A friend recently asked me an intriguing question: If I had four days in Europe this October, where would I go?

Although I answered her text message personally, such a question felt worthy of addressing on this blog, as well (with fully expanded answers, rather than my usage of acronyms and texting brevity).

Quick side note and spoiler alert: My aforementioned friend has already been to London and Paris, so neither destination made this list. Also, based on my personal vacation preferences, I tend to be a “city vacation” kind of girl rather than an off-the-beaten-path kind of traveler. If you’re not that kind of vacationer, you might disregard this list altogether.

My answers included the following:

1. Vienna: When describing the city, I love to simply say, “Vienna is exquisite.” My trip earlier this spring solidified it as one of my favorite cities in the world, and I would return in a heartbeat. Between St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the variety of palaces, expansive museums, high-end shopping in the historic district and anything playing at Vienna State Opera House, one can’t go wrong. So many things are within walking distance, and the food is excellent. You are enveloped in elegance at nearly every turn. Completely and utterly exquisite.

2. Athens: I love Athens for many similar reasons as listed above: the history of the Acropolis, Parthenon and other landmarks; the hustle and bustle of central market shopping; and outstanding food. But Athens comes with a true vacation vibe. It also has the gorgeous Aegean Sea next door and provides room for some island hopping around the archipelago. A bit more people-watching, in my opinion. Athens is a bit more sit-back-and-enjoy while Vienna is more I-need-a-closer look.

3. Budapest and/or Prague: Although I haven’t seen Prague, I know friends who say it’s their favorite city in the world. Only a little over an hour flight, or a 7.5-hour train ride allows you to see both of these capitals on the same trip if you’d like to compare. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Budapest even in the short time I was there. Additional time in both of these cities would be required in order for me to adequately differentiate between the two, but trust me, my passport is ready to be stamped by either one.

4. Croatia and Montenegro: I almost booked a trip to Montenegro this fall but decided to bump it into my 2025 list of locations to visit. The country is quickly rising as an up-and-coming luxury travel destination (Four Seasons Yachts will sail there in 2026), and the Adriatic Sea seems to be calling my name. I’d also love to add some time in Dubrovnik to my itinerary to see the churches, palaces and ancient walls around Old Town.

5. However, if I had to choose a European destination to visit this fall (somewhere I haven’t yet been), my choice would be Rome. For all the same reasons listed above, I’m sure you can see why Rome tops my list. I fear four days would be too little time, but what I would sacrifice in time, I’d be sure to make up for in gelato. Even in cooler, autumnal weather, I’m ready to see the fountains, the domes, the chapels, the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps.

To be fair, I also hear wonderful things about Lisbon, Brussels, Istanbul and MANY other European destinations that did not make my list. I’m also seriously looking to finagle a trip to Dublin next year to check out some Celtic country and watch a college football game.

I’m curious — if a friend asked your opinion on spending four days in Europe, where might you suggest?

— Carrie Cox, account executive