Tivoli Gardens amusement park, LEGO House (located 90 minutes from Copenhagen), Copenhagen Zoo, National Aquarium Denmark, Experimentarium science center, and Nyhavn, a vibrant harbor area, are all kid-friendly places to visit.
Practical benefits: Many museums offer family tickets at a 40% discount, and children under 12 can ride public transportation for free when accompanied by an adult.
Munich has many parks and museums that are great for kids, all reflecting the wonderful culture of Bavaria.. The city has 310 parks that cover more than 6,000 hectares, providing people with endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.
Experiences that teach: The Deutsches Museum is the world's largest science and technology museum, spanning 73,000 square meters of interactive exhibits. The BMW Museum features interactive displays that educate children aged 6 to 16 about car engineering.
Family things to do: the English Garden (which is bigger than New York's Central Park), the Tierpark Hellabrunn zoo, the Sea Life Munich aquarium, the Marienplatz Glockenspiel show, the Nymphenburg Palace gardens, and the Olympic Park.
Travel logistics: Munich's public transportation system offers free WiFi, and most stations feature elevators to accommodate strollers. Family day passes cost only €16.30 and let you travel as much as you want.
The entire historic center of Vienna, officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains surprisingly kid-friendly, boasting numerous interactive museums and palace playgrounds.
Why families choose Vienna: There are more than 50 playgrounds in public parks, cafés with play areas for families, and museums offering audio guides tailored for kids aged 6 to 12. The best things for families to do in Vienna are to visit Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, the Prater amusement park with its historic Ferris wheel, the Natural History Museum, the Vienna Zoo (the oldest zoo in the world), the Haus des Meeres aquarium, and the beaches on Danube Island.
These locations are rich in history and culture, offering travelers a chance to explore and learn about the past.
10. Florence, Italy
Florence gave birth to the Renaissance and has more masterpieces per square kilometer than any other city in the world. Within 5 km of this Tuscan capital are 60% of the world's most important works of art.
Florence is home to 72 museums, including the Uffizi Gallery, which houses works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. UNESCO named the city's historic center a World Heritage Site in 1982.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) features Brunelleschi's revolutionary dome, which was completed in 1436 using innovative engineering methods that revolutionized the construction of buildings. Visitors can climb 463 steps to the top to take in the entire city.
The Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo's David), the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, and the Basilica of Santa Croce are all significant cultural sites.
The Old Town and New Town districts of Edinburgh, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mix medieval history with modern culture. Every year, more than 4.5 million people come to the city to learn about Scotland's rich history.
Historical significance: Edinburgh Castle has stood atop volcanic rock and in the sky for over 1,000 years. The Royal Mile links the castle to Holyrood Palace, creating a historical path that spans hundreds of years of Scottish history.
Festival culture: Every August, Edinburgh hosts the world's largest arts festival, featuring over 3,000 performances. Every year, 150,000 people come to the city to celebrate Hogmanay (New Year) for three days.
Cultural things to do: visit the National Museum of Scotland, hike up Arthur's Seat, explore the Royal Mile, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Calton Hill viewpoint.
Athens is where Western civilization, democracy, and philosophy all began. The city has a history that goes back 2,500 years and has modern conveniences and Mediterranean sunshine for an average of 300 days a year.
The Acropolis is home to the Parthenon, a 2,500-year-old temple dedicated to Athena. Every year, three million people visit it. Athens boasts more archaeological sites than any other European capital, with new discoveries being made regularly through ongoing excavations.
Budget benefits: Athens is a great value, as you can stay, eat, and see attractions for €50–80 per day. For just €30, you can get a combined ticket to seven major archaeological sites.
Some of the most important historical sites in Athens include the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Plaka neighborhood, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Panathenaic Stadium.
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Planning Your European City Adventure: Practical Tips
If you want to travel to Europe and visit multiple cities, you need to plan. If you plan to travel in the summer, book your accommodations 2 to 3 months in advance to secure the best rates, which are typically 30-40% lower than those for last-minute bookings.
If you're planning to visit four or more cities, consider purchasing a Eurail pass that allows you to travel by train between them. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet fly between major European cities for €20 to €50. For longer distances, these flights are often cheaper and faster than trains.
Tips for saving money: Most cities in Europe offer city cards that allow you to ride public transportation for free and visit museums at no cost. Buy these for 48 to 72 hours to save the most money. You usually make back the cost after visiting two or three major attractions.
Timing considerations: Shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) are the best times to visit popular places, as there are 40% fewer people and 25% lower accommodation costs compared to the summer.
Sample Daily Budget Planning Table
| Expense Category | Budget Traveler (Hostels, Cooking, Free Activities) | Mid-Range Traveler (Budget Hotels, Casual Dining) | Luxury Traveler (4-Star Hotels, Fine Dining) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20 – €35 (Hostel Dorm/Couchsurfing) | €60 – €120 (Budget Hotel/Mid-Range Airbnb) | €180 – €350+ (Boutique/Luxury Hotel) |
| Food & Drink | €30 – €45 (Groceries, Street Food, Picnics) | €60 – €100 (1-2 Casual restaurant meals) | €120 – €200+ (Fine dining, cocktails) |
| Local Transportation | €5 – €10 (Daily Transit Pass, Walking) | €10 – €15 (Daily/Multi-Day Pass, Occasional Uber/Taxi) | €20 – €40 (Taxis/Private Transfers/Uber) |
| Activities & Sightseeing | €15 – €30 (Free walking tours, free museums/parks) | €40 – €70 (1-2 major paid attractions/tours) | €80 – €150+ (Private tours, exclusive experiences) |
| Miscellaneous | €5 – €15 (Souvenirs, snacks) | €10 – €25 (Shopping, coffee, emergencies) | €30 – €70+ (Shopping, high-end purchases) |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL DAILY BUDGET | €75 – €135 | €180 – €330 | €430 – €815+ |
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