europe trips on a budget

The 20 best places to visit in Europe on a budget

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
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written by Lottie Gross

updated 11.07.2023

Europe presents an irresistible challenge to the budget traveller. A potent mix of culture, landscape and history on the one hand and a cash-gobbling monster on the other, sticking to your daily allowance can prove tricky.

1. The Albanian coast

2. sarajevo, bosnia-herzegovina, 3. bansko, bulgaria, 4. czechia (czech republic), 5. estonia’s baltic coast, 6. leipzig, germany, 7. london, england, 8. the peloponnese, greece, 9. budapest, hungary, 10. palermo, sicily, italy, 11. lake ohrid, macedonia, 12. kotor, montenegro, 13. gdánsk, poland, 14. porto, portugal, 15. transylvania, romania, 16. novi sad, serbia, 17. the high tatras, slovakia, 18. northwest slovenia, 19. andalucía, spain, 20. lviv, ukraine.

But learn to zone out the “Spend! Spend! Spend!” siren song of its myriad restaurants, bars and shops and you’ll find that this compact little continent is simply the world’s greatest labyrinth.

There's an abundance of beautiful places in Europe which don't require much of a budget to see; and some experiences, like the infamous Budapest nightlife, combines both entertainment with local booze.

When exactly is the best time to visit Europe? Well, it depends on what you're after. Thankfully there's a year-round roster of things to do and see. We've picked out the cheapest places to travel on the continent this year (note that the "Rough Costs" below reflect per person or per night). From low budget tourist places in the world to the cheapest country to travel to, where do you think will make the list?

Want to find out more about budget travel in Europe? Check out our Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget .

Looking for Mediterranean sun and sand, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Capri or the Côte d’Azur? Simply head further east and you’ll find sun-drenched beaches untouched by modern development. Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, and as yet under-explored by the tourist hordes. On its southern Ionian coast, steep grey mountains frame azure seas and golden sands.

Also take note - the Albanian capital Tirana will certainly surprise you with the number of interesting things you can do there .

Sarande is almost in touching distance of Corfu and is a handy entry point from Greece. From here you can aim for the beaches of Ksamil and nearby islands. Cheap seafood, warm seas and a smattering of isolated Greek ruins and Ottoman towns: the perfect recipe for a classic European sojourn.

Where to stay

Best for being on the beach: Vila E Bardhe

Best for great views of the harbour: Hotel Real

From Saranda: Visit the archaeological park of Butrint on a private tour

From Durrës: Wine tasting and history tour in Berat

Find more ideas for visiting Albania with our guide to the best things to do in Albania .

Rough costs:

Daily budget: Basic €30, occasional treat €45

Drink: Bottle of red wine €6

Food: Qoftë (minced meat rissoles) €2, seafood €6

Hostel/budget hotel: €15/€35

Travel: Bus: Tirana–Saranda €10.50; train: Tirana–Shkodra €3.30

Buy the guide >

Though the scars of Sarajevo ’s past as a city under siege are still evident. There are remnants of mortar shell explosions, filled with red resin to form “Sarajevo Roses”, and the museums document the horrors of Sniper Alley. Today, the city buzzes with life and is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. If you don't want to miss any of the key historic sites, book ahead and join a guided tour.

One of the most welcoming capitals in Europe, its central district of Baščaršija is a delight to wander through. Browse in the Ottoman-era bazaar or linger over a Bosnian coffee. The after-hours scene is quirky and cool, with tucked-away drinking holes and an ever-evolving club scene.

Best hostel for city location: Hostel Franz Ferdinand

Best for location to tourist attractions: Hotel Europe

Best for first time visitors: A guided walking tour in Sarajevo

Best for getting out of the city: A day tour to Jajce and Travnik

Rough costs

Daily budget: Basic €28, occasional treat €45

Drink: Bosnian coffee €0.70–1

Food: Cevapcici (meat rissoles) €3–4

Hostel/budget: €10/€28

Travel: Bus: Sarajevo–Bihać €17–25; train: Sarajevo–Mostar €5–7

Read our destination guide to Bosnia-Herzegovina >

Hitting the slopes without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Especially when the main Alpine resorts are located in some of the most expensive countries in Europe! However, eastern Europe has a few intriguing ski destinations, including Bulgaria ’s Bansko on the Pirin mountain range.

The country’s main ski resort has good beginner and intermediate runs. There's a decent range of shared or private accommodation to choose from, easily making Bansko one of the best places to visit in Europe with friends. The town itself has considerable charm, with numerous traditional old pubs hidden down its cobbled alleyways.

Best for guest house experience: Zigen House

Best for great location: Kap House Hotel

Best for the adventurers: River rafting on the Kresna Gorge

Best to get to know the culture: Experience local traditions, dishes, crafts and stories

Also while planning your visit, read our guide to the best things to do in Bulgaria .

Drink: Beer (0.5l) €1.25

Food: Shopska salad €4

Hostel/budget hotel: €12/€60

Travel: Train: Sofia–Plovdiv €4–6; bus: €5

Find out more about Bansko >

Though ever-popular Prague is not quite the dirt-cheap city break destination it once was, you’ll still find Czechia (Czech Republic ) to be a good-value country for independent travel. The country that invented Pilsner is justifiably famous for producing some of the best beers – at pretty good prices.

But there's plenty of other reasons as to why it's one of the best places to visit in Europe. In Prague , the choice of watering holes ranges from traditional beer halls and monastery taverns to a new generation of microbreweries. Continue the Czech beer trail with a visit to the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň, before striking out to the country’s lesser-known spots, such as charming Olomouc , a pint-sized Prague without the tourists.

If you're heading to Prague, where you're based can make all the difference to your experience, so make the right start with our guide to the best places to stay in the city.

Best location for hostel: Safestay Prague

Best for shopping and city centre: K+K Hotel Central

Best for history buffs: Small group tour to the Prague Castle

Best for a magical evening: Dinner cruise on an Open-Top Glass Boat

Daily budget: Basic €45, occasional treat €55

Drink: Pilsner Urquell (0.5l) €1.60

Food: Pork and dumplings €8

Hostel/budget hotel: €20/€45

Travel: Train: Prague–Karlovy Vary €12; bus: €14

Explore the best of Czech Republic >

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Known for the popular city break destination of Tallinn , small and beautiful Estonia also provides swathes of wilderness, with beautiful stretches of coastline, a scattering of islands and forested national parks along its long Baltic coastline. With so much centered on the outdoors, it's arguably the cheapest country in Europe.

An hour from Tallinn, 725-square-kilometre Lahemaa National Park is best explored by bike. You can cycle its coastal paths, discover rugged coves, windswept beaches and fishing villages and even sleep on hay bales at a farm. Venture further west, and the summertime resort of Pärnu has fantastic beaches, The island of Saaremaa offers soft-carpeted pine forest countryside and very affordable spas.

Best for boutique hotel in Tallinn: Hotel Meltzer Apartments

Best for boutique spa in Saaremaa: Grand Rose SPA Hotel

Best for historical, Soviet heritage: Day tour from Tallinn to Naissaar, also known as Women's Island

Best for urban exploration: The Industrial Stalker Bike Tour in Kalamaja District

Daily budget: Basic €40, occasional treat €60

Drink: Le Coq beer €2.60

Food: Blood sausage and sauerkraut €7

Travel: Bus: Tallinn–Saaremaa €9; Tartu–Tallinn €13

As far as Europe travel goes, Berlin is an anomaly. It’s one of the few capitals where the cost of living is lower than the national average. It's a legacy of the country’s former divide, which still means former East Germany is notably cheaper than western centres like Frankfurt and Munich . But as prices gradually rise in gentrifying Berlin, there are other eastern cities to venture to, including buzzing Leipzig .

The city that kick-started the 1989 protests that led to the country’s reunification has long had a fierce, independent spirit. Over the past few years, it’s also developed quite a reputation for its thriving artist enclaves and offbeat nightlife. Its culture scene is in constant flux, with old industrial buildings, such as former cotton mill the Spinnerei, converted into cutting-edge spaces.

Best for city location: IntercityHotel Leipzig

Best for little luxury: Pentahotel Leipzig

Best for family exploration: 3hr canoe tour through the city

Best for first-time visitors: Hop-on Hop-off bus tour including walking tour

• Daily: Budget Basic €57, occasional treat €73
• Drink: Beer (0.5ml) €3.35
• Food: Schnitzel €8
• Hostel/budget hotel: €20/€35
• Travel: Munich–Berlin: train €55–142; bus €22

Fall in love with the rest of Germany >

London and budget aren’t words that usually go together. However, London has more free world-class attractions than any other European city. There's the British Museum , home to enough treasures to satisfy the most curious of history hunters; the vast Tate Modern , with stupendous views from its terrace and ever-changing art collections; the Natural History Museum with its magnificent dinosaurs; and beautiful Victoria & Albert Museum – all free, all of the time.

And don’t forget the open spaces: spend a day tramping across Hampstead Heath, another meandering along the South Bank or perusing East End markets and you’ll get more of a sense of city life than if you’re stuck in a queue at an overpriced attraction. For food, opt for the popular street-food markets and your budget will stretch further – you might even have enough left for an overpriced pint.

Best for being in the centre of London: The Z Hotel Piccadilly

Best for location to Southbank: Park Plaza London Waterloo

Best for stunning views: The London Eye (make sure to book your ticket ahead of time to skip the lines)

Best for the adventurers: Climb the O2 Arena

• Daily budget: Basic €70, occasional treat €90
• Drink: Lager €6
• Food: Fish and chips €10
• Hostel/budget hotel: €13/20 (dorm/private)/€70
• Travel: Train: London–Brighton €20; bus: London–Manchester €40

Get the London low-down >

Think of budget travel in Greece , and the image is still one of island-hopping, sleeping on the deck of a ferry or camping on the beach. However, the slow pace of island travel and the popularity of the main resorts all adds to the cost.

Instead, consider the many-fingered peninsula of Greece . It has some fine beaches – less developed than those on the main islands – and it is home to the ancient sights of Epidaurus and Olympia . Medieval villages, spectacular rack-railway journeys and appealing Byzantine towns all await those who explore beyond the package holiday destinations.

Best for beaches in Finikounta: Hotel Golden Sun

Best for location in Nafplion: Pension Eleni

Best for day tours from Athens: Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus

Best for explorers: Self-guided virtual reality tour of Olympia

• Daily budget: Basic €31, occasional treat €42
• Drink: Ouzo €3
• Food: Souvláki (shish kebab) €3
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€31
• Travel: Bus: Athens–Delphi €19; ferry: Athens–Crete €38

Straddling the Danube, the twin enclaves of Buda and Pest together make one of the most beguiling capitals in Europe . Their main pleasures won’t break the bank, making it one of the top cheap places to travel to.

Spend the day lounging by the pools in the spa, taking the occasional dip, cooling off under the fountains, and watching the old men play chess at the waterside tables. Come evening, the “r uin-bars” of District VII beckon – idiosyncratic bars tucked away in the neighbourhood’s courtyards. The tipple of choice is the cheap local white or rosé drunk long as a spritzer, perfect in the baking heat of summer.

Budapest is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the Spring (March to May) or Autumn (Sept to Nov) as the climate is at its most pleasant – ideal for those outdoor spa days and pounding the pavements.

Best for location to city centre: Arcadia Hotel Budapest

Best for a little luxury: Hotel Palazzo Zichy Budapest

Best to relax: Soak up the atmosphere at the Thermal Margaret Island Spa

Best for wine connoisseurs: Taste 7 Hungarian wines from boutique wineries

• Daily budget: Basic €42, occasional treat €62
• Drink: Beer (large) €2–2.60
• Food: Goulash €3–4
• Hostel/pension: €16–31
• Travel: Train: Budapest–Eger €8.30

Find out more about Budapest >

Any grand tour of Europe includes a string of beautiful Italian cities: refined Florence , alluring Rome and glamorous Venice . While there’s no doubting their charms, they are well and truly on the tourist trail, which pushes up prices, particularly in high season.

Escape from the mainland to Sicily and you’ll find in its capital Palermo a city both redolent of the Italy of yesteryear and – if you ask a Sicilian – a country apart. Undoubtedly run down in places, the city unfolds many surprises . There are churches covered in exquisite mosaics and cluttered neighbourhood markets, where you can snack on local street foods, like arancini (rice balls) and panelle (chick pea fritters), as you wander.

Best for popular attractions: Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini

Best hostel for location to the city: Balarm Hostel

Best for foodies: 3hr street food and history walking tour

Best for day trips: Explore Western Sicily with Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans

• Daily budget: Basic €36, occasional treat €52
• Drink: Wine €2.60/glass
• Food: Local pasta dish €5–8; pizza slice €2
• Hostel/budget hotel: €16–31/€47–62
• Travel: Train: Rome–Naples €21; bus: €12

Get inspired for Sicily >

Vast, deep, Lake Ohrid is the jewel of North Macedonia . The quiet streets of its namesake town reveal frescoed medieval churches, a Roman amphitheatre and a fortress worth climbing for the views. But as you explore the old town, the clear lake waters draw you back time and time again, inviting you to swim, dive or take to the waters by boat.

If you are tempted landwards it might be to hike in the nearby Galičica National Park. With cheap private rooms to rent and several waterside camping spots, the area is perfect for travellers on a budget to kick back and relax.

Best for a cosy guest house: Villa & Winery Mal Sveti Kliment

Best for views of Lake Ohrid: Villa Kale

Best for those with limited time: Day tour from Skopje to Ohrid

Best for history buffs: Private half-day city tour

• Daily budget: Basic €26, occasional treat €36
• Drink: Wine from €2.60 per bottle
• Food: Tavče gravče (bean casserole) €1.50
• Hostel/budget hotel: €10/€26
• Travel: Bus: Skopje–Ohrid €7; train: Skopje–Bitola €4

Travelling cheap? Montenegro won't disappoint. The beautiful walled town of Kotor sits at the end of a fjord-like bay, ringed by dramatic peaks. Just follow your nose in the Old Town. Getting lost in the labyrinth of streets is half the fun, discovering summertime cafés that spill out on the squares before clambering along the old fortress walls.

For a view over the whole gorgeous scene, hike up to St Ivan’s castle, overlooking the town. Kotor’s annual highlight is August’s exuberant Boka Nights festival , when the whole town celebrates as a lavish display of decorated boats parade in the bay and fireworks fill the sky.

Where to stay:

Best for boutique hotel: Boutique Hotel Astoria

Best for location to the city centre and the beach: Muo Apartments

Best to get away from the crowds: 2.5h Kayak Tour in the Bay of Kotor

Best for a day trip: Boat Tour to the Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks

• Daily budget: Basic €31, occasional treat €52
• Drink: Nikšičko Tamno beer €1 (bottle from shop)
• Food: Sarma €2.60–4
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€52
• Travel: Bus: Budva–Kotor €3; train: Podgorica–Virpazar €1

For more ideas for visiting Montenegro read our guide to the best things to do in Montenegro .

Part beautiful Hanseatic city, part gritty port town and part Baltic riviera, the northern Polish city of Gdánsk offers a winning combination of coastal appeal. Though the core of this picturesque, colourful city, with its narrow merchant houses, looks ancient, it’s actually a postwar reconstruction – but the history is genuine. It's one of many cheap travel destinations to visit in Poland!

The shipyard crane dates back to the 15th century, and the city was the birthplace of the Solidarity anti-communist movement. Come summer, the action moves to the hip, coastal resort of Sopot , with its golden sand beach, lively party scene and attractive pier (the longest in Europe).

Best for location to the city centre: PURO Gdansk Stare Miasto

Best for great views and location to the city: Mercure Gdansk Stare Miasto

Best for nightlife: Pub Crawl with free drinks

Best for first-time visitors: Electric Scooter guided tour of the Old Town

• Daily budget: Basic €52, occasional treat €73
• Drink: Vodka (50ml shot) €1
• Food: Żurek soup €2–3
• Hostel/budget hotel: €12/€36
• Travel: Train: Warsaw–Kraków €34; bus: €16

Explore the WW2 Liberation Route with the help of a local expert >

Portugal travel doesn't get more exciting than in Porto. Portugal’s second city is appealingly set on the banks of the river Duoro. The riverside district of Portugal is crammed with no-frills good, local restaurants – pick somewhere a street or so back from the waterfront and you’ll be spoilt with local dishes and wines at excellent prices. With the city set on either side of the river, check our guide to the best places to stay in Porto to find accommodation that suits you best.

Other highlights include the vast Portugal park, with a superb art museum set within. However, it is port that the city is famous for. Vinologia is a great bar for an introduction to the varieties of fortified wine, and you can visit the port lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, where for a few euros you can sample their wares.

Make the most of your time in Porto and book ahead to explore some of the unknown wine cellars in the city .

Best for walks along the waterfront: 1872 River House

Best for value with style: MyStay Porto Batalha

Best for day tours: Small group tour to the Douro Valley, Wine Tasting and a River Cruise

Best for iconic views: Torre dos Clérigos (skip-the-line tickets)

• Daily budget: Basic €47, occasional treat €68
• Drink: Bottle of vinho verde in shop €3.60
• Food: Grilled sardines €8
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€47
• Travel: Train: Lisbon–Faro €23; bus: Porto–Lisbon €21

Delve into Porto >

Think Transylvania , and you’ll probably imagine Dracula and his castle – and you can certainly go in search of Dracula (aka Vlad the Impaler) connections here. If you're interested in finding Dracula, book your tour here . As Vlad’s birthplace, the attractive town of Sighisoara has the best claim to fame, and it also has a suitably imposing citadel.

But the region is not all fortifications and fangs – make time to venture out into the wilds of the Carpathian mountains , where you can track the Transylvanian wolf, along with bears, red deer and lynx in the Piatra Craiului National Park.

Best for visiting Vlad the Impaler: Casa Richter

Best for visiting Piatra Craiului National Park: Vila Hora cu Brazi

Best for explorers: Medieval City Exploration Game and Tour in Sighisoara

Best for those travelling in high season: Fast track tickets to Bran Castle (Dracula's castle - Romania's number one attraction)

• Daily budget: Basic €26, occasional treat €42
• Drink: Beer €1.90; bottle of Romanian wine €5
• Food: Tochitura moldoveneasca (Moldavian stew) €2.10
• Hostel/budget hotel: €10/€31
• Travel: Bus/train: Bucharest–Braşov €10

Discover more affordable places in Romania >

Also check our best things to do in Romania to make your trip here even more exciting.

Serbia abounds with sights to suit all tastes. Fancy a low-cost summer music festival? Serbia ’s famous EXIT Festival held in July might be just the ticket, and it’s less than half the price of Glastonbury. The line-up is always eclectic, with past acts including David Guetta and Ziggy Marley.

A trip here is about more than the music, however, with a setting that leaves other festivals in the shade. The Petrovaradin fortress stands majestically above the lively city of Novi Sad , a couple of hours from Belgrade. Stages and festival spaces fill every corner of the fortress, and you can spend your days lounging on the river beaches on the banks of the Danube.

If you don't have the time to stay longer, consider taking a day tour from Belgrade to explore Novi Sad and taste the local wines in Sremski Karlovci.

Best for rooftop views of the city: Hotel Leopold I Novi Sad

Best hostel for city location: Hostel Sova

• Drink: Beer (0.5l) €1
• Food: Pljeskavica (hamburger) €1–2
• Hostel/budget hotel: €13/€37
• Travel: Bus: Belgrade–Novi Sad €6; train: Belgrade–Niš €7

Get the low-down on Serbia >

Slovakia's pride and joy , the Tatras mountain range is a magnificent series of peaks – culminating in the pyramid-shaped Gerlach at 2,655m. Start at one of the village resorts like Nový Smokovec or Ždiar, then make for the mountains, where you can rest your weary heads at cheap hikers’ chalets.

This is serious mountain terrain, so be prepared and heed local advice. The mountains are also an inviting playground for climbers and cavers, and you’ll find mountain bike paths, tubing and rafting, plus a full winter season of skiing and snowboarding.

Best for the location to popular attractions: Penzion Reitmayer

Best for families: Apartmanovy Dom TatraTravel Smokovec

• Daily budget: Basic €37, occasional treat €47
• Drink: Beer €1.80
• Food: Gnocchi with bacon €4
• Hostel/budget hotel: €16/€31
• Travel: Bratislava–Košice (train) €20

Sandwiched between Italy, Austria and Croatia, compact Slovenia is an appealing destination on any journey through Europe. There's its charming capital, Ljubljana , as well as easy travel, a burgeoning wine industry and tempting pocket of coastline. For the adventure-minded, or for those who just want to camp in a beautiful lakeside setting, the northwest region is perfect.

Nestled below the stunning Julian Alps are the very different twin lakes of Bled and Bohinj . From here you can carry on to the Soča Valley, right by the Italian border, for hiking, kayaking and rafting adventures.

Best guest house for views of Lake Bled: Penzion Vila Prešeren

Best for lake views: Grand Hotel Toplice

Best for adventurers: 3hr Rafting Experience

Best for wine experiences: Taste 7 top Slovenian wines in a 100-year old wine cellar in Bled

• Drink: Pivo (beer' 0.5ml) €2.60
• Food: Pizza €5–7
• Hostel/budget hotel: €19/€62
• Travel: Train: Ljubljana–Maribor €9; bus: Ljubljana–Bled €7

Find out more about Slovenia >

The southernmost province of Spain, Andalucía travel is a tempting budget destination. This perennially popular region boasts showpiece cities such as Seville , Granada and Córdoba , with their exquisite monuments highlighting the area's Moorish past. Even here prices are competitive compared with Madrid and Barcelona.

You only need to head a little further afield, to the underrated city of Málaga with its Picasso connection and authentic tapas scene, or the atmospheric ancient port city of Cádiz, and you’ll enjoy that alluring southern Spanish vibe for budget-friendly prices. Cheap tapas (the tradition of free tapas originates in Granada) means you can sample Iberian flavours for a couple of euros a plate, and to continue your budget adventure, simply hop on the ferry to Morocco, tantalisingly close by.

Best guest house location to city centre: El Riad Andaluz

Best for style on a budget: Hotel Boutique Villa Lorena Malaga

Best for exploring arts: Guided tour through the Picasso Museum

Best for short hikes: Caminito del Rey - 3hr guided hike

• Daily budget: Basic €68; occasional treat €88
• Drink: €1.80–2.60 per caña (small beer)
• Food: Menú del día €10–12
• Hostel/budget hotel: €17/€36–83
• Travel: Madrid–Barcelona: bus €33–45; train €62–130

Book onto the best things to do in Andalucía

Situated in the west of this vast country, within easy travelling distance of Central European cities such as Kraków and Budapest, Lviv is the city to head for if you want a taste of Ukraine.

It revels in a mixture of Central European influences: Habsburg and Polish, Catholic, Orthodox and Armenian, with its architecture and magnificent churches reflecting this eclecticism. Ukraine regularly features on the list of cheapest destinations in Europe, and with a growing supply of backpacker hostels, appealing coffee houses and quirky bars, this is an extremely budget-friendly city with a refined edge.

Best for location to the city centre: Lviv Central Jam Hotel

Best for style on a budget: Taurus Hotel

Best for first time visitors: Lviv Old Town Walking Tour

Best for foodies with an interest in history: Communist-style Food and Bar Tour

• Drink: Horilka (vodka; 50ml shot) €1
• Food: Ukrainian borshch €0.80
• Hostel/budget hotel: €8/€31
• Travel: Train: Kyiv–Odesa €10; bus: €19

Top image © Patteran/Shutterstock

This feature contains affiliate links; all recommendations are editorially independent.

Top image: Malaga, Spain, Old Town Skyline © S Pavone / Shutterstock

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• Budget Travel

13 Affordable Places to Visit in Europe — From Country Escapes to Stunning Cities

You can visit Europe on a budget — here's how.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

If you have big dreams of jetting off to Europe, but worry that your bank account isn't quite ready, don't worry. For every expensive city, there are dozens of charming — and surprisingly affordable — places that offer all the European charm for a fraction of the price. Ljubljana, Porto, Budapest, even Berlin — these cities have all the rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food that you'd find in pricey European capitals, but they're perfect for budget travelers.

You can even travel to some of Europe's best (and famously expensive) destinations without breaking the bank — you just have to know how to save money without sacrificing on experiences. Travelers can often score deals on flights from the United States to major cities like Paris or London, and upon arriving, transportation within Europe can be much more affordable (hello, budget airlines). Those large cities also offer a wide range of accommodations, so you can certainly find something in your budget. You can even save money on food by hitting the local markets. After all, a bottle of wine, fresh bread, and cheese from a Parisian market make for an unforgettable meal when picnicking under the Eiffel Tower.

And you might be surprised by how many museums, churches, and other attractions are free or inexpensive to visit, too. Be sure to keep an eye out for free entry days (often one day a month) or tourist cards that offer entry to multiple attractions for one flat fee. (Do the math ahead of time by calculating the cost of every included attraction that you want to visit to make sure it's really worth the money.)

Trimming your budget doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your trip. Sometimes, the less you spend, the more you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Staying in a thatched Irish farmhouse, perusing old masters in Rome, or snacking your way through Spanish specialties aren't just tricks of the frugal traveler — they're the stuff dream vacations are made of.

Here are some of the top destinations for an affordable European vacation (and tips for saving money once you arrive).

Bavaria, Germany

For a storybook-worthy vacation in Europe, head straight to Bavaria. Book a room at Burg Colmberg , a 14th-century castle rising from a rocky crag above a tiny village. It offers an eclectic collection of rooms tucked throughout a warren of crooked hallways, hidden staircases, and cozy sitting nooks. Be sure to visit the postcard-perfect Neuschwanstein Castle , resplendently perched atop a mountain, and take the time to tour Hohenschwangau, the castle in which "Mad King" Ludwig II actually lived. The latter is a more modest pile of battlements on a smaller nub of a hill in the valley below. What it lacks in the carefully crafted pomp and circumstance of Neuschwanstein — which Ludwig II never lived to see completed — it more than makes up for in homeyness and history.

Puglia, Italy

The iconic architecture of Puglia — the "heel" of Italy's boot — is the prehistoric trullo, a cylindrical whitewashed house with a cone-shaped roof of stacked gray stones. There's no greater concentration of trulli than in the UNESCO-protected town of Alberobello, where whole neighborhoods are made of the structures, and the local entrepreneur behind Trullidea has fixed up dozens of the abandoned ones and rents them to visitors. Cool in the baking summers and with cozy indoor heating for wintertime, a rental trullo lets you live like a local for less than the cost of a tourist-class hotel in town. Want to sample what the Amalfi Coast was like before the hotshots and high prices moved in? Puglia's forested Gargano Peninsula is popular with sun-loving Italians, but is otherwise refreshingly off the tourist map.

Budapest, Hungary

Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Hungary, Budapest offers all the charm of more popular European destinations for a fraction of the price. The Hungarian Parliament Building and Fisherman's Bastion are just a couple of the picture-perfect attractions you'll spot in the city, and you'll find lots of affordable accommodations, meals, and nightlife, too. Even the city's famous thermal baths — some of which are over a century old and feature beautiful architecture — can be affordable to visit.

Andalusia, Spain

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Take a break from sizzling on the crowded Costa del Sol beaches for a self-guided driving tour along the route of the Pueblos Blancos. This string of clifftop, whitewashed villages stretches from the Moorish town of Arcos de la Frontera through the Sierra de Grazalema to Ronda, a maze of medieval streets perched above a 500-foot gorge. Opt for a stay in nearby Seville — the capital of Andalusia — to take in the beautiful architecture, watch some flamenco dancing, and indulge in classic tapas.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin has Cold War mystique, contemporary architecture, and booming gallery and restaurant scenes. With its cosmopolitan, East-meets-West edginess, it's no wonder the city has become a cultural capital of central Europe. It's a destination that continues to attract creative types and in-the-know travelers. Begin your trip to Berlin in the fashionable Mitte (or "middle") district, as it's convenient to major sites such as the Reichstag and Potsdamer Platz.

Bath and the Cotswolds, England

The charming villages of the Cotswolds look like they're straight out of a fairy tale — Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water are among the prettiest. There are inns and pubs sprinkled throughout the little towns, but we'd suggest staying in Bath, a quaint city dating back to the Roman era, for its variety of accommodations. While there, check out the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and of course, the historic Roman baths. Best of all, Bath is under two hours from London by train, making it an easy weekend trip from the city.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul's major state-run museums may charge hefty admissions, but the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, just behind the Blue Mosque adjacent to the Arasta Bazaar, costs only 60 Turkish lira (that's about $4). These delightful mosaic scenes of hunts, myths, animal battles, and everyday life in antiquity — boys riding a camel, a man milking his goat — once covered the floor of a large courtyard of the Palatium Magnum, the Great Palace built between the time of Constantine the Great himself and Justinian I (fourth to early sixth centuries). You can even cruise between the continents for an affordable price when taking the ferry.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Take a tour of the architectural masterworks of prodigious local talent Jože Plecnik, who took the Secessionist Art Nouveau style he learned in Vienna back home (via Prague) to remake his native city along his own, idiosyncratic lines. Like Gaudí in Barcelona, Plecnik designed his buildings right down to the smallest fittings, like the Pegasus door handles on the entrance to the National and University Library. Plecnik designed a bit of everything around town, from the central market to the two flanking spans of Ljubljana's iconic Triple Bridge to the café-lined embankments of the Ljubljanica River. The city also has a number of incredible, affordable restaurants, and you can take a public bus (for a small fee) to nearby Lake Bled for a day trip.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Skip the overexposed island of Hvar for the walled medieval village on the Adriatic island of Korcula, purported home to Marco Polo. Korcula is more of a day-trip destination, and that means the tourist crowds thin considerably by sundown, leaving those who remain to relax in the cafés and stroll the narrow alleys. While every old city in Europe has an Old City historic district, Split has the only downtown actually carved from the carcass of an ancient Roman palace. When the emperor Diocletian left his throne in A.D. 305, he built a lavish palace on the Croatian coast to live out his days as head of the empire's eastern half. In the 1,700 years since, the ruins of his enormous structure have been colonized by the locals, the buildings turned into medieval town houses, and the emperor's tomb transformed into the cathedral.

Paris, France

Want to experience fabulous French cuisine on a budget? Opt for a midday splurge — many cafés and restaurants offer less expensive menus at lunch. And a picnic is always a good idea in Paris. Stop by a market to peruse the (typically) extensive options for cheese and wine, or pick up a simple yet delicious crepe from a stand. If you plan to visit the City of Light's top museums and attractions, you might want to invest in a Paris Museum Pass . For one fee (priced depending on the number of days you purchase), you can gain admission to top tourist spots like the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, Panthéon, Louvre, Musée Rodin, and more, and you get to skip the ticket line. Talk about a win-win.

County Clare, Ireland

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Avoid the tour bus-clogged Ring of Kerry for its neighbor to the north, County Clare, home to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher rising more than 700 feet from the crashing Atlantic waves; the weirdly eroded limestone landscape of the Burren, where prehistoric slab tombs perch on the rocky flatlands like miniature houses of cards; and Doolin, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it village that has become a popular destination for traditional Celtic music. Local pubs are the perfect evening stop for hearty (and usually affordable) Irish fare and — if you're lucky — live music.

Rome, Italy

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Rome has more than 900 churches, all of them free, displaying great works of art and architecture by the likes of Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Bramante, and Pinturicchio. And that's just the short list of artists contained in one church — the little-visited Santa Maria del Popolo. Other iconic landmarks, like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Rome's famous piazzas are all free to visit, too, and some museums offer free entry days, so check their websites for details.

Porto, Portugal

Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure

Portugal's northern city of Porto is among Travel + Leisure readers' favorite European cities, and once you visit, you'll see why. In Porto, visitors can admire the Art Deco architecture, sip port wine, and explore the walkable city on foot without going over budget. Plus, a day trip to the Douro Valley, a picturesque vineyard region along the Douro River, is worth the trek.

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Budget Tours & Trips to Europe

Explore a varied offer of budget Europe adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Rome and Paris. Each affordable tour will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Explore the best  budget trips  and budget tour operators around the world with TourRadar!

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250+ budget europe tour packages with 15,470 reviews.

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European Delight

Overall I, and my companions, enjoyed the trip however there were some significant elements which we were not happy with. On the TWO itineraries we received for Rome the following was noted: "08.30hrs- In the morning, we have a scenic tour of the city, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We enter the tinystate of the Vatican. The Vatican City is a principal centre of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. And wehave also included admission to the Roman Coliseum, the principal symbol of Rome.’ Day 2: Rome TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Rome. Roman Coliseum (admission price included). It’s clear from the above two notes that we would visit the Coliseum – admission included! Yet, we did NOT visit the Colosseum but walked through the less interesting and impressive Forum. We were very disappointed as the Colosseum was one of the sites we were looking forward to visiting. We were not aware of Europamundo's 'circuit' format which required we frequently changed coaches, drivers and tour directors. This was somewhat disconcerting as we were required to remember which bus we were on and who our director was at a time when we were on holidays and looking for something of a stress free vacation. Most of the tour directors were excellent, though we found the second director, who travelled with us from Innsbruk to Prague, was at times brusque and seemed to prioritise Spanish-speaking travellers when they joined us. We were disappointed that most of the options were not raised with us - except the option to Moulin Rouge because tickets had not been pre-booked. Similarly, we waited hours to access the Eiffel Tower because tickets had not been pre-purchased despite the fact that it was part of the trip rather than an option. We had pre-paid for a canal trip in Amsterdam, however it wasn't mentioned by the director and so we missed out on that. We were reimbursed. Though we enjoyed the trip and cities we visited, for the reasons above I wouldn’t choose Europamundo for future vacations,.

• In-depth Cultural

Enchanted Landscapes

My family had a wonderful time. The guides were excellent.

Rome to Berlin: Piazzas, Prague & the Past

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

A great fast-paced tour that was well led by our wonderful guide Ivan!

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

Well organises tour with a brilliant tour guide and very safe and friendly bus driver. Would recommend.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Balkan Kaleidoscope

An amazing, beautiful and educational trip! Well planned and hectic for sure! Would suggest more time to take pictures, some tour guides seemed in a hurry leaving no time to observe and appreciate what they were describing to us!

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

Motels not too good...no air conditioning, no fridges Bus had problems with air con too..changed buses , but not as comfortable

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

The contiki service was outstanding from Greg as our tour guide, he was extremely welcoming and made all people on trip feel comfortable. He has amazing people skills which enabled the group to have a really really good time. He has an unbelievable knowledge of the places that we visited throughout the journey and was impressive to watch him relay the information to a group of people who come from all different walks of life

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights of Scandinavia (12 Days)

Excellent experience, very good organization, the Director GORAN excellent person very concerned and very human, very nice hotels and excellent breakfast as well as dinners, the whole program was fulfilled, recommended 100%.

Explore the Balkans

Awsm experience. Learned so much about the former Yugoslavia. Great guide, great group of travelers.

Croatia Sailing Adventure

Amazing trip, tour guide Dom was sensational, did a very good job at showing us all the landmarks and being an all round good host.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

My overall review was that the tour was quite good with some days with more free time than others. Our tour guide, Tom, gave us the history of events shaping Ireland and Scotland and our bus driver was a safe and efficient driver. My only suggestion was luggage portage should be included because at times it was quite difficult with the stairs although Tom lent a hand too.

• Sightseeing

The Best of The Baltics + Helsinki in 10 days (Guaranteed departure)

Unfortunately, the group was all 60+ years old couples, mostly Americans, 4 Australians and 2 Germans. I never felt more alone in a group like in this trip. Group members were more than punctual they are always 20 minutes ahead of time and complaining about my "tardiness" although I showed up on appointed time. One of the American ladies commented that it was a cultural thing. I told her no it's an age thing because my parents do like them. We had two tour leaders the one who accompanied us from Vilnius to Tallinn (Lamija) was very knowledgible with great personality. The one who accompanied us from Tallinn to Helsinki (Nathalia) was the exact opposite. Not only did she not lack all the guiding skills but She was also impolite to me and she claimed that she was joking.

London To Vienna Trail (Summer, Start London, 8 Days)

Italy from North to South

It was good trip. Traveling from Venice to Rome could have bee eliminated by proper planning. People can fly into Venice and fly out of Rome

What people love about Budget Tours in Europe

So honestly when we were assigned to this company through Tour Radar and looked at the reviews we were a little worried. I tried to hope for the best and assume that people who DO NOT have great experiences write more reviews. I was absolutely correct. We had AMAZING tour guides. Knowledgeable, kind, helpful. I think this company does an amazing job of moving people from one destination to another especially when it seems that itineraries overlap offering everyone the trip they desire. The hotels far outweighed our expectations. Of course there were small hiccups with time losses and changes in plans for the day but for the price and to get a brief view of Europe I would call it an outstanding tour.

The tour is generally good. I wish though that more time are given to explore major places. Some places can be skipped already since there was nothing much to see.

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

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• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

How To Travel Europe on a Budget: A Complete Guide

July 24, 2018 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Ah, Europe.

The land home to ancient history, pizza, beautiful beaches and first world public transportation.

In my teens, I dreamt of travelling to France and living out my own Passport to Paris fantasy. I wanted to go on a subway, peer through the gates of Buckingham Palace, and see my favourite bands play live at Download Festival.

For years, it remained a dream I never acted upon.

I knew Europe wasn’t a cheap place and had the mindset that I’d never have enough money to go.

Fast forward almost a decade later, and I’ve been to Europe not once, not twice but three times.

And I didn’t have to sell everything I own or work crazy long shifts in shitty retail jobs to make it happen.

Curious about how to visit Europe on a budget?

You just need a dash of flexibility, a sprinkle of planning and a cup of frugality to get the most out of your Rands.

Here’s how to travel Europe on a budget!

Table of Contents

How to Find Cheap Flights From South Africa to Europe

When is the best time to travel to europe on a budget, fly with budget airlines, travel europe via train, use cheap bus travel in europe, save time finding the cheapest transport option, try out blabla car, use public transportation, hit the pavements, find deals on booking.com, live like a local with airbnb, become the ultimate backpacker with couchsurfing, cook your own meals, stay at a hotel or hostel that offers a free breakfast, keep an eye out for lunch specials, eat where the locals eat, eat street food, visit the cheaper european destinations, compare tourist passes, cheap things to do in europe, use atms instead of currency counters, get yourself a credit card that doesn’t charge for international withdrawals, use your credit or debit cards, travel with two cards and keep them separate, travelling europe on a budget is possible.

Have you experienced the phenomena of internally sobbing while typing in each digit and watching your bank account run dry?

You’re not alone.

Before I discovered flight comparison site Skyscanner , I thought the only way I could go to Europe was if I signed up for those ridiculously priced Contiki Tours.

Since then, I’ve picked up a few other tricks on the way that have helped me find return flights to Portugal and Italy for under R 5000.00.

How did I do it?

I’ve written an in-depth 9-step process blog post , but the main tool in my cheap flight arsenal is Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” tool.

All you need to do is enter your departing destination as “South Africa” and your arrival destination as “Everywhere”.

The search engine will then find the cheapest flights departing from South Africa. It’s an easy way to see what deals are flying around and which European destination will be the most affordable entry point.

Plus, it’s winter. So you can finally see snow!

Get ready to make those snow angels, learn the lyrics to “ Do You Want To Build a Snowman ” and develop an appreciation for thermal underwear.

The only exception during low season is the Christmas and New Year holidays. Prices do peak again especially in countries like Germany that are famous for their Christmas markets and traditions.

If you’re more of a summer child or you hate wearing layers, plan your trip to Europe between April to May or September to October.

These are Europe’s two shoulder seasons. Temperatures and prices are slightly higher for these months, but it’s still way more affordable than Europe’s popular high season.

Speaking of the high season, that’s the one you want to avoid if you’re travelling Europe on a budget. From June to August, prices skyrocket.

I’m talking R 2000+ for a one hour flight that’s typically R200-R300.

With so many people heading to Europe for summer, hotels and hostels double their prices.

I paid EUR 50 for the shittiest dorm room in Rome that’s usually less than half that price.

But if you can’t avoid travelling to Europe in the summer, then it all comes down to picking the right destination.

More about that below.

What’s the Cheapest Way to Travel Europe?

You know what’s a great feeling?

Paying R 300 for a RETURN flight between Italy and Germany.

But if you want to reap those savings, you need to book your flights in advance – especially if you’re travelling Europe during high season.

For example, that same exact flight will end up costing you around R 1,400 in July.

With so many budget airlines, flying is the best way to travel Europe on a budget. Plus, it will help you get to your next destination faster!

Read More:  3 Insanely Cheap Ways to Travel Europe in 2022

Want to explore Europe at a slower pace?

Hop on board one of the hundreds of trains that zigzag across the region!

Take a high-speed train between Amsterdam and Belgium, travel around Italy or use it as a way to see more of the countryside.

The only downside is that train travel is that it’s not the best option for transportation in Europe on a budget.

Greg and I paid EUR 100 (R1,500) for our train trip from Berlin to Amsterdam (full guide dedicated to train travel in Europe is coming soon!).

The high season definitely impacted the cost of our ticket. In fact, when I checked back a week later, the price had almost doubled.

If you want to explore multiple European countries by train, the Eurorail Pass can work in your favour. It’s valid for 28 countries and offers multiple days of travel extended over a month or two.

But it will make you poor.

Keep a look out for discounts if you’re under 26 and book your tickets well in advance to maximise your savings.

Bus travel in Europe is not for everyone – but it’s cheap.

You can travel from Munich to Nuremberg for as little as EUR 6 (R 94.00) with Flixibus, making it the best way to see Europe on a budget if you’re not on a time crunch.

I used them for my trip between Berlin and Krakow.

Eurolines is another affordable long-distance bus I used to get back to Berlin from Amsterdam.

That trip cost me EUR 25 (R 394.00).

Want to save even MORE money?

Book an overnight bus or train and save on a nights accommodation.

With so many budget flights, trains and bus companies – finding the cheapest way to travel Europe is a pain.

Unless you use Rome2Rio .

It quickly became the butter to my bread pre-trip and during my adventures around Europe.

All you need to do is pop in your departure and arrival destination, and the search engine will find the cheapest flights, train and bus fares.

Never heard of BlaBla Car ?

It’s a carpooling service in Europe that connects drivers with empty seats to people travelling the same way.

For most South Africans, that just sounds like a bad idea.

But it’s a thing in Europe and people actually get to their destination in one piece.

So when in Rome…

Select your driver based on their level of chattiness (introverts who hate small talk unite!), their music preferences, smoking or non-smoking and even if pets are in the car.

Public transport in European cities is extensive and cheap.

It’s one of my favourite things.

I don’t know what it is about subways, but I love them.

If you’re planning to use it a lot, do some research to see if there is a day pass you can buy.

Italy, Berlin and Amsterdam all had various options I used while in those countries.

• It cost me EUR 7 (R 110.00) for a 24-hour pass in Rome ;
• In Amsterdam, I bought a 48-hour pass for EUR 12.50 ( R197.00) and;
• In Berlin, I spent EUR 2.80 ( R44.00) for a 2-hour ticket and EUR 7 ( R110.00) for a day pass.

In some countries, the day pass will include public transportation to and from the airport.

If you buy a tourist travel card, like the Berlin Welcome Card, you’ll get unlimited public transportation included in the price.

More about the tourist cards later on.

But the ultimate way to keep your transportation costs low while travelling Europe on a budget is to walk EVERYWHERE .

The good news is that a lot of European cities are terribly flat.

Factor in that a lot of the attractions around the city centres aren’t that far apart, and your Samsung Health App step count won’t know what hit it.

How to Find Budget Accommodation in Europe

Okay, so besides your flights, accommodation is going to be your biggest cost.

If you’re struggling to find hotels within in your budget, consider staying outside of the city or in a smaller town and commuting in.

Below, I’ve listed the sites I use the most while travelling on a budget in Europe.

Booking.com is by FAR my favourite accommodation site.

It has everything from low-budget hostels to swanky five-star hotels. You can filter the search results to see places that offer free breakfast or are a close distance to a particular landmark and more.

If you use the site often enough, you’ll eventually unlock their Genius tier and get discounts as well as special perks.

I stayed in an Airbnb apartment during my 3-week trip to Sicily. It had everything I needed and quickly felt like home.

Prices on Airbnb aren’t that expensive especially if you travelling with a friend. Some cities even have “hostels” where hosts have a room with multiple bed bunks.

I found one in Paris within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, and it didn’t cost my entire salary.

So if you’re not a fan of hostels and want to blend in with the locals, browse through the listings to see what’s available for your travel dates.

Couchsurfing is the mecca for backpackers.

It’s a way to stay in a city without paying a single Euro for your board.

Yip. FREE accommodation in Europe!

All you need to do is sign up, create an account and start reaching out to hosts available during your travelling dates.

If you’re worried about safety, only stay with hosts that have been verified by Couchsurfing and have tons of positive reviews by other surfers.

I’ve couch surfed in South Africa, Turkey and kinda in Germany and the Netherlands.

One of my followers on Instagram offered to host me in Amsterdam. For Berlin, Greg’s old colleague from South Africa happened to be in town and had a spare bed.

That still counts, right?

How to Save on Food Costs in Europe

Head to the nearest supermarket, grab your favourite things and get your chef on.

It’s the cheapest way to feed yourself in Europe.

I spent EUR 20-25 ( R 315.00 – R 394.00) on groceries that lasted me the entire 3-weeks I stayed in Sicily.

And yes, the majority of my meals were some kind of pasta.

Breakfasts at hostels are usually continental.

But free food is free food, and it should keep you fuelled up until lunchtime.

If you’re staying at a more posh hostel or a hotel, your breakfast will probably include a continental with a few other things like eggs, baked beans and some meat.

If you’re travelling to Rome , save money by taking advantage of the city’s lunch specials.

For EUR 10 (R 157.00), you can get a starter, a main and your choice of beer or house wine.

With most main meals costing EUR 8 and a glass of wine usually around EUR 6-7 (R 94.00 – R110.00), it’s an excellent deal.

Stray from the well-trodden path and find restaurants that are full of locals instead of other tourists.

The prices are usually lower, and you’ll have a more authentic experience.

If you’re going to Europe on a budget, street food will make its way into your diet.

From the delicious arancini balls in Italy to Poland’s famous Maczanka sandwich – there are cheap eats for your taste buds to discover in every country.

Read More:  50+ Genius Ways To Save Money for Travel

Not all European countries are created equal.

Some like the Netherlands will evaporate all your hard-earned savings in the blink of an eye.

While your money will stretch much further in countries like Poland or Romania.

Where to travel in Europe on a budget: 

• Prague, Czech Republic
• Gdansk, Poland
• Rome, Italy
• Porto, Portugal
• Budapest, Hungary
• Tallinn, Estonia
• Transylvania, Romania
• Berlin, Germany
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Saranda, Albania

Tourist Passes are travel cards specifically designed for, well, tourists.

The perks of buying one include:

• Unlimited use of public transportation.
• Free entry to specific museums or attractions in that city.
• Discounts for restaurants, tours and other attractions.
• Transportation to and from the airport.
• Access to the city’s hop-on-hop-off bus.

If you’re only in one city for 24, 48 or 72 hours, these cards pack A LOT of value.

But before you flip open your purse and pop out your credit card, do your research to see if it’s actually WORTH the money.

If you’re a museum geek and you want to go to the museums that come with the card – it’s a no-brainer.

But when you’re travelling Europe on a budget, it might work out cheaper to skip the card and do your own thing.

That’s what I did for Rome.

Instead of getting the Roma Card, I walked everywhere, bought one 24 transport ticket and only went to the free attractions .

You don’t need to spend a hella lot of money.

There are loads of free things to do.

And that’s music to any cash-strapped South African’s ears travelling Europe on a budget.

Here are just SOME of the things you can do for mahala:

• Visit museums and galleries with no entrance fee.
• Check to see which day the museums are free. For, e.g. The Vatican Museums are open for free on the last Sunday of every month.
• Sign up for a free walking tour.
• Explore some of the ancient cathedrals and churches.
• Go to a free concert. E.g. Amsterdam hosts free shows every Tuesday from September to May.
• Wander past a city’s free monuments. E.g. The Trevi Fountain in Rome won’t cost you a dime and neither will that iconic selfie with the Eiffel Tower.
• Head for the hills and go on a hike.
• Grab your bikini and catch some rays at the beach.

Read More:  How To Travel Rome on a Budget (& Still See the Top Sights!)

Managing Your Money For a Budget Trip to Europe

When you’re dealing with the terrifying exchange rate that is Rand to Euro – you need to make every last penny count.

Here are a few simple money tips to use while travelling Europe on a budget:

You’ll get a better rate of exchange. Currency counters at airports add a markup for their services that you don’t need in your life. Call up your bank before you leave South Africa, and unblock your card for international usage.

All those little fees start to add up each time you go to the ATM. If you can’t get a card that doesn’t charge, try to find one that has minimal fees or limit the number of times you withdraw cash.

Most credit and debit cards have a strong exchange rate. Try to get a card that doesn’t include fees for foreign purchases or has the lowest surcharge.

I learnt this lesson in Chiang Mai. Three days before my flight back to South Africa, an ATM ate my card, and I only had THB 2,000 to my name. I still had to buy food, pay for accommodation and transportation to the airport. Since then, I make a point to travel with two unlocked cards and keep one in my suitcase and the other in my purse.

Read More:  A Magical 2-Days in Lisbon Itinerary (Including a Sintra Day Trip)

That was a monster of a post.

If you’ve made it this far down, kudos to you my friend.

I hope you’ve found it useful and you feel budget travel in Europe is possible for you!

Enjoy your trip and remember, it’s totally acceptable to eat your weight in gelato while you’re there.

Want more Europe travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

• How to Travel Rome on a Budget as a South African
• Amsterdam Coffeeshops: How to Get Stoned Like a Pro
• How to Get From Paris to Versailles & Plan The Perfect Day Trip
• How To Visit The Vatican (A Massive Travel Guide)
• How to Apply for Your Schengen Visa
• 16 of the Best Rand-Friendly Holidays Destinations in Europe

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About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

July 28, 2018 at 6:31 pm

Very informative post! Great tip to take buses! Love trains, but buses are probably cheaper.

March 1, 2019 at 10:43 am

I would strongly recommend traveling through Europe on foot. Because Europe is such a densely packed continent there’s always something to explore, especially when you are hitchhiking.

Just make sure to bring a few essentials with you. Some rain gear is a good idea, though many just decide to sit out the rain. Sometimes you might not be anywhere near a hotel or inn when it’s getting dark. That’s why you should bring a small tent and sleeping bag with you.

March 7, 2019 at 9:38 am

Coming from a country like South Africa, I don’t think I would be able to wrap my head around hitchhiking and not getting murdered lol

April 12, 2019 at 4:18 pm

Hey, so I’ll be travelling around Europe and I’ve been look at Stoke Travel for accommodation. Thoughts? have you ever heard of them or stayed with before?

April 15, 2019 at 8:41 am

Hey! I’ve never heard of them before, but it does look interesting if you’re wanting to experience the music festivals and parties of Europe 🙂

February 18, 2020 at 4:14 pm

aLOVE the info. baie dankie

February 18, 2020 at 4:24 pm

Glad you found it useful 🙂

January 11, 2023 at 3:11 am

I love this blog! It’s so helpful and informative. I’m currently planning my first trip to Europe and this blog has been a huge help!

May 26, 2023 at 2:58 pm

thanks for all the infos, its very hard sometimes to travell when you dont have money :/ i also start using this app and i can highly recommend it to you 🙂 its called “ATM Fee saver” and its soo good and easy to use. its shows me atm around wiht no or low fees for withdrawing money. thats how i also save a bit of money while travelling

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Travel Europe Cheaply: Get Around on a Budget in 2024

How to Travel Europe Cheaply: Get Around on a Budget in 2024

The most important step to becoming a badass broke budgeteer: learn the wicked ways of the low-cost lifestyle. Meaning, HOW exactly to travel on the cheap-o. 

And there’s no better way to get used to budget backpacking than learning how to travel Europe cheaply .

Europe is a great teacher in the ways of penny-pinching. Compared to other popular backpacker digs like Southeast Asia and South America, Europe is expensive as hell. You’re usually only one careless “treat yo’ self” away from backpacker bankruptcy. Everything has a cost: even using a public bathroom!

That means you have to be wise and wily with the way you spend your dollars.

Luckily, there are many ways to slash your astronomical Europe budget down to shreds and have a grand old time traipsing across the old continent, while spending relative pennies!

Transport is easily one of the biggest expenses on your trip. So, today I’m teaching you, dear young padawans, the ins and outs of travelling around Europe on the cheap.

On the cheap – and even, believe it or not, FOR FREE.

10 Ways to Get Around Europe on the Cheap

No money no problem.

Learning how to travel Europe on a budget comes down to a few tricks: cook your own food, stay in hostels or couchsurf, and take advantage of free things to do (each European country has heaps!).

However, when you’re trying not to break the bank, transportation may often be your Achilles’ heel, your downfall, and your sweetest enemy. Here are the best ways to travel Europe on a budget.

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1. Catch a Cheap Bus

Taking the bus is probably the cheapest way to travel around Europe. It’s easy to find budget options all over Europe – even for long distances.

One of the most popular options for cheap bus travel is Flixbus . It’s an operator so efficient, it is quickly swallowing up other smaller national low-cost bus operators all over Europe. 

Flixbus has probably the most extensive options: over 2,500 destinations across 35 countries (even Turkey!).

And my dude, just wait till you see their prices. They’re staggeringly low! I once took a 14-hour bus ride across the entire northern Spain to France for just $30.

Other great options are Eurolines (everywhere), Megabus (the UK), and Lux Express (the Baltics). Many countries also have their own low-cost buses mostly operating nationally, like Polskibus in Poland and Onnibus in Finland.

You can always find deals, but your best bet on dirt-cheap tickets is to book early. There is a limited amount of the cheapest discount tickets for each route.

Bonus tip: Take the word of a seasoned backpacker when I say that night buses SUCK. However, they save you a night’s accommodation cost. Plus, they make sure you’re not wasting precious daylight hours on travel time if you’re only travelling for a short time.

EDITOR’S NOTE!!!

Bookaway is another supreme service that we strongly recommend for booking routes and rides across Europe. HOWEVER, their service isn’t available in  all European nations. Your best bet is to check out both services, compare prices and services available, and choose the best (and cheapest) for you!

2. Get Railed with a Train Pass

Travel around Europe by train , also known as interrailing, is a super popular way of backpacking across Europe. 

Few other places have a similar opportunity for train travel. Europe has very extensive rail networks, and usually, its trains are clean, fast, and comfortable. (At least in Western Europe – who the hell knows what’s up with the Communist-era clunks clanking around post-Iron Curtain countries.)

In Western Europe though, rail travel gets EXPENSIVE. It’s not out of the question to have to splash $60 for a simple cross-country ticket. That’s why a lot of broke train travellers get a rail pass that lets them get serious discounts on their journeys.

Using a rail pass does come with a bit of planning. Usually, they’re restricted to a certain region or cluster of countries, and their prices depend on which countries you want to check out. (More expensive countries have more expensive rail passes.)

They also come with conditions. You can only have a certain amount of travel days within a time frame. (E.g. 10 travel days in two months.) That means that you can use the pass for unlimited free travel for 10 days over a period of two months.

Getting a rail pass is not worth it everywhere in Europe. If you mainly plan to hop to countries that are not covered by the rail pass, or that don’t have great rail networks, you can get by fine without one. 

Also when you’re adventuring somewhere like Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the few train options you have are already cheap. That might mean overspending by getting a pass.

However, if you plan to check out places like France, Germany, and Austria, a rail pass is a great addition to your Europe packing list . And it saves you a lot!

3. Catch Flights, Not Feelings

Listen, no other place does low-cost flying quite as well as Europe. The prices for low-budget airlines can be absolutely RIDICULOUS. Route prices start at around $8 – no kidding. When I still lived in Finland, a return flight between my city and London was half the price of a one-way train to my hometown!

So, low-cost airlines are definitely worth checking out if your plans include hopping between countries on different sides of Europe.

Some of the most popular low-budget airlines in Europe are:

There is an art to finding cheap flights . But you’ll get a hang of it quickly. My favourite sites for finding and comparing flight prices are Skyscanner and Momondo.

I highly recommend checking airlines’ own websites around holidays as well. Around Christmas and Black Friday, you can find huge discounts.

Sadly, there is no such thing as an almost-free lunch. Low-fare airlines make their money through extortionate extra fees. Everything costs – from meals onboard to even printing your boarding pass at the airport. Checked baggage can cost $30+, and some charge extra for “big” cabin luggage as well.

4. Share a Ride with a Merry Stranger

Travelling solo? So are many others! Cut costs and maybe make a friend on your intercity travels.

When you think of rideshare apps, you probably think of Uber. Taxi apps are dope for getting around cities in Europe on the cheap for sure.

Mostly getting a cab through an app is cheaper than on the street. Uber operates in many European countries, plus there are tons of smaller operators in different countries and regions.

So, rideshare apps are cool beans in cities. What about between cities? 

Europe also has platforms that allow private people to publicly post their upcoming trips. They post that they’re going to Marseille, you get in touch, and ka-ching ! You’ve got a cheap-ass ride to another town. Note that this is not digital hitchhiking; you’ll have to split travel costs with the driver and other passengers.

The absolute best platform for long-distance rideshares is BlaBlaCar . I found it the best cheap way to travel around Spain and France, but it’s also available in 16 other countries in Europe. BlaBlaCar doesn’t actually have any of its own cars; it’s just a platform connecting drivers and passengers.

If BlaBlaCar doesn’t tickle your fancy, it’s always possible to find rideshares and carpooling through other ways as well. Try posting a note on your hostel’s info board, or find a rideshare group on Facebook for the country that you’re in.

5. Go Drive Yourself

Living the vanlife in Europe is many backpackers’ dream. And it can easily be one of the cheapest ways to travel Europe if you’re exploring countries like Switzerland or Norway.

My motorbike-loving friends won’t stop raving about how great it is to ride your bike down the wide-open highways across Europe. (Somewhere in the distance, Born to Be Wild starts playing…)

Plus, driving yourself gives you the greatest flexibility to stop at cute roadside towns. You can come and go as you please without being held behind by such measly human inventions as – pssht – bus schedules. Bonus points if you camp along the way to cut costs even more.

If you’re planning on a self-directed adventure, there are a few things to consider before launching off:

• You’ll either need an international driver’s licence or an EU licence
• Taking rental cars over the country border is usually not allowed . So they’re best for single-country stretches. You also have to return them to the same office where you picked them up or pay an abysmal extra fee.
• Toll fees stack up! Set up your GPS to avoid toll roads. (But make sure that it doesn’t direct you to completely stupid roads – speaking from experience…)

In the end, you might do campervanning or motorbiking more for the experience than the price. You’re not only paying for the car; petrol, parking, and insurance fees rack up.

While rentals can be very cheap, they can also be very, very expensive. $20 a day in Greece is not too bad if you can split that with a travel buddy. But paying $50 a day in Madeira by yourself is gonna make even the toughest traveller cry bitter tears. So if you’re gonna live the vanlife across Europe, find a smart purchase or rental (not cheap – cheap cars don’t last), and get good at the van-bum life: it’s a good life. 🙂

6. Thumbs up, Everybody

You might’ve thought you dreamed it but there IS a legit way to travel Europe for free. That way is called hitchhiking ! Is this the cheapest way to see Europe? Potentially definitely.

Hitchhiking has long been one of my favourite ways of adventuring. And the scene is especially boomin’ and bloomin’ in Europe.

It’s not for everybody: you gotta be at least a bit of a social butterfly to keep your gracious rides entertained with small talk (and big talk, if it comes to that). 

This becomes especially fun when you don’t speak the same language. But let me tell you, it’s surprising how much you can find out about someone’s family, hobbies, and life just through a few universal words and body language.

And sure, hitchhiking is not completely without its risks, either. I’ve done lots of kilometres in strangers’ cars as a solo female traveller . While 95% of the people who pick you up are just simply kind human beans, I’ve had a few creepy encounters as well.

The best countries to pick up lifts are in Central and Eastern Europe. The worst luck I’ve ever had has been in Spain and Germany – basically Western countries with a lot of motorways that are unsuitable for stopping for thumb-riders.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

7. Compare, Compare, Compare!

No one ever said budget travel in Europe was easy. Counting pennies comes with a lot of time spent crouching over your phone screen, figuring out the routes that are going to save you the maximum amount of time and money. Trip planning takes effort.

Sometimes booking through the airline’s or railway’s own website is the cheapest option; sometimes the best deals are found on third-party websites. Occasionally, a train can actually be a lot cheaper than a bus.

Sometimes – and this is a secret most hardcore shoestring sailors won’t tell you – it’s just simply better to choose the more expensive option, for the sake of pure convenience and your sanity.

Rome2Rio is a great planning tool when you’re trying to find routes from city to city and can give you approximate prices on both buses and trains. But you have to book tickets on the sites of the operators themselves. Omio (former GoEuro) shows you comparisons between train, bus, and air travel, but doesn’t actually show all available tickets from low-cost operators.

8. Take a Hike, Buddy

When you’re thinking about how to travel around Europe cheaply, long-distance hiking is actually a very viable option. If you can find a free camping spot, all you end up paying for is your food.

Obviously, it’s hard to cover long distances on foot. It IS slow as hell, but it is one of the most rewarding ways to travel I’ve ever tried.

Europe is a hikers’ wonderland. Long, well-established trails can be found almost in all countries, and many long-distance trails stretch over borders as well. Long-distance hiking might be an option for you if you’re already reasonably fit, you’re prepped for hiking abroad , and can carry all your stuff in one bag.

I’ve walked the famous Camino de Santiago across Northern Spain. While it did take over a month, it was a fantastic way to get a more detailed look into the life on the Spanish Northern Coast.

I’ve also hiked long stretches of Via Dinarica, a long-distance hiking trail going from Slovenia to Kosovo, and can vouch for it being one of the BEST ways to experience the Balkans .

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

9. Wheels Away

Are you a fan of the Queen song Bicycle Race? Then you’re probably a biking enthusiast.

Travelling long distances on a bicycle, AKA bikepacking, is becoming more and more popular in Europe. In general, Europeans LOVE biking which means that most cities are pretty bicycle-friendly.

Covering large-ish distances on a bike is not a superhuman feat either. You’ll likely encounter other adventurous cyclists around Europe too.

Some of the best destinations for bikepackers in Europe include Denmark, the Netherlands, France, and the UK. You can combine your biking adventures with camping to cut costs even more. Just make sure all your stuff fits in the bike bags, that you have a good bike for long-distance biking , and that you bring heaps of happy vibes with you.

10. Travel Eastern Europe

Okay, technically this isn’t a method of getting around… But it is possible to travel around Europe really damn cheaply if you head to the right side of the map. I’m talking about backpacking Eastern Europe , of course.

Most first-time backpackers head to Europe’s most touristed capitals to see the Colosseums and Mona Lisas that they know so well from other people’s stories. Eastern Europe might not have as many famous attractions as the most popular destinations but it has a LOT going for it.

Delicious food, fairytale towns, lack of hordes of tourists, excellent mountainage, and fascinating history? Sign me the fuck up.

Oh yeah, it’s also super cheap to travel. In some of the cheapest countries in Europe like Bulgaria, North Macedonia, or Georgia, you can spend as little as $20 per day!

Lastly… Travel Insurance is Very Much Recommended

It might seem counterintuitive to spend more money to save money. But trust me, travel insurance is the one thing that’s going to save you HEAPS if you ever end up needing it.

A savvy budget traveller should always consider getting a good travel insurance policy before leaving home. Health care in Europe is not usually full-bankruptcy-expensive (looking at you, USA…) but you never know what can happen on your adventures. Hospitalised by dodgy booze? Fell out of your top bunk? Bitten by a manic street dog?

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Travelling Europe really doesn’t have to feel like highway robbery. When you get the basics of budget travel in Europe down, spending the most minimal amount of money possible becomes second nature!

One thing that’ll surprise you about pro-level budgeting is that it’s hard work. 

It takes a lot of time and effort to compare different route options and read through hostel reviews to make sure that booking cheap doesn’t mean that you’ll also book shitty. 

When you’re hitchhiking and couchsurfing, you have to always be socially ON. (An introvert’s nightmare that can even terrify some real social butterflies like myself.) If you start noticing symptoms of a traveller’s burnout – it’s time to take a break.

Even when you’re travelling Europe on a shoestring budget, I always recommend having what I like to call “the fuck-it fund”, for days when you just gotta say, “ fuck it, I’m booking into a hotel” . A few days of stress-free spending makes for one happy budget backpacker and means that you get to keep going at your low-cost adventures all refreshed.

Travelling on a budget in Europe is not always the easiest feat. But as you’ve seen now, there are a lot of infrastructures that helps heaps if you’re trying to watch your spending.

And the best part? Everyone else is on a budget too! Bonding over shared cheapskating is a truly unique way to make friends on the road.

So gather up your pennies, book a budget bus, and get travelling!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

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i found it super hard to travel cheap in europe, everthing is just expensive 😀 i also start using this app ” ATM Fee saver” and i can highly recommend it to you! its briliant you will save some money on those ATM over there… check it out for further travels

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How to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget

Dreaming of a Europe trip? Here's my top tips for navigating the incredible continent of Europe, all while on a backpacker budget!

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Sep 22, 2023

Europe can be an intimidating area of the world for travelers to tackle . 

With so many different countries jammed side by side, each with its own distinct language, culture, and way of life, it's hard to know the best way to travel through this fascinating continent .

The truth is, there is no "best" way to travel through Europe . Every country has its own set of unique traits, and every single one is worth visiting . 

You can spend months and months in just one country, fully immersing in the culture and exploring different areas. You can embark on a grand tour, whizzing through tons of different nations while absorbing a little bit of each culture.

No matter how you choose to travel in Europe, it is always possible to do so on a budget . Young, eager travelers with limited funds can easily navigate this maze of countries without draining their bank accounts. 

In order to keep your spending while abroad in Europe under control, follow a few steps before your trip as well as on the road . 

Here are my top tips on how to save money when traveling to Europe and  enjoy an epic European adventure while on a backpacker budget .

Also, don't miss out these tips on the cheapest way to get to Europe (and travel around) .

How to travel Europe on a budget

Before your trip

1. save, save, save.

If you are planning a trip through Europe , try and save as much money as possible before you leave your country.

Having a solid savings account will make you feel more comfortable while traveling, especially if you don't plan on working abroad. Always plan to have enough spending money, and maybe some extra emergency money in case something goes wrong.

Whether you need to work some extra shifts or cut down on spending at home, you'll be happy you made these financial choices once you make it overseas.

2. Pick the right travel time

Once you've saved enough money and begin sorting out the logistics of your travel to Europe , consider when is the best time to go. There’s a few factors that influence when you should visit Europe . 

For budget travelers, cost is probably the most important factor.  If you want to save money when traveling to Europe, be sure to travel during the off season, meaning the slowest months in terms of tourism.

The summer months are usually the busiest times in Europe because of the favorable weather, so flights will be very expensive during June, July, and August. The cheapest flights to Europe will be in December, January and February , as these winter months are colder and less desirable to tourists. 

If you want a pleasant mix of affordable flights and decent weather , travel during the "shoulder season", meaning spring or autumn, the months caught in-between peak season and off season.

Obviously, traveling during the winter is not as comfortable as traveling during the summer. So it just depends which factor is more important to you. If you really want to save money, buy a winter coat and brave the cold. With a positive attitude, Europe is still gorgeous during off season, so don't let the weather prevent you from going . 

Many countries become almost magical in the wintertime anyways. Think of skiing in the Alps, visiting Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, or Denmark, dog-sledding in Scandinavia, or visiting snowy villages in Transylvania. There is truly never a bad time to travel Europe, so research the flights that fit your budget best and make the most of your time .

3. Research The Cheapest Ways To Travel Around Europe

Getting To Europe

With a little bit of web-surfing and research, you can easily find incredibly cheap flights to Europe . 

Check Skyscanner for the most affordable options . With this website, you can select your departure airport, then select "cheapest month", as well as set the destination airport to "anywhere." This allows you to browse which dates and which airports will be the best for your budget .

If you're flying into a specific city, sometimes it's cheaper to enter Europe through a busy international airport , like London or Paris, and then take a connecting flight to your destination. 

Just be flexible and open-minded when planning flights . With a bit of creativity, you'd be surprised at how cheap you can fly into Europe.

Within Europe

Once you buy your flights to Europe, start thinking about how you want to travel from country to country once you arrive . 

You don't necessarily need to plan all your transportation ahead of time, but it helps to do a bit of research beforehand if you plan on visiting lots of different countries. 

Many people think that taking trains all over Europe is very cheap, but that's often not the case. Whenever you plan on moving to a new destination, consider all transport options .

Sometimes it's even cheaper to fly between countries than it is to take a train . 

Europe is packed with cheap, budget airlines, like RyanAir , EasyJet , and Norwegian . Budget airlines often charge lots of money for baggage, however, since their flight prices are so low. So these airlines are best if you are only traveling with a carry-on . 

But sometimes, you can find flights for under $10 USD , which is truly amazing.

Traveling by bus is another cheap option for traveling Europe .

FlixBus , MegaBus , and OuiBus are three reliable and affordable bus companies that travel to various destinations. For example, you can take MegaBus from London to Amsterdam or Brussels for only $20 USD, and OuiBus from London to Paris for a similar price. 

The only downside of bus travel is that it takes longer than a train or plane. But if you have the time to spare, bus travel is often one of the cheapest options .

Train travel is incredibly popular in Europe, though its affordability differs from country to country . 

In the UK and western Europe, trains tend to be much more expensive than buses. But in eastern and southern Europe, trains can actually be very cheap. 

You just need to research the train prices for each individual country, and websites like Omio (formerly GoEuro) and Rome2Rio are great for this. These sites compare train, bus, and flight prices between two destinations, so you can pick which option is the cheapest .

Another great resource is  Trainline , Europe's leading train and coach app. Trainline works with 207 rail and coach companies and offers services to thousands of destinations in and across 45 countries in Europe. Trainline's aim is to bring together all rail, coach and other travel services into one experience so people can get the best prices and smart, real time travel info on the go.

Just be sure to consider all your travel options before hopping around Europe, and your wallet will thank you.

During your trip

1. eat and drink with care to save money on food in europe.

Cook When Possible

Buying food and drinks is one of the biggest expenses while traveling. In Europe, with so many world-famous cuisines and wines and beers right at your fingertips, you must indulge in it all . 

But you can do so carefully to avoid draining your funds too quickly. Start by shopping at the local food market, which almost every city in Europe has .  Here you can find fresh produce for cooking and unique local goods, usually for decent prices. Try and cook more often than eating out, as you'll save so much money on food.

Eat like the locals

If you do dine out, stay away from the overpriced, touristy restaurants where the food is more generic. For higher quality, more traditional dishes than are most likely more affordable, so seek out authentic local restaurants . 

These places will usually be hidden away, far from crowded tourist attractions and without a flashy sign out front. Ask locals where their favorite restaurant is, and you will certainly find a hidden gem for dinner . 

Drink like the locals

A similar logic applies when drinking. 

Try to buy alcohol at the liquor store, rather than buying individual drinks at a bar. You'll save tons of money, and you can still find local drink choices at the store. If you decide to splurge on drinks on a night out, drink what the locals drink .  In Italy, Spain, and France, choose the local wine . In Germany, Czech Republic, or Belgium, try the favorite local beer . 

Try Brennevin in Iceland, Vodka in Poland, Port in Portugal, Rakija in Croatia and Serbia. Just do as the locals do! The traditional alcohols are not only an insight to the culture, they are usually cheaper since there is a higher demand for them.

2. Walk whenever possible

If your destination is close enough to walk to, always walk .  You get good exercise, you have more time to soak in the details of the world around you, and you don't need to spend any money. 

Exploring a foreign city on foot is magical , though if you do need to pay for travel, try and take public transport rather than a taxi.  Riding the local bus or tram is always cheaper than a taxi , and you can still interact with locals while you travel.

3. Choose cheap or free attractions

Touristy cities are full of attractions that cost money, sometimes too much money. Don't feel like you have to participate in every activity your guidebook recommends. 

If an attraction genuinely sparks interest in you, definitely do it and know your money will be worth it. But don't pay to enter a museum or a gallery just because you feel like you should.

Always look up "Free Things To Do In..." to get some ideas on what to do for little money in a foreign country . Many cities have beautiful parks that are free to roam and picnic in. Many cities also offer free walking tours , and you should definitely take advantage of these. Check out Curiously Erin  to learn more about the  best free walking tours in Europe .

Locals usually run them, and you can learn just as much about the history and lifestyle of a city as you would in a museum. Also, if you have a student ID card, always carry it with you . Lots of attractions have student discounts , so you don't want to miss out on that.

Certain cities have their own cheap deals that benefit the wallets of travelers. 

For example, every public museum is free in London , which is great considering London is an overall expensive city. So you can save plenty of money while learning about the history, art, and culture of London. 

Also in lots of Italian cities, many famous attractions are free on the first Sunday of every month . This means you can visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, or the Uffizi Gallery or Michaelangelo’s David in Florence, completely for free. 

You just have to do a bit of research on the cities you are visiting and you may find some surprisingly cheap things to do while traveling Europe .

And of course, there are so many natural attractions that are totally free, like the best beaches in Europe  and the  best European destinations for nature lovers .

4. Research budget accommodation

Another one of the biggest expenses while traveling is accommodation.

As tempting as it can be to stay in a luxury hotel, staying in a hostel is much more cost-efficient.  Europe is packed with budget hostels that cater towards backpackers . You can find hostel dorm rooms for around $15 — $30 USD a night, and in cheaper cities in Eastern Europe hostels can cost under $10 a night. 

Check HostelWorld and read the reviews for every hostel so you can see what other backpackers think of the place. Hostels are often centrally located, and they usually have comfy common areas where you can socialize with other travelers.

Couchsurfing

You can also try Couchsurfing to save even more money on accommodation .  This online platform allows locals to offer their couches or spare beds to travelers for free.  Again, always read reviews before agreeing to stay somewhere, and never stay somewhere that you don't feel comfortable.

Work Exchange

Another great way to save money on a place to sleep is to work in exchange for free accommodation with Worldpackers .

Many hostels, farms, and small local businesses will employ travelers to work for a few weeks, and in return they offer a free bed and sometimes free meals as well. A work exchange is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture , explore the area and build relationships with locals while saving money. 

You can always browse Worldpackers hosts to find places that offer these types of work exchanges, and trust me, the Worldpackers opportunities in Europe are outstanding.

5. Visit more affordable European destinations

The cost of living in Europe varies in every direction, so be sure to research your destinations to ensure they fit your budget .

Generally speaking, things are more expensive as you move north or west. Scandinavia is notoriously expensive for food, accommodation, and attractions, as are cities like London and Paris.  However, Portugal is cheaper than most of its western neighbors, and of course you can find budget options in some of these more expensive places . 

But once you move towards the southeast, everything becomes more affordable. A beer in the Czech Republic can cost about $1 USD. A hostel in Croatia can cost $6 USD a night, and a full meal in Romania can cost about $5 USD. If you want to explore on the cheap, south-eastern Europe is definitely the most affordable area to be in .

The beautiful thing about Europe is that the destinations are seemingly endless . Within every area of the continent is a cluster of countries with unique landscapes and cultures . Within every country lies many cities and villages just waiting to be explored. 

Some places in Europe get more attention than others, but don't let this stop you from venturing to the lesser-known countries and cities. 

Of course the popular cities, like Barcelona, Paris , Prague, Athens, Budapest, Lisbon, Madrid, and Venice are stunning and are definitely worth visiting.  But there are plenty of other cities that offer similar experiences and charm, with less tourists. And the farther away from the touristy spots you go, the more affordable everything becomes .

Try visiting Warsaw, Poland for a quaint Old Town full of history. Visit Riga, Latvia for amazing architecture and Sofia, Bulgaria for hearty food and friendly locals, and explore the mountains of Albania - one of Europe's hidden gems . Venture away from the cities to the hidden small towns of Portugal, Spain, and Italy to find authentic local traditions.

Europe is quite literally, packed to the brim with gorgeous places and amazing experiences waiting to happen. 

Always travel with an open mind, and don’t let money interfere with any of your travel goals .

By following these tips, being prepared, and traveling intelligently, any country in Europe can be budget-friendly .

This article might interest you:

• How to backback Europe: all you need to know

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Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

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5 fantastic Europe vacations to take on a budget

Looking to save money on your next epic vacation around Europe ? Whether your idea of a dream trip is skiing the slopes, exploring a new city or basking in the sunshine on the beach, here are five diverse holidays to have in Europe without breaking the bank.

City break: Istanbul

Although the European continent features various budget city breaks, one of the best is Istanbul. The city is, on average, approximately 40% cheaper than Barcelona , which means things like hotels and meals are very affordable for travelers.

With key attractions like the Hagia Sophia, the iconic Blue Mosque (free entrance!) and the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul is perfect for history fans. But tourists just looking for a city adventure will enjoy roaming Istanbul's streets, indulging in Turkish foodie delights, shopping at the Grand Bazaar and boating along the Bosporus.

Besides relatively low cash rates for hotels (some as low as $60 per night according to Hotels.com), it's possible to find budget points deals too. There are a number of Marriott Bonvoy properties in the city that cost between 8,000 and 20,000 Bonvoy points per night.

Ski trip: Livigno, Italy

For Swiss-style powder at Italian prices, consider Livigno for your next ski holiday. The area, just across the Swiss border from St. Moritz, offers Swiss-style slopes at a fraction of the cost. Day ski passes cost about $32, whereas day passes at nearby St. Moritz can cost nearly double that price, or even more on peak dates.

A quick search on Airbnb shows that cozy apartments with mountain views start at just $85 per night. In contrast, fancy alpine resorts that would cost $500-$900 per night in ski destinations like Switzerland or Austria offer rates starting at $244 per night.

Livigno has another perk: It's tax-free for skiers that also love perusing the stores. This means you can shop to your heart's content without having to pay any value-added tax.

Related: 6 mistakes to avoid when taking your 1st ski trip to Europe

Beach vacation: Fuerteventura, Spain

One of Europe's most affordable beach destinations, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands has wild, pristine stretches of sand. The best part? Besides being ideal for budget travelers thanks to low-cost accommodation and meal options, the island sees sunshine and warm temperatures all year long, meaning you can have an epic winter sun holiday or an iconic summer break — really, a beach getaway at any time of year.

Once there, it's a breeze to find cheap accommodation, from affordable all-inclusive hotels to low-cost beach rentals. Surfboard rentals cost as low as $11 per day, and the island is also exempt from value-added tax.

Train adventure: Prague to Budapest

For a scenic and affordable adventure, take the train between two of Europe's most beautiful and cheapest cities: Prague and Budapest, Hungary. The seven-hour ride costs as little as $21 each way on RegioJet.

The trip is as gorgeous as it is cost-effective. You'll glide past picturesque landscapes like rolling hills and castles, even catching sight of the Danube River during the ride.

Although Budapest is 12% cheaper than Prague, both cities reign when it comes to affordable dining, lodging and activities. For example, entrance to the Buda Castle is about $4, and it's simple to find a pint of beer in either city for less than a couple of dollars.

Related: 10 things no one tells you about ... Budapest

Road trip: Croatia

Whether you love iconic natural landscapes like far-flung beaches and glistening cascades or prefer discovering red-roofed villages and historical sites, a road trip adventure through Croatia has it all.

It costs less than $10 per day in the low season to rent a car at Croatia's Zagreb Airport from popular rental agencies like Avis or Sixt, according to Kayak. From there, you have options.

You can head east to the Istrian Peninsula to discover beautiful fishing villages and quiet beaches, visiting destinations like Porec, Rovinj and Pula.

Another alternative is to head south but stay inland, stopping at the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park as well as Rastoke, which is known as the "mini" Plitvice Lakes. Or, head south along the coast to Krka National Park and Split. If you're traveling in the off-season, continue on toward Dubrovnik, which is much more affordable (and less touristy) outside the busy summer months.

A Europe getaway doesn't have to break the bank

Whether you love a road trip or prefer to ski, it is possible to travel despite rising costs. Besides selecting the right destinations, now is the perfect time to dig into that stash of points to save on accommodations or airfare. Combining strategies, like picking affordable spots and using your points, means you may be able to have a luxury vacation without overspending.

Travel Europe Cheap – Two Weeks For $1500 Including Flights!

We have yet another travel guide from someone who has figured out how to travel Europe cheap. We hope you find the following advice from our friend as invaluable as we do!

My name is Andy, and I have an addiction: I love traveling more than being home. Last year alone, I spent over six months traveling around the world in addition to traveling as a freelance tourism photographer. 

Whenever I attempt to explain what I do for a living, I’m met with immediate questions about how I can afford to live this dream lifestyle. Of course, I’m not cashing million-dollar checks and flying around the world in my private jet. Despite this fact, I have figured out the formula for traveling affordably and often.

I know most Americans don’t have the flexibility to take off months at a time as I do. So in early 2020, I challenged myself to create a two-week trip to four countries in Europe for under $1,500 – flights from Montana included.

Traveling Europe like this would be a dream for many people, and I wanted to prove that it is obtainable with discipline and a little effort.

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How to Travel Europe Cheap: The Five Pillars of Travel Expenses

Traveling on a budget is about balance, and I like to divide my trip into five pillars of expenses:

• accommodations
• dining and drinks
• entertainment
• ground transportation

The tighter the budget, the more you’ll have to compromise on which pillar you’re willing to spend more money on. So, without further ado, here’s the breakdown of my expenses and some tips on saving at every step.

Pillar 1: Flights

Total: $490

Flights are where the ultimate budget trip is made or broken, and to find the best deals, I use many apps to track flights and find killer deals.

For instance, I used Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to alert me to flight deals. With a lot of playing around, I eventually decided on a multi-city flight from Bozeman, Montana to Berlin, Germany, with a return flight from Paris, France, to Bozeman two weeks later.

This decision was the foundation for the trip, and when I booked the flights, I didn’t know where I’d end up between Berlin and Paris. Ultimately, I settled on taking the train from Berlin to Prague, Czech Republic, then a flight to Barcelona, Spain, and finally, another flight from Barcelona to Paris.

Flights within Europe are crazy cheap when you use budget airlines, but I used about 5,000 award miles per flight for this trip. Had I not booked with award miles, it would have been $150 total for both flights.

Travel reward credit cards and frequent flyer miles FTW!

Pillar 2: Accommodations

Total: $244

The next step to start forming my trip was to book my accommodations. Again, I chose to sacrifice comfort on this trip to save money for my food budget and ended up staying in hostels for the duration of the trip.

The hostels ranged from $15 a night for a private room in Prague to $31 a night in Paris.

Hostels have become more expensive over the years in Europe, but going in January keeps the prices lower than the craziness of paying $70 a night in peak season.

Pro Tip: Airbnb can be just as affordable as a hostel if you’re traveling as a couple or a group and splitting the cost.

Related Posts :

• Why I’m 30 and Still Stay at Hostels
• Cheap Ways to Travel on a Backpacker Budget

Pillar 3: Dining and Drinks

Total: $580 ($41 per day)

Now, if it’s not already evident, this is where I focus most of my attention and travel budget.

Of course, I love to taste the different cultures’ cuisine and beers, but this is also one of the easiest pillars to cut out costs if you have discipline.

My transportation and accommodation budget left me around $54 per day to spend on entertainment, dining, and drinks. Some days were far pricier than others, but I would balance it with inexpensive alternatives.

The key is to find out where the locals eat and to avoid eating anywhere where the hordes of tourists are. To do this, the best thing you can do is ask the folks who work at the hostel, as these people understand how to eat cheap and hearty meals.

Expert Tip: One of the most straightforward fixes for a broken budget is to hit the local grocery store. Most hostels have a community kitchen and even space to store food. Combined with free dinner options at my Barcelona hostel, I could invest a little more money in my beer budget (a must for Prague and Berlin).

Pillar 4: Entertainment

Total: $178

A heavy food budget didn’t leave me with much per day to spend on entertainment. But that was fine with me as most of my enjoyment in Europe comes from cuisine and endless hours wandering cobblestone streets. Despite the meager budget, I still managed to see and do a lot during my two weeks.

I explored WWII museums in Berlin, the Picasso Museum of Barcelona, and the Louvre in Paris – of course. I also took advantage of numerous free walking tours around Berlin and Prague (recommended by Jackie Nourse herself).

There was also no way I was passing up the opportunity to watch Barcelona FC play and watch Messi score a goal from the 8th row. Because the team they were playing wasn’t notable, and it was not the peak season, I could get unreal tickets for only €60.

Related: How to Get the Most Out of Two Weeks in Europe

Pillar 5: Ground Transportation

The final piece of the puzzle is transportation – public transport, public transport, and finally public transport . Subway rides, bus rides, and train travel from Berlin to Prague used most of my transport budget. Plus, the occasional Uber.

But with that said, the best way – and one of the cheapest ways – to see Europe is on foot, so pack those walking shoes !

During my two weeks traveling across Europe, I averaged between 20,000 to 30,000 steps per day, and not only did it allow me to see the cities, but it also kept my costs down.

Grand Total : $1,584

Alright, I know what you’re thinking. I’m a total failure. $84 over budget!? I hope that you can forgive me.

Budget-Minded Travel Tips For Europe

Now that we’ve covered the basics, you can apply them to virtually any destination in the world. Let’s talk about specific, budget-minded must-dos and recommendations in each of the four cities I visited.

Related: 21 Budget Travel Tips That WILL Save You Money On The Road

Berlin, Germany

Accommodation.

Grand Hostel Berlin – A beautiful and straightforward hostel with an incredible bar.

Browse all accommodation options in Berlin .

Dining and Drinks

Stadklause – Incredible schnitzel with a very local feel. Schnitzel, all the sides, and a liter of German beer cost under €20.

Curry 36 – No trip to Germany is complete without currywurst, and this was the best I had

Basmah Sudanese – This came as a suggestion from the hostel, and it might have been the best food I had in my two weeks. For €6, I was able to get a massive plate of filling and delicious Sudanese food.

Yorckscholösschen – This jazz and blues club was always rocking and a short walk from the Grand Hostel.

Entertainment

Berlin Free Walking Tours – I was excited to see WWII and Berlin Wall history for myself, and this free walking tour was excellent. Three hours of in-depth history covering everything from WWI to WWII to the Berlin Wall and, of course, the fall. It leaves every day at 10 am from the Brandenburg Gates. The stop at the Memorial to Murdered Jews is heart-wrenching but beautiful.

Reichstag Building – Germany’s parliament building, has a rich history of its own. In the late 1990s, they added a glass dome to the top that looks down into the parliament floor. You can sign up online to enter it for free, and it offers incredible views of Berlin.

German Historical Museum – While not free, the value for €8 is second to none. It covers history dating back to the middle ages and German history until the fall of the Berlin wall. Well worth the visit.

Prague, Czech Republic

Hostel One Prague – An incredible resource, and I wish I got to spend more time there. They offer a free dinner every night and have an affordable bar in the basement (The Rave Cave).

Browse all accommodation options in Prague .

U Fleků – If you’re going to go to one brewery in Prague, make it this one. The beer flows freely for about $1.50 a glass. Oh, and it’s been around since 1499.

Tynska Bar and Books – While not exactly for the budget-minded, this cigar bar will make you want to stay all night.

Hany Bany Café – With its constant nods to Pulp Fiction, this bar has solid burgers at an even better price.

Prague Castle – If you’re walking, it’s a good hoof up a mountain, but the views are worth it. This 9th-century castle looks over the city of Prague and is free to walk around the grounds.

Jewish Quarter – One of the more beautiful parts of Prague, the Jewish Quarter was my favorite area to stroll back alleys and side streets.

Prague Free Walking Tour – Just like in Berlin, there are plenty of free walking tours that provide a better feel for the rich history.

Check out our Prague City Guide for Budget-Minded Travelers for more Prague travel tips.

Barcelona, Spain

Onefam Sants – A sister hostel to the one I stayed at in Prague. This hostel has a considerable community focus. Volunteers run the hostel, and every night they cook a free dinner before leading anyone who wants to go out to local bars and clubs.

Browse all accommodation options in Barcelona .

Bodega Joan – My six days in Barcelona was a mission to find the city’s best paella, and this spot won my heart.

Blacklab Brewhouse – Having just come from Prague and Berlin, I was a little spoiled with beer at this point, but Blacklab Brewhouse was a special spot.

La Xampanyeria – Along with paella, I also ate my way through too many tapas bars to count. La Xampanyeria is still the one that stands out the most to me, and you can have a fantastic meal for under €6.

Citizen Café – While not very Catalonian, this was the best breakfast I had of any of the cities I visited.

For more dining options, check out this Delicious and Affordable Italian Restaurant and The Best Tapas in Barcelona.

Barcelona FC – A fútbol match is a must in Europe, and there was no better way to see my first one than by watching the legendary Messi play.

Gaudi Buildings – The legendary architect made his mark on Barcelona in a big way. Everything from the famous (still under construction) Sagrada Familia to numerous buildings all around the city are must-sees when walking the city.

Montserrat Monastery – High in the mountains sits a monastery that has been around since the 9th century, and I would consider this a must-do if you have a few days to spend in Barcelona. You can have the perfect day trip for the cost of one €23 train ticket to Montserrat.

Travel Planning Tip: Order a prepaid SIM card before you travel!

Paris, France

Chez Janou – This beautiful and quaint café is the perfect stop to get your fill of French cuisine at a reasonable price. Oh, and get the chocolate mousse, trust me.

L’As du Fallafel – While falafel isn’t the first thing you relate to Paris, this spot’s constant line down the street is a good indicator of just how good it is. It’s the best falafel I’ve had outside of the Middle East and was a good fill for €7.

Terroir & Burger – I discovered this little hole in the wall while wandering around late one night. Beautiful French cuisine tucked in a packed alley full of boutique restaurants. Even if you don’t eat here, it’s worth walking this alley.

Mon Paris! – After two weeks in Europe, I was craving an old fashioned, and this was the best one I’ve ever had outside of America. The charcuterie board was a piece of artwork as well.

Louvre – This bullet point needs no explanation, and one could easily spend their entire vacation wandering around the Lourve. So just go, don’t even question it.

A la Civette – The oldest tobacco shop in the world since 1716, this shop also boasts a great selection of cigars and pipes. I didn’t buy anything, but it was worth it just to browse through.

Eiffel Tower from Palais de Chaillot – Another item that needs no explanation, but this viewpoint is perfect for your Instagram-worthy vacation photo.

Go for a wander – Honestly, I spent most of my time in Paris endlessly wandering the streets. There is a vibe to Paris that is indescribable.

Check out our Paris City Guide for Budget-Minded Travelers and Things To Do In Paris in December for more Paris travel tips.

Europe, particularly Western Europe, has a stigma of being an expensive destination, but it doesn’t have to be if you follow these tips.

I hope you’re inspired to plan your dream European vacation, whether it’s these cities or any other wonderful city.

By Andy Austin. You may recognize him from his podcast episode about vanlife , which he writes about on his blog, Andy and the Van . Follow him on Instagram @andyaustinphoto or @andyandthevan . 

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Travel Insurance – Now more than ever, we encourage the purchase of travel insurance for every trip. Insurance protects you against cancellations, lost luggage, theft, injury, and illness. Compare plans at:

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• Tags Barcelona , Berlin , budget travel tips , Czech Republic , France , Germany , Paris , Prague , saving money , Spain

The ultimate guide to budget travel in Europe

• Post author: Avoid Crowds
• Post published: April 8, 2023
• Post category: Europe
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime without emptying your wallet? Buckle up, fellow travelers, because we’re about to embark on a journey through Europe that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the bank account. In this blog post, we’ll share our best tips, tricks, and secrets for exploring Europe on a budget. From choosing the right destinations to finding affordable accommodations and transportation, we’ve got you covered. So grab your backpack, put on your most comfortable walking shoes, and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to budget travel in Europe!

Introduction to Budget Travel in Europe

Ah, Europe! Land of history, culture, and delicious food. But who says you need to spend a fortune to experience it all? We’re here to show you how to have an amazing European adventure without breaking the bank. And guess what? We’ll be recommending some fantastic products and experiences along the way with our trusty affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, we get a little something in return, at no extra cost to you – it’s a win-win!

Why Europe is the perfect budget travel destination

Europe is a treasure trove of affordable travel opportunities. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and incredible cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone – even those on a tight budget. Plus, its compact size and well-connected transportation systems make it easy to explore multiple countries without spending a fortune. Here are some fun and engaging reasons why Europe is perfect for budget travelers:

• 🏰 Castles galore: Discover fairy tale-like castles without breaking the bank, from Germany’s Neuschwanstein to Portugal’s Pena Palace.
• 🍽️ Foodie heaven: Indulge in mouthwatering cuisine at affordable prices, whether it’s Spanish tapas, Italian gelato, or Belgian waffles.
• 🎨 Art for all: Admire priceless masterpieces at world-class museums, often with free or discounted entry on certain days.
• 🌳 Natural wonders: Explore jaw-dropping natural attractions like Iceland’s waterfalls, Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, or Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes, often with minimal entrance fees.
• 🚶‍♂️ Walkable cities: Many European cities are perfect for strolling, making it easy to soak in the sights without spending a dime on transportation.
• 🤝 Friendly locals: Connect with welcoming locals who are eager to share their insider tips on the best affordable spots to eat, drink, and explore.
• 🎭 Cultural immersion: Experience vibrant local festivals, street performances, and open-air markets without spending a fortune.

Planning Your Budget Euro-Trip

Ready to start planning your budget Euro-trip? Follow these steps to maximize your savings and make the most of your European adventure!

Choosing the right destinations for maximum savings

Not all European destinations are created equal when it comes to affordability. Eastern and Southern Europe tend to be more budget-friendly, with countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, and Portugal offering great value for money. However, don’t write off pricier destinations like France or Italy – with the right planning, you can still find affordable experiences in these popular countries.

The best time to visit Europe on a budget

Timing is everything when it comes to budget travel in Europe. The shoulder seasons – spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) – are ideal times to visit, as you’ll find lower prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather. Avoid peak travel season (June-August) when prices skyrocket and tourist hotspots are packed.

Finding budget-friendly accommodations

Your choice of accommodation can make or break your budget. Consider staying in hostels, budget hotels, or vacation rentals for a more affordable experience. Websites like Booking.com and Airbnb can help you find great deals. Don’t forget to book early, especially during popular travel seasons, to secure the best prices!

Saving on transportation with Eurail, buses, and budget airlines

Europe’s well-connected transportation network makes it easy to travel between countries and cities without spending a fortune. Save on train travel with a Eurail pass, which offers unlimited travel within a specified number of days. For longer distances, consider budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet . And don’t forget about buses – companies like FlixBus and Eurolines offer affordable, comfortable rides across the continent.

Affordable Attractions and Activities

Don’t let your budget hold you back from experiencing the best of Europe! Here are some tips for finding affordable attractions and activities to make the most of your European adventure.

Free and low-cost sights in Europe's top cities

Many European cities are home to free or low-cost attractions that are just as captivating as their pricier counterparts. Here are some examples:

• London: Visit the British Museum, Tate Modern, or the National Gallery, all of which offer free entry.
• Paris: Explore the beautiful parks, like Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or admire the city’s stunning architecture from the outside, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Louvre’s glass pyramid.
• Rome: Discover ancient sites like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, all free to visit.

Exploring the great outdoors on a budget

Europe’s natural beauty can be enjoyed on a budget, too! Here are some affordable outdoor adventures:

• Hiking: Take advantage of Europe’s extensive trail networks, like the Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland, or the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
• Beaches: Relax on the sandy shores of the Algarve in Portugal or the beaches of Greece’s many islands.
• National Parks: Discover the stunning landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia or the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Affordable Viator and GetYourGuide tours for budget travelers

Budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy guided tours with Viator and GetYourGuide ! Here are some examples:

• Free walking tours: Many cities offer free walking tours with knowledgeable local guides. Just be prepared to tip at the end!
• Food tours: Explore local cuisine on a budget with affordable food tours in cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Rome.
• Day trips: Experience more of the region with budget-friendly day trips to nearby attractions, like a visit to the Versailles Palace from Paris or a day exploring Sintra from Lisbon.

Eating on a Budget in Europe

Don’t worry, foodies – Europe’s culinary delights can be enjoyed on a budget, too! Here’s how to eat like a king without spending a fortune.

Must-try cheap eats in European countries

From street food to local markets, Europe offers plenty of budget-friendly culinary experiences. Some must-try cheap eats include:

• Spain: Feast on tapas, like patatas bravas and albondigas, at local bars.
• Italy: Indulge in slices of pizza al taglio, sold by weight, or grab a panino from a local bakery.
• Germany: Savor a classic bratwurst from a street vendor or a filling döner kebab from a Turkish takeaway.

Tips for dining out without breaking the bank

Follow these tips to enjoy Europe’s diverse cuisine without emptying your wallet:

• 🍏 Eat at local markets: Discover fresh, affordable produce and ready-made meals at vibrant food markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona or Borough Market in London .
• 🍽️ Take advantage of lunch specials: Many restaurants offer set lunch menus at a fraction of the dinner price – keep an eye out for “menu del día” or “plat du jour” deals.
• 🥦 Go vegetarian: Meat-free options are often cheaper and just as delicious. Try falafel in Berlin or a veggie-packed quiche in Paris.
• 🍲 Share plates: In countries like Spain and Greece, it’s common to order several small plates to share, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes without overspending. Enjoy the communal dining experience!

Budget Travel Gear Recommendations

Equipping yourself with the right gear can make your budget Euro-trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here are our top picks for essential items and money-saving gadgets for your journey.

Essential items for budget travelers

As seasoned travelers, we’ve curated a list of must-have items that’ll make your budget trip a breeze. We’re also using Amazon affiliate links, which means we’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through them – at no extra cost to you! Happy shopping!

• 🎒 Lightweight, durable backpack: A comfortable, reliable backpack is essential. We recommend the Osprey Farpoint 40 .
• 🧥 Packable, versatile jacket: Stay warm and dry with a lightweight, packable jacket like the Columbia Watertight II .
• 🔒 TSA-approved luggage lock: Secure your belongings with a TSA Luggage Lock .
• 🌐 Universal travel adapter: Stay charged with the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter .
• 🧳 Packing cubes: Keep your belongings organized with the Gonex Packing Cubes .

Money-saving gadgets and gear for your trip

Save money, and the planet, with these handy travel gadgets and gear:

• 💧 Reusable water bottle: Cut down on plastic waste and save money with a reusable bottle like the Hydro Flask .
• 🍴 Portable utensils: Avoid buying disposable cutlery by packing a set of Bamboo Travel Utensils .
• 🥡 Collapsible food container: Save on meals by packing leftovers in a Collapsible Silicone Food Container .

Tips for Saving Money While Traveling in Europe

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on fun and adventure. In fact, the number one travel hack for saving money in Europe is doing your research, preparing, and planning just the right amount – without taking any of the excitement away! A little foresight can help you make the most of your trip while sticking to your budget.

And the best way to plan? Invest in a reliable travel guide . These comprehensive resources offer invaluable tips, insights, and recommendations to ensure you have an unforgettable European adventure without breaking the bank. So, let’s dive into more money-saving tips for your European escapade!

Finding discounts and deals on attractions

• 💳 City tourist cards: Many European cities offer tourist cards that provide discounted or free entry to attractions and public transportation.
• 🏛️ Museum discounts: Look out for free entry days or discounted admission for students, seniors, or families.
• 🌟 Last-minute deals: Keep an eye on sites like Groupon or LivingSocial for discounted tickets to attractions, events, and tours.

Staying connected without overspending on data

Stay connected during your European adventure without breaking the bank. Here are our top tips for affordable data access:

• 📶 Free Wi-Fi: Make the most of free Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, libraries, or public spaces for quick internet access on the go.
• 🌐 eSIM cards through GetYourGuide: Enjoy seamless connectivity by purchasing an eSIM card through GetYourGuide . This hassle-free option saves you from hunting down a physical SIM card and offers competitive data plans for your trip.
• 🗺️ Offline maps: Save data and never get lost by downloading offline maps on apps like Google Maps or Maps.me before you set off on your journey.

Budget travel hacks and insider secrets

• 🛍️ Shop at supermarkets: Save on food costs by shopping at local supermarkets and preparing your own meals.
• 🚶‍♂️ Walk or bike: Explore cities on foot or rent a bike to save on transportation costs.
• 🏠 Stay with locals: Use platforms like Couchsurfing or Airbnb to find budget-friendly accommodations and connect with locals.
• 🗣️ Learn the language: Knowing a few phrases in the local language can help you negotiate better prices and find hidden deals.

Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure of Budget Travel in Europe

Budget travel is more than just saving money; it’s about embracing new experiences, connecting with different cultures, and making unforgettable memories. By following our tips, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on the adventure of a lifetime without emptying your wallet.

Recapping the best budget travel tips for your Euro-adventure

To help you make the most of your European journey, let’s recap our top budget travel tips:

• 📚 Research and plan ahead: Invest in a travel guide and make informed decisions to maximize your budget.
• 🌍 Choose the right destinations and timing: Opt for less expensive locations and travel during the shoulder or off-peak seasons.
• 🏠 Find budget-friendly accommodations: Consider alternatives like hostels, guesthouses, or staying with locals.
• 🚆 Save on transportation: Take advantage of Eurail passes, buses, and budget airlines.
• 🎟️ Explore free and low-cost attractions: Discover Europe’s wealth of affordable sights, outdoor activities, and tours.
• 🍴 Eat smart: Savor local cuisine at markets, take advantage of lunch specials, and share plates with friends.
• 🎒 Invest in the right gear: Equip yourself with essential items and money-saving gadgets.
• 📱 Stay connected affordably: Use free Wi-Fi, purchase an eSIM card through GetYourGuide, and download offline maps.

With these tips in mind, you’re all set to embark on an incredible, budget-friendly European adventure. Bon voyage! 🎉

Useful links

• Eurail Passes – Official website for Eurail passes, offering train travel across Europe.
• GetYourGuide – Book unique experiences, tours, and activities around the world.
• Viator – A platform for booking tours, activities, and attractions worldwide.
• Rick Steves’ Europe – Expert advice, tips, and recommendations for traveling in Europe.
• Lonely Planet Europe – Destination guides, travel tips, and inspiration for Europe.
• Hostelworld – A platform to book hostels and budget accommodations worldwide.
• Airbnb – Find unique places to stay, from local hosts in over 190 countries.
• Couchsurfing – A community of travelers offering free accommodations and local connections.
• Google Maps – A mapping service providing directions, traffic, and nearby points of interest.
• Maps.me – An offline mapping app for navigation without using data.
• Groupon – Discover and save on local deals, experiences, and events.
• LivingSocial – Find exclusive discounts on travel, dining, and activities in your area.
• XE Currency Converter – Calculate live currency and foreign exchange rates.

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30 best ways to travel Europe on a budget

Want to travel to Europe but don’t have the budget to afford it? Here are the practical ways on how to travel to Europe on a budget .

Europe is a beautiful continent with a number of countries with incredible landmarks , impressive museums , and cities that everyone would like to visit.

But for backpackers who want to travel on a budget, they sometimes skip it due to the fact that it is expensive to travel in compared to some other parts of the world – no wonder most backpackers opt for cheap countries in Asia.

However, you don’t have to write it off because there are ways on how to travel Europe on a budget.

There are a number of cheap ways to travel Europe that range from when you’re at the stage of planning your trip to when you’re actually traveling in Europe.

For easy navigation, I’ll be breaking down the tips for traveling Europe on a budget at every stage of your trip. So without any delays, let’s find out exactly how to travel Europe on a budget.

How to travel Europe on a budget

Europe on a budget: Things to do before your trip

Before you even travel to Europe, there are certain things you need to do at your trip planning stage to make sure that you travel on a budget.

So let’s look at those things you need to take into consideration as you plan your trip to Europe.

Save, save and save some more

In all honesty, Europe is not the cheapest continent to travel in and the best way to make sure you have enough money is to save.

Having some money on your travel funds account will put you at ease while you enjoy Europe.

The best way to save for Europe is to have a goal – this can be saving a certain amount of money every month towards your travels.

What I like to do is to have a separate account for my travel funds – if this works for you, you could do the same.

Choose cheap destinations in Europe

Like anywhere else, countries in Europe are not made equal. Some are more expensive than others.

So since the goal is to find the cheapest ways to travel to Europe, your best bet at succeeding is to opt for cheap destinations in Europe.

Unlike some of the popular cities in Europe , the cheap destinations in Europe are the hidden gems and are majorly in Eastern and Central Europe.

For most of these destinations, you can expect to spend an average of $35-$55 dollars a day taking into account the food, accommodation, transportation, and activities.

So below are some of the cheap destinations in Europe you can consider traveling to plus their expected daily budgets.

• Greece : If you want to enjoy good weather all year round , enjoy the beautiful beaches on the many islands or even see one of the major Unesco historical sites in the world while still traveling on a budget, then visit Greece. A day in Greece can set you back an average of $40-$50 daily.
• Portugal: Don’t want to go far from Western Europe? Then travel to Portugal. Dive into Portugal’s culture as you relax on its long beautiful beaches for cheaps. Depending on the city you visit, you can plan for $45-$55 a day.
• Czech Republic : If you’re into big bustling cities in Europe, then visiting Prague in the Czech Republic will reward you with an incredible experience while staying right under your European budget. You can expect to spend around $35 -$40 in the Czech Republic.
• Turkey: This Eurasian country that is full of history, culture, and incredible tourist attractions needs to be added to places to visit in Europe on a budget. Whether it is exploring the megapolis city of Istanbul or going for a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, you can plan to go as far behind as $45-$55 a day.
• Other cheap destinations in Europe include Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine and their daily budget can all range between $40-$50. You can also check out my full list of all the cheapest countries to visit in Europe.

Related post : How to travel to Istanbul on a budget

Travel during the off-peak season

Though summertime is ideal to travel to Europe due to the great weather, the costs and crowds that come with it make it challenging for backpackers to travel there.

This means that the best way to travel Europe cheaply is to travel during the low or shoulder season when everything from flights, accommodation, activities and the general costs of living are low.

In Europe, the offseason is during the winter months from November to March.

And while some people shun away from traveling during this time of the year, there are a number of reasons to travel to Europe in winter, and traveling at a low budget is one of them.

However, if you can’t brave up for winter, you can still travel during the shoulder season during early fall (September – October) and early spring (March-May).

During this time, the high rates of literally everything in summer will have reduced and the crowds gone, which means that you’ll get a better experience when visiting the popular sites and enjoy lower travel rates.

Related post : 1. Best places to visit in Europe in winter 2. Best places to visit in Europe in Spring

Find cheap flights to Europe

The advantage of traveling to Europe is that there are a number of budget airlines that can save you a couple of bucks that you can use on something else.

You can use Skyscanner to research cheap flights to Europe.

You can also work out the best city to fly into first if you plan to visit a number of countries in Europe.

The advantage of using Skyscanner is that it will give you all the options of airlines that operate in Europe with their estimated rates.

The trick for this is to first research a one-way route instead of a round ticket.

If you’re unable to get the best deal on Skyscanner (which is highly unlikely, you can check out specific budget airlines).

Some of the budget airlines you can check out include;

• Ryanair : This the most known low-cost airline flying to a number of European destinations and outside Europe.
• Easyjet : Another popular budget airline in Europe you can check out.
• Norwegian Air and so many others .

Pro tip* To get the best out of this tip, make sure that you book your flights way in advance as most tickets tend to be cheaper way before the travel dates. Also some of the low cost airlines have tight restritions on luggage, so make sure you’re ok with that before you book.

On top of using low-cost airlines, you can gather your frequent flier miles and you never know you might end up saving some money off your flight.

Cheapest ways to travel around Europe: Transportation

One of the ways on how to travel Europe on a budget is by saving on transportation and public transportation is the best way to go about that.

So below we’re going to look at some of the different ways to travel around Europe cheaply.

By train using a Eurail Pass

The best part about Europe is that it has a well-connected rail system that can help you travel all around the continent on just a train.

Though you can travel around Europe by train with just individual tickets for each train ride, it’s much easier and cheaper to buy tickets in a batch – or a Eurail Pass for that matter.

For the Eurail Pass , you’ll need to buy it before you go to Europe and it will be sent over to you via email, and as soon as you use it for your first ride, it will immediately be activated.

The Eurail Pass will save you a lot of money as you travel from one European city to another.

You can book your Eurail Pass from here to get the most of Europe as you still continue to travel on a budget.

By Using BlaBla car

BlaBla car is a famous car-sharing service that helps travelers who need rides connect with people who have extra space in their car and are headed to the same destination.

It’s a cheap way to travel across Europe and all you have to do is to sign up, put in your request and you’ll be able to find new carpooling buddies for an undeniably low price.

By hitchhiking

Though most people are skeptical about hitchhiking through Europe, it’s actually the cheapest way to travel in Europe.

Though buses are much slower compared to trains, they’re some of the best ways for touring Europe on a budget.

In this regard, not all Bus companies in Europe are created equal, some are fairly priced and others, not so much.

In order to get the best bargain for a bus ticket, you can check out companies like Flix Bus which works in over 20 European countries and thousands of cities in the same.

If you plan to concentrate in the Uk or majorly some countries in Western Europe, then you’ll be able to score cheap bus tickets with MegaBus .

On top of Flix Bus and MegaBus, local Public buses in certain countries are always cheaper compared to other means of transportation and will help you save money while traveling in Europe.

Yes, you read it right, walk! Obviously not to get to Europe but if you’re heading from one place to another and it is a walkable distance, skip the train or taxi and just walk!

Unlike in some parts of Africa , most parts of Europe have proper cobblestone sidewalks that pedestrians can use easily without any hassles.

This also means that you have to pack proper walking shoes to be able to walk for longer distances.

Save money on accommodation in Europe

We all know that accommodation takes a big percentage of any budget when it comes to planning a trip .

This means that one of the best ways to travel to Europe on a budget is to spend less on accommodation.

And how exactly do you do that? Below are some ways to make sure you save some bucks on accommodation.

Stay in Hostels instead of Hotels

Most hotels in Europe can be expensive and your best bet at saving money on accommodation is opting for hostels.

You don’t have to be worried especially if you’re staying in a hostel for the first time since most hostels in Europe are in good shape.

And if you require some privacy, most hostels have private rooms too, not just dorm rooms.

You can use Hostel World to search for hostels all across Europe depending on what you’d want in a hostel.

Related post: The complete packing list for a Hostel

Rent a room/apartment with Air BnB

If you’re not a fan of hostels, then you can try out Air BnB since sometimes they can be cheaper than hotels.

In the same way, if you’re traveling with a group of friends or as a couple and require some bit of privacy, renting out an apartment can be a better deal at saving on accommodation.

However, as you make your booking, check out the prices very well as sometimes the price listed on Air BnB can seem low yet there are hidden fees of water, electricity, and laundry – so make sure that the price listed includes all that.

And before you book an apartment, make sure that you also read the reviews very well as a bad host can mess up your entire European trip.

Try out Couchsurfing

Europe has embraced the idea of Couchsurfing and the friendly people of Europe are always open to hosting travelers.

On top of saving you accommodation fee, Couchsurfing is a great way of making friends while traveling that might even become life long friends.

All you have to do is to sign up and create a profile with Couchsurfing , add photos that will “sell” you and stat requesting locals if you could stay at their homes for a couple of days.

It’s always better to request locals way in advance as it’s popular and if you delay, you might end up not getting where to crash.

But if you get lucky, offer something to the locals so that they also feel appreciated.

This can range from buying some food at home and leaving them with souvenirs – whatever works for you.

Camping is a great way of traveling Europe on a budget especially if you’re visiting in summer.

You can carry your own tent and I’m sure you’ll find a number of free camping spots.

And if you can find free ones, you can look out for proper campsites that also come at an affordable price.

Exchange your services for free accommodation

When I was in Cairo Egypt , I met a number of travelers at the hostel I stayed at who were offering their services in exchange for free accommodation.

Even in Europe, most places especially Hostels are willing to offer free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of your time (this could be as a bartender, waiting tables, etc).

This is a good way of traveling around Europe on a budget but can also rob you of a few hours of your travel time.

So before you go for this option, make sure that you have enough time on your hands to work for a few hours and at the same time travel around the place.

How to save money in Europe on Food

Unlike in Asia where you can get a proper meal at $4 in a restaurant, food in Europe can take you as far behind as $10-$15 for a proper meal.

This shows how much food can run up your budget pretty fast.

So let’s look at how you can travel to Europe cheaply by saving money on food.

Cook your own Meals

If you opted to sleep at an Air BnB or a Hostel, chances are that they will come with a kitchen and this will help you make your meals.

The food at fresh vegetable markets is usually cheaper – so if you’re staying in a place for a couple of days, you can stock up some groceries and make yourself quick meals.

Stay at Hostels that provide free breakfast

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it’s very unlikely that you’d want to miss it and that also means spending money on it.

However, staying at a hostel that gives free breakfast is a huge plus as you’ll not have to worry about budgeting for it.

Don’t eat at restaurants near the popular tourist attractions

One of the mistakes travelers make in Europe is eating at exquisite restaurants they might have seen in guide books and on Instagram.

I mean there is nothing wrong with eating at such places but if you’re on a budget, you might end up eating away all you money.

Restaurants near popular places are usually extremely expensive and some of them don’t prepare the best dishes.

But if you feel like eating at a restaurant, try to look for one that is a bit far from the popular spots in Europe.

Opt for street food

Europe is blessed with a number of delicious cuisines you can easily find on the food stalls dotted around the streets.

Street food is always way cheaper than restaurant food and you get to indulge yourself in the local cuisine of the country you’re traveling in.

Pack a sandwich for your lunch

Another way you can travel Europe on a budget is by saving money on lunch.

Even though you can prepare your meals, lunch is likely to find you outside exploring the beautiful places in Europe which means that you’ll have to spend on lunch.

The best way to avoid this cost is to pack a sandwich for lunch!

It’s always way cheaper to buy your own sandwich stuff (bread, cheese, etc) from a local supermarket and make your own sandwich than buying almost the same sandwich at a higher price in a restaurant.

How to save money on Sightseeing in Europe

Join the free walking tours.

The gospel of free walking tours has been spread across all Europe and it’s hard to find a city in Europe that doesn’t have one.

These free walking tours are normally conducted by young people who are passionate about tourism in their city.

The tours run for a couple of hours sometimes two to three where the natives show you all the popular attractions in their city and answer all the questions you might have.

Since its a free city tour, you’re not required to pay any specific amount but a tip is always appreciated at the end of the tour.

So as a backpacker, I’d advise you to sign up for free walking tours in the city you’re visiting and you can tip any amount you feel like.

Opt for free or cheap things to do in a certain city

The good thing about traveling to Europe is that you can still do a number of things without even touching your wallet.

So if you’re visiting a particular city, just google “free things to do in city X” and you’ll be surprised by how many things you can do without paying anything.

If you’re visiting Istanbul , you can check out some of the free things to do there .

Related post: Romantic things to do in Europe

Take advantage of free days for some major attractions

There are some tourist attractions in Europe like museums which are free for all tourists on specific days whether it is the first Sunday of the month or every Friday.

Look out for such offers and if you’re lucky and they fall around the time you’re in that particular part of Europe, you’ll be able to save that money.

Take your Student/ ID card if you’re below 26

If you’re still below the age of 26 years and from the EU, take your ID or student’s ID because a number of attractions in Europe are free for you and in other cases, the tickets are extremely subsidized.

Other than students and youths under 26 years, some professions can also help you get discounts at some attractions in Europe.

Depending on the country you’re visiting, sometimes teachers and military professionals can be given discounts. So if you fall under that category, also carry your work ID.

Related post: Best museums in Europe

Money tips to help you travel to Europe on a budget

Don’t exchange money at the airport.

Exchange offices at the airport are always a rip-off. It might seem like a little percentage, but if you’re exchanging a lot of money, you’ll realize that you’re losing a lot of money.

What you should do is to wait until you reach the city center and you can exchange your money from there. Also, avoid exchange offices in fancy tourist places, their rates tend to be low hence losing money.

Or you can even stay away from exchange offices generally and just withdraw local currency from the ATM machines as sometimes it is cheaper.

Avoid roaming while in Europe

Though this might seem like less work, not worrying about buying a different Simcard for every country you visit.

It is a total mistake and it will cost you a lot of money in data and voice.

So the best way to save money on this is by buying a different Simcard for each country you visit.

You’ll actually end up getting better deals on mobile data instead of roaming.

Do not tip too much

I know it’s good practice to tip when you’ve received a service especially one that was exceptional but don’t tip away all your money.

Imagine if you’re tipping $5-$10 every time you eat at a restaurant.

Without even realizing it, the money will accumulate to $25-$50 on just tipping when you go to a restaurant 5 times.

Now that’s a lot of money you would have used for sightseeing.

I am not saying that you shouldn’t tip at all when you receive amazing service, you should but a rather reason tip.

In any case, tipping is not a must, if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it altogether.

Pack all your essentials

Packing all the travel essentials means that you won’t spend money on buying what you didn’t carry.

You can always make your travel checklist to make sure that you have everything you’ll need in Europe.

If you plan to travel to Europe in winter, this Europe winter packing list will show you everything you should take and if you’re going in summer, then check out this Packing list for Europe in summer .

And to make sure that you don’t leave anything behind, below are some of the essentials that you should pack for your European trip.

• A universal travel adapter : Since some of the countries in Europe use a different adapter, I’d advise you to buy a universal travel adapter to cater to all regions. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have it yet.
• A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling to Europe is the Powerbank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times.
• Microfibre travel towel  – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel   because it is super lightweight, easy to wash and dries easily.– 
• First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to in Europe, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise while on the road. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of backpack.  This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers.
• Collapsible water bottle : I always prefer carrying a water bottle while traveling so that I can just refill it when I run out of water. It also helps be a responsible traveler since you won’t have to use tons of disposable plastic bottles which are not great for our environment. Any water bottle can work but I prefer  this collapsible one  as it doesn’t take a lot of space in my bag. It will also save you money instead of buying bottled water all the time.
• A Head Lamp

There you have it, those are the practical ways on how to travel Europe on a budget!

Do you have other ways that helped you save some bucks while in Europe, share them in the comment section.

More posts to inspire you to travel to Europe

• Best landmarks to visit in Europe
• Most beautiful cities in Europe
• Cheap ski resorts in Europe
• Best winter sun destinations in Europe
• Romantic places to visit in Europe
• Romantic things to do in Europe
• Best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe

*The Adventurous Feet is a proud member of the  Amazon Associate and other affiliates. This means that if you purchase anything through this website, I might get a small commission without any additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Adventurous feet *

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Hi, I'm James and I've been teaching people how to travel Europe on a budget since 2010. I created The Savvy Backpacker to be the most comprehensive resource for planning your trip to Europe. Join me to learn more about the best travel backpacks, train travel in Europe, curated packing lists, European city travel guides, cheap data plans, itinerary planning, and money-saving strategies to help you plan a trip to Europe on a budget.

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5 budget destinations in Europe you won’t want to miss

The ability to experience a number of different European cultures on one trip is priceless, so to speak.

But if you want to travel Europe on a budget as well as achieve cultural immersion, you’ll probably want to choose your destinations wisely. Because from France’s iconic capital to Greece’s hedonistic islands, Europe’s rich diversity can make for a relatively high price tag to boot.

Luckily, however, some countries offer more bang for your buck than others.

As a general rule, the further east you travel, the cheaper the destination (in terms of food, attractions, accommodation etc.). But, there’s more to it than that. There’s an art to making your Europe trip work for your budget. And a lot of it’s to do with using our insider tips.

An Intrepid group soaking up the sunset in Madrid

Being budget-friendly is far from the only appeal of these five countries, but it’s not a bad place to start:

Romania: budget-friendly on all levels

Preserved medieval villages with cobblestone roads, storybook castles and beautiful churches galore, Romania offers a quintessential European experience. The kicker: it’s all for a fraction of the price of other areas of Europe. To add to the allure, the Eastern European gem is also home to what’s known as Dracula’s Castle. Yep, Transylvania is the place to check out this cliff-top castle set against the dramatic backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains.

One of the major treats of Romania is that a lot of the worth-seeing attractions are free. Hike in Brasov, wander the amazingly-preserved medieval town of Sighisoara (the reported birthplace of Dracula) or gawk over the architectural beauty of  Cărtureşti Carusel, a bookstore in Bucharest.

To see the extravagant castles (which you really should), you’ll only pay between $5-$10. The food scene is also great value for money. In Romania you can eat well for around $8.

Visit this destination: Intrepid’s 10-day Budapest to Bucharest trip takes you to many of Romania’s highlights. Read more about it: 8 places you didn’t know you needed to see in Europe (Romania included!)

Spain: underrated cities that your budget adores

Ah, there is much to envy about the day-to-day life of Spaniards. Daily siestas, Gaudi architecture to gawk over and the food, oh yes, the food. But there’s much more than Spanish stereotypes to be uncovered, especially if you venture to underrated Spanish cities such as Bilbao and Salamanca. Oh, and it’s really not as pricey as expected.

Venture inland to Madrid, one of Europe’s cheaper-than-expected capitals. The lively barrio of La Latina is the area to hit up for all your budget needs. The city’s oldest neighborhood, it brims with tapas, bars, cantinas and street-food stalls. Alternatively, the market hall of Mercado de la Cebada is the perfect launch point to mingle, fill your belly on local eats and check out its exterior walls (containing one of the world’s biggest works of street art), all while on a budget.

Exploring Madrid on an Intrepid trip

For a truly immersive cultural experience in Europe, food undoubtedly plays a massive role. Instead of gathering at restaurants off of the main drags, opt for the more hidden gems (experience them on Intrepid’s 10-day Real Food Adventure).  This is hardly a compromise to fit a budget. Street food, locally-owned restaurants and food markets have become essential to most European food scenes — not to mention that they contribute to the local economy.

READ MORE: 6 MUST-TRY DISHES IN MADRID

In  Spain , you’re obviously going to get to grips with tapas. But, did you know they come with a bonus? The snack-size shareable dishes sometimes come free with the purchase of a drink, like at Entre Cáceres y Badajoz in Madrid. Local restos often offer  menu del día ( menu of the day) which come with an appetiser, main and the option of a drink or dessert. All of this comes to about $15, so is worth hunting down.

Tapas in Barcelona

When you find yourself in a major city like Barcelona, gravitate towards public markets. La Boqueria, for example, is a dream for street food. Its grand setting hosts an array of budget-friendly food vendors to take your pick from, including massive paella and fresh juices for only $1.50. Take it to go to make it a picnic and you’ve basically mastered Europe on a budget.

Visit this destination: Check out the best of Spain on Intrepid’s 15-day Best of Spain trip (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and more included!) Read more about it: 6 cities in Spain to visit before everyone else does

Hungary: affordable luxuries and great value sights

Hungary may not be as much of a bargain for travellers as it once was, but it’s still more wallet-friendly than many countries in the west. Budapest is one of pricier capital cities in Eastern Europe – but if you know where to look, you can experience its best bits for next to nothing.

Budapest is actually split in two by the Danube, with one side named Buda and the other Pest – who doesn’t love a two-for-one deal? While the majority of the city’s buzz sits on the Pest side, it’s worth crossing the Liberty Bridge (an excellent – and free! – sunset viewing spot) to explore the hills of Buda and take in panoramic views of the city.

Szechenyi Baths, Budapest

If you’re here for the thermal baths but don’t want to splash too much cash, here’s how to soak while saving a few hundred forint. The most famous bathing spot, Schechenyi, is better value if you opt for locker-only entry after 6pm on weekdays. But for an even better deal without the crowds, take your pick of the city’s lesser-known but equally soothing baths, such as Kiraly, a quaint old bathing spot with an atmospheric octagonal pool; tickets come at a fraction of the cost of Schechenyi.

Visit this destination: Many of our Central Europe tours start or end in Budapest. Read more about it : What to eat and drink in Hungary .

Portugal: the free outdoors

When you visit a destination that has as many beautiful beaches, boardwalks, lookout points and maze-like streets to wander as Portugal,  it’s easy to stay on budget. Bask in the sun on a beach cove by the jagged cliffs of the Algarve coast. Take a break from wandering the streets of Lisbon at a  Miradouro  (lookout)  da Graça   and stare in awe at the panoramic views.

Lookout point in Lisbon

Also visit Baleal Beach in Peniche and check-out the skilled surfers carving waves on the Atlantic. There’s so many outdoorsy things to do that your visit really doesn’t have to break the bank.

But, it’s not all about beaches and riverside strolls. We wouldn’t blame you if you go to Portugal just for the food ( here’s a cheeky guide ). Why? Well it doesn’t hurt that the price of food and drink is also some of the cheapest in Europe! Pastel de nata (custard tarts) are delightful and cost less than $3, plus they can be found pretty much everywhere. Delicious ocean-to-table fish and  churrasqueira (BBQ) chicken are also plentiful and often cost less than $5. Coffee also costs as little as $1…

Pastel de nata

Heading north beyond Lisbon is a great bet to scale back your spending. When it comes to enjoying Port, a traditional Portuguese wine, there’s no better place to visit than its birthplace, Porto. Enjoying a glass of port can cost as little as $3.

Visit this destination: Eat your way through Lisbon, Porto and so much more on Intrepid’s 8-day Portugal Real Food Adventure. Read more about it: Why Porto is the hottest destination in Portugal (and what to do there!)

Poland: off-season budget travel

Poland is the ideal place for a budget-friendly, off-season escape. Perched on the edge of the Baltic Sea, this Eastern European country sees Jewish heritage and medieval architecture join forces for a destination with history, food and cities like no other.

Our best tip is to skip the peak summer months and travel on the shoulder season, which falls just before Easter or after October. The benefits? Cheaper flights and fewer fellow travellers.

The Wawel Castle in central Kraków.

Winter here captures the country in all of its magical, snowcapped glory. And fewer people go to the slopes of the Tatra Mountains (a range forming the border with Slovakia), which means you can hike their trails in relative seclusion. After you ease your way through the mountains, you can enjoy a hearty fireside meal in the company of locals who wisely benefit from the off-season perks.

Regardless of the season, Poland is already incredibly inexpensive for travellers. Yet to adopt the Euro, the currency of the Polish Złoty will do your wallet wonders. At traditional restaurants such as Kurna Chata in Wroclaw, you can feast on pierogi with sauerkraut for less than $8, and pair it with a glass of wine for around $3. And wandering around the stunning streets of Krakow , for instance, is absolutely free. Bliss.

Visit this destination: Explore epic mountains and incredible cities on Intrepid’s Best of Central Europe adventure . Read more about it: 5 reasons why Poland is Europe’s most underrated destination

An Intrepid leader showing off Lisbon’s coolest sights

• Use helpful and sustainable apps like Too Good to Go. It lets you snag end-of-day food sales from dining spots all over.
• Bring a reusable water bottle. Not only is this good for the environment, but it saves you money to put towards more exciting things.
• Opt for a multi-day public transit pass. Taking public transit not only means you  reduce environmental impact,  but you can get from A to B like a local while saving some coin.
• When at a restaurant, ask for the lunch menu. Often these dishes are cheaper than the dinner menu.
• Travel with a local as your guide . It’s as authentic as it gets when locals invite you for food or take you to their favourite spot in their hometown. A cool experience AND one that’ll save you money? Tick.

Now you’re equipped with budget savviness.  Check out Intrepid’s range of small group adventures in Europe.

(Moldova image c/o iStock/SpVVK. Romani image c/o iStock/AnSyvanych. All other images c/o Intrepid Travel.)

Feeling inspired?

Julie Faye Germansky

I am a storyteller based in Toronto with a passion for all potato-based dishes, solo travel, sky-high views and talking to strangers. Join me for the ride at talk-to-strangers.com or keep up with my Instagram @julesfayegermansky and Twitter @julsgermansky

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How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas!)

Ready to plan a 2 week Europe trip but not quite sure where to start?

We want to help!

Whether it’s your first trip to Europe or your tenth, there’s something simultaneously overwhelming and exhilarating about planning a trip through multiple countries that–for us and most of the readers of this blog post–lie across an ocean from home.

I’ll never forget planning our first 2 week Europe itinerary: I pored over flight schedules, bucket lists, budgets, and maps for months, desperate to pull together the ultimate Europe trip.

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There were many, many lists involved in planning that first trip, and after months of planning, I emerged with an eclectic but incredible itinerary that kicked our love of travel into high gear.

In the summer of 2015, Jeremy and I spent a little over 2 weeks in Europe exploring Krakow , Budapest , Plitvice Lakes National Park , Zadar , Dublin , and the Cliffs of Moher (I told you it was eclectic!).

We’ve now cumulatively spent years of our lives traveling in Europe, falling in love with world-famous cities and less iconic locations alike, and there’s absolutely nothing we like better than helping people plan their own unforgettable adventures.

Over the years, we’ve explored the continent in almost every way possible, from backpacking Europe on a budget for 2 weeks to checking into luxury hotels to playing tour guide for family and friends to finally spending more than a year living in Lisbon, Portugal !

We’ve put together this 2 week Europe itinerary guide to help you plan your trip–here’s what you need to know before you go.

(Also, yes–this is an incredibly long blog post! We recommend using the table of contents right below this paragraph to help you navigate to different sections depending on what you’re hoping to read first.)

Table of Contents

How to Use This 2 Week Europe Trip Guide

Exciting 2 week europe itinerary ideas, how to get around during 2 weeks in europe, important tips for planning a 2 week europe trip, faq for spending 2 weeks in europe, what to pack for 2 weeks in europe, read more about visiting europe.

This 2 week Europe trip guide is designed for someone hoping to see the highlights of a few different European destinations, spread across multiple countries, in only a couple of weeks.

We’ve primarily written it for someone planning their first trip to Europe, but if this is your second trip, third trip, or beyond, hopefully, we have some interesting ideas and tips for you, too!

And, of course, given that Europe is home to more than 50 countries and is roughly the same size as the USA, no 2 weeks in Europe could hope to cover the entire continent or all of its numerous and distinct cultures, languages, and histories.

For ease of communication, we’ll talk in general terms about traveling in Europe here, but once you pick your itinerary, of course, you’ll want to follow up with further research on the specific locations you’ll be visiting.

And, once you’re further along in your planning process, we’d love to help you with some of that planning here on Our Escape Clause, too!

We’ll link to relevant blog posts throughout this travel guide, but given the hundreds of posts we have on the site, we won’t be able to link them all.

You can use our destinations page or the search bar on the top right of the page (on desktop) or at the top of the pop-out menu (on mobile) to find our content about various specific destinations across Europe or general travel tips.

For example, a few of our most popular guides that might come in handy next include our guide to traveling Europe by train , our 75 best Europe travel tips , and our (biased) guide to the best cities in Europe .

The number of possible 2 week Europe itinerary ideas is truly infinite–just look at the odd itinerary that I cobbled together for us in 2015 as an example !

However, the sample itineraries for Europe outlined below should give you a good idea of what you can accomplish with around 14 days in Europe .

I truly struggled to narrow down these ideas–I could name 10 more excellent 2 week Europe trips in an instant, and still feel like I was leaving so much on the table.

I aimed to keep these mostly focused on destinations that are popular for first-time visitors to Europe, with just a couple of slight curve balls thrown in.

The Classic: London, Paris, Rome

As three of the world’s most beloved and celebrated cities, you can’t go wrong with splitting your 2 weeks in Europe between London, Paris, and Rome.

As the capital of an English-speaking country and home to an enormous airport hub, London makes logistical sense for a first trip to Europe hailing from North America–and, of course, it’s a truly fascinating city.

Visit Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, stroll through Notting Hill, snap photos of Big Ben, check out the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London , visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, stop by Piccadilly Circus, ride the London Eye , and tour the British Museum.

… And that’s just to get you started !

The City of Lights is one of our favorite cities in the world and was also the first place we visited on our very first trip to Europe (we spent a week there and then planned our 2 week Europe trip outlined in the introduction of this blog post the following year).

Since then, we haven’t been able to stop going back, and believe that it’s an excellent addition to any 2 week Europe itinerary!

While you’re in Paris , visit the Eiffel Tower, marvel at the beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, tour the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay, stroll the picturesque streets of Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, visit the Palais Garnier, discover hidden passages and tiny cafes, and soak up every minute of that Parisian charm.

Our full guide to planning your first trip to Paris can help you get started!

Ah, Rome –if Paris is the first European city we fell in love with, Rome is probably our deepest love on the continent.

From wonders of Ancient Rome like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon to more recent additions like the Vatican Museums , Trevi Fountain, and winding cobblestone streets of Trastevere , exploring Rome is a captivating, engaging experience that we can’t recommend highly enough.

And, of course, you couldn’t ask for a better cuisine to savor during your 2 weeks in Europe: Rome is home to some of the best pasta in all of Italy!

Southern Europe Charm: Madrid, Rome, Amalfi Coast

Want your 2 weeks in Europe to focus on a delightful combination of history, food, and sunshine?

Head directly to Spain and Italy!

While Barcelona gets all the love (and a lot of the crowds), we’re personally smitten with the Spanish capital of Madrid… and excellent flight deals from North America make it almost irresistible on a 2 week Europe itinerary.

With a few days in Madrid , you can admire world-class art in the Prado, soak in Spanish culture with a stroll through Retiro Park, eat all the tapas and churros con chocolate you can get your hands on, tour the Royal Palace , check out an Egyptian temple, and take day trips to fairytale towns like Toledo and Segovia.

I described Rome in the first Europe itinerary on this list, so I won’t repeat myself here, but as I sit typing this Europe travel blog post out in a Rome apartment while dreaming of the carbonara I’ll eat for dinner tonight, all I can say is: you won’t regret coming to Rome (and scroll up for more details).

And, while I detailed some of Rome’s highlights above, let me also say… don’t forget to get off the beaten path in the Eternal City , either!

Amalfi Coast

The famed Amalfi Coast , with its dramatic cliffs, chic villages like Positano, delicious lemons, and jaw-droppingly beautiful hikes like the Path of the Gods, is a fabulous conclusion to any 2 week Europe trip–where better to relax than one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world?

While you’re there, be sure to make room for plenty of day trips!

Iconic locations like Capri and Pompeii , as well as less-popular but equally amazing spots like Ischia, Herculaneum , and Procida, are all at your fingertips when staying on the Amalfi Coast.

(Also, if you like page-turning novels about friendship and Italy, I highly recommend reading Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend series before coming or while visiting Europe).

Regal Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, Budapest

Sweeping boulevards, dramatic architecture, beautiful coffeehouses, and tasty comfort food: a trip to Central Europe is an absolute delight.

In my opinion, this region truly shines during the winter months when Christmas markets are in full swing and the hearty cuisine keeps you warm from the inside out.

I’ll try to keep this section quite brief, as I’ve already written a detailed Central Europe itinerary here , but suffice it to say, we love it.

Known as the City of a Hundred Spires (and also for the fact that beer is cheaper than water here–true story, at least when it comes to pricey bottled water at restaurants), Prague is easily in the running for the most beautiful city in Europe.

The beauty of Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the famed Charles Bridge, and Prague’s well-known astronomical clock will all draw you in.

If you have enough time, consider adding a day trip to a smaller Czech town like gorgeous Český Krumlov as well!

Regal and beautiful, full of spacious, wide avenues and ornate buildings, Austria’s capital city is the perfect place to come to tour grand palaces ( Schonbrunn is one of the most popular), see a show in one of the world’s premier opera houses, and to enjoy European cafe culture at its finest.

We absolutely adore Vienna’s coffee houses–be sure to try a slice (or several) of Esterhazy Cake while there, as well as Viennese hot chocolate.

The city’s famed Spanish riding school and striking St. Stephen’s Cathedral are also worth adding to your list!

As our favorite city in central Europe and one of our top 10 cities in Europe overall, I really can’t say enough about how beautiful Budapest is! 

The city is somehow, simultaneously, both grand and down-to-earth , absolutely gorgeous while also remaining accessible, affordable, and fairly simple to visit and explore.

While in Budapest, go for a soak in the famous thermal baths, tour one of the most beautiful houses of Parliament in Europe, check out a castle, visit grand basilicas, take a boat ride down the Danube, and, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, even go on a cave tour!

Be sure not to miss the great food , either–Budapest’s hearty cuisine is a delight, and one of our all-time favorite wine tastings took place there!

Europe for Art Lovers: Paris, Florence, Venice

If you’re an art buff at heart, you can’t ask for a better sampling of some of the continent’s most beloved artistic cities than the trifecta of Paris, Florence, and Venice (and it certainly helps that each city is practically an art museum in and of itself).

From the Louvre to the Musee d’Orsay to the Orangerie to the Musee Rodin to the Centre Pompidou to the Cluny Museum, it would probably take a lifetime to enjoy all the art museums in Paris alone.

And of course, the city has so much more to offer once you need a break!

Nicknamed the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence boasts the finest collection of Renaissance art on the planet–and claims many of its most famous artists as locals. 

Michelangelo, DaVinci, Botticelli, and more all originally hailed from Florence, and their works are scattered about the city.

Perhaps most famously, Michelangelo’s David is in the Galleria dell’Accademia and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus is in the Uffizi Gallery .

And of course, no art-focused trip to the Cradle of the Renaissance can overlook Florence’s iconic Duomo , a masterpiece of the era!

Located an easy train ride away from Florence, Venice may be slightly less well-known for its art than the first two cities on this 2 week Europe itinerary, but there’s no doubt that there’s plenty to find!

From the utter masterpiece of St. Mark’s Basilica (don’t miss a chance to go in!) to the incredible Doge’s Palace to the famous Galleria dell’Accademia (not to be confused with the one in Florence!) that focuses mostly on Venetian artists, Venice is an art lover’s dream.

Mix it up by adding a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which holds modern art, and a gondola ride .

A fter all, Venice itself is no doubt one of the best artistic masterpieces in the city, and it deserves to be seen from all its best angles.

The Incredible Iberian Peninsula: Lisbon, The Algarve, Andalucia

The Iberian Peninsula is dominated by Spain and Portugal , and while I might be biased after spending more than a year living in Lisbon, it makes for an unforgettable Eurotrip!

(The fact that there are often flight deals from the US to Lisbon and Madrid doesn’t hurt, either).

There are infinite ways to craft southern Europe itineraries out of these two countries, but here’s one great option…

Start your trip with a few days in Lisbon , Portugal’s trendy capital city, soaking up beautiful views from its many miradouros , sampling Portuguese food (starting with pastéis de nata ), touring the incredible Jerónimos Monastery, and taking day trips from Lisbon to nearby gems like the palaces of Sintra and/or the beach resort town of Cascais .

Be prepared to head up and down a lot of hills while you’re there–but Lisbon is worth the climb.

If you’re looking for neighborhoods to wander through, Alfama, Castelo, Chiado, and Bairro Alto are particularly picturesque–keep an eye out for trams, azulejos, and peacocks as you explore!

And, while Lisbon’s top attractions are definitely worth a visit, seeking out some of the many hidden gems in Lisbon will add extra beauty to your trip.

The Algarve

After saying goodbye to Lisbon, head south of Portugal’s Algarve for a dizzying array of whitewashed villages (you’ll find many of the best beach towns in Portugal here) and a picturesque coastline.

Lagos is one of the most popular places to stay, and we can highly recommend it–don’t miss the famous Ponta da Piedade, which photos can’t do justice to.

Nearby attractions (ideally, you’ll want to rent a car in the Algarve) include the famous Benagil Cave and the unmissable Seven Hanging Valleys Trail!

For the second week of your trip in Europe, cross the border into southern Spain (note: there’s no direct train access for this journey, but there are buses).

Split your time between any two of Andalucia’s incredible cities, taking nearby day trips from there.

Seville (with its Alcazar and famous Plaza de Espana), Granada (home of the Alhambra ), and Cordoba (home of the Mosque-Cathedral , one of the most unique houses of worship in the world) are all wonderful inland options.

On the coast, options include Cadiz, Malaga, Marbella, Tarifa, and many more.

With a bit more than 2 weeks in Europe or an ambitious schedule, you may be able to squeeze in a day trip to Gibraltar and/or Tangier, Morocco while here!

Food + History: Athens, Santorini, Istanbul

Feel like heading further east–as far east as you can get during a Europe vacation?

Greece and Turkey pair very well for a 14 day European itinerary–here’s what that might look like.

Start your trip in Athens, marveling at some of the world’s most remarkable ruins, including the famous Acropolis complex and museum.

Be sure to make time to explore non-ancient aspects of Athens as well, including the trendy Plaka neighborhood, Monastiraki Square (and nearby flea market!), and Syntagma Square.

And of course, one of the absolute best things to do after you touch down in Athens is to dive into plate after plate of phenomenal Greek food –that alone is worth traveling to Greece for ( our Athens food tour remains one of my favorites that we’ve taken in Europe).

Truly, any one of Greece’s amazing islands would fit nicely into this 2 week Europe itinerary, but where better to choose than Santorini , with its iconic blue-and-white color scheme, fantastic caldera views, and excellent flight connections?

While Santorini isn’t best known for its beaches–you’re better off heading to Crete for those–you sure can’t beat the charming villages or stunning nature.

The city of two continents, where thousands of years of history blend seamlessly with modern life, and where you can eat one of the best breakfasts you’ll ever experience in your life: Istanbul tops bucket lists around the world, and there is simply nowhere on the planet quite like it.

Marvel at the Blue Mosque, step inside the Hagia Sophia, eat your weight in Turkish breakfast (seriously, I can’t emphasize enough how tasty it is), admire the views of the Bosphorus, climb the Galata Tower, and shop your way through the Grand Bazaar.

Since this Europe travel blog post focuses on, well, Europe, I won’t sketch out any other possibilities further east in Turkey in detail…

But, if you have time, you could easily add a visit to Cappadocia , complete with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, to your trip, or even a visit to the ruins of Ephesus.

Architecture + Culture: Cologne, Amsterdam, Belgium

With this small triangle of destinations, you can easily visit separate countries via train, with very little travel time between them!

And, if you were particularly motivated to add another, you could even squeeze in a day trip to Luxembourg.

If you’re looking for a winter itinerary for Europe that focuses on cities, this is a fantastic option.

Home to a stunning cathedral and what may just be the best Christmas markets on the planet, Cologne is a gorgeous German city that is a delight to explore on foot.

Don’t miss its soaring Gothic Cathedral while you’re there!

… Though honestly, that would be hard to do, considering you can see it right as you step outside the train station.

As one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe, Amsterdam requires no introduction.

The city of canals, biking, and revelry is somehow even more beautiful in person than in the billions of photos of it.

While you’re there, be sure to take a canal cruise, stroll the 9 Streets, and visit at least a couple of the city’s museums (the Anne Frank House is incredibly moving).

If you visit Amsterdam in winter , you’ll no doubt need to bundle up–but the lack of crowds in this often-packed city is also a treat to experience.

Perhaps it may be slightly unfair to list Belgium entirely while the other destinations are split into cities… but considering Belgium’s two most popular cities, Bruges and Ghent , are located less than an hour apart by train, you can cover quite a bit of the country in a few days !

With stunning architecture, canals, and carbs (bring on the waffles and frites), it’s easy to have a blast in Belgium.

Winter in Belgium brings a lack of crowds and plenty of festivities during the Christmas season!

Alpine Escape: Bavaria, Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, Milan, and Lake Como

If your dream Europe trip involves plenty of Alpine views with a side of cities, this is the itinerary for Europe in 2 weeks for you.

Start your trip in Bavaria, the land of castles, beer, and outdoor delights.

City lovers will enjoy being based in Munich (don’t miss the opulent Munich Residenz or view from St. Peter’s Church and/or the Town Hall Tower while there).

From Munich, you can easily day trip to more mountainous areas, starting with Fussen, home to Germany’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle .

If you get good weather and want to see as many mountains as possible, a day trip to the Zugspite–the highest point in Germany–is also an option.

Really, though, if there’s one thing to prioritize in Munich, it’s to eat and drink all the sausage, pretzels, beer, and beyond you can get your hands on!

Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region

I am convinced that Switzerland’s Jungfrau region–located around (literally, above) Interlaken–is paradise on earth in the summer.

If you’re dreaming of the Alps, check into a hotel in Wengen, Murren, or Grindelwald (for the best views) or Interlaken (for a bit more selection) or Lauterbrunnen (to be in the literal center of the action) and have the trip of your dreams.

Switzerland’s legendarily efficient trains and gondolas mean that wherever you stay, the region is at your fingertips.

Hiking from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidigg, riding the highest train in Europe to Jungfraujoch (aka the “Top of Europe”), eating daily fondue, walking from Murren to Gimmelwald , and riding a historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you’ll find here.

Milan + Lake Como

End your trip to Milan and Lake Como , two of the most popular destinations in northern Italy!

In Milan , be sure to visit its legendary Duomo, stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, visit Sforzesco Castle, and, if you can get tickets (plan ahead!) see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper .

At Lake Como (just an hour north of Milan by train), take a boat tour around the lake and visit delightfully charming towns like Varenna and Bellagio while admiring magnificent Alpine views.

Getting around in each city on your 2 week Europe itinerary is a question better suited to blog posts on that particular city, so this section is designed to address getting in between each destination during your 14 days in Europe.

We recommend checking several solutions for each destination, as you never know what will crop up!

Personally, our first 2 week Europe trip involved an overnight train, a budget plane ride, and a couple of rental cars.

Train travel is our absolute favorite way to travel in Europe!

I t’s much less stressful than traveling by plane, especially once you get the hang of it, far more comfortable, and for those of us hailing from North America, it’s a travel experience in its own right!

We recommend using services like Omio to compare train prices across multiple countries.

It works more or less exactly like a car rental aggregate does, searching multiple companies and generating the best routes and prices for your dates.

Keep in mind that train travel is most useful in western and central Europe–once you head into eastern Europe and especially the Balkans, train travel becomes more limited and bus travel more common (for example, popular Dubrovnik, Croatia doesn’t have a train station).

Shop train routes and tickets prices in Europe today!

For those traveling on a budget or between two smaller destinations where rail travel isn’t an option, buses can be a very affordable choice.

In addition to standard local buses, companies like Flixbus provide an easy-to-use service, and you can check their prices and availability directly or through Omio as well (that way you can compare train tickets at the same time).

Browse bus routes in Europe today!

With plenty of budget airlines and plenty of airports to choose from, if you plan wisely, it’s possible to take flights in Europe that are so inexpensive you wonder how the company pays for the fuel.

S eriously: 10 Euro flights are possible, though we’ve never actually managed to pay that since we prefer to check our bags !

When looking for flights within Europe, we recommend using Google Flights in order to search the whole continent at once (you can simply put “Europe” in as the destination, and it’ll pull up a map of prices). 

With a little flexibility on destination (for example, maybe flying into nearby Bologna is cheaper than flying into Florence ?) and even on dates if possible, you just might end up with an excellent flight deal or two during your trip to Europe.

Personally, we recommend avoiding a car rental when possible during your 2 weeks in Europe, especially if you’re following anything resembling a Europe itinerary like the ones I outlined above.

In large cities, rental cars are a hindrance and a liability, not an asset, and they add quite a bit to your bottom line.

That being said, if you’re planning on visiting any rural areas or small towns, road trips in Europe can be a delight!

Y ou could consider renting a car for a couple of days in Tuscany , for example, or to visit the villages of Provence.

If you do choose to rent a car, we recommend searching for the best prices through Discover Cars , which will allow you to search multiple companies at once and come up with a great option. 

While major international carriers like Hertz and Enterprise are available in Europe, they’re not always the best deal, and searching for a combination of local and international companies is best.

Personally, we have no loyalty to any one rental car company, and book with whoever is most affordable (and we always buy the extra insurance).

As a result, we’ve rented cars through easily more than 15 or 20 agencies over the years (I’d be hard-pressed even to estimate it), and we’ve never had any issues with surprise charges.

Price out rental cars with Discover Cars now!

Don’t forget boats when it comes to planning a 2 week Europe itinerary, especially over the summer!

While ferries between or to/from islands are obviously the most popular ( Dubrovnik to Hvar , for example, or Barcelona to Mallorca), there are longer ferry options as well!

Last summer, we took a ferry from Barcelona to Rome and loved the experience of drifting along the Mediterranean Sea for 24 hours!

Many ferry routes are seasonal, but not all.

Don’t plan to visit too many destinations.

With only around 14 days in Europe, I know it can be incredibly tempting to squeeze in as many destinations as possible (and I have many fevered outlines of ridiculously ambitious trips I planned in my college days to prove it), but your trip will go so much more smoothly if you can resist that temptation.

In most cases, we recommend an absolute minimum of two full days per major city.

By full days, I mean with limited exceptions (like a red-eye flight that lands at 8:00 AM), the day you arrive and the day you depart don’t count as a “day” in a given city–just as a travel day.

Three or four days per city is even better and will allow you to potentially squeeze in a day trip from that city to a smaller city or village if you want to mix things up.

Start and end in a major airport hub.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be the same hub–more on that below–but there are definitely airports that are cheaper to fly into and out of for intercontinental flights than others.

Budapest may be affordable once you’re there, for example, but flying from the US directly to Budapest can hurt the wallet!

For those of you coming from the USA, London, Dublin , Madrid , Paris , Lisbon , Frankfurt, Amsterdam , and Milan are a few places to check ticket prices for.

That’s not an exhaustive list by any means, but there are often flight deals to and from these cities.

If you can, use an open-jaw ticket rather than a return ticket.

This will allow you to begin and end your 2 weeks in Europe in entirely different destinations, and let you avoid doubling back!

While one-way tickets can be pricier than round-trip ones, if you’re flexible on your dates and destinations (so deciding which cities to start and end in partially based on price), you can usually find excellent deals

This is exactly how we ended up flying into Krakow and out of Dublin for our first 2 week Europe trip!

You will be exhausted at some point. Plan for it.

Two weeks in Europe may not seem like a ton, but if you’re anything like us or virtually all of the travelers we have talked to, exhaustion will set in during your trip.

Sightseeing in Europe is fabulous, but it’s also tiring.

Add in navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and moving countries every few days, and you’re bound to need a break at some point.

We recommend planning a couple of laid-back days without museum visits, tours, or day trips so that you can catch your breath and avoid burnout.

Try to be flexible with where you go.

As you start pricing train, plane, and bus tickets for your trip to Europe, you’ll likely notice dramatic shifts–for example, is it 4x the money to get to London instead of Amsterdam?

Does traveling to Prague require a long flight and 2 layovers but Rome is a quick hop away?

If you can, be flexible when you come upon these challenges: we recommend having 1-2 “must visit” destinations and filling in the rest of your trip based on a combination of logistics and desire.

After all, there’s no way you can see it all on a 2 week Europe trip anyway!

Don’t underestimate the time and energy it takes to change destinations.

“Oh, it’s only a 3-hour train ride away! That’s nothing!”

I think we’ve all said that at some point when planning a multi-country trip, but be cautious.

Three hours on the train doesn’t account for packing and unpacking, getting to and from the train station, checking out of and into a hotel… you get the picture.

If you’re looking at a high-level schedule without picking a specific date or time, you may also come to find that sure, there’s one direct 3-hour train between two cities… but it leaves at 10:00 PM or 6:00 AM, and the rest of the trains require layovers.

Or perhaps the direct train only runs 3 days a week.

Or maybe you’re looking at a plane, in which case, be sure to add at least 4 hours to your transit time: getting to and from the airport and security/check-in beforehand.

Long story short, travel days between countries are virtually always more tiring and time-consuming than they look at first glance, so don’t overcommit on those days when planning your ultimate Europe trip!

Big cities are more accessible than small towns and nature areas.

For the first trip to Europe especially, big cities are absolutely the easiest to plan your itinerary for Europe around.

They’re generally easier and cheaper to get into and out of, and there’s far more information available about them online to help plan your trips.

That’s no reason not to visit other places too, of course–but keep in mind that the more rural the area, the more logistically challenging your trip will be.

Skip-the-line tickets are incredibly useful.

I’m sure it comes as absolutely no surprise that the world’s most iconic monuments and museums tend to get a bit crowded… and that makes skip-the-line tickets invaluable, especially with only 2 weeks in Europe to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible.

In some places (like the Arc de Triomphe ) they’re available without any additional fee, and in other places (like the Colosseum) they cost a bit extra.

Either way, though, it’s 1000% worth the price and effort to get tickets online beforehand for popular spots, especially if you’re traveling during the high season.

And, in 2024, it’s worth pointing out that given ever-changing capacity limits, it’s a better idea than ever to book in advance–and for some attractions, it’s even required!

When 2020 shook the travel industry to its core, many of the most popular museums and monuments in Europe found that life was easier with reservations and online bookings, and have continued prioritizing that system over traditional lines and ticket booths even as crowds returned to “normal”.

We use skip-the-line tickets all over the continent and book them through Get Your Guide .

Book your hotels and major transportation in advance.

Before kicking off your 2 week Europe itinerary, we recommend having all of your hotels and major transportation (so travel between destinations) booked and ready to go.

This dramatically cuts down on stress levels, makes it easier to budget and plan out your days, and generally helps your trip run more smoothly.

These days, we book virtually all of our lodging (including apartments, farm stays, houses, and more) through Booking.com .

Smaller things, like metro passes or tickets for getting around cities, can be handled once you arrive.

If you can, we recommend taking at least one food tour during your 2 weeks in Europe.

Food tours are one of our favorite ways to get our bearings in a new city while learning about the culture, history, and neighborhood through something we can all appreciate: a tasty meal.

We’ve taken food tours in several countries around the world, including many in Europe, and have never walked away unsatisfied!

You do need to pay to use the restroom… sometimes.

Throughout Europe, public restrooms are generally available for a fee (typically either half a Euro or a Euro).

If you’d like to avoid those costs, be sure to take advantage of available restrooms in restaurants and museums as you sightsee !

Also, toilet paper is far from guaranteed in public toilets on the street.

We recommend carrying a small pack of tissues with you just in case.

Will I need an adapter?

Most likely, yes!

Luckily, adapters are cheap to buy and easy to carry–we recommend picking these up before you go.

Keep in mind that the UK and a few other countries ( Ireland , Malta ) use a separate plug from the bulk of the continent.

If you’re heading to a place that uses UK plugs, you’ll want these adapters as well.

Is a money belt a good idea?

It depends, honestly.

We used a money belt for our first trip to Europe and for a couple after that.

Back then, we weren’t used to life in bustling big cities, and though we knew that thieves knew about them (because they definitely do), Jeremy found them comfortable enough to wear and it was an easy way to keep our belongings a bit more secure.

If you’re not used to traveling in a big city or watching for pickpockets, I don’t think it’s a terrible idea to use one– this is the one we used and we had no complaints–but I also don’t think it’s necessary, especially if you’re comfortable in large cities.

Is the water safe to drink?

Usually, yes.

We drink out of the tap just about anywhere in Europe.

In rare cases where the water is not safe to drink (usually in remote areas of southern and eastern Europe, or in very old buildings with iffy pipes), there will generally be large and obvious signs stating so.

If you’re worried about it, though, you can always ask your hotel concierge or host about it!

Is it worth going to Europe for 2 weeks?

This is a pretty common question, and honestly, I get it: with long and expensive flights, it’s easy to wonder if flying to Europe for “only” 2 weeks is worth it.

But yes, it absolutely is!

Two weeks in Europe is long enough that you’ll have plenty of time to get past jetlag, visit several destinations, and have a wonderful trip packed with memories.

Now whether or not it’s worth flying to Europe for just one week is a bit more controversial… but we love to travel Europe so much that we still say yes (for some people).

How extreme is the language barrier?

It varies significantly, of course, but generally, it’s not nearly as difficult as first-time visitors to Europe worry before they arrive (ourselves included).

We recommend learning basic phrases in the language of the countries you are visiting during your 2 week Europe itinerary, but this is usually more for good manners than out of necessity.

While you can absolutely find monolingual Europeans in virtually any country, especially in smaller cities and towns, the people employed in customer service roles and in the tourism industry in major cities–in other words, where most or all of your 2 weeks in Europe will likely take place–generally speak some English.

How many European countries should you visit in 2 weeks?

For most travelers, we recommend roughly 3 “base” destinations for a 2 week Europe trip, plus a couple of day trips from there to mix things up.

These can all be in one country (for example, here’s how we recommend spending 2 weeks in Italy ), or they can be in 3 separate countries!

There are plenty of exceptions to this standard layout, of course, but it’s a doable but exciting number of destinations to work with for most 14 day Europe itineraries.

When should I tip?

While this is very country and industry-dependent, generally speaking, tipping is not nearly as prominent in Europe as it is in the USA, and you’ll virtually never need to tip over 10%.

In some countries, you may also tip 5-10% at restaurants, while in others, you might round up the bill or leave nothing at all.

Frequently, a “service charge” will be automatically supplied to the bill which serves the purpose of a tip.

For tour guides, a 10% tip is common.

What’s the best month to visit Europe?

All of them, except August.

I kid–somewhat–but honestly, every single month in Europe has its perks!

For a concise answer, the late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) are considered ideal by most travelers.

August is specifically difficult because it’s not only very hot in many of Europe’s most popular destinations, but most Europeans take vacations then, so many places (especially in the mountains and on the coast) are at their priciest.

If we absolutely had to visit Europe only during one month for the rest of our lives, we’d pick September, though October is a very close second.

What’s the cheapest month to visit Europe?

It depends–trying to spot the northern lights in Tromso would be one exception to this, for example–but for standard first time Europe itineraries like the ones I outlined in this blog post, January and February are often the cheapest months to visit.

When the Christmas markets are over and the gray weather settles in, you can score great deals on vacations in Europe (and have plenty of room to stretch out at iconic monuments).

How far in advance should I book my trip?

For plane tickets, as soon as you can commit to dates!

Not only will this allow you to have more time to plan and budget with a bit of structure, but it will also spread out your costs a bit more.

During peak seasons, like coastal locations in the summer or popular destinations during the Christmas season in Europe , you’ll want to book your hotels as far in advance as you can commit to them as well.

Can you do Europe for $100/day?

This depends a lot on the traveler, group size, etc, but my initial, instinctive answer is:

If you don’t include plane tickets to and from Europe, yes, absolutely, without a doubt–we’ve done it many, many, many times (as a couple).

The key is to shop for deals, visit during the off-season, not shy away from less common destinations (especially in Eastern Europe and the Balkans), and travel slowly.

The fewer destinations you visit, the cheaper a trip generally is!

If you want to stick to Western Europe, southern Spain , southern Portugal, and southern Italy can all be bargains (as compared to places like Paris and London) as well.

Here’s how we manage our travel budget.

We’ve put together detailed packing lists for various seasons in Europe, so be sure to check out our complete suggestions for spring , summer , fall , and winter before you head off on your 2 weeks in Europe.

We go into far more detail on what to wear in Europe there !

To get you started, though, here are a few essentials that should definitely be at the top of your list .

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry during your 2 weeks in Europe.

Check travel insurance policy inclusions and prices for your trip here.

Pacsafe — We can’t recommend our Pacsafe enough!

This travel safe is affordable, sturdy, easy to pack, and will help keep your valuables safe in your hotel room (not that you should need to worry much about theft from your hotel room during your trip to Europe, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!).

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Travel Adapters for Europe — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adapters for your electronics.

Be sure to check the requirements for any particular countries you visit–the United Kingdom, for example, is well-known for using different plugs than most of the continent.

Portable USB Charger — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re sightseeing!

Add a portable charger to your 2 weeks in Europe packing list.

Hand Sanitizer — We carry this everywhere, and never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Travel Journal — If you want to keep a travel journal during your 2 week Europe trip but can’t commit to a huge amount of writing each night, I can’t recommend the One Line a Day Journal enough.

I’ve been using it for more than 5 years now (I’m on my second volume!) and I absolutely love it.

In the process of booking your Europe trip and eager to keep planning?

We’d love to help!

You can browse all of our general Europe blog posts here , find articles about specific places through our destinations page , or check out these guides:

• Your 13-Step Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time
• The Perfect 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary (+ Essential Tips!)
• How to Travel Europe By Train: The Ultimate Guide (+ Tips!)
• 11 Quick Tips for Finding + Using Toilets in Europe
• Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Beyond: Epic Central Europe Itinerary

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

58 thoughts on “How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas!)”

Great post! I’m actually working on my own 2 week itineraries through Europe post, but I might wait to publish until next year, when I’ve visited a few more spots. I totally agree that the key is to slow down and not switch cities every day or two. Three nights is perfect and sometimes more for the big cities. And yes, multi-city flights are so helpful so you don’t have to backtrack!

Thanks, Riana! We definitely love to slow down whenever we can. 🙂

Hi Kate! This is the BEST post related to Europe Itinerary out of the 1000 other posts that I have checked.

I am from India and I am planning for a trip in February end.

I definitely want to visit FINLAND (so that’s definitely in my list). From there, I am planning for Bupadest,Croatia OR Budapest, Prague OR Budapest/ Vienna.

Do you think this will be good for 2 weeks?

Waiting for your reply. And thanks a ton for such a beautiful detailed post.

Thank you so much, Akshay, that’s wonderful to hear!

That sounds like a wonderful itinerary. Croatia is a bit further out of the way than the other places, but it’s peaceful and beautiful during the winter and fairly simple to get to via a budget flight.

Hope you have an incredible trip to Europe!

Oh my goodness Kate, thank you so much for this post! This is exactly what I needed for my boyfriend and I to plan our trip to Europe in 2020. We want to visit Italy, Spain, France, and England but Greece and Croatia look amazing too! It’s so hard to decide.

Thank you, Jessica! So glad you found our blog helpful.

It is SO hard to decide, and honestly, it never gets any easier in my experience! All of those places are absolutely amazing, so no matter what you decide I’m sure you guys will have an incredible trip.

Italy, France, and Spain are really easy to pair together if you want to keep logistics simple, but really any combination of those would work.

What about panning around the seasons? Isn’t the Amalfi coast and Italy in general super hot during August?

It’s always nice to plan around the seasons when you can, but it depends on your availability!

Italy can be hot in August but it depends very much on where you go. It averages around 85 F / 30 C on the Amalfi Coast in August, which I have to admit isn’t enough to bother us, but it depends on where you’re coming from. It is high season there, though–very, very generally speaking, August is an expensive and crowded time to visit beaches in Europe because it’s when many Europeans tend to take their vacations and head to the coast!

Planning a trip in 2023-24 for my daughter’s graduation present. I was thinking maybe 2-3 weeks. On this trip, how much did you spend in total? I might end up being more because I usually pay for more luxurious than most, but will help with a little expectation of costs plus COLA increases obviously over the years. I figured I should start planning and saving now. lol

Hi Steven! We put this together based on years of traveling in Europe, so unfortunately I don’t have a specific figure to offer. So much varies, and can be impacted by where you go, how fast you travel (ie, how many times you change destinations), of course luxury as you mentioned, etc, etc. Generally speaking, for two people, I would say that $100/person/day is a good lower-midrange figure to calculate (excluding airfare), $200/person/day starts edging toward luxury territory, and of course, the sky is the limit.

That’s INCREDIBLY general, though. You’d be better off narrowing down which countries you plan to visit and calculating based on how long you plan to spend in each of them.

A few things to look at to give you an idea: price of hotels, price of day tours, projected cost of moving between destinations, and average cost of a meal. Those figures should give you a backbone to estimate a budget from.

What brand are the boots you are wearing in the photo “Comfortable Day Bag.” My wife loves them. Gift idea for when we go to Europe 🙂

Those are Ugg Kesey Motorcycle boots, and I love them too! Just got them out again for fall last week. 🙂

Hi kate I am planning to visit europe sometime in 2023(may/june) with my wife and son. Could you please guide me with an itinerary for 15 days Or so?? Swiss, italy, France, spain. After that we will go to a friend in England. If possible, the expenses involved as well. Thanks

Hi Abhijit! I’m not a travel agent, so that’s a bit beyond my scope. 🙂 Generally speaking, though, I’d recommend parring your itinerary down to 2 countries, or 3 at the absolute maximum. 4 countries in 15 days is a lot of travel! Luckily, all of those destinations pair well together, so you can mix and match fairly easily. Also very generally speaking, Italy and Spain will be the most affordable, and Switzerland by far the most expensive–but that depends a lot on where you go and what you do!

Hey Kate, All your pictures are amazing! What kind of cameras do you bring with you? And do you edit your photos? If so what do you use for that, they are all really bright, great pictures.

Hi Stefanie! Thank you so much! We’ve used different cameras over the years, but our main camera these days is a Sony A7 rIII. We love it, and yes, all the photos taken with it are edited in Lightroom. 🙂

Hi Kate, THANK YOU for the great article! I have booked my flights for a 2 week trip next spring, into London and out of Paris. I’ve been to both cities before, but do hope to get a few days in paris again. It’s stolen my heart.

What do you recommend in terms of getting from London to Rome, fairly quickly, and cheaply? I arrive into London mid-day and had hoped to just figure it out at the airport (Gatwick). Do you think that’s possible?

Thank you so much, Sarah! Your trip sounds fantastic.

I’d definitely plan on flying between London and Rome–it’ll be fastest and most likely cheapest, too. Check budget carriers like Ryanair, etc.

If you’re planning on flying out to Rome the same day you arrive in Gatwick, I’d absolutely recommend booking before you arrive. Be sure to double-check and make sure you’re flying out of Gatwick, too, or have time to change airports.

Hope you have an amazing time!

Oh wow I’m doing the same trip with my 3 sons. And unfortunately is the month that she said it’s the worst to go ..in August…oh well🤷🏽‍♀️ can’t do anything about it how but I am worried about the expense tho..

Love your information. I’m planning a trip to Italy and then we want to go to Salzburg as well in the summer of 2023. Our first time to Europe. We will be 60 in 2023 and we think we can plan this without going through a company. After reading your information, I feel comfortable. Two questions about hotels and transportation. What would you recommend for safe places for hotels in those two countries? We don’t need luxury but just comfort and clean. Would you recommend using rail between cities in Italy and it looks like you can travel from Venice to Salzburg by rail? Thoughts?

That’s great to hear, glad we could help!

Venice to Salzburg by rail is very doable in a day and a scenic journey. You’ll probably have to make a change, but that’s workable. Personally, we’d opt for it over flying in a heartbeat.

For hotels, I have several recommendations in our specific Venice and Salzburg posts (you can use the search bar to pull up everything we have on both cities). The centers of both places are quite safe, I wouldn’t worry much about that in a well-reviewed hotel.

Hope you guys have an unforgettable trip!

AWESOME Post!!!!

Please let me know if you have posted anything similar in 2020 or 2021. My wife and I are bringing our three teenagers and we will likely choose the Food & History trip. We both would like to speak with you if possible as we are planning our trip for December.

Hi guys! We don’t run tours ourselves, just provide information for independent travelers, but we’re always happy to answer a few questions about possible itineraries!

Hi Kate, THANK YOU for the amazing Pic ,for now i’m in South Africa Cape Town I’m planning a trip to Italy , France & Austria next year 2022 for 2weeks , Would you recommend using rail or Via Road way .

Thank you in advance & best Regards En vous remerciant d’avance et cordialement

Sounds like a fabulous trip!

Rail vs car depends entirely on where you’re going. If you’re sticking to cities, I’d recommend going by train. If you want to enjoy the countryside, a car could be helpful.

You can also mix-and-match, and rent a car for only part of your trip if you’re going to be in the countryside only part of the time.

Thank you for this awesome post, Kate! My husband and I are wanting to take our first international trip to Central Europe early spring 2022 and have reviewed your Central Europe post. What type of difficulties have you faced with international travel during COVID-19? Any issues with a country on your itinerary going into lock-down or no longer allowing tourists from the US?

We haven’t personally run into any issues with lockdowns interrupting our plans but of course, it’s always possible and things are changing constantly.

Most, if not all, countries in Europe are accepting vaccinated and/or tested US visitors now and haven’t shut their borders to US citizens again since the initial reopening. All of the countries included on our Central Europe itinerary are currently among them.

In addition to entry, some countries are requiring proof of vaccination in order to do certain things like eat in restaurants or check into hotels. Portugal, where we are now, is among them. It’s a very simple process as long as you have the paperwork in order!

Generally, if you plan to visit Europe from the US in 2022, we recommend arriving with proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test (check regularly for specifications as your flight gets closer), flexibility, and the expectation that you’ll wear a mask indoors and potentially in crowded outdoor areas.

I am not a public health expert, of course, and European countries all set their own restrictions, but in the early stages of planning, that’s what I’d keep in mind!

The reaction that we’ve seen from readers who visited in the second half of 2022 has generally been that it’s easier than they expected, but as we’ve all learned way too much in the last 2 years, none of us can predict the future!

Thanks so much, Kate! It definitely seems like flexibility is key as well as continuously monitoring each country’s individual rules for a multi-country trip. I think right now Hungary isn’t accepting tourists but fingers crossed that will change soon so we can replicate your trip. 🙂 Cheers to more adventures for you in 2022!

Hi Kate, my family is in the beginning phase of planning our first international trip and have decided on Europe! I really liked your recommendation of arriving and departing from different airports and I think departing from London would make sense (we’ll probably want to spend the most time there). All we’ve decided is to vacation for somewhere between 2-3 weeks, and we want to see London and Ireland (oh and I want to stay at least one night in a castle hotel!). Would you have any recommendations on destinations or experiences to share? Thanks!

How exciting–nothing like your first trip abroad. 🙂

We actually still haven’t been to London, which is a huge shame! Fingers crossed that 2022 is the year.

Ireland, on the other hand, is one of our absolute favorites! If you search “Ireland” on the top right corner of the blog (or on the pop out menu on mobile), all of our blog posts will come up, but this is a great one to start with: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-ireland-itinerary-ireland-road-trip/

We spent a night in this castle (slash manor house) and had a fantastic time: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/belleek-castle-county-mayo-ireland/

Ireland is one of our favorite places for road trips on the planet. You’ll love it!

Great post, thanks!

Need your advice here 🙂 We will be landing in London, staying there 3 days, then train to Paris (staying in Paris for 3 days). We fly back home from Lisbon and have 3 options: night train to Nice (spend some time there and then a few days in Lisbon), fly to Napoli (spend some time there and then fly to Lisbon) or fly to Lisbon and discover a bit more of Portugal… What would you recommend?

Oh and we are travelling with two teens who have never been to Europe… I’m trying to pack as much stuff, but wonder what would be too much :/

That’s a lot of hard choices! Each and every one of those destinations is a delight (and we’re living in Lisbon right now).

I’d opt for Nice if you’re looking for coastal views, picturesque villages, and something logistically simple. Nice is a delightful city and the day trips to nearby villages like Eze as well as Monaco are phenomenal. It is the most formal and pricey of the 3 cities and will have a resort feel near the coast in the summer.

Naples is a much less manicured city, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it place (we love it). I’d argue that it has the best food of the 3 options, but those are fighting words and many would disagree. The day trips are equally stunning but very different. If you or your family has an interest in ancient ruins, Pompeii and Herculaneum are unmatched. Visiting the Amalfi Coast or nearby islands is also doable, but it’s a trek if you’re staying in the city center. Keep in mind that there’s no train service to the Amalfi Coast proper, you will need a bus, car, or ferry to get beyond Sorrento.

Lisbon is delightful but honestly, our favorite parts of Portugal lie outside the city. Porto, in the north, has a much more regal feel while Lisbon is fairly spread out. The Duoro Valley (also in the north) is magnificent for port tastings and views, Sintra’s palaces located just outside of Lisbon are must-sees, and if you want to head to the south, the Algarve is incredibly striking.

Logistically speaking, I’d make sure you have at least 2-3 days in Portugal at the end of your trip before flying out, regardless. With 3 full days, you can spend 2 in Lisbon and take one day trip (probably to Sintra but the coastal town of Cascais is also easy and lovely).

If you have time to do that and add another stop for 3 full days, I would check detailed flight and train schedules and let that guide you–the logistics alone may make the choice for you.

That got a bit long, but I hope it helps! 🙂

Thanks a lot for the precious information!

Hi Kate! I know you said you are not a travel agent but are open to a few itinerary questions! We have recently done a European Cruise which hit almost all of Italy! We are wanting to go back independently. I am highly interested in Ireland, but would also like to see Paris. My husband is interested in Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland. With a 14 day trip wanted, what areas do you think we should do (based on best places to see, with allotted time?)

& Austria! 🙂

That is a lot of very different places, but you’ll definitely be able to pull together a great trip! I’d recommend narrowing it down to around 3 destinations, 4 if you’re comfortable moving quite fast and two of them are close together.

Ireland is definitely the odd one out geographically, but if you use two one-way tickets instead of flying in and out of the same airport, it can work (it’s what we did on our first multi-country Europe trip many years ago).

Since you’ll likely have 1-2 flights in this itinerary regardless, which destinations you pick can come down to a combination of your absolute favorites and what makes logistical sense. Paris is a very popular place to fly in and out of, so it’ll likely be easy to work in.

I’m not sure which parts of Germany your husband is interested in, but parts of western Germany have simple train access to The Netherlands and/or France.

As far as what places I’d personally visit, Ireland and Paris are two of my favorite places on the planet, so I’m biased! Switzerland’s mountain landscapes are truly beyond belief, so if you’re looking for nature (and aren’t concerned about the budget), it’s a winner.

Germany is also gorgeous, both its nature and many of its cities, though it’s quite big and varied–with a big trip like this, you’ll want to choose one small corner of it (Bavaria is a popular first stop, but you can also look at places along the Rhine, which makes more sense if you’re hoping to visit Paris or The Netherlands by train before or after).

The only part of The Netherlands we’ve had a chance to visit so far is Amsterdam, which is visually stunning but will be extremely crowded–probably more so than anywhere else you’ve listed, as there’s less room to spread out there than in, say, Paris.

When it comes to your itinerary, I’d recommend that each of you pick one place that is your absolute first choice, plan on a trip to those, and then fill in the 3rd and possible 4th destination based on what makes logistical sense as far as what planes/trains/buses are available to the spots on your shortlist.

Also, if you do need to book high-speed train tickets, book them ASAP, as prices increase as your trip gets closer.

What a wonderful blog, just when I feel like I’ve read them all I find another really helpful article. Heading to Europe for 1 month in May. Keen on Spain, definitely Italy, and probably 2 days in London and Paris respectively (arrival and departure). Feel like we have space for one more place and can’t figure out which is the better option (Portugal, Croatia or Greece) for potentially 5 days? Any recommendations?

Thank you for sharing all your wonderful insights.

That’s tough, because all 3 are fantastic but very different!

I’d probably recommend (if I had to choose), Greece for beaches/swimming and small towns, Portugal for cities, and Croatia for a combination of all. But we adore each and every one of them, so hard to go wrong!

Portugal fits nicely into your Spain section geographically, so there is that to consider.

Hi, Kate! Super love your blog. I just booked a trip to Europe for August, was thinking of going to France, Spain, and Italy in 2 weeks. Or should I cut it down to 2 countries? Hope to hear from you!

Less relevant than the countries are the destinations within them–I wouldn’t go more than 4 places in 2 weeks, max.

So if you’re hitting up Paris, Barcelona, and Rome, for example, your plan is fine. If you want to go to 2-3 places within each country, it’s time to cut it down. 🙂

HI! Thanks for the fantastic blog! My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe from Canada and are feeling quite overwhelmed by all the choices! His family is from Holland, so we are spending one week touring with them for the first week of May, and then will stay an additional 2 weeks after that. What would you recommend? We are not keen on France but everything else looks so great, and it was good to read that you don’t recommend trying to fit everything else in, which is what we might otherwise be trying to do. Any suggestions for the 2 weeks after Holland?

Hi Michele,

That’s so exciting! You guys are going to have an amazing time.

Without knowing your tastes or the season you’re traveling, the sky is truly the limit when planning your itinerary! Anywhere that sounds exciting to you is going to be worth it. With 2 weeks, I’d opt for 1-2 countries and no more than 4 base destinations (3 would be even better).

I started trying to make a list of some of our favorite countries in Europe for you, but just backspaced the sentence because I was ending up just listing every country, LOL. But Italy is one of our special favorites that we would recommend to just about anyone!

We will be in Holland for the first week of May so we could do the other two weeks either before or after that (or split one before and one after). The suggestion to cut down to less rather than more is helpful – it’s our first time to Europe and everything looks like something we should see! We are 50 and really like most things – some scenery, some castles, etc. Do you think it would be do-able to do Germany and Italy on top of Holland? Any specifics on what you love in Italy? I am really NOT a crowd person, so we’re really going to try and avoid huge crowds or I’ll lose my mind 😉

A week in Germany followed by a week in Italy is definitely doable!

Personally I’d opt for either southwest Germany (Black Forest, Heidelberg, Burg Eltz) or Bavaria.

We love virtually all of Italy, but if you want something somewhat more offbeat that’s in the top half of the country (for geography reasons), I’d recommend looking into Emilia-Romagna.

It’s the region east of Tuscany, and has similar appeal with far fewer tourists. It’s also gorgeous and a culinary dream–Emilia-Romagna is the origin of many iconic foods like parmigiano-reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar.

A few destinations in the region to poke into as you research: Bologna, Parma, Ravenna, Ferrara, Modena. The micronationa of San Marino is also accessible from there!

Kate-what a remarkably comprehensive, detailed and resourceful blog! I love the considerations offered from different perspectives. My family of 4 (including 2 kids ages 10 and 6) will be traveling to Paris for the second half of August for 2 weeks to visit family. We have already been to Paris a few times so this time around, I would like us to explore more of Europe for some of the time, ideally via trains. I am thinking of staying in Air B&B’s as we have been enjoying that accommodation when we travel locally within the US but would love your perspective on this (vs hotels) considering the cultural and language differences in certain destinations as well as any recommendations for either you may have. Based on some research, some destinations I came cross purely based on travel distance via train from Paris are Switzerland (3 hrs), Barcelona (6.5 hours! would probably have to be an overnight train for the kids), London (2 hrs, have family we can see), and Greece (2 hours), Belgium (1.5 hrs, also some family we can see). My goal is to show my kids/family different cultures, ways of living and experience foods, interesting architecture, beautiful cafe’s etc. Also curios if any of these can be “day trips”. I do not have specific destinations yet to see at these locations and would love your input. From your article, it sounds like limiting to 2 destinations maybe best (outside of Paris) and your thoughts may help me narrow down where to focus. Thanks so much and look forward to reading your insights on this.

So glad you found it helpful, Tez! Sounds like you guys have an amazing trip planned.

I’m sure you already know this, but August is the height of peak season for European travelers visiting the coast and mountains, so some destinations will be quite crowded and expensive (book your hotels and train tickets ASAP, especially in a group of four).

I’m assuming Greece is a typo, so I’ll pass over that one–pretty sure it’s much further than 2 hours even by plane. 🙂

Luckily Paris is a huge train hub for getting across Europe, so you have plenty of options! Most of them will take longer than it looks on the map once you navigate connections, train times, etc. We highly recommend using Omio to search exact routes and dates, and keep in mind tickets will increase in price as you get closer. With kids, you’ll probably want to search by the fastest available routes.

London, Belgium, and Switzerland all jump out at me from your list–simple to access and incredible. The Jungfrau region in Switzerland is pure paradise, though a bit further away.

You may also want to look into Amsterdam, it’s only 3.5 hours from Paris by train.

With the right schedule, you can get as far as Venice in a day from Paris (we’ve done this), so Italy is an option for you as well, as is Germany.

Essentially, the more you stick to major cities, the easier it will be to navigate solely by train. Smaller towns and cities are often connected, but you’ll virtually always need to pass back through the main city of a region to make your way back to Paris.

You may want to take a look at this post as well, we talk a lot more about train travel here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/travel-europe-by-train/

Hi Kate Love your blog, lots of useful information. My husband and I are planning a 10 day trip to Europe end of April to early May. At the moment we are looking at flying from the US RT to Paris. We’re thinking of possibly going to Amsterdam and Belgium as well. this will be our second trip to Paris. We are open to other suggestions. Do you have any other recommendations?

Happy to be able to help, Daisy!

Paris + Amsterdam + Belgium is an excellent itinerary and doable in 10 days. It’s actually a route we recommend ourselves. We have posts on all those places, but here are our suggestions on spending 3 days in Belgium to give you an idea of what you can cover in a short time frame: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-belgium-itinerary/

Paris is extremely well-connected by rail (you can be in Venice in 9 hours or Munich in under 6, for example), so as far as ideas for other destinations go, the sky is the limit!

If you choose to extend your original itinerary, a few additional places that you might consider along that route are Strasbourg/Alsace, Heidelberg, and Cologne.

Thank you for your blog.. We are travelling to Europe for 14 days the end of May. Flying Calgary to Dublin, doing a couple days at the Isle of Man races then hopefully, London, Paris, Rome. Your blog shares what to pack for clothing in Summer, Fall and Winter, what would you recommend for spring? We are trying to decide if we take the trains or flights from London, Paris and Rome. We aren’t planning any beach time. Also, what do you recommend for luggage? I’m leaning towards a rolly carryon but have every size hard shell case and multiple back country camping packs.

So happy you find it helpful!

Funny you mention spring packing ideas–I’m actually working on a post for that right now. It will hopefully be up next week. But off the top of my head, you’ll definitely want a travel umbrella and to pack in layers. The end of May is a beautiful time to be in much of Europe but the weather could be unpredictable–you may want sundresses on some days and light jackets on some evenings!

As far as luggage, either is completely fine. There are advantages to both backpacks and suitcases, but as long as you’re comfortable carrying your bag up and down staircases, carrying (or rolling) it down the street for 10+ minutes, and loading it into and out of trains and/or cars, you’re good.

As far as trains vs planes–London to Paris can definitely be a train, but do a time and cost-benefit analysis between that and a plane (depending on the dates, your travel style, etc, you may choose either). Paris to Rome is better done as a flight!

Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom. We are really excited.

Hi Kate, Thank you so very much. You have provided an AMAZING amount of helpful information. Can you pretty please help me with the best location to travel to 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th and the best way to get to the locations? (We will NOT be doing any driving).I’m a 55 years old woman. I live in USA. I’m planning the 1st International trip for me and my husband for either the 1st or 2nd week of September 2023. My biggest challenge is knowing where to start and end the trip, based on logistically traveling to the different destinations, as well as, the best way to get to each destination.Here are the the things I have planned. I know you mentioned you’ve never been to London but i’m hoping you can assist based on me providing the area I want to be in. *LONDON-7 NIGHTS I’m a theatre/adrenaline junkie person so Theatreland West End of London near (North of the River Thames. 3-Plays (evening events) 2-Hour Sherlock Holmes museum (near West End) 1-Hour Ghost Bus tour (nearest tube stations are Embankment and Charing Cross) 4-Hours-day walking tasting tour (near London Bridge Station) 1-day Harry Potter Studio Tour (Leavesden London) 2 -Nights Theme park “Alton Towers” located Alton, Staffordshire near Manchester and Birmingham. (stay onsite at the parks resort)*PARIS-3 NIGHTS Moulin Rouge (BD de Clichy area) L’ATELIER DES LUMINERES -DIGITAL ART MUSEUM I would like to visit just one of the haunted castles in Paris (depending on recommendation) Château de Puymartin Château de Brissac Château Lagorce Château de Chambord Château de Versailles* GERMANY 3 NIGHTS-Phantasialand Theme park (located Bruhl Germany) Stay onsite at the parks resortThank you for any advice or suggestions you can provide.

Hi Melvina,

I definitely can’t speak to getting around London in detail, though a combination of the tube and buses will likely be doable! You can add cabs as needed as well.

In Paris, the metro is so dense you should have no issue getting around. Assuming you are planning to do the usual Paris sights (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc), our Paris itinerary might be able to help you out (and has hotel recommendations): https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/

For the chateaus, Versailles is by far the closest to Paris and you can get there by RER train. Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley is doable via an organized day trip like this: https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/loire-valley-castles-wines-day-trip-from-paris-t70389/?partner_id=1OI4D21&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle

The others are way too far from Paris for day trips, so I’d focus on Versailles and/or Chambord this time.

Hope you have a wonderful time! 🙂

Thank you so very much.

Hi, thank you for this comprehensive post! We are planning a trip this summer and will be going to Paris, Rome, Florence and Amsterdam. My question is about changing money. We were in Iceland last year and used Apple Pay or credit card everywhere, never needed cash and didn’t get any. Is that possible in either France, Italy or Netherlands? Should I plan on getting cash for taxis, tips, etc?

Happy to help!

I’d definitely recommend having some cash with you as you travel, especially for small purchases like coffee, gelato, etc. Most hotels in Italy will require the city’s tourist tax in cash, too. Some taxis and tips will be best done in cash as well, and occasionally very small, offbeat tourist attractions.

While cash-only restaurants definitely aren’t the norm in any of those cities, they’re not unheard of, either.

Overall, I’d say you’re most likely to avoid cash entirely in Amsterdam and most likely to use some of it in Rome and Florence, but that’s not a hard and fast rule by any means (I used some cash on my trip to the Netherlands last spring, for example).

We find that the easiest way to get cash, by far, is to withdraw Euros from any bank’s ATM once you’re already in Europe (avoid Euronet–use an ATM branded by an actual bank). Luckily, since all the places you’re visiting use the Euro, you won’t need to worry about changing currency beyond that. 🙂

Hi Kate, thank you for this great, and helpful post! We’re are planning a trip to Europe for the first time in September for next year in 2024. My plan is to visit Spain, Italy and I’m still undecided on the third country to visit. What country would you suggest or advised that we can visit that has beautiful scenery, mountains, lakes, etc. We like the city, but we also want something where we can hike out in nature like Iceland maybe, Switzerland. Any tips on that? Also, is it cheaper to stay in hotels, Airbnb’s? Thank you!

Spain and Italy–two of our favorites! You guys are going to have a great time. 🙂

The hardest part about picking a third country with your criteria will be narrowing it down between many excellent choices–you really can’t go wrong.

Switzerland is absolutely spectacular, if the Alps are what you’re looking for, it’s iconic and hard to beat in every category except the price tag.

Germany and Austria also offer beautiful mountains and lakes and are a more budget-friendly than Switzerland.

The French Alps are also wonderful–towns like Chamonix and Annecy offer plenty of mountains, lakes, etc.

And, for a a wild card, you don’t necessarily need a third country at all: the Dolomites in Italy have everything you’re looking for.

Any of those that appeal to you and fit your budget will be a great addition to your trip. They’re well-connected to Italy and each other by train, the travel times aren’t too far, and they’re all phenomenal places to visit.

One small thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to travel by train a bunch is that Spain isn’t very well connected to the rest of the places you’re considering by rail–you may want to consider flying in and out of there.

Iceland is definitely far out of the way, but assuming you’re traveling to and from North America, look into the Icelandair stopover program if you want to add it on! I will say that while it does offer mountains, lakes, and beautiful scenery, it’s a very different vibe than Switzerland or any of the surrounding Alpine countries, so take a close look at the specific destinations and see if it’s what you’re looking for. It’s a stunning place, just very different than the others. Here’s one of our Iceland posts if you want to get a feel for it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-iceland-ring-road-itinerary/

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6 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe

Traveling around Europe can be expensive. Airfare, high-speed and overnight trains, ferries — they all eat into your limited (and precious) travel budget.

Fortunately, there are alot of ways to get around Europe on a budget. The sharing economy , new bus options, discounted train passes , and lots of budget airlines all help you navigate Europe without breaking the bank.

I’ve been traveling Europe since 2006 and have seen so many things change over that time period. While COVID has impacted things, I can honestly say that it’s never been easier to get around Europe because there are so many new cheap ways to travel the continent.

Here are the best ways to travel around Europe on a budget:  

1. Travel by Bus

Flixbus is usually the cheapest bus option, with prices starting as low as 5 EUR. Their buses include Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, free baggage (one carry-on and one stored under the bus), and comfy seats. (Megabus still runs in the UK.)

FlixBus quickly became my favorite non-train way to get across Europe cheaply. It’s not fancy by any means but it’s the cheapest way to get around. They most of Europe. Here’s a map of their routes to help you plan your trip!

However, there are plenty of other regionally-specific bus companies that will get you elsewhere. For example, Alsa is the main provider in Spain and its neighboring countries.

You can use BusRadar or Get By Bus to find the cheapest and fastest option on your desired route.

2. Travel by Budget Airline

Just remember that budget airlines make most of their money through fees. They are very strict about baggage limits or and many will ding you if you forget to print your boarding pass. Don’t expect any complimentary drinks or meals either. But if you follow the rules and know what to expect you can save a ton of money!

For more information, here is a complete guide to finding cheap flights.  

3. Travel by Eurail Pass

If you’re going to travel by train, it’s hard to beat them on price and convenience for short city-to-city travel. For longer journeys (overnight journeys, between countries, or rides that require a high-speed line, like Paris to Bordeaux or Berlin to Munich ), trains can get very expensive.

If you plan to travel around Europe and don’t want to fly, getting a rail pass is your best money-saving travel option. Your cost per trip will be a lot lower than if you were to buy these tickets separately.

Not sure if the Eurail pass is for you? Here is a complete breakdown of Eurail passes and when they should be used to save money .  

4. Travel by BlaBlaCar

This is the BEST paid way to get around Europe because you get to meet a local, have a friendly conversation, save money, and get to where you’re going faster. It’s available in close to 20 countries in Europe.

While BlaBlaCar may not always be cheaper than the bus (FlixBus can be super cheap!) it’s usually way faster and way more interesting!  

5. Travel by Rental Car/Campervan

Campervans are particularly popular in countries like Iceland , Scotland , and Norway since those destinations offer a lot of hiking and camping opportunities. You can find campervans for as little as 60 EUR a day — super affordable when split with a travel partner and when considering that this also includes accommodation! Use the app “park4night” to find free (and cheap) overnight parking all around Europe.   Note : Many countries in Europe require foreign drivers to have an International Driving Permit. You can get one in your home country before you arrive for around 20 EUR. (It’s essentially just a copy of your license in other languages). Also keep in mind that renting an automatic vs standard transmission will usually cost around twice as much.  

6. Travel by Hitchhiking

Just keep in mind that it’s important to use your head when hitchhiking. Always trust your instinct and use common sense. Keep your valuables on you in case you forget your bag in the car and never hesitate to text a friend or family member with the license plate before you get in. Write your destination on a sign and look presentable. That will help you find a ride faster.

Use the website Hitchwiki for tips to help ensure you have a fun and safe experience.  

The BEST and CHEAPEST Way to Travel Europe? Mix and Match Your Transportation

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to get around Europe on a budget. But the best way is to mix and match your transportation depending on where you are going and for how long. For short trips, I like trains and BlaBlaCar. For medium-length trips (i.e. half a day), I’ll take a bus, BlaBlaBla car, or train. For long distances, I fly or take a high-speed train or an overnight bus.

Too many travelers think it’s an all-or-nothing thing. Like one way is always better than the other. That’s not true. There’s no one way to travel around Europe. There are a ton — and you need to know when to use which method.

If you have more time, take the slower, cheaper routes.

If you have more money and a shorter trip, fly and take the train.

If you have no preference on how you travel — and you just want the cheapest option (which is usually what I do) — use a website like Rome2Rio or Omio . All you have to do is enter where you are going and these sites will mix and match the various ways to get around the continent for the least amount of money. They will string together buses and trains and planes to construct the quickest trip for the least amount of money.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggestions on where to stay during your trip, here are my favorite hostels in Europe !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How To Travel Europe On A Budget

Updated: September 12, 2023

See Nic Wander contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Associates Program. I may earn a commission on purchases made through these links. Read my  disclaimer  to learn more.

With historical towns, incredible food, and enough natural beauty to keep you occupied for years, Europe is an absolutely amazing place to travel. Even though some parts destinations and experiences have a higher price tag, it’s totally possible to travel Europe on a budget !

Below, we’ll take a look at ten ways you can travel across Europe on a budget.

Explore Budget Accommodation Options

Accommodation eats through a travel budget fast no matter where you are in the world. For many people, booking a hotel room is the default while traveling. But there are so many other kinds of accommodation that could mean major savings.

House Sitting

House sitting is where you stay in someone’s home and take care of their pets while they’re away. You get a free place to stay and they get peace of mind knowing their pets and home are in good hands. House sitting opportunities are common in Europe and this can be a fun way to explore areas that are away from the traditional tourist destinations.

Because you won’t need to pay for a hotel while house sitting, longer gigs can mean serious savings. For some, this can mean saving thousands of dollars in accommodation costs.

Learn more about house sitting here.

With Workaway , you can volunteer in exchange for a free place to stay and sometimes even free meals. On the Workaway platform, you can find opportunities like language exchanges, babysitting, helping out at a hostel, farming, and sustainability projects.

Workaway is more than just a free place to stay. It’s also a way to meet friends, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and connect with locals.

There are over 50,000 Workaway opportunities on their website right now, so there’s a good chance you can find something that suits your interests and travel dates.

Learn more about Workaway here.

Hostels are a popular budget accommodation option in Europe where you can stay in a shared dorm with other travelers. Rooms are usually pretty basic, but if you’re out exploring most of the day it doesn’t matter much.

Hostels are very budget-friendly and also a great way to make friends! If you’re not into dormitory life, some hostels also offer private rooms at an affordable rate.

I’ve had the best luck finding hostels in Europe on HostelWorld.

Airbnb can also be an awesome way to save money in Europe. By booking a whole apartment, you’ll have access to a kitchen where you can do some cooking at home. You can also book private rooms in shared accommodation to save even more.

I stayed in private Airbnb rooms while traveling around Eastern Europe and I loved how easy it was to meet friends. Many of the homes I visited had other travelers staying too and our host was able to give us great insider tips.

Consider Visiting Less Expensive Places in Europe

Around Europe, some countries have a much higher cost of living than other countries. These destinations have so much to offer and provide a lot of value for your money.

According to Numbeo , countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland have higher costs of living, and countries like Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania have lower costs of living. If you want to stretch your travel budget farther, it makes sense to stick to areas with lower day-to-day costs.

Budget Airbnb Tip: If you still aren’t sure exactly where to go in your travels, head to Airbnb and type “Europe” into the location search bar. Add your expected travel dates and click “Search” to get a full map view of places around Europe and their prices.

For me, this was a really quick way to see how far my budget would go in different areas. But fair warning, you might get inspired by all the amazing places available and find yourself deep in a rabbit hole of charming flats in Croatia , historic studios in Paris, and beach villas in Spain!

Save Money On Transportation In Europe

Another big travel budget-eater is transportation. Luckily, Europe is known for having robust public transportation systems and plenty of budget airlines, train ticket deals, and affordable busses.

With affordable flight carriers like RyanAir and EasyJet, flying in Europe can be very reasonable. You can also find cheap flight deals across all carriers with EuroWings.

But a word of caution, even if you find an inexpensive airline ticket, pay attention to the other costs involved with flying.

If you factor in the cost of the flight, transportation to the airport, the food you will probably have to eat in the airport at some point along the way (but thick, gooey pizza in the Milan airport, I don’t regret you), then the cost of transportation to your accommodation when you land, that “cheap” flight could work out to a pricey day.

Trains and Busses

Europe is well known for having an excellent bus and train system, so use it to your advantage. For affordable train tickets, check out HappyRail for current discounts across several carriers.

For busses, Flixbus, Megabus, and National Express (UK) cover many countries and offer competitive prices. Bus stations are often centrally located, which means you won’t lose time going all the way to the airport.

Travel With Only A Carry On

When researching budget flights, I was shocked by how much extra a checked bag can cost. Some of the budget-y-ist of the budget airlines charge for a carry-on bag too, so look out for that.

Traveling with a carry on only made it much easier to get good flight deals… and sprint through airports when I was late for tight connections.

Plus, I really didn’t need more than what I packed . Most of the time I felt like I packed too much. (Why… why did I pack not one but two light flowy dresses for a windy European winter? Why did I think that would be a good idea?)

If you’re looking for a good carry on backpack, I use the Kelty Redwing 44 Backpack , you can read my full review here .

Cook Meals At Home

A big part of travel is eating. I did eat my fair share of delicious things in Europe, but I didn’t eat out every meal. To save money, eating at least some meals at home can make a huge difference.

Eating at home doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the local cuisine of a destination either. It’s fun to check out local markets and cook up recipes with new ingredients you find!

One of the best meals I had abroad happened when my sister and I picked out some fancy cheeses at a French Fromagerie and ate them in our hotel room with a baguette. Simple and budget-friendly meals can be just as memorable as high-end dining.

Track Your Travel Expenses

We’ve all had travel days where we spend way more than anticipated, but tacking expenses can help you make sure things balance out in the end.

I use Trail Wallet to track my travel budget and show how much I’m spending in each category like accommodation, transportation, groceries, and pain au chocolates.

After using it for a while, it helped me clearly see where I could be saving money. For example, I noticed that buying subway tickets one at a time was costing way more than buying the weekly or monthly pass, so I was able to adjust.

I don’t even want to admit what my pain au chocolate budget was…

Free Museum Days Are Your Friend!

Many countries around Europe have “Free Museum Days” each month. In Paris, for example, you can visit the Pompidou Center and the Musée d’Orsay for free on the first Sunday of the month.

If you aren’t visiting on a free museum day, there’s a good chance you can still see art and artifacts in one of the many free museums around Europe. In London alone, there are dozens of free museums with impressive galleries.

Make Local Friends

My local friends were amazing about showing me spots off the tourist path. By going to local restaurants and lesser-known attractions, I felt like I learned more about the place I was visiting and it was easy on the budget.

Making friends in a destination you’re visiting means you’ll learn more about life in that area. I’ll always remember board game nights with my friends in Bucharest (I now know how to say all the Clue murder weapons in Romanian) or going to a free festival with new friends in Germany.

Here’s a post all about exactly how you can make friends while traveling abroad!

Ditch the Strict Itinerary

Traveling on a budget is significantly easier if you don’t have a strict itinerary.

I learned this lesson a few years ago. My sister and I had flights booked from San Francisco to Seattle but found a better deal on a rental car at the last minute.

If we had driven, we could have seen even more of the coast with lower costs. It was a tough pill to swallow as we schlepped it to the airport and vowed to return another time.

I promise you, it goes against every fiber of my being to not plan things out in advance. But being flexible has major benefits.

If you don’t have to be somewhere at a certain time, you are free to price shop for cheap flights/train/bus tickets. When you hear someone rave about this little town just an hour away, you can hop on a train and go see it for yourself.

You can stay with new friends you meet and visit places that the locals recommend. And if you absolutely fall in love with a place, you can stay longer and explore.

All that said, while I believe it’s important to be flexible while you’re traveling, proper planning beforehand is still important. Especially if you’re taking a longer trip , there can be a lot of details to sort out before you jet off into the sunset. Here’s a great pre-travel checklist if you’re going to be away for a while.

Loose Your “Trip of a Lifetime” Mindset

I first heard this idea on one of my favorite podcasts,  CruizeCast ,  when the hosts were talking about how to save money while traveling and cruising in Europe.

One of the biggest ways to overspend is to think “This is the one time in my life I’ll be here, I better do everything.”

While there are some opportunities that are worth indulging in, like a Belgian chocolate making class (because hello, it’s chocolate, in BELGIUM), don’t stretch yourself too thin with activities.

I had to make a tough decision to cut Croatia from my travel itinerary on my recent Europe trip. I couldn’t find affordable flights and I knew that getting there would be a multi-day affair.

I’ve heard amazing things about Croatia, but there is so much of Europe left to explore, I know I’ll be back.

Final Thoughts: Traveling Europe on a Budget

Traveling Europe is an amazing experience, with all its train riding, Piata walking, beer tasting, cathedral gazing, friend making, bread eating, language learning glory.

And thankfully, traveling Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. Do you have any tips for traveling Europe on a budget? Let me know in the comments below!

Read more budget travel tips in these posts:

• 13 Ways To Save Money While Traveling
• How I Saved $3000+ for Travel
• How To Book Cheap Flights Using Skyscanner
• Interview With Budget Travel Expert, Nomadic Matt

Cover Photo by Anastasia Dulgier  on  Unsplash

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About the Author

Hi! I'm Nic. Let's chat about remote work and ways to incorporate more travel into your life. Whether you're here to find an online job or need some tips for planning your next trip, I've got you covered! More about me

20 thoughts on “How To Travel Europe On A Budget”

Again, I am breathless travelling with you. Your Posts have given this Old Stay at Home a sense of awe, pride and delight at all the things you have seen and the people you met. Thanks for the ride.

the 4AM chip eating guy really took our “experience” to another level -_- I love this article! cant wait for you to be back!

Amazing and very handy article! I wish I could do the same. Right now im trying to launch my own art-brand so hopefully sometimes soon I will have.no.commitments in the term.of.work so I will be be able to travel like this. 🙂 Ilike your blog a lot,subscribed in all of.your SM! 🙂

Anna thank you! That is amazing that you are starting your own brand! Do you have a site up? I’d love to check out your work! 🙂

I love this all so much! What an amazing experience! I feel like Europe is ripe for travelers and I love it!

Yes! And I love that it can be so accessible even without a huge budget!

Great post, Nic. You’ve shown that there are alternatives to the ways many people choose to travel. I love your tips, and your conversational style of writing.

Thanks Anne! There really are so many ways to get out and adventure! 🙂

I love your writing style and how you keep things real! We often see glamorized travel bloggers and experiences, when in reality that’s not what it is like day to day. I will be using your wisdom and guidance as I embark on the journey myself soon.

Ahh that makes me so happy to hear!! Yes, I definitely know what you mean. The temptation to “live it up” like I see seemingly everyone else doing on social media is so real, but dialing it back a bit means longer travel which is more important in my book. Best of luck in your future travels 🙂

Wow I’m amazed at how you did all these! So glad came across your blog. I’m currently working at soul sucking 9-5 so there little time for me to travel. I would love to do something like this sometime

Yes! I remember when I had to cram little trips into the weekends with my traditional teaching job… the struggle is so real! I hope you get the chance to do it! Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions 🙂

Love this! We are house sitting in Europe too and love that we are seeing parts of Europe we would never have ventured to if not for the housesit. Great post.

Thanks! That’s one of my favorite parts too! I would never have thought to see some of these places but house sitting lets you live there. So cool!

I absolutely love your writing style. So fun and so much character! Really useful and helpful information too. House sitting wasn’t really something I had considered, but I will be working online while travelling for most of next year so will definitely consider this as an option for the more expensive regions of the world.

Thank you!! You are too kind! Definitely look into house sitting while traveling in more expensive areas. You’ll find the most listings in Europe, Australia, and the USA. It’s a great way to travel and meet some furry friends! 🙂

Thank you for writing this! Sorry if i missed the details, but how long have you been in europe for and roughly how much have you spent $$??

My pleasure! I was in Europe for six months and my budget was around $800-$1000 a month. I was able to break even with house sitting and teaching online part-time. It would be possible to do it for less if you stuck to less expensive countries in Eastern and Southern Europe 🙂

Wow – I actually can’t believe I hadn’t thought of house-sitting as a way to travel through Europe! This has been super helpful – hoping to go full-time online myself in the next year or so and it’s great to have something to aim for

Thank you so much!! House sitting is such a great way to see Europe – you get to explore off-the-beaten path places and save money at the same time! 🙂 Happy Travels! 🙂

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How to see more of Ireland on a budget

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Read on for expert tips to make your money go further in Ireland © davidf / Getty Images

By most European standards, Ireland can be quite expensive. Accommodation and food are generally priced at the upper end of the scale, which means a sizeable daily budget is needed.

However, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further during your visit to Ireland, and if you are travelling on a tight-ish budget, I have a host of cost-saving tips that will help you enjoy the best of what the country has to offer without missing out on the very best experiences.

Here’s a few tips that will help stretch your budget while visiting Ireland. 

Daily Costs

• Hostel room: €40-€70 (€50-€120 in Dublin)
• Basic room for two: €80-€100 (€100-€150 in Dublin)
• Self-catering apartments (including Airbnb): €150-€250
• Public transport ticket: €3.60
• Coffee: €3-€5
• Sandwich: €4-€8
• Dinner for two: €150
• Beer/pint at the bar:  €6-€9
• Average daily cost: €150- € 250

Know the cheapest time to go to Ireland

Peak season – May and August – is the most expensive time to visit, so you can make considerable savings travelling to Ireland outside of those months. Winter (except for Christmas) is when flight costs and accommodation rates are at their lowest, but you’ll likely encounter the worst weather and a lot of seasonal closures, especially along the west coast.

The ideal time to visit is during the shoulder season, especially in autumn (spring has St Patrick’s Day and Easter, which are typically busy and popular), when the crowds have dwindled, prices drop (especially for accommodation) and the weather can be surprisingly good.

Check the cheapest way to get there

Ireland is an island, so the vast majority of arrivals come by air. Dublin is the most popular arrival point, but if you’re coming from North America, flights into Shannon Airport are usually cheaper. For arrivals from Europe, Irish-based Ryanair is Europe’s largest airline, with dozens of cheap flights into Dublin and Cork from most major European cities. Cheaper still is the ferry. There are ferry ports in Dublin, Rosslare and Belfast , serving arrivals from the UK , France and Spain . A typical Sail & Rail ticket between London and Dublin can cost as little as €20.

Public transport is a good option to get around

Ireland has a pretty extensive network of public and private buses that are the most affordable way to travel. Transport for Ireland is a handy route planner for all public transport services across the country, including buses; in rural areas, Local Link services are a convenient way of exploring the local surroundings.

How to save money on attractions

Many attractions offer discounted rates if you buy tickets online in advance. You can also buy visitor passes that include entry to a number of attractions, such as the Dublin Pass. The Heritage Card includes free entry to all Office of Public Works–managed sites; it can be a good deal depending on how many spots you plan to visit.

There’s free entry to the four museums that make up the National Museum of Ireland (three branches in Dublin and one, the Museum of Country Life , in County Mayo), the National Gallery in Dublin, the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork and the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

Where to find good, cheap eats 

In bigger towns and cities with a large working population, many restaurants offer lunch deals that usually include a starter and a main course; a lot of Asian restaurants serve bento boxes as part of their lunch deals. Many restaurants also provide early bird menus that usually run between 5pm and 7pm; the menu is more limited but can offer considerable savings compared to the standard evening a la carte menu.

Early Table is an excellent online service that allows you to book an early sitting in restaurants across the country. You need to buy credit with them but the savings are considerable, usually up to 50% of the regular price of the meal.

How to get good value accommodation in Ireland

Accommodation will likely be the heftiest part of your travel budget. However, as many hotels use booking engines that operate dynamic pricing (which means rates go up and down depending on demand), early booking can often result in some very good deals. Calling a hotel directly – especially at the last minute – can also result in getting a better price than the one quoted on a website.

The traditional B&B was long the backbone of the Irish accommodation industry, and while many have been superseded by a glut of midrange hotels, they still offer surprisingly good value for money – with a home-cooked breakfast thrown in for good measure. Another option for savings on accommodation is to travel in the off-season, when rates are typically lower.

Find out where to join a free walking tour in Ireland

There are a handful of free walking tours that only expect a tip. Yellow Umbrella Tours operates free, thematic tours in Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Galway. Sandemans offers free tours across many European cities including Dublin, where it has a standard walking tour as well as an evening haunted tour, which explores the darker stories of the capital.

The best entertainment in Ireland for the price of a drink is...

Irish traditional music is Western Europe’s most vibrant and dynamic folk music. It is played all over the country, mostly in traditional pub "sessions", where many of the world’s very best players in the genre will showcase their remarkable skills…at no cost to the public. All you need to do is show up, buy a drink and settle in to enjoy.

How to visit heritage sites for free

Unless you invest in a Heritage Card, visiting OPW (Office of Public Works; the government agency that manages Ireland’s heritage sites) attractions can add up. However, try to time your visit for the first Wednesday of the month, when a large number of sites waive their entry charges as part of Free Wednesday . 

How to ride the train for cheap in Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket gives passengers unlimited train travel on a Sunday for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, the mlink ticketing app and from the train conductor.

Take advantage of the transport fare cap

If you’re planning to explore the region surrounding Dublin, you will save money by using public transport, which has instituted a fare cap on travel to some of the region’s commuter towns across counties Kildare, Meath and Louth. Standard single fares to/ from Dublin to a host of towns is fixed at €6.

Invest in a Leap card for public transport in Dublin

If you're going to use public transport in Dublin, be sure to get a Leap card  – a tap on, tap off card (similar to London’s Oyster Card) – which reduces fares by around 10% compared to cash and eliminates the hassle of having to provide exact change when buying a ticket. Leap cards can be bought in most convenience stores. Topping up is a cinch: you can do it at train stations, Luas stops and at all convenience stores that sell them. You can also download the Leap top-up app for NFC-enabled iPhone 7 (or above) and Android phones. You then hold the card to the back of the phone and it’ll display your balance and options to add value.

Keep planning the trip of a lifetime in Ireland:

• Start that Ireland bucketlist with our list of the  top things to do . 
• Have wheels, will travel: here are the best  road trips  to tackle in Ireland. 
• Get outside and into the great outdoors in Ireland with these top walks .
• Read on for when's the  best time to go to Ireland.
• Get off the beaten track with this guide to where locals holiday in Ireland. 

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Wondering How Much a Trip to Europe Costs? Find Out What to Expect in 2024

W hen I first starting taking my family to Europe, I got a lot of side eye from other parents. You could almost see the thought bubble that says, “you must be rich.” There were also a lot of off-hand comments about how they couldn’t afford to go to Europe (from families that frequently dropped a few thousand dollars on trips to Disney.) TL;DR, we aren’t rich, but we do prioritize spending money on travel. The fact is, there are some misconceptions around how much a trip to Europe costs.

There were actually times when we decided to go to Europe because the flight was cheaper than getting to Florida! Of course, when, where, and how you travel can greatly impact your European trip budget. But after visiting 14 European countries, many multiple times, I’ve learned a lot about how much a trip to Europe costs.

Now I won’t lie, it can get REALLY expensive, especially if you are traveling with a family and need two or more rooms (this is why we have used Airbnb ), prefer private tours (worth it with kids!), or if you can only travel during the expensive summer months.

But, I have some tips to help you lower those costs and choose more affordable destinations. I’ll also walk you through average costs for a European vacation , including airfare, accommodations, activities, food, and transportation .

First, if you are interested in a specific country, I have very detailed cost breakdowns for:

• Iceland trip cost
• Ireland trip cost
• Scotland trip cost
• London trip cost
• Amsterdam trip cost
• Paris trip cost
• Portugal trip cost
• Italy trip cost
• Greece trip cost

Ways to Save on Your European Trip Cost

f you are looking for ways to save some money on your trip to Europe cost, here are some ideas;

Visit Less Expensive Countries

If you want to go to Iceland or Scandinavia, you are going to need a healthy budget. Even places that used to be considered budget-friendly, such as Portugal, have gotten pricier in the last few years as tourism has increased (although it is still cheaper than other Western European countries.).

However, if you go the bit off-the-beaten path, you can find great deals, it may just be a bit trickier to find direct flights. Look at destinations like Scotland , Wales , and Eastern European countries like Hungary or Slovenia.

Avoid Big Cities

Everyone wants to visit Paris , London , and Rome , but the less time you spend in these large European capitals, the better it is for your budget. Sevilla is going to be cheaper than Barcelona, and so on.

You can also stay in less-popular countryside destinations, like Piedmont or Umbria instead of Tuscany in Italy or Languedoc instead of Provence in France. We have stayed in gorgeous chateaus in the Languedoc region of France for half the cost of our hotel in Paris.

Stay in Rentals

If you are visiting Europe with kids , one way to save money is to find an apartment or villa rental through Airbnb, vrbo, or other vacation rental alternatives . Since it is hard to find family rooms in Europe that sleep four or more, often the cost of a two or three-bedroom apartment is cheaper than renting two hotel rooms or an expensive hotel suite.

Even couples will benefit from staying in agriturismos, which are farms that offer accommodations on-site in Italy, or something similar.

Travel Outside of Peak Season

I know it is hard to travel during shoulder season or low season if you have kids, but remember that Europe has different holidays and school schedules. You can find great deals around our U.S. Thanksgiving. And, if your kids get out of school early, you can still find better deals and availability in June than July or August, when European schools have summer break.

If you have more flexibility, traveling in late October through May (outside of holiday weeks) will save you some money. Just do some research about half-term or school break weeks.

Use Points and Miles or Low-Cost Carriers

There are a lot of ways to hack your way to free flights to Europe using sign up bonuses and flexible points transfers if you can easily meet the minimum spend amounts with your current spending. However, even if that isn’t an option, you can often find great deals on flights to Europe.

We have flown to London and Vienna for under $500 each. I highly recommend signing up for a  flight deal subscription service such as Going . With the premium level you can set up your preferred airports and dream destinations and receive alerts on airfare sales and even points deals.

There are also a number of low cost carriers that offer flights from the United States including Norse Atlantic Airways, Condor, and French Bee. You can also use Play Airlines, which connects through Iceland.

Fly to a Hub and Then Use a Low Cost Carrier

If you find a great flight deal to a major European city, you can then use a low-cost carrier such as Ryan Air, EasyJet, Vueling, or others to connect to your final destination. These flights are typically under $100 per person, but make sure you are aware of the luggage restrictions on weight and size, which are different from U.S. carriers.

Trains are also another option, but don’t assume they will be cheap, especially if you book first class with assigned seats and luggage storage. Be sure to research your options before you book.

How Much Does a Trip to Europe Cost

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Now let’s look at some average costs for a trip to Europe. I’ve based these on two people traveling to Europe from the United States for a one week (7 night) trip.

Airfare to Europe Cost

Airfare from the United States to Europe can range from $500 per person (if you find a great deal) to over $2,000 (if you book late and travel during high season on a standard carrier.) As I mentioned above, you can save money by looking for flight deals, traveling off-season, or using low-cost carriers or connecting flights.

However, you can assume an average cost of $1,000 per person.

Total Airfare Cost = $2,000 ($1,000 x 2 people)

European Accommodations Cost

Accommodation costs can vary greatly depending on if you are staying in a big city or elsewhere, or if you are in a luxury hotel or a rustic rental. You will usually want to split your trip between a city and somewhere in the countryside. If you only have a week, I’d suggest three nights in the city and four nights elsewhere. Think Rome or Florence + Tuscany, Milan + Piedmont, Paris + Burgundy, Edinburgh + Highlands, London + Wales, etc.

In the city, expect to spend $250-500 per night and $150-350 per night in another location. Remember, you can refer to each of my detailed cost breakdowns for specific hotel and itinerary recommendations for those various destinations.

Total Accommodations Cost = $2,050 ($350 x 3 nights + $250 x 4 nights)

European Transportation Cost

Even if you plan to stay in one city for your entire trip to Europe, you will still need to spend some money on transportation. For example, when we went to Amsterdam for three days, we walked all over the city but we still took a transfer to and from the airport. So whether it is Uber, taxis, public transportation, or private transfers, you will need to budget for transportation expenses.

More likely, you will need to also either rent a car or take a train between destinations. If you are renting a car, be sure to book it early as the prices go up the closer you get to your arrival. Automatic transmission cars are also more expensive than manual transmission. Try to pack in carry on suitcases if possible so that you can rent a small to mid-size car. Driving in some countries (especially Ireland, the UK, and parts of Italy) can be challenging on small roads so you will appreciate it for more than the price point! Also keep in mind that gas is more expensive in Europe than the United States.

Total transportation cost = $800 (estimated)

European Activities Cost

Your activity costs vary greatly depending on where you go in Europe. For example, if you are visiting Scotland or Wales and you just want to spend a lot of time in the outdoors and maybe visit a few castles, your expenses will be minimal. But if you are going to Paris or Rome and you want to explore historic sites and museums and get the most of the experience, you will want to take a tour.

When in Greece, you can spend your days by the pool or the beach, but you will probably want to at least take a sunset sail and maybe a food or wine tour. I know it can get expensive, but don’t skimp on your activities. This is what you will remember most about your trip. More than your hotel. More than your airplane ride. It is also what matters the most when visiting a foreign country. After all, you want to experience the local culture. You want to learn more about the destination’s history. And you will want to see what makes a place unique.

Total Activities Cost = $1000

European Food Costs

It used to be that food in Europe was more expensive than in the United States but in the last couple of years, I have not found that to be the case. You can still spend a bundle on food if you elect for hotel breakfasts or fancy chef’s tasting menus. But in general, you can find affordable meals especially in destinations like Scotland, Wales, Portugal, and Italy.

You can also save money by preparing some of your own meals if you rent an apartment or stay in an aparthotel with a kitchenette. Remember, you don’t need to tip as much in Europe (or sometimes at all) and the alcohol is usually a lot cheaper because it isn’t marked up as much. These factors can make a big difference in your bottom line.

As a rule of thumb, plan to spend:

• $10 per person for breakfast (stop at a bakery for pastry and coffee or juice)
• $15-20 per person for lunch (think pizza, sandwiches, or street food)
• $25-50 per person for dinner (maybe plan for one splurge dinner too of up to $100 pp)

Total Food Cost = $1150

You may also want to budget some money for souvenirs and travel insurance.

Total Trip to Europe Cost

A seven-night trip to Europe for two people will cost an average of $7,900, or $564 per person, per day.

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