Going to Europe for the first time can be overwhelming. There's so much to see. But, you can't do it all at once. My suggestion for your first trip to Europe is to fly into Rome and explore, travel by train to Paris and explore, then take the train through the Chunnel to London and, you guessed it, explore some more.
Why these three cities? In addition to them being among the top destinations in the world, they also represent three vastly different eras and are very different culturally.
Rome is the place to see ancient Europe and (while it's not the top destination for the Renaissance) the Renaissance period. Of course, the food is amazing.
Paris is the birthplace of the Enlightenment and modern city planning. It is also the original home of impressionism and haute couture. Soak in the city simply by sitting at cafés and eating French food.
London regales with its history but also has a lifestyle and skyline that is very much 21st century. I see it as the most forward-looking city of the three.
To take in all three in one trip to Europe is manageable. I recommend doing it by train to get a real sense of Europe's geography. If it's your first time traveling by train in Europe, there is no better source for information than The Man in Seat 61 and his Beginner's Guide to Train Travel in Europe.
First Trip to Europe: Start in Rome for Antiquity and Food
Start your first trip to Europe by flying to Rome. Known as the eternal city, Rome is culturally vibrant and historically deep.
The Colosseum is the most famous of the remains of the Roman Empire but there is much more. You'll also want to see the Forum and the Pantheon. It was the latter, located in a small square, that rendered me silent in awe.
To get a sense of Renaissance Italy, go to the Vatican and see the extraordinary Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, designed the dome of the Basilica and created Pietà, a sculpture located on your right as you enter the Basilica. It deserves time and study.
Having seen these highlights and more, enjoy time soaking in Rome. Take local transit to Trastevere and walk the neighbourhood. Check the times and go to the San Cosimato market. Read A Fabulous Trastevere Food Tour for more details. To learn how to make authentic Italian food, read Cooking Class and Dinner in Rome.
Take the Train to Paris. The train from Rome to Paris is a full day and requires at least one stop. It travels north through Milan, Switzerland, and northern France to Paris. You'll travel through beautiful countryside and into major cities giving you an overview of Europe as you go.
Paris is Next for Food, Fashion & Romance
Paris is known as the “City of Light” for two reasons. Paris was the central birthplace of the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement of the 18th century. It was also redesigned and rebuilt according to the plan of Baron Haussmann in the 19th century. His plan included street lighting.
Haussmann tore down much of the medieval city and planned a more modern city to improve public health and transportation. In the process, similar to gentrification today, his grand plan moved poor people out. For this, he is a controversial figure at home but, around the world, Haussmann's name is known for the creation of Paris' beauty.
Bring good walking shoes for Paris as there is a lot of ground to cover. The grand boulevards are important but there is much to see down small streets as well.
You'll want to sit on the patios of cafes, facing the street as the French do, and watch the world go by. Eat at both fine and family restaurants. See architectural, art, and couture highlights. For more on what to do, read Solo Travel Paris on a Budget: Great Wallet-friendly Options. For your accommodation, read Best Hotels in Paris for Solo Travelers: Tested and Recommended
Take the train to London. This is another train treat. The Eurostar takes you from Paris to London. You'll go from the Gare du Nord and arrive in London at St. Pancreas station in about 2 1/2 hours.
London Delivers Tradition and Metamodernity
In contrast to Rome, the eternal city, and Paris, the city of lights, London does not have a romantic nickname, unless you consider The Big Smoke to be that. It's a name that goes back to days of burning coal and industrialism in the 19th century.
While London doesn't have the endearing terms of either Rome or Paris, the city has its own personality which I associate with the arts, movement, and progressiveness.
Go back to 1863 when London built the first subway system in the world. It is still operational and a very good way to get around.
Look at the photo above. London embraces development while holding onto tradition (think Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, the National Portrait Gallery). At the same time, it is innovative. It has the lofty goal of being a net-zero carbon city by 2030. Reports suggest that they won't make that deadline but the notion of a city that size aiming for net-zero is forward-thinking.
The term “metamodern” is new to me but I think it aptly represents London. It is a combination of modern earnestness and postmodern irony. London holds onto tradition of past centuries, especially the 20th century, but is also, in my opinion, hypermodern as the photo above suggests.
For more practical information on visiting London, please read Solo Travel London on a Budget: How to Get the Most for Your Money.
On a Personal Note, Another First Trip to Europe
I've been thinking about this trip for some time. It just may be the first trip I take my first granddaughter on when she reaches her teens. I will relish inspiring a love of travel in a new generation.
