Comparison · United Kingdom

Choosing Your First European City: London, Paris, Rome, Madrid or Barcelona?

First trip to Europe — where should you start? We compare London, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Barcelona, all reachable by air from Incheon, by who they suit, top sights, airport transfers, best seasons and safety.

Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona under a blue sky — Sagrada Família, Barcelona · Photo: Canaan / CC BY-SA 4.0

Published 2026-09-30 · Updated 2026-10-01

What to know first

All five are reachable by air from Incheon (check current routes and whether a stop is needed with the airlines), with straight-line distances of about 8,860-9,970 km (London 8,860, Paris 8,930, Rome 8,960, Barcelona 9,590, Madrid 9,970 km). Check exact flight times and recent fares on the route pages below.

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are generally the most pleasant for walking. Midsummer brings crowds, and Rome and Madrid often get very hot. In all five, watch out for pickpockets in busy areas.

London — free museums and musicals

A city where royal tradition meets modern culture, with many world-class museums like the British Museum and National Gallery free to enter. Great for history, theater and parks, though hotels and dining are pricey.

From Heathrow, trains reach central London in about 15-45 minutes (the express train to Paddington takes about 15 minutes; the Elizabeth line takes longer depending on your stop). May-September has long days and the best weather; rain is possible year-round, so pack an umbrella.

The UK is not in the EU and has its own entry process. Travelers from visa-free countries such as Korea need an electronic travel authorisation (UK ETA) before arrival — check official UK government information.

Neoclassical main facade of the British Museum in London — British Museum, London · Photo: Ham / CC BY-SA 3.0

Paris — museums, cafes and the Seine

The city of art, famous for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Seine-side strolls and cafe culture. Ideal for lovers of museums, architecture and food, and a dense metro makes it easy to see a lot in a short trip.

Regional trains run from Charles de Gaulle to the center in about 35-50 minutes. April-June and September-October are most pleasant, and some shops close for August holidays. Pickpockets are very common on the metro and around the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.

The Eiffel Tower by day, seen beyond trees in spring bloom. — Eiffel Tower, Paris · Photo: Jorge Royan / CC BY-SA 3.0

Rome — an open-air museum

So full of ancient ruins and Renaissance art it feels like an open-air museum. Perfect for lovers of history, architecture, pasta and gelato, and most of the center is walkable.

A non-stop train runs from Fiumicino to Termini in about 32 minutes. April-June and September-October are most comfortable; July-August can bring very hot days of around 35°C. Easter brings huge crowds around the Vatican.

Madrid — art, tapas and day trips

Spain's capital is known for world-class museums like the Prado, lively tapas culture and late nights. It is also a great base for day trips to Toledo and Segovia.

The center is about 25-40 minutes from the airport by metro or airport bus. April-June and September-October are most pleasant; July-August can bring very hot days above 35°C.

Barcelona — Gaudí and the Mediterranean

A Mediterranean city where Gaudí's architecture, led by the Sagrada Familia, meets medieval lanes and city beaches. Famous for tapas and seafood too.

The airport bus reaches Plaça de Catalunya in about 35 minutes. May-June and September-October are warm and less crowded; July-August is busiest, with sights booking up fast. It is notorious for pickpockets, so take extra care on La Rambla, the metro and the beaches.

Which city suits you?

Rather than rushing through many countries, pick one or two cities for a first trip and stay 3-5 nights each.

Free museums, musicals and parks: London
Art museums, cafes and cityscapes: Paris
Ancient ruins and history walks: Rome
Art, tapas and day trips: Madrid
Architecture, beaches and Mediterranean vibes: Barcelona

Check before you go

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is in operation, so non-EU travelers may have fingerprints and a photo taken when entering France, Italy or Spain. Check the official EU website before travel for the current status of ETIAS. The UK separately requires an electronic travel authorisation (UK ETA) — check official UK government information.

Entry requirements: check official UK government and EU information
Against pickpockets: wear your bag in front, don't leave your phone on restaurant tables, and decline petitions or bracelets
Airport transfers: use official taxi ranks and avoid unlicensed drivers
Peak season (July-August): book major sights ahead

Full London travel guide →

FAQ

Which European city is best for a first trip?

Paris for art and cafes, London for free museums and musicals, Rome for ancient history, Barcelona for architecture and beaches, and Madrid for art and day trips.

Is entry to the UK different from the rest of Europe?

Yes. The UK is not in the EU and requires a UK ETA, while France, Italy and Spain use the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Check each official source before you travel.

When is the best time to visit?

Generally April-June and September-October. London has long days in May-September, while Rome and Madrid get very hot in midsummer.

Are pickpockets really that common?

In all five cities, take care at sights and on the metro. Wear your bag in front and decline anyone offering petitions or bracelets.