Europe may be known for its castles, cathedrals, and cobblestone streets—but it doesn’t have to come with a royal price tag. With the right planning, smart decisions, and a sense of adventure, you can experience the best of Europe without breaking the bank.
Here’s how to travel Europe on a shoestring budget while still making the most of your trip.
1. Travel Off-Peak
Avoid the high season (June to August) when prices for flights, trains, and accommodations soar. Instead, plan your trip for shoulder seasons—spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, better rates, and still-pleasant weather.
2. Use Budget Airlines and Trains
Europe is home to many low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air that offer flights for as little as €10–€30 if booked in advance. For land travel:
- Use Eurail or Interrail passes for flexible, discounted train travel.
- For even cheaper options, try FlixBus or BlaBlaCar (ridesharing).
Always compare prices and book early to get the best deals.
3. Stay in Hostels, Homestays, or Budget Hotels
Skip expensive hotels and opt for:
- Hostels: Affordable, social, and often located centrally.
- Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free and gain cultural insight.
- Budget hotel chains: Try Ibis Budget, B&B Hotels, or a cheap Airbnb.
Pro tip: Look for places that offer free breakfast or a communal kitchen to save on meals.
4. Cook Your Own Meals or Eat Like a Local
Food costs can add up quickly—but you don’t need to dine out every day.
- Visit local markets and grocery stores to prepare your own meals.
- Try street food or small bakeries for cheap eats.
- Look for set lunch menus (menu del dia, plat du jour) which are usually cheaper than dinner.
In Eastern Europe, local restaurants offer full meals at a fraction of Western European prices.
5. Explore Free and Discounted Attractions
Many cities offer free walking tours, which are tip-based and often packed with great local insight. Also:
- Visit museums on free days (many are free one day per week or month).
- Use city tourist cards for discounts or free entry (e.g., Paris Pass, Berlin WelcomeCard).
- Enjoy free attractions like parks, cathedrals, street art, and historic sites.
6. Use Public Transport and Walk
Skip taxis and Ubers—use buses, trams, and subways, or better yet, walk. Many European cities are compact, walkable, and scenic.
- Get daily or weekly public transport passes for savings.
- Rent bikes in bike-friendly cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, or Berlin.
7. Limit Your Travel Radius
Trying to “see all of Europe” in one trip leads to higher costs and burnout. Instead, focus on one region or cluster of countries (e.g., Central Europe or the Balkans). This reduces travel time and transportation costs while letting you dive deeper into local culture.
8. Use Budget-Friendly Apps and Tools
Maximize savings with apps like:
- Rome2Rio or Omio (compare transport options)
- Skyscanner or Google Flights (cheap flights)
- Hostelworld or Booking.com (budget stays)
- XE Currency (live exchange rates)
- Maps.me (offline maps)
9. Set a Daily Budget and Track Spending
Being mindful of your expenses helps avoid unpleasant surprises. Use budgeting apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend to stay on track.
10. Be Flexible and Open-Minded
Last-minute deals, spontaneous detours, and lesser-known cities can offer the best experiences for less. Don’t fixate on major tourist hubs—consider hidden gems like:
- Portugal instead of Spain
- Slovenia instead of Austria
- Poland or Romania instead of Western Europe
They offer incredible culture, nature, and history—without the tourist prices.
Final Thoughts
Traveling Europe on a shoestring budget is not only possible—it’s incredibly rewarding. With the right mindset and a little preparation, you’ll uncover unforgettable experiences, meet people from around the world, and see that the best memories often come from the most simple, authentic moments.
Pack light, plan smart, and embrace the adventure—Europe is waiting.
