The 19 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in europe"
Named by 4 of 81. ParisIle-de-France, FranceIn winter the crowds are smaller and the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay are quiet.Language was not a problem for this writer, and the metro is part of the first-time experience.Best time to visit Paris
Named by 3 of 82. RomeLazio, ItalyThe major attractions are on the metro line or a short walk apart, which suits first-timers.It can be crowded in peak season; starting early avoids some of it.Best time to visit Rome
Named by 2 of 83. FlorenceTuscany, ItalyCalled the Renaissance city, where walking feels like an open air museum.Sights include the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Accademia, where David stands.Best time to visit Florence
Named by 2 of 84. LondonEngland, United KingdomEnough to fill a week, with a three-day minimum, an easy tube system and no language barrier for English speakers.A suggested Grand Tour begins in London and takes the Eurostar to Paris, about 2.5 hours.Best time to visit London
Named by 2 of 85. BudapestHungaryIn autumn the crowds are gone but the weather is still mild enough to stroll the Danube.Known for thermal spas and elegant architecture, with Parliament and Buda Castle lit at night.Best time to visit Budapest
6. AmsterdamNetherlandsCompact and easy to navigate, with Schiphol airport connecting to most places.A good base for day trips and fast trains to nearby countries.Best time to visit Amsterdam
7. ReykjavikIcelandCalm in autumn after the summer rush, with a chance of Northern Lights.Day trips go to the Blue Lagoon or the Golden Circle.Best time to visit Reykjavik
8. BergenNorwayWinter sights include Bryggen Wharf and the funicular up Mount Fløyen.A base for fjords and Northern Lights trips.
9. VeniceVeneto, ItalyCounted with Florence and Rome as Italy's big three, each worth at least three days.Best time to visit Venice
10. VeronaVeneto, ItalyThe Arena is the best known sight, with opera performances in summer.
11. ViennaAustriaOffers history, architecture, art, music and pastries; Christmas markets in December.Best time to visit Vienna
12. BrusselsBelgiumA simple city for first-timers, known for chocolate, fries, waffles, beer and mussels.Best time to visit Brussels
13. HelsinkiFinlandA design-focused capital with sauna culture and strong autumn colors.Best time to visit Helsinki
14. KrakowPolandThe old town looks especially good in autumn; sights include Wawel Castle and the Salt Mine.
15. EdinburghScotland, United KingdomAutumn brings red hillsides, and the Highlands are open for a road trip.Best time to visit Edinburgh
16. BolognaEmilia-Romagna, ItalyPortico-covered streets suit rainy winter days, with food as the main draw.
17. LyonFranceDescribed as France's culinary capital; Paris to Lyon takes about 2 hours by train.
Named by 4 of 81. ParisIn winter the crowds are smaller and the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay are quiet.Language was not a problem for this writer, and the metro is part of the first-time experience.Best time to visit Paris
Named by 3 of 82. RomeThe major attractions are on the metro line or a short walk apart, which suits first-timers.It can be crowded in peak season; starting early avoids some of it.Best time to visit Rome
Named by 2 of 83. FlorenceCalled the Renaissance city, where walking feels like an open air museum.Sights include the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Accademia, where David stands.Best time to visit Florence
Named by 2 of 84. LondonEnough to fill a week, with a three-day minimum, an easy tube system and no language barrier for English speakers.A suggested Grand Tour begins in London and takes the Eurostar to Paris, about 2.5 hours.Best time to visit London
Named by 2 of 85. BudapestIn autumn the crowds are gone but the weather is still mild enough to stroll the Danube.Known for thermal spas and elegant architecture, with Parliament and Buda Castle lit at night.Best time to visit Budapest
6. AmsterdamCompact and easy to navigate, with Schiphol airport connecting to most places.A good base for day trips and fast trains to nearby countries.Best time to visit Amsterdam
7. ReykjavikCalm in autumn after the summer rush, with a chance of Northern Lights.Day trips go to the Blue Lagoon or the Golden Circle.Best time to visit Reykjavik
8. BergenWinter sights include Bryggen Wharf and the funicular up Mount Fløyen.A base for fjords and Northern Lights trips.
9. VeniceCounted with Florence and Rome as Italy's big three, each worth at least three days.Best time to visit Venice
10. VeronaThe Arena is the best known sight, with opera performances in summer.
11. ViennaOffers history, architecture, art, music and pastries; Christmas markets in December.Best time to visit Vienna
12. BrusselsA simple city for first-timers, known for chocolate, fries, waffles, beer and mussels.Best time to visit Brussels
13. HelsinkiA design-focused capital with sauna culture and strong autumn colors.Best time to visit Helsinki
14. KrakowThe old town looks especially good in autumn; sights include Wawel Castle and the Salt Mine.
15. EdinburghAutumn brings red hillsides, and the Highlands are open for a road trip.Best time to visit Edinburgh
16. BolognaPortico-covered streets suit rainy winter days, with food as the main draw.
17. LyonDescribed as France's culinary capital; Paris to Lyon takes about 2 hours by train.
18. ProvenceKnown for food and wine, perched villages and fine light.Best time to visit ProvenceBest places to visit in Provence
19. HeidelbergHas a romantic castle, a huge wine barrel and views along the Neckar river.
