Travel Routes

The Most Amazing Travel Route in Europe

November 19, 2023 /

Planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming, especially if you want to city hop – and, let’s face it, staying in just one city isn’t exactly worth the couple hundred dollars you’ll pay for a flight. As someone who’s been traveling around Europe for a few years now, I feel qualified to plan such a trip. I’ve planned out 3 routes, each for a different kind of traveler, each visiting lots of different cities.

Of course, you can follow these as they are or just as a rough idea. Each travel route in Europe is easily adjusted – you can add extra stops or cut some cities off the itinerary. You can travel via car or public transport, or even add a few flights if you want to. They are perfect to follow with a Eurail or Interrail Pass; you can easily reach each destination with trains.

Route 1: For the first-time tourist

This blog post is about the first of those routes, designed for the first-time European tourist. If you haven’t taken a trip to Europe before, you’ll probably want to hit a few ‘bucket list’ cities. With this route I’ve planned out a logical way you can visit 15 iconic cities in 11 countries. You can do this trip over a single month, but if you want to follow it precisely, I’d definitely recommend taking a bit more time. Don’t rush it, because as exciting as it is, city hopping is kind of exhausting.

In this guide, I’ve included not only some reasons to visit each destination, but also a list of things to do, places to stay, and foods to eat (my favourite part!). This travel route through Europe is laid out as follows:

1. London, England
London, Travel Route in Europe

London is a great spot to start your travel route in Europe. As it is a hub for traveling, this is bound to be one of the cheaper destinations to fly to from overseas. I’ve learned that London is one of those cities that you’ll either love or you’ll hate, and I personally LOVE it! I’ve visited London four times, and I definitely plan to go again.

Things to do in London:

  • See the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
  • View the art at Tate Modern
  • Try some food at Borough Market
  • Stroll around Camden Market
  • See Big Ben
  • Watch a show on the West End
  • Go to Warner Bros Studios (if you’re a Harry Potter fan)

Foods you have to try:

  • Afternoon tea
  • Fish and Chips
  • Sunday Roast
  • Meat Pies

Recommended stay: 3-4 days

Places to stay:

2. Paris, France
Paris, Travel Route in Europe

Ah, Paris, not just the city of lights – the city on everyone’s bucket list. And it’s there for a reason – the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame, the croissants! It’s beautiful, and despite what people say it being dirty and overcrowded, I really enjoyed my trip there. I think it’s one of those places everybody should see at least once.

Travel from London:

  • By car: 5.5 hours
  • By public transport: 2.5 hours

Things to do in Paris:

  • Go up the Eiffel Tower
  • See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
  • Visit the Sacré-Cœur
  • Spend a day at Disneyland
  • See the Moulin Rouge

Foods you have to try:

  • Hot chocolate
  • Croissant
  • Traditional Crêpes 
  • Escargot (snails)
  • Macarons

Recommended stay: 4-5 days

Places to stay:

3. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is almost like Amsterdam’s less touristy cousin. There tend to be fewer people, even though it is still a gorgeous city. Not to mention, this is one of the top destinations to find fantastic food.

Travel from Paris:

  • By car: 4 hours
  • By train: 1.5 hours

Things to do in Brussels:

  • Visit the Bozar
  • Find comic strip murals
  • See the Grand Place
  • Have a beer at Monk
  • Shop at the Jeu de Balle flea market

Foods you have to try:

  • Belgian pralines
  • Moules-frites (Mussels)
  • Paling in’t groen (Eel in green sauce)
  • Mitraillette
  • Belgian waffles

Recommended stay: 2-3 days

Places to stay:

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a beloved destination that should be on every travel route through Europe. The city is easily explored on foot or bicycle, and is easily one of the most trendy cities while still having that old European charm.

Travel from Brussels:

  • By car: 2.5-3 hours
  • By public transport: 2 hours

Things to do in Amsterdam:

  • Visit the Anne Frank House
  • Ride a bike along the canals
  • See the tulips at Keukenhof
  • View the art at the Van Gogh Museum

Foods you have to try:

  • Bitterballen
  • Stroopwafels
  • Herring
  • Poffertjes
  • Dutch Cheese

Recommended stay: 2-3 days

Places to stay:

5. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg, Travel Route in Europe

Though not the capital city, Hamburg is definitely the cultural hub of Germany. Its musical scene is a major attraction, as is its huge harbour.

Travel from Amsterdam:

  • By car: 5-6 hours
  • By public transport: 6 hours

Things to do in Hamburg:

  • Visit the Elbphilharmonie
  • Go on a boat tour to the Hamburg Harbour
  • Discover the world of Miniatur Wunderland
  • See a local concert/musical
  • Visit the St. Pauli Fischmarkt

Foods you have to try:

  • Franzbrötchen
  • Labskaus (corned beef, mashed potatoes, beetroot, and pickled herring)
  • Fischbrötchen
  • Döner

Recommended stay: 2-3 days

Places to stay:

6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, Travel Route in Europe

Prague is one of those cities that has gained popularity over the past couple of years. It’s inexpensive, full of culture, and has some of the best nightlife in Europe.

Travel from Hamburg:

  • By car: 6.5 hours
  • By public transport: 6.5 hours

Things to do in Prague:

  • See the Dancing House
  • Walk across Charles Bridge
  • Watch the Astronomical Clock chime on Old Town Square
  • Go to a Beer Spa
  • Take a day trip to Český Krumlov

Food you have to try:

  • Czech Beer
  • Trdelník (chimney cake)
  • Chlebíček (open sandwiches)
  • Goulash
  • Smažák (Fried Cheese)

Recommended stay: 3 days

Places to stay:

7. Vienna, Austria

The regal capital city of Austria is definitely one of the most culturally rich, with its beautiful artwork and gorgeous palaces. Famous for its coffee house culture, it is a must-visit city on this Europe travel route.

Travel from Prague:

  • By car: 4 hours
  • By public transport: 4 hours

Things to do in Vienna:

  • Visit Schönbrunn Palace (the gardens are free!)
  • Ride the ferris wheel at Prater
  • Go to a Christmas Market
  • Have breakfast at the Palmenhaus
  • Stroll around the Naschmarkt

Foods you have to try:

  • Sacher Torte
  • Wiener Schnitzel
  • Kaiserschmarrn
  • Palatschinken (pancakes)
  • Tafelspitz (boiled beef or veal)

Recommended stay: 3 days

Places to stay:

8. Munich, Germany

Munich is my favourite big city in Germany – and not just for Oktoberfest. The Bavarian culture totally differs from that in the rest of the country. It is famous for its gardens, beautiful palaces, and, most of all, its beer.

Travel from Vienna:

  • By car: 4-5 hours
  • By public transport: 4-5 hours

Things to do in Munich:

  • Enjoy a Bavarian beer in a beer garden
  • Plan a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (the ‘Sleeping Beauty Castle’)
  • Watch people surf on the Eisbach river in the middle of a park
  • See Marienplatz and stroll around the Old Town
  • Buy something at the Viktualienmarkt

Foods you need to try:

  • Traditional Brezel (pretzel)
  • Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle)
  • Bavarian Beer
  • Weißwurst
  • Schweinsbraten (roast pork) with Knödeln (dumplings) and Sauerkraut

Recommended stay: 3 days

Places to stay:

9. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg has a completely different vibe from all the other cities on this route. It’s definitely one of the smaller cities, and everywhere feels like it’s part of the Old Town. It’s also the film location of The Sound of Music, and I guarantee you’ll feel like you’re part of the movie while you’re here.

Travel from Munich:

  • By car: 2 hours
  • By public transport: 2 hours

Things to do in Salzburg:

  • Visit Hellbrunn (and dance in the Gazebo from The Sound of Music)
  • See the flowers of Mirabellgarten
  • Go to the Birthplace of Mozart (and go shopping in the Spar underneath)
  • Take a day trip to Hallstatt
  • See the whole city from the fortress Hohensalzburg

Foods you have to try:

  • Mozartkugeln (marzipan balls covered in chocolate)
  • Salzburger Nockerl (baked soufflé with berries)
  • Krenfleisch
  • Kasnocken (small dumplings with cheese and onions)
  • Lungauer Käsknödel-Suppe (cheese dumpling soup)

Recommended stay: 2-3 days

Places to stay:

10. Venice, Italy
Venice, Travel Route in Europe

Venice is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, but there’s a reason for it. It feels like it’s separate from the rest of the world, because it’s so vastly different from other cities. Entirely built on water, there are no cars, so it’s a super walkable city. Make sure you’re traveling lightly though, because you don’t want to lug around a huge suitcase over 20 bridges to your hotel.

Travel from Salzburg:

  • By car: 5 hours
  • By public transport: 6-8 hours (Tip: take a night train)

Things to do in Venice:

  • Go on a Gondola ride along the Grand Canal
  • Visit the Murano Islands and take a tour of a glass factory
  • Attend the Carnevale Festival (if you’re here in February)
  • See Rialto Bridge
  • Visit Burano Island

Foods/Drinks you have to try:

  • Cicchetti (finger foods)
  • Aperol Spritz (yes, this is where it originated)
  • Lasagnette Con Nero Di Seppia (squid ink pasta)
  • Granseola Alla Veneziana (spider crab)
  • Buranelli (Venetian biscuits)

Recommended stay: 3 days

Places to stay:

11. Rome, Italy
Rome, Travel Route in Europe

The Eternal City is one of the most famous cities in the world, because it has so much history. From the moment you step foot in it, you’ll immediately feel how ancient it is – and you’ll probably smell some pasta, too. Though it is chaotic and loud, it is a truly beautiful city that offers so much to do, see, and eat. It is one of the cities you won’t want to skip on this Europe travel route.

Travel from Venice:

  • By car: 6 hours
  • By public transport: 4 hours

Things to do in Rome:

  • Visit the Colosseum
  • Take a trip to Vatican City
  • Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
  • Take a pasta cooking class
  • Walk down the Spanish Steps

Foods you have to try:

  • Pasta (Cacio e Pepe or a traditional Carbonara)
  • Saltimbocca alla Romana (veal with prosciutto)
  • Bruschetta
  • Supplì (croquettes similar to Arancini)
  • Tiramisu

Recommended stay: 4-5 days

Places to stay:

12. Florence, Italy

This somewhat smaller Italian city oozes charm. It is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and it is home to many famous art pieces by various painters, like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. It is also one of the best cities to find mouth-watering food.

Travel from Rome:

  • By car: 3 hours
  • By public transport: 1.5 hours

Things to do in Florence:

  • Visit the Florence Cathedral
  • Try wine from a wine window
  • View the art at Galleria dell’Accademia
  • Eat at the Mercato Centrale
  • Visit Bardini Gardens

Foods you have to try:

  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak)
  • Papardelle al cinghiale (Pasta with a meat-based sauce)
  • Tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (Pasta with mushrooms)
  • Cantucci (almond cookies)
  • Gelato

Recommended stay: 3 days

Places to stay:

13. Zurich, Switzerland

Though it is not the capital city of Switzerland, it’s probably the city with the most happening. It offers such a wide variety of things to do, lying next to a glistening lake in the middle of the Swiss Alps. The city itself is dynamic, with constant events and concerts being held here.

Travel from Florence:

  • By car: 7 hours
  • By public transport: 6.5 hours

Things to do in Zurich:

  • Take a ferry on Lake Zurich
  • Visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum
  • Enjoy the view from Uetliberg
  • Try a pastry at Confiserie Sprüngli
  • Explore the Old Town

Foods you have to try:

  • Cheese Fondue
  • Rösti (potato pancake)
  • Raclette (melted cheese with sides)
  • Älplermagronen (pasta and potatoes with cheese and onions)
  • Swiss chocolate

Recommended stay: 3-4 days

Places to stay:

14. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is hands down the best city to visit in Spain. It is diverse, flaunting iconic Gaudí architecture, great nightlife, and beautiful beaches. It is a bit further away from the other cities on this list, but I couldn’t resist adding this city to my Europe travel route. You can find my full guide for a visit to Barcelona here.

Travel from Zurich:

  • By car: 11 hours
  • By public transport: 10.5 hours

Things to do in Barcelona:

  • Visit the Sagrada Familia
  • Spend a day at the beach
  • Try food at La Boqueria
  • Admire the iconic architecture of Gaudi
  • See the view of the city from Park Güell

Foods/Drinks you have to try:

  • Tapas (small appetizer-style dishes)
  • Paella
  • Jamón Ibérico (Spanish cured ham)
  • Crema Catalana (similar to crème brûlée)
  • Sangria

Recommended stay: 4-5 days

Places to stay:

15. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Travel Route in Europe

Lisbon might be a bit of a way to travel, but I promise that it’s worth it. The ‘City of Seven Hills’ is probably my favourite big city I’ve ever traveled to. The way the city is built is so different from every other European city. And don’t worry, if you don’t feel like taking the train, you can easily find cheap flights from Barcelona.

Travel from Barcelona:

  • By car: 12 hours
  • By public transport: 13 hours
  • By plane: 2 hours

Things to do in Lisbon:

  • Ride the famous yellow tram
  • Buy a book at the oldest operating bookshop in the world
  • Go on a day trip to Sintra
  • Visit Mercado da Ribeira
  • Spend a day at a nearby beach

Foods you have to try:

  • Pastel de Nata
  • Azeitão cheese
  • Prego (steak sandwich)
  • Bacalhau (salted cod)
  • Ginjinha (cherry liqueur)

Recommended stay: 4-5 days

Places to stay:

Hopefully, this guide will be a helpful tool for you to plan an amazing travel route in Europe. With this route, you should be able to see as much as possible in the most practical way possible. Of course, make adjustments and leave room for spontaneous activities to make sure your trip is memorable.

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