Best Cities That Are Great for First-Time Travelers

Top Picks for First-Time Travelers

• Walkable charm: Wander through Alfama’s narrow streets, ride historic Tram 28, and relax at hilltop viewpoints.

• Great value: Cheaper than many Western European cities with tasty local food and budget-friendly stays.

• Scenic & cultural: Visit Belém Tower, taste pastéis de nata, and take a quick day trip to Sintra.

• May–June and September–October: Warm, sunny, and less crowded.

• Fly to Lisbon Airport (LIS): Just 25–30 minutes from the city center by metro or taxi.

• Train from Porto: A scenic 3-hour ride on Portugal’s main rail line.

• Fairytale vibes: Cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and the iconic Charles Bridge make the city feel like a medieval movie set.

• Affordable Europe: Food, hotels, and attractions cost less than in Western Europe — great for budget travelers.

• Easy to get around: The metro and tram system is fast, reliable, and simple to use, even if it’s your first time abroad.

• Lots to explore on foot: From Old Town Square to Prague Castle, most major sights are within walking distance.

• Charles Bridge at sunrise or sunset

• Prague Castle for panoramic views

• Old Town Astronomical Clock and Týn Church

• Local beer halls and hearty Czech food like goulash and dumplings

• Spring (April–June) or Fall (September–October): Mild weather, fewer crowds, and gorgeous scenery.

• December: Magical Christmas markets and festive lights (but pack warm layers).

• By air: Fly into Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), then take the Airport Express bus or public bus + metro (30–40 minutes).

• By train: Direct trains connect Prague to major cities like Vienna, Berlin, and Budapest — great for rail travelers.

• Easy to explore: The city is flat, has wide sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, and a simple tram/metro system that’s easy to use.

• English is everywhere: Menus, signs, and locals are all English-friendly — ideal if it’s your first trip abroad.

• Scenic & historic: Take a canal cruise, visit the Van Gogh Museum, and explore charming neighborhoods like Jordaan.

• Fun food scene: Pancake houses, cheese shops, food markets, and cozy cafés make mealtimes easy — even for picky eaters.

• April to June: Pleasant weather, blooming tulips, and outdoor cafés.

• September to October: Fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and beautiful fall colors.

• Avoid peak summer (July–August) if you want to skip long lines.

• By air: Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) — just 15–20 minutes to the city center by train.

• By train: Amsterdam has fast rail links from Paris, Brussels, Cologne, and beyond — perfect for multi-city trips.

• Super beginner-friendly: The city is small and well-organized. No need for a car to explore downtown — everything is walkable or just a short bus ride away.

• English everywhere: Most locals speak excellent English, so you’ll never feel lost or stuck.

• Safe and peaceful: Reykjavik ranks among the safest cities in the world — ideal for solo or cautious travelers.

• Gateway to nature: Take easy day trips to iconic spots like the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, South Coast, or Northern Lights tours.

• The Blue Lagoon: A geothermal spa in a lava field — warm, surreal, and unforgettable.

• Golden Circle Tour: Includes Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall — all doable in one day.

• Hallgrímskirkja Church: Ride the elevator up for panoramic views of the colorful city and nearby sea.

• Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, mild temps (10–15°C), and easy access to hiking and nature.

• Winter (November–March): Fewer tourists, chances to see the Northern Lights, and cozy indoor cafés.

• By air: Fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) — about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Airport buses or shuttles run regularly to downtown.

• Getting around: In the city, you can walk or use the Straeto bus system. For day trips, tours and shuttle buses are widely available.

• Super efficient transport: The Tokyo metro and JR train system are fast, clean, and well-marked in English. Google Maps works flawlessly for navigating stations and routes.

• Safe and polite: Tokyo is one of the world’s safest cities. Locals are incredibly respectful, and solo travelers feel at ease — even at night.

• A perfect blend of old and new: You’ll find ancient temples like Senso-ji, peaceful gardens, and traditional tea houses right next to futuristic districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku.

• English-friendly: Menus, station signs, and major tourist attractions all have English options. Many restaurants also offer photo menus or touch-screen ordering.

• Shibuya Crossing: The world’s busiest pedestrian scramble — and a Tokyo icon.

• Harajuku & Takeshita Street: A colorful, quirky hub for fashion, crepes, and youth culture.

• Sushi trains & ramen shops: Affordable, fun, and incredibly fresh.

• Cherry blossom viewing: In parks like Ueno or Shinjuku Gyoen, springtime is magical.

• Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms, mild weather, and stunning parks.

• Autumn (October–November): Crisp air, fall foliage, and fewer tourists.

• Avoid summer if possible — it’s hot, humid, and crowded.

• By air: Fly into Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT). Both airports have direct trains to the city center (Haneda is faster and closer).

• Getting around: Grab a Suica or PASMO transit card for seamless access to trains, buses, and even vending machines.

• Very affordable: Food, hotels, attractions, and transport cost far less than in nearby capitals like Vienna or Prague — ideal for travelers on a budget.

• English widely spoken: Especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels, you’ll find clear English communication.

• Easy to get around: The metro, buses, and trams are cheap, simple, and well-signed in English. Grab a Budapest Card or transit pass for unlimited travel.

• Stunning scenery: From the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge to the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, it’s one of Europe’s most photogenic cities.

• Soak in a thermal bath: Try Széchenyi or Gellért Baths — both iconic, relaxing, and unique to the region.

• Explore the Castle District: Cobbled streets, panoramic views, and a deep dive into Hungarian history.

• Visit a ruin pub: Quirky, artsy bars set in abandoned buildings, like the famous Szimpla Kert.

• Walk Gellért Hill: For the best city views — especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

• Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October): Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and lots of local festivals.

• December: Magical Christmas markets and twinkling lights, plus steaming baths in the cold.

• By air: Fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) — just 35–40 minutes from the city by airport shuttle or public bus (100E).

• By train: Easily reachable from Vienna, Bratislava, or Prague by direct international rail.

• Magical Christmas markets and twinkling lights, plus steaming baths in the cold.