30+ Europe Travel Tips You Should Know Before Your First Trip

Last Updated on 29th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Centuries-old cities, world-famous culinary experiences, and plenty of cultures: it’s no secret that one of my favourite destinations for a city break or weekend escape is Europe. And between secret islands, capital cities, and breathtaking countryside, there’s a plethora of experience to be had while in Europe. Here are 30+ incredible Europe travel tips to know before your first trip!

Europe travel tips for your first time in Europe

If it’s your first time in Europe, then you’ve come to the right place. After all, this guide is here to help you navigate the best of Europe as smoothly as possible.

Though it’s only normal to make mistakes during your travels (particularly if it’s your first trip to Europe), reading these pointers will help to get you in good standing for the travels to come.

If you’re short on time, then I have a few helpful pieces of information to get you started:

• You won’t need a rental car in most cities (public transport in European cities is usually the most efficient way to get around)
• Don’t try and fit too many destinations into your trip (Europe is a large, rich, and varied continent with plenty of things to see and do)
• Purchase tickets to major attractions in advance- see here for our complete guide to buying skip-the-line tickets

Best Europe travel tips

#1 Travel in the off-season

Fewer queues and lower prices, if you want to explore Europe without the crowds of the summer months, then be sure to explore during the off-season. Europe in winter is a magical time to visit, with the promise of snow and many a Christmas market, as well as hearty meals and plenty of delicious Glühwein.

One of the best-kept secrets of Europe travel is that the very best time to visit Europe is just before or just after the peak season. After all, in many places, this means enjoying the cherry blossom season in the late spring or the fall tones in the early autumn.

#2 Don’t try and visit too many things!

Many people make the mistake of trying to fit too many things in their itinerary. However, if you want to make the most of your visit (and maximise your time and experience in each destination), consider focusing on a particular region/ country/ or even smaller area. Of all the Europe travel tips I could give you, making sure not to pack your itinerary too full would be near the top of the list!

#3 Never eat in the ‘tourist’ area

Don’t eat in the first restaurant you see (unless it’s the only one in town!) and never eat in the most touristic area of the city. The food is never that great and is often quite expensive!

Every time I’ve done this, I’ve ended up walking a few blocks down the street, only to find the most gorgeous family-run establishment. And while we’re talking about food, avoid restaurants that have photos of the food on the menu at all costs!

#4 Save money by investing in a Eurail pass

If you’re planning on exploring a lot of Europe but don’t want to plan much in advance, then one of the best ways to do this is to invest in a Eurail Pass.

Flexible and easy-to-use, this all-in-one train ticket gives you access to most trains in Europe so that you can take the train when and where you want (though some trains like the Bernina Express) require booking in advance. Get all the details here

#5 Head off the beaten path in Europe (at least once)

Whether it’s discovering the best secret spots in the city, or heading to a lesser-known European town, be sure to stray from the beaten tourist track at least once during your European adventure. This way, you’ll easily avoid the crowds, likely save money, and get a unique experience.

#6 Travel by train

Contrary to what you may think, train travel in Europe is easy, fast, and often pretty affordable (though the UK and Switzerland still have very pricey train fares!). When travelling by train in many countries, tickets are open-ended, meaning that they’ll need to be validated before you start your journey. Should you not do this, you can receive a fine, even if you paid for the ticket!

#7 Purchase tickets for major attractions in advance

Purchasing tickets prior to visiting will often mean perks like discounts on the standard rate, a timed entry, and, more often than not, a skip-the-line function that will enable you to spend more time within the museum, rather than queueing outside.

For the more popular attractions (like the Louvre Museum in Paris or the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam), this also means that you’ll definitely get to enter, rather than waiting for hours, only to find out that you won’t be able to visit prior to closing time. My favourite platform for booking activities, tours, and museum visits is GetYourGuide.

#8 Learn some words in the local language

There are hundreds of languages spoken in Europe so it’s not feasible that you’ll be able to learn every single one. Instead, research the region/ country you’ll be visiting and learn a few words and phrases in the local language. Here’s how to say ‘hello’ in 50 languages!

‘Please,’ ‘Hello,’ ‘Thank You,’ and ‘Sorry’ are a great place to start. For those with dietary requirements, you may well also want to learn a phrase to convey this. For example ‘I’m a vegetarian’. If all else fails, then you’ll also perhaps want to have a local phrasebook on hand such as this one for France.

Love travelling? Chances are you’re almost guaranteed to end up visiting somewhere where you don’t speak the local language at some point or another. Here are some very useful tips for visiting a country where you don’t speak the language!

Learn a few phrases before you go

If I could just give you one language tip for when you’re visiting a country where you don’t speak the language, it’s this: learn the basics before you go. There are four words I absolutely recommend learning before travelling to a place where you don’t speak the language and they are: “please”, “thank you”, “sorry” and “hello”. Just learning these four simple words and phrases will go a long way!

Bring a phrasebook

Although you could probably just save a few phrases to your phone, when you’re travelling technology can (and often does) fail you. Smartphones run out of battery (especially since the invention of Snapchat and Instagram Stories) and chargers often break. If in doubt, go old-school and pick up a phrasebook to carry on your travels with you. Alternatively, jot a few phrases you think you’ll need down (e.g. please, thank you, hello, etc.).

Planning is key!

When it comes to travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language (or indeed, travelling anywhere) planning beforehand will ensure less stress and more enjoyability on your trip. Plan itineraries in advance and print them off to carry around in your bag.

Having addresses etc to hand will also help you point to places where you need to be and make getting directions when you don’t speak the language that much simpler.

Your smartphone is your friend

Technology! Today, there are plenty of apps and translation tools that can be reached at the swipe of a smart screen. Download a few apps before you go to practice your knowledge of the local language, and to help you out when you get stuck on a sentence or phrase!

Use Body Language

Never underestimate the prompt of body language. Whether it be hand gestures or finger pointing, small uses of body language can go a long way in getting your point across (particularly when your accent skills aren’t ‘on point’ at all!)

Smile and be kind

Just like using body language, the power of a smile goes a long way when you’re asking someone for help. Be kind and you’ll find people are a lot more willing to help you!

#9 Know that each country has much more to offer than its capital city

Many people head to London but make the mistake of not enjoying the rest of the UK. Likewise with France, Italy, and plenty of other European countries! When booking your European adventure, be sure to scatter your itinerary across both major cities and lesser-known ones. You’ll love it, and so will your wallet (smaller cities often have accommodation that costs much less)!

#10 Most museums in London are free

Though London is generally quite an expensive city to visit (accommodation prices are sky-high), you’ll save a lot of money by frequenting some of the city’s major attractions for free. Perfect for a rainy day activity, free museums include the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, V&A, and British Museum are all free.

Elsewhere in the city, many of the museums and attractions in the district of Greenwich are free, including the ever-so-pretty Queen’s House, a former royal residence close to the GMT official Meridien.

For those who are more bookworm than museum-goer, European bookstores are often quirky and always worth a visit. Otherwise, if you’re looking to visit London on a budget, then check out the latest deals for attractions and excursions (some of these have up to 40% off!)

#11 Take some walking tours

Almost every large(ish) city you visit will have free walking tours. These guided walks of the city are often led by a local guide and are free to partake in, though be sure to bring some cash along for a tip at the end! If you want to explore at your own pace, type ‘self-guided walking tour + x’ into a search engine. I’ve got numerous guides here on solosophie.com, under my self-guided walking tour category.

#12 Bring comfortable walking shoes

Europe is generally not the place for your high heels. Many of the old towns are filled with cobblestones, meaning that comfortable shoes are a priority. Of all the Europe travel tips I could give you, this may well be the most important.

In Europe, you’ll often be on your feet all day, every day, and it’s common to clock upwards of twenty-thousand steps in a single day. I personally love walking around in fashion trainers like these ones
or these ones as they allow me to explore in comfort but also go with all of my outfits (skirts, dresses, and jumpsuits!)

#13 Explore by bicycle

Plenty of cities in Europe now offer schemes that enable you to easily rent a bicycle. While cities like Amsterdam are well-known for their cycling routes, many other European capital cities (such as Rotterdam) have dedicated cycle paths and are fairly easy to explore on bike, meaning you’ll get to see a greater number of things within a shorter space of time than if you simply walked.

#14 Know that some businesses close during the afternoon (and almost always on a Sunday)

The afternoon closure is a staple in many countries, particularly those in the Mediterranean. What this means is that many businesses will be closed during the hours of 2 PM- 5 PM, meaning that you should get your food/ purchases before or after this point.

In France, many smaller museums tend to close for an hour or two during lunch. Meanwhile, shops across the entirety of Europe will generally close on a Sunday, particularly in rural areas and in places that are predominantly Catholic. When it comes to the weekend in the UK, check out my guide for the best of Sundays in London.

#15 Book your accommodation in a central location

In order to maximise the most of your time, be sure to book your accommodation in a central location. Unless you’re flying out of the airport early the next morning, don’t book your stay right by the airport! Instead, you’ll have a much better experience by booking your hotel/ B&B right in the centre of the action, within easy walking distance of many of the main attractions and transport links.

Once you have a date in mind for your Europe trip, the sooner you book your hotel/ B&B/ guesthouse/ hostel the better. This will ensure that you get the best rates possible. And be sure to remember that in the UK, you can even stay in pubs and inns! Check here for the best accommodation prices.

#16 Know that not every country uses the Euro

Many countries in Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Romania, Poland), Central Europe (Switzerland), and Western Europe (the UK) don’t use the Euro. Instead, they all use their own currency in the form of the British Pound, the Swiss Franc, the Polish Zloty, and more!

#17 Make the most of budget airlines

Once in Europe, there are plenty of budget airlines, offering cheap flights between countries, and often within them too. If you want to make your travel budget stretch further, then take advantage of these airlines; Ryanair, EasyJet, Flybe, and Wizz Air are all low-cost airline carriers that operate across Europe.

#18 Don’t rent a car in major European cities

If you’re planning to visit several major cities and want to rent a car, then this would be your first mistake. After all, public transport can often be found in abundance (metro, bus, tram, train) and is much cheaper than renting a car. Furthermore, due to some pretty heavy traffic in some cities, taking transport like the underground (or even walking) is often faster.

#19 Don’t purchase breakfast at the hotel

Unless it’s included in the cost of your accommodation, skip the buffet breakfast and instead opt for a more local option. Head to the café down the road or the bakery next door for a local and affordable way to enjoy your first meal of the day. And while we’re on the subject of the first meal of the day, check out this guide on how to enjoy a French breakfast!

#20 Your favourite food/ drink may not be the same as how it appears back home!

Early last year, I made the mistake of ordering a latté while on a seven day trip to Northern Italy. Little did I know that a latté in Italy is simply a warm glass of milk! Similarly, don’t order a cappuccino after 10 AM in Italy as people will look at you quizzically- this is simply reserved as a breakfast drink.

#21 Make sure to soak up some history

Between churches dating back thousands of years, old towns with houses dating back to the Middle Ages, and Roman ruins scattered across the continent, truth be told that Europe is an open museum, just waiting to be discovered. While visiting, be sure to soak up some history at least once, whether it be in the form of a walking tour, museum visit, or monument trip!

#22 Consider purchasing a city pass

Though not always worth the cost (read the information and add up the cost of the monuments/ attractions you specifically want to see individually), many European cities sell a ‘City Pass’ or ‘City Card’ that essentially offers a one-off fee in order to see many of that places’ main attractions, and often public transportation.

#23 The best view in Paris is not from the Eiffel Tower

Many people make the mistake of visiting Paris and making it their mission to ascend the Eiffel Tower. The queues are often hours long and the view from the top is not that great thanks to the fact that the Tour Eiffel is surrounded by green space and no ‘Haussmannian style’ buildings. As such, head to the Arc de Triomphe or Tour Montparnasse for some of the best views in the city.

#24 Withdraw money from the ATMs

Rather than carrying around a large amount of cash, instead opt to have a smaller amount on you and withdraw money from local ATMs whenever you’re running low. Many cards now offer low exchange rates (or the Visa/ Mastercard exchange rate).

This way, it’s easy to keep track of how much you’re spending and will often be cheaper than buying a larger amount back home. The one thing you should never do is to buy or exchange currency at the airport- the fees are extortionate!

#25 When it comes to packing, less is more

Don’t pack anything you haven’t worn in six months (unless it’s seasonally appropriate). And don’t pack too many things, ensuring that you’re able to carry your suitcase should the need arise.

Nowadays, I personally only travel with a carry on case (yes, even when I’m travelling for a month!) and find that there is always somewhere to wash my clothes en route.

When you’re travelling through Europe, you’ll soon discover that there are plenty of occasions where you’ll need to carry your bag; up flights of stairs when your accommodation has no stairs, across old towns filled with cobbled lanes, and plenty more occasions. If it’s not absolutely necessary, then you don’t need to bring it!

#26 Don’t eat out for every meal

If you want to save money to embark on a longer adventure, then your first mistake would be eating out every night. Instead, consider heading to local shops and supermarkets and making yourself packed lunches. Picnics in Paris are always a joy and eating snacks in your hotel room for dinner is totally okay as well!

#27 Ask for local suggestions

Ask people at your hotel, converse with coffee shop owners, read local blogs. Ask for local suggestions and see where the locals hang out to truly get a feel for the place and experience the ‘real Europe’. If in doubt, ask and, more often than not, people are more than willing to help you find the coolest spot in town, or recommend the best dinner destination.

#28 Dress like the locals do

Forget wearing flip-flops to explore cities (unless you’re headed to the beach). Leave your ‘tourist’ clothes at home and dress in the same way the locals do.

When it comes to footwear, though many would discourage trainers, I personally find them to be the most comfortable thing if you’re going to be spending all day on your feet!

That, and sneakers are becoming a fashion statement in of themselves in Europe anyway! In more conservative countries, dressing as the locals do can mean wearing clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. For example, if you want to enter the Duomo in Milan, you’ll need to dress in a somewhat conservative manner.

#29 Invest in airport lounge access (or get a credit card that has this perk)

If you’re planning on flying a number of times when visiting Europe (and indeed even for when you’re flying into Europe), then it’s worth noting that you don’t need Business Class flights to access airport lounges.

#30 Book your tickets in advance when travelling in the holiday season

If you’re travelling around New Year’s Eve, Christmas, or any other major European holiday, then I highly recommend booking your tickets well in advance. After all, airlines have a monopoly on prices and know that you’ll want to travel around Europe at these peak times! Conversely, if you want the best fares, then travelling in the off-peak season (i.e. November and January) is the way to go!

#31 Budget for your trip

Of all the Europe travel tips I could give you, one of the most important is that you make sure to budget properly for your trip. This means working out how much each element of your trip is going to cost (transportation, including flights, accommodation, and food, as well as an emergency fund should you run into any troubles on your trip).

#32 Pack a rain jacket

When it comes to packing for Europe, then you should note that whatever the time of the year that you’re visiting, rain is always a possibility in many destinations and so it’s important to be prepared for showers (even during the summer) with a good waterproof coat like this one.

#33 Card isn’t always accepted

Before ordering any coffee or snack at a smaller establishment, I would also check if card is accepted as many family-run dining eateries only accept cash. The currency in many countries across Europe is the Euro.

Though more and more places are accepting credit cards, they will typically have a minimum spend. I’ve even been to bars in Italy and restaurants in Germany where you can only pay by cash so be sure to be prepared in advance! It’s also worth noting that many of the Christmas Markets in Europe also don’t accept cash!

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