Our 7 Favorite Countries for Your First-Time Trip to Europe

Planning a first-time trip to Europe?

If you’re trying to decide on your first international trip, you’ve probably hit the point where you start to get a little overwhelmed with deciding which country you should choose.

But, if you’ve at least narrowed it down to a continent, that’s a good start. If you’ve narrowed it down to Europe, that’s an even better start. Now you’re probably wondering which country is the best choice for a first-time trip to Europe.

With so many incredible countries to choose from, deciding on the perfect destination can feel like the hardest part. The good news is that there isn’t really a wrong choice, but some are definitely better than others.

After years of traveling, we’ve gotten a pretty good sense of what makes a country easy, enjoyable, and less overwhelming for first-time international travelers.

That’s why we’ve put this guide together for you. Our selection of European countries offer the perfect mix of beautiful sights, easy navigation, and memorable experiences for first-time travelers.

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At a Glance: Best European Countries for First-Time Travelers

Best European Countries for First-Time Visitors

So you might be wondering how we decided which countries to include on this list.

We didn’t choose them because they’re the most famous or the cheapest. They all made the list because we think they offer the best combination of iconic sights, easy transportation, friendly people, and stress-free travel for someone visiting Europe for the first time.

That said, no country is 100% perfect, so we’re also going to include some some insights as to why each one isn’t completely without its disadvantages.

Let’s get started!

1. Czech Republic

Usually when people talk about visiting the Czech Republic, it’s often done as an add-on to other destinations like Budapest and Vienna. However, you can easily spend a week or more exploring the Czech Republic alone.

Of course, one of the main draws is the capital of Prague, but beyond that, there are numerous smaller towns outside Prague that are well worth exploring as well.

Whether you’re visiting the spa town of Karlovy Vary in the north or the wine region in the south, there’s more to the Czech Republic than just one city.

Why You Should Consider the Czech Republic for Your First Trip to Europe

The Czech Republic is definitely one of the more underrated destinations on this list, yet it has just as much to offer.

While Prague is usually the main attraction, there’s so much more to see. If you’re looking for a destination that’s easy to explore, full of history, and won’t completely blow your budget, it’s a great choice for a first trip to Europe.

Here’s a quick look at the top reasons to consider the Czech Republic.

→ It Offers a Better Value Than Many Other Cities – Prague is one of the few European cities that can is still considered a good value for your money. Food and hotel accommodations are very reasonably priced. You can often book luxury accommodations for much less than you can in other cities.

Compare the Differences Between two of Prague’s Top Hotels in Our Guide:
→ Four Seasons vs Mandarin Oriental Prague: How They Compare

→ It’s a Relatively Small Country – The Czech Republic’s small size means you can see a lot in a short amount of time. You can either use Prague as a base for day trips or you can rent a car and take a road trip through the countryside.

→ English is Widely Spoken – There’s no need to worry about a language barrier, especially in the major tourist areas.

→ Getting Around the Country is Easy – The roads easy to navigate and the extensive train system makes it easy to get around the countryside. Plus, the public transportation with the city of Prague makes it easy to navigate the city and visit the most popular landmarks.

→ Many of Prague’s Tourist Attractions are Free – Prague is one of the rare cities that doesn’t require an entrance fee for many of its major landmarks. Things like Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, and parts of the Prague Castle Complex are completely free to visit.

Best First-Time Czech Republic Itineraries

Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or have a full week or more to explore, the Czech Republic has an itinerary to match. Here are a few of our favorite itinerary ideas:

→ Prague + Kutná Hora + Mikulov – If you have a week for your itinerary, we recommend spending some time exploring some of the small towns in southern part of the country.

You’ll often see Kutná Hora mentioned for its bone church. While we don’t recommend visiting the bone church, it is worth visiting the area surrounding Chateau Žleby.

You can take a guided tour of the chateau or you can just meander along the walking paths outside. Many have spectacular views of the area.

→ Prague + Karlovy Vary + Mariánské Lázně – Another option is to travel to places like Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, which are spa towns located in the northeastern part of the country. These are perfect for anyone looking for a wellness getaway.

→ Prague + Kutná Hora + Český Krumlov – If you have more than a week, we suggest heading south towards Český Krumlov and spending a couple of days in this beautiful medieval town.

What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a pretty easy country to visit, especially for first-time travelers, but there were a few things that are worth knowing before planning your trip.

→ You Don’t Need a Car in Prague – We rented a car while we were in the Czech Republic because we planned to do some day trips on our own. However, looking back, we should’ve just rented the car for the days we needed one. It’s easy enough to get around the city without one, plus, parking is fairly expensive.

→ Plan Your Walking Route in Advance – Prague’s Old Town is fairly compact, but the rest of the city is more spread out than you realize. We decided to walk beyond the major tourist area one day and didn’t realize how far we had gone. It took us forever to get back to our hotel.

If you plan to venture further out, make sure you have a route mapped out in advance. At the very least, make sure you know where the tram stops are just in case.

→ Don’t Take Taxis – We learned this from one of our tour guides. She told us not to use taxis because they aren’t regulated. This means that many will overcharge tourists. It’s better to take public transportation.

→ There is a lot of Walking and a lot of Hills in Prague – Prague has a lot of neighborhoods that you’re going to want to explore which requires a lot of walking.

Keep in mind that some sections of the city require uphill climbs. This can be challenging even for the most fit people.

Be sure to pace yourself, take breaks when necessary, and bring some water with you.

Things to Consider Before Choosing the Czech Republic

Before you book your trip, there are a few practical things to consider.

→ Flights Aren’t as Convenient as Other Countries – While there are some nonstop flights available from the U.S., there aren’t many as some of the other destinations on this list. Unless you’re coming from New York, you’ll probably have to connect through another city.

→ Old Town in Prague Gets Very Crowded – Like other Old Towns, Prague’s can become extremely crowded, especially during the peak summer months. Try to visit during shoulder season if possible.

→ Flights are Longer – In addition to fewer nonstop flights, the travel time to the Czech Republic is much longer than other countries on the list. Flight times, connections, and wait times can make for a long day. Total travel time each way can easily add up to 12 to 14 hours.

2. Croatia

Croatia is a fantastic destination for first-time travelers. It’s perfect if you want to experience the Mediterranean, but want something a little different than Italy or Greece.

It has crystal-clear water, medieval cities, tropical islands, and stunning national parks, so it offers a little bit of everything.

Why You Should Consider Croatia for Your First Trip to Europe

Croatia is at the top of our list of favorite countries in the world. It has many charming coastal towns, historic cities, and hundreds of islands, but it’s also easy to get around.

Many of Croatia’s highlights are concentrated along the coast. This means you can see a lot of incredible places in a short amount of time.

Here’s some other great reasons to visit Croatia:

→ You Don’t Need to Have One Kind of Vacation – If you visit Croatia, you can spend a little time inland, then head to the coast, and end with some island-hopping. There are an endless number of ways to plan an itinerary here.

Need Some Itinerary Ideas for Your Croatia Trip? We have a Complete Guide for That:
→ Is Croatia Worth Visiting for a Week or More? 12 Itinerary Ideas

→ English is Widely Spoken – Practically everyone speaks English in Croatia, so you don’t need to worry about a language barrier.

→ There are Multiple Types of Transportation Available – Driving in Croatia is easy because the roads throughout the country are well-maintained.

If you don’t want to rent a car, ferries are an excellent way to get around. They make it easy to visit many of the small coastal towns and islands right off the coast. Within the cities, you’ll find excellent bus service as well as taxis.

Want to Know Which Coastal Towns are Worth Visiting in Croatia? Read this Guide:
→ 10 Small Coastal Towns in Croatia You’ll Love

Best First-Time Croatia Itineraries

Croatia is one of our favorite countries because there are so many different ways to experience it. Whether you want to focus on the national parks, major cities, smaller coastal towns, or island-hopping, there’s something for every interest.

These are some of our favorite itineraries in Croatia:

→ Dubrovnik + Split + the Islands – This is a classic itinerary featuring Croatia’s most famous cities. Plus it includes scenic ferry rides and beautiful islands like Hvar or Korčula.

→ Split + Plitvice Lakes National Park – This is a good option if you only have a week. It’s a great mix of coastal scenery and one of Europe’s most spectacular national parks. You can easily add Dubrovnik at the beginning or end of the itinerary.

→ Split to Dubrovnik Coastal Trip – This is a great option if you want a combination of smaller coastal towns and popular historical cities.

Looking for a “Done-For-You” Itinerary? Check Out This One:
→ Split to Dubrovnik Itinerary: The Perfect 10-Day Coastal Route

What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting Croatia

Croatia is an incredible destination, but there were a few things we wish we had known before our first visit. Here are a few things to help you plan a smoother trip.

→ Take Advantage of the Ferry Service as Much as Possible – While we did use ferries while we were in Croatia, I wish we had used it more than we did. Driving definitely has its advantages, but if you want a relaxed, hassle-free experience, the ferries are the way to go.

→ Don’t Spend All Your Time in the Cities – Some of our favorite experiences were in the smaller coastal towns we visited like Rovinj and Novigrad. We wish we had spent more time in places like these than some of the larger cities.

→ Visit Multiple Islands – There are so many islands off the coast of Croatia, and each one has its own unique personality. If you plan to visit islands while you’re there, try to visit more than just one or two.

→ Avoid Larger Cities When Cruise Ships are in Port – We did know this before we visited, but it’s a good tip to pass along. Many of the cities become overrun with tourists when cruise ships are in port. Try to plan day trips to other places on those days.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Croatia

Croatia is a great destination for a first-time international trip. However, before you book your trip, there are a few things to consider.

→ Dubrovnik is Extremely Busy During the Summer – Dubrovnik gets very busy in the peak tourist months, and I mean busy. If you don’t like crowds, we recommend visiting in the shoulder season.

→ You Can’t See the Whole Country in One Trip – Croatia is a narrow country but it’s very long and drive times can be longer than you realize. When planning your trip, try to focus on one area rather than the whole country.

→ It’s a Long Flight – Like Italy, flights to Croatia can be very long. It can take anywhere from 12 to 14 hours or more to get there.

→ There Are Very Few Nonstop Flights – While there are some exceptions, most flights to Croatia include connections.

→ You Need to Check Ferry Schedules for the Off-Season – If you plan to visit Croatia in the off-season and want to use the ferries, double-check schedules in advance. Some operate at reduced schedules and others don’t run at all.

Want More Croatia Travel Tips? Read Our Complete Guide:
→ 19 Essential Croatia Travel Tips for Planning Your Visit

3. The Netherlands

If you’re looking for a first European destination that feels exciting but not overwhelming, the Netherlands is a great option.

Of course, Amsterdam deserves a spot on your itinerary, but don’t make the mistake of only seeing the capital. Some of the best places to see are outside the city and they’re easy to get to.

Why You Should Consider the Netherlands for Your First Trip to Europe

The Netherlands is a natural choice for a first-time trip to Europe. It’s location and ease of getting around make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to begin traveling abroad.

→ There are Many Nonstop Flights from the U.S. – Amsterdam has convenient nonstop flights from the U.S., especially during the peak summer months.

→ Flights are Short – Nonstop flights from the east coast are only around 7 hours.

→ It’s Compact – The Netherlands is a fairly small country, so you can see quite a bit in one visit. Day trips from Amsterdam are easy and don’t require a huge time commitment because they’re so close.

→ English is Widely Spoken – Pretty much everyone in and around the main tourist areas speak English so you don’t need to worry about a language barrier.

→ Getting Around the Country is Easy – The train system within the Netherlands is excellent, so it’s easy to navigate without a car.

→ You Can Combine it With Other Countries – The Netherlands compact size means that it’s easy to combine a visit here with other countries, like Belgium, especially if you purchase a Benelux Rail Pass.

Best First-Time Netherlands Itineraries

Even if you only have a week to visit the Netherlands, you can fit a lot into your itinerary. We recommend using Amsterdam as a base and then taking day trips to some of the nearby towns.

→ Amsterdam + Haarlem + Delft + Giethoorn + Kinderdijk – If you have a week for your itinerary, we suggest spending 3 full days exploring Amsterdam.

That leaves the other days for visiting nearby towns. Haarlem, Delft, Giethoorn, and Kinderdijk are just a few we recommend.

→ Amsterdam + Haarlem + Delft + Giethoorn + Kinderdijk + Marken + Volendam + Rotterdam – If you have 10 days, we recommend adding on more small towns that are located further north.

There are several quaint waterfront fishing villages that are fun to explore. It’s also easy to combine multiple stops into one day.

→ The Netherlands + Belgium – Beyond 10 days, we suggest adding a visit to Belgium to your itinerary. We highly recommend a visit to Brugges.

What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting the Netherlands

There are definitely some things that surprised us when we visited the Netherlands for the first time. Here are a few of the ones worth mentioning:

→ Book Popular Museums Early – One thing many visitors don’t realize is that some museums should be booked well in advance of your visit, including the Anne Franke Museum. 

Every Tuesday, tickets become available for 6 weeks out. If you’re visiting during the peak summer months, advance planning is necessary.

→ Watch for Cyclists – Cyclists rule the roads in Amsterdam, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. 

→ Explore Beyond Amsterdam – Many of the small towns that are reachable by train from Amsterdam are definitely worth exploring. It’s a great way to escape the crowds of the city for a while.

→ Coffeeshops are Not the Coffee Shops You’re Used To – We actually knew this before we visited, but it’s worth noting here.

A coffeeshop in the Netherlands is not a place to sit down with a cup of coffee and pastry. These are establishments that sell cannabis.

If you want a cup of coffee, look for signs that say koffiehuis or cafe.

Things to Consider Before Choosing the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries in Europe to visit, especially for first-time travelers. However, there are a few things that may surprise you.

→ Marijuana is Everywhere – While marijuana is technically illegal, it’s tolerated, which means it’s everywhere in Amsterdam. If this is something that could offend you, it might not be the place for you.

→ Old Town Gets Very Crowded – During the summer months, Amsterdam can get very crowded. If you’re able to visit in the shoulder season, it might be worth considering.

→ Some Areas May Not Appeal to Everyone – The Red Light District is a major tourist attraction, but it can be uncomfortable for some travelers, especially families or visitors who are not expecting it.

→ Some Smaller Towns Aren’t Service by Train – While most major cities and towns are serviced by rail, there are some exceptions. If you don’t plan to rent a car, check to see if the towns you plan to visit can be reached by train before finalizing your itinerary.

4. Italy – Best for the Classic European Experience

Italy was actually the country we chose for our very first European trip many years ago. It appealed to us on so many levels. 

First and foremost, there are a lot of bucket list sights and cities to see throughout the country. Second, we had no intention of renting a car. We liked the idea of traveling by train instead.

But aside from all that, Italy is well known for its food and art, not to mention its incredible history. For us, there was no competition for our first international trip, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone. 

Why You Should Consider Italy for Your First Trip to Europe

Aside from all of the obvious reasons to visit Italy, there are other reasons why it’s the perfect first-time European destination. 

→ It Has Many of Europe’s Most Iconic Sights in One Country – If you’re looking to check famous landmarks of your bucket list, Italy is a great place to start.

Whether it’s the Colosseum in Rome, Ponte Vecchio in Florence, or the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy lets first-time visitors experience many of the things they imagine when they picture Europe.

→ English is Widely Spoken – You don’t need to worry about a language barrier and you’ll find that most menus offer English versions in addition to Italian. 

→ There’s an Endless Supply of Things to See and Do – Tours are available for pretty much everything both inside and outside the major cities.

→ Italy is Relatively Easy to Navigate Without a Car – High speed trains and regional rail service throughout the country means that you don’t need to worry about driving, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads.

→ The Food is Amazing – If you want fantastic food, Italy is the place to be. Each region has its own specialties. You’ll find fresh pasta in Bologna, seafood along the coast, and pizza in Naples.

→ You Can Pack a lot Into a Short Amount of Time – The travel time between many of the major cities is short enough that you won’t need to spend entire days getting from one place to another. 

For our first visit, we were only there for a week, so it was a jam-packed itinerary.

We managed to visit Rome, Florence, and Venice in that time, and we saw all the major sights. 

It’s not something we recommend, but it can certainly be done. 

Best First-Time Italy Itinerary Ideas

The perfect itinerary for your visit will depend on the amount of time you have available. Here are some of our suggestions:

→ Rome + Florence + Venice – Ideally, you would want to spend at least 3 nights in each city. We did 2 nights in each for our first visit and it was way too hectic. We saw everything there was to see, but we didn’t really have time to fully enjoy it. 

→ Rome + Florence – If you only have a week, an itinerary that focuses on Rome and Florence would be ideal. We recommend 3 nights in Rome and 4 nights in Florence.

Spending 4 nights in Florence would give you enough time to explore the city. Plus, you could see smaller towns like the walled cities of Siena and San Gimignano. 

→ Rome + Amalfi Coast – I tend to think that anyone visiting Italy, or even Europe, for the first time, wants to do more than sit by the ocean or a swimming pool. However, it is an option if you’re looking for a little down time during your visit.

We wouldn’t recommend the Amalfi Coast for a first-time visit because access to this area can be challenging. Not all towns are serviced by trains.

→ Venice + The Italian Lakes – We love everything about Italy, and Venice is a still one of our favorite cities in the world. If you’re able to include it in your itinerary, please do. It really is an amazing city. It’s only about 3.5 hours from the lakes region, so you can easily combine the two into one itinerary.

What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting Italy

So, we definitely made some rookie mistakes when we visited Italy for the first time. Hopefully you can learn from our mistakes.

→ Don’t Try to See Too Much – I already mentioned that we only had a week when we visited Italy the first time, and honestly, it just wasn’t enough time for everything we wanted to see.

It was a whirlwind visit, and I barely remember any of it. Be sure to allow plenty of time in each place to enjoy it.

→ You Still Need a Reservation on Some Trains With a Eurail Pass – We highly recommend purchasing a Eurail Pass when visiting Italy, but keep in mind that the pass doesn’t guarantee a seat.

Certain trains, like TGV or Eurostar, require a seat reservation in addition to the pass. Try to book these as far in advance as possible since popular routes sell out, especially during peak season.

→ Don’t Plan Tours for the Day You Arrive – Since our time was limited, we hit the ground running the minute we arrived into Rome. That was a bad idea. Neither one of us slept well on the flight, so by the time we got there, we were completely exhausted.

I ended up falling asleep during the bus tour. Our recommendation is to not plan tours for the day you arrive. It’s better left for freshening up and getting your bearings.

→ Book a Pre-Night at Your Hotel – This goes hand-in-hand with the last tip. Many flights arrive into Italy very early in the morning. You can always request an early check-in, but this is never guaranteed.

If you’re visiting during the peak season, it’s highly unlikely your hotel will be able to accommodate your request. If you don’t have trouble sleeping on planes, it might not be an issue.

However, if you can’t, the only way to guarantee a room when you arrive at your hotel is to book a pre-night. Alternatively, you can book a day room at a hotel. Many airport hotels offer this less-expensive option.

Want some more tips for requesting an early hotel check-in? Read our complete guide:
→ Will Hotels Let You Check-In Early? How to Ask and What to Expect

→ Don’t Book a Bus Tour – We’re not huge fans of bus tours anyway, but we definitely don’t recommend in Rome. There were a lot of people on the tour we booked. We felt like we were being herded like cattle. Plus, there just wasn’t enough time to ask the guide questions.

If we were to book a city tour now, we would opt for a private tour. They allow for more one-on-one conversations with your guide.

→ Book Everything in Advance – If you’re visiting during the peak tourist season, which are June through October, book advance reservations for everything from tours and hotels to restaurants and trains. Popular tours can book up quickly.

→ Pre-Purchase Tickets to Popular Attractions – With multiple trips to Italy under our belt now, we’ve seen many of the popular sights multiple times. We strongly recommend pre-purchasing tickets to a attractions like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum.

Standby lines to purchase tickets get extremely long. We’re talking a couple of hours. If you pre-purchase your tickets, you can bypass this line altogether. You’ll still need to wait in a security line, but it’s certainly not as long as the ticket line.

→ Don’t Limit Your Visit to the Large Cities – As much as we love the large cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, some of our favorite memories are from visiting smaller towns or not sticking to a strict itinerary.

One of our favorites was when we came across a beautiful vineyard in Tuscany. We decided to stop for a tour that included lunch, and we had the best time. To this day, we still buy the wine we sampled which we found at our local liquor store.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Italy

As much as we love Italy, there are some things you should consider before choosing it as your first-time Europe trip.

→ It’s One of the Longer Flights From the U.S. – If you’re hoping to minimize travel time, other countries on this list might be a better option since the flights are shorter.

→ The Most Popular Destinations Get Very Crowded – Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are very busy during the summer. If you don’t like crowds, it’s worth considering a visit during the shoulder season instead.

→ It’s One of the More Expensive European Countries – When I say it’s expensive, I don’t mean that it’s prohibitively expensive. I just mean that its cities tend to be like every other city around the world.

Since many of Italy’s major cities are the main draw for visitors, you’ll end up paying more for accommodations, food, etc.

→ You Can’t See the Entire Country in One Visit – Italy is a large country, so you’re not going to be able to see the entire country in one visit unless you have a ton of vacation time. Wouldn’t that be nice?

If you want to be able to check an entire country off your bucket list, Italy probably isn’t the best option. Inevitably, you’ll want to visit again.

5. England

This one is an obvious choice for obvious reasons. If you’re nervous about traveling abroad for the first time, our best advice is to start with England. It won’t let you down.

Like Italy, England has so many iconic landmarks to see like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Of course, there’s also the fact that it’s an English-speaking country, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Aside from that, it just makes for a great first-time trip. There’s so much to see in London, but there are plenty of places to visit outside the city as well.

Why You Should Consider England for Your First Trip to Europe

England is probably the quintessential place to start your international travel journey. It’s different enough that you know you’ve visited another country but not so different that you experience culture shock.

Plus, with England, there’s a sense of familiarity.

Here are some other reasons to consider England for your first international trip:

→ There are Numerous Nonstop Flights from the U.S. – This is probably one of the biggest advantages to choosing England as your first European destination. Many U.S. cities, including L.A., offer nonstop flights to England.

→ Flights are Relatively Short – If being on a plane for a long amount of time doesn’t appeal to you, England is one of the better choices for you. Nonstop flights from the east coast are only around 6.5 hours.

→ Some Airlines Offer Morning Flights From Certain Cities – This is one of our favorite tricks. If you’re worried about the time change, you can sometimes book morning flights to London out of cities like Boston and New York.

They usually get into London at around 7 or 8:00 pm. By then, you can check into your hotel, grab something to eat, head off to bed, and you’ll be ready to hit the ground running the next morning.

Best first-time England Itinerary Ideas

If you’re visiting England for the first time, we highly recommend not trying to see the entire country during one visit. The drive times between cities and towns can be longer than they appear on a map.

→ London + Bath + The Cotswolds – This is the perfect itinerary for first-time visitors who want a mix of the city and the beautiful countryside.

→ London + Windsor + Oxford – This is a classic itinerary that combines London’s must-see attractions with two of England’s best day trips.

→ London + York – If you like history, visit London before exploring York’s medieval streets, city walls, and York Minster.

→ London + Stonehenge + Bath – This is a bucket-list itinerary that includes one of the world’s most famous prehistoric sites along with one of England’s most beautiful cities.

What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting England

If you decide to visit England, there are some planning tips to keep in mind.

→ Don’t Limit Yourself to London – We do recommend venturing outside London if you can. Some of our favorite places were in the countryside and there are some great tours that combine places like Bath, Stonehenge, and the Cotswolds.

→ London Deserves Several Days – Many first-time visitors underestimate how much there is to see in London. You should plan for at least 3-4 days if it’s your main destination.

→ Historic Attractions Often Require Advance Booking – Popular sites like the Tower of London can sell out, especially during peak travel seasons. Try to book as many things in advance as possible.

Things to Consider Before Choosing England

Everything about England sounds great for first-time international travelers, but there are some things to consider:

→ London Can Be Expensive – Everything in London is notoriously expensive including food, hotels, etc. This is compounded by the usually unfavorable exchange rate between the British pound and the U.S. dollar.

The exchange rate has gotten a little better over the years, but it still won’t be an inexpensive trip.

→ You May Not Have the Best Weather – If you want to be guaranteed nice weather, England probably isn’t the place for you. It can and does rain often and the weather can change quickly. You’ll be doing a lot of walking outside, so you’ll need to pack accordingly.

→ Driving is Harder Than You Think – Renting a car for a day to get outside the city sounds like a great idea, right?

The problem is that you still need to drive through the city to get out of it. Even my husband, who grew up driving in Boston, found the London roads to be challenging.

While most European countries drive on the same side of the road as in the U.S., England does not. There’s also the added challenge of using a steering wheel that’s on the right side instead of the left. Plus, don’t forget that there’s an insane amount of traffic in London.

If you’re visiting Europe for the first time and you want to explore outside the city, you may want to consider booking a bus tour or making use of the excellent train system.

6. Ireland

Sticking with the English-speaking theme, Ireland is another obvious choice for a first-time European visit. 

Ireland is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality, so if you’re nervous about that, this is the place to go.

In addition, it’s a really beautiful country. With its rugged coastline, stunning castles, and emerald green landscapes, you’ll be taking pictures nonstop.

Why You Should Consider Ireland for Your First Trip to Europe

Aside from being an English-speaking country, Ireland is ideal for first-time international travelers for several reasons. Here are some of them:

→ Nonstop Flights Are Convenient from the U.S. – Like England, there are many cities in the U.S. that offer nonstop flights to Ireland cities like Dublin, Galway and Shannon.

→ Flights are Short – Nonstop flights from the east coast in the U.S. are only around 6.5 hours.

→ It’s Ideal for Road Trips – Since nonstop flights are available to multiple cities in Ireland, it’s easy to plan a road trip itinerary where you fly into one city and out of another.

→ Perfect for Golfers – If you love to golf, Ireland is the perfect destination for you. It’s home to over 400 golf courses, many of which are situated along the coast.

Best First-Time Ireland Itineraries

There’s a lot to see in Ireland and it’s best if you can do it at a leisurely pace. Here’s our recommendations for first-time visits.

→ Dublin + Galway – If you only have a week, we recommend limiting your visit to 2 stops, 3 nights in both Dublin and Galway. This will give you enough time to explore 2 of the major cities plus you can probably see a bit of the countryside as well.

→ Ring of Kerry – If you really want to see the Ring of Kerry, and you only have a week, you can probably spend 2 nights in Dublin, 2 nights in Galway and 2 nights down towards Killarney to see the Ring of Kerry.

This is probably a lot to fit in but it can be done. Otherwise, we would recommend spending a full week in the southern part of the country and really exploring that area including the ring.

What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting Ireland

We loved our time in Ireland, but there are some practical tips and lessons worth noting.

→ Waterproof Hiking Shoes are a Good Idea – There’s a reason everything is so green in Ireland. It rains, a lot. Since a good portion of sightseeing is done outside, it’s worth investing in a decent pair of waterproof hiking shoes. Trails can get very wet and slippery in spots.

→ Manual Cars are the Norm – While automatic cars are becoming more popular, manual transmissions are the most common.

If you plan to rent a car, and you want an automatic, try to book it as far in advance as possible. These tend to sell out quickly. Also keep in mind that automatics tend to be much more expensive.

→ Dinner is Often Served Earlier Than Other European Countries – Many kitchens close earlier in smaller towns, so be sure to consider this when planning your itinerary.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Ireland

Before planning a visit to Ireland, there are some logistical considerations to keep in mind.

→ Ireland is Best Explored by Car – While major cities are serviced by rail, smaller towns within Ireland are not, which is why it’s best to rent a car in Ireland.

→ Driving Can Be Challenging – Like England, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland and the steering wheels are on the right-hand side.

If you’re nervous about driving on the other side of the road, it might make more sense to use Dublin or Galway as a base and book some day trip tours out to the countryside.

→ Driving Distances Can Be Deceiving – There are many narrow and winding roads in Ireland, so drive times between cities and towns are probably longer than you realize.

→ Roads Can Be Narrow – Roads along scenic areas can be very narrow in spots. Keep in mind you’ll be sharing the road with a lot of tour buses.

7. Iceland

If breathtaking scenery is at the top of your Europe wish list, Iceland is an the perfect first-time international destination.

You’ll see everything from waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches. Despite its remote location, Iceland is really easy to explore thanks to excellent roads and a well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Why You Should Consider Iceland for Your First Trip to Europe

Iceland offers all kinds of incredible outdoor activities like waterfall hikes, thermal springs, and horseback riding, and you don’t need to travel too far to get to them.

It’s also one of the safest countries in the world, making it especially appealing to first-time international travelers. Here are some other reasons to consider Iceland for your first trip to Europe:

→ It’s Easy to Get to from the U.S. – Like many other countries on this list, Iceland is easily accessible from the U.S. Many nonstop flights are available from major cities to Reykjavik.

→ Flights are Short – Some nonstop flights from the east coast are only around 5-5.5 hours.

→ It’s Perfect For Less Than a Week – If you can’t dedicate more than a few days to your trip, Iceland is the perfect destination. You can easily explore Reykjavik and the surrounding area in just a few days.

→ English is Widely Spoken – There is no issue with the language since English is widely spoken especially in and around the main tourist areas.

→ Getting Around the Country is Easy With a Car – The roads and signage in and around Reykjavik are well kept so it’s easy to navigate with a rental car. If you plan to drive the Golden Circle, there’s basically one road that you need to follow, so there’s very little chance of getting lost.

→ Plenty of Tours Are Available if You Don’t Want to Drive – If you’re not comfortable driving, sign up for one of the many day trip tours that start in Reykjavik. They’re available for the most popular tourist attractions in the country including the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle.

Best First-Time Iceland Itineraries

Iceland is one of the more ideal countries to visit if you don’t have a lot of time or you want ease into Europe travel. You can plan a long weekend and visit just the major sights.

→ Reykjavík + the Golden Circle – This is a perfect short itinerary that covers waterfalls, geysers, and Þingvellir National Park along with Reykjavik.

→ Reykjavík + the Golden Circle + South Coast – If you have a full week, you can also visit the black sand beaches, glaciers, and waterfalls along the south coast.

→ Ring Road – This will probably require a full 10 days to two-weeks but it will cover everything from coast to coast.

What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting Iceland

Iceland was a bit of a last minute trip for us, so we didn’t do as much planning and research as we usually do. Here are some things we learned when we got there:

→ It’s Not as Expensive as You Think – We often here comments about how expensive Iceland is, but we didn’t find that to be the case. You can often find great deals for flights and car rentals, and there are many reasonably priced hotels.

If you’re looking to do some shopping, we did find the clothing and other items to be fairly expensive.

→ There is no Tipping in Iceland – Some may argue that dining out is expensive in Iceland. However, I don’t think it’s any worse than dining out in any other major city.

Plus, keep in mind that tipping is not a custom in Iceland, which means it probably ends up being less expensive in the end.

→ You Only Need a Day for the Golden Circle – There’s no need to dedicate more than a day to the Golden Circle.

Most of the attractions are fairly close to the main road and they aren’t too far from one another. You can easily see all there is to see in a day. It will be a long day but it can be done.

→ Don’t Take Taxi From the Airport to Downtown Reykjavik – We made this mistake and it ended up costing us a couple of hundred dollars. The drive from the airport to downtown Reykjavik is about 45 minutes which is why the taxi was so expensive.

In our defense, we took an afternoon flight out of Boston, so we arrived into Reykjavik around midnight. We were pretty tired and just wanted to get to our hotel as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, it cost us in a big way.

We recommend taking a shuttle bus instead which costs around $35 per person. If you’re traveling as a group, check the cost of the shuttle versus a taxi. A taxi might cost about the same in that case.

→ Some Attractions Require Advance Planning – If you visit Iceland during the busier summer months, it’s wise to book certain attractions in advance.

The Blue Lagoon is one that we recommend booking in advance because you need to book it for a specific time, and it has a tendency of selling out.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Iceland

Honestly, there aren’t a lot of negatives to visiting Iceland, but, of course, nothing is perfect. These are some things to consider before deciding on Iceland as your first-time Europe destination.

→ Many Hotels Don’t Have Air Conditioning in the Rooms – Since Iceland is known for its cooler climate, we thought we’d be safe without air conditioning.

However, when we visited for the first time in early September, we somehow managed to time our visit with the best stretch of weather the country had seen in quite some time.

We saw full sun and temperatures in the mid to upper 70’s the entire time. It was perfect for sightseeing, but our hotel room was stifling hot.

If you’re the type of person that needs air conditioning at all times, confirm that your hotel offers it in the guest rooms.

→ Nice Weather is Not Guaranteed – Now that we’ve told you how nice the weather was when we visited, please note that this is not normal for Iceland.

Weather can be very unpredictable and you’ll often experience cool temperatures, mist, rain, and foggy conditions.

Be sure to pack accordingly and don’t forget some waterproof hiking shoes.

→ Driving Times are Further Than They Look on a Map – The distance between Reykjavik and the northern and southern coasts are much further than people realize. If you plan to visit these locations, make sure you allocate enough time.

→ You Won’t Find Many Large Cities – Reykjavík is Iceland’s only major city, and it’s much smaller than capitals like London, Paris, or Amsterdam. If you’re looking for a country that has multiple cities and towns to explore, Iceland is not that place.

→ You’ll See Some Interesting Menu Items – Reykjavik has many different types of restaurants with all kinds of food. Don’t be surprise if you come across menus that offer more local dishes with things like shark, whale, and puffin. This is normal and you’ll probably see it a lot.

Answering Your Questions About Europe

Where should I go for my first time in Europe?

There are many great countries that are perfect for travelers visiting Europe for the first time. England and Ireland are great because they’re English-speaking countries.

The Czech Republic and the Netherlands are ideal because they’re compact enough that they won’t overwhelm first-time visitors.

How many days do you need for your first Europe trip?

The number of days you need will depend on whether you’re visiting a single country or multiple countries. For a single country, you should plan on 7 to 10 days. If you’re visiting multiple countries, you should plan for 10 days or more depending on the number of countries. 

Should you visit one country or multiple countries on your first trip?

In order to answer this question, you’ll first need to decide how many days you can dedicate to your itinerary. If you only have a week, we recommend sticking to a single country.

For a 10-day itinerary, you could potentially include 2 countries, although it would be hectic. For more than 2 countries, you should consider dedicating a minimum of 2 weeks.

Our Final Take: Best Countries for Your First-Time Trip to Europe

There it is, our favorite countries we would recommend for anyone planning a first-time trip to Europe.

Your first trip to Europe is something you’ll remember for years, so it’s worth choosing a destination that will give you the experience you’re looking for rather than simply picking the most popular country.

Whether you’re drawn to Croatia’s coastline, Slovenia’s natural beauty, the Netherlands’ charming cities, or Iceland’s unforgettable landscapes, each of these destinations offers an easy and memorable introduction to Europe.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow down your options and feel more confident planning your first European adventure.

Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong with any of these destinations. Once you visit one, you’ll be hooked, and you’ll be planning your next European trip before you know it.

Talk soon!

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