The Best Countries in Europe for American Travelers

Are you dreaming about a trip across the Atlantic? Europe pulls in American travelers by the millions every year, and for good reason. The food, history, architecture, and culture are undeniably amazing, and every European country has something unique to offer. That said, not every country makes the experience equally easy or equally rewarding for someone coming from the US. If you’re new to Europe or traveling in general, you might want to prioritize one of the following countries, which are known for being best for American travelers.

Italy

Italy delivers on every expectation, and then some. The food alone is worth the flight. You’ve got region-specific dishes that don’t taste anything like the Italian food you’ve had back home, from fresh pasta in Bologna to wood-fired pizza in Naples to seafood in Sicily. The country is also absolutely loaded with history. Rome’s Colosseum, the Vatican, the ruins of Pompeii, and the canals of Venice are all within reach. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so communication isn’t usually a problem. Italy also has a very functional rail system that connects the major cities, which makes hopping from Florence to Rome to the Amalfi Coast surprisingly seamless.

Portugal

Portugal has exploded in popularity with American travelers over the past decade, and the reasons are pretty clear. It’s one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, meaning your dollar goes further here than almost anywhere else on the continent. Also, Lisbon is one of the most walkable capital cities in Europe, built across a series of hills with incredible views and a streetcar system that’ll take you through neighborhoods you’d never find on your own.

The Portuguese are warm toward visitors, and there’s also a food scene that constantly gets underestimated. Imagine enjoying fresh seafood, pastel de nata, and local wine that costs almost nothing all day.

Ireland

For first-time international travelers, Ireland removes one of the biggest barriers right away: the language. Everyone speaks English, but more than that, the Irish are incredibly social and welcoming to Americans. You might want to visit for the pubs alone, which are the social hubs of most towns and villages, with live traditional music, conversation with locals, and an atmosphere you can’t manufacture.

The Irish countryside is also stunning, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal route 1,600 miles long. But if you prefer a city vibe, Dublin gives you the urban experience with history built into every street.

France

France has a reputation for being unwelcoming to American tourists, but that’s mostly exclusive to Paris. Even in Paris, making even the smallest effort to speak French can go a long way toward a nice experience.

However, the country is really worth visiting for three reasons: food, wine, and lovely countryside. The food is extraordinary and varies dramatically by region. What you eat in Lyon is completely different from what you eat in Bordeaux or Nice, and it’s all delicious. When you’re ready for a drink, you can head to the acclaimed regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne to sip high-quality wines with even higher-quality scenery.

Spain

Spain works incredibly well for American travelers because of how flexible it is as a destination. Whether you want beaches, mountains, cities, or rural countryside, it’s all there.

Barcelona, in particular, is one of the most visually striking cities in Europe, thanks to Antoni Gaudí’s architecture. Travel a bit to Madrid, and you can experience world-class art, nightlife, and food. Then the Andalusia region in the south gives you flamenco, Moorish architecture, and one of the warmest climates in Europe.

And let’s not forget about tapas culture. You can eat your way through a city in small bites and 2-Euro glasses of wine across dozens of stops, stopping only to take a relaxing midday siesta.

Greece

Greece combines ancient history with a relaxed, sun-drenched lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Athens is the obvious starting point, with the Acropolis sitting above the city like a constant reminder of how old the place is. But the islands are what many American travelers come back for. Santorini’s architecture is iconic for a reason, but Crete, Rhodes, and Mykonos each have their own character.

The food is fresh, simple, and grilled over open flame. Olive oil, feta, fresh vegetables, and seafood dominate the menu, and it’s all incredibly affordable compared to Northern Europe.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands works especially well as a base for travelers who want to see multiple countries in one trip. Amsterdam connects to Paris, Brussels, London, and Cologne with fast train rides of two to three hours, which means you can cover serious ground without ever getting on another plane.

The Dutch speak excellent English at essentially every level of society, which makes logistics simple. Amsterdam itself is compact and incredibly easy to navigate, with the canal system acting as a natural landmark. The Netherlands is also one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world, and renting a bike to get around is one of the best ways to experience Dutch life at street level.

Germany

Germany doesn’t always make the top of American travelers’ must-visit lists, but it consistently delivers. The country is incredibly well-organized, which makes getting around easy even if you don’t speak the language. For instance, the train network is one of the most extensive in Europe.

Berlin is one of the most culturally rich cities on the continent, with a contemporary art scene, an internationally recognized nightlife culture, and a richness of 20th-century history. You can also head to Bavaria, in southern Germany, for castles, the Alps, and beer hall culture.

Make the Most of Your European Trip With a Tour

There you have it—the best countries in Europe for American travelers. Did any of them seem to call your name? You can’t go wrong planning a visit, and the best way to do so for a truly stress-free experience is with a tour.

At Italy Luxury Tours, we offer exactly that: luxury Italy vacation packages that are fully guided and completely customizable. We have pre-designed several itineraries that take travelers through the best parts and hidden gems of the country. Or, if you know exactly what you want to see but don’t want to navigate the logistics on your own, you can get in touch to create a custom tour. Whatever you want, we will make it happen, ensuring you have a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience at every step along the way.