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Three weeks in Europe might sound like a dream trip – and honestly, it is.

When you have this much time, you’re no longer forced to choose between Paris or Amsterdam, or between Berlin or Prague.

INSTEAD, YOU CAN PIECE TOGETHER AN ITINERARY THAT FEELS EXPANSIVE BUT STILL INTENTIONAL.

As someone who’s spent years living in Europe, I know how tempting it is to cram in every country on the map.

But after dozens of trips, I’ve learned that travel feels most rewarding when you strike a balance between big-name destinations and smaller cities.

That’s exactly what this itinerary delivers.

YOU’LL MOVE AT A PACE THAT FEELS ENERGIZING RATHER THAN EXHAUSTING, WHILE STILL COVERING NINE CITIES ACROSS SIX COUNTRIES.

Whether this is your first trip to Europe or you’re returning to dive deeper, these three weeks will leave you with stories, photos, and moments that stick with you long after your flight home.

(And if you want even more help planning your trip, don’t forget to sign up for my free email course below!)

The Best 3 Week Europe Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

How to Plan Your Trip to Europe

Want more help planning your next European vacation?

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YOU’LL GET ONE EASY-TO-DIGEST EMAIL A DAY, EACH FOCUSED ON AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE TRAVEL PLANNING PROCESS.

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Ready to plan that trip — without the usual anxiety and overwhelm?

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When to Visit Europe

THE BEST TIME FOR THIS THREE WEEK ROUTE IS LATE SPRING (MAY – JUNE) OR EARLY FALL (SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER).

These months offer mild weather and fewer crowds compared to summer.

Summer can be beautiful but expect high temperatures, packed tourist sites, and premium prices.

Winter is great if you’re drawn to Christmas markets, but be aware that some Central European destinations will be cold and dark by late afternoon.

OVERALL, SHOULDER SEASONS STRIKE THE BEST BALANCE FOR WEATHER, CROWDS, AND COSTS.

How to Get Around Europe

THIS ITINERARY IS DESIGNED AS A TRAIN TRAVEL ROUTE, WHICH I FIND TO BE THE MOST RELAXED AND EFFICIENT WAY TO EXPLORE EUROPE.

Trains connect most major cities on this itinerary with easy city-center departures and arrivals, skipping airport stress altogether.

I recommend booking long-distance or high-speed train tickets in advance to secure better prices and seat reservations.

For travel within cities, public transportation is flexible and can be purchased once you arrive.

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The Perfect 3 Week Europe Itinerary

This route is designed as an extended grand tour through Europe's cultural heart, from classic western capitals to vibrant central European cities.

The itinerary begins in London, making it a practical first stop for most travelers.

STARTING YOUR TRIP IN AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY OFFERS A GENTLE CULTURAL TRANSITION BEFORE HEADING TO DESTINATIONS WHERE YOU’LL NEED TO NAVIGATE LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES.

If you find a better flight deal into Budapest, you can always reverse the route.

And be sure to read this post if you have questions about passports and visa requirements for visiting Europe.

Week 1: London, Paris, and Antwerp

Day 1–3: Start in London

London is an ideal starting point for your European adventure.

IT COMBINES CENTURIES OF ROYAL HISTORY WITH CONTEMPORARY CULTURE AND A TRULY GLOBAL DINING SCENE.

From my experience, it’s also a great city for walking, with each neighborhood offering its own unique vibe – Soho feels completely different from Brixton, for example.

You’ll be able to tick off major world landmarks here while also getting a taste of Britain’s pub culture, museum scene, and hidden gardens.

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the London leg of your three week Europe itinerary:

See Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben
Tour the Tower of London
Visit the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery or the Tate Modern
Enjoy afternoon tea or a visit to a traditional British pub
Take a day trip to Oxford, the Cotswolds, or Bath
Wrap up with a sunset ride on the London Eye

Day 4–6: Explore Paris

The Eurostar ride from London to Paris makes this next leg simple and seamless.

PARIS IS ONE OF THOSE CITIES THAT TRULY LIVES UP TO ITS GLOBAL REPUTATION – ROMANTIC, HISTORIC, AND ENDLESSLY PHOTOGENIC.

I was skeptical about doing a Seine river cruise on my first visit, but it ended up being one of the highlights, especially seeing the Eiffel Tower from the water.

Beyond the major sights, though, I love the small moments in Paris, from people watching at streetside cafés or grabbing fresh pastries from a neighborhood boulangerie.

I find that it’s a city best explored by foot, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to climb some steps, especially in Montmartre.

DON’T FORGET TO BUILD IN A LITTLE DOWNTIME, TOO.

Whether that’s lounging in the Luxembourg Gardens or booking a spa treatment at one of the city’s top spa hotels, it will be a good balance to the full days of sightseeing and experiences.

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Paris portion of your three week Europe itinerary:

See Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter
Visit the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, along with smaller museums of interest
Admire the Eiffel Tower or take the elevator to the top
Go shopping along the Champs-Élysées
Take a Seine river cruise for a different view of the city
Dedicate a day trip to Versailles or Monet’s Garden in Giverny

Day 7: Stopover in Antwerp for the Day

Antwerp is a fantastic stopover between Paris and Amsterdam that many travelers overlook.

This stylish Belgian city is known for its fashion scene, world-class art museums, and beautiful Gothic architecture.

IF YOU WANT MY INSIDER OPINION, SKIP BRUSSELS ALTOGETHER AND EXPLORE ANTWERP INSTEAD.

Walking through the Grote Markt and seeing the ornate guildhalls feels like stepping back into a different era of European trade and artistry.

It’s also a great place to try Belgian chocolate, grab a local beer, and experience Flemish culture before heading north to the Netherlands.

Store your luggage at the train station so that you can enjoy the city for the day, and then head on towards Amsterdam in the evening to reduce the number of hotel changes.

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Antwerp stop of your three week Europe itinerary:

Take a private tour of Antwerp’s famous Diamond District
Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady and admire its Rubens paintings
Explore Grote Markt and the medieval guildhalls
Take a bike tour of Antwerp to learn about its history and hidden gems
Visit the Museum aan de Stroom for panoramic city views

Week 2: Amsterdam and Berlin

Day 8–10: Discover Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most charming capitals, full of intriguing history and laid-back charm.

I always love how easy it is to settle into a rhythm here – mornings with stroopwafel and coffee, afternoons exploring canal-side museums, and evenings relaxing at a local bar or brown café.

The Museumplein area is a boon for art lovers, with both the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum offering impressive collections.

I always take a canal cruise whenever I’m in Amsterdam – seeing the historic canal houses from the water gives you a completely different perspective on the city.

AND EXPLORING NEIGHBORHOODS LIKE JORDAAN OR DE PIJP WILL GIVE YOU A GLIMPSE OF LOCAL LIFE BEYOND THE TOURIST CENTERS.

Amsterdam is flat and bike-friendly, so if you’re feeling confident, rent a bike and experience the city like a local.

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Amsterdam segment of your three week Europe itinerary:

Visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum
Take a canal cruise
Explore the Albert Cuypmarkt
Tour the Anne Frank House (book tickets in advance!)

💡 Want more ideas for Amsterdam? Read my full 3 Day Amsterdam itinerary.

Day 11–13: Immerse Yourself in Berlin

During each visit to Berlin I’m reminded how large the city is, and how many different layers the city possesses.

From stark reminders of 20th-century history to a youthful, contemporary arts scene, Berlin is a pulsing capital with legendary nightlife and a fantastic food scene.

Walking through Berlin, you’ll go from stately neoclassical buildings to graffiti-covered remnants of the Berlin Wall in minutes.

If you’re a history buff, you could spend days here and still not see it all — my advice is to focus on your interests to ensure you’re taking in the best sights for you.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT TRYING A DÖNER KEBAB – IT’S A TURKISH-GERMAN STREET FOOD STAPLE INVENTED IN WEST BERLIN IN THE 1970S.

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Berlin stop of your three week Europe itinerary:

Visit Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag
See the East Side Gallery and Berlin Wall Memorial
Explore Museum Island
Walk through Prenzlauer Berg and grab brunch at a local café
Take the Third Reich and Cold War walking tour

Week 3: Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest

Day 14–15: Experience Prague

I love Prague for its medieval charm, cobblestoned lanes, and baroque churches.

Though it can get a bit touristy in the summer, the city’s beauty is undeniable, and there are plenty of hidden gems to discover.

Make sure to get up early at least one morning to see Charles Bridge without the daytime crowds – it feels almost magical in the dawn light.

The food scene here is also worth exploring, from traditional Czech dishes like svíčková to modern cafés and microbreweries.

IF YOU’RE INTO VIEWS, CLIMB UP TO PRAGUE CASTLE OR LETNÁ PARK FOR CITY PANORAMAS.

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Prague portion of your three week Europe itinerary:

Visit Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
Walk across Charles Bridge at sunrise
Explore Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock
Take a food and beer tour to learn more about Czech beer and cuisine

Day 16–17: Enjoy Vienna

EVERY TIME I’M IN VIENNA I’M STRUCK BY HOW GRAND THE CITY FEELS.

Ornate palaces, chandelier-lit coffeehouses, and streets lined with historic facades define the Austrian capital.

It seems there’s always another art museum to explore in Vienna, and an endless array of Viennese cafés.

Beyond the city’s MuseumsQuartier, I also love traipsing through the Naschmarkt and popping into design shops in the Neubau neighborhood.

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE IS UNMISSABLE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ENJOY IMAGINING ROYAL LIFE.

The gardens alone could keep me occupied for hours.

Don’t leave Vienna without trying a slice of sachertorte, a chocolate sponge cake with apricot jam that’s practically an icon of the city.

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Vienna segment of your three week in Europe itinerary:

Visit Schönbrunn Palace and gardens
Tour the Hofburg and see the Imperial Apartments
Admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Have coffee and cake at Café Central or Café Demel

💡 Want more ideas for Vienna? Read my full Vienna post.

Day 18: Spend a Day in Bratislava

BRATISLAVA IS JUST AN HOUR BY TRAIN FROM VIENNA, MAKING IT THE EASIEST CAPITAL-TO-CAPITAL TRIP IN EUROPE.

It’s best to treat it like a day trip from Vienna to reduce the number of hotel changes during your trip.

Smaller than its neighboring capitals, Bratislava has a compact old town with colorful buildings and quirky statues lining the streets.

Walking up to the castle for views over the Danube is one of the highlights from my time here.

You only need a day to see its main sights, but if you’re staying for dinner, book a table at Zylinder Cafe.

I still daydream about the foie gras pierogies I had there years ago!

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Bratislava stop of your three week in Europe itinerary:

Visit Bratislava Castle for amazing views of the city and the Danube
Take a walking tour through the Old Town and see Michael’s Gate
Admire the Church of St. Elizabeth, also known as the Blue Church
Learn about the Soviet influence on Slovakia with the Bratislava Post-Communism Tour

Day 19–21: End in Budapest

BUDAPEST IS THE PERFECT CITY TO FINISH A THREE WEEK EUROPE TRIP.

It combines architectural grandeur with laid-back ruin bars and therapeutic thermal baths.

The city is split into Buda and Pest, each with its own character – Buda is hilly and historic, while Pest is flat and buzzing with nightlife.

Make time to walk along the Danube at sunset to see the Parliament building glow against the evening sky.

And before flying home, take inspiration from the city’s thermal baths and treat yourself to a spa treatment at a swank hotel like Corinthia Budapest or the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel.

You could also swing past the Széchenyi or Gellért Thermal Baths, if you don’t mind their communal nature!

→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Budapest stop of your three week Europe itinerary: