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Rethink how you gift yourself and loved ones with the ultimate gift guide for first time Europe travelers. This guide includes a selection of must see European activities that you can book to create memorable experiences.
Table of Contents
The ultimate gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Discover the ultimate gift guide for first time Europe travelers that includes top activities to do in European cities such as:
- Paris
- Nice, South of France
- Lisbon
- Amsterdam
- Madrid
- Rome
- Almafi Coast
- Antwerp, Belgium
f you are planning a trip to Paris, Nice, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Madrid or Rome Italy for 2025, make sure to book these must have activities.
1. Paris, France gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Coco Chanel, the legendary French fashion designer, once famously said:“Paris is always a good idea.”
This simple yet powerful statement reflects her deep affection for the city, which she considered the heart of fashion, art, and creativity. Paris was not only her home but also the place that inspired her groundbreaking designs and timeless contributions to the fashion world. Whether you spend a month or just 48 hours in Paris, there is so much to do that your days will be spent well. Rethink how you gift by booking all your Paris activities here.
In addition, you might be interested in these posts to make your Parisian trip a memorable one:
- Your ultimate guide to Paris in the fall
- 10 easy tips for an awesome Paris vacation
- Save money thrifting for luxury goods in Paris
2. Nice, South of France gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Nice, located on the stunning French Riviera, is a must-visit destination for travelers due to its unique combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and relaxed Mediterranean charm. Here are some reasons why travelers should visit Nice:
- Stunning Mediterranean Beaches
- Charming old town called in French “le vieux Nice”
- Rich culture and art
- Great food
- Proximity to Monoca and to Italy by just a train ride of by car.
Overall, Nice offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting the south of France. If Nice is a city that you would like to discover, book your activities for you and your friends here.
3. Lisbon, Portugal gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique cultural heritage. Here are some of the key things that make Lisbon famous:
- Historic landmarks and architecture such as the Bélem Tower and the iconic neighborhood Alfama. The Alfama neighborhood is known for its narrow, winding streets and colorful buildings.
- The birthplace of Fado music, a traditional genre of Portuguese music known for its soulful, melancholic melodies.
- Their beautiful trams which provide a scenic and nostalgic way to explore the city’s steep hills and cobbled streets.
- The city is also known for its beautiful river front along the Tagus River which provides a relaxing space with scenic views, parks, and outdoor cafés.
Lisbon’s mix of historical charm, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery make it a top destination for travelers. Book your activities of things to do in Lisbon for you,your family or friends here.
4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Amsterdam is one of most charming cities to visit and I am looking forward to return in 2025. This city exudes charm through its unique blend of historical beauty, artistic heritage, and modern vibrancy. Here are some of the key things that make Amsterdam a must for first time travelers planning to visit Europe:
- Picturesque Canals and Bridges
- Bicycle-Friendly Atmosphere
- Easy to navigate metro system
- Reliable train transportation from the Amsterdam Centraal train station to other cities
- Rich Art and Cultural Scene with plenty of museums to visit such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Anne Franck House and more…
The combination of historical charm, artistic heritage, scenic beauty, easy to navigate public transportation makes Amsterdam one of the most charming cities in Europe. Book your activities to Amsterdam and start creating lifetime memories. Once you visit this city, you will most likely comeback.
5. Madrid, Spain gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, offers a perfect blend of rich history, art, culture, and modern energy. Here are several reasons why Madrid is a fantastic travel destination for first time travelers in Spain:
- Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere. Madrid is known for its warm, welcoming people. The locals’ friendly nature makes it easy for travelers to feel at home, whether you’re asking for directions, sharing a meal, or simply enjoying a conversation at a café.
- Shopping and markets. The city is known for its diverse shopping experiences, from luxury shopping on Gran Vía to unique finds in local markets like El Rastro, one of Europe’s largest flea markets.
- Rich History and Stunning Architecture such as the The Royal Palace, a stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture and a must-see for visitors. Furthermore, The Plaza Mayor is an iconic historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings, while the Puerta del Sol is another symbol of the city.
- Flamenco. Flamenco represents a profound emotional and cultural expression, often linked to themes of love, sorrow, joy, and resilience. In Madrid, flamenco is not just a performance; it’s seen as an integral part of Spain’s identity.
Book your Madrid activities here and go explore this charming, historical and vibrant city.
6. Rome, Italy gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Rome the beautiful. This ancient city known for its past history, rich culture, dolce vita and delicious cuisine is a must when planning to visit Europe. Rome is also one of my favorite European cities and here’s why:
- Ancient History and Iconic Landmarks: Rome is like an “open-air museum” due to its wealth of historical sites. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon are just a few of the iconic ancient landmarks that showcase the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
- Delicious Italian Cuisine: Rome offers some of the finest food and wines in Italy, with its own local specialties like cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper), supplì (fried rice balls), and carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes).
- World-Class Shopping: For those who enjoy shopping, Rome offers everything from high-end boutiques along Via Condotti to artisan shops in neighborhoods like Monti.
- Easy access by train to go explore cities such as Florence, Tivoli, Naples, Almafi…
Book your things to do in Rome and discover the charm of this ancient and historical city here.
7. Almafi, Italy gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Almafi lies at the mouth of a deep ravine surrounded by dramatic cliffs and sceneric coastal views. It is a popular travel destination from Rome for travelers looking for a weekend getaway for a day trip and hers’s why:
- The Almafi coast: The coast offers breathtaking landscapes with dramatic cliffs, crystal clear waters and charming coastal villages such as Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Praiano and more…
- Cuisine: The region is famous for its Meditterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, limoncello…
- Historical and architectural charm: Cities such as Almafi, Ravello and Positano boast medieval architecture, stunning villas and fascinating museums.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes, travel light and skip the busy summer travel season. The streets are narrow and you have to do a lot of walking and go uphill. Be ready for it. Book your things to do in Almafi and discover why it is a popular travel destination.
8. Antwerp, Belgium gift guide for first time Europe travelers
Antwerp is a city located in the Flanders region of Belgium. The city is known for its:
- Diamonds: The city’s diamond district is home to numerous diamond traders and a long history of being a hub for diamond cutting, trading and exporting.
- Architecture: The city is a blend of historic and modern architecture including its well-known its gothic Cathedrak of Our Lady.
- Port of Antwerp: One of the largest and busiest ports in Europe.
- Beer and chocolate: You can find its exceptional artisanal chocolates and local brews throughout the city.
- Easy access to Brussels, Paris, Rotterdam and Amsterdam by train.
Book all your activities for Antwerp, Belgium here.
The ultimate gift guide for First time Europe travelers
In conclusion, I hope that this post on the ultimate gift guide for first time Europe travelers helps you plan your first European trip. Book your activites for Paris, Nice, Lisbon, Madrid, Rome, Almafi, Amsterdam and Antwerp travel.
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Planning a 5 day trip to Paris? Grab my 5 day itinerary below.
