The best telescope is the one you will actually use. It sounds obvious, but it is the single most important piece of advice in amateur astronomy. A large, complicated instrument that stays in its box is worse than a small, simple one you take outside every clear night.
The three main types
Refractors use lenses and are low-maintenance. A 70mm or 80mm refractor is an excellent first scope — sharp views of the Moon and planets, easy to set up, robust enough to travel.
Reflectors (Newtonians and Dobsonians) use mirrors and give you more aperture for your money. A 6-inch Dobsonian on a simple alt-az mount is the classic beginner recommendation for deep-sky objects.
Compound scopes (SCT, Mak-Cas) fold a long focal length into a compact tube. They are versatile but cost more. Worth considering once you know what you enjoy observing.
Budget guidance
You do not need to spend a fortune. A quality 70mm refractor or 130mm Newtonian can be had for under $150 and will show you the Moon, Jupiter's cloud bands, Saturn's rings, and hundreds of deep-sky objects. Spend more on a dark sky than on glass.
Avoid department-store telescopes that advertise magnification rather than aperture — they are almost universally disappointing. Buy from a dedicated astronomy retailer.