Traveling internationally for the first time can feel overwhelming. New languages, currencies, and customs can easily turn excitement into anxiety.
But what if you chose a destination that's beginner-friendly—places where locals are helpful, transport is easy, and experiences are rich without being stressful? We've got you covered. Let's explore ten international cities that are perfect for your very first overseas adventure.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Why it's great for first-timers:
Tokyo is clean, extremely safe, and well-organized. Public transportation is world-class, with signs in English across the city.
Must-see:
• Shibuya Crossing – the world's busiest pedestrian crossing
• Senso-ji Temple – free to enter and open 24/7
• Tokyo Skytree – entry is around $15
Transport:
Get a Suica or Pasmo card and tap your way across the subway and bus systems. The JR Yamanote Line circles the city and is easy for tourists.
Tip:
Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:00 a.m.)—trains get very packed.
Best time to visit:
March to May for cherry blossoms or October to early December for mild weather and fall colors.
2. Singapore
Why it's great for first-timers:
English is widely spoken, the streets are spotless, and public transport is cheap and efficient.
Top spots:
• Gardens by the Bay – Cloud Forest and Flower Dome combo: ~$22
• Sentosa Island – beaches, theme parks, and sea views
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – ~$17 entry
Transport:
Use the MRT (subway) with an EZ-Link card. Rides are usually under $1.50.
Best time to go:
February to April for fewer rains and cooler evenings.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Why it's great for first-timers:
It's affordable, scenic, and packed with history—without the crowds of Paris or London.
Don't miss:
• Belém Tower – ~$6 entry
• Tram 28 ride – ~$3.50 for a scenic tour of old Lisbon
• Time Out Market – try local pastries like pastel de nata
Getting around:
Lisbon's metro system is small but reliable. You can also explore many sights on foot.
Travel tip:
Wear comfortable shoes—Lisbon's hills and cobbled streets are no joke!
4. Melbourne, Australia
Why it's great for first-timers:
It's friendly, English-speaking, and has a chill urban vibe that blends art, coffee, and beaches.
Explore:
• Royal Botanic Gardens – free and peaceful
• Brighton Beach – colorful bathing boxes
• Great Ocean Road day trip – from ~$90
Transport:
Free tram zone in the city center! Just hop on.
Best season:
Visit during the Southern Hemisphere's spring: September to November.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Why it's great for first-timers:
It's safe, quiet, and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes you can't find anywhere else.
Bucket list:
• Blue Lagoon – ~$55 (advance booking required)
• Golden Circle tour – around $100 for a full-day guided trip
Getting around:
Use Flybus from the airport. Local buses cover Reykjavik, but tours are best for exploring nature.
When to go:
June to August offers long daylight hours and mild temperatures.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why it's great for first-timers:
Small, walkable, and full of cultural experiences. English is spoken almost everywhere.
Top attractions:
• Van Gogh Museum – ~$22
• Canal cruise – ~$20 for a 1-hour ride
• Anne Frank House – ~$15 (book well in advance)
Transport:
Buy a GVB pass for unlimited public transport ($9/day).
Tip:
Avoid peak tourist months (July and August) for cheaper hotels and shorter lines.
7. Vancouver, Canada
Why it's great for first-timers:
Nature meets city life. Safe neighborhoods, English-speaking locals, and easy travel systems.
Highlights:
• Stanley Park – free, with bike rentals from ~$10/hr
• Capilano Suspension Bridge – ~$47 admission
• Granville Island – artisan markets and local food
Transport:
SkyTrain and SeaBus are convenient for tourists. Get a Compass Card for discounts.
Best time to visit:
May to September, when the city is sunny and dry.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Why it's great for first-timers:
It's lively, full of art and architecture, and easy to explore on foot or metro.
Must-see:
• Sagrada Familia – ~$30 entry
• Park Güell – ~$10 entry
• La Rambla & Gothic Quarter – free to wander
Transport:
Barcelona's T10 card gives you 10 rides for ~$13 on metro/bus.
Best time:
April to June or September to early November for great weather and fewer crowds.
9. Vienna, Austria
Why it's great for first-timers:
It's clean, organized, and packed with music, palaces, and pastries.
Highlights:
• Schönbrunn Palace – ~$30 for full tour
• St. Stephen's Cathedral – entry is free, tower climb ~$6
• Belvedere Museum – ~$17 to see Klimt's The Kiss
Transport:
A 24-hour transport pass costs about $9 and works on all buses, trams, and metro lines.
Best season:
Spring and fall are less crowded but still beautiful.
10. Seoul, South Korea
Why it's great for first-timers:
Affordable, safe, and buzzing with culture and K-pop energy.
To explore:
• Gyeongbokgung Palace – ~$3, or free if wearing hanbok
• Myeongdong – shop, snack, and stroll
• N Seoul Tower – ~$10 to go up
Transport:
Use a T-money card on the subway. Signs and announcements are in English too.
Tip:
Download Naver or Kakao Maps—they work better in Korea.
Traveling abroad for the first time is a milestone, not just a vacation. These 10 cities are the perfect places to get started—each offering unique experiences without making you feel lost or unsafe.
So which one will be your first step into the world? Whether you crave temples, beaches, or museums, there's a perfect city waiting for you. Let us know in the comments which one you're adding to your bucket list—or if you've already been, which city made you fall in love with traveling!
