Are you looking for the best places to visit with a Schengen visa on your first Europe trip? Then Europe offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and iconic cities.
The biggest advantage? One Schengen visa lets you explore multiple European countries without applying for separate visas.
If you’re planning your first Europe trip, here are the best places to visit with a Schengen visa that offer a perfect mix of iconic sights, natural beauty, and easy travel.
Table Of Content
1Best Schengen Countries to Visit in 20262How to Plan a Multi-Country Trip with a Schengen Visa3Schengen Visa Travel Tips4Common Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling on a Schengen Visa5Conclusion6Frequently Asked Questions
Best Schengen Countries to Visit in 2026
The best Schengen countries to visit in 2026 offer a perfect mix of iconic landmarks, natural beauty, history, and culture, including:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Greece
4. Iceland
5. Italy
6. Latvia
7. Lithuania
8. Slovakia
1. France
France is one of the best choices for a first Europe trip, offering a perfect mix of iconic landmarks, art, fashion, and cuisine. From romantic Paris to the scenic countryside, every region has a unique charm.
Don’t miss: Paris, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Nice, French Riviera
2. Switzerland
Switzerland is ideal for nature lovers and photographers. Its snow-capped Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and world-famous scenic trains make travel itself an experience.
Don’t miss: Interlaken, Lucerne, Jungfraujoch, Zurich
3. Greece
Greece combines ancient history with stunning island beauty. Explore historic ruins by day and relax on beautiful Mediterranean beaches by evening.
Don’t miss: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos
4. Iceland
Iceland is a dream destination for adventure seekers. Known for dramatic landscapes, it offers volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and magical Northern Lights.
Don’t miss: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon
5. Italy
Italy is rich in history, art, and food culture. Every city feels like an open-air museum, making it perfect for culture and romance lovers.
Don’t miss: Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan
6. Latvia
Latvia is a budget-friendly European destination with beautiful medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scenes.
Don’t miss: Riga Old Town
7. Lithuania
Lithuania offers calm cities, historic castles, and a relaxed travel pace, ideal for travellers who enjoy cultural exploration.
Don’t miss: Vilnius, Trakai Castle
8. Slovakia
Slovakia is known for fairytale towns, castles, and mountain landscapes, with fewer crowds than Western Europe.
Don’t miss: Bratislava, High Tatras Mountain
These destinations truly rank among the best places to visit with a Schengen visa, especially for first-time travellers planning a memorable Europe trip in 2026.
How to Plan a Multi-Country Trip with a Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa allows travellers to visit multiple European countries with one visa, making it ideal for a multi-country Europe trip. To plan effectively, choose Schengen countries that are close to each other and create a clear travel itinerary before applying for the visa.
Apply for your Schengen visa through the embassy of your main destination, which is the country where you will spend the most days. Your itinerary should include travel dates, accommodation details, and transport plans between countries.
Use Europe’s well-connected train network or budget airlines for easy travel across borders.
Travel insurance valid across all Schengen countries is mandatory. Carry copies of your passport, Schengen visa, hotel bookings, and return tickets while travelling. Proper planning helps avoid visa issues and ensures a smooth multi-country journey in Europe.
Schengen Visa Travel Tips
Planning smartly can help you enjoy the best places to visit in Europe without any travel stress. Here are some essential Schengen visa travel tips every traveller should follow:
Apply early: Submit your visa application at least 3–6 weeks before travel to avoid delays.
Choose the right embassy: Apply through the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the maximum number of days.
Strong travel itinerary: Show confirmed accommodation, internal travel plans, and a clear purpose of visit.
Valid travel insurance: Coverage must be minimum €30,000 and valid across all Schengen countries.
Proof of funds: Maintain sufficient bank balance and provide clear financial documents.
Return intention matters: Strong ties to your home country (job, salary slips, leave letter, family) improve approval chances.
Avoid dummy documents: Any false booking or mismatch can lead to visa rejection or future bans.
Respect visa rules: Enter through the issuing country and make sure you leave the Schengen Area within the approved travel date mentioned on your visa.
Carry documents while travelling: Immigration officers may ask for hotel bookings, insurance, and return tickets.
Professional guidance helps: Expert visa assistance reduces errors and increases approval chances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling on a Schengen Visa
Traveling to Europe is a dream for many, especially when a single visa lets you explore the best places to visit with a Schengen visa across multiple countries. From historic cities to scenic landscapes, the Schengen visa offers unmatched travel freedom.
However, even with an approved visa, small mistakes during travel can lead to entry issues, fines, or future visa rejections. To help you enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey, here are the most common mistakes to avoid while traveling on a Schengen visa.
- Applying through the wrong embassy
- Overstaying the visa validity
- Not having sufficient travel insurance
- Poor travel planning between countries
- Entering the Schengen Area through the wrong country
- Lack of proof of accommodation
- Insufficient funds for the trip
- Not carrying return or onward travel tickets
- Using the visa for the wrong purpose
- Providing inconsistent information at immigration
- Ignoring single-entry or multiple-entry conditions
- Assuming visa approval guarantees entry
Avoiding these mistakes ensures smooth travel and future visa approvals. Also check out our Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection for Indians and How to Avoid Them in 2026 before submitting your application.
Conclusion
A Schengen visa opens the door to some of the best places to visit in Europe, making it an ideal choice for first-time travellers. Whether you dream of romantic Paris, scenic Switzerland, historic Italy, magical Greece, or adventurous Iceland, careful planning is the key to an unforgettable European journey. For the latest Schengen visa updates from India, check the official VFS Global site.
If you’re unsure about choosing the right countries or applying for the correct visa, expert guidance can make all the difference. Your European travel dream starts with the right plan, with CanApprove by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
