How to Travel Europe on a Budget
25 expert money-saving tips to explore Europe affordably without sacrificing amazing experiences
Dreaming of exploring Europe but worried about the cost? You’re not alone! The good news is that with smart planning and insider knowledge, you can experience the magic of Europe without draining your savings. This comprehensive guide shares 25 proven strategies to help you travel Europe on a budget.
Whether you’re backpacking for months or taking a shorter trip, these tips will help you maximize your budget. Our AI trip planner can help you implement many of these strategies automatically when creating your European adventure.
What to Expect: Realistic Europe Budget Ranges
Ultra Budget
€30-50
per day
- • Hostel dorm beds
- • Self-catered meals
- • Free attractions
- • Walking/public transport
- • Eastern Europe focus
Moderate Budget
€75-120
per day
- • Budget hotels/private hostels
- • Mix of dining out/cooking
- • Paid attractions
- • Regional trains
- • Mix of countries
Comfortable Budget
€150-250
per day
- • Mid-range hotels
- • Restaurant meals
- • All major attractions
- • Fast trains
- • Any European city
Budget Tip: Use our vacation planning tool to calculate your personalized budget based on your travel style and destinations.
1-5: Saving on Flights to Europe
Book Strategically
- Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices
- Tuesday-Wednesday departures are cheapest
- Fly off-season (Nov-Mar) for 40-60% savings
- Use Google Flights to track prices
Choose Budget Airlines
- Consider Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air for intra-Europe flights
- Norwegian, WOW Air for transatlantic (when operating)
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees (€25-60 per bag)
Alternative Airports
- Fly into cheaper cities (e.g., Barcelona instead of Paris)
- Use secondary airports (Bergamo for Milan, Beauvais for Paris)
- Multi-city tickets can be cheaper than round-trip
Use Points & Miles
- Sign up for airline credit cards with generous bonuses
- Transfer points strategically for maximum value
- Book award flights 11 months in advance
Pro Tip: Consider flying into one city and out of another. For example, fly into London and out of Rome, traveling overland between cities. This often costs the same or less than round-trip tickets.
6-12: Affordable Accommodation Strategies
Hostels Aren't Just for Young Backpackers
- •Private rooms available (€40-70 vs €80-150 hotels)
- •Free breakfast saves €10-15/day
- •Meet fellow travelers for shared experiences
- •Book via HostelWorld or Booking.com
Vacation Rentals for Groups
- •Airbnb/VRBO cheaper than multiple hotel rooms
- •Kitchen access = huge food savings
- •Live like a local in residential areas
- •Book early for 20-30% discounts
Stay Outside City Centers
- •Accommodation 30-50% cheaper in suburbs
- •Better value for money
- •Experience authentic neighborhoods
- •Easy access via metro/public transport
Consider Eastern Europe
- •Prague, Budapest, Krakow = amazing value
- •€20-40/night for good accommodation
- •Equally beautiful and historic
- •Less crowded than Western Europe
Overnight Transportation
- •Night trains/buses = free accommodation
- •Maximize daylight for sightseeing
- •Save 1 accommodation night per journey
- •Book berths for comfort (still cheaper than hotel + day transport)
Use Accommodation Comparison Sites
- •Check multiple platforms for best prices
- •Booking.com, Hotels.com, Trivago
- •Read recent reviews carefully
- •Book refundable when possible to rebook if prices drop
Budget Hack: Our travel itinerary planner automatically suggests accommodation in optimal locations that balance cost with convenience, helping you save both money and time.
13-18: Food & Dining on a Budget
Shop at Supermarkets
Buy breakfast, lunch ingredients, and snacks at local supermarkets. A day's food can cost €10-15 vs €40-60 at restaurants. Try local chains like Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour.
Lunch Specials vs Dinner
Many restaurants offer lunch menus (menú del día, prix fixe) at 30-50% cheaper than dinner prices. Eat your main meal at lunch and have simple dinner.
Free Breakfast at Hostels/Hotels
Always check if breakfast is included. A continental breakfast easily saves €8-15 per person daily. Some hostels offer free pasta/bread for guests.
Street Food & Markets
Explore local food markets and street food stalls. Fresh, authentic, and cheap. Examples: German bratwurst (€4), Italian pizza al taglio (€3-5), French crepes (€5-7).
Pack Snacks & Water Bottle
Bring reusable water bottle (tap water is safe in most of Europe). Pack nuts, fruits, energy bars. Avoid tourist-trap cafes charging €5 for water.
Happy Hours & Aperitivo
Take advantage of happy hours and Italian aperitivo (free buffet with drink purchase). Great way to socialize while saving money on dinner.
19-23: Getting Around Europe Cheaply
Budget Airlines Within Europe
Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer flights for as low as €10-30. Perfect for longer distances (London-Rome, Paris-Barcelona). Book 2-3 months ahead and travel with carry-on only.
Example: London to Prague for €15 vs €80+ by train. Check Skyscanner for deals.
BlaBlaCar for Intercity Travel
Ridesharing platform where you pay drivers for empty seats in their car. Costs 40-60% less than trains. Great way to meet locals and practice languages.
Example: Paris to Amsterdam for €25 vs €100+ by train. Visit BlaBlaCar.com
FlixBus for Budget-Friendly Routes
Extensive network across Europe with fares from €5-30. Comfortable coaches with WiFi. Slower than trains but significantly cheaper.
Example: Munich to Vienna for €15 vs €50+ by train. Book via FlixBus
City Tourist Cards
Most cities offer tourist cards with unlimited public transport + free/discounted attractions. Roma Pass, Paris Visite, Berlin WelcomeCard can save 30-50% vs individual tickets.
Calculate savings: Use our itinerary planner to see if a tourist card makes sense for your plan.
Walk Everywhere Possible
European cities are incredibly walkable. Most major attractions in city centers are within 2-3 km of each other. Walking is free, healthy, and you’ll discover hidden gems.
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps for each city. Free walking tours available in most cities (tip-based, pay what you feel comfortable).
24-25: Free & Cheap Attractions
Free Museum Days
Many European museums offer free entry on specific days or times:
- •Paris: First Sunday of month at Louvre, Orsay, Rodin
- •London: British Museum, National Gallery always free
- •Rome: First Sunday of month for state museums
- •Amsterdam: Some museums free on King’s Day (April 27)
Check individual museum websites or use our planning tool to schedule around free days.
Free Attractions Everywhere
Some of Europe’s best experiences cost nothing:
- •Historic city centers and architecture
- •City parks and gardens (Luxembourg Gardens, Hyde Park)
- •Most churches and cathedrals (Notre-Dame, Sagrada Família exterior)
- •Street performers and markets
- •Scenic viewpoints and sunset spots
- •Free walking tours (tip-based)
Real Example: 2-Week Europe Budget Trip
14 Days: €1,200 Total Budget
Major Expenses
Sample Itinerary
- •Days 1-4: Prague (budget accommodation, free attractions)
- •Days 5-7: Vienna (day trip to Bratislava)
- •Days 8-10: Budapest (thermal baths, ruin bars)
- •Days 11-14: Krakow (Auschwitz day trip, food markets)
Why Eastern Europe: Amazing history, culture, and architecture at 40-60% lower costs than Western Europe. Perfect for budget travelers!
Ready to Plan Your Budget Europe Adventure?
Our AI trip planner automatically implements many of these money-saving strategies while creating your perfect European itinerary
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Related Europe Travel Resources
Remember: Budget travel doesn’t mean sacrificing experiences—it means being strategic with your spending. The memories you create exploring Europe’s incredible cities, tasting authentic cuisine, and meeting amazing people are priceless, regardless of your budget. Use our AI trip planner to maximize every euro!