Asian travelers have specific expectations of European trips. Here's the honest sort.
Tier 1 — popular with Asian tourists
- Paris: Iconic. Often #1 European trip for Asian travelers.
- London: Iconic + English friendly.
- Rome: Vatican + ancient Rome.
- Switzerland alpine loop (Lucerne + Zermatt + Interlaken): Mountain scenery + train networks.
- Hallstatt: Iconic alpine village + extremely popular with Asian travelers.
Tier 2 — strong
- Amsterdam: Canals + tulips (in season).
- Barcelona: Gaudí + beaches.
- Vienna: Imperial + classical music.
- Prague: Medieval atmosphere.
- Santorini: Iconic photography destination.
Tier 3 — emerging
- Reykjavík + Iceland: Northern Lights season.
- Cinque Terre: Photogenic.
- Edinburgh: Castle + Highland day-trips.
Practical considerations
- Tour packages: Many Asian travelers prefer organized tours; large group tours common.
- Photography focus: Bring tripod-friendly attractions to top of itinerary.
- Schengen visa: Most Asian passports require Schengen visa (10-year US-style not common).
- Asian food access: All major cities have Korean, Japanese, Chinese options.
Strategy
Pick cities with iconic photography first; depth-cities (Berlin, Madrid) for repeat visits. Smaller European cities often more exciting on second/third trip than first.