Europe

Europe travel guides — from the Mediterranean classics (Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal) to Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland), the Alps (Switzerland, Austria, France), the British Isles (United Kingdom, Ireland), the Benelux (Netherlands, Belgium), and lesser-travelled gems like Armenia and Montenegro.

What you will find in this section

• Country-by-country destination guides with highlights, logistics and itinerary ideas
• Practical travel info: Schengen rules, currency (EUR, CHF, CZK, GBP, PLN), EU health insurance
• Public holidays, seasonal closures, and the best months to visit each country
• Regional cuisines, cultural etiquette and language basics
• Budget breakdowns and transport options across borders

Popular European destinations

• Italy — Rome, Florence, Venice, Amalfi Coast, Sicily
• Spain — Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia, Canary Islands, Mallorca
• Greece — Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu
• France — Paris, Provence, French Riviera, Loire Valley
• Central Europe — Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow
• The Alps — Swiss villages, Austrian ski towns, Bavarian mountains

FAQ

What are the best European countries to visit for first-timers?

Italy, Spain, France, Greece and the UK are the most popular starters — they combine iconic sights, reliable tourism infrastructure, English widely spoken, and short travel times between cities. Central European capitals (Prague, Vienna, Budapest) are a strong second choice for cheaper trips.

Do I need a visa to visit Europe?

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ and most of Latin America can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for 90 days in any 180. From late 2025 onwards, non-EU visitors must obtain an ETIAS authorization (~€7, 3 years validity) before boarding — similar to the US ESTA. The UK and Ireland are outside Schengen and have their own separate rules.

When is the best time to travel in Europe?

May, June and September offer the best balance: warm weather, long days, open attractions, and fewer crowds than peak July-August. Summer (Jul-Aug) is hottest and most expensive. Winter is perfect for Christmas markets and skiing in the Alps. Shoulder season (April, October) works well for city breaks.

What currencies do I need for Europe?

The euro (EUR) is used by 20 EU members including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Ireland and many more. Non-euro countries: UK (GBP), Switzerland (CHF), Czech Republic (CZK), Poland (PLN), Hungary (HUF), Denmark (DKK), Sweden (SEK), Norway (NOK), Iceland (ISK).

What is the most budget-friendly region in Europe?

Central and Eastern Europe offer the best value: Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia all have capital cities where daily budgets of €40-60 are realistic. Portugal and Greece are the cheapest in Western Europe. Switzerland, Norway and Iceland are the most expensive.