You’ve never been to Europe and can’t wait to go; however, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming.
Relatively cheap and short flights and train rides will make it possible to visit up to three or even four places or countries. Plus, everything in Europe is so close, yet so different. The good thing is, within two weeks, for example, you can see quite a lot.
Here are my recommendations for you, sorted after interests you may have:
Nature
If you’re into nature, exploring, and hiking, go to Norway’s west coast and explore the many trails and beautiful fjords – categorized as world wonders and UNESCO world heritage sites.
Austria, Germany, and Switzerland offer peaceful and beautiful nature, especially around the Alps.
Iceland has its very unique and diverse landscape: volcanic rocks, geysers, plenty of incredible waterfalls, and endless untouched valleys.
Partying
If you love EDM music, Ibiza, Split in Croatia, or Bulgaria would be your first choice.
If you love partying and getting super trashed with a bunch of Germans and Brits, go to Mallorca. You might even become a fan of German “Ballermann”? music.
If you love cities with a more diverse nightlife, lots of options in bars and clubs, and plenty of beer and drinking, go to Prague.
If you want various bars and clubs, see freaky things and experience mind-blowing red light districts, where you can see people having sex on the stage and girls shooting bananas out of your know where to go to Hamburg or Amsterdam.
On a budget
If you’re on a budget, most Eastern European countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, or Hungary are cheap compared to the rest of Europe. If you love the ocean and beaches, or a more Southern European culture, try Spain or Greece.
Luxurious
Now, if you worked your butt off and are ballin’ and don’t care if you spend 9 dollars or more on a cappuccino, choose a city like Paris or London, or go to Switzerland.
History
History buffs will enjoy Istanbul, any larger Italian city such as Venice, Florence, or Rome (which you will have to share with thousands of tourists), and Greece.
Culture
If you want to experience and immerse yourself in some rich European culture and proud people, go to Spain, Italy, and Turkey. Don’t only go to the big, famous cities, but stop in midsize or small towns.
Beach
If your budget is mid-range, check out Spain or Portugal, and if you can afford more, look into Southern France. For the most beautiful beaches, go island hopping in Greece. Croatia and Bulgaria are the cheapest options and have plenty of party beaches.
Food
If you try French or Italian food, you will never want to eat anything else again. The buttery croissants that almost melt in your mouth, the thin, crispy, flavorful pizza in Italy, or anything else there, you will LOVE it! So all my foodies – head straight there, take all the cooking classes and food tours you can.
A little bit of everything
If you want history, parties, museums, and just a beautiful place to be combined, head to Amsterdam, London, Prague, or Rome.
Shopping
If you’re into shopping, head to Europe’s favorite fashion cities such as Berlin, Paris, London, Madrid, and Milan. Expect more classy and upscale fashion in France and Spain, while you can have everything in Berlin or London.
My favs
My personal favorites that I’d recommend for a Europe first-timer are Amsterdam, Prague, and Rome. As I said in the beginning, you can visit all 3 of them within two weeks if you want.
