Travel in Europe is like going through a time warp. You get to see all the splendors of the past as you go about the modern lifestyles of the present and future.
There’s a lot of rich histories, show-stopping art, and colorful cultures to take in from the “Old Continent.” It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of stuff to do in such lively countries that you wouldn’t know where to begin on your very first trip there.
Fortunately, there are some experiences you must have on the first time you visit these amazing places. Here is some travel advice for people who are traveling to Europe for the first time.
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Climb The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Some even regard it as the symbol of Europe altogether. If your first stop in Europe is in the “City of Lights,” make sure to head on over to the famous tower. Your trip to France, and to Europe for that matter, wouldn’t be complete without visiting it.
But rather than just looking at it from a distance, completely immerse yourself into one of the most beloved sites in the continent. For less than 10 Euros, you can climb the tower yourself and see the fantastic view it offers. This is bound to be one of the best experiences you’ll have when you’re traveling to Europe for the first time.
Visit The Mona Lisa At The Louvre
After the Eiffel Tower, visit a special little lady located right inside the city’s most famous museum, the Louvre. The lady in question is none other than the mysterious Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci. If you’re one to appreciate Europe for its amazing art, then visiting this iconic painting is a must on your first trip to Europe. You may have seen the image in TV, movies, or the internet, but nothing beats seeing it in the flesh. The mysterious lady is all the more entrancing up close.
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See The Berlin Wall
The actual Berlin Wall was torn down in the 1980s, but remnants of it are still within its original area. Known as the “Iron Curtain,” it’s one of the most historic structures (and ruins) in the entire world. Visiting the site is like visiting one of the essential parts in Germany’s history.
The fact that you’re by a wall that was once the center of an international conflict, and one that separated families and loved ones, can be breathtaking. It will surely be an unforgettable experience to have when you’re traveling to Europe for the first time.
Explore The Ancient Ruins Of Athens
If Greece is part of your many stops, go to the ancient ruins of Athens. The once-glorious city can still be felt among the rubble and concrete it left behind several years ago. The very foundation of democracy and the modern civilization was practically established within the broken temples and shattered shrined that are in the city today.
But even discounting the historical relevance of the site, it’s also one of the most beautiful spots in the entire world. It’s a definite must-see, one that you’d want to go to again the next time you’re in Greece.
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Experience “Las Fallas”
Getting to the heart of any place you’re visiting is experiencing the culture of its people. What better way to do so than to experience their traditional festivals. One, in particular, is sure to be memorable during your first time in Europe: the Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain.
Days of street parties, loud firecrackers, and fabulous fireworks are something you wouldn’t want to miss. It’s all in celebration for the feast of St. Joseph, and if there’s one thing the Spaniards in Valencia know how to do, it’s to celebrate with a big bang!
See The Windmills At Amsterdam
If France has the Eiffel Tower and Greece has their ancient ruins, then the Netherlands have their famous windmills. If anybody told you to see them on your first trip, they gave excellent travel advice. A trip to to the Netherlands isn’t complete without having seen a windmill or two.
These incredible structures, while seemingly normal, are intrinsic to the country’s overall lifestyle. They’re huge parts of their heritage and culture, and to truly understand the Dutch are to see these windmills in person. Similarly to other famous sites in the world, these windmills also define Europe as a beautiful continent that’s as respectful of the past as they are hopeful of the future.
Make A Wish At The Trevi Fountain
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do” which at times means making a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Looking at the fountain from your TV or phone screens is nothing compared to seeing it in real life. The waterway is one of the most majestic sites in Europe, and of the world.
People who travel to Italy always go there, and for your first trip, you have to go there too. Making a wish on the fountain should be on your to-do list when you’re traveling to Europe for the first time. You’ll find that the water is filled with sparkling coins all containing wishes of prosperity, health, love, and happiness.
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Explore The Art In Florence
Italy is home to a lot of fantastic art, but during the Renaissance era, the city of Florence was the epicenter. Even to this day, the techniques and artisans that make up this majestic destination can’t be compared to anywhere else. Here, it doesn’t matter how much cash you’ve brought to Europe, just strolling through the city is enough.
Sculptors, painters, and all sorts of inventors are still based here, and to see their creations is to experience the beauty of Italy altogether. It’s even more gratifying to know that some of the most celebrated works of art, like the Mona Lisa, was painted in this very city.
Sail Across Venice
The city of Venice is known for its water system, replacing cars with gondolas as the primal transportation system. If you find yourself in Venice during your first trip to Europe, make sure to sail through the beautiful city on a gondola. One ride is quite enough as it costs a little less than 100 Euros, but it is worth it. You get to experience how the Italians of the Renaissance and Rococo eras leisurely traveled with style. It’s also one of the most romantic boat-rides anywhere in the world, which makes it the perfect activity for a honeymoon.
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You may not be able to experience all the beauty of Europe in your first trip there, but these are musts. Going on all of them will make you want to go to the Old Continent a second time!
