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Best destinations for first-time travelers in Europe

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Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
8.7
The Glockenspiel at Marienplatz chimes and dances twice a day, which makes a good place to begin. Munich is clean and safe, with a clear metro. Order a pretzel and beer in a historic hall. Mountains and lakes are a short train ride away from the center.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Climb St. Peter’s Church tower for city views
  • 🏰 Visit the grand Nymphenburg Palace and gardens
  • 🍺 Raise a stein at Oktoberfest in Theresienwiese
Hamburg
Port city with warehouses and the Elbphilharmonie
8.1
Brick warehouses of the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO site, stand over narrow canals in the old harbor. Hamburg has clear public transport and fish sandwiches sold at the docks. Visit Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway. The Elbphilharmonie has a free public plaza with harbor views.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Climb St. Michael’s Church tower for sweeping city views
  • 🚤 Cruise the Elbe River and see Hamburg’s harbor from the water
  • 🏰 Walk through the historic Speicherstadt and admire its red-brick canals
Berlin
Wall history, Museum Island and all-night clubs
9.1
The East Side Gallery is a 1.3 kilometer stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals. The Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and Museum Island are in the center of the city. Trains, trams and buses link most sights and make this city easy to explore. The Reichstag dome has free entry with a booking.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Visit the Reichstag Dome for panoramic city views
  • 🌉 Admire the Brandenburg Gate illuminated at night
  • 🧱 Explore the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery
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