Because Europe is magical… but also confusing if you don’t know your trams from your tapas.
1. Pack Lighter Than You Think You Need
Europe’s cobblestones are charming until you’re dragging a 25 kg suitcase over them. Trains, narrow staircases, and tiny hotel elevators don’t mix with overpacking. Bring less—you’ll thank yourself in Paris, Prague, and beyond.
Pro Tip: If you can’t carry it up three flights of stairs alone, it’s too heavy.
(check out our Packing guide)
2. Embrace Public Transportation
From London’s Tube to Berlin’s U-Bahn and Rome’s buses, public transit is fast, cheap, and efficient (well, except when it isn’t). Learn how to buy tickets, validate them, and don’t forget: inspectors do not care about your “confused tourist” excuse. Our guides for each city (destinations) include public transportation advice.
3. Trains Are Your Best Friend
High-speed trains connect many European cities better than flights. Paris–Amsterdam in 3 hours, Vienna–Prague in 4, Madrid–Barcelona in 2.5. Plus, no airport security shuffle.
Pro Tip: Book early with sites like Eurail, RailEurope, or national operators to score cheap fares. More info about transportation here
4. Cash Isn’t Dead (Yet)
Card payments work almost everywhere, but small bakeries, markets, and old-school cafés may still prefer cash—especially in Germany, Austria, or smaller towns. Always carry a little local currency. Check current exchange rates—the Turkish lira might be more surprising than you think (1 euro is 50, 1 US dollar is 43, 1 GBP is 57 lira).
There are also shops that don’t accept cash, only cards.
5. Mind the Dining Customs
Dinner at 6 p.m.? That’s cute, but in Spain, kitchens don’t even open until 8:30. In Italy, cappuccino after noon is considered criminal. And in French cafés, service is slow because you’re expected to linger.
Pro Tip: Don’t wave or snap for your waiter—just make eye contact.
6. Stay Connected Smartly
Roaming charges can ruin a trip. Buy a local SIM card (Vodafone, Orange, O2, etc.) or an eSIM if your phone supports it. Data is cheap and saves you from begging for Wi-Fi passwords.
7. Learn the Basics of Local Etiquette
- Germany: Jaywalking is frowned upon—even at 3 a.m. with no cars. In some other countries, it is not.
- Italy, Turkey: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
- France: Always say “Bonjour” before launching into English (Bonsoir after 6 pm).
- Czechia: Clink beer glasses while looking people in the eye.
8. Don’t Try to Do It All
Europe is not a theme park—it’s a continent. Don’t cram 10 countries into 10 days. Pick a few cities or regions and enjoy them properly. You’ll miss less, stress less, and actually remember more than blurry train stations.
9. Expect to Walk (A Lot)
European cities are best explored on foot, and average days easily hit 15,000 steps. Comfortable shoes are more important than that “Instagram-perfect” pair that gives you blisters by lunchtime.
10. Keep Your Wits (and Wallet) About You
Tourist hotspots = pickpocket heaven. Paris, Barcelona, and Rome are safe but notorious for nimble fingers. Carry a crossbody bag, keep valuables in front, and never leave phones on café tables.
Pro Tip: If someone offers you a “free friendship bracelet,” it won’t end well.
(Check out Top 5 tourist scams in Europe.)
Final Word
Travelling Europe for the first time is exhilarating—a patchwork of cultures, cuisines, and history packed onto one continent. Go with curiosity, a little preparation, and the willingness to laugh when things go wrong. Because they will—and that’s half the fun.
Bonus tip
Bringing electrical devices? Check this
