Of course, travel in Europe needn’t break the bank. From charming villages to iconic cities, Europe is filled with diverse destinations, rich history, and incredible food. And with just a little planning some simple strategies, you can easily enjoy Europe’s beauty without breaking your bank. From affordable transportation options to budget-friendly meal choices, Europe has something for every type of traveller, whether you’re interested in art, history, architecture, or simply enjoying good food.
In this guide, we go through tips, tricks, and personal experiences that will help make the most of your European adventure and travel on a budget. I’m a solo traveller who has journeyed across Europe on all kinds of budgets, from shoestring hostel trips to all-inclusive holiday packages. I’m here to share tips on how to save money while enjoying every moment of your trip.
Choose Affordable Destinations
Europe is home to 44 diverse countries, each with its own cost of living. By selecting budget-friendly destinations, you can make your money go much further and enjoy more of what the continent has to offer. The general rule is that Eastern Europe is way cheaper than Western Europe but with beautiful cities, rich cultures, and fewer crowds.
Eastern Europe: Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic are a few places where beautiful architecture, pulsating nightlife, and great food come at a fraction of the cost in Western Europe. Budapest, Wroclaw, and Prague are not only beautiful but also very budget-friendly.
Southern Europe: Usually, it is inexpensive to travel in Portugal, Greece, and parts of Spain especially outside of the main tourist areas. The cities of Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, Thessaloniki in Greece, and Malaga in Spain offer reasonable prices in terms of accommodation, food, and attractions.
Ditch tourists spots: Cities like Paris, London, and Venice are particularly expensive, especially if staying centrally. If you to visit regardless, try and stay in a nearby town or visit during off-season to keep costs down.
Recently, I made a trip to Poland in Eastern Europe and was amazed at how inexpensive it was compared to the west. I was able to spend a week in Wroclaw, enjoying great food, visiting interesting museums, and even taking a few day trips without stretching my budget.
Low-Cost Options for Accommodations
Accommodation can quickly eat up your budget, but fortunately, Europe offers a heap of options at affordable prices where you could well stay without actually breaking your wallet. Here’s a couple of tips to help you in finding budget-friendly places to stay.
Hostels: Hostels aren’t just for students, as they are an inexpensive way for anyone of any age to see a new place. In Europe, hostels are clean, safe, and even social. Additionally, many of them offer private rooms if you don’t fancy the dormitories. You can have the best of both worlds: your own private room and you will have the use of a common kitchen, common area, and sometimes free breakfast.
Airbnb and holiday letting: Through Airbnb, renting a room or a flat may be cheaper than hotels especially if you’re staying for more than a couple of nights. Look for listings outside the centre of town for cheaper rates, and compare prices for the best deal.
Budget hotels and guesthouses: Europe offers a plethora of budget hotel chains, such as Ibis or B&B Hotels, inexpensive but without sacrificing comfort. These hotels often have simple modern rooms, and they’re typically located near public transport options, making it easy to get around.
On a trip to Faro, Portugal
I found a small guest house just outside the main tourist area that offered a private room for myself at a fraction of of a hotel room in the city centre. The room was clean and cosy, and since it was only a very short walk from public transport, the city was pretty easy to see.
Travel on Budget Airlines and Trains
Getting around Europe can be affordable, especially if you plan ahead and take advantage of budget-friendly transportation options. Whether flying, taking trains or buses, there are a number of ways to save on travel.
Low-cost airlines: There are a few budget flight operators in Europe. The major ones include Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air. Using the services of those companies, you can travel relatively cheaply between major cities in Europe. However, beware of many hidden fees, and if possible, travel light, since checked baggage usually comes for a price.
Eurail and Interrail passes: If you intend to make multiple country hops, then consider getting a Eurail (for non-Europeans) or Interrail (for Europeans) pass. These passes have unlimited train rides within a set period of time, thus making this more affordable to see more of Europe by rail.
Bus travel: FlixBus and Eurolines offer an affordable network of bus routes across the continent. The prices can often be way cheaper than trains or flights. If you’re really on a super-tight budget and you’ve got less rigid time constraints, buses are a great option for solo travel.
While travelling between Spain and Portugal, I opted for the bus instead of the train and saved a good deal of money that way. The bus ride was very comfortable with air conditioning, and I really enjoyed zoning out while looking at the countryside.
Visit Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Europe is full of amazing sights, and many of them come free or are fairly cheap. From museums to historic landmarks, there’s no shortage of options to take in the beauty and history of Europe on a budget.
Free walking tours: Most European cities offer free walking tours with a local guide. It is one of the best ways of knowing the city’s history and culture without spending a great deal of money. These walking tours might be free technically, but after the tour you may be expected to give a tip to the guide in person.
Museums: Entrance into some museums is free on certain days of the month. Others allow certain hours when entry to these places is free. Check on the website of the museum and schedule your visit accordingly to save on entry fees. Be prepared for long queues since other travellers can have the same idea.
Parks, Landmarks, and Street Art: Public parks in every country in Europe are great in beauty, also historic landmarks and Street Art, all for absolutely free. Whoever doesn’t want to visit Marselisborg Deer Park in Denmark, street arts of Berlin, and mesmerizing views from Montjuïc in Barcelona?.
When I was solo travelling in Malaga, Spain I discovered that on the Sundays of each month entry to the Museums are free at certain times. It was a good way of seeing Museo Picasso without having to pay the typical entrance fee.
Eat like a Local
Food forms a huge part of the travel experience, and in Europe, there are plenty of ways to enjoy delicious meals without overspending. Here are some tips for eating well on a budget.
Local markets and street food: In many European cities, you’ll find bustling markets filled with stalls offering fresh produce, cheese, bread, and even ready-to-eat meals. The market is more budget-friendly and will have the taste of local flavour. Street foods are also inexpensive, and different varieties ranging between gyros in Greece, tapas in Spain, to zapiekanka in Poland.
Eat out of the tourist area: Food is much more expensive when close to a large attraction. Instead, venture a few streets away to find the local restaurants or cafes where food is cheaper but often of a higher standard.
Cook your own meals: If you are staying in a place that has a kitchen, then make the most of it by cooking some of your meals. Go to a local supermarket or market to buy ingredients, and you will save money while trying the local foods.
In Florence, I was especially comfortable getting fresh pasta, vegetables, and meat from a local market to cook dinner while staying solo in my hostel. It was delicious, much cheaper, and just another great way to experience Italian food on a more personal level.
Use Public Transport and Walk More
Getting around cities is often one of the most costly activities, while there are many ways to experience a city without needing to spend much. Alternatively, walking and taking public transportation save money and give a far better sense of a city’s layout and character.
Always walk whenever possible: Many European cities are compact with friendly environments for pedestrians. The cost of transport means will be saved, and you might find some hidden treasure every now and then as you walk along.
Public transport: Most European cities have cheap public transportation that covers the structure of the city very well. Many cities also offer day passes or multi-day tickets, which allow unlimited travel within a set time frame.
Bike rentals: Many major cities of the world are bike-friendly, and getting around with a rental bicycle is a fun, inexpensive way to explore Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Berlin, among others. Most cities nowadays have bike-sharing programs that allow you to rent bikes at very low costs for short periods.
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, I purchased an affordable GVB multi-day ticket providing me with unlimited transport for a certain amount of days to take in the canals, parks, and neighbourhoods of the city. Using the trams, buses, and metro was essential because it allowed me to explore parts of the city that I might have otherwise overlooked.
Travel Off-Peak and Book in Advance
The timing of your travel can significantly impact your expenses. Travelling during the off-season can save you a mini fortune, especially on flights, accommodation, and attractions.
Avoid high season: Peak season is during summer in Europe, and the prices of flights, hotels, and attractions are generally at their highest. Consider travelling during spring or autumn when the weather is still pleasant but prices are significantly lower with less crowds.
Book flights and trains well in time: Since you know about your travel dates well in advance, book flights and trains as early as possible. Most budget airlines and train companies will save you money by offering discounted flights/ train fares, if you book your tickets well in advance.
Check if there is a shoulder season: Travelling in the shoulder season, the time just before or after the peak season, offers the best of both worlds: lower prices with great weather. Canary Islands, Barcelona, and Budapest all look really pretty during spring and autumn, with fewer tourists on the streets.
When I visited Lanzarote in October, the prices for accommodations were much lower and I could explore popular spots without the usual summer crowds Also, the weather is warm and not extremely hot to make travelling very comfortable.
Attend Free and Low-Cost Events
Europe is a cultural hub, and there are a range of free and extremely affordable events running throughout the year. From festivals to live music, these events let you experience local culture without spending a fortune.
Local festivals: Europe has numerous festivals related to music, food, history, and art. A majority of these festivals are free, giving you a unique cultural experience without any cost.
Outdoor Concerts and Performances: A majority of the European cities offer free open-air concerts, particularly during summer. From classical music in the parks of Vienna to a range of concerts across London, there is something for every taste.
Free museum days or exhibitions: Most of the museums have days when there is free entry, or at some part of the day, it would be at a cheaper rate. Great way to see incredible art and history across Europe without having to overspend.
I happened to be in Poznan during the summer months and happened to pass by a beer festival. The event featured friendly people discussing brewing secrets, live music, and tastings of the best craft beers from all over Poland. I thoroughly enjoyed the lively atmosphere was an unforgettable experience.
Low Budget Accommodation Options
If traditional accommodation options aren’t your thing, there are quite a few alternative ways to find budget or even free accommodation in Europe.
Couchsurfing: This is a platform where locals offer travellers to stay with them for free. Solo travel is a fantastic way to save money and meet people. However, always be aware of your safety and read reviews before booking.
House-sitting: Websites such as TrustedHousesitters connect travellers with property owners who need a house sitter while away. In return for home and pet care, you get accommodation for free.
Work exchanges: Websites like Workaway and HelpX offer the opportunity to work in exchange for accommodation. From helping at a farm in Italy to teaching English in Spain, such exchanges present inexpensive ways experience a destination more deeply.
While in Spain, I’ve spoken to travellers who have house-sat across various locations in Europe staying in beautiful homes, taking care of lovely dogs while the homeowners went abroad to visit family.
Conclusion: Europe Travel without Breaking a Bank
Budget travelling around Europe is not only possible but also very rewarding.
From choosing affordable destinations and accommodation to finding free activities and inexpensive local food, there are countless ways to make the most of your trip without overspending. A little bit of planning, a willingness to go off the beaten tourist path will allow you to enjoy rich culture, history, and beauty that Europe offers at a fraction of the cost.
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of your experience. For many, travel can be a life-changing experience, broadening horizons and boosting confidence. It’s the quiet street cafés, busy markets, or the view from a hidden lookout that make your trip memorable. So pack your bags, set your budget, and get ready to see Europe in an affordable and unforgettable style.
