How to choose a destination
Europe packs dozens of countries into an area you can cross by train or short flight, so the hard part is deciding where to spend limited days. Four questions usually settle it:
- What do you want to do? Museums and food, hiking, beaches, road trips, and winter scenery point to different places.
- When can you travel? Weather, crowds and prices change a lot by month.
- What is your budget? Costs vary widely between, for example, Western Europe and Southern or Eastern Europe, though exact prices shift year to year.
- How much time do you have? A short trip usually works best with one or two bases. See our guide to planning a 2 week trip to Europe for pacing ideas.
The classic first-trip countries
These countries appear on most “top destinations” lists because they combine famous sights with easy transport and plenty of accommodation.
- France: Paris is the draw for many visitors, with museums, neighborhoods and food. Beyond it are regions such as Provence, the Loire Valley and the Riviera. Start with our travel guide to Paris.
- Italy: Rome, Florence and Venice form the traditional first route, with the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany and the Dolomites as add-ons. Food, art and ancient history are the main attractions.
- Spain: Barcelona and Madrid for city life, Andalusia for Moorish architecture, and a long coastline. Evenings run late, so plan meals accordingly.
- United Kingdom: London plus England, Scotland and Wales. Language is easy for English speakers, and the rail network is useful. Our best UK travel itinerary lays out routes.
- Germany: Berlin, Munich, the Rhine and the Bavarian Alps, with good trains. See the best place to travel in Germany for choosing a base.
Beyond the big names
If you have visited before, or want fewer crowds, these are frequently recommended:
- Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve coast, often seen as good value for Western Europe.
- Greece: Athens plus the islands, best planned around ferry schedules and the summer season.
- Croatia: Dalmatian coast towns and islands, and national parks such as Plitvice. See our Croatia itinerary for routes.
- Netherlands and Belgium: Compact, easy by train, with canals, art and food.
- Czechia and Austria: Prague, Vienna and Salzburg are often paired in a Central European route.
- Switzerland: Spectacular mountain scenery, but generally among the pricier choices.
- Iceland: Waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and, in winter, a chance at the northern lights. It is more of a nature trip than a city break. Our Iceland travel essentials covers what to know before you go.
Best fits by trip style
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Art, history and food | Italy, France, Spain |
| Hiking and mountains | Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy, Norway, Iceland |
| Beaches and islands | Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, southern Italy |
| City breaks on a rail network | Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Czechia, Austria |
| Road trips | Iceland, Scotland, Croatia, Portugal |
| English-speaking ease | United Kingdom, Ireland |
For ideas on what to actually do in each, see our list of the top things to do in Europe.
When to go, and cheaper months
Late spring and early fall are widely recommended for balancing weather, crowds and cost. July and August are peak season in much of Southern and Western Europe, with higher prices and heat in cities. Winter is generally the cheapest time for flights and hotels in many places, apart from Christmas market towns and ski resorts, but days are short and some seasonal attractions close. See our top winter destinations in Europe for how to choose.
Because patterns differ by country, check typical weather and event dates for your exact destination. If you are heading out in autumn, our packing guide for Europe in fall can help.
Combining destinations
Pair places that are close and well connected, such as Paris and London by high-speed rail, or Prague, Vienna and Budapest by train. Each change of base costs roughly half a day, so most travelers find that fewer stops make for a better trip.
FAQ
Who are the “big 3” in Europe? There is no official answer. Travel writers often mean France, Italy and Spain, or sometimes the UK, France and Germany, as the most-visited and best-known countries for first-time visitors.
What is the cheapest month to visit Europe? It varies by region, but late fall through winter (excluding the holidays) is commonly the lowest-priced period for flights and lodging. Shoulder months can also offer a good balance.
What are the top 10 countries to visit in Europe? Lists differ, but a common set includes France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, the Netherlands and Switzerland or Austria.