City trip in Europe: popular cities, tips and information

Over the past 15 years, I have taken many city trips within and outside Europe. During my first city trips, I also made mistakes. For example, I planned some trips poorly, didn’t book tickets in advance for popular attractions, or booked a hotel far outside the city center because it was cheaper. In hindsight, this often meant I spent more money and time traveling within the city. Good preparation and planning are therefore important and often make a city trip much more relaxed.

Don’t plan too much in one day

It’s tempting to want to see as many sights as possible in a short time. In practice, you often need more time to explore attractions at a relaxed pace and take photos. It’s better to choose a few highlights per day and leave room to walk through neighborhoods, have a spontaneous lunch somewhere, or take a break in a square or at a café terrace.

Think about your accommodation

The location of your hotel or apartment has a big impact on how your city trip goes. Accommodation in or close to the city center is often more expensive, but it saves travel time. Especially if you only have two or three days, this can make a big difference. In larger cities, it can also be nice to stay just outside the busiest center, as long as you are well connected by public transport.

Arrange important tickets in advance

For popular sights, such as museums or well-known attractions, it may be necessary to reserve tickets in advance during busy periods. This helps you avoid long queues and ensures you can get inside. This is especially true for cities such as Rome, Paris, and Athens, where attractions like the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Acropolis are often fully booked quickly.

Make use of public transport

In many European cities, public transport is well organized. Metro systems, trams, and buses can quickly take you to different parts of the city. For shorter distances, walking is often the best way to explore a city, but public transport makes it easy to cover longer distances. In some cities, such as London and Amsterdam, you can pay contactless with your bank card or phone. In other cities, day passes or multi-day passes are a cost-effective way to use public transport.

Keep your budget in mind

In popular European cities, you need to take into account not only accommodation, entrance fees, and transport, but also the cost of food and drinks. In many cities, these prices are higher than you might be used to. Ten euros for a beer or four euros for a can of soft drink is not unusual. Personally, I often bring a refillable bottle that I fill with water. This helps you stay hydrated on warm days and saves money at the same time. In many cities, you can refill your bottle for free with cold drinking water during warmer periods.

What is the best city for a city trip in Europe?

That depends on your interests and your budget. For culture and history, cities such as Rome, Athens, and Paris are popular. If you also want to shop during your city trip, London and Paris are good options. If you’re looking for a combination of culture and beach, Barcelona is a good choice. The best city is therefore mainly the city that suits your interests, travel time, and budget.

How much does a city trip in Europe cost on average?

The cost of a city trip in Europe depends on your budget, what you want to do during your trip, and how many attractions you want to visit. On average, a city trip of four nights to popular cities such as Paris, Rome, or London often costs between €400 and €500 per person, including flights and accommodation. By booking early and arranging tickets for attractions online in advance, you can often save on the total cost.

How many days do you need for a city trip?

For most city trips in Europe, three to four days is a good guideline. In that time, you can see the main attractions and explore different parts of the city. For larger cities such as London, Rome, or Paris, you often need a bit more time to really discover the city. Four to five days is a more comfortable option.

What is the best time to travel for a city trip in Europe?

For many European cities, spring and autumn are the most pleasant periods for a city trip. It’s often less crowded than in summer, and temperatures are more comfortable for walking a lot. In summer, it’s busier and it can get very hot in Southern Europe. Winter is quieter, but it can be quite cold and rainy.

What is cheaper: traveling by train or by plane?

Whether the train or the plane is cheaper depends on the destination, how early you book, and where you are traveling from. For nearby cities, the train can be a comfortable and sometimes affordable option. For longer distances, plane tickets can sometimes be cheaper, especially if you book early. It’s wise to compare both options before booking.

Is a city trip suitable with children?

Many European cities are suitable for a city trip with children, but it depends on the age of the children and their interests. For example, you can combine a city trip to Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland. In Rome, the Colosseum, pizza, and eating ice cream are often a fun combination for families. If you go to Barcelona with children, you can combine the beach with a cable car ride to Montjuïc. It helps to avoid overloading your daily schedule and to combine culture with playful activities.

Should you reserve attractions in advance?

In popular cities, it’s often wise to reserve tickets for well-known attractions in advance. This helps you avoid long waiting times and disappointment if an attraction is sold out. This is especially true during busy periods and for attractions such as the Colosseum in Rome or the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

What is the cheapest period for a city trip in Europe?

Outside the peak season, especially in the winter months (except around the holidays), city trips are often cheaper. Flights and accommodation are usually more affordable than in summer. Do keep the weather in mind, especially in Northern and Central Europe.