Dreaming about a trip to Europe?
From the historic streets of Rome to the beaches of Greece and the colorful neighborhoods of Lisbon, Europe offers an incredible variety of destinations for American travelers.
And sometimes the best way to decide where to go isn't to choose the destination first.
Instead, choose your travel dates, compare flights from the USA to several European cities and see which destination offers the best combination of airfare, experiences and adventure.
Compare flight options from the United States to destinations around the world.
7 Amazing European Destinations for American Travelers
If Europe is on your travel list, these seven destinations are excellent places to begin your search.
1. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
Lisbon is one of those cities that immediately feels like a vacation.
Historic yellow trams travel through narrow streets, colorful buildings cover the hills and viewpoints across the city reveal spectacular views toward the Tagus River.
Start your visit in Alfama, one of Lisbon's most atmospheric neighborhoods, before exploring Baixa, Chiado and the famous Belém district.
Food should also be part of the itinerary. Try traditional Portuguese dishes, fresh seafood and, of course, a pastel de nata with coffee.
Perfect for:
Couples, food lovers, photographers, city-break travelers and anyone looking to combine culture with a relaxed European atmosphere.
Lisbon can also be the starting point for a bigger Portugal itinerary including Sintra, Cascais, Porto or the Algarve.
2. Athens, Greece 🇬🇷
History, Mediterranean food, nightlife and access to some of the world's most famous islands make Athens an excellent choice for Americans traveling to Europe.
The Acropolis and Parthenon dominate the city's skyline, while neighborhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki and Psyrri offer restaurants, cafés, rooftop bars and lively streets.
But Athens can also be just the beginning.
After exploring the Greek capital, travelers can continue their vacation toward destinations such as:
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Crete
- Paros
- Naxos
- Rhodes
That makes Greece particularly attractive if you want to combine a major European city with a Mediterranean island vacation.
3. Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
There are cities you visit.
Then there are cities you experience.
Rome is definitely the second.
The Italian capital brings thousands of years of history into a modern, energetic European city.
Visit the Colosseum, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, walk through Piazza Navona, explore the Pantheon and spend time discovering Vatican City.
But some of the best moments in Rome happen without an itinerary.
Walk down a quiet street, discover a neighborhood restaurant, order an espresso or sit in a piazza and watch the city around you.
And then there is the food...
Carbonara. Cacio e pepe. Pizza. Gelato. Espresso.
Italy is a destination where meals become part of the travel experience.
Rome is also an excellent starting point for exploring more of Italy, with travelers often continuing toward Florence, Venice, Naples, Milan or the Amalfi Coast.
4. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
If your idea of Europe includes medieval streets, historic bridges, castles and beautiful architecture, Prague deserves a place near the top of your list.
Walk across Charles Bridge, explore Prague's Old Town, see the Astronomical Clock and climb toward Prague Castle for impressive views across the Czech capital.
Prague is particularly attractive for travelers interested in creating a multi-city European vacation.
🇨🇿 Prague → 🇦🇹 Vienna → ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º Budapest
One flight to Europe can therefore become an opportunity to experience several countries during the same vacation.
5. Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱
Want to discover a different side of Europe?
Consider Kraków.
Poland's historic city combines beautiful architecture, fascinating history, restaurants, nightlife and one of Europe's most impressive old-town environments.
The massive Main Market Square is an excellent starting point before walking toward Wawel Castle and exploring the streets of Kazimierz.
Kraków can be especially interesting for travelers who have already visited destinations such as London, Paris and Rome and now want somewhere different for their next European vacation.
6. Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸
Madrid is energetic, social and full of life.
Explore the Spanish capital's grand avenues, museums and historic plazas before experiencing one of the most important parts of Madrid culture: its food.
Tapas bars, traditional restaurants, markets and late dinners make the culinary experience part of the adventure.
Madrid can also work as the beginning of a larger Spain itinerary.
Depending on how much time you have, consider combining Madrid with:
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Valencia
- Málaga
- Granada
7. Sofia, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
For travelers looking beyond Europe's most famous destinations, Sofia offers something different.
Bulgaria's capital combines Orthodox churches, historic architecture, parks, cafés and modern city life with easy access to the country's wider cultural and natural attractions.
It can also be a good starting point for travelers interested in exploring more of the Balkans.
If you've already experienced Europe's biggest tourism capitals, destinations such as Sofia can bring an entirely different dimension to your next trip.
How to Search for Cheap Flights from the USA to Europe
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is searching only one route on one specific date.
Instead, try comparing several combinations.
1. Compare nearby departure airports
If you have access to more than one major airport, compare your options.
For example, travelers in the Northeast might compare departures from New York, Newark, Boston or other accessible airports.
2. Try different travel dates
If your vacation dates are flexible, search multiple departure and return combinations.
Moving your trip by even a few days may reveal completely different flight options.
3. Compare destinations before booking
Instead of searching only:
New York → Rome
try comparing:
New York → Madrid
New York → Athens
New York → Prague
New York → Kraków
New York → Rome
You may discover that another European destination works better for your dates and budget.
Where Could You Fly Next?
Enter your departure city, compare destinations and start planning your next adventure.
✈ SEARCH FLIGHTS NOWWhen Is a Good Time to Visit Europe?
There isn't one perfect time because the best season depends on the kind of trip you want.
Summer is ideal for travelers focused on beaches, islands and long days outdoors, while spring and fall can be attractive for city breaks, sightseeing, road trips and cultural travel.
Winter creates another completely different European experience, particularly for Christmas markets, mountain destinations and major cities.
The key is to compare your options before building the entire vacation around one destination.
Which European Destination Should You Choose?
Choose Lisbon for colorful streets, coastal atmosphere and Portuguese food.
Choose Athens for history, Mediterranean culture and access to the Greek islands.
Choose Rome for iconic landmarks, Italian cuisine and unforgettable streets.
Choose Prague for historic architecture and a classic Central European atmosphere.
Choose Kraków for history, culture and something beyond the traditional European itinerary.
Choose Madrid for food, culture, nightlife and Spanish energy.
Choose Sofia for a less obvious European adventure.
Your European Adventure Starts With a Flight Search
Maybe you've been thinking about Europe for months.
Maybe you haven't decided where to go yet.
Either way, start by seeing what's possible.
Compare different cities, experiment with your travel dates and look at your available flight options before making the final decision.
You might start searching for Italy and end up discovering Greece.
You might plan for Spain and discover Portugal.
Or you might find a destination you hadn't considered at all.
Sometimes the best trips begin that way.
Ready to See Where You Could Go?
Search and compare flight options for your next trip.
SEARCH & COMPARE FLIGHTS →Flight prices, availability and routes can change at any time. Always confirm the final price, itinerary, baggage rules and booking conditions before completing a reservation.