There is so much debate going on currently about what cities to visit based on overcrowding, and while it’s true that there are some real issues with tourism having negative effects on cities, there are steadfast reasons some places are more popular than others. I am all for visiting the small towns and the “less-busy” versions of major European hubs, but for first time travelers, I think it’s important to see the famous places before expanding your travels to the lesser known spots.

Below I’ve made a list of places that I think are essential visits when considering traveling in Europe. Whether you’re planning weekend trips for study abroad, or going to Europe with friends or family, I hope this helps you narrow down your choices and visit places to fall in love with! I have been to most of these cities but not all, so I have linked the ones I’ve visited and posted about.

Of course, it makes the most sense to create your itinerary based on flights, your travel desires, and geography. When my friend and I traveled to four different countries over spring break while abroad, we took planes for the first half and then proceeded to take a train to a new city each day. It was exciting and beautiful to ride the rails. We were forced to start and end in certain cities based on the flights we found, and then were able to choose the destinations in between based on the trains. I wrote more about this, and travel resources, in my post on a sample study abroad plan.

**I based this list off of my personal experiences, and where my friends and I have traveled (and I feel like I’ve seen a really great amount of Europe so far, most of which is included below). I decided not to include Scandinavia in this list because of its distance from many of the other major cities in Europe. I didn’t make it there on my first or second time in Europe, but I have always wanted to do a Scandinavia trip all on it’s own. It’s one of those places that I know I will go to in the future, and it would be good all on it’s own, so I’m saving it for a later time…