If you’re planning your first trip to Europe, get ready to discover a continent packed with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Europe truly has it all.
Ancient cities where every street hides a masterpiece, buzzing modern capitals, and natural wonders from green fjords to silent deserts. It’s no surprise that millions of travelers choose Europe each year as their first big destination to start exploring the world!
Contrary to what some people think (we won’t name names or nationalities 🙄), Europe isn’t a country, but a CONTINENT, with 48 countries to discover. So where should you begin? And how can you stay connected while traveling without spending a fortune on international roaming?
In this guide, you’ll find the 10 unmissable destinations for your first trip to Europe, top attractions, the best times to visit, and smart tips on how to stay online with a Europe eSIM.
1. Italy: Rome, Florence and Venice
Italy is one of the most beloved destinations in the world, thanks to its ancient history, incredible art heritage… and of course, its cuisine, famous and adored around the globe.
- Must-visit cities: Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples (we know, all of Italy is beautiful, but we had to narrow it down for a first trip!)
- Top attractions: Colosseum, Vatican, Uffizi Gallery, Milan Cathedral, Venice’s canals, Pompeii, Royal Palace of Caserta
- Climate: Mediterranean, hot in summer (dry or humid depending on the region), mild in winter (with snow in the north)
- Best time to visit: spring (April-May to avoid the heat) and fall (September-October)
- Don’t miss: a relaxing walk through Trastevere in Rome, a gondola ride in Venice, a food tour in Emilia-Romagna, and a beach weekend in Puglia’s crystal-clear waters.
2. France: Paris, Provence and the French Riviera
France is the ultimate romantic getaway, but that’s not all. Delicious food, world-class art and wine, and incredibly diverse regions, each with its own personality.
- Must-visit cities: Paris, Marseille, Nice, Lyon, and Bordeaux
- Top attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Montmartre, the lavender fields of Provence, beaches of Saint-Tropez
- Climate: variable—temperate in the north, Mediterranean in the south
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Don’t miss: a scenic cruise on the Seine, wine tasting in Bordeaux, and browsing a local market in Provence.
3. Spain: Barcelona, Madrid and Andalusia
Perfect for travelers who love the outdoors, music, art, and sunny beaches.
- Must-visit cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Granada
- Top attractions: the stunning Sagrada Familia, the Alhambra, Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor, Costa del Sol
- Climate: mostly Mediterranean, semi-arid in the south
- Best time to visit: March to June and September to October. Try to avoid the hottest summer months.
- Don’t miss: a flamenco class in Seville, a tasty tapas tour in Madrid, and a beach day in Barcelona.
4. Germany: Berlin, Bavaria and the Black Forest
If you’re into contemporary history, innovation, and nature adventures, Germany is the place to go.
- Must-visit cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Cologne
- Top attractions: Berlin Wall, fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, Cologne Cathedral, the wild Black Forest
- Climate: continental, cold winters, mild summers
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Don’t miss: the legendary Oktoberfest in Munich, a hike through the Black Forest, and the magical Christmas markets in December.
5. United Kingdom: London, Scotland and Wales
A great mix of tradition, modernity, and epic landscapes. From culture and history to nightlife and music scenes, you’ll find it all here.
- Must-visit cities: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Manchester
- Top attractions: Buckingham Palace (and its famously stoic guards), Big Ben, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Castle
- Climate: famously rainy, especially in London, but overall mild
- Best time to visit: May to September for the best weather
- Don’t miss: afternoon tea in London, a trip to the Scottish Highlands, and a pint in a traditional pub.
6. Greece: Athens, the Cyclades and Thessaloniki
A paradise for fans of mythology, turquoise seas, and Mediterranean cuisine… and yes, there are lots of stairs and uphill walks 😂 but they’re totally worth it (feta cheese helps).
- Must-visit cities: Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Santorini, and Mykonos
- Top attractions: the ancient Parthenon, Oia in Santorini, Crete’s pebbled beaches, and the majestic Meteora
- Climate: Mediterranean, hot and dry summers (very hot, in fact!)
- Best time to visit: May, June and September, avoid July and August if possible
- Don’t miss: a sunset in Santorini, a hike around the Meteora, and a seaside dinner with gyros.
7. The Netherlands: Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam
We know what you’re thinking, but the Netherlands is much more than just… that. It’s ideal for travelers seeking art, sustainability, and a chill atmosphere.
- Must-visit cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague
- Top attractions: Amsterdam’s charming canals, the Van Gogh Museum, colorful tulip fields, and iconic windmills
- Climate: temperate, cool summers, cold winters
- Best time to visit: April to September, especially for the tulip blooms!
- Don’t miss: a bike tour like a local, a canal cruise, and a photo session in the tulip fields.
8. Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
A country with deep maritime history and incredible ocean views.
- Must-visit cities: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Sintra
- Top attractions: Belém Tower, the iconic Tram 28, Dom Luís I Bridge, and the Algarve’s stunning beaches
- Climate: oceanic Mediterranean, generally mild all year
- Best time to visit: spring and early autumn
- Don’t miss: a wine tasting in Porto, a romantic sunset in Sagres, and a fairy-tale stroll through Sintra’s cobbled streets.
9. Austria: Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck
A dream for classical music lovers and fans of elegant cities and alpine landscapes.
- Must-visit cities: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz
- Top attractions: Schönbrunn Palace, Mozart’s birthplace, and the Tyrolean Alps
- Climate: continenta, cold winters, mild summers
- Best time to visit: December (for Christmas markets!) or spring/summer if you prefer outdoor adventures
- Don’t miss: a classical concert in Vienna, skiing in Tyrol, and a coffee break in a traditional Viennese café.
10. Czech Republic: Prague, Kutná Hora and Brno
Why choose the Czech Republic for your first Eurotrip? It’s a unique mix of fairy-tale charm, medieval history, and budget-friendly travel.
- Must-visit cities: Prague, Brno, and Český Krumlov
- Top attractions: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Astronomical Clock, and the Gothic Old Town
- Climate: continental, cold winters, mild summers
- Best time to visit: spring and fall
- Don’t miss: a river cruise on the Vltava and a refreshing craft beer tasting tour.
How to stay connected and get internet in Europe
Having reliable internet on your Europe trip isn’t optional, it’s essential! Why? So you can navigate with maps, translate signs and menus (there are a LOT of different languages), book activities online, skip the lines, and share your favorite moments in real time.
What are your options for staying connected while traveling?
There are three main ways to get online without relying on slow and insecure public Wi-Fi:
- International roaming: activate roaming with your current provider. Some data may be included in your plan thanks to the “Roam Like at Home” initiative (for EU citizens), but it’s usually very limited—and once it’s gone, extra charges are ridiculously high.
- Local SIM card: once you arrive, you can buy a physical SIM card. The connection is usually good, but you’ll have to shop around for the best deal, swap out your SIM (which can be a hassle), and possibly get a new SIM in every country you visit.
- Europe eSIM: a virtual SIM designed to work across multiple countries in Europe, letting you keep your current number while connecting to local partner networks.
Why choose an eSIM?
It’s the most tech-savvy, and also the easiest, most convenient, and fastest way to get online during your trip!
Top advantages of using an eSIM:
- No need to remove your regular SIM
- Instant setup via QR code
- One eSIM covers multiple countries
- Clear, upfront pricing with no surprises
- Fast, reliable connection from the moment you land
With eSIM.sm, you can buy your Europe data plan before departure—no physical SIM card required—and get connected the moment you arrive.
Why choose eSIM.sm over the rest?
We may be a little biased, but here’s why our users love us:
- Our Europe eSIM covers 31 countries
- Up to 5G speed
- Flexible data plans from 1GB to 100GB
- Recharge anytime, anywhere
- Unlimited data plan available
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Choose Europe for your next adventure, and stay connected the whole way with eSIM.sm!
