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5 best cities in Europe for a first-time traveller

Feeling ready for your first trip but still unsure where to go? It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when you don’t know what to expect in a new country. You might have lots of questions – how to pick your first destination, how easy it is to get around, or whether communication will be a problem.

Choosing the right city can make everything simpler. So what makes a city “right”? For beginners, it’s usually a compact centre or a walkable Old Town, where most things are close by. And if not, the city should have easy, reliable public transport and be simple to reach from the airport.

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are five cities I’ve visited myself – in no particular order – and I can confidently say they’re perfect for first-time travellers.

Vilnius

Panoramic view of Vilnius showing the Cathedral, bell tower, Gediminas Castle, and the Hill of Three Crosses.
A sweeping view over Vilnius — where history rises from the Cathedral Square to the Three Crosses Hill.

Vilnius is an excellent place to start your travel journey, even if Lithuania is still an underrated destination in Europe. The Old Town is compact, and most attractions are within easy walking distance.

The airport is close to the city and well connected by buses and even a short train ride. Public transport is simple, tickets can be bought on board or through an app, and most apps offer an English interface.

English is widely spoken, menus and museum information are often available in English, and the city is much less crowded than many other European capitals. You won’t need to book everything far in advance, which makes Vilnius a calm and stress-free first destination.

Barcelona

Ornate fountain with statues and cascading water at the Cascada Monumental in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona.
The grand Cascada Monumental, Barcelona’s iconic fountain in Parc de la Ciutadella.

Barcelona may be one of Europe’s most visited cities, but it’s still a great choice for beginners. Transport is straightforward, and a shared ticket can be especially convenient if you’re travelling with others.

To make moving around easier, stay near a metro station – you’ll be just a short ride away from many of the city’s highlights. If you prefer something even simpler, a Hop-On Hop-Off bus takes you to major sights like Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Plaça d’Espanya.

And remember, you don’t need to see everything. Choose a few places that interest you and enjoy them at your own pace. Even relaxing on Barceloneta Beach is enough to enjoy the city.

Bergamo

View of Bergamo from above, showing the old town rooftops, church towers, and surrounding hills
Charming Bergamo from above, with its historic rooftops, church towers, and rolling green hills.

Bergamo is often seen only as a stopover near Milan, but it’s absolutely worth exploring on its own. The airport is just 20 minutes away by bus, making arrivals very easy.

The city is compact, and most attractions are walkable. One of the highlights is the funicular to Città Alta, the charming Old Town where you’ll find cosy piazzas, great food, and beautiful views.

If you get tired after a day of walking, local buses make it simple to get around. You can also make a day trip to Lake Como or Milan. In Città Alta, take time to wander slowly – the small streets and views are what make Bergamo special.

If you’re considering Italy for your first trip, just keep in mind that train strikes happen from time to time. They’re not a reason to avoid the country, but it’s helpful to know what to expect. I wrote a quick guide on how to handle strikes if they happen during your trip.

Nice

A panoramic view of Nice showing terracotta rooftops, the coastline, and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Classic Mediterranean charm — rooftops and sea views across Nice.

Nice is a lovely French Riviera city where you can enjoy both architecture and the seaside. The airport is only about thirty minutes away by tram, and public transport is convenient, with buses and trams reaching the main districts.

Tickets can be bought through an app or with a contactless card, which you can even share with your travel companions. Nice is perfect if you don’t want a strict plan – simply wandering the Old Town or walking along the Promenade des Anglais is enough.

If you want more, there are plenty of easy day trips to nearby towns along the coast.

Warsaw

High-angle view of a square in Warsaw with a church tower, a monument, and people walking across the open space.
A bird’s-eye look at Warsaw’s historic square, where architecture and city life come together.

Warsaw is the largest of the five cities, yet still very beginner-friendly. The Old Town is compact, and getting around is easy thanks to buses, trams, and the metro.

The airport is about thirty minutes away by bus or train, so arriving and leaving is simple. Tickets allow transfers, though keep in mind there are different zones and time-based options. You can buy tickets at machines, sales points, or directly on vehicles. There are also plenty of apps to choose from, so you can pick whatever feels easiest.

Warsaw offers a lot without feeling overwhelming – museums, parks, cafés, and quiet walks. You don’t need to rush to enjoy it.

Conclusion

No matter which city you choose, these five destinations are easy to navigate, safe, and ideal for first-time travellers. Each has something unique, but all are manageable and welcoming.

Remember, your trip doesn’t need to be perfect. Pick a city, follow your curiosity, and explore at your own pace. Your first adventure is closer than you think.

Read more beginner travel guides

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Ieva is the founder of One Love to Roam. She has visited more than 25 countries and, while she is always curious to explore somewhere new, she keeps coming back to Italy, where she once spent three winter months. Travel has long been her passion, but she knows it does not always feel easy or natural to everyone. Through One Love to Roam, she helps beginner travellers realise that travel is possible for them too, guiding them calmly and simply through their very first trip abroad.