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Italy Tips & articles

Sep 20, 2011 12:00:53 AM

10 essential stops for Europe first-timers

  • Robert Reid
  • Lonely Planet Author

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We’ve come a long way since the emergence of the 17th-century ‘Grand Tour,’ when the wealthy (mostly Brits) finished their education with a real year in the world, learning to fence in Paris, studying art in Florence, climbing the Swiss Alps, and complaining about the service in Athens.

Over time, the first-timer traveler’s trails across Europe have swayed back’n'forth, with changes ushered in by the advent of trains, Mark Twain’s ‘is he dead?’ jokes, and the rising or falling of an Iron Curtain or two.

So, what is the ‘Grand Tour’ version of today? The Lonely Planet Discover Europe guide has one that gives a wide-eyed first-timer the 10 best of Europe’s cities in three weeks. (Of course, it’s OK to take longer.)

LONDON

Two days isn’t a huge amount of time in a city with so much to do but you should still be able to see highlights like the Tower, Tate Modern, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace as well as attend a West End theatre show and enjoy the ethnic eateries of the East End.

PARIS

A high-speed Channel Tunnel train takes you to the sights in Paris. Overlooking the avenues from the Arc de Triomphe, seeing the Louvre or Versailles and a beautiful church or two is the least you can do. Try lively Montmartre for dinner.

BARCELONA

An overnight ride of the rails and you’re at your next stop, colourful Barcelona, where the organic Modernista architecture and Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia will wow you. Don’t miss the Catalan cooking. Your first flight of the trip moves you along to…

ROME

The Eternal City; they say a lifetime isn’t enough to know it. During two days sightseeing in Rome, choose from among the monumental attractions of the Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Evenings you’ll be eating out in the centro storico and Trastevere.

VIENNA

Overnight on the train to the imperial city of Vienna (which ‘waits for you’ according to Billy Joel), where you’ll linger in a coffee house, watch the Lipizzaner stallions, wander the pedestrian shopping streets and see a performance at the Staatsoper.

BUDAPEST

Just three hours away, Budapest also has a lively cafe culture, plus a vibrant mix of old and new. Be sure to visit Castle Hill and take a soak in one of the city’s thermal baths.

BERLIN

A full day riding the rails brings you to the sights of Berlin, Europe’s most rapidly changing (and exciting) city; must-sees include all the Berlin Wall galleries, memorials and museums, plus new city sights like the Sony Centre and Filmmuseum. At night Kreuzberg is the alternative nightlife hub, while Prenzlauer Berg is more grown up.

DUBROVNIK

You’ll have to board a plane in order to be dazzled by the marble streets and red roofs of Dubrovnik, Croatia. By all means, first walk the city walls; the views over the town and sea are great. Explore the rest of the old town and take a seat at a cafe or along one of the beaches.

ATHENS

The Greek capital is a treasure trove of ancient ruins with the magnificent buildings of the hill-top Acropolis heading the list. Below it stand more impressive remains, plus bustling flea markets and lively tavernas giving you a taste of more modern Athenian life.

ISTANBUL

Once you’ve touched down you’ve reached the edge of Europe, where east meets west. In Old İstanbul explore the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and Aya Sofya. Then shop and dine in modern Beyoğlu, centre of the city’s nightlife. A boat ride on the Bosphorus gives you the chance to step foot in Asia, looking back at the Europe you’ve just explored.

FURTHER READING: If you want to concentrate on the East, check out these top 10 Eastern European getaways. Or swap your Western Europe sites for these recommended Eastern alternatives. But hey, they’re all good!


Comments

  1. 14 May 2010 10:30PM tanjaww Report this comment

    What's happened to Amsterdam?? :'(

  2. 15 May 2010 12:48AM lamtrc Report this comment

    I think Athens is one of the worst European capitals to go. Yes, the Acropolis is once a life time experience, but except that, there isn't much in the city. How about beautiful Prague, fested Krakow, romantic Lisbon, or anyone of the relaxing Greek islands?

  3. 15 May 2010 1:38AM xtremdelt8 Report this comment

    I just got back from Istanbul and Athens and I really enjoyed the Greek capital. Far more layed back and relaxed than other cities I've been in. The only downside is that it's an expensive spot, but nothing compaired to places like London.

    But I agree with the privious post...Prague should certainly be on this list. Krakow as well.

  4. 15 May 2010 7:06AM segacs Report this comment

    That is one of the craziest, most pointless itineraries I have ever seen. After dropping dead from exhaustion, first-time visitors following that advice will realise that they've seen precisely... nothing, other than what was glimpsed from the window of a plane or a train.

    If you're going to come up with a 3-week highlights itinerary, how about one that makes some geographical sense, instead of hopscotching around Europe needlessly?

  5. 15 May 2010 7:14AM yoavchina Report this comment

    When you talk about Europe or any other continent ,it is not fair-to begin with it- to reduce the baeuty of a continent to 10 cities. There is no such a thing as "The 10 best of Europe" even for first timers.While there is no doubt about Paris,London or Rome ,there are much more options to choose from for the rest seven locations. Let's offer our readers and first timers more options to choose from.In this way more travelers will be satisfied.

  6. 15 May 2010 7:28AM yoavchina Report this comment

    When you talk about Europe or any other continent ,it is not fair-to begin with it- to reduce the beauty of a continent to 10 cities. There is no such a thing as "The 10 best of Europe" even for first timers.While there is no doubt about Paris,London or Rome ,there are much more options to choose from for the rest seven locations. Let's offer our readers and first timers more options to choose from.In this way more travelers will be satisfied.

  7. 18 May 2010 2:36AM kabben Report this comment

    How on earth did they miss Venice from this list? It's way more of a tourist adventure than "Over priced, dirty London" or the "extreme crime of Barcelona by night!"

    You can lose yourself in Venice for DAYS and its the most reasonable priced tourist trap on earth. Just go back a street from any major tourist sight and you'll find amazing food at local prices. To give you an idea the main square we found a restaurant for 4 people + 1 child to have a three course meal (local food, not fried rubbish) we spent less than 50€, this was including drinks.

    And what is even better, you are not CHARGED to wait in endless queues to visit monuments and you do not feel like your being "milked" for money with every breath.

    +1 for Venice.

    Take the trip, you'll not regret it. For the best experience enter and exit the city on a cruise, NOTHING compares. I've travelled extensively and it still takes my breath away.

  8. 8 June 2010 4:07PM nowornever Report this comment

    I definitely would skip Athens and instead go to Amsterdam.

  9. 8 June 2010 4:38PM arjones Report this comment

    Having been to Athens once ten years and again last year I agree with having it on the list. It's now a wonderful place to visit.

    Venice is great, but really one of the top ten.. I would say not.

    London is one of the greatest and most important cities in the world and although yes it can be dirty surely nobody would really consider not having it on this list!?!

    Vienna is also very special and I'm impressed that it's on this list as it's not SUCH a big destination for many people.

    Prague is indeed great and it's a shame it wasn't included somehow.

    The comment I agree with most is that 3 weeks is FAR too short to see all these places. Realistically though, this is how many people travel as they come from far away with limited time and might not get back to Europe for many years.

  10. 8 June 2010 5:50PM lilyramone Report this comment

    Another vote for Prague here. Maybe it would be better to create a 5 essential stops list for people who have only 3 weeks.

  11. 8 June 2010 6:25PM travelitisno1 Report this comment

    Oh...dear...me! Clearly an American writer did this list! Europe is not just another State, it is a huge continent. Would love to see a similar list foe a whirlwind US visit - and hope you don't offend too many Americans in the process!

  12. 8 June 2010 7:12PM pavleek Report this comment

    Wow, this is really crazy jumping around the Europe by overpriced trains. I would like to see authors budget for this trip! I disagree with Athens, maybe Ohrid or some other Balkan city would be much more pleasant and interesting stop on this crazy route.

  13. 8 June 2010 7:25PM ansh_jain_97 Report this comment

    Just 2 days in each place??!??!?!???!?

    I'd recommend take 1-2 destinations and explore around them..

  14. 8 June 2010 7:25PM ansh_jain_97 Report this comment

    Just 2 days in each place??!??!?!???!?

    I'd recommend take 1-2 destinations and explore around them..

  15. 8 June 2010 7:25PM mattsharpe Report this comment

    OK, everyone above does have a point - and ideally spending more time and focussing on smaller geographical areas can be 'better' in some ways, but to dismiss this approach out of hand does smack a little of travel snobbery.

    Every year there are many thousands of backpackers, first-time visitors to Europe who have a few weeks holiday and want to cram in as much as possible - I know, I was there myself back in the 90s when I did a similar tour. When you are young and/or have never really travelled before, there is a certain satisfaction to ticking off the main sights and spending every second night on a train or bus - not to mention the thought in the back of their heads that they may not get this opportunity again. Yes, you may not get to immerse yourself in any of these destinations - but you get a flavour and hopefully enough of a feeling for a place to know if you want to return there to spend more time in the future.

  16. 8 June 2010 7:25PM mattsharpe Report this comment

    These type of whistle-stop tours have been popular for decades and will continue to be so - those who do them may return exhausted and feeling like they didn't get to spend enough time there, but almost without fail have many happy memories and love their trips, returning with great photos and often lifelong friends (I met my wife on such a trip). It is on trips such as these that whole industries have been forged - Contiki, Inter-rail etc.

    And as for omissions - as with any top 10, there has to be some cities that don't make the cut - and everything is a matter of taste - 10 cities may seem arbitrary, and anyone could easily name a top 15 or top 20, but I think the above list is a great place to start. The best cities are there, and while I may personally swap Prague for Budapest or Vienna for example, nobody should be disappointed with any of the cities on here.

  17. 8 June 2010 7:36PM laurentzen Report this comment

    Where is Amsterdam?? And why is Athens in it? Only the acropolis is ok. But the rest of the city, dirty and the architecture is really not what you expect of Greek style. There are much better cities than Athens in Europe. Maybe it's written by an American?

  18. 8 June 2010 7:39PM laurentzen Report this comment

    Prague is deffinitely much nicer and the people much friendlier than in Athens.

  19. 8 June 2010 8:19PM henryisacheat Report this comment

    I think some of ye should lighten up and not take these things so seriously. Who cares what cities are on the list. If you don't like it then don't follow it. You don't have to follow exactly what Lonely Planet says all the time. Make up your own mind and do your own trip or create your own list

  20. 8 June 2010 9:29PM jackie1308 Report this comment

    Chania, Crete is ment to be one of the most beautifull cities of Greece! Instead of mentioning only capitals of Europe it would be an idea to get a list of Favourite Cities in Europe - make a list and let everyone vote!!!

  21. 8 June 2010 9:36PM cherubino Report this comment

    It's not just being pretty and nice, it's also about historical significance. Athens is the cradle of western civilization, the acropolis is one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe. You guys are suggesting it should be struck off the list because it's dirty and unfriendly?

  22. 8 June 2010 9:47PM tomatobasil Report this comment

    I'm surprised at the bigotry displayed by those of you assuming an American wrote the list because you think it's incomplete or requires too much travel. If you think Americans are the only people on Earth that take whirlwind tours, you're deluding yourself. Having said that, as an American, I would pick two of those cities and spend less time and money traveling between countries. If you're long on money and short on time, I can see why this type of trip is popular though.

  23. 8 June 2010 10:38PM aslonetsky Report this comment

    What would you suggest to someone of little means who saves for years and perhaps has only this one time to visit Europe in their life? I think that a case can be made for this overview. As for the choices, they are all supportable. Those who are down on Athens, I have traveled lots and Athens(and Greece) last year gave me one of the best travel experiences of my life. The people were wonderful and the treasures from their history simply astounding. Think about it...what are the top holdings of the Louvre? Certainly the Venus and Winged Victory are on the list. Athens has literally dozens of equally outstanding real Greek masterpieces - not the Roman copies that are everywhere. It blew me away.

  24. 8 June 2010 11:47PM bjorntoulouse Report this comment

    Athens is the pits, just dont go, ok its got the big house on the hill but thats it folks. Even then most of the original carving from it was "rescued" years ago. Switch it for another italian city venice or even Napoli. Dubrovnik?? having a laugh now, change this for Kracow or Prague or Amsterdam. And since its the GT of Europe whats with Istanbul?? ok technicaly a bit of it is in Europe but thats it. Swap it for proper European City like say Kracow or Prague or Amsterdam or even Copenhagen

  25. 8 June 2010 11:52PM lonhall Report this comment

    No way I would take a trip like that! I have visited the first four but my shortest visit was London (10 days), next shortest was Paris (2 weeks) and I am a frequent 'repeat offender' in Barcelona and Madrid. I have probably spent close to a total of 4 months in Spain and still have experienced less than half of that country. Oh, there's the verb, "experienced". That's a different verb than "see" (or rather, in the case of this itinerary, "glance at").

  26. 9 June 2010 12:23AM rolandbrunault Report this comment

    I have been to all these destinations, minus Athens and Istanbul, some multiple times and for extended periods. I feel that traveling is a way to broaden your mind and experience different cultures and as a Chef, cuisines. I have been to neighborhoods such as Saint-Denis in Paris, Brixton in London and cities such as Siracusa or Split and many other places considered dangerous or not worth visiting. I have always met wonderful people and have had very rewarding experiences and friendships grow out of every city I have visited. I think that one's mindset and approach will determine how much you enjoy your destination. I do agree that Prague should be included, and would also like to see on this list Toulouse, beautiful Amsterdam and a little bit more of Eastern Europe, possibly Krakow or Sofia. I realize time is a factor but it's a decent list to work from and form an opinion of your own.

  27. 9 June 2010 12:27AM clramalhao Report this comment

    I don't agree with this review. Not at all. But it's his review, any way... I would add Prague and Amsterdam, at least. And Lisbon, of course, part of my wonderful ever-forgotten Portugal.

  28. 9 June 2010 12:37AM cherubino Report this comment

    bjorntoulouse, you might as well tell people not to go to Europe at all. wherever you go in Europe, there's some monument and art work being restored.

  29. 9 June 2010 3:33AM stickman009 Report this comment

    hey psychos! post your own lists!! nobody's holding guns to anyone's heads saying these are the ONLY places in Europe to go. It's a suggestion. Take it with a grain of salt.

  30. 9 June 2010 3:41AM stickman009 Report this comment

    MATTSHARPE said it best, by the way!! I agree with his 'travel snobbery' comment. for some of us veterans, it's easy to think like that, where we have learned to channel the travel itch into a part of our lives that we are able to indulge. but the reality is, not everyone is so fortunate(part by choice, and part uncontrolled circumstances...some of us have responsibilities and don't have our parents paying our way) so if someone wants to go whirlwind on Europe their first time and enjoy all the same things we do, who can begrudge them? first time to europe doing this itinerary? yes, quick, and OBVIOUSLY missing some good cities. goes without saying, doesn't it?? but you can't deny it is awesome! doesn't mean it's the ONLY way. But it's an awesome trip! I didn't make it to Prague, OR Portugal, til my second trip to Europe!

  31. 9 June 2010 8:35AM birminghamwales Report this comment

    You left off Amsterdam! That was one of the funnest places on earth. I did a 3-week tour of Europe in 2002-03. It included London,Edinburgh,Paris, Brussels,Amsterdam,Berlin,Salzburg,the Alps,Venice and Rome. The route was logical. I was fulfilled but exhausted.No wonder after traveling in 11 countries in 21 days. These whirlwinds have their place- for first timers or for those with a bucket list.But for those put off by Europe's high costs I tell people to go to just 3 cities in Europe 1)London,2)Paris,3)Amsterdam. I would strongly urge to see the other "7" cities on another trip.This going for ten cities in Europe in 3 weeks is just way TOO fast to soak it up.

  32. 9 June 2010 6:13PM annettecornelisse Report this comment

    we took a trip to borneo last feb. Rented a car and drove through Sabah. At the usual touriststops we met some people who where on tour. They had half an hour to visit one of the towns we spend five days in, which we absolutely loved. We are sure that we experienced the place way more than they did, although we did not see 10 percent of the places they visited. Suggestion: agreeing with al the above messages saying: visit less towns and experience them.

    And yes, having visited most of this places, one of my favourite cities in Europe is Amsterdam. But I must be biased, being so lucky living there.

  33. 9 June 2010 6:15PM annettecornelisse Report this comment

    in the above message, meaning ofcourse: we visited only ten percent of all the places they went to

  34. 10 June 2010 1:32AM tmanatee Report this comment

    PRAGUE! (and even Copenhagen!)

  35. 10 June 2010 7:23AM frizbee9 Report this comment

    really interesting responses here to this itinerary. while i agree that this suggested trip doesn't give you much time to explore more than just the main sights, i also agree with mattsharpe that this type of trip is what most people can fit in their schedules and in reality it's what a lot of people end up doing. of course there are great sites missing but you can't see it all! overall i also think this will give you a feel for a lot of places to know where to go back to later.

    LOL at all the posters who say this must be written by an American because they didn't like it...proof you can be well-traveled and world cultured and still make stereotypical ignorant comments. oh well!

  36. 10 June 2010 9:05PM qarak46 Report this comment

    I do not understand how anyone could neglect to include PRAGUE on their list - it really is the nicest capital in Europe by far.

    Personally I also would prefer Bratislava to Budapest - Budapest is a grimy, modern city that doesn't have the great feel of the other central European capitals. Bratislava is small and compact and has great cafes.

    Kiev is a bit left field for some - but an undiscovered delight to me.

  37. 12 June 2010 7:13PM verondaniels Report this comment

    Interesting!I'm also one of those "snobs", sorry!But having said that,I've also had to come to terms with the fact that other people see travelling differently.My husband and I travel together and I ussually have a well researched LIST of must-sees and doos, while he could'nt really care whether he sees the Eiffel Tower or not!So I think to s'one like him 2 days each in 10 cities would'nt matter.To me it of course makes no sense!

  38. 14 June 2010 1:13AM serum Report this comment

    If you want to know about something or somebody you should know it's history. For Europe the key turning points took place here:

    1. Rome (The Vatican) - the place where the full history of European civilization is visible; 2. Sevilla - the cradle of kolonization, Columbus is buried here for a reason, with a touch of Arabic influences; 3. Paris - city of the renaissance and the bloody birthplace of democracy; 4. Krakow (Auschwitz) - a taste of history in Eastern Europe and the cruelty of WWII.

    For me this summarizes a Europe 1st time.

    But if you like to run around, and want to get a better taste of the variety in languages and cultures, maybe you could pick a city from one of the north-west countries as well (say London/ Berlin/ Amsterdam), and a Scandinavian city (Copenhagen/ Oslo / Stockholm / Helsinky).

  39. 23 June 2010 11:59PM samira_mdm Report this comment

    Europe is way too beautiful to reduce it to 10 cities. It is impossible to choose the best as each capital has some unique traits and specific that make it a unique place. Also, although small compared to Asia, it comprises a variety of cultures and places, each representing somehow the history and the people that habit the places. So, quite an impossible mission I would say. However, I would still mention Rome, the historical centre of the world, and Venice, which I was amazed to not find in the list provided. That city is astonishing, from the breathtaking sceneries to that lovely and peaceful atmosphere. http://www.bestourism.com/items/di/183?title=Venice-in-Italy&b=28

  40. 4 July 2010 9:07AM gionatha18 Report this comment

    BUDAPEEEEST IS THE BEST!!!IT'S AWESOMEE!!and the hungarian girls are the most beautiful in the WORLD!!!!:)))))))))))))))))))

  41. 29 July 2010 4:46AM d1gger Report this comment

    I am surprised Edinburgh is not on the list

  42. 31 July 2010 2:12PM munkey1977 Report this comment

    This is my advice after traveling extensively through europe:

    1. Amsterdam-there is nothing like amsterdam really, nor is there any other city where you can smoke it up like that and even if you don't do mj it is still interesting to see..plus the city offers so much more.

    2. London--of course you should see London. Apart from the cliche itinerary everyone has seen, it is also a city filled with diversity(food, people and culture) and if not for anything go for that and also to experience the London Underground

    3. Prague--Walking over the karlov most(the charles bridge) is surreal and magical..

    4. Cinque Terre Italy--hiking through 5 of the worlds most picturesque towns is a must for any first timer in Europe.

  43. 31 July 2010 2:13PM munkey1977 Report this comment

    Cont:

    5. Venice---of course, you will never see another city like Venice anywhere. enough said

    6. Berlin--the first time i went here i was surprised at how much i enjoyed this city. The nightlife is awesome if you enjoy trance, the doner kebabs and local german food is delicious and it is the home to the ka da we(awesome department store). Also, if you like ww2 history and want to see the Berlin wall you would love it here.

    7. Paris--museums, nice evening walks by the seine, the eiffel tower, lovely lovely bread...you get the point.

    8. Budapest--exceptional buildings, intersting looking people, art nouveau architecture...eye candy all over the place

    9. Vienna--romantic, great street food, well dressed people, the danube river, opera, culture, clean safe and everything Europe's cultural capital should be

    10. Rome--no explanation unless you totally detest history

  44. 24 August 2010 4:37AM arccmm Report this comment

    No way I can do a 10 list, but I'll try onde with 20 spots: 1) Lisbon 2) Madrid 3) Barcelona 4) Paris 5) London 6) Edimburgh 7) Monaco 8) Brugges 9) Amsterdam 10) Berlin 11) Munich 12) Rome 13) venice 14) Prague 15) Vienna 16) Budapest 17) Krakow 18) Grekk Islands 19) Stocholm 30) Norway's coast

  45. 3 December 2010 1:12AM finn_nl Report this comment

    As pointed out above, it's funny to realise hat though it's easy to go on about how this never does Europe justice... thousands of Europeans (myself included, and i love it!) do precisely this every year on Interrail tickets and the like.

    But indeed, seriously. People coming from, say, Japan, Australia, South Africa to name just a few, can't be expected to have the money/time/holiday allowance to go back to Europe every year and spend a month living in a French suburb just so they can experience in-depth life in that place. They're special trips, and people want to see as much as this beautiful continent of ours has to offer. And though it does pain me a bit to not see personal favourites like Amsterdam or Krakow on the list, I'm sure everyone who takes their lead from this itinerary will have fantastic first-time European experience, and hopefully come back for a main course some other time :)

  46. 17 December 2010 4:28AM thomaswamsteker Report this comment

    Why do you want Venice on this list? It's so over-touristic.

    Amsterdam or Brussels should be on the list.

  47. 7 January 2011 2:26PM kathleenduffy Report this comment

    I was just in Europe for four months and only visited three of the places listed thanks to a heavy college workload. I went to Barcelona alone for four days and was told by a racist hostel owner that if I didn't speak Spanish, I shouldn't be in Spain. I still did really like Barcelona, but I'd recommend going in a group and staying somewhere more reputable. Spent ten days in Rome and absolutely adored the city. Most of the people on my trip were Europeans and did not like it though. They said it was dirty. I somehow missed the dirtiness though. And lastly, Athens, my second-favorite city of the trip. I was there with a friend for a weekend in November and it was absolutely amazing. The food was great, the people were friendly, and the Acropolis was phenomenal. I've heard that Athens has drastically improved in recent years, so maybe some of the commenters should give it another shot.

  48. 11 January 2011 8:49PM mdamejo Report this comment

    I won't criticize the list for the choice of cities. Yes, you can argue that Amsterdam or Praha should be on the list, but if you have to choose only 10 destinations, you can't be exhaustive. I'd totally advise visiting Lisbon, for example...

    The thing that I regret is that it is totally centered on <b>cities</b>, while I think it's also nice to see a few places for their scenery. I'll give a totally partial suggestion (I'm Swiss), but you get the idea: I'd advise going to Zermatt, seeing the Matterhorn, and take the train up to the Gornergrat for the amazing view on glaciers (before they all melt) and the mountains... http://www.google.ch/images?q=gornergrat

  49. 12 January 2011 2:30AM akafix Report this comment

    Prague should definitely belong to the list as the greatest Medieval European town

  50. 14 January 2011 4:10PM tucanplay Report this comment

    ok prague is not on the list, they should be insulted. whoever did this list is crazy. i did my own spur of the moment europe trip last year. london is overpriced! why bother. paris is beautiful. amsterdam is a once in a lifetime experience that i want to do again. why is amsterdam not included???? they should change the heading to "ten places retirees should go in europe". i have been warned about greece for years i.e. boring! i may be going back overseas this year and the only 2 on the list i will want to go to is paris and berlin. i would rather go to russia than half the places that they suggest in that top ten! it would be a lot more interesting than london. i have been to london, its cold and dreary. with wall to wall stopped traffic. oh and very expensive everything.

  51. 14 January 2011 4:15PM tucanplay Report this comment

    p.s. i agree with a previous comment as well Venice should definitely be on the list. it is beautiful not to dear and there is nothing like it in the world. i went there years ago and definitely want to go back at some stage my missuses loved it as well.

  52. 21 January 2011 4:39AM buckyskirby Report this comment

    Hello???

    Reykjavik!!! Anyone who travels with superb nightlife in mind would not want to skip Reykjavik on a trip to Europe.

  53. 10 February 2011 6:08PM sueinthecity Report this comment

    All good choices, but don't forget to get off the worn out, beaten 'ol track! San Sebastian in Spain is easy to get to. Zermatt in Switzerland is harder to reach but so worth it just for that fresh air. You'll never be bored travelling around Europe

  54. 17 March 2011 8:31AM usvaauer Report this comment

    Dubrovnik... no, no, no! It is a tiny out door museum, a true tourist trap and not even that pretty. Athens, there are certainly historical and cultural reasons for Athens to be on the list, but for everything else... no, no, no. I am not that convinced of Vienna or Budapest either. Then again VENICE should be on the list. Amsterdam, Prague, Tallinn, Stockholm and Krakow are all good runner-ups.

  55. 19 April 2011 12:11PM foxontherun76 Report this comment

    Barcelona yes, i fell in love with el born. I have to say, when you plan a trip to europe, you need to stay in an apartment and just pretend that you live there for a week or so. I don't agree with traveling every 2 days to another city, no fun if you're always on the go. That just means, you get the feel of a city and you will have to come back next year and visit another.

  56. 11 May 2011 4:56PM dagraper Report this comment

    There is no such thing as one, complete list, for the simple reason that it all depends on what you expect from and seek for in your travel.

    Europe has an almost endless list of different yet all charming-in-their-own-way cities (and even smaller villages).

    Decide what you are looking for, pick your destinations accordingly and travel them one or two at a time.

  57. 13 May 2011 5:25PM sihi Report this comment

    Krakow and Wieliczka salt mines are one of Europe's and world's gems. I dont believe that Eifel tower is more miracle then Wieliczka underground town!

  58. 31 May 2011 4:31PM stylianos Report this comment

    I'm planning a year long trip around Europe, first stop Athens. But I love history and culture so that's understandable. What I don't understand is people who spend thousands of dollars to travel round Europe just looking for a good place to get drunk.... sorry I mean enjoy the night life :)

  59. 12 June 2011 12:45PM djbrow Report this comment

    Question - how do you generate controversy? Answer - make up a top ten list and sit back and watch the fun. My wife and I (in our 50's) recently completed our first trip to Europe. Decided to lease a car for the duration - 7 weeks, 10,500 kms, Athens, Rome, Luzerne, Paris, London, Edinburgh,(and all points in between) numerous hotels and B&Bs, many many restaurants, museums, ancient ruins and tourist traps. Did we see it all? Not a hope. Did we see all the major tourist "must sees"? Not even close. No matter where you go or what you see, its the experience that matters. So, to make sure we didn't miss anything, we are already planning our next trip - bon voyage.

  60. 7 July 2011 9:05PM bahrainair Report this comment

    definitely istanbul is one of the best for summer destinations.

  61. 1 September 2011 4:56AM belbelita Report this comment

    I would swap Dubrovnik for Amsterdam, but apart from that this is quite a good list. There is a lot of discussion about Athens but I found it is a great city and the acropolis a must-see in Europe. I understand not everyone enjoys a 1-2 days only per city, but this list has been made for the ones that do enjoy this type of trips!!

  62. 2 September 2011 10:21PM aussiegirlg Report this comment

    Just thought I would provide a "first time to Europe traveler's" perspective...

    I'm almost 29, planning my first big trip to Europe... I currently have a good job and live in Australia... My employer is currently telling me that the maximum time I can take is 4 weeks (I'm working on that!)and I'm not sure when I could make it back. So I can understand how these itineraries are created. In saying this I've traveled elsewhere and I probably couldn't do this trip - too exhausting. So after doing quite a bit of research (thanks also to thorntree) I've come up with this...

    5 weeks (min)flying most legs... 1. Rome 4d 2. Barcelona 4 3. Paris 4 4. Amsterdam 2 5. Berlin 2 6. Prague 4 7. Vienna 2 8. Budapest 2 9. Istanbul 4

    This would be a once off, when I return to Europe I'll most likely spend a month in one country but for now this is my dream adventure!

  63. 25 September 2011 10:13PM fob Report this comment

    The problem, with this kind of itineraries, is that you will be fed up with churches, museums and pubs or night-clubs after two weeks... Visiting any of these great cities in ninth or tenth position could be painful and frustrating, in a way.

    Therefore, to spend some days in the nature could be a good way to find again the energy and enthusiasm to finish the trip under the best possible circumstances. So what about french Corsica, swiss Alps or amazing Iceland (and many more)?

    Have a nice trip! :)

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