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Home » Europe » Backpacking Travel Guide

The COMPLETE Backpacking Europe Travel Guide | 2024

Where in the world can you comfortably pass 3 countries and 3 different languages in a day? That’s the wonder that travelling Europe offers you. This continent has cultural variety, wild parties, mind-boggling history, world-class hostels, and new friends in spades. 

I was born in Europe, so my travels here go back as far as my memories do. I’ve basked on the glorious Spanish beaches, skied in the Italian Alps, and dived into the depth of Roman history. 

And yet, my crazy adventures in Europe are still only just beginning. I’m ALWAYS craving more. 

Whether you’re thinking of a quick beginners’ trip or a full-blown, life-changing interrailing affair, you’re bound to fall in love. Maybe it’ll be a place, or a person or two. 😉 

Although, if you don’t already know, backpacking Europe is no cheap thrill. Especially in the likes of Paris, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, even a hostel dorm can set you back and send you home with your tail between your legs if you’re not careful. I’ve heard one too many backpackers calling home asking mummy to pay their return ticket. 

But you don’t need to be like them. Because you’ve got this backpacking Europe travel guide!

I’m here to dish it all. I’ll give you the low down on costs, the best travel itineraries, and all the tips and tricks you’ll ever need. 

It’s so beautiful I’m going to cry.

Why Go Backpacking in Europe?

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Backpacking Europe has no equal. There is no region on earth with such a diverse range of landscapes, cultures and languages contained within such a small(ish) space. Everywhere else is frankly boring when pitted against the technicoloured dream coat of Europe.

From alcoholic Bavarian breakfasts, ancient ruins and train rides so pretty they could briefly render a local politician speechless, the breadth and scope of Europe is enormous. Not forgetting we can make a mess in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia too, you’re basically screwed unless you have about a year.

For many people, backpacking Europe is about ticking off a list of the famous and well-known cities . Let me tell you now. GET THIS SILLY IDEA OUT OF YOUR HEAD. You’re not hitchhiking with the Jehovah’s Witnesses or conquering Triglav, Olympus or Korab from a Starbucks/Costa/Pret a Manger are ya?!?

Find the balance. Visit some awesome cities, but make time to head out into the sticks and see the side of Europe you didn’t expect. There is an impeccable backpacking vibe in Europe, and you are bound to take some truly questionable stories home with you…

…If only you knew where to look… 😉

How to Tackle Europe Like a Pro

Right children, as a native European with more travel experience than Leonardo di Caprio’s wandering eyes, I have some juicy advice for you. First things first: Europe is expensive. Learn how to mooch through Europe on a budget !

Staying at a hostel in a well-known city (e.g. London, Rome, Paris, Barcelona) can set you back around $70. If you’re trying to make your trip last, it is worth knowing which are the cheap countries , and how to get some sleep in the ones that aren’t.

It’s also worth remembering which countries aren’t in the Schengen zone. Not only might you need to make additional travel adjustments, but it is worth knowing if you want to extend your stay in Europe . Basically, this is just the UK, a large swathe of Eastern Europe, and Turkey. Good for long stays!

You may want to grab an interrailing ticket if you’re travelling far and wide. These can work out much cheaper than paying for each individual train, which is another great boost for the budget. Taking a tent can also save you some serious bank whilst backpacking Europe.

Europe is fucking huge and it packs a punch too. This means that even on a (hypothetical) lifetime Europe backpacking trip, just accept it: you’re never going to see it all.

Backpacking Europe is best when you can travel it slowly . But don’t stress it because there’s plenty of ground you can cover even on a shorter trip to Western Europe.

If you only have a week or so, I recommend that you focus your Europe trip on either A) just one country or B) a few close-together cities. Luckily, the travel infrastructure is really good: train travel is a dream and buses are frequent. Plus, thanks to the European Union and its open borders, once you’re in one country, you can basically keep crossing borders as often as you’d like.

Here are a few ideas for an awesome backpacking trip to Europe.

2-Week Travel Itinerary for Europe – The Big Bois of Backpacking Europe

Start your travels from Berlin . Germany’s capital is like its own little islet – nothing like the rest of the country. Explore its history and party at world-famous clubs before heading out to Hamburg – you know, to get a taste of “normal Germany”. I highly recommend staying in St. Pauli which is the coolest area in Hamburg!

From Germany, cross over to Holland’s boozy, breezy, fun capital Amsterdam . From there, it’s easy to take a train or a bus to Brussels, in Belgium. (You could also stay in Ghent which is much prettier. Do take a day trip to Bruges, though!)

The next stop is dazzling Paris , undoubtedly the capital of romance in Europe. From Paris, take the Eurostar train to visit London .

This is the last stop in your itinerary. Wherever you’re headed next, London is one of the biggest transportation hubs in Europe.

1-Month Travel Itinerary for Europe: Southern Europe Gems

One month is the ideal Europe backpacking trip for first-timers. You’ll have time to explore a few countries and stay an extra few days in the places you fall in love with. In this itinerary, we’re diving into Southern Europe.

Start your trip in Lisbon , Portugal’s capital and one of the liveliest cities in Europe. Take trips to Sintra and Porto . Sintra can be done as a day trip whereas visiting Porto warrants at least a night’s stay.

Next, cross the border to Spain to explore Madrid . From the Spanish capital, finding onwards transportation to Barcelona is super easy. (Barcelona is also a long-time backpacker favourite!)

From Barcelona, cross over to France and spend a couple of days on the French Riviera. You could also do a lil’ side trip to Monaco to gawk at the rich&richer. But just a warning – this area is expensive as hell!

Next up, we head to Italy where you’ll spend the rest of your trip. First, explore Milan ; the fashion capital.

Then head to the floating city Venice, then the ultra-beautiful Florence . Lastly, end your trip in a highlight with a stay in Rome .

3-Month Travel Itinerary for Europe: Holy Shit, It’s the Grand Tour of Europe

Having 3 months or more for backpacking through Europe is an awesome experience. Make the most of the 90-day Schengen Zone liberty (plus the UK). You can move at your own pace and take the time to enjoy the places you love.

Still – need I remind you? – Europe is fucking massive. 3 months is a great trip but you’ll still struggle to cover everything possible. Sometimes it might even be the best option’s better to take a cheap plane ride between destinations rather than waste a day on a bus.

Stop first in Greece . Staying in Athens is really epic and it is a great gateway to the famous Greek Islands. ( Mamma Mia , anyone?) 

Next up – Italy . Explore Naples for the origins of that pizza in Naples. See the remnants of a super-influential ancient culture in Rome, and hike along the coast in Cinque Terre.

From Italy, visit Switzerland , AKA ‘the pit of doom’ when it comes to backpacking Europe on a budget. However, the Swiss Alps are some of the most beautiful parts of Europe so it’s worth a splurge.

Continue on to Vienna, Austria . It may look fancy but it has a punk rock heart and there are some great places to stay in Vienna too.

Then, we move on to Germany . Munich is your gateway to experiences in Southern Germany and it has great connections to other awesome cities in Germany: Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Dresden, and eventually, Berlin.

Travel through the Netherlands and Belgium to Paris, France . From there, you can easily get to London and further explore the UK . I highly recommend making a stop in Edinburgh to get a taste of Scottish life.

From the UK, you can fly down to Barcelona and conclude your trip by adventuring around Spain and Portugal .

If you are going to be spending a whole month in Europe bouncing between different countries, then we recommend downloading the HolaFly Europe eSim package before your trip begins. Packages start at just $1.20 per day and can offer data access and internet connectivity all over Europe for the entire duration of your trip.

Wherever you decide to go on your Euro backpacking trip, the magic will surely blow your mind. Each country in Europe is unique, full of surprises, and requires its own individual approach and strategy with regard to your travel budget in Europe.

Uh, just one thing: Europe, as a whole, has dozens of countries. (44 or 51, depending on what kind of geographical allowances we’re making…)

As I’m writing a blog and not a book, this Europe travel guide is focused on Western and Southern Europe . Meaning I’m only covering 11 countries and a bit today. Boo.

But don’t despair! There’s plenty more to explore in Europe.

• Backpacking Scandinavia travel guide
• Backpacking Turkey travel guide
• Backpacking the Balkans
• Backpacking the Caucasus

Backpacking Italy

Italy has been a popular vacation destination for a looooonggg time. Tourists have been coming here for years to see the likes of the Colosseum, drink wine in Tuscany , tour the canals of Venice – all that touristy stuff.

Consequently, few people stray far from the main backpacking route in Italy and, unsurprisingly, many say that tourism here has become a bit calcified. Some might say that Italy can offer nothing else besides the same postcard views and disgruntled baristas.

But there’s a lot more to see in Italy besides the usual attractions because, let’s be honest, everything in Italy is beautiful . Pound for pound, Italy might be one of the most beautiful countries in the world and you’d be hard-pressed to find a single ugly stone here.

The beaches of Puglia and Sardinia are among the most brilliant in Europe (they don’t compare the former to “The Maldives” for no reason). The Dolomites are truly one of a kind and few other mountains can really compete.

Rome … Rome is amazing . Where else can you find masterpieces from almost every era of western civilization?

Italian food, which has received a similar treatment, should be explored with equal enthusiasm. Sicily with its miles of coastline produces some of the finest seafood in the country, not to mention amazing desserts. The tagliere (deli meats) of Toscana are the best you’ll find.

So give Italy a chance! Don’t let the jaded, bitter tourists tell you there’s nothing new to see or do here; you just need to get off the beaten path a bit. Visit Florence , see the Almafi Coast but set aside some time for exploring the lesser-visited regions, like Marche, Umbria, Calabria, and so on.

But also – what’s wrong with seeing the same stuff as everyone else? There’s a reason Rome is popular. A gorgeous reason…

Backpacking Europe can never be completed without dipping a toe into Italy.

What to Know Before Visiting Italy

• Don’t miss out on … staying in Bologna . It evades most people’s radar even though it’s arguably the coolest city in Italy. Amazing food, beautiful architecture, and a nightlife that doesn’t quit.
• You know what’s overrated… the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Soooo many horrible selfies and awkward poses. Take a moment to actually appreciate the nearby duomo and baptistry guys.
• The coolest hostel is… The RomeHello Hostel . Offering some top-tier communal spaces, many activities for the guests, comfy beds, a great location, and good vibes atmosphere.
• The best food is found… everywhere! Really – you’re in Italy – you can’t go wrong here. Genoa, Bologna, Naples, and Sicily all take top honors.

Backpacking France

France might just be one of the most diverse countries you’ll set your foot in whilst backpacking through Europe. In addition to two coasts and two mountain ranges, France has a wide variety of cultures, landscapes, and food packed into one country.

Paris is amazing and seriously one of the most exciting cities in the world. It’s a city of romance, famous art, morbid history, and grand architecture. But don’t stop your exploration at the capital!

The Mediterranean coast, so-called French Riviera , is something straight out of your dreams. Trekking or skiing in the Alps is an unforgettable experience.

Bordeaux is one of the coolest cities I’ve ever visited, and staying in Lyon and Marseille are just as pretty. Let alone all the tiny little towns that are straight out of a postcard…

There are so many places to stay in France . Wherever you turn, you will find different kinds of wine, cheese, and even variations of the French language. If you love food, culture, and outdoor playgrounds, a stopover in France is an obvious choice for backpacking Europe.

Forget about the old stereotypes about the French being rude and uptight. The French can be like soft-boiled eggs: they have a shell on the outside but with it removed they are softies at heart. France is full of lovely soft-boiled eggs, uhm I mean humans…

Since France is quite a large country in European terms, there are so many hidden gems that I have lost track. From stunning medieval castles to picturesque villages and cities, backpacking in France is truly an unforgettable experience.

What to Know Before Visiting France

• Don’t miss out on… Staying a night at a mountain refuge in the Alps. Le Refuge de la Charpoua is particularly epic.
• You know what’s overrated… paying to go up the Eiffel Tower. Paris is expensive . Save money and see it from below.
• The coolest hostel is… The People – Paris Nation . Excellent location. It has beds with curtains (I love privacy), a cozy cafe/bar where to chill and work, and a great terrace to see the sunset.
• The best food is found in… Can’t go wrong with a bit of Brie and a bottle of Bourdeaux. But that’s just the beginning; as they say there, is a different wine and cheese to try every day of the year…

Backpacking Portugal

Portugal is a grand paradise of sorts. The pace is slower than other European countries (and compared to other offenders on this list, cheaper, too).

The country is packed with friendly locals, charming villages, fun parties, and one of the most chill vibes you will come across anywhere on earth.

Backpacking in Portugal is very easy and Portugal is my favourite country to solo travel in Europe too. Ultimately it’s a great place to begin your international adventure, solo or not.

Spot the famous blue tiles in Porto. Feel like a royal at the castles in Sintra.

Eat seafood in Lisbon. Drink ice-cold beer and smile like a fool whilst taking in an epic sunset over the ocean in Algarve.

Most backpackers start their trip in Lisbon as it appeals to just about everyone. There’s amazing food, good weather, great parties in Bairo Alto, and lots of places to see nearby. Definitely don’t skip Sintra ; the epic village full of fairytale castles is one the top places to see in Portugal.

The south of Portugal, also known as the Algarve , is the more Mediterranean part of the country. It resembles more southern Spain not only in the scenery but in vibes.

Expect a lot of tourists and more than a few drunken, wandering Aussies. But hey – the coastline is gorgeous and stays warm all year round. You can also find some of the best surf in the Northern Hemisphere off Portugal’s many beaches .

In Northern Portugal, Porto is a popular student city. It’s also bustling, busy, fun, and beautiful. Some backpackers even prefer it to Lisbon!

Portugal also has two semi-autonomous island regions: the Azores and Madeira. Both are very different from the mainland and absolutely magical.

Hiking in Madeira is uniquely epic! But visiting Azores is like backpacking a mini-New Zealand.

What to Know Before Visiting Portugal

• Don’t miss out on… Porto. Backpackers love Lisbon , but its northern neighbour is just as cool. Keep an eye out for its famous blue tiles.
• Keep an eye out for… drunken backpackers in Lagos. It’s not widely advertised but this place is a SHITSHOW at night. If you’d like to be one of them, stay in one of the party hostels.
• The coolest hostel is… Home Lisbon Hostel – The people’s favourite: mama’s cooked dinner, free walking tours, and a super homey feeling. You feel so welcome here.
• The best food is found in… the Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon. This is the Mecca of all food markets, the cream of the crop.

Backpacking Spain

Many backpackers claim Spain as their favourite country. Are they right?

I think so. You do not have to look too far to see why this country, in addition to producing some lovely human beings, is a magical land for backpackers.

Like to sleep? You came to the wrong country. The Spanish have breakfast at 10, lunch at 4, and dinner at midnight.

Spain is a country that truly never sleeps. It’s in the culture to practice sleep deprivation in style. Maybe all those midday siestas help?

Spain just has a certain charm to it. Small plates of delicious tapas , cool, cold wine served with sweet orange and melon…

Is it those fine beaches? Old olive groves running through tiny villages? Or the church in Barcelona that is a perpetual construction project?

My suspicion is that my love of Spain is deeply rooted in all of the little nuances you experience daily whilst travelling here. Many backpackers just roll through Barcelona and maybe go visit Madrid . Whilst those cities are not to be missed, backpacking through Spain without exploring its other regions is a mistake.

In the north, you can hike majestic mountains in Asturias and eat awesome seafood in San Sebastian . Track down the origins of paella when staying in Valencia .

Explore Andalucia in the south with its Islamic architecture, free tapas, and the cheapest prices in Spain. (Seriously – Granada, Seville, and Cordoba are AWESOME.) Go to a football game. Find some flamenco.

Doesn’t that sound like fun? This is Spain.

What to Know Before Visiting Spain

• Don’t miss out on… the Basque region. It’s like a completely different country, with epic landscapes and an extremely fascinating history. San Sebastian is the best place to stay.
• You know what’s overrated … bull fights. The Spanish hardly go to them – it’s cruelty set up for tourists’s entertainment. Opt for a flamenco show or tapas tour instead.
• The coolest hostel is… The Central House Madrid Lavapiés . Everything a hostel should have. Relaxation, work and social areas. A pool, a bar, a terrace, lockers, and curtains on comfortable beds.
• The best food is found in… Granada. Andalucia has some of the only totally free tapas in Spain, and Granada has the best tapas restos. Asian fusion or Moroccan tapas? You’ll find it here.

Backpacking Switzerland

If you are planning on spending time in the Alps, a hiking trip to Switzerland is an obvious choice. Switzerland is a land full of the Alps, quaint villages, and hip cities.

Heard of the Matterhorn mountain? (That’s the Toblerone mountain.) It lives in Switzerland.

In addition to its powdery peaks, Switzerland is also home to gorgeous alpine lakes. Take in some of the ancient castle fortifications lakeside by day and sip the legendary Swiss hot chocolate by night.

Zurich may be the financial heart of Europe but it’s still surprisingly cool. Lausanne is small but gorgeous, and the capital Bern is equally so. Don’t skip Luzerne since it just might be the most beautiful city in Switzerland. But these are just a few ideas of where to stay in Switzerland – numerous hidden gems await.

You do have to pay for the pleasure in Switzerland . For better or worse, the Swiss people have this whole thriving economy thing down to a T.

As a country long resistant to changing over to the Euro, the Swiss Franc is as strong as ever before. For backpackers, this translates into a scenario of high cost, high reward.

That said, Switzerland will certainly do anything but disappoint. It’s worth the splurge even if you are backpacking Europe on a budget.

What to Know Before Visiting Switzerland

• Don’t miss out on… the Bernese Oberland. This region features probably the most famous and stunning hikes in Switzerland . Check out the trails around Eiger and the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
• Keep an eye out for… the prices; the pure, unadulterated, merciless, eye-gouging, seemingly unreal prices. You’ll need to employ every trick in the book to keep costs down.
• The coolest hostel is… Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof Interlaken. It offers a ton of freebies!
• The best food is found in… the grocery stores. Swiss food is just ok; certainly not worth the prices at the restaurants!

Backpacking Germany

After gaining a (justified) terrible reputation on the world stage in the first half of the 20th century, Germany has emerged over the last 50 years as an economic powerhouse and centre of culture in Europe. Modern-day Germany is an awesome place to go backpacking through Europe – and a fan favourite among many gap year kids and older travellers alike. You won’t be hard-pressed to find a great hostel in Germany .

As a lover of cool cities and good beer, I am totally enamored with Germany. While famous for its fast cars and pretzels, there is so much more to see whilst backpacking Germany: historic towns, medieval monasteries and fantastical castles , culture-filled cities, fairy-tale forests, and majestic mountains.

To top it off, Germany has one of the strongest economies in the EU, yet traveling here is surprisingly affordable in comparison to the rest of Western Europe. (Pro tip: Eastern Germany is even cheaper than Western Germany.) Backpacking Germany is a great addition to any European travel itinerary!

Most backpackers gravitate towards Berlin , and for good reason: its nightlife is unbeatable and there is a wealth of culture to keep people interested. But the capital is its own thing – it doesn’t resemble the rest of Germany at all. For European backpackers, there are tons more awesome spots to uncover.

Dresden , beaten to shit during WWII, has been wonderfully restored. Hamburg is one of the coolest cities in the country, at least if you’re staying in the St Pauli neighbourhood.

Bavaria in the South is known for the Black Forest area (one of Germany’s National Parks ), an unintelligible dialect of German, and beautiful scenery. Finally, Regensburg may be the prettiest town in the country. But there are SO MANY others – some completely micro-sized.

What to Know Before Visiting Germany

• Don’t miss out on… visiting a beer hall. No one can drink like the Germans and by that, I mean with such control and enjoyment at the same time.
• You know what’s overrated… Munich. The city itself, whilst pretty, doesn’t offer a lot in the way of attractions. The locals can be pretty arrogant too.
• The coolest hostel is… Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft . A cozy social vibe. A bohemian retro-style hostel with a cafe that becomes a bar at night. And a common area open 24 hours with free coffee and tea.
• The best food is found in… Berlin. The gastronomic scene is incredibly diverse, unlike many other German cities where food tends to be homogenous. Vegetarianism is alive and thriving here!

Backpacking The Netherlands

Coffee. Canals. Cannabis. Windmills. Those are some of the things that come to mind when thinking about The Netherlands.

Visiting Amsterdam has long been a favourite backpacker haunt and is well worthy of exploration. It is THE place in Europe to (legally) rock into a coffeeshop, order a joint, and sit down to smoke it.

If you like riding bicycles long-distance, The Netherlands is a perfect country in which to feed that urge: The Netherlands is almost entirely flat. If you have had long challenging days trekking or biking in the Alps, the flatness here will be a welcomed change.

You will find that Dutch people often speak perfect English which is impressive as Dutch sounds nor looks anything like English. Because the country is relatively small, you can travel around here with ease whilst taking in a majority of it.

Most backpackers make a stop in Amsterdam and leave the rest of the country be. Don’t get stuck in the capital city – at least take a day trip from Amsterdam .

What to Know Before Visiting The Netherlands

• Don’t miss out on … partaking in some magic mushrooms while visiting Amsterdam. Seriously, those Van Gogh paintings are mental when you’re frying.
• You know what’s overrated… staying in the HEART of Amsterdam – it’s overly expensive and crowded. One could stay outside the city, save a bundle, and then take the train in. I suggest finding a hostel in Utrecht instead.
• The coolest hostel is… Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark . All the services that you need as a backpacker. Nice areas to chill, work, and hang out. Great atmosphere to meet other travellers. Probably the best location in Amsterdam. The park and Museumplein right next to you.
• The best food is found … while staying in Amsterdam , only because of the stroopwafels! These are one of the greatest treats ever.

Backpacking Belgium

Let’s be honest: Belgium doesn’t offer much in way of stand-out attractions. There is no Colosseum, no Montmartre, no legalized drugs, or raging Berghains. Just a lot of charming houses, calories, and dreary weather.

And for these reasons, I LOVE Belgium. How amazing is it that Belgium places beer in such high and hallowed regard? Bless the Belgians who seem to have no problem smothering their fried potatoes in aioli and mussels with heavy cream. I love that you can go backpacking in Belgium with zero expectations and still be impressed.

It’s almost as if Belgium is a guilty pleasure of sorts. The whole country is just one big bar where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content and no one gives a shit.

If you’re traveling between France and the Netherlands, it is absolutely worth stopping over in Belgium for a little while. Antwerp would be the best place to base yourself although Ghent and Bruges are worth seeing . Bruges gets absolutely zombified with tourists, though – prepare yourself.

And you shouldn’t skip the nation’s capital Brussels . It’s also the capital of the European Union but in addition to stiff people in suits, there are also many cool things to see in Brussels .

If you wanted a really enjoyable backpacking Europe experience, consider sleeping at a brewery for a few days! Most have guesthouses attached. In particular, Het Anker is great. Otherwise, Brussels’ hostels are the best place to stay on a budget.

What to Know Before Visiting Belgium

• Don’t miss out on… staying in Ghent , the prettiest medieval town in Belgium. It’s mostly known for its canal houses and local mustard. Gruut, a precursor to today’s beer, is also made in Ghent.
• Keep an eye out… when you’re in Brussels. Whilst certainly “edgier” than most European cities, Brussels can be a little too rough at times.
• The coolest hostel is… Hostel Uppelink Ghent . Though the building may be a bit old, the location is unbeatable. It’s literally next to the city’s famous Sint-Michielsbrug bridge.
• The best food is found in… the “brown bars”, where they serve the fried potatoes and mussels in excess.

Backpacking the UK

The UK is just one of those places that I have fallen in love with over the years. If you are in the mood for a wonderful campervan and trekking adventure, backpacking in the UK is the journey you have been waiting for.

Note to my geographically challenged friends – the UK is a country comprised of 4 countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. And the Brits WILL get mad at you if you refer to the whole area as “England” ( Ed: Sounds about right).

England and Wales have large sections of coast that are far off the beaten path and offer up excellent hiking/camping possibilities. The Highlands in Scotland have some of the last true wilderness areas in Western Europe. The Scottish Islands look like something out of a fairytale book.

Along with stunning natural landscapes, the UK is home to major centres of culture in Europe. In England, the ineffable London is an icon for obvious reasons. I also highly suggest chasing down ghosts in Canterbury , getting smart in Oxford , and basking on the beach in Brighton . And the Lake District in Northern England is incredible!

Scotland is a world of its own. The Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is full of awesome things to do. This region has landscapes so green that the hills seem to have been spray-painted in every sense of the word.

It has remote islands dotted with whiskey distilleries, lochs, and cascades. One could easily spend all their time backpacking in Scotland and could totally forget about “the south”.

The hiking trails and huts in the Highlands offer up an endless supply of hiking opportunities in a breathtaking environment. Throw in the vast cultural richness of the big cities and small villages and you have yourself one great place to go traveling.

Backpackers don’t go to Wales as often but for no good reason. It also offers awesome hiking opportunities, and Cardiff is a small-ish but cool, cultural city.

What to Know Before Visiting the UK

• Don’t miss out on… going off the beaten path in the Scottish Highlands. If you really want a unique experience, try island hopping in the Hebrides.
• You know what’s overrated… Buckingham Palace. Just skip it.
• The coolest hostel is… Onefam Notting Hill . This award-winning hostel is one of the best locations in the capital. It’s perfect for solo travellers to make friends for life.
• The best food is found in… The Indian food in the North (Manchester and Yorkshire). For that matter, the vegan scene nationwide is thriving and varied.

Backpacking Ireland

The lush, green, enchanted, and enchanting island of Ireland perches serenely at the furthest boundary of Europe. Beyond it, there is nothing but the Atlantic until it reaches the New World.

Somehow, Ireland’s location and geography are encapsulated in its culture. It is European but only just; civilized, yet it’s wild and rugged. It rains a lot but remains perpetually pleasant and inviting.

Sometimes crudely dismissed as the UK’s little cousin, backpacking Ireland offers visitors the chance to explore the most plucky nation in the world and get a glimpse of a simpler world that has sadly vanished forever elsewhere. That is not to patronize though, Dublin is every bit the cosmopolitan ( and expensive ) EU capital, and the once-troubled Belfast wears its gritty history with pride.

But head out to the Burren , or the lanes of Cork , and you will find warm taverns ringing with the sound of the fiddle and a way of life where time still takes its own time.

The headline draw in Ireland is the capital Dublin where you can visit Kilmainham Gaol and pull a pint at the Guinness brewery. But not to be missed are the Cliffs of Moher, the ancient streets of Galway , and the colored houses of Cork in the capital of “authentic Ireland”.

For the edgier side of the Emerald Isle, cross the (porous & invisible) border to the North and check out the murals of Belfast. From here you can easily visit Game of Thrones locations or check out the geologically wondrous Giants Causeway .

What to Know Before Visiting Ireland

• Don’t miss out on… Watching an Irish sport (hurling or Gaelic football) game in a pub.
• You know what’s overrated… kissing the Blarney Stone. You’ll wait sometimes hours in line just to share spit with other people over a hole in the wall. Yes, it’s as unnecessary as it sounds.
• The coolest hostel is… Jacobs Inn . Offering a super cool bar area and rooftop terrace, the pod sleepers will make sure your ready for a top day tomorrow.
• The best food is found… at the Galway Seafood Festival. If you happen to be staying in Galway in September and October, don’t miss out on this.

Backpacking Greece

Getting to know Greece is one of the most rewarding backpacking trips to be had in Europe. Those blue and white houses and perfect Mediterranean landscapes you have seen on postcards live up to their hype in real life.

Greece is a charming, laid-back country. Backpacking the Greek Islands has been one of my favourite travel experiences. This is due not just to the beautiful views, but to the food, beaches, wonderful people, and plethora of history.

Island hop the Cyclades. Pop over to Crete . Experience life with no cars on Hydra. Whatever you get up to in the Greek islands, a Europe backpacking trip that makes it here is hell of a good time.

But wait! Greece may be best known for its islands but there is a whole mainland of INCREDIBLE stuff to explore, too! (Also, it’s way cheaper than the tourist-crowded islands.)

Visit Athens , the capital full of ancient history and cool graffiti. I know the city gets a bad rap but it’s actually pretty cool. For one thing, the nightlife here is fantastic – rebellious, wild, and absolute fun. Another draw is the Acropolis.

Close to Athens, you’ll find Delphi , an adorable little town with the ruins of a once-famed oracle’s home. Meteora is known for its unique monasteries built on top of stone pillars. Thessaloniki , Greece’s second city, is full of good vibes and great food.

If you’re a history and/or mythology geek, backpacking Greece is gonna get your socks spinning out of excitement.

What to Know Before Visiting Greece

• Don’t miss out on… the Ionian Islands. This part of Greek islands receives a fraction of tourists yet hosts some of the most beautiful places in the country. Zakynthos has good places to stay .
• You know what’s overrated … Santorini. It’s overcrowded, expensive, and on the verge of being spoiled.
• The coolest hostel is… Athens Quinta . Travelling is all about finding those magic places that make you feel at home. This hostel takes that idea and runs with it. Including, free breakfast!
• The best food is found in… Crete. It’s well-known for its culinary culture. It’s far enough away from the mainland that the food is quite different as well.

Off the Beaten Path Adventures in Europe

Europe gets BUSY. Hundreds of millions of people, both from Europe and elsewhere, travel around it every year.

And you know what? 80% of those people do one of two things. Either they just visit a few cities or they go on cookie-cutter tours where they are shuffled around from one famous attraction to another, plowing through a sea of baguettes, gelato, and, tapas along the way.

(Actually – that doesn’t sound half bad…)

It’s easy to get off the beaten path by visiting Europe’s hidden gems . In the Netherlands, go anywhere that’s not Amsterdam; in the UK, anywhere that’s not London ( Ed: not quite sure about that, but close).

But there are also a few countries that have not been included in this guide yet, and I’d like to give them a little shout-out. They are not traditionally on the backpacker trail but they are awesome, plus they’re right on your route so it’s very easy to visit them!

For starters, Vienna in Austria is easily amongst the most beautiful cities in Europe. While visiting Vienna , everywhere you look there is some regal remnant of the Hapsburgs: a palace here, a monument there, and plenty of museums to go along with them.

Checking out Luxembourg can also be nice since it’s easy to get to and fro from the Netherlands or Germany. It’s expensive as fuck and the eponymous city doesn’t offer much to see but there are some awesome Luxembourg Airbnbs including enchanting countryside castles.

Check out some of the micro-nations, too. Vatican City is super easy to include since it’s literally smack-bang in the middle of Rome – the world’s smallest country measures less than a square kilometre. Visiting Monaco is an easy day trip from the French Riviera, and San Marino from Bologna, Italy.

Staying in Andorra , on the border between Spain and France, is a great idea. It’s particularly gorgeous in the autumn. Liechtenstein is one of the weirdest places in Europe. Full of cool stuff, most tourists visit the town Vaduz for a day but the Liechtensteinian Alps are worth a couple of days of hiking!

Other than that, explore small villages. Go on multi-day treks. Climb the mountains that aren’t the Alps (though they are stunning). You could also just fuck off to Georgia for a bit to extend your stay (who cares if it is actually in Europe or not).

Couchsurf with locals. Spend a few extra days getting to know a popular city. Do things that aren’t on the “must-see sights” in backpacking Europe travel blogs.

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!

Well, with dozens of countries and countless cities in Europe to visit , it’s a bit hard to pinpoint the BEST things to do in Europe.

But you gotta start from somewhere. So here are some of the top things to do whilst backpacking Europe on a budget.

1. Go to a one-of-a-kind festival

Europe loves to celebrate every little occasion they can, be it the death of a saint, a harvest, or even just a long weekend. Between the cultural holidays – of which there are MANY – the seasonal festivals, and the more modern musical festivals, you’ll have many opportunities to just let loose. And let loose is what you should do.

You could check out the Carnival at Venice, get wasted in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, and get tomatoe’d at La Tomatina in Valencia. Let alone some of the world’s best music festivals like Boom Festival (psytrance), Glastonbury (pop-adjacent), and Roskilde (also pop-adjacent).

2. Go island hopping in Greece

Greece is composed of over 227 islands – which means there are over 227 places to go on an adventure. Live out your mythical fantasies on the islands of Ithaca or Crete, escape the hecticness of life on Sikinos, or join the hordes of partiers on Ios and Mykonos. Your choice.

2. Eat all the tapas in Spain

In Spain, tapas are not just a plate of food; they’re a way of life. They require time, attention, company, and most of all, love, to truly appreciate.

When visiting Spain, it is absolutely mandatory to sit down to a tapas meal with friends and to converse over them, preferably for an entire night. The best tapas are found in Andalucia, especially in Granada .

3. Hike in the Alps

Of all the great mountain chains in the world, the Alps are probably the most accessible. Over the years, it has been tamed and crisscrossed with so many trails that just about anyone can visit here. Tours around the 3 highest mountains in the range, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Grand Combin, as well as the otherworldly Dolomites, are all exhilarating experiences and among the best hikes in the world .

5. Get cultured in Italy

The most historically significant and consequently most popular cities to visit in Italy are Rome, Venice, and Florence. These “museum cities” deemed culturally significant by the government are preserved as best as possible.

They are like interactive history lessons that you can walk amongst or even get lost in for days at a time. I highly recommend you make time for the Colosseum, the work of Di Vinci, and the Vatican museums.

6. Dance like no one’s watching

The party cities in Europe are on a different scale than the rest of the world. I’m talking about Berlin, Amsterdam, and Manchester. The stories from the clubs are the stuff of legends.

The level of freedom and debauchery is enough to make even the most open-minded do a double-take. Even if you aren’t able to get into the infamous Berghain, you can take your nights (or days) whichever way you please.

7. Change your plans

It’s always good to have an idea of itineraries while you’re backpacking Europe. But there’s nothing more heartbreaking than falling in love with a place (or person? ) and having to leave for your next destination. So leave a bit of wiggle room in your route for surprises.

Extend your stay at the cheap hostel with the cute bartender. Buy the last-minute plane ticket to meet that travel buddy again. Let the universe take control a bit too.

8. Take the scenic route

Europe has one of the most developed train travel networks in the world. You can get just about everywhere by rail, which is fantastic news when Backpacking through Europe!

These insane views and comfy carriages make some of the best train journeys in the world . It’s a classic; characters in The Murder on the Orient Express and Dracula have traversed the same rails. It’s damn romantic too, so settle down.

Granted, it’s more expensive than the bus so it’s not the best way to save money. But with high-speed trains, you can really make the most of your time on a Euro backpacking trip. So sometimes it’s worth the extra Euro.

9. Get High in Amsterdam

Would this really be The Broke Backpacker if I didn’t encourage you to sample some grade-A Dutch weed? The Dutch are very progressive when it comes to mind-altering substances so if you’re looking for a place to do some drugs safely and legally, Amsterdam might be to your tastes!

Just be respectful about it – residents of Amsterdam are not big fans of the hordes of drug tourists wandering the streets of the city.

10. Deep dive into London

London is one of those amazing cities that you could spend a lifetime exploring. It has a reputation for being expensive – and there’s good reason for that.

But there are so many museums and attractions to visit – many of which are absolutely free! With cheap flights, free walking tours, and a London Pass , it can actually be a surprisingly budget-friendly destination. The British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye are all worth putting on your Europe itinerary.

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…

Hostels are the most affordable accommodation option for backpacking Europe on a budget. Well, aside from dreamy mountain huts, your awesome tent, and a stranger’s couch. Lucky for you, Europe is THE place for living da hostel life in all its glory.

This continent might hide some of the best hostels in the world – but arguably also the worst…

These incredible hostels in Europe come in all shapes and sizes. But remember, a cheap hostel isn’t necessarily a perfect hostel. In fact, it rarely is (but, yes, you can occasionally hit the jackpot).

But not all of them are dedicated to parties. You’ll also find loads of boutique hostels for flashbackers, quiet rooms for families, and even some female-only hostels for solo female travellers .

Well, back to the good stuff. When you’re backpacking Europe, you find accommodation is generally very safe, clean, and fun. Pub crawls and get-togethers are a staple in almost any hostel.

But if you’re wanting to plan a trip to Europe on a budget… well, you’ll have to make do with sharing the bigger dorms. Even hostels can sometimes be a bit pricey in Europe, especially in France or Switzerland. Still, they’re way cheaper than Airbnbs or hotels.

Airbnb is a great option if you want some space away from travellers and a more authentic experience. Though they’re not always the cheapest way. If you’re in a group, the prices can be more reasonable.

• Where to Stay in Spain
• Where to Stay in Portugal
• Where to Stay in France
• Where to Stay in Italy
• Where to Stay in Scotland
• Where to Stay in Ireland
• Where to Stay in Switzerland
• Where to stay in Greece

Backpacking Europe does not have a reputation as a budget-friendly place for travellers . The prices in the popular tourist destinations have sky-rocketed in recent years, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon. 

It’s pretty cunning actually. The cheap flights entice you in and BOOM: you’re stuck paying the price for it – literally. 

For most travellers, booking hostels is your cheapest option. Cheap hostels range from around $25 – $50+ a night for a bed. If you’re in a group, Airbnbs can (but not always) be cheaper. 

Though, where there’s a will, there’s a way. There is, and always have been, savvy travellers making their way around Europe with clever tricks to save money. 

I recommend both of these options over hotels mainly because you usually get a kitchen to prepare your own food. Doing this can bring your food bill down to around $10 – $15 a day. You could easily spend more than this on one meal of you eat out. You can find street food for around $6 but it’s not always the best quality. 

Booking flights, trains, and buses in advance is the best way to save money. That way, flights go for as little as $20 and buses $10. The same goes for accommodation: the sooner you book, the better deal you will get. 

If you want to let loose a bit, drinks in bars are generally quite expensive which can be up to around $10 in some places! So most people in Europe pre-drink (buy cheap drinks from the supermarket to drink a home before they go out) . Hostel bars usually have the most reasonable prices.

One budget-saving tip for first-time backpackers is to sort out your travel banking . Currency conversions and ATM fees stack up.

Get a travel card like Wise (formerly Transferwise) . With this, you can easily combat extra charges. Especially if you’re backpacking trip through Europe has many countries, this will make things much cheaper.

A Daily Budget For Europe

I have broken down the average daily travel costs in Europe you can expect in order to help you get to grips with your own Europe backpacking budget.

Travel Tips – Europe on a Budget

Okay, so now that you got an idea of the average costs for backpacking in Europe… What if I told you that you could save even MORE? Here are some of the best money saving tips for travelling Europe on a shoestring budget.

• Camp : With plenty of awesome beaches, forests, stunning countryside, and far-flung mountains, camping whilst backpacking Europe on a budget is a great option. Grabbing a solid backpacking tent is never a bad idea! Just be aware that wild camping is illegal in most of Western Europe. So if you want to do it, you gotta be a little sneaky about it.
• Cook your own food:  Travel with a  portable backpacking stove  and cook your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking across Europe. If you are on a tight budget, cooking grocery store food is your best option to save. With a stove in tow, you can do this even without a kitchen.
• Hitchhike : Hitchhiking is a 100% free and adventurous way to get around. In Europe, it’s pretty safe and easy although some countries are tougher than others.
• Couchsurf:  The Portuguese, Greeks, Spanish, Germans — they are all awesome folks. Get to know some! Check out Couchsurfing  to make some real friendships and see a country from the perspective of locals.
• Dive some dumpsters: Dumpster diving helps if you’re a little broke for a store-bought meal, too. There’s an art to it but you can soon get the hang of it.

Why Should You Travel to Europe with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… So do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

So precisely when is the best time to visit Europe on a budget?!

Western Europe is a total madhouse in the summer; millions upon millions of tourists descend on the continent. Cruise ships fill the harbours, tour buses clog the road, and flight prices increase.

Whilst the middle of the summer can be a very beautiful time to visit, the summertime is the most crowded season and it is also the hottest. Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Greece can be so hot in July and August that all you want to do is switch places with that white wine bottle sitting in the bucket of ice.

Europe is also very prone to seasonal pricing. Prices rise with the temperatures in the summer.

Point being, come in the summer if you must, but I don’t recommend it. The spring and the fall seasons are the best time to visit Europe on a budget. The temperatures are mild, and a majority of the people who were here on summer holiday have now sulked back to their offices and suburban hells.

Springtime in Paris and other European cities is as romantic as it sounds. Flowers are blooming and the birds are out. You can go in a t-shirt during the day without having the sun cook you alive.

You will find the lowest prices in most regions in the winter. Southern Europe – Algarve in Portugal, Andalucia in Spain, and Greek islands – is still pretty warm in the wintertime.

If you love winter sports, a winter visit is an obvious choice to explore the French, Swiss, or Italian Alps. Just note that pricing in ski destinations goes heads-up in the winter. The snow season is hugely more expensive than the summer.

Also, note on common European holidays: Europeans get around on their own continent a LOT during peak school holidays. This doesn’t necessarily mean higher prices but it DOES mean impenetrable crowds. Times to avoid outside of the peak summer season are usually mid-September, mid-February, Easter, and New years/Christmas.

What to Pack for Europe

When you’re backpacking Europe, depending on where you’re going and WHEN you’re going will change your packing list. Spain in the summer looks very different from Germany in the winter. But on every adventure, there are some things that are an excellent addition to your backpacking packing list that will really help your Europe backpacking trip.

On every adventure, there are 6 things that are an excellent addition to your backpacking packing list. They will greatly enhance your Europe backpacking trip too.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

In order to get the most of your backpacking trip around Europe, you want to ensure that you get your phone plugged in and connected to a local network as soon as possible. That way you can use map apps to save yourself hours of being lost in city streets, get on Tinder to find yourself some company, and order in food on those days when you just can’t be bothered to go outside.

Note that if already have an EU SIM then it will work seamlessly in all over EU member states. However it will stop working when you leave the EU (such as when you cross from Eire to Northern Ireland or Montenegro to Serbia) . Likewise if you are visiting Europe from the US or Australia, you may find yourself having to change sims multiple times during your trip…unless…

Our recommendation is to get yourself the HolaFly e-SIM Europe package . It works in 32 different European countries and offers unlimited data. There are a number of different packages available and the 30-day one costs $64 USD. What we particularly love about e-Sim is that you don’t need to remove your native sim, and can download your e-Sim package before you even leave home!

We have previously written a full HolaFly eSIM review which you can check out or else you can just hit the button below and check out the European Packages.

So how safe is Europe ? Very, very safe, actually.

There’s very little violent crime in Europe, traffic is mostly organised, and there are few natural disasters… The possibility of something bad happening to you on your journey backpacking Europe is slim, to say the least.

Your biggest concern is probably pickpockets and thieves. They particularly target crowded markets and train stations. Always be alert when moving about in big cities especially if you have all of your gear with you.

And those operating in big European cities are true pros – it’s not always enough to just keep your wallet in a purse instead of a back pocket. Keep a keen eye out, especially in Paris, Barcelona, and Rome.

The most popular European tourist sites are also teeming with scammers. With a little research on the most common tourist scams in Europe, it’s not hard to avoid them at all.

It is never a good idea to be out shit-faced drunk, alone, and loaded with cash – especially not at 3 am. Be smart, make good choices and it shouldn’t be too difficult to guard yourself and your belongings.

A few years back, Europe faced a string of terrorist attacks. Nothing new has arisen in the past few years so travellers shouldn’t feel worried about terrorism… And besides, unfortunately, we now know that these kinds of attacks are not only happening in Europe.

These events were rare but they did receive a lot of attention and negative press. That led to a lot of pro-nationalist anti-Muslim rhetoric across Europe even though plenty of other groups were also committing acts of violence.

And as diverse as a lot of cities in Europe are, Europeans, in general, are pretty damn white, and everyday racism is still well and alive. This doesn’t necessarily make Europe unsafe, it just means that it’s not impossible that ethnically diverse travellers might hear some snide commentary.

However, there are some happy news for other possibly-vulnerable backpackers: solo female travellers and LGBTQ+ travellers can thrive in Europe since Western Europe is generally safe for them.

• Is Amsterdam Safe?
• Is London Safe?
• Is Barcelona Safe?
• Is Naples Safe?
• Is Berlin Safe?
• Is Paris Safe?

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in Europe

Europe likes to party, a lot .

And not just one kind of partying, but all kinds of European Backpacking trip debauchery. There are your squats in Paris, beach clubs in Ibiza , warehouse raves in Berlin, music festivals in the Netherlands, all of that, and then some. You can’t beat chilling on some church steps at 3 am sipping negronis with friends either.

When it comes to partying, each culture has its own way of doing things. The Italians like the slow burn, starting with a spritz at aperitivo, then a nice dinner with wine, a cocktail at a local bar, before finally moving on to shots at the bar.

The Spanish are similar except they start all of this at 9 pm and go until 4 am. The Dutch appear to be hydrating all the time, but don’t be so sure; they’re big fans of the molly water.

You get the gist though. If you’re going to tour the party cities in Europe , you need to choose your parties well .

There are a couple of parties that shouldn’t be missed:

• Staying at one of the legendary party hostels .
• Going to a nightclub in Berlin. (Berghain is overrated – there are multiple that stay open 24/7!)
• Drinking in the piazzas of Rome.
• Dipping into a baggy in Amsterdam.
• A night in the Delirium Brewery in Brussels.

Also, be aware that not all European cultures take kindly to drunkenness. The Mediterranean cultures tend to frown upon people who can’t handle their shit. The further north you go, the less people care about your state of mind.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Europe

Europe is a safe place to travel but that doesn’t mean you’re completely invulnerable. Sometimes you fall down the stairs in a club in Athens… or get your iPhone nicked on the Paris metro…

Going anywhere without travel insurance is too risky – so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. The best kind of travel insurance will cover both your material stuff as well as your physical self. Backpacking Europe can be a dangerous occupation.

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.

Of course, there is no one answer to this question. Where do you want to go backpacking?!

Once you dial in where you plan to go, it is only natural to start your backpacking Europe trip in the country first on your list. Easy!

Whilst looking for cheap airfare to your destination, I advise that you look at multiple cities and find cheap flights – even if that city isn’t in your targeted country. You can easily fly between capitals in Europe on the cheap, or take a super-cheap bus.

For example, if you want to begin your backpacking Europe adventure in Spain but the tickets to Paris are going for $200 less, odds are you can score a budget flight to Madrid or Barcelona from Paris for less than you would have paid flying directly to Spain.

Be wary that the Schengen zone is threatening to introduce a nice new piece of red tape for anyone outside of the EU for 2024. Keep up to date on the ETIAS website , where the EU are concocting new ways of making it hard to travel.

Insider tip : Those budget-friendly flights often charge an arm and a leg for baggage. If you just travel with hand lugagge, you’ll save money and spend less time in the airports. That means more time to actually visit Europe.

Entry Requirements For Europe

If you want to travel long-term in Europe , then you may need a Visa. Entry and Visa requirements vary between different European countries although many of them do follow broadly similar criteria.

For travel in EU countries, a Schengen Visa is required (unless you are from another EU country in which case all you need is your passport/ID). Note that some EU countries are not part of the Schengen agreements and separate visas are required for visiting. Thanks to almost borderlessness of the EU though, travelling between EU/Schengen countries is usually super easy.

The ETIAS system will begin working in 2024, so make sure you stay prepared for that!

Out of the countries covered in this guide, countries that are not part of the EU are the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore can usually obtain visas for most European countries on arrival. It can be significantly harder for everybody else. Overstaying visas is not recommended.

It is very wise to work out which countries you wish to visit and check their individual entry requirements before you set off. Regarding overland travel, note that even if you are only passing through a country en route to another, entry requirements will still apply.

There are many great ways to get around Europe – and it’s super easy! Western Europe has excellent transportation networks and usually booking tickets online is hassle-free.

The cost of travelling around Europe CAN lighten your wallet though, especially if you travel a lot. To be able to travel Europe cheaply, you have to know the tricks to do it.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best ways to travel Europe.

Long-distance buses are probably the cheapest option, though they tend to be the most time consuming as well. A 9-hour journey with a company like Flixbus is likely to cost you between 25-50 Euros depending on when you book.

I like Flixbus because, if plans change, you can cancel for a small fee and re-book when you’re ready. You can score long-distance buses for as little as 10 Euros if you’re really on it.

Many Western European countries might also have their own national budget bus lines.

Train travel is an awesome way to backpack Europe. Many backpackers specifically build their backpacking Europe itineraries around travelling on a train – this is called interrailing.

They’re really easy to use and there are all different kinds. Smaller domestic trains connect all corners of the countries.

High-speed trains and sleeper trains connect countries. The central train stations are usually right in the middle of the major European cities, often making it more convenient than flights.

If you plan on hitting up multiple countries in Europe, the Eurorail Pass  is a great option. You can buy a rail pass for one country or for all of Europe. Buying train tickets individually adds up fast, so buying a pass is a great trick to travel Europe on a budget.

Renting a car is surprisingly affordable in Europe and will give you unrestricted freedom to go and do what you want. And finding a car rental is no trouble at all.

Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport. You can easily rent a car from any major city in Europe.

Driving in Europe is also pretty easy with lots of well-maintained highways and clear signage ahead!

You don’t feel like driving yourself? BlaBlaCar is a great website for connecting drivers with people interested in carpooling. You do have to pay for the ride. However, it’s usually cheaper than a train, faster than a bus, and more fun than travelling alone!

Travelling by campervan is the most classic, most awesome option. You have unparalleled freedom and access to places you would not otherwise have. You also eliminate the need to pay for accommodation every night.

If you’re travelling long term, it can be a great way to travel Europe on a budget if you buy your own campervan. For shorter term travellers, renting a campervan is easy to do all across Europe. Then you get complete freedom within the contient.

Those long, long highways of Europe are just begging for someone to get on them on two wheels… Europe is an excellent destination for long-distance motorbikers and bicyclists.

For motorbiking, France and Germany are particularly popular. For bikepackers , the Netherlands is pleasantly flat to cycle around.

Europe is one of the best places in the world to hitchhike, even long distances. I recommend studying a map before sticking your thumb out there.

Try to get an idea of which roads you need to take to get to your destination. Europe is full of tiny, winding backroads that splinter off in all directions.

It goes without saying that you should not try hitchhiking in major cities. While hitchhiking in Europe is safe generally, it is important to be on your guard and use good judgement when accepting rides.

From personal experience, hitching rides in Western Europe can be tricky. Finding rides along major highways – that Western Europe is full of – can be hard as there aren’t good places for cars to stop (looking at you, Germany and Northern Greece).

In other places, like Spain, I struggled to find rides because lots of people (falsely) seemed to think that hitchhiking was illegal. Plus, Western Europeans’s got places to be and might not be receptive to picking up a stranger.

The best hitching luck I had was in Switzerland, Austria, and France. I highly recommend trying it everywhere though!

Onwards Travel from Europe

Europe is home to many major global travel hubs and international airports. This means you can get anywhere in the world – often with a direct flight – depending on where you’re going. If you are on a grand European or world tour, heading to Eastern Europe and making your way into Turkey and beyond is a straightforward affair.

In fact, you can fly from London or Paris to Istanbul for as little as 20 Euros with some forethought (although rare). Plus, you’ll find lots of train options going to Istanbul from all over Europe.

Keep in mind as well that countries in North Africa are sometimes just an hour or two flight away. Backpacking Morocco and Tunisia are great options after travelling Europe on a budget. There are also daily boats from Southern Spain to Morocco for about $40 USD – not too pricey at all!

Boats run to North Africa from Sicily too, so if you fancy marauding in Tunisia , you can easily hop over from Italy. I would strongly advocate for this, because backpacking Europe is not complete without a little Africa.

Want to spend more time in Europe? No problemo!

While the cost of living in most Western European countries is quite high and work visas can be tricky to navigate, there are lots of options available for industrious backpackers. (Though you DO need a work visa pretty much everywhere.)

The UK and Ireland are especially popular for native English speakers; there are tons of Aussies living in London.

EU nationals don’t usually need visas to work in other EU countries so things are easier for them.

And you didn’t hear this from me… but there might be a chance for backpackers to do a bit of work under the table as well. Get chatting with locals, stay open, and keep your ears perked. There are lots of backpackers earning a bit of extra cash from helping out in bars, farms, and festivals, especially in the summer travel season.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

The Digital Nomad Scene in Europe

Despite certain weather challenges, Europe is HUGE for digital nomads. Sure, most countries in Western Europe are real expensive to live in. That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t attract digital nomads.

London, Berlin and Amsterdam all have massive digital nomad communities. However, these nomads may not stay in the city all year. They are also usually more high-earning nomads.

Those just starting to learn how to be a nomad prefer to head to eastern Europe – Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, and Hungary are all top destinations for broke nomads.

Portugal is hands down the best country for digital nomads in Europe. It’s one of the more affordable countries (although getting more and more expensive), extremely nomad-friendly both in terms of community and locals’s attitudes towards nomads, and super fun. The weather also isn’t half bad! In the Algarve, you can get +30 Celsius temperatures even in the winter.

If Lisbon and Porto are not your speed, definitely consider staying in Madeira . The Portuguese island is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations in the world for digital nomads.

Other cool places for nomads are Greece (especially Athens) and the Canary Islands in Spain. Both are affordable on Western European standards. 

Internet is pretty much a non-issue in Europe . Most of the major cities have high-speed fiberoptic cables lain and the more remote villages have decent coverage. Whilst hiking the Dolomites, I even got 4G using my local SIM card. I could’ve worked in a local rifugio for a few days!

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Bali’s most special backpacker hostel is finally open…. Tribal Bali is a  custom-designed, purpose-built co-living hostel  – a place to work, rest, play and stay. A place to find your tribe and hands down the best place in Bali to hustle hard and make new friends…

Volunteer in Europe

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Europe including teaching, construction, agriculture, and pretty much anything.

The list of volunteering opportunities in Europe is pretty much endless. Will you run pub crawls at a hostel in Spain? Help herd sheep in the French Alps? Give hand to a music festival in the UK? The sky’s the limit.

Short-term volunteers usually won’t need a permit, but anyone from outside the EU will need a Schengen Visa to volunteer in Europe for over 90 days. 

There are many ways to find volunteer opportunities but the best way is to start online. Check out some of the best work exchange websites to get started.

The team at The Broke Backpacker have used and can personally recommend Worldpackers . I feel like Workaway is the biggest platform but that doesn’t make it the best.

A heap of the European cultural identity is built on its history. Italy and Greece are home to some of the most brilliant ancient cultures; France is considered the origin of enlightenment; Portugal has a strong (although complicated) history in seafaring and exploration.

It’s no coincidence that Europe has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other continent. When it comes to art, heritage, sports, and music, Europe is considered by many to be the heart and origin of Western culture.

The first and absolutely most important thing that you need to know about culture in Europe is that people are not “just European”. In fact, using “European” as a blanket term for everyone who lives on the continent is pretty ridiculous since it doesn’t really begin to describe anything.

According to Britannica , there are over 160 distinct cultures in Europe, though if we’re being honest this number could be higher. Within each of these cultures are sub-sections and divisions with their own national, religious, and historical identities.

There are over 160 distinct cultures in Europe , though if we’re being honest this number could be higher. Within each of these cultures are sub-sections and divisions with their own national, religious, and historical identities.

What this means is that many people are very proud of their cultural identities and can be mildly offended if you try to paint everyone in the same colour. For example, the Scots are very proudly Scottish, and you definitely shouldn’t try to call them English. 

At best, culture in Europe shows in celebration. At worst, rising tensions related to immigration have given wind to some ultra-right nationalist ideals. (Yikes.)

Europe is also, overall, very modern. Expecting “traditional” stereotypes is a bit silly. People mostly don’t dress in national costumes; at Oktoberfest, the people wearing the fake lederhosen and dirndl are tourists. Not everyone knows flamenco in Spain – in fact, it’s a dance that originated from the Romani community especially in Southern Spain. 

Football fans are crazy everywhere though, that much is true.

What to Eat in Europe

The food in Europe is so varied that my mind reels just trying to think about it. Where do I even begin?

First off, people are extremely proud of their culture’s cooking. Italians sing praise about the quality of ingredients and the simplicity of their style. The French boast about their prowess in the kitchen and complex techniques. The Spanish of course love to talk about their tapas culture.

Secondly, though European culinary traditions have very long histories, most changed completely in the last few centuries. The introduction of new ingredients from the new world was nothing short of revolutionary. The Italians received the all-important tomatoes, the English imported curry, and the Germans got the Turkish kebab.

Most European culinary traditions have very multicultural pasts. North African traders and immigrants have had a profound effect on the Mediterranean diets and cultures as distant as China have purportedly influenced the creation of pasta.

All I can say is that a backpacking trip through Europe will be like a tour of heaven for your stomach. There are so many different kinds of food to try and a staggering amount of diversity. My best advice: try the usual suspects but be sure to experiment a bit.

Must-Try Dishes in Europe

Here are some of the best foods you have to try while backpacking in Europe:

• Pasta (Italy) – A VERY general term: pasta can mean a lot of things. Be sure to have more than just spaghetti.
• Coq Au Vin (France) – A simple, yet delicious stew made from chicken, wine, mushrooms, and garlic.
• Pies (UK) – A staple of just about every pub and inn in the UK. Simple and satisfying.
• Haggis (Scotland) – A slightly spicy mixture of internal organs cooked in a lamb’s stomach is actually really delicious.
• Pastel de Nata (Portugal) – A small, custard-filled egg tart that originates in Lisbon.
• Paella (Spain) –  Rice prepared in a special pan and often prepared with seafood.
• Moules Frites (Belgium) – Mussels prepared in different kinds of sauces and served with fried potatoes.
• Souvlaki (Greece) – What most people imagine to be “gyros” when gyros is just a general term for shaved meat.
• Schnitzel (Germany) – Meat flattened, breaded, and fried.
• Sachertorte (Austria) – A delicacy of Vienna and perhaps one of the best cakes in Europe.
• Stroopwafel (Netherlands) – The best sweet treat ever.

Europe’s super-varied landscape and wealth of cultures mean that there are heaps of cool new experiences to have. Go beyond your regular pub crawls and walking tours and check out some unique experiences you can only have in Europe.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Hiking in Europe

Europe is a land blessed of incredible hiking opportunities with trails both for expert trekkers and beginner hikers . Each country has a wide range of day hikes and multi-day treks on offer. Trekking is a great way to get to know any country by experiencing its wild side.

In addition to well-maintained trail systems, many regions in Europe have a network of mountain huts. For a fee, you can enjoy these super comfortable and unique fixtures of the European mountains.

Here are a few of the best hikes in Europe to get you psyched for an outdoor adventure of your own.

• Mt. Etna Trek, Sicily, Italy : Climbing an active Volcano in Sicily is as much fun as it sounds.
• Walkers Haute Route, France-Switzerland (Chamonix to Zermatt):  A famous high route from Chamonix to Zermatt. The trek features absolutely classic alpine scenery, snowy peaks, glaciers, high meadows and deep valleys, and close-up views of such icons as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
• Tour Du Mont Blanc, France:  The unforgettable circuit around the Mont Blanc massif. Outstanding views up to Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest at 4,810m, and out across the dramatic peaks, glaciers, and deep green valleys of the high Alps. If you have the time, this might just be the most scenic (and most trafficked) hike in Western Europe.
• El Camino de Santiago, France – Spain:  Perhaps the most popular long-distance trek in the world , El Camino is an important trek in the hearts of religious pilgrims and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Camino is actually multiple trails leading to Santiago de Compostela and eventually Finisterre, “the end of the world”.
• Mount Olympus, Greece: The fabled mountain where the ancient Greek Gods were supposed to have lived is very climbable in just one day.

Surfing in Europe

Many backpackers are unaware that there is some killer surf to be found all across Europe. Portugal is certainly famous for having massive waves and the associated surf competitions.

That said, if you are keen on surfing at some point as you’re backpacking through Europe, you do have some options. Below I have provided a shortlist of surfing hotspots in Europe.

• Biarritz, France : One of the oldest known surf meccas of Europe. The surfing here is great for beginners as well as seasoned rippers.
• Newgale, Wales : Surfing on this beautiful stretch of coast facing out towards the Irish Sea; the waves here are powerful and the views are epic.
• Belhaven Bay, Scotland : This surf spot is only an hours drive from Edinburgh! Make sure you have a good wetsuit. Not the warmest water in the world, but the waves are good at times.
• San Sebastian, Spain : When not eating and drinking, it is easy to hit the beach and catch a few waves before resuming the former.
• Lagos, Portugal : Probably the unofficial capital of surfing in Portugal. There are many surf schools across Lagos that will help you tune up your surfing game in no time.

Museums in Europe

Europe is the world’s best continent to tour museums, both art and history adjacent. (That might have something to do with plundering other countries’ national treasures and refusing to return them… But uh, let’s not focus on that.)

Europe’s best museum city is London. Most of London’s museums are free to visit, and they have some of the best collections of art and historical relics from everywhere in the world. (Again, for certain reasons…) My favourite museums in London are The National Gallery, The Natural History Museum, The British Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Paris is strong in the museum game too. Definitely visit the Louvre and its most iconic resident Mona Lisa. Don’t grumble about it being small, it’s still awesome. For more morbid explorers, the Paris Catacombs offer a cool glimpse into the city’s history.

More honourable mentions to go Reina Sofia in Madrid, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and Dachau concentration camp in Germany (it counts).

Bring your ID – some places, like the Louvre, have free admission to students and people under 25.

Got questions about backpacking Western Europe? I’ve got the answers!

Where should I start backpacking through Europe?

Backpacking through Europe is a momentous task, but starting in Britain or Portugal will stop you having to make tedious back and forth journeys. You don’t want to be doubling back on yourself when distances are so large! That said, you can really start anywhere, just make sure you’ve got enough cash to fly home 😉

How long is the average backpacking Europe trip?

On average, backpackers make a 2-3 week route travelling around Europe. If you want to visit Europe properly, you can easily spend 6 months or more pedalling around. Try going for 2-3 months if you want to get a much fuller picture of what it is like.

What is the Cost of Backpacking Through Europe?

As with anywhere, the cost of backpacking Europe will be down to you, where you go, and how you spend. Western Europe is more expensive and will most likely require $50-$90/day, whilst heading east can put your budget lower, at around $30-$60/day. On top of transport and flights, Europe can seriously add up…

Where are the hottest people in Europe?

I’d say Finland. Source: I’m Finnish. Apparently Nordic people are, statistically, very sexually liberated on a global scale. But I would personally like to guide your attention towards Southern Europe… Greek Tinder is something else, hey.

Who feeds the Loch Ness monster in Scotland?

The park rangers feed the sea snake with tourists that behave badly and/or ask stupid questions. There’s also a bloke who has been on the lookout for years and never seen it. Take from that what you will.

Congratulations! You made it to the end of my Europe travel guide!

I hope the information I have provided will help you navigate the exciting European journey you have decided to embark on. Backpacking in Europe will be one of the most fun experiences of your life, I have no doubts about that.

Europe can be one hell of a place to let loose and have a good time. Between the party-hearty music festivals, discotheques, rave scenes, pub crawls, and other venues of hedonistic tendency, there is ample opportunity for backpackers to get down.

Have fun on your Europe backpacking journey – but like my mum would say, not too much fun! Partying every day is one of the most common backpacker traps that travellers fall into.

When visiting historic sights or religious monuments, be respectful. Certainly do not climb on old ruins or touch priceless paintings. Europe is full of historical treasures. Don’t be that dickhead that contributes to their demise and destruction.

When you can, make an effort to learn at least a few words of the local language of the country you are backpacking in. It’s a challenge as every country has a different language, but a little effort goes a long way. The world need not revolve around us native English speakers!

Do your best to support local artisans, organic farmers, and craftspeople while travelling around Europe. Keep your dollars local, especially in small villages or towns. 

Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go travelling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it.

Most of all, have the time of your life and spread the love!

Updated May 2023 by Abe Lea

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!

Nic Hilditch-Short

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16 Comments

I am dreaming of backpacking Spain. The only thing I found out of the league in this country is the timing of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Anyway, given the fact that Spain never sleeps, it can be understood.

Great post! I can’t wait to start planning my European backpacking trip.

My big dream is to visit Oia, Santorini. This place is just magical.

I would suggest you to put Slovenia in this list. In this small country you can find beautiful places for low price and save society

We can’t wait to get there! Once we do, we will add it to the list! cheers.

the most honest and helpful backpacking guide yet. thankyou!!!!!

I really enjoyed reading this post. Especially as a European.

Some insider tips of my own. UK: * Trains are expensive, budget airlines and coaches are great though. Maybe even cycle, we have some amazing National Cycle routes that really open up the countryside (borrow a Boris bike in London-great cheap way to discover the city) *The coastline in the UK is so varied, some of my favourite beaches in the world are on the West cost of Scotland (check out the isle of Skye and the fairy pools). Or try surfing in Cornwall. *Accommodation, Hotels are pricey but try the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) it’s a charity that run hostels up and down the country, usually near iconic landmarks and hiking trails. You can wild camp in Scotland but not the rest of the UK so you’ll have to find a proper campsite in England and Wales.

As for what season to go to Europe: My general rule of thumb is Mountains in the Summer, beaches in the Autumn. Ski resorts are much cheaper in the summer and offer amazing hiking opportunities (think the Dolomites of Ital or Soca Valley in Slovenia). It is simply too hot to be in Greece in August 100 degrees quite frequently. Places like Greece and Croatia are amazing but a lot less hot, and less crowded at the end of September/early October. Netherlands is great in the spring- think colourful fields of tulips. Also consider that the sun doesn’t really set in the summer in places like Iceland and northern Scandinavia.

For almost all parts of Europe wear layers and pack a light weight, windproof waterproof jacket. The temperature and weather conditions can vary so much in just a couple of hours. Leave high heels at home. Trainers are perfectly acceptable almost everywhere…A lot of streets across a lot of Europe are cobbled you don’t want a twisted ankle.

Some awesome tips there, thanks Kayleigh!

Wonderful post.Very helpful and awesome info.really informative post!Nice post.Amazing article.

Thanks for sharing ideas, really informative post! I’m thinking about to do The Kings Trail in Sweden. Is it possible to do only in summer or spring should be fine as well. I’m traveler with tents, so would like to sleep outside as much as possible. Cheers, Rob

You can do the King’s Trail hike in the spring, but you must be aware that there will be few other hikers (maybe that’s a good thing for you), it will be really cold still, and there will be lots of snow to walk through. You would need to be outfitted with the right gear for it to be possible/enjoyable for you. The later in the spring your start (Late April/Early May) the warmer it will be and the less snow you will find on the trail. The best weather for sleeping outside is obviously in the summer. You won’t need to carry as much cold weather gear then either. Hope that helps! Good luck on your hike 🙂

Very helpful and awesome info. Very entertainingly written as well!

Nice post. I’d have to recommend checking out Poland though if you haven’t already (it isn’t mentioned). It is great for backpacking through.

Amazing article. Each and every information shared here is very useful. I went to Europe on a short trip. Visited Switzerland and fell in love with its beauty. A must visit.

Wonderful post. Europe is super backpack friendly – I did Eastern Europe and it is full of hidden gems.

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The Backpacker Network

Backpacking Europe Routes: 4 Epic Itineraries!

If you’re planning the Euro backpacking trip of your dreams but don’t know where to start, fear not! We’ve put together four Europe backpacking routes that appeal to different interests and types of travelers – the ‘Grand Tour’ of most commonly-visited places; a history buff’s guide to Southern Europe, a budget guide to Eastern Europe and for those of you who just can’t stop traveling, an epic around the continent route at the end!

These handpicked Europe itineraries will suit all kinds of travelers, from those on a blow-out gap year to backpackers who want to get the most adventure for their buck. Sit back and grab a cuppa as we’re about to take you on a whirlwind tour of Europe. 

Related: (opens in new tab)

• How Much Does it Cost to Backpack Europe?
• A Guide to Visas for Europe
• Amazing Hostels in Europe for Backpackers

Top Europe Backpacking Trips: 4 Travel Itineraries

While you may associate backpacking through Europe with train travel and dormitory-style hostels, it’s been a rite of passage since the 18th century, when young people (mostly men) would spend a few years traveling around ‘The Continent’ prior to fully joining society. This was seen as a capstone educational experience – both in terms of seeing classical antiquity up close and interacting with new and different situations, people, and challenges.

This is still the case today too. While Europe’s countless museums , cuisines, and cultural contributions make it a premier travel destination, long-haul travel is also a fantastic way to learn about yourself. 

There are countless combinations of countries, sights, and transit options for a backpacking trip in Europe, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. The itineraries we’ve mapped out below are very customizable for this very reason. You can add more destinations, or stop a route partway through depending on how much time you have. 

We recommend not squeezing in too much as things will start to blur together and you may find yourself getting fatigued. If you’re limited on time (say, you only have a month or so), pick your favorite neighboring countries to explore in-depth. That way, you’ll still get a bit of the backpacking experience, but you won’t run yourself ragged.

As you plan your Europe backpacking route, consider the best time to visit each place . Southern Europe in particular gets very hot and very busy in the summertime but is very comfortable in the winter. The Low Countries are very gray and rainy in the fall and winter but have mild and lovely summers. 

Relatedly, countries like Austria and Switzerland, as well as the Scandinavian region, are typically not considered budget-friendly destinations. Depending on your funds, you may want to plan to spend a bit less time in these countries or forgo them entirely if you’re sticking to shoestring style travel. Off-season travel can also be a way to save if you can be flexible with dates!

If you’re travelling solo and are nervous about the safety aspect of your trip, we urge you not to worry. There are a number of really safe European countries with excellent tourist infrastructure in place. This means that you can backpack worry-free!

1. Western Europe Backpacking Route: The ‘Grand Tour’

This tour starts in London because Heathrow is a great international hub for incoming flights, but we encourage you to shop around a bit and see if another city (like Paris, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam) is a cheaper place for you to start. 

London is one of the world’s premier cities. It’s absolutely massive and would take months to explore in full. As such, it’s good to prioritize based on your budget and interests. First-time visitors usually hit the following sites: 

• Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace (the residence of the Queen) and its changing of the guard ceremony for royal enthusiasts
• The Houses of Parliament
• Number 10 Downing Street
• The Churchill War Rooms for fans of politics
• Big Ben clock tower
• The (free!) British Museum
• The Victoria and Albert Museum
• The Tower of London (home to the Crown Jewels)
• The National Gallery
• Covent Garden and Neal’s Yard 
• Piccadilly Circus
• Notting Hill for its Portobello Road Market

If you’d like to stay in England a bit longer, consider some cozy cottage time in the Cotswolds , a football match and a few pints in Liverpool or Manchester , or some seaside charm in Brighton . You can also visit famed educational institutions at Oxford and Cambridge , as well as Roman-era baths in Bath . 

Glasgow has great art galleries, like the notable Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It’s the largest city in Scotland, particularly known for an architecture style that mixes Art Nouveau and Victorian styles. 

Edinburgh , Scotland’s capital, is a great student city, with all sorts of things to do. Trek up Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill, visit the Edinburgh Castle and don’t forget to check out both the Old Town and New Town.

See more: Edinburgh itineraries.

Other great places to backpack in Scotland include Inverness , Dundee , and of course, Loch Ness where you can go monster hunting! The Cairngorms and Glencoe have beautiful mountains for hiking, and fans of critters will love the puffins, ponies, and otters on the Shetland Islands . 

Ireland and Northern Ireland

Dublin , Ireland’s capital, has castles, museums, cathedrals, universities, and of course, great pub culture in the Temple Bar area. St. Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park are beautiful emerald green spaces, and the Guinness headquarters is here as well. 

Galway is an easy day trip from Dublin by bus and is a great example of relaxed, charming Irish life. The home to the Claddagh ring, its Latin Quarter still has medieval city walls, and the city is quaint and adorable.  

Many visitors flock to the astounding Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, which offer 14 kilometers of sea cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way.

If you’d like to spend more time in Ireland, the Aran Islands , or smaller cities or counties like Cork , Killarney , and Sligo are good options. Ireland also has fabulous nature to explore and ample national parks for hiking, swimming, and outdoor fun. 

Northern Ireland is also a destination to consider, famous for the gorgeous Giant’s Causeway. A quick stop at the beautiful capital of Belfast is also highly recommended.

The Netherlands

Amsterdam is perhaps best known for its tolerant attitude towards partying, prostitution, and recreational drug use, but it’s so much more than that. 

The canal area (Grachtengordel) is like stepping into the Golden Age, the museum district (home to the Rijksmuseum, van Gogh Museum, and more) is world-class, and the funkier Noord and West districts allow you more of a taste of local life. Haarlem is just 15 minutes away by train and offers much of what Amsterdam does so well (in terms of cute houses, cute canals, and cute cafes) with a lot less chaos. 

Rotterdam was bombed almost to nonexistence in World War II, so it’s one of the only cities in the Netherlands that doesn’t have the Golden Age architecture. Instead, it is modern and utterly cool, a stark departure from the rest of the country. 

If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss the world-famous tulips in bloom at the Keukenhof or other family-owned farms in the Lisse area. 

Other lovely day trips in the Netherlands include Giethoorn , called the ‘Venice of the Netherlands’ for its extensive canal system; the cheese market in Alkmaar ; the collection of windmills in Zaanse Schans ; Utrecht , a quaint college town with ‘double-decker’ canals; the hub of human rights in The Hague ; pottery and history in Delft ; or the North Frisian Islands on the Wadden Sea for super-cool seascapes and sand dunes, namely Texel . 

Don’t miss these Amsterdam itineraries written by our resident writer!

The capital of Belgium , Brussels has a chic and cosmopolitan vibe. You can’t miss the Grand Place with its stunning guildhalls, as well as the Town Hall. Belgians are also well-known for fries and waffles, treats to indulge in on any visit!  

History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the historic diamond district in Antwerp , as well as the Ardennes , the site of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. For your dose of medieval charm, check out Ghent or Bruges , which aren’t too far from Brussels.

Luxembourg is a great day trip if you’re passing through en route to France or Germany. It has medieval fortifications, a cute old town called the Grund, and a fascinating interconnected tunnel network called the Bock Casemates. You can see the city from above from the Chemin de la Corniche viewpoint. 

If you’d like to stay longer, other cute cities include Clervaux , the medieval castle in Vianden , and the historic abbey at Echternach . 

Berlin has fantastic clubs and nightlife, a wide range of museums on Museum Island, and a variety of historical monuments, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. 

It has a very different vibe to other German and European cities, much grittier and more modern, and is also quite budget-friendly. Close by on the metro, visit Potsdam for your dose of royal life, with its beautiful Sanssouci Palace and park. 

Munich is a popular destination for tourists, and for good reason. Bavarian culture is perhaps what most foreigners associate with Germany , and you can have your fill of beers, pretzels, and German pub culture here. While away an afternoon at the English Garden, and don’t miss the Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens.

Frankfurt is a banking capital and financial center, as well as being the home of the European Central Bank. It also has a lot to offer tourists in terms of museums and culture. Note that this may be a good hub to fly into, as it is home to one of Europe’s largest airports.

As you can see on a map, Germany is quite large! If you like German culture or want to brush up on your German language skills, this is a great place to spend some extra time if you have it. 

Other popular cities in Germany include Hamburg , Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Heidelberg, and Hanover. Baden Baden and Freiburg in the Black Forest are beautiful as well, and there are myriad quaint small towns in the countryside to enjoy. 

Czech Republic

Prague is nicknamed ‘the City of a Hundred Spires,’ due to its baroque Old Town and surrounding Gothic churches. While a relatively small city, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its quaint and compact center. Don’t miss the Astronomical Clock show and the iconic Charles Bridge, which dates back to the 1400s.

Český Krumlov is best known for its castle and mix of baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic styles. For more modernist architecture, check out Brno . If you’d like to visit the home of one of the world’s most popular beers, check out Pilsen .

Vienna is another historical heavyweight, with loads of cultural contributions and museums. It is very calm and quiet for a large city, and you’ll enjoy strolling through its parks and gardens, including the Hapsburg summer residence at Schönbrunn.

Salzburg packs quite a punch for a small town. While perhaps most famous as the setting for the iconic film The Sound of Music , it is also the birthplace of Mozart and has a fantastic medieval fortification called the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Don’t miss the great vegan food available here !

Fans of winter sports will enjoy skiing at Soelden , Saalbach , and Lech , in addition to the winter dreamland at Innsbruck . Many visitors also flock to Hallstatt for the classic view of the church reflected on the water. 

Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals and home to the Duomo of Milan, one of the world’s most iconic churches. Nearby Lake Como is a haunt of the rich and famous during the summer months, but is lovely off-season as well (and cheaper!)

Rome is a must-stop on any European backpacking route, for fantastic cuisine, awe-inspiring history, and beautiful fountains. Don’t miss the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon for history, and the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Spanish Steps for iconic photo opportunities. St. Peter’s Square and Basilica are iconic Catholic sites, and the Vatican Museums hold many treasures. 

Venice is a one-of-a-kind place, built exclusively on canals. The Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica (and its resident pigeons), and yearly Carnival celebrations attract a lot of visitors, and you can’t miss the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. Keep in mind it gets very muggy (sometimes stinky) and crowded in the summertime.

Florence, San Gimignano, Lucca, Siena, and broader Tuscany are in a class all their own, with rolling countryside, Renaissance icons like Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo cathedral, and wonderful cuisine and wine. A quick pit stop in Pisa to see its iconic Leaning Tower is never a bad idea while you’re in the area.

In the south, check out Naples, Sorrento , and the Amalfi Coast for a bit of a seaside escape. Neapolitan pizza is arguably the world’s most famous and originated here. Nearby Pompeii is quite a sight to behold, totally buried under the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, consider Cinque Terre for a similar vibe to the Amalfi Coast. 

There are countless things to do in Italy , and it may be best to prioritize based on what you like best – history, the outdoors, the coast, etc. as well as your budget. While cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are considered must-sees, customize the rest of your time in Italy with a mix of other things. 

Landscapes, cultural contributions, weather, and dialects vary hugely depending on where you are, and you’ll want to get a good mix in order to make the most of your trip. In general, southern Italy is much cheaper than northern Italy. 

Switzerland

Switzerland is a very pricey location, and as such, may be a country to skip unless you have your heart set on certain destinations. Geneva and Zurich are its most popular destinations, for beautiful lake views and glamorous city life. Its smaller cities, like Basel , Lucerne , and Lausanne are lovely as well, with Interlaken a hub for winter sports fans.

Paris is another of the must-sees on any Europe backpacking itinerary. Similarly to London or Rome, you could spend months in Paris easily, so it’s important to prioritize based on your budget and preferences. Don’t forget, there are plenty of free things to do in Paris too!

Alongside its most popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, don’t miss Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge in the iconic Montmartre neighborhood; the Latin Quarter; shopping (or window-shopping) along the Champs-Elysées; the Luxembourg and Tuileries gardens; and its variety of other museums, like the d’Orsay, the Orangerie, and the Pompidou. 

Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris as well. If you’re spending a lot of time in museums, consider buying a museum pass. It includes a surprising wealth of museums, and if you plan accordingly it will save you a lot of money. 

To get out of the big city, consider spending some time in Provence on the Cote d’Azur or Nice on the French Riviera. Both are fairly posh locales, but possible to do on a budget with some planning. 

Wine fans can flock to Burgundy or Bordeaux , and film aficionados to Cannes . The beaches at Normandy are a sobering and reflective place, and in the intriguing Alsace-Lorraine region, don’t miss the half-timbered houses in quaint Strasbourg , Kaysersberg , or Colmar . 

Also read: Top Destinations for Wine in Europe .

Madrid is a hub of culture, from the amazing art museum El Prado to its wide boulevards and romantic Buen Retiro park. You can also check out the Royal Palace, home to Spain’s royal family, the main square in Plaza Mayor, or catch a Real Madrid game at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Don’t miss the delicious ‘Chocolate y Churros’ at the San Miguel Market. 

Barcelona , the capital of the semi-autonomous Catalonia region, is home to whimsical architecture from native sons Gaudí and Miró , like the Park Guell, Casa Batlló, and Sagrada Familia church. Another church you shouldn’t miss is the iconic Cathedral of the Sea or Maria del Mar. The famous shopping area La Rambla is home to Mercado de la Boqueria, where you can get lots of fresh juices and other goodies. 

Sevilla is a regal place, boasting the sprawling Plaza de España, a massive gothic cathedral, and Royal Alcázar palace. The former Moorish presence is quite felt here in converted architecture like La Giralda, a former minaret-turned belltower. Sevilla is also the birthplace of flamenco dancing, so be sure to catch that while you’re in town. 

Overall, the south of Spain is a particularly wonderful part of the country, with a relaxed vibe, amazing cuisine, and the bonus of being a bit more budget-friendly. 

Check out Valencia, Córdoba, Granada , Ronda, and Málaga for sunshine, citrus fruit, and stunning historical sites like the Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada . 

For something different, consider spending some time in Bilbao and San Sebastián in the Basque Country, beautiful and modern cities with museums and skyscrapers. Relatedly, one of Europe’s most popular hikes is in this area: the Camino de Santiago . While formerly a religious pilgrimage, many people undertake this journey for non-religious reasons. There are places to stay each night and you can walk anywhere from a day to several weeks. 

If you’re seeking a beach-and-partying break, the beaches in the Canary Islands or the Balearics, like Ibiza, Tenerife , and Majorca . can’t be beaten. Keep in mind transport and lodging can get very pricey in the wintertime, as these boast some of the warmest temperatures in the region. 

Lisbon is a fantastic budget destination, with great weather, delicious cuisine, and a laid-back vibe. The iconic yellow streetcars are a quaint way to travel, or you can trek up the hills to the breathtaking São Jorge Castle for sweeping city views. Don’t miss the lovely azulejo tiles adorning the buildings, and the cool fortifications at Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.   

Close to Lisbon, don’t miss the unbelievable castle and gardens at Sintra . Porto has a cute, cobblestoned medieval district and (of course) fantastic port, and Faro boasts Moorish walls and a great gateway to the rest of the beautiful Algarve region. 

Athens is a vibrant ‘old-meets-new’ place, boasting ancient relics like the Acropolis complex and the Parthenon, amid a great food scene, parks, and gardens.

The Greek Islands are a really special destination suitable for all sorts of backpackers. Party animals will love Mykonos, while Santorini’s white-and-blue buildings are a common bucket-list destination. Milos and Paros are a bit more off-the-beaten-path, and Crete is quite large, perhaps giving you more bang for your buck. Keep in mind the Greek Islands are not often a budget destination, so if you’re traveling shoestring consider planning ahead and comparing transportation options.    

2. Southern Europe Backpacking Route: The ‘History Buff’

History buffs will love Southern Europe for its jaw-dropping array of ancient ruins, medieval fortifications, art, and beyond. 

Southern Spain has a wealth of historical attractions. In Andalucía alone you have the  Mezquita in Córdoba , the Alcazaba in Málaga , the Real Alcazar in Sevilla , the Alhambra in Granada , and Baños Árabes and Puente Nuevo in Ronda . Outside of Andalucía, Tarragona has a Roman Amphitheare, and Cádiz has the Castillo de Santa Ana, as well as a storied naval history.

Southern France has Roman history, Gallic history, papal history, and beyond, with innumerable sites to check out. Visit the iconic double-walled medieval fortifications in Carcassonne ; canals and chateaus in Annecy ; scenes of papal intrigue in Avignon and Orange ; the site of a 2nd-century fortified town in Uzès ; the ‘red city’ of Albi ; Roman ruins in Nîmes ; and The Calanques from the fortifications of Cassis . 

Larger cities in southern France are chock-full of history as well. Arles is one of the oldest cities in France and pre-dates the Romans. Marseilles was originally founded by the Greeks and is thought to be the oldest city in France. Toulouse changed hands from the Visigoths to the Merovingian and Carolingian Franks, originally known as Tolosa in Roman times.

Check out the Bonifacio Citadel and Citadelle de Calvi, as well as Napoleon’s birthplace in Corsica (part of France.)

Italy has a wealth of historical attractions, and not just in Rome. After you’ve seen the Colosseum, the Appian Way, the Forum, and beyond in Rome , be sure to check out some sites in the rest of the country. 

In southern Italy, check out the scene of the volcanic eruption at Pompeii and Herculaneum, lovingly-preserved Doric-style temples at Paestum; ancient cave dwellings at Matera ; and intriguing stone huts in Alberobello . For Napoleon buffs, you can also visit Elba , where he was exiled in 1814.

Sicily has a wealth of ancient sites and offers a great bang for your buck for a Euro backpacking trip. Agrigento is famous for its Valley of the Temples, and the Villa Romana del Casale outside Piazza Armerina boasts one of the most complete mosaics collections in existence today. 

Siracusa and nearby Ortigia Island also have large complexes of ruins in excellent conditions, well worth at least a day or two to explore. For other standalone sites on the island, consider the Tempio di Segesta in Trapani , the Cathedral in Palermo ; the Necropolis of Pantalica ; and Taormina’s Greek theater.

UNESCO describes Valletta, Malta as “one of the most concentrated historical areas in the world.” Established by the Knights of St. John, a Catholic order, Valletta has fabulous gardens, churches, and fortifications dating back to the 1500s. Even older than Valletta is Mdina , the capital of Malta before the arrival of the Knights. 

It goes without saying that a large draw of Greece is its historical offerings, similarly to Italy. As mentioned in the itinerary above, you can’t miss the Acropolis and Parthenon complex in Athens , and the country is littered with other ancient sites of interest. 

A small selection of your endless historical options include:

• Byzantine frescoes in Mystras
• The Oracle at Delphi
• Eastern Orthodox monasteries atop spindly rock formations in Meteora
• The site of the original Olympic Games at Olympia
• The canals at Corinth
• The world’s oldest city in Knossos , Crete
• The Ancient Theatre at the Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus
• The Mycenae archaeological site of Trojan War fame
• Delos , the birthplace of Apollo 
• The remains of the walled city of Philippi
• The site of the Battle of Thermopylae

North Macedonia

Similar to Greece, North Macedonia has much to offer the history buff. The area around Skopje offers fortresses, bridges, and a market dating back to the 12th century. There is also a Byzantine fortified town at Bargala , the ‘Jerusalem of the Baltics’ in Ohrid , the archaeological site of Tauresium in Gradište , and another fabulous fortress in Isar .

3. Eastern Europe Backpacking Route: The ‘Budget Maximizer’

Eastern Europe is known for being a budget-friendly destination, and this is definitely true. The region is also chock-full of amazing cities, nature, and things to do and explore so it’s a win-win for aspiring backpackers! 

You can start this tour in the Czech Republic, flying into Prague and following the Grand Tour itinerary for Prague, Český Krumlov, Brno , and beyond . From there, head to Slovakia! 

Slovakia has the most castles per capita in Europe, and its capital of Bratislava has a charming old town that is pedestrian-only, lined with cute shops and restaurants. In addition to its castle and castle ruins, it also has majestic churches in different styles.

Košice dates back to the 13th century, and you can still visit the medieval city walls, with the largest preserved historic city center in Slovakia. Today, it is mainly known for steel production, but its historic center is arguably the best in the country. 

For some nature, go bear-watching in the High Tatras National Park or hiking in the aptly-named Slovak Paradise National Park .

Hungary is also a great alternative in which to start this Europe backpacking route, flying into the large hub of Budapest . Budapest is an absolutely fantastic city, with a variety of attractions at a great price point. 

The city is on a geographic fault line, so you have lots of options for thermal baths: check out Instagram-hyped Szechenyi, avoid the tourists at less popular but equally gorgeous Gellert, or have a truly local experience at Lukacs. 

Don’t miss the jaw-dropping Hungarian Parliament building, stroll along the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, and explore both Buda and Pest via the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Have a beer at one of Budapest’s ruin bars, filled with all sorts of oddities, and try some Hungarian goodies at the Central Market Hall. 

For a less urban experience, check out serene Lake Balaton , try some local wines in caves in the Valley of the Beautiful Women in Eger , or cycle around quaint Szentendre .

Slovenia is also a great destination for those seeking a mix of smaller, beautiful cities and lots of nature opportunities. Capital Ljubljana has a similar vibe to Prague and Budapest (with lovely castles, parks, bridges, and museums), and Piran is famous for Venetian architecture along the Adriatic coast. 

Arguably the most popular location in Slovenia is Lake Bled and its iconic Bled Island and church, surrounded by surreal turquoise water. The Julian Alps surround the lake and are a great, nearby location for hiking. 

Croatia has long been a favorite destination for backpackers due to low prices and few tourists. However, Game of Thrones has led to large crowds visiting very small Dubrovnik (AKA Kings’ Landing.) 

Split is also on the Adriatic Sea and is fairly similar, but a bit bigger. This can lead to more reasonable accommodation prices and a bit more breathing room. Croatia’s capital, Zagreb , is also worth a visit for very different architecture to Split and Dubrovnik in a more Austro-Hungarian style, and also boasts the beautiful Medvednica area just north of the city. 

For natural splendor, nothing beats Plitvice Lakes National Park , a series of gorgeous turquoise lakes linked quasi-vertically by waterfalls. There are also all sorts of beaches in Croatia if you’d like to take a few days to relax by the water, like Golden Horn Beach ‘ s world-famous white sand. 

Montenegro is a great destination for budget travelers and an ideal place for those seeking something a bit less touristy, but still gorgeous. The area around Kotor resembles a Scandinavian fjord, and the Stari Grad (Old Town) and city walls are fantastic to scramble around.

The capital Podgorica isn’t as exciting as other Eastern European capitals but has a cool clock tower and proximity to Lake Skadar National Park . If you want to splash out a bit, consider a visit to resort island Sveti Stefan , one of the most popular destinations in the country. 

Serbia is often overlooked in favor of Croatia and Montenegro but is absolutely worth a visit. Capital city Belgrade is lovely, with competing Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Austro-Hungarian influences as well as great green spaces and cuisine. Novi Sad has the Petrovaradin Fortress and its network of tunnels, as well as very different architecture and vibes to Belgrade. 

Bulgaria is a treasure, with a long and storied history displayed in its folklore, like traditional dancing and arts and crafts. It is also said to be the birthplace of yogurt! Capital Sofia is a great place to see all of Bulgaria’s cultural attractions, or you can visit Nessebar on the Black Sea for a completely different vibe, and its world-famous Sunny Beach. For history and archaeology fans, check out Plovdiv in southern Bulgaria for Roman ruins. 

Did you know? Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe !

Romania is perhaps most famous for its mythical Transylvania region, home to beautiful gateway cities Cluj-Napoca and Brașov , medieval fortified towns like Sighișoara, and world-famous Bran Castle , said to be where Dracula lived. 

In the Bucegi Mountains , hike to natural rock formations Babele and the Sphinx, or go underground for salt mine tours at Salina Turda . Capital Bucharest is known for its massive, Soviet-era Palace of Parliament and Old Town Lipscani district. 

Ukraine also has a variety of places of interest for budget travelers. Capital Kyiv has beautiful Eastern Orthodox-style churches, museums, and a reconstructed medieval gate. Lviv is a great place to see Polish and Austro-Hungarian culture collide, and has a world-famous opera and ballet that may be worth a splurge for tickets. 

For something a bit different, Odesa on the Black Sea is also famous for its opera and ballet, as well as the iconic stairway from The Battleship Potemkin and beautiful sea views. Intrepid travelers may be interested in visiting the nuclear disaster site Chernobyl . A tour to the exclusion zone has been determined to be safe and is possible with an official guide. 

Poland has a wealth of cities, attractions, and natural wonders to offer travelers. Similar to other countries in the region, it is a great budget destination, with fantastic food, friendly people, and enough museums and cultural contributions to entertain any tourist for years. 

Capital Warsaw suffered a lot of damage in World War II and was almost entirely rebuilt. The Soviet-style buildings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but don’t make the mistake of skipping the city! Spend some time eating pierogi, strolling Łazienki Park, visiting the Warsaw Uprising Museum and POLIN Museum, and taking a tour of the Royal Castle as an absolute minimum. 

Cute Krakow is much more popular with tourists for its medieval Rynek Glówny quarter, as well as its proximity to underground marvel Wieliczka salt mine and concentration camp Auschwitz . Poland also has a variety of former German cities with a distinct architectural flair, like Wroclaw , Gdansk , and Gdynia , which are all highly worth a visit. 

In Lithuania, don’t miss baroque capital city Vilnius and nearby Trakai Island for its fairytale castle. At the Curonian Spit , you can see sand dunes that stretch up to 35 meters in height, and those seeking something a bit spookier can visit the sculpture garden at the Hill of Witches. A popular pilgrimage site is the Hill of Crosses , where over 100,000 crosses have been placed over the years. 

Latvia is also an often-underrated country to visit. Its capital Riga has slightly different architecture to its Eastern European contemporaries, with a lot of wood-based and art nouveau buildings at a similarly great price point for budget travelers. 

Nearby Rundāle Palace has a similar aesthetic to Versailles, and Jūrmala is a fantastic resort town that is also close to Riga.

The last stop on this Eastern European tour is in Estonia, a small country with over 1500 small islands. Its capital, Tallinn , has a cute old town with various structures dating back to the 13th century, as well as a medieval fortification tower called Kiek in de Kök. 

Seaside resort Pärnu is known for its distinctive wooden villa-style houses and the ability to mud-bathe. Bog and wetland enthusiasts will love Lahemaa National Park , the former USSR’s first national park.  

4. Around Europe Backpacking Route: The ‘Whole Shebang’

And for those of you who refuse to take your backpack off, we’ve created this final mammoth Europe itinerary. An amalgamation of the Western and Eastern routes (with a couple of tweaks for logistical reasons), this comprehensive Europe backpacking route showcases the best of what the continent has to offer, from balmy beaches, to dramatic castles and everything in between!

The adventure is limitless with this Europe itinerary, you just need to hope that your wallet is too!

Ways to Travel Around Europe

One of the best things about backpacking in Europe is the relative ease of transport between countries. As you plan out your trip, start by analyzing how you can best get between the countries you want to visit. 

A tip here is to combine trains, buses, and flights strategically. These vary widely in price, and you may be surprised at what deals you may find. 

Overall, the big advantage to buses and trains is that they usually drop you off at a more central location, sparing you transport to and from a farther-away airport. However, sometimes you may find that flights are the best fit for your budget or timeline. 

Traveling by train is often considered to be the quintessential way of getting around Europe. Companies like Eurail offer customizable train passes between 33 countries, with regional options and timing options (e.g. 15 days, 30 days, etc.) now on a mobile app. 

This ‘all-in-one’ style pass can be as simple as a hop-on-hop-off, where you show your pass to board the train of your choice. However, some places (like France and Germany) sometimes charge supplements or have a limit on how many passengers can board with a pass per train. For that reason, you may want to book tickets in advance during busy seasons, and always make sure that the journey you are taking is included in your pass! 

The associated downside to Eurail is that it is quite pricey, so you should do the math carefully to make sure you’ll actually save money with this pass. As a rule of thumb, it is largely worth it if you’re spending a lot of time in countries like Switzerland. Conversely, if you’re doing a trip mostly focused on central or eastern Europe, it’s probably cheaper to buy single tickets. 

Although train travel is the most talked-about transport for backpackers in Europe, don’t count out buses ! Companies like Flixbus and Eurolines sometimes have absolutely jaw-droppingly low fares, and charter buses are largely comfortable and reliable. 

Like trains, buses also usually drop you off in central locations, and it’s a really economical way to get from place to place. The associated downside is, of course, time. Buses get stuck in traffic and delays can be common, as well as the fact that buses are without a doubt slower than trains and planes. 

Like Asia, Europe has a variety of budget airlines that have ultra-low fares, like RyanAir, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and beyond. Be warned though, f the fares seem too good to be true, that’s because sometimes they are. 

These airlines are infamous for nickel-and-diming travelers, with add-ons for anything larger than a (small) backpack and hidden fees. However, that said, if you’re at a point in your journey where you have a longer distance to travel, or want to visit an island or somewhere logistically more challenging, you should definitely look into plane travel.

Time to Plan Your Europe Backpacking Trip!

Backpacking through Europe is definitely something that you should take advantage of. It’s totally doable to stick to a budget with some savvy planning, and you will make memories that will last a lifetime. 

We hope this article has helped to show you a few ways to put together your dream Europe backpacking trip. Of course, these routes are just a few among infinite options! 

In case nothing has tickled your fancy just yet, we’ll leave you with some more food for thought… 

• An island tour through the Canary Islands, the Azores, the Greek islands, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Malta
• A royal jaunt through castles in the British Isles (England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland) France, Germany, Romania, and Slovenia
• An Alpine ski bum tour through Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, and Monaco

If you have questions about specific countries not mentioned, or have another idea for cool groupings, we’d love it if you’d share it with us in the comments! Happy travels!

Tegan George & Alex McKenzie

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My Step-By-Step Guide to Backpacking Europe

Backpacking Europe is still one of my favorite things to do as a traveler. There isn’t a year I don’t criss-cross the continent (except 2020 when no one was crossing Europe).

During the summer, hostels burst with life, the Mediterranean sparkles, streets fill with people slowly drinking wine and enjoy the day, and the late night setting sun leads to long wonderous days. Winter brings Christmas markets, skiing, fewer crowds, and lower prices! And Spring and Fall bring the right mix of people, temperatures, and prices that make these two my favorite seasons to travel Europe.

Since starting this website in 2008, I’ve written a lot of posts on Europe. I visit Europe multiple times a year, have been all over the continent, lived there on multiple occasions, and even run tours there .

With so much content on the blog, I wanted to create a resource page that will help you plan your backpacking trip to Europe with ease. That way you don’t miss anything! In this post, you’ll find all my best resources on planning a backpacking or budget trip to Europe, including destination guides, transportation tips, accommodation information, ways to meet people, and so much more!

So, without further ado, here’s everything you could ever want to know about backpacking Europe:

Table of Contents

Step 1: Plan Your Backpacking Europe Trip

Step 2: get your gear for backpacking europe, step 3: how to get amazing accommodation in europe, step 4: get around europe on the cheap, step 5: save money while backpacking europe, step 6: find out what to see and do in europe, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

How to Save for Your Trip – Is money stopping you from taking the trip of your dreams? Here are 22 easy ways to cut down on your daily expenses so you can save money to backpack Europe.

How to Find a Cheap Flight – Getting to Europe can be half the challenge. Luckily, there are a ton of flight deals to the continent now if you know when and how to look for them. This article will show you how to always get a cheap flight to Europe.

How to Earn Points for Free Flights and Hotel Stays – Free travel is my favorite kind of travel! This post shows you eight strategies I use to get over a million frequent flier points. These will get you out of your house faster, cheaper, and in comfort!

How to (Legally) Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days – Every year, thousands of travelers wonder how they can stay in Europe for more than 90 days, which is the limit in the Schengen Zone. The good news is that there are a few different ways to stay. In this post, I share what you can do to stay legally beyond 90 days and on the continent in general.

How to Avoid Paying ATM Fees – You should never have to pay any bank fees while you are accessing your money in Europe! Here is my advice on how to avoid bank fees as your backpacking Europe.

Is Europe Safe to Visit? – Here is how to ensure you stay safe while traveling across the continent.  

What to Pack for Your Trip – What should you pack on your trip? Well, there is no one right answer, but this list will give you a good place to start. It’s what I take on my trips with me (though you’ll need to make some seasonal variations, I’m sure!).

The Ultimate Packing List for Female Travelers – In this post, Kristin Addis shares her packing insights for women, so that you can travel just about anywhere without spending a fortune on gear.

How to Buy Good Travel Insurance – Travel insurance is one of the most important things you’ll need for your trip. You wouldn’t have a car without car insurance or a home without home insurance, and you can’t have a trip without travel insurance!

The Best Travel Cameras – Wondering what kind of camera you should get for your trip? This post will show you exactly what you need — no matter your budget!  

How to Find a Good Hostel – This article features my best tips on how to find an affordable, clean, and fun hostel where you can meet a lot of amazing people.

The Best Hostels in Europe – This is a list of European hostels that I would definitely use again if I have the chance. Hope this helps with your next European backpacking adventure!

How to Become a House Sitter – This is a how-to guide to house-sitting, a wonderful opportunity that allows you to stay in a location rent free in exchange for watching someone’s house.

For more budget accommodation suggestion, check out my hostel hub page . It has all my favorite hostels around Europe!

And to find out where to stay in each city, visit my list of the best neighborhoods in Europe!  

The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money with Eurail Passes – Everyone traveling to Europe wonders if they will save money by buying a rail pass or if it’s cheaper to buy tickets as they go. This detailed post outlines everything you need to know buying a rail pass!  

How to Use the Sharing Economy to Save Money – The rise of the sharing economy has made backpacking Europe so much easier and cheaper. This post lists all my favorite ridesharing, house sharing local meeting websites so you can get off the tourist trail and experience day-to-day life with locals!

61 Tips to Make You the Savviest Traveler – These 61 travel tips will help you become an expert traveler who gets around Europe cheaper, better, longer, and smarter!

14 Major Travel Scams to Avoid – Losing money to a preventable travel scam sucks. Learn what scams to look out for in Europe and save yourself a potential headache!  

I have over 100 guides to places in Europe! Everything you ever need to know about where you are going can be found in these articles!

In addition to the country guides above, I’ve created tons of cool itineraries for cities all around Europe. You can find my best Europe itineraries here!

This massive resource list will help you plan your trip to Europe in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step pattern so you won’t get lost, overspend, or stress out about your upcoming dream trip. Europe is one of my favorite regions of the world (which is why I spend so much time there). There’s so much variety in food, culture, and language, as well as so much history. I love the continent and hope you use these tips to plan your ultimate backpacking adventure in 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 Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. 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 as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. 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 (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to 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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Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide (2023)

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

A detailed guide to planning and booking a trip around Europe, whether you’re travelling solo, in a couple or with a friend!

Europe is a continent that you could travel to hundreds of times, yet still, find something new to discover. Diverse and culturally rich, Europe is just the gift that keeps on givin’. 

Backpacking Europe is for anyone and everyone .

As someone who has visited Europe more times than I can count, I can guide you through the necessary steps to make your dream backpacking trip become a reality.

Planning a successful backpacking Europe trip will take a bit of time, dedication, and research, but it will all be totally worth it!

But first and foremost, I’ll let you in on a secret. If you’re backpacking Europe for the first time, the best way is get around is by interrailing. I speak about this more in my post later, but you can view some of my other posts below. Bookmark them for later!

🚝 Want to buy an interrailing pass for travelling Europe? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!

• Interrailing Spain: Travel Spain By Train
• Best Hostel In Copenhagen: Steel House Review
• Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
• Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
• 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
• What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

Backpacking Europe : A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a successful europe trip.

Europe lies solely in the Northern Hemisphere and is the world’s sixth-biggest continent . It crazily only contains 7% of the world’s land. Hard to believe when you think of all of the diverse countries it includes!

Whilst backpacking Europe, you have 50 unique countries to choose from.

A trip to Russia , the biggest in the continent situated in the North, is completely different to a visit to the smallest country on Earth; The Vatican City , which is actually located in the centre of Rome, Italy.

Whilst planning a backpacking Europe trip, there are some big factors that need to be considered.

For example, the weather! The weather within the continent can be completely different from one country to the next. For example, the UK has an average temperate of 14°C, whereas Turkey tends to linger in the high 20s more often than not.

Even visually, a country like Turkey is going to be an entirely different trip to a visit to the Scottish Highlands. That’s why knowing how to plan a Europe trip successfully is so important. 

This post is a one-stop tour of all the important aspects to consider when backpacking Europe. Whether you’re riding solo, with a partner, friend, kids or Nan ( I mean, I wish I was travelling with my nan), I’ve got you covered.

When using this post to plan your Europe trip, feel free to post any questions in the comment box, or contact me directly on social media! I’m here to help you live out your Europe dreams without the stress 🥰

Step 1: Get together the right travel documents!

Let’s start out with some all-important boring stuff. Travel documents and admin for travelling Europe!

How does Brexit affect travelling around Europe?

If you’re backpacking Europe from the UK, it’s pretty simple on the visa front, even with the new Brexit changes. 

Even after Brexit, we are able to travel freely around Europe, as long as it is for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180 day period). 

So a weekend in Italy could be followed up by a fortnight’s stay in France. This would all be covered in your 90-day stay limit.

When planning a bigger backpacking trip around Europe, this is something to bear in mind. How long are you going for? Is your visa going to allow this? 

If you are looking to stay for a longer amount of time, you will need to apply for an extended visa. This includes staying for tourism, work, or study. 

This may change in the future. Please always check the latest Government advice. 

Is my European Health Insurance card (EHIC) still valid?

Yes. If your EHIC was issued before the end of 2020, your card is valid until the expiry date on the front of your card. 

After this, the government has said they will issue a different type of card for emergency medical care. There is no confirmation of this and no details have been released. 

It is advised that you buy medical insurance before travelling (anywhere), especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.

Want to start your digital nomad life?

Check out my ebook page (click here!) to see if there’s a guide that suits you. I’m here to help you leave the 9-5 and work remotely around the world! 💻 🌎

Is my UK driving license accepted across Europe?

Remember to take your driving licence with you, as well as your logbook (V5C) and valid insurance documents if you are taking a car that you own. You don’t want to be caught short!

If you are taking your own car, you will need to contact your insurer around 6 weeks before travel to get a ‘green card’ to prove your insurance is in date and in use. 

Anyone over the age of 19 can hire a car in most places throughout Europe. There are a few countries (like the Netherlands, Hungary and Greece) where you will need to be 21+.

Without a doubt, the best way to backpack Europe is by interrailing . This is travelling Europe by train, and this blog is full of information to help you plan an epic interrailing trip!

I’m arriving from outside of Europe, what documents do I need?

First of all, the no-brainer of a passport. Make sure it has 6 months left before its expiry date and you’re sorted (if not, get that ticket to freedom renewed). 

If you’re from America, Canada or Australia (and most other major countries), you will not need a visa for short stay trips. This is similar to UK travellers; where you’re allowed a trip of up to 90 days.

Step 2: Get a rough idea of where you want to go whilst backpacking Europe

Now, when you are ready to plan your backpacking Europe trip, you do not need to make a definitive list of destinations (unless you know a lot about Europe already).

However, it’s good to have some idea of what you want to see and where you want to go on your trip!

Like; are you a beach person and want to hit up the European coastlines? Or would you rather the history and culture of an old city, like London or Paris? You don’t have to decide now, but most people know without a lot of thought what they’re into.

GOOD TO KNOW: Europe is split into Eastern, Northern, Central and Western sections (which is actually quite rarely referred to). 

As you know, Europe is a pretty big continent and each country is extremely different from the next. 

Therefore, for practical reasons, you might want to focus on one section to keep your journey between each European country shorter. 

Check out my interrailing posts if you’re serious about backpacking Europe!

Which part of Europe is best to travel?

• Eastern Europe – Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine and most of Russia
• Western Europe – Belgium, France, Luxemburg, Ireland, Monaco, the UK, Netherlands
• Central Europe –  Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Liechtenstein the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland
• Northern Europe – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden

( FYI – these sections literally change depending on which site you look at. They provide a rough guide if your European geography is a bit pants.)

When I travelled across Europe interrailing , I did cross quite a few sections, so it is possible! Especially if you have an Interrail pass . The trains are super well connected and you can get to most countries in Europe easily (but more on that later). 

Don’t worry if you have zero ideas about what’s in each country or why you might want to visit. So many European countries will surprise you with their beauty, especially the least expected ones!

I’d strongly advise researching different countries in Europe (even ones you haven’t heard of!) before planning your route; just to see what else is out there!

I have detailed posts on interrailing Spain , France and Italy . Make sure you read them before you go!

Need more information about interrailing? I have a whole section on the blog about travelling Europe by train. Check out the most popular blog posts here!

Step 3: Think about your duration:places ratio

Now, I am a big advocate of taking things slow when travelling, especially when backpacking Europe. I made the mistake of planning hundreds (well, nearly) countries into a 2-week trip and ended up burnt out, exhausted, and if I’m honest, a trip that could have been better if I’d not planned as much. 

If you cram too many places into a short amount of time, it just won’t be worth it. 

My advice to backpackers would be to plan to visit fewer European countries and give yourself more time to explore each one.

This also works in your favour when you meet new people and want to tag along with them to a crazy beer festival or realise you’re in a city with the world’s oldest pizza restaurant and have an extra few days to visit. 

How long should you spend in each European destination?

Here are my recommendations for travelling to European countries and cities.

• Major Cities: 2-3 nights minimum
• Small towns/coasts: 2-4 nights minimum, unless you are likely to spend a lot of time on the beach
• Hiking/Camping: 2 nights +, especially if you are planning on a lot of activity during the day. Having to pack up and be ready to leave the next morning can add extra pressure to your (already) strenuous activity. 

Of course, these guidelines are adaptable and personal. If you are on a tough time restriction, just plan less. Plan to go to fewer places in Europe, plan to see or do less, otherwise, you will end up frazzled and end up falling asleep halfway through your strawberry gelato.

I know some of you might be saying “but I want to see everything!” and I get that. If you’re absolutely set on stretching yourself thin and doing a non-stop whirlwind tour of a country in a couple of days; go for it. Maybe plan a few days off work when you return to recover (and be prepared to have to whizz through some of your plans because of how much you have organised). 

I have detailed posts on interrailing Spain , Switzerland , France and Italy . Make sure you read them before you go!

Step 4: Decide on HOW you’re backpacking Europe

You’re in luck here; as backpacking Europe is one of the easiest continents to travel around (and comfortably!). There are quite a few options to choose from, from budget to luxury options.

You’ll find whilst backpacking Europe that most countries will have their own transport systems that have basic hygiene and comfort levels. I’ve been on a few rickety trains through Eastern Europe, and even they were nothing like the rickety-ness of Southeast Asia (if you’ve been to Thailand, you’ll know what I mean).

Train (Interrailing Pass) around Europe

One of the most popular ways to get around Europe is via train. This is due to the easy ‘Interrail’ system . Buying this pass will allow you to travel freely around most countries in Europe, on modern and comfortable trains. 

There are different types of interrail passes , such as;

• Global Pass (2nd Class) – this allows you to visit the entire continent on one ticket. Prices start around £150 for 4 days, up to the 90 day mark for around £500. 

In regards to the class, 2nd isn’t hugely different to 1st and definitely better for those on a budget. 

The Global Pass lets you travel in these 33 countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey.

• One country pass : If you’re more of a thorough traveller and want to take your time, this one is perfect for a one-country trip. Prices do vary depending on the country you’re wanting to visit, so check out the Interrail Site before purchasing. 

🚝 Need to buy your interrailing pass ? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!

Still unsure about the interrailing pass? I’ve written a detailed post on why it’s so wonderful here.

Bus around Europe

• Megabus : I love this option. I love Megabus! Although I am a bit weird and love long coach journeys (I just love the chill and snacks, okay?!)

Megabus is a super cheap way to travel to some parts of Europe. So if you’re hitting up the UK, Brussels, Paris or Amsterdam, Google Megabus and find some cheap-as-chips bus tickets to travel the entire length of your chosen country. Seriously, some journeys can be as cheap as £3!

If you’re backpacking in England, trains are going to be your last option due to the incredible amount of £££ they cost. A £5 Megabus journey may cost £50+ on a train. Take it from me, I wouldn’t get a train in England unless I really, really needed to! 

• Busabout/FlixBus: These are essentially the Megabus, but spread further across Europe. Just check out your destination and what bus service the country uses. 

Most of the buses have free Wifi, toilets onboard and are pretty comfy. 

Busabout also sells hop on/hop-off tickets for a set price. If you’re planning on taking multiple trips in a short amount of time and want some activities thrown in, it might be worth looking into. 

Prices start at around £250 for a 2-week pass. 

Flying around Europe

Europe definitely isn’t the cheapest continent to fly around, but if you’re lucky and travelling out of school term time, you may get some budget deals. 

Have a look at Ryanair , EasyJet , Vueling , Flybe , Norweigan Air and Wizz Air for the cheapest deals (even though they add about 6 grand on for luggage. Sometimes I think they don’t actually work out that cheap *rolls eyes emoji*). 

My go-to for booking flights is Google Flights and Momondo . I find they tend to be the cheapest.

Whenever I have travelled through Europe, I have completely mix-matched my modes of transport. I’ve flown, drove, train-ed and bus-ed. It really is all down to where you’re travelling to (for example, if you’re in Ibiza it’s going to be pretty impossible to get on a bus to Italy). 

Step 6: What time of year is best to visit Europe?

Europe is situated in the Northern Hemisphere of the world, so the seasons pretty much look like this;

• Winter: December – February 
• Spring: March – May
• Summer: June – August
• Autumn: September – November 

The temperatures do vary from country to country, but it’s a good guide to have for when you’re planning your trip.

☀️ Spain, Portugal and Greece generally have good weather all year round. Although, they do have times where it can be quite brisk and windy, especially over the winter time. 

❄️ If you’re planning on hitting the slopes, January – February tends to be quieter than the peak season in March. For further info, check out On The Snow to compare each country’s weather for the best skiing time.

Wherever you’re going, check out the weather first before you start packing.

You really don’t want to be left in your flip-flops when there’s a monsoon going on overhead. Been there, done that. It isn’t great. 

Step 7: What to Pack for a Europe trip

Packing can seem like an unbearable task; especially before you’ve started. I find the best way to get the job done quickly and efficiently is to make a list (or if you’re my boyfriend, pack 5 plain t-shirts and a pair of shorts).

You can check out my detailed interrailing packing list here.

If you’re travelling to a snowy part of Europe (like Finland or Norway) I have an extensive Arctic Circle packing list here!

Step 8: Deciding on a budget and saving money whilst travelling Europe

Now we’re down to the nitty-gritty. How much money do you save to take when backpacking Europe?

The answer? It depends. (Sorry). The question you need to ask yourself really is, HOW do you want to travel Europe?

On a tight budget? In luxury? A mix of both? Hostels ? Airbnbs? Signing up for every activity known to man in the entire continent? 

I know when I travel, I’m a mix of cheap and “do I really need to go on that 8th wine tour?” type of spender. I hate missing out on anything, so my priority is usually activities over accommodation.

On my travels, I have met so many people who are the same as me. Dorm rooms, shared bathrooms, messy kitchens – no problem if I’m able to scuba dive the Meditteranean. 

Budgeting for a Europe backpacking trip

The first time I travelled Thailand in 2015, I jetted off for a month in August and spent £1000. Total.

The following year, I spent a month travelling Europe. Total price: £3500. 

Exact same time of year, exact same amount of time. Just a whooooole lot more money. 

My trip around Europe was anything but luxury. We did have a few private rooms and Airbnbs but they were pretty standard.

But, we didn’t scrimp on the activities. We did everything, every excursion, nice meal out, we partied, drank (alcohol probably was 50% of my budget…maybe) and we really pushed the boat out when it came to enjoying ourselves.

Could we have travelled around Europe for less? Probably. I made some rookie mistakes and it was one of my first backpacking trips, so don’t let it put you off.

But, I do think, especially for newbie travellers, it is important to highlight how expensive travelling can be. Especially if you really want to enjoy every moment and live your trip to its fullest. 

Step 9: Choosing accommodation whilst backpacking Europe

This is the part where I should probably say to get the cheapest room possible and rough it out whilst backpacking Europe, but I won’t tell you to do that. 

Instead, I’m going to speak from personal experience here. I have stayed in all types of accommodation (and I really mean, all types). 

If you’re starting out, travelling solo or with a friend, I’d strongly recommend a shared room throughout Europe.

Don’t always look for the cheapest – look for the most popular. Highest reviews, shares on social media, tagged photos etc.

If you’re anything like me when travelling (a severe social butterfly), you want to be where everyone is at. Is there anything worse than hostel FOMO? 

Do your Europe hostel research. The best kind is speaking to someone else who’s been there before and knows the lowdown on the best spots in town to make hundreds of like-minded pals. (Ahem, shameless plug to myself). 

If sharing a room isn’t your thing, I have also been a more ‘private space’ traveller. The first month I backpacked through SE Asia, my best friend and I were huge fans of private rooms (still in a hostel though, not that loaded). 

Yes, you do get the privacy and luxury of your own bathroom, but we met about 90% less people and drank about 90% less alcohol because of being so isolated from others. 

I’d recommend private rooms if you are a couple, or need a bit of a ‘detox’ from the 20-man dorm room, but shared dorms will always be my go-to for solo travelling.

CHECK OUT THE BEST HOSTELS IN EUROPE HERE!

Best hostels whilst interrailing Europe

One of my best interrail tips is to at least  book your  first hostel in advance .  During the summer months,  hostels in Europe will be fully booked.  It will be tough finding a good hostel last minute.

Use  Hostelworld to pre-book any hostels . They have excellent cancellation policies and you can usually  get your money back right up until 24 hours before staying , so if you have any last-minute changes, you have that flexibility.

Whilst I can’t list every single hostel in Europe, these are some of the best, well-known hostels to stay in whilst interrailing.  Simply click the link to check prices and availability!

• 🇫🇷  Paris:  Generator Paris  or  The People
• 🇭🇺  Budapest:   Maverick City Lodge
• 🇳🇱  Amsterdam:  Ecomama
• 🇩🇪  Berlin:  The Circus Hostel
• 🇵🇹  Lisbon:   Home Lisbon
• 🇦🇹  Vienna:   Hostel Ruthensteiner
• 🇪🇸  Madrid:  Sungate One
• 🇮🇪  Dublin:   Gardiner House

➡  Check out  other European hostels here.

Step 10: Should I buy an Interrailing Pass to travel Europe?

Using an interrailing pass is definitely the easiest way to travel Europe.

Your interrailing pass covers all of your travel, and all of the timetables and routes are online for you to easily access. 

The interrailing pass will save you money, as some single trips between destinations can cost between 50 – 100 EUR. If you buy the Interrailing Pass at the start of your trip, you won’t have to spend any more money on travel (unless you wanted to use a ferry or another mode of transport).

Also, if you book individually with local trains, you’re not going to be able to spontaneously change your plans or get any refunds if things go wrong.

If you’re still worried, sit and do the maths and work out whether the pass is right for you or not. Personally, I love the flexibility of the pass and being able to chop and change right up until the last minute.

Still unsure? Check out my Is the Interrail Pass Worth it? An Honest Review and decide for yourself!

Backpacking Europe: When You Arrive

Yay! If you’ve made it this far in the post, so you must be pretty serious about your trip across Europe. How exciting!

Ok – do this. Close your eyes.

Seriously do it. 

Well, maybe read the next bit first and then close your eyes or you won’t actually have a clue what’s going on. (I’m just trying something here).

When you envision your beautiful future in Europe, living out your dreams, what do you picture yourself doing?

• Drinking champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower?
• Skiing the slopes of the Alps?
• Hiking through the forest in Scandinavia? 
• Eating tapas in Barcelona?
• Sunbathing on the beaches of Santorini?
• Watching the sunrise on a boat in Croatia?

Ok, I’ll stop. I’m close to booking another trip to Europe here myself. 

Anyway, my point here is – if you’re planning a backpacking trip around Europe, do it the way you want to do it. Drink that champagne, eat that bowl of pasta, hike that forest…you get what I mean. 

Don’t miss out on an adventure of a lifetime and regret not doing something for years to come.

Skip buying the dress for your night out in your hometown and save that £50 for a wine tour in Paris. I promise, it’s worth it. 

What to see and do in each country really needs research per destination.

Backpacking Europe FAQs

Is it easy to backpack through europe.

Backpacking Europe is easy if you have done the right planning and have enough money to keep you going. Europe isn’t the cheapest of continents, but it is known for its fast transport systems and comfort.

The problem with Europe (or pro, depending on how you’re looking at it) is that it’s so diverse. You can spend weeks backpacking Europe and still feel like you didn’t see half of it. This can be something difficult to wrap your head around, but it just means you’ll need to plan return trips!

Technically speaking, it is easy to backpack Europe due to modern transport systems, clean and modern hostels, clear and direct signposts and easy driving on roads.

Is it expensive to backpack through Europe?

This really depends on how you want to backpack Europe. However, even backpacker hostels will set you back around £20-30 per night (whereas SE Asia can be as low as £4-5 per night).

It is one of the most expensive continents to travel, but with good planning and savvy spending, you can keep costs to a minimum.

Is backpacking Europe safe?

Like travelling anywhere, travelling Europe has its risks and reasons for you to be vigilant. On a whole, backpacking Europe is safe, and even as a solo female, I have never felt ‘unsafe’ anywhere in Europe.

Of course, keep your guard up, don’t walk in quiet places alone at night, and use your common sense when it comes to staying safe. But overall, Europe is a safe place to travel.

How long should you backpack Europe?

This all depends on your budget and what you want to see during your trip.

If you want to see a fair amount of the continent, you’re going to want to plan for at least 4 weeks. When staying in European cities, you’ll want at least 1-2 nights, and locations out in the countryside or in the mountain ranges, you might want extra time to explore a bit more.

Think about what’s important to you, and how well feasible it would be for you to slow travel Europe.

How much should I budget for a month in Europe?

Excluding flights, I would recommend budgeting at least £1500+ for a month travelling Europe.

This includes all accommodations, trips, activities and food. Food alone will set you back a fair bit on your trip, and you don’t want to miss out on bucket list experiences by not having enough money.

Spend some more time saving so you can experience Europe to its fullest.

How do I prepare for backpacking Europe?

• Check your passport is in date, and you have all the relevant travel documents.
• Buy your backpack. My favourite is this Osprey wheeled 65L , because you can roll it when you’re feeling tired!
• Make a packing list. I have a backpacking essential list here!
• Book your flights and look up how you will travel from the airport to your first hostel or hotel.
• Use Pinterest, travel blogs and Instagram to find places you really want to visit.
• Decide on whether or not you want an Interrailing Pass.
• Pack your bag and GO! Don’t think any more about it, just prepare yourself for a European trip of a lifetime.

Backpacking Europe : In a Nutshell

Now, you truly are all set to book that incroyable trip around Europe!

There is a lot of information here and it may be quite overwhelming, so save or share this post to come back to it later.

But GO YOU for getting this far in a 5000-word post. You must really want that dreamy Europe trip.

And guess what? You deserve it!

👀 Do you have something to share about planning a trip around Europe? Want to add something to the post? Comment below!

Happy travelling!

PSSST, I’m a bit of an expert when it comes to interrailing Europe. Check out my posts here:

• Best Backpack For Interrailing: Ultimate Europe Backpack Guide
• Best Time To Go Interrailing (Europe) Guide: MUST-READ!

Interrailing Spain: ULTIMATE Guide to Travelling Spain By Train

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MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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Backpacking Europe: Itinerary Advice From an Expert

Backpacking Europe can be life-changing experience. Check out this guide to learn how to plan the perfect trip and see a sample itinerary.

Backpacking Europe can be a life-changing experience. The diversity of languages, architecture, and cuisine is enough to keep culture vultures happy for months while history buffs will swoon every time they turn a corner! Traveling through Europe as a form of enlightenment and self-discovery has been popular since the 17th century when the well-heeled would travel to places like France, Germany, Greece, and Italy to become more cultured and learn more about history and art (and according to historical records, engage in some pretty risqué behavior!). 

Not much has changed since then except that we’ve traded steamer trunks for backpacks, and boats and carriages for airplanes and trains. Traveling through Europe has also become much more accessible to people around the world thanks to budget airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet.

Discover the world with Let’s Roam .

Here at Let’s Roam, we believe travel is one of the best forms of education! That’s why our team of travel experts has written destination guides, must-see lists, and travel articles to help you plan your trip. We’ve also got hundreds of app-based scavenger hunts that will introduce you to destinations all around the world!

How to Plan the Ultimate European Backpacking Trip

Below you’ll find itinerary advice for your European adventure. This will take you to some of the most famous places in Europe as well as some off-the-beaten-path destinations!

Important Things to Ask Yourself

Before you start planning your European itinerary, there are a few questions that you should ask yourself.

What is your budget?

This is probably the most important thing to figure out before you start planning your trip. It often dictates how long you can travel and where you can go. There are some parts of Western Europe such as Switzerland, Sweden, and Norway that are painfully expensive. Meanwhile, some places in Central and Eastern Europe still offer great value for your money.  

If this is your first time traveling, you may want to stick with some of the Western European countries as they are generally easier to navigate your way through. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, this means that you may have to have a relatively short trip. However, if you are a more experienced traveler, going to places like Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia can help your money stretch longer. 

It’s all about finding a balance between how much money you have to play with and the destinations that you can go to. While it sounds a bit complicated to figure out, don’t worry. It’s actually easier than it sounds and we are here to help guide you through it!

How fast do you want to travel?

The next question you need to ask yourself is how fast you want to travel. Everyone travels in different ways. Some people only have two weeks and want to see as much as they can. Others want to take it a bit more slowly and only visit a handful of locations. For anyone lucky enough to have more time to travel, you can always mix it up a bit and travel quickly for a few days as you hop from place to place, and then slow it down and stay in the same destination for a week. 

When you’re considering your travel speed, you should really keep in mind what your endurance is. It is much easier to go hard out for a few days than doing it for a few weeks. Like anything in life, if you try to do too much for too long, you’re likely to burn out. 

What type of travel experience do you want to have?

This question ties in quite closely with the two above but with a slight differentiation. This is where you want to start thinking about what you want to get out of the trip. Do you want to visit as many museums as possible? Do you prefer to have your own culinary adventure where you focus on eating at different restaurants, taking cooking classes, or simply trying new foods? 

How much cultural interaction do you want to have? Do you want to have plenty of time to spend hanging out in bars or cafes with locals? Do you want to attend local Meetup or Couchsurfing events? These types of activities are just as important as sightseeing, but they do take time and should be scheduled accordingly.  

For example, if you plan on going out to a famous bar or having a night out on the town, don’t schedule an 8:00 a.m. city tour. While it’s possible to do it, trust me. You don’t want to! 

Let the Planning Begin

Love it or hate it, planning is one of the most important aspects of having a fantastic adventure! Backpacking Europe can be very expensive if you aren’t careful. Having a plan in place can help you save a lot of money. It can also keep you from having to backtrack frequently to go back to things you may have missed.

Before you do any of the steps below, check the expiration date on your passport. Keep in mind that most countries won’t let you in unless your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival date. This is extremely important. If your passport is not valid, you will need to get a new one before leaving.

Expert tip: If you see your passport is getting close to expiring, you may want to consider renewing it at an American embassy or consulate in one of the European cities you plan on visiting. It often takes as little as two weeks to get a new one compared to the atrocious waiting times if you apply in the United States. You simply need to drop off your application and pick up your passport when it’s ready. They let you keep your existing passport in the meantime so you can still travel on it until you get the replacement. 

Step 1: Do plenty of research.

Have you ever gone somewhere and only realized that there were some really fun things to do there once it was too late? It’s pretty disappointing, right? Now imagine having that feeling over and over again. This is why it is so important to do research before you get to a destination.

Some of you may be rolling your eyes as you read this knowing that you want to play it by ear rather than having an itinerary packed full of sightseeing. That is perfectly okay! That is how I tend to travel. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip out on the research step. Trust me, I know this firsthand!  

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to see some of the more off-beat places in a city, then head over to Atlas Obscura. This fantastic website lists the eclectic or kooky attractions in a destination that most other travel guides tend to ignore. This is what many hard-core travelers use when they want to see something unique or interesting. Also, please, please, please don’t rely solely on social media to research a location. Instagram photos posted by influencers are almost always heavily edited. The attractions rarely look like they do in the photos and you are bound to be a bit disappointed. 

Are there any day trips that look interesting?

When you’re researching a destination, make sure to not only look at what there is to do in the destination itself but also whether there are any day trips that you would like to do from there. Most of the major tourist areas of Europe will have organized day trips to other touristy areas or you may be able to get there on your own via public transport. 

For example, many people who visit Krakow also want to go to Auschwitz. Many tour companies offer expensive day tours to get there. However, there are also public buses that will take you there. The two experiences are very different and will suit different types of travelers. 

What are prices like in a destination around the time you want to go?

When you’re doing your initial research, don’t forget to take a quick peek at accommodation websites like Booking.com, HostelWorld, or Airbnb to see how much the hotels or hostels are around the time you want to go. This can have a major impact on how much time you end up spending in a city.  

For example, you may want to use Munich as a base to explore Bavaria and are thinking about taking a train there from Milan. Accommodation in Munich is normally quite pricey even in the off-season and can be extremely expensive during the summer and Oktoberfest. In this case, you may want to take an overnight train between the two cities to save on accommodation costs. This means you either have to cross your fingers so you hit the ground running or you schedule a pretty easy first day there.

Step 2: Create a rough itinerary.

Hopefully, your research has given you a list of destinations that you want to see. At this point, it’s really helpful to save these on Google Maps as a way to see the geographical layout of your desired destinations. If there are any major outliers that would be nice to see but aren’t that important, you may want to cross them off your list early on. This will likely save you some logistics-related headaches later.  

On the contrary, if there are any destinations that are pretty far away from everywhere else that you are desperate to see, this is the time to do more research to see what lies between that and the closest destination. You may find that there are a few interesting things to check out on the way. This usually helps make the side trip feel a bit more worthwhile. If you are traveling long distances to get there, it also is a good way to break up those distances a bit. And who knows, you may end up finding some wonderful new places!

Expert tip: When you’re putting together your itinerary, make sure to leave yourself enough time to enjoy yourself! I know, I know. This is easier said than done when there are so many great things to see and do. When I was a novice backpacker working my way through Europe in the early 2000s, I used the Lonely Planet as a checklist and would visit every single attraction that they wrote about. This was extremely ambitious and exhausting, but on the plus side, I learned just how cool botanical gardens are!  

Looking back, this marathon sightseeing has largely been forgotten. What I remember are the moments that I spent hanging out with new friends in the hostel, interacting with locals, and the overwhelming feeling that the world is opening up around me. If you move too fast, you may miss out on these experiences, which quite frankly, are just as important as seeing the sights. 

Step 3: Start booking tickets and hotels.

Now that you have a pretty decent idea of the places that you want to visit and the amount of time that you need in each place, it’s time to start making a few bookings. This doesn’t mean you need to plan every step of your journey. In fact, we recommend that you don’t actually do that. However, it’s time to book the “big ticket” things. This includes stuff like your flights from your home country to Europe, flights between European destinations, and accommodation in places that are very likely to sell out in advance. Try to book accommodation with free cancelation policies in case your plans change, even if it means paying a little bit more. This way, you have a guaranteed place to stay but still have some flexibility if needed. 

Expert tip: When you’re booking your flights, always double-check what airports you are flying in and out of. Some European airports are very far from the cities that they serve which can eat up a lot of time and cost a lot in ground transport getting to the city center.  

Expert tip #2: Before you book a bunch of train tickets, which generally isn’t necessary anyways, get an idea of how much your expected train tickets will cost. Compare this to the price of a Eurail Pass to see if it ends up being cheaper. Eurail Passes cost a set price and allow you to use the European train network for a set period. You can get them for certain European countries or regions and if you plan on traveling quickly across large distances, they may save you a lot of money.

Expert tip #3 : If you’re planning to travel through Germany, check what train passes they have available. Deutsche Bahn, the national train network, offers regional passes that allow you to travel on the local trains for a ridiculously low price. These rail passes don’t include the InterCity trains, but they are perfect for anyone wanting to move slowly through the country as they can be used almost like a hop-on-hop-off train ticket. 

Step 4: Prepare your packing list.

As the departure day for your big backpacking trip through Europe comes closer, it’s time to prepare your packing list. Try as hard as you possibly can to pack lightly with just a carry-on. Ideally, this will be a backpack. There are a few reasons for this. First off, wheeled suitcases do not do well on cobblestones. Secondly, it is much easier to get on and off trains, buses, airplanes, and other forms of public transportation with a carry-on backpack than a big suitcase. Third, it will save you a ton of money in baggage fees.

While this idea may be painful to some people, it’s worth it. Unless you’re a famous influencer making millions off of your Tik Tok account, you simply don’t need to have a bunch of flashy outfits with you. Instead, bring a few timeless items such as black jeans or leggings, a few dresses, and some nice shirts or tank tops. 

Find different ways to layer your clothes so that it looks like you’re carrying more clothes with you than you are. And, whatever you do, don’t forget to bring a brightly colored sarong with you. That handy piece of cloth can be used as a scarf, blanket, towel, beach cover-up, or even a dress if you’re creative. 

Try and leave a little extra space in your carry-on bag in case you see anything that you love during your travels and want to take home with you. If you can’t figure out how to fit it all in with room to spare, watch a few YouTube videos to see how other people pack for a backpacking trip. You can also invest in some packing cubes to see if they help. You can normally buy them on Amazon, at home goods stores, or anywhere where you normally buy luggage.

Step 5: Head off for your European backpacking extravaganza!

Woo-hoo! The big day has finally come and it’s time to hit the road! Before you head to the airport for your flight, do one last check to make sure you have your passport that is valid for at least six months, your wallet, backup credit cards and ATM cards, a reusable water bottle, and U.S. dollars for emergencies. 

This is also the perfect time to download the Let’s Roam app . This app gives you access to all of our fun-filled scavenger hunts which are a great, budget-friendly way to learn more about a destination! 

The 21st Century Grand Tour

Okay, now that we’ve covered all of the logistics of backpacking through Europe, now is the fun part! Below we’ve included a sample itinerary that you can use as a pseudo-Europe travel guide for planning your backpacking trip. 

Rather than breaking down what you should do each day, we’ll leave that up to you! Instead, we have focused on the logistics of getting from one place to another. We have also created itineraries that allow you to easily connect Western Europe, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe if you’re lucky enough to travel for months on end and want to see as much as possible! 

Expert advice: If you’re traveling for longer periods, pay attention to where you will be at certain times of the year. Most experienced travelers will avoid Western Europe during the summer which is their peak tourist season. On top of that, much of Italy effectively shuts down in August when everyone goes on their summer breaks to the seaside. 

As mentioned, if this is your first Europe trip, we highly recommend sticking to Western Europe. One of the cheapest and best-connected airports to fly into Western Europe from the United States is Amsterdam, so we’ll start the journey there! Most of the itinerary is expected to be done by train travel, but there are a few times when you have to take a bus between destinations.

Countries included:  Netherlands, Belgium, France, Andorra, Spain, Portugal, Italy , San Marino, Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany

Stop 1: The beautiful city of Amsterdam is the perfect place to spend a few days getting over jetlag and preparing for your big backpacking trip. Nearly everyone in this canal-laden Dutch city speaks English which makes it very easy to get your bearings, especially if you’re a first-time traveler to Europe. 

Stop 2: From Amsterdam, you can take a train to Antwerp in northern Belgium. Known as the Diamond Capital of the World, Antwerp boasts striking Flemish Renaissance architecture. Your sightseeing starts as soon as you pull into the breathtaking Antwerp Central Train Station. From there, you can wander around the cobblestone streets, grab your first Belgian beer in Belgium, and check out the interesting, and very historic, Diamond District.

Stop 3: The next stop is Bruges. This charming little city is famous for its canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site so this is something you don’t want to miss. It is a very touristy town though so you may find it hard to escape the crowds.

Stop 4: From Bruges, it’s an easy train ride down to the iconic city of Paris . With sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, the Louvre, and the Seine River, Paris certainly doesn’t need an introduction. Nearby, the glittering palace of Versailles stands as a testament to the ostentatious wealth and power of the French monarchy before the French Revolution. 

Stop 5: After exploring Paris, it’s time to grab a train to Bordeaux , France’s wine capital! This is where you can try some of the best wines in the world straight from the source. The gorgeous walled city of Bordeaux offers the perfect place to base yourself while you explore the nearby vineyards. 

Stop 6:  Once you’ve had your fill of wine and medieval buildings, it’s time to visit a new country! Andorra is a teeny-tiny country squished between France and Spain. It’s a popular skiing and hiking destination. There isn’t a huge amount to do here otherwise, but it would be a shame to miss another country when you are so close! 

Stop 7: From Andorra, you can get a bus to Barcelona . Home of the fantastical Gaudi architecture, a beautiful coastline, and vibrant nightlife, this is another place where you will probably want to spend a few extra days to give yourself enough time to eat, drink, and be merry!

Stop 8: As the capital of Spain, Madrid boasts some of the country’s most impressive buildings, great museums, and fantastic shopping. It is a city of grand boulevards and manicured plazas, which makes it feel very different than Barcelona. Spend a few days exploring the city and then plan on hitting the road again.

Stop 9: Porto is a gorgeous city located in northern Portugal. Well-known for being the birthplace of Porto wine, the city is home to gorgeous architecture, narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, and a robust culinary scene. This is one of the least expensive touristy hotspots in Western Europe, so this is also a great opportunity to splurge! The best way to get from Madrid to Porto is by bus which should take around 6-7 hours. 

Stop 10: Lying just a few hours by train south of Porto, the capital city of Lisbon is a photographer’s dream come true. The hilly streets and iconic street cars provide the perfect props and backdrop for some amazing photos. Meanwhile, the vivacious nightlife will leave you dancing until the early morning! Don’t party too hard though as this is a great place to do a free walking tour of the city. 

Stop 11: After you’ve enjoyed all that Lisbon has to offer, you can make your way south to the Algarve coast. Here, you’ll find a handful of historic towns and a long sweep of beautiful beaches. The biggest city in the region is Faro and this is likely to be your first stop before you head to one of the nearby beaches. 

Stop 12:  The southern Spanish city of Seville is located less than a three-hour bus ride from Faro. Seville is the largest city in the region of Andalusia, which was once occupied by the Islamic Moors. Here, you’ll find a fascinating mix of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish architecture which gives you an in-depth look at Spain’s long, and very diverse, history. This was also where flamenco got its start, making it a good place to catch a dance show. 

Stop 13: From Seville, you can either travel by train, bus, or plane to Marseille , France. There are many cheap flights running between the two countries so this is likely to be the most budget-friendly option. Marseille is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and is now one of the most multicultural cities in the country. This is the perfect opportunity to try food from all over the world before hopping back on the train to travel further along France’s Mediterranean coastline. 

Stop 14: While there are plenty of lovely towns and cities to visit in southern France, one destination that you shouldn’t miss is Monaco. Famous for its casinos, glitz, and grandeur, the itty-bitty country of Monaco is one of the wealthiest places in Europe. A stop there gives you a taste of how the other half live. 

Stop 15: From Monaco, you can head over to Nice. Located at the foot of the French Alps, this is a large city that somehow feels small. The old town is charming and the Mediterranean Sea waterfront can easily compete with some of the most popular beach cities around the world. It was once a summer refuge for the well-heeled in the 19th century. Today, it’s a popular beach destination and a lovely spot to get your feet a little wet!

Stop 16: Time to head to your next country—Italy! The journey from Nice to Cinque Terre National Park is a little complicated and will probably require one or two train transfers. However, once you see the colorful villages perched high on the hills of the Mediterranean Sea, it will feel like it was all worthwhile! The best way to travel between the villages is by hiking along the ancient goat trails that have been used for centuries.

Stop 17:  Once you arrive in Pisa , one of the first things you should do is head straight to the famous Leaning Tower to get some Instagram-worthy pics. You can then either spend the night in Pisa or hop right back on the train for the short ride to Florence. 

Stop 18: As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, Florence packs a lot into a relatively small place. During the Renaissance, this was the home of some of the world’s biggest artists, architects, intellectuals, and scientists. The love of art and culture still lives on today, and this is the ideal place for all the art history buffs out there! Florence also serves as a good base to explore some of the towns of Tuscany, so make sure to allocate some extra time here!

Stop 19: The ancient city of Rome holds some of the world’s most important architectural wonders including the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum as well as “modern” gems like the Trevi Fountains and the Spanish Steps. This is another destination where you may want to hang out a bit, getting your fill of wine, pizza, and pasta!

Stop 20: From Rome, it’s just a couple of hours by train down to Naples. The city itself feels a bit rough and ready so you probably don’t want to spend a huge amount of time there. However, it does serve as an ideal base to visit the ruins of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These cities were destroyed in 79 A.D. when Mount Vesuvius erupted. They now serve as a haunting reminder of what Mother Nature is capable of. Pompeii and Herculaneum can be reached via a local train from Naples. 

Stop 21: As you make your way back north from Naples, it’s time to add another new country to your list—San Marino. Another teeny-tiny place, San Marino is completely encompassed by Italy and is an interesting town to wander around for a few hours or even spend a few days in. You can get to San Marino by bus from the cute beach city of Rimini. 

Stop 22: From Rimini, you can continue north to Venice . This breathtaking city is unlike any other in the world thanks to its series of interconnected canals that turn the city into a series of islands. Venice has been used as the backdrop for countless movies, books, and TV shows, and there are even replicas of it in Las Vegas and Macao. However, nothing quite beats seeing it in real life!

From Venice, you can either continue east along the coast to Slovenia to start heading south towards Croatia and the amazing Balkan region or head north towards Switzerland and Austria. 

Stop 23: Heading north from Italy, Innsbruck is the first major Austrian city you will reach. This is another great destination for hiking if you’re craving some outdoor activities. There are even free walking tours of the Alps if you want to tackle a small hike without having to figure out the logistics yourself.

Stop 24: From Innsbruck, take the train for a few hours to Salzburg . Famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of the Sound of Music , this gorgeous city is surrounded by mountains and has amazing Baroque architecture. While you can see most of it in a day or two, it’s a good idea to allow yourself a bit more time, especially if you want to join one of the day tours to the Sound of Music sights! 

Stop 25: Just a few hours from Salzburg, you can reach Munich . It’s the capital of Bavaria and home to some of Germany’s best lager. Its historical center boasts Neo-Gothic architecture and the Hoffbrauhaus as well as many interesting museums including the Deutsches Museum which is the largest museum of science and technology in the world. 

Stop 26: From Munich, you can easily catch a train to Prague , the capital of the Czech Republic. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe thanks to its impressive collection of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Although it’s nowhere near as cheap as it used to be, Prague still offers pretty decent value for money compared to France, Spain, or Germany, so this is another chance to splurge a bit on food and beer! 

Extension option #1 : If you want to continue heading east, Budapest, Hungary, is a relatively short train ride away and is well worth the detour! You can even stop in Bratislava, Slovakia, on the way. From there, you can head to Romania and further into the Balkans.

Extension option #2: You can also head into Poland from Prague. Some of the highlights of the country include Wroclaw, Krakow, and Warsaw.

Stop 27: If you don’t have the time, money, or energy to do one of the extension options, the next stop is Berlin . Germany’s capital city is renowned for its museums and edgy culture. This is a city where anything can happen! While you’re there, make sure to visit Checkpoint Charlie and view the remains of the Berlin Wall. These stand as an important reminder of the division of Germany between East and West and how far they have come.

Stop 28: When you’ve gotten your fill of Berlin, it’s time to start making your way toward Frankfurt . This is one of the country’s biggest and most important cities, and it serves as an airline hub for flights back to the U.S. There isn’t a huge amount to see in Frankfurt, but you can continue your journey from there.

So, are you ready to roam?

We hope this guide has given you a good start on planning your European backpacking trip! As always, we would love to hear your feedback, and please let us know if there are any tips, tricks, or destinations we may have missed. 

If you want to read more great information about any of these destinations, make sure to check out the Let’s Roam Explorer blog . This blog features hundreds of destination guides, must-see lists, and travel articles that can help you plan the perfect adventure. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the things that you need to think about when backpacking Europe are the season that you are going in, what accommodation options there are, and what your budget is.

It’s definitely worth backpacking in Europe! The beautiful architecture, amazing museums, sprawling parks, and charming cobblestone streets have been drawing people to Europe for centuries.

You can backpack Europe on the cheap by staying in hostels, doing app-based scavenger hunts, traveling during the off-season, and taking buses or local trains instead of the faster inner-city trains.

Some of the best places to backpack in Europe include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. If you’re an experienced traveler, you may also want to consider the Balkans or Eastern Europe.

The amount of money you spend while backpacking Europe depends on how you like to travel. You can stay in hotels, hostels, or by Couchsurfing or take planes and buses which all have very different costs.

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Backpacking through europe: all you need to know

Complete guide for backpacking through Europe: learn how to save money on food, flights and accommodation, and the best gear you have to take with you.

Jessica Jessy Around The World

Aug 16, 2023

Europe is such a rich continent, full of things to see and do, for every kind of traveler. The Old Continent has amazing cities , national parks , beaches , hiking trails, and more. If you're planning on backpacking through Europe, the good news is, it's probably the easiest continent to backpack.

Most European countries are very safe, have great public transport, and it's easy to get around between cities and countries. There are also plenty of cheap destinations, and with the tips that I'll share in this article, you can travel around the whole of Europe on a budget while having the time of your life.

If you want to take a year off and explore a continent, if you want to have a trip with just your backpack, if you want to quit everything for a while and just enjoy a long travel, Europe could be the perfect choice.

In this article you will find all the information you need to know about backpacking through Europe in the best and cheapest way. I will talk about costs, the best way to find cheap flights, how to save money on food, what to pack and how to find free accommodation.

Backpacking through Europe: planning your trip

How much does it cost to backpack europe.

The cost of backpacking through Europe   really depends on the countries you want to visit. Europe is so different, every country has a different price and different attractions. Some of them are very cheap and other are so expensive.

If you want to backpack Northern Europe , for example, you have to consider a higher budget , because food, accommodation and transport up there are really expensive.

If you want to backpack the Balkans , you can do it low budget because they are so cheap. They can be compared to South East Asian countries, for instance. When you travel in the Balkans you can go to restaurants every day because it’s so cheap, and you can sleep in good hotels at the same cost of a hostel.

Other cheap countries are the ones in Eastern Europe. And then you have some countries in which you can fin cheap things but also spend a lot of money, depending on what you want to do, like Italy , Spain , Germany and France .

In the same continent, as you can see, you can live different travel experiences. But in most places, you can save a lot of money on accommodation and food if you do a work exchange - which I'll talk about later in this article.

If you want an estimate, this is what 2 weeks in Europe may look like for a budget traveler:

Accommodation: 20 Euros per night for 14 nights = 280 Euros

Food: 30 Euros per day for 14 days = 420 Euros

Transportation : 10 Euros per day for 14 days = 140 Euros

Attractions: 20 Euros per day for 14 days = 280 Euros

So for 2 weeks in Europe, a budget traveler may spend around 1,120 Euros. This could be much lower if you budget more. A work exchange cuts your accommodation costs down to 0, and your food, transport, and activity costs may be lower as well depending on what your host offers.

If you get to most places by foot, and don't change cities too often, you can also cut down the transportation costs. Another tip is to look for free activities, like museums with free entrance, self guided tours, parks and such, that aren't hard to find in most European cities.

Finding cheap flights

One of my favorite things about backpacking Europe is that it's not hard to find  cheap flights , because you have a lot of choices. There are many  low cost companies,  like Easyjest, Ryanair and Wizzair . They always have cheap flights all around the continent.

Booking too much in advance is not always helpful because sometimes airlines make last minute deals, especially the low cost ones.

You might also like to read:

• The 19 cheapest cities to backpack in Europe
• 33 travel apps that will save you time and money in Europe
• Top places and tips to travel alone in Europe

Picking a good backpack

Picking a good backpack is very important if you want to backpack Europe. And it could be worth it to spend a little more money in order to get a good one , rather than trying to save too much picking something that won't last or that won't be comfortable. 

Your backpack is really important, because it will be your home during your travels. I would also recommend avoiding suitcases , unless you're planning on spending your time is just one or two places. For moving around, especially if you're getting public transportation to get in and out of each city, backpacks are much more practical.

When you choose your backpack , it's good to try it before buying, to see if it's proportionate to your height and your weight.

What to pack for backpacking through Europe

Once you have chosen your backpack, you have to choose what to pack . Your packing list will depend on the countries you are going to visit and the experiences you want to live. Nevertheless, there are a few things that you should always pack when you go backpacking through Europe:

• Sunscreen

• Electronic devices and their chargers

• Hiking shoes

• First-aid kit

• Comfortable clothes

These things are really important and they are always suitable for every trip. And then, you have to think about the temperature of the country you are visiting in order to pack the right clothes. If you are heading to Northern Europe, you will need warmer clothes, if you are heading to the Mediterranean area, you will maybe need swimsuits, and so on.

A very helpful thing to do while packing is writing a list of things you want to take, so that you don't forget anything important.

Cheap accommodation for backpacking through Europe 

Accommodation is usually the   biggest travel expense. Fortunately, there are some tricks to use to help you save money.

The most common place where backpackers usually sleep during their trips are  hostels . Besides being cheap, they're a good place for meeting other travelers, and there is usually a shared kitchen that you can use to cook your meals.

In case you are traveling solo, hostels are perfect because you can sleep in a dorm, save lots of money and meet people. Ifyou travel as a couple, you can opt for a private room and it would cost less than the same type of room in a hotel.

Another option to save money is using Couchsurfing . In this way you can sleep for free in a house from a local person. It's great because it not only helps you save money, but also puts you in touch with local people, and they are always full of advice to give you for your trip. But keep in mind that most people usually don't host couchsurfers for more than 2 or 3 nights.

My favorite way to get free accommodation when I'm backpacking is through the work exchange platform  Worldpackers , where you can find volunteering positions all over the world . 

All you have to do is search through the website to find the volunteering opportunity that best suits you, then apply to it, and in exchange for some hours of work per day you get free accommodation, and sometimes other benefits like free meals, classes and tours. 

There are many kinds of hosts, from hostels to ecovillages , NGOs and homestays . You can spend from a few days up to several months at a work exchange, and during that time you'll meet local people and travelers from all over the world which are volunteering just like you. 

The tasks in demand by Worldpackers hosts are very varied, so you can either do something you're already good at or learn something new, like cooking, painting, gardening, caring for animals, taking photos, teaching languages, managing social media or developing websites. You'll likely find out hidden talents and broaden your horizons , making your backpacking trip much more transformative. 

How to get around Europe for cheap

Europe is an easy continent in terms of getting around. It is full of buses and trains, and cities and countries are generally well linked to each other.

Buses are usually the cheapest way to get around Europe, but sometimes you can find good deals even with trains.

Have you ever heard about Interrail program ? It’s a really common thing among backpackers and it’s the perfect way to backpack Europe. Doing an Interrail means buying train tickets for different destinations all around Europe, in the form of a pass, in general for a trip that lasts a period of two or three weeks.

In this way you can buy cheap train tickets and save a lot of money, and get around Europe easily visiting lots of different countries. Sometimes there are also huge discounts for young people under 20 years old. 

Read more: Eurail Global Pass  

How to save money on food

The cost of food in Europe depends on the country you are visiting. Like I said before, there are countries such as the Balkans, in which you can go to restaurants every night because they are so cheap, and there are other places where you have to be careful because restaurants can be very expensive.

Unfortunately, street food is not as common as in Asian and Latin American countries, so it’s not easy to find cheap street food in Europe. You can find street food in some markets, especially during fairs or Christmas time, but it’s not so cheap.

The best way to save money on food while backpacing Europe is to cook your own food , and you can do it easily if you stay in hostels, because they usually have a full equipped kitchen.

Another way to save money on food is to volunteer and get free accommodation and free board in exchange. If you look on the  Worldpackers platform , in the section about volunteering positions in Europe , you can use the filters and choose the option of meals included . This way you can see all the hosts that provide accommodation with meals. And, of course, you can also if the place has an equipped kitchen available for the volunteers to use. 

Itinerary ideas for backpacking through Europe

There are plenty of ideas for backpacking itineraries in Europe , depending on what you want to see and your budget.

If you have a low budget to travel through Europe , a perfect itinerary for you can be through the Balkans. Backpacking the Balkans is such an experience. You can visit a lot of amazing countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia Erzegovina, Montenegro and Albania , traveling by bus and discovering beautiful places less crowded than more famous European destinations.

Another common backpacking itinerary in Europe , especially for Interrails pass holders, is travelling all around Eastern Europe using trains, but you can also use buses. You can visit Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania .

If you love traveling by train and you have a little higher budget, you can think about visiting Austria, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands . These countries are a bit more expensive, but you can always try to save money, for example volunteering with Worldpackers.

And if you are looking for places off-the-beaten-path, consider these hidden gems in Europe .

So, are you ready to go backpacking through Europe? Now you have all the information you need, and if you want to have an amazing trip saving tons of money, follow Worldpackers social media to keep up with the news: we are on Instagram , Tiktok and YouTube . And be sure to check out our other articles for more Europe travel tips !

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an Italian full time traveler. After years planning my full time travel, I finally quit my 9 to 5 job to start exploring the world with a one way ticket. My goal is to visit as many countries as I can and to work as a digital nomad while I am traveling, but also to challenge myself doing travel jobs in the places I visit. I really want to live a lot of different experiences in a way only a real traveler can do.

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Five Great Backpacking Europe Routes

Last Updated on February 14, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

For many, the act of donning a backpack and wandering aimlessly throughout the European continent is seen as something of a right of passage. Travelling on a budget is becoming easier and more accessible for people of any age with many options available for some non-traditional backpacking Europe routes.

Most people don’t have an unlimited amount of time to set aside for travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a backpack Europe at all. With this in mind, here are some things to keep in mind when planning a budget trip and also some itinerary ideas for any length of time!

Table of Contents

Planning a European Backpacking Route

Before I dive headfirst into all of the possible backpacking across Europe routes you could take, there are a number of things to consider before you begin planning your itinerary. Everything from your own particular travel style, your budget, and the season in which you plan to travel are all significant components that should be appraised prior to booking a flight.

Travel Style

One of the biggest factors that needs to be considered when planning a backpacking Europe trip is how you intend to travel. More often than not, people planning a trip tend to get overly excited and seem to think that it’s a good idea to pack as many places as possible into a short period of time.

This can be one of the biggest mistakes you can make, as it will more likely lead to exhaustion and travel burn-out rather than a fulfilling backpacking experience.

I am definitely a massive advocate for slower-paced travel as I believe that it allows travellers to really experience a city, town, or country while reducing the possibility of overwhelm and exhaustion. This is why, generally speaking, I would recommend spending an average of three nights in each place you intend to visit.

For bigger cities with many points of interest, I would recommend extending this to four or five nights (or more) and for a smaller town or city, I honestly wouldn’t recommend spending fewer than two nights.

While it may seem on the surface that destinations are close by, travel days are a huge time drain and take, at least, half of an entire day and can be tiring. This inevitably leaves less time to adequately explore your destination. A good way to counter this is by staying in one strategically located destination where you can easily access other places for day trips.

Getting Around

How you plan to get around Europe is also another key consideration when planning your Europe backpacking route. Depending on which region you happen to be visiting, there are different transport options that are available to you.

For instance, if you’re planning on spending the majority of your time in the Balkans or the Baltics , you’re not going to want to rely on train travel — trains aren’t well-developed in these regions! No, you’re going to want to take the bus instead.

In fact, if you’re looking to save money in a lot of countries throughout Europe (even if there is a well-developed train system), then the bus might be the best option for you, especially in countries with expensive train networks.

Whether you’re looking to book a bus or a train, however, we recommend using Omio , which compares bus and train routes and allows you to book the best option for you. For buses, we also recommend using Flixbus. They are an affordable bus company that operates throughout Europe and have prices that are particularly friendly to those trying to stick to a budget.

If you are in a country where it makes more sense to take the train or you just prefer it to the bus, then it is worth it to look into getting a rail pass. Depending on where you’re from, purchasing to Eurail pass or an Interrail pass could be one of the smartest financial decisions you could make while planning out your trip.

If you’re interested in visiting a lot of regions around Europe, there are also budget airlines on the continent such as Ryanair, WizzAir and EasyJet. These are not as cheap as they used to be, but you can still find affordable flights on occasion – especially if you’re not checking in any luggage.

It’s likely that you’re going to be trying to be backpacking Europe on a budget and this directly effects what kind of route or itinerary you devise.

Contrary to popular belief, the entire European continent isn’t outrageously expensive and there are certainly a number of regions that can be incredibly affordable for Western travellers. That being said, however, your money can definitely go a lot further in most Central and Eastern European countries than in Western Europe.

When trying to figure out a budget for a backpacking Europe itinerary, it is best to just come up with a general ballpark figure of how much you’re willing to spend and how long you want to travel. This can give you a greater idea of where it would be best to go and when.

The main costs that need to be considered during any number of backpacking through Europe routes are the prices of accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and entertainment.

However, there are also pre-trip expenses to consider like travel insurance. World Nomads offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

Another option if travelling long term is SafetyWing . They offer travel medical insurance policies at one of the lowest rates on the market.

To overgeneralise, it’s hardest to stick to a tight budget for backpackers in most Western and Northern European countries. Central Europe is best for a mid-range budget and Eastern Europe and the Balkans tend to be the most affordable regions on the continent. Obviously, there are exceptions to these guidelines depending on the country or city you happen to be travelling in.

The last major thing to consider is which season is best to travel in. The European continent very much experiences all four seasons, with most countries experiencing cold, snowy winters and hot, muggy summers.

Tourist seasons in Europe are broken up into three distinct categories: high season (June – August), low season (December – February), and shoulder seasons (March – May and September – November).

There are definite pros and cons to planning your route through any of these seasons. If you plan to travel during the high season, you can definitely expect some of the best weather.

The days are normally very warm and, due to Europe’s more northern location, also quite long. Most of the tourist facilities will be open and there are also a number of festivals and cultural events that tend to take place during the summer.

Conversely, travelling in the high season does come with its own setbacks. As it is the most popular time to visit Europe, accommodation, restaurant, and tourist attraction prices are often inflated. Popular sites and seaside cities and towns can become incredibly crowded and with that comes a high demand for everything, making it a lot less easy to be flexible.

If you do plan to travel in the high season, it’s generally pertinent that you book most things ahead and plan well in advance. We recommend booking hostels through Hostelworld or budget rooms through Booking.Com which often allows you to book without paying upfront. Another great option, particularly if travelling as a couple is to use Airbnb, which is available throughout Europe.

Travelling in the low season can be an appealing option for those who are looking to avoid tourist crowds and who don’t mind the inevitable cold weather. Travelling around the Christmas season can be especially rewarding, as most cities and towns go all out with cheerful decorations, lights, and wonderful Christmas markets.

Prices are also often a lot cheaper than in the high season and it can be a lot easier to be flexible with your travel plans. Due to low demand, however, you may find that some tourist attractions either have very limited opening hours or are closed entirely and, due to cold weather, a seaside escape isn’t really in the cards if you’re travelling in the winter.

If you were to ask my opinion, I would say to plan your trip in the shoulder seasons. The weather, while sometimes unpredictable, is generally milder and often pleasant and the tourist crowds are few. The inflated prices of the summer aren’t usually in place and also the accommodation demand isn’t as high, leaving more room for flexibility.

Three-Week Backpacking Europe Routes

If you are short on time but still want to experience the travelling mindset that comes with backpacking, then three weeks is the perfect length for an itinerary. Because it is synonymous with travelling on a budget, these routes for backpacking Europe will concentrate on Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Central European Highlights Itinerary

The best place to begin many Central and Eastern European trips is in Budapest , which is a fantastic and vibrant city for budget backpackers. This itinerary sees you visiting some of the biggest and brightest major cities in Hungary, Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Budapest – plan to spend at least five days in Hungary’s capital city. This will give you enough time to see all of the great sites, experience its great nightlife and thermal bathhouses and also take a day trip. Budapest is truly one of the best places to visit in Europe so it’s worth taking your time here.

Krakow  – plan to spend at least three days in Krakow , which will allow you explore its beautiful Old Town and Kazimierz Quarter and take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Wroclaw – this charming student city is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Spend three or so nights here and take the time to explore the Old Town, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, lounge in the many parks, and hunt for the many dwarf statues scattered throughout the city.

Berlin – Germany’s achingly cool capital deserves to have at least five nights devoted to exploring it. There are so many cool things to do in Berlin , including eating delicious international cuisine, experiencing its legendary nightlife, admiring the street art in neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg, and getting cultured in some of its many museums.

Prague  – while Prague’s main tourist spots are easy to explore in just one or two days, it is worth spending about four days in the beautiful Czech capital. This will allow you to get off the beaten path in the city. Alternatively, you could use one of these days to spend a night in nearby Cesky Krumlov.

Balkan Highlights Itinerary

If you’re looking to avoid the tourist crowds that are inevitable in the former itinerary and want to get a little bit off the beaten path, heading to the Balkans is a fantastic option. This is one of the most underrated corners of Europe and the Balkan countries are very much worth exploring. Consequently, Budapest is also a fantastic starting point for exploring this under-explored region.

Budapest – though Hungary is not considered a Balkan country, its capital city is a great place to start. Five nights in Budapest is the perfect amount of time to really get to know this amazing city well.

Pécs  – the charming Hungarian city of Pécs is still fairly undiscovered by international tourism, which gives you all the more reason to go! The city itself is wonderful to explore, but it is also surrounded by beautiful nature. Three nights here will give you a taste of a different side of Hungary.

Novi Sad  – as Serbia’s second-largest city, Novi Sad is small but charming. It is worth spending at least two nights here in order to explore its lovely Old Town, fortress, and thriving cafe culture.

Belgrade  – Serbia’s capital city may seem a bit rough around the edges, but it is easily one of our favourite European cities and it is well worth taking a fair amount of time getting to know it. It is becoming infamous for its incredible nightlife, but the cultural and historical significance are worth learning about as well. Spending five or so nights here would be ideal.

Sarajevo – the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a long and troubled history. Today, it is a wonderful city that has a definite east-meets-west feel. Three days in this city will allow you to enjoy it’s laid-back lifestyle while also giving you time to go to some museums to learn about BiH’s history.

Mostar  – Mostar is probably one of the most popular cities to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but many treat it solely as a day trip. While the city itself is small, it has quite a tumultuous history that is worth learning about. There are also some great day trips and tours to take from Mostar, including to the Kravice Waterfall and Blagaj Monastery. Three nights in Mostar is a great way to end this trip.

6 Week Backpacking Europe Routes

If you have more time, six weeks is really the ideal trip length. Especially if you’re travelling in the low or shoulder seasons, six weeks allows for more flexibility in your trip planning as well.

Central European Greats Itinerary

If you’re keen to explore more of Central Europe, this is a fantastic route to follow. It sees you exploring both the capitals and smaller towns and cities of Hungary, Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Budapest  – The best starting point for any Central Europe trip , if you have six weeks for your backpacking Europe itinerary, I would recommend spending one of them in Budapest. Seven days in the Hungarian capital will give you a solid amount of time to really get to know and appreciate this fantastic city.

Krakow  – Krakow is a good place to begin exploring Poland. Three to four days here is probably enough to see the sites and take a day trip or two.

Wroclaw  – spend three or four nights in this charming student city

Warsaw – it is worth spending at least three nights exploring the Polish capital

Poznan  – another beautiful Polish city, Poznan’s Old Town is worth spending one full day exploring and it is also a great idea to head to nearby Wielkopolska National Park. Three nights is ideal.

Berlin  – the German capital is another great city to spend at least a week in. This way, you can see the main sites while also getting a bit off the beaten tourist path.

Dresden – a lesser-visited East German city, there are two unique sides to Dresden . Spend three or so nights here to get to know it.

Prague  – the main sites of the Czech capital can easily be seen in two or three days, but spend four or five days here so you can explore other quarters, such as Zizkov. Despite its popularity, there are definitely ways to get off the beaten path in Prague.

Cesky Krumlov  – while this city can be visited as a day trip from Prague, it can be worth spending one or two nights here to see with when the hoards of day tourists go home for the day.

Olomouc  – we are sure that Olomouc is going to become a tourist hotspot in the years to come, so it’s worth spending three or so days exploring this laid-back city before it’s discovered by the masses.

Obviously, there are several other places you could put on a Central European trip, but this is a good outline to follow.

Balkan Greats Itinerary

As I said earlier, the Balkans are a fantastic place to get off the beaten path in Europe. Travellers could easily spend months and months exploring these fascinating countries (we have!), but six weeks is a fantastic length of time to really get an in-depth feel of this wonderful region.

Budapest – 4 to 5 days in the Hungarian capital is a great way to kick off this Europe backpacking trip

Pécs  – three nights is a great amount of time to explore this Hungarian city

Novi Sad  – two or three nights is ideal to get to know the second-largest city in Serbia

Belgrade  – spend a few days getting to know this truly underrated European capital

Sarajevo  – three or so days is a good amount of time to explore the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar  – spend two to three days in this city in the south of BiH

Kotor – two or three days is perfect to explore this beautiful Montenegrin city

Albania – Albania is a really fascinating country to explore, you could spend a couple of days in its capital of Tirana and then a couple more visiting the UNESCO-listed sites in Berat and Gjirokaster. Albania also has miles of pristine Adriatic coastline — Sarande is a great city to enjoy the beach.

Ohrid  – a charming Macedonian city on the banks of Lake Ohrid . Two or three days is perfect to see all of the sites.

Skopje – North Macedonia’s capital can be seen and explored in three or so days

Sofia  – the capital of Bulgaria is often overlooked by tourists , but it is worth spending at least four days exploring this ancient metropolis

Plovdiv – Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Plovdiv has a number of ancient ruins and cool things to do . Three days at least is a good amount of time to spend here.

If you have more time, I would recommend travelling to Kosovo and visiting cities such as Prizren or Pristina. Heading into Northern Greece can be very much worth it as well, especially to see the stunning monasteries at Meteora .

Eastern Europe Itinerary

If you want to stay off the beaten path but would prefer to head north rather than south, consider adding the Baltic States onto your six-week backpacking Europe route. This itinerary sees you starting in Berlin and travelling north through Poland up to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Berlin – spend a few days in the effortlessly cool German capital

Wroclaw – three days is the perfect amount of time to spend is this cool Polish city

Krakow  – three days in Krakow gives you enough time to experience the best of the second-largest Polish city

Warsaw – spend two or three days exploring the Polish capital

Vilnius  – the severely underrated capital of Lithuania deserves at least four days to explore. Consider taking a day trip to nearby Trakai with its charming lake and castle.

Kaunas  – the second-largest city in Lithuania can be explored in two days

Palanga  – enjoy the beautiful Baltic coastline from this popular Lithuanian coastal town. It is also possible to head to the Curonian Spit from nearby Klaipeda .

Liepaja – Latvia’s third-largest city boasts an interesting history, wonderful art nouveau architecture, a former Soviet prison that you can actually spend the night in, and a beautiful beach. Spend at least three nights enjoying this Baltic gem.

Riga – try to spend at least four full days in Latvia’s vibrant capital city

Tartu – Estonia’s second-largest city has a large student population and many cool things to see and do. Two or three days here should allow you to experience the highlights.

Tallinn – Estonia’s beautiful medieval capital is a popular cruise ship port. The city itself is quite small, however, and can easily be explored in two or three days.

There are so many routes you could take whilst backpacking in Europe, but these five will see you getting a little off the beaten path. They will also allow you to get better value for money than other routes through some Western European countries.

Are you looking for routes for backpacking in Europe? What does your itinerary look like? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Highly recommend Estonia! I spent a whole semester in Tartu and it’s a beautiful place. Saaremaa is also great, with a unique culture and beautiful scenery. Stay in the cottages/cabins for the perfect stay. Also if you can, try the local bread in Muhu. 🙂 It’s a whole thing. Best rye bread ever, and Estonia loves their rye!

Tere õhtust!

Thanks for your comment, Madison! Tartu is one of our favourite cities – highly recommend it, as well! We haven’t made it to any of the islands yet, but it’s on our list as soon as we can. Estonia has so much to offer!

Hey Maggie. Thanks for the awesome article! Im currently in Amsterdam (Hague now actually) but leaving from Amsterdam. I have around 4,000 Euros saved. Im quite a budget /self cooking/ not into touristy sites but am a semi professional portrait /street photographer.

What route would you recommend? Im super interested in the Baltics,Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Hungary. I’ve cancelled Scandinavia as too expensive as its much too expensive.

is 4,000 Euros enough for 1-3 days I each of the main cities in those countries? Lyon(France), Dresden, Ansbach, Berlin, Santorini, Prague, Budapest, Andalusia/Grenada/Madrid/Barcelona, Milan/Sicily.

Im trying to get some online web design work / Couchsurfing as much as possible.

Whats your advice please? This is the first time ive left New Zealand -my home. I really want to do as many countries as possible before 2020 hits.

Many thanks! Love your blog

Hi Aly, it really depends on your interests which route you should take. It sounds like you want to hit a lot of places in Europe, so I would recommend that you go where the road takes you. As per budgeting, it depends on how long you plan to travel for, but I think that €4000 should be plenty for at least a couple of months of travelling on the cheap. If you want a better idea on prices, check out our backpacking budget article here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/cost-of-backpacking-europe/ Hope this helps and you have an amazing time!

hey, if you backpack in Budapest, make sure you come and visit Bucharest, Romania too… it’s next to us! 🙂

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40+ Super Helpful Travel Tips for Backpacking Europe

Last Updated: January 26, 2023

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Backpacking Europe for 1.5 months when I was 20 changed a lot of things for me.

There was of course my plumper waistline and newfound devotion to Belgian beer, but more importantly, I had some pretty big epiphanies about traveling and money.

Now, don’t get me wrong – traveling  is  a huge expense, but for the longest time, I always saw it as  impossibly  expensive. 

I never knew that there were alternatives to hotels, I didn’t know it was possible to cook for yourself, and genuinely, I thought airplanes were the only way you could travel places.

Thankfully, I picked up a lot of tips and tricks along the way, and much wiser for it. I may no longer be a backpacker, but I did it for years and picked up plenty of golden tips for backpacking in Europe along the way.

Save this list of Europe backpacking tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

So, here are some of my best travel tips for backpacking Europe, divided into helpful categories.

In this post, I’ll be sharing:

• My top travel planning tips for backpacking Europe
• How to save money on food and drink when backpacking in Europe 
• How to save money on attractions when backpacking in Europe
• Safety tips for backpacking Europe
• Packing tips for backpacking Europe
• Other random handy tips for backpacking Europe

I hope you find it all helpful!

Travel Planning Tips for Backpacking Europe

First, let’s tackle Europe backpacking tips to keep in mind before you leave – i.e. when you are planning your trip with tips for planning your itinerary, flights, and accommodation.

Understand the Schengen Zone and how long you’re allowed to stay in Europe

There’s a common misconception among first-time backpackers that all of Europe has open borders, or that you can stay as long as you want.

This is not the case.

The area in Europe with free movement is known as the Schengen Zone, and includes:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

How long you can stay depends on the kind of visa you have, but for Canadians and Americans for example, your allowance is 90 days within a 180 day period.

This is kind of confusing, but the simplest way to look at it is: if, by the time you fly home, you have not stayed more than 90 days in the Schengen Zone in the past 180 days, you’re good. Anything more, and you risk getting fined or (at worst) blacklisted from the Schengen Zone.

So how long can you really backpack Europe for without getting a longer-term visa?

Honestly, if you’re crafty with your Schengen Zone allowances, you can even stay indefinitely so long as you alternate between Schengen and non-Schengen Zone countries.

Non-Schengen Zone countries include:

• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• United Kingdom

So, to stay long term, you could do 90 days in the Schengen Zone, hop around non-Schengen countries (e.g. maybe a Balkans tour!) for 90 days and then re-enter the Schengen Zone.

NOTE: It is very important to note that your Schengen allowance doesn’t reset once you leave. Again, the best way to look at it is to see whether in the past 180 days, you’ve spent more than 90 days in the Schengen Zone.

Don’t try to cover the entire continent in one trip

Unless you’re devoting months or years to your Europe backpacking trip, there’s no way you can cover the entire continent in one go. I’ve been living here for 5+ years and even I haven’t been everywhere!

Remember, Europe isn’t going anywhere, and you can always come back.

The last thing you want to do is over-extend yourself on your itinerary by moving huge distances constantly. This will also be more expensive…

So, the smartest way to plan your itinerary is to choose a few destinations close-ish together.

Plan your trip for shoulder or off-season

I know that “summer in Europe” sounds super romantic, but trust me… if you’re visiting the most touristy cities in Europe, it’s actually not romantic at all. In fact, it’s pretty sweaty, crowded, and gross.

One of the top Europe backpacking tips I can give you is to plan your trip away from peak-periods. Usually peak periods would be Easter, summer, and Christmas break. During these times, crowds and prices skyrocket.

In my opinion, May and September are some of the best months to travel around Europe. Spring in Europe is also amazing. During these times, the weather tends to be pleasant, but you’ll be shielded from peak season crowds.

NOTE: Peak season depends on your destination, so be sure to research busy periods for wherever you’e going.

Alternate between busy and chill destinations

One of the biggest mistakes I made during my first backpacking trip in Europe was I crammed SO many huge cities into my itinerary, one after another.

When your itinerary is nothing but European heavyweights like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Rome and Florence… yikes, you’ll be sightseeing your eyeballs off daily with zero chance for breaks.

So, here’s a very important Europe backpacking tip when planning your itinerary: try to space out the “big” cities with chiller destinations, maybe nature or beach breaks so you have time to rest up before sightseeing like the Energizer bunny once more.

Understand where your money goes further

Most first-time backpackers to Europe will go to the most famous cities: Paris, London, Amsterdam, etc.

I’m guilty of this too! My itinerary was full of all the names I knew best.

BUT, of course, these cities are very expensive. If you’re truly backpacking Europe on a budget, it would be in your best interest to mix up your destinations so you’re not visiting only wallet-draining places.

Here are some areas to avoid/minimize time in if you’re backpacking Europe on a budget:

• Switzerland – So beautiful, but so, so expensive
• Nordic countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland
• Iceland – Again, stunning, but very pricey

Alternatively, here are some cheaper travel destinations in Europe to consider:

• The Balkan countries, like Bulgaria , Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Kosovo
• The Baltic countries, like Lithuania ( Vilnius is amazing!), Estonia, and Latvia

Of course, it’s possible to do any destination on a budget, but it all depends on how willing you are to subsist off bread and salami 😉

Know the tricks to get cheap airfare TO Europe

Hands down, if you’re coming from overseas, your biggest expense when backpacking Europe is going to be your flight there (and back, assuming the croissants don’t trap you here for good).

I’ve already written a full guide to how to find cheap flights to Europe , so read that for more tips.

But, here are some general tips to help you score cheap flights to Europe for your backpacking trip:

• Use Google Flights to compare costs flying into different airports 
• Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest possible option from your departure destination 
• Use deal sites like Secret Flying to pounce on cheap flights/error fares when they pop up
• Use a VPN like Private Internet Access to search flights from different locations, to see if you can find a better deal

Ensure you have proof of onward travel

“Proof of onward travel” is a very important consideration that many first-time backpackers forget about.

Long story short, it’s proof that you’re leaving your destination before your visa or allowance expires. This is usually in the form of a return ticket, or a ticket elsewhere to prove that you’ll be leaving at some point and not staying for longer than your documents allow.

I know that one of the most intriguing perks of backpacking Europe is the spontaneity, but it’s VERY important that you can prove to the airline employees (or passport control officers) that you intend to leave before you overstay your visa allowance.

I was once almost barred from boarding a flight to Germany because my return flight was after the 90 day Schengen Zone allowance, and I didn’t have proof I would be leaving the Schengen Zone before the 90 days was over. I intended to spend some time out of the Schengen Zone to ensure I never overstayed, but they demanded proof… so yes, they do check!

Want to learn more? I have a full article if you want to read more about proof of onward travel and my experience lawyer-ing myself out of that (very awkward) situation.

Get to know the cheapest ways to travel around Europe 

After you get to Europe, transportation options are abundant (and for the most part) very affordable.

I’ve written a full guide on the cheapest ways to travel around Europe , but here are some of the options available to you:

• Budget airlines like easyJet , RyanAir or WizzAir : No frills and loaded with hidden costs, but potentially very cheap if you’re smart and read the fine print 
• Buses like Flixbus : Perfect for shorter trips & if time is not an issue as punctuality with buses can be a total crapshoot 
• Rail passes like Eurail : Ideal if you want flexibility and the nice bucket list experience of traversing some of Europe’s most scenic train routes , but usually not the cheapest 
• Renting a car: Often not cheapest by a long stretch (here is my guide on how much a rental car in Europe costs ), but possibly worth it if you’re travelling with many companions and plan to visit places where public transport isn’t well served 

Learn how to book the perfect hostel every time

By and large, the most common accommodation option for backpackers are hostels. 

If you are new to hostels, I have written this guide in how to book the perfect hostel every time, with tips on how to gauge safety and other things based on reviews.

My favourite tools for booking hostels is Hostelworld – they let you sort by price and rating very easily, and often you can just pay a small deposit rather than the entire payment upfront.

A few things to consider when booking hostels for backpacking Europe:

• Age limits : If you want hostels for the social aspect of meeting people your age, definitely book a hostel with an age restriction, otherwise you’ll often get school groups with teenagers or older travelers not as interested in mingling 
• Free breakfast/activities: When you’re backpacking, every penny counts!
• Cheap hotels masquerading as hostels: Often you’ll find budget hotels that label themselves as hostels which aren’t geared as much to the social aspect of things… so be sure to read reviews to get a feel for the the social aspect of things.

Book hostels with freebies 

Another excellent way to save money while backpacking Europe is of course to exclusively book hostels that offer freebies like breakfast or tours.

A lot of hotels and guesthouses will provide free meals to their guests, and I’m not just talking about breakfast! 

I stayed at a hostel in Prague that had a free dinner every night, and at others that offered free dinners a few times per week. Not only is this cost-effective, it’s a great way to meet new people too.

Try booking hostels and accommodation directly for more free perks

This is a secret tip that most travel bloggers leave out because it can cost them affiliate commissions, but since you’re here, I want to give you the best of the best tips for backpacking Europe.

99% of the time, when you book a hostel or even hotel directly (i.e. not through a booking platform like Booking.com or Hostelworld ), they will give you some kind of discount or additional perk. This is because properties would much rather you book directly with them, since those platforms often take a sizeable cut of the booking.

In the past, I’ve seen tons of perks for booking hostels directly, including…

• Ordinary discounts (often 10% off)
• Free towels 
• Free activities 
• Free bedsheets (in properties where they cost extra)

So, if you really want the best deal possible when you’re booking hostels and backpacking Europe, then make sure you book with properties directly (i.e. on their website or by the phone).

Learn more about AirBNB

If hostels aren’t your thing, or if you’re travelling with a group and want you own privacy, then AirBNB is probably the next cheapest option.

Besides being cheaper per night than hotels, there are also many other money saving perks that come with an apartment rental such as being able to cook for yourself, laundry facilities, etc.

If you’ve never stayed at an AirBNB before, don’t fret. If you take the necessary safety precautions, they are a very safe and pleasant way to travel.

Check out my guide to AirBNB for First Timers for more information.

Get an official student card

Here’s a very important Europe backpacking tip for students. If you’re a student, you should know a) that caffeine dependency WILL catch up with you at some point and b) there are a LOT of amazing discounts available to you when you’re backpacking Europe.

Most major attractions will offer student rates/discounts, and often transportation will be cheaper too if you can prove you’re a student.

Unfortunately, just having your student card from your own school isn’t enough, because these can be easily forged and every school’s looks different. An ISIC Card however is an internationally recognized student ID that costs about twenty bucks, but will save you at least that much in discounts. 

I’d recommend getting one for sure if you plan to backpack Europe for several weeks/months because the discounts it can unlock are amazing. 

NOTE: Your regular Student ID can sometimes work, but places are getting increasingly strict and asking for ISIC cards specifically.

Download all the right apps before you go 

There are a variety of amazing apps that can help you a lot when you’re backpacking Europe.

I’ve previously outlined a full list of the best travel apps for Europe , so read that guide for a comprehensive roundup.

But, here are some must-have apps that are all free:

• Omio: A search app that lets you quickly compare/book transport options from Point A to Point B, including buses, trains, and flights 
• Google Translate: Absolutely essential for countries where you don’t speak the language. Best of all, you can save languages for offline use so you don’t use data
• Google Maps: A must-have for getting around easily and saving places you want to visit
• TripIt: An organization app that collates all your hostel/transport bookings, attraction tickets, etc. all in one place by scanning your email inbox for confirmations
• PIA: My VPN of choice – great for having on your computer & phone so you can browse securely on public WiFi networks & also spoof your geographical location to access restricted sites, or country-specific streaming offerings.

How to Save Money on Food and Drink When Backpacking in Europe

Next to hard costs like accommodation and transport, food & drink is probably the biggest expense for any backpacking budget. So, here are some Europe backpacking tips for saving money on food and drink!

PS: You might want to read this article on ways to save money for travel as well.

Remember grocery stores are your best friend

I have a geeky obsession with visiting grocery stores everywhere I go – it’s such a fun insight into different products/foods, plus they can help you save a LOT of money.

Snacks, drinks, water and pretty much everything will be cheaper at a grocery store vs. kiosks, takeaway joints or or convenience shops.

So, if you feel like you need fuel throughout the day, buy some goodies in advance so that you don’t make hungry and impulsive spending decisions.

Master the art of the picnic 

Restaurants are expensive, no doubt, which is why you’ll quickly learn when backpacking Europe that picnics are your best friend.

Grabbing grocery store meals or street food is comically cheaper than eating out, so haul your goodies to a park and enjoy. This is also an excellent opportunity to people watch and soak in the unique atmosphere of wherever you are.

To be even more cost-effective, consider splitting picnic costs with a friend. A hunk of cheese and a huge baguette can feed more people than you think!

Or, really, when in Europe, bakery treats are always a good idea:

Book accommodation with a kitchen

This is one of the most important Europe backpacking tips I wish someone had told me. If you’re really looking to cut your food costs, you can always prepare your own meals. It might seem obvious, but newbie-me never even registered this as an option.

Many hostels and guesthouses will provide kitchens (and often free food shelves left by other guests).

I didn’t do much of this because a) I could barely crack an egg and b) cooking is time-consuming, but this is an amazing way to save.

Of course, don’t forget to splurge a little and treat yourself to local foods too! There are ways to do that cheaply to, for example…

Take advantage of lunch deals to sample local cuisine

I love food, and sampling local specialties is one of my top priorities whenever I travel.

But, dining out can quickly eat away at your budget.

The best backpacking hack I can give you for eating well while also saving money is to eat like a king during lunch hours, and then having a more basic dinner. Oftentimes, restaurants in Europe will offer set lunch menus where their dishes are a fraction of the cost than at dinner.

This is a great way to eat well without breaking the bank.

Dine far away from tourist attractions

And another Europe backpacking tip for dining out is to steer clear of food establishments close to big tourist destinations.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that prices around these areas are grossly inflated, and the quality is often questionable as well since they’re catering to tourists who will likely never come back.

Often, even moving 2-3 blocks away from main tourist attractions can make a huge difference cost and quality wise.

Skip bars in favour of boozy picnics

I love going to bars, but going “out out” can add up.

Fortunately, alcohol is usually very cheap at grocery stores across Europe, and having boozy picnics is a popular past time. Yup – drinking in public is fairly lax in most European countries, so why not partake in the name of culture?

One of my most valued memories from Paris was drinking cheap wine along the Seine as the sun came down… surrounded by both locals and tourists all doing the same. Get creative – you don’t need bars to be social.

After all, why pay 5 euros for a glass of wine in a restaurant when you can get a full litre for 1 euro? (Okay sure the quality is questionable, but you can literally find wine that cheap here!)

Get takeout for super cheap with Too Good to Go

One of my favourite (little-known) Europe travel apps is called Too Good to Go.

They service many major European cities, and basically, it’s a free app that restaurants use to sell their leftover food at the end of the day (sometimes at lunch too).

This helps minimize food waste, and means you can pick up an entire take out meal for less than 5 euros.

Sure, you don’t get to choose what you get, but it’s an excellent way to eat cheap and help reduce waste at the same time.

How to Save Money on Attractions When Backpacking in Europe

Another huge cost when backpacking Europe is attractions and things to do. Here are some tips for saving money on this part of your trip.

Become a master of free attractions

Everywhere you go in Europe, there will be free things to do and see, ranging from free museums to beautiful architecture and street art.

So, be sure to research beforehand and see what free things there are to do at your destination.

NOTE: A lot of museums across Europe offer free admission on particular days of the month. Take advantage of these offers!

Or hey, if you want to be very extreme…

Plan your backpacking trip destinations around free days

As I mentioned, many museums and attractions in Europe have ‘free days’ where admission doesn’t cost anything!

If you have the luxury of flexibility, one of my top Europe backpacking tips is to consider researching these free days and planning your itinerary around them.

Learn how to seek out awesome, offbeat activities, rather than touristy ones

I love being a cheesy tourist. There’s zero shame in it…

I mean if you’re visiting Paris for the first time, no way you’re going to skip Paris’ main landmarks or Montmartre , you know?

That said, some of my favourite memories while backpacking have revolved around going a bit off the beaten path and doing weird attractions/spots that aren’t recommended in every single guidebook.

I have a lot of tricks for finding cool things to do around you no matter where you are, but here are some of the best ones:

• Search up your destination on Atlas Obscura , which has a lot of amazing offbeat ideas
• Find websites that cater to locals to discover events, new restaurant openings, etc.
• Use Google Translate to search in the local language (often you’ll find lots more content that way)

Always ask for a (student) or other kind of discount

Many attractions will offer special discounts for particular groups like residents of that country, students, military, etc.

In addition, discount codes and coupons are just a Google away.

If you know you’re hitting up a particular attraction, be sure to check the Internet quickly for deals, and ask your hostels & local tourist centres if they have coupon books.

Get a City Card or pass

In some destinations, you’ll want to visit as many attractions and museums as possible.

This was me in Paris, London and Amsterdam. There’s just so many iconic must-do attractions that I knew I wanted to check as many as possible off my list!

In cases where you know you’ll be doing a LOT of sightseeing, my best tip is to get a City Card of some kind. Most major cities will have them (like the iAmsterdam Card for example), and they give you unlimited access to museums/attractions for a certain time period, for one set price.

Often these cards are expensive at first glance, but with proper planning and strategy, can save you literally hundreds of euros per city.

Safety Tips for Backpacking Europe

While we often think of backpacking as a fun and carefree experience, there are often very real safety issues and potential threats to be mindful of. The best way to safeguard yourself against threats is by familiarizing yourself with the risks involved, so here are some safety-related backpacking Europe tips you should keep in mind.

Look into theft-proof bags and accessories

There are a lot of amazing theft-proof travel accessories out there these days. The bad news is they’re not always the cheapest.

If you’re willing to splurge a bit on something high-quality and designed to thwart pickpockets, here are some options:

• PacSafe’s products are all made to be theft-proof, including their signature backpack here and day bag here
• Secret passport scarves like these are a great way to stash THE most important things in a subtle and discreet way 

As a DIY solution of course, look into jackets or bags that have inner pockets – this extra layer of security can work wonders in terms of deterring pickpockets, and can be useful for everyday wear and not just travel! 

Get familiar with common European pickpocket scams 

Backpackers are easy targets in Europe – one quick glance at us and our oversized back destroyers, and it’s clear we’re not exactly “local”.

One of the best ways to protect yourself against pickpockets though is to know their usual tricks. Generally speaking, you should know that pickpockets tend to…

• Thrive on distraction – they will often work in groups or bump into you to get close
• Frequent busy places like train stations and crowded tourist areas 

I’ve written a full guide on how to avoid pickpockets in Europe if you want to know all the common tricks/scams they use, but the best defense is always to avoid letting strangers get close to you, and to stash your valuables somewhere safe and difficult to reach.

Look up common taxi rates and scams before arriving

While I’m a firm believer that public transport is the way to go when you’re on a backpacker’s budget, sometimes you might need to take a taxi, whether it’s because you’re arriving late, running late, or just want to splurge a little.

While this varies depending on the country, taxis are often prime scam zones! I’ve personally been scammed by taxis in Prague and also in Sofia.

Particularly if you are leaving from busy areas like airports or train stations, some opportunistic drivers will take advantage. This is how I got charged 4x the usual fare in Sofia, mainly because I didn’t know better.

So, if you plan on taking a taxi, make sure you search up how much that route should generally cost, and also familiarize yourself with common scams.

Get a good VPN

If you plan to be travelling longer-term, getting a reliable VPN is a must.

In short, VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) mask your IP address and encrypt your data so that you can protect your identity online, browse anonymously, and even change the geographical location you’re browsing from.

This can be helpful in a lot of backpacking situations. In the past, I’ve used a VPN to…

• Access streaming for my favourite TV shows that weren’t available in the country I was travelling in
• Visit sites that were blocked in the country I was travelling in
• Access important sites (e.g. banking portals) that flagged my visit as suspicious because I was in a new country
• Securely browse the Internet with public WiFi knowing my data/identity was protected

As a real cheapskate (especially in my earlier travel days), I’ve tried every free VPN under the sun, and always found them to be unreliable or buggy.

After doing lots of research, I decided to splurge on Private Internet Access , which I’ve been using for the past few years, and I’ve been loving it. It’s super easy to use, very reliable, and actually (when you break it down) not expensive it all.

Subscribe via this link and you can get it for under 3 bucks a month.

Make a “worst case scenario” plan

I never expected to get robbed while backpacking Europe, but I did! In Rome, actually… right at the train station upon arriving.

I was really lucky I was with two friends who helped calm me down and got me the right phone numbers to call so I could cancel all my cards.

No matter how prepared you are, the worst case scenario (e.g. losing your passport, getting your phone stolen, getting all your money stolen, etc.) can happen. So, it’s best to prepare yourself and have a plan in place, including….

• A copy of your passport and IDs
• Important phone numbers (e.g. your bank and credit card company) to call
• A way to get emergency funds in case all your money gets stolen

Packing Tips for Backpacking Europe

Hands down – the most stressful part of my first backpacking trip in Europe was deciding what to pack. I 100% did it all wrong, so here are some packing-related tips for backpacking Europe that you should keep in mind.

Get good at minimalist packing

One of the biggest mistakes I made when I was backpacking Europe for the first time was I way overpacked.

Wayyyyyyy. overpacked!

Remember: anything you bring with you will HAVE to be carried by you several times throughout your backpacking trip… often in the worst of times – like apocalyptic weather, searing heat, and *whispers* even when you’re hungover.

So, it’s really in your best interest to learn how to pack minimally and smartly.

Luckily, I have just the guide for that, even with packing lists you can steal. Check out my free minimalist packing lists for more.

To get you started though, here are some basic tips for minimalist packing while backpacking Europe:

• Make sure every top matches every bottom
• Pack versatile multi-purpose wear (e.g. active wear that doubles as PJs)
• Pack convertible items like this dress that can be tied in 8 different ways

Invest in an excellent travel towel

Allow me to gush about one of my favourite travel purchases of all time: this travel towel.

It folds up to almost no space at all, is ultra absorbent, dries quickly and can double as a beach towel in warmer countries. I am in love with it and still use mine 7 years later, so I would say it’s amazing value.

I’ve literally bonded with people in hostel dorms over the absorbent amazingness of this towel, so I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Organize your stuff with packing cubes

I honestly have no idea how I lived prior to purchasing packing cubes .

These beauties are a magical way to keep all your goods organized, while saving space in your bag as well. Gone are the days that you rummage through your entire pack for a particular t-shirt!

Not all packing cubes have to be expensive either. There’s plenty of affordable options on Amazon, like this blue set from  Amazon Basics , but you definitely get what you pay for.

PS: I’m a total packing cube nerd and once bought a bunch of different brands to compare. See my full packing cube showdown for more.

Bring a lock

While most hostels will offer padlock rentals, having your own is a great money saver and an essential item if you’re hostelling during your trip.

It can also help you lock up the zippers on your backpack on travel days, to ward off any pickpockets!

I’d recommend getting a combination lock rather than a lock/key combo, mainly because if you’re anything like me, you will 100% lose that key within seconds.

TIP: A multi-pack like this is cheap, and then you can have one lock per bag and back-ups in case you lose one.

Have a great pair of flip flops

Why do you need flip flops? Two words: hostel showers.

They’re also great shoes to have around if your feet need to breathe, or if you’re headed to the beach.

I swear by this pair from Crocs (I know – don’t worry! They don’t look like Crocs!) Not only are they waterproof, they have a sleek and unique “dressier” design than typical flip flops which means you can get away with pairing them with dresses.

Fun fact I learned while backpacking: Australians call flip flops ‘thongs’. Needless to say, when a hostelmate told me she found someone’s thongs under her bed, I didn’t think she meant shoes.

Bring a lightweight cutlery set

As I mentioned above, picnicking is a backpacker’s best friend when it comes to eating affordably.

While many grocery stores will have plastic cutlery for you to take, having your own set just-in-case will save you a lot of stress when you want to cut up your baguette or eat your store-bought gelato in peace.

This is the versatile and cheap spork I travel with these days. It’s super light and handy to have just in case!

Pack duct tape

A random, but essential item for your backpacking trip is duct tape.

From patching up broken bags to sealing up shoes that randomly split (true story), it’s a light and versatile item that travellers often forget to pack. No doubt, it has saved my butt numerous times.

Other General Tips for Backpacking in Europe

Last but not least, here are some miscellaneous tips to keep in mind for your backpacking trip in Europe.

Walk as much as possible

Walking is the absolute best way to explore a city, and most European cities are wonderfully walkable (moreso than many North American cities I’ve noticed anyway, which tend to be more spread out).

Bus and taxi fares add up quickly, so walking from place to place will save you a ton of money.

You’ll also get to see the city better while working off all those carbs you’ve been inhaling!

Read up on the public transport system before you arrive anywhere

Generally speaking, public transport in most major European cities is incredible, and often the most cost-effective way to get around (besides walking of course).

But, unfortunately, they’re not always intuitive… and they vary a lot from city to city.

SO, minimize the stress of arriving in a new place by researching public transport beforehand – how to buy tickets, how much tickets cost, which tickets are the best deal, etc. This will save you the panic of not understanding a thing when all your bags and valuables are in tow.

Think about free souvenirs (or non-physical ones)

You know that saying, “collect moments, not things?” It’s definitely true.

While it may be tempting to collect small trinkets throughout your trip, these little expenses add up and also take unneeded space in your bag.

In my experience, the best souvenirs are free, like photos, ticket stubs, etc. You can then buy a cheap travel stub diary like this one once you get home to organize it all. Much more personal than fridge magnets! 

Learn how to haggle

You’ll be amazed at how much money you can save by haggling at markets, particularly in touristy cities where they often inflate the price with the expectation that you’ll haggle it down.

It doesn’t matter what you’re buying, whether it’s clothes or a keychain, you’ll be able to drive the price much lower if you stand your ground.

Always have cash and change

Depending on which destinations you visit in Europe, you WILL be charged for things that are usually free in your home country, like for instance going to the bathroom!

In Germany, Switzerland, and Austria for example, it’s common for public restrooms to cost between 50 cents to 1 euro per use… The upside is of course that the facilities are sparkling clean.

So, never rely on cards, make sure you have cash and change on you.

PS: If you’re headed that way, make sure you read my list of must-knows before you travel to Germany … because there’s a lot of very random and hilarious surprises.

Be friendly and social

This goes without saying, making friends while you travel brings an infinite number of benefits.

One of the most selfish ones being saving money while splitting the cost of supplies and food!

On a more wholesome level though, I’ve met some truly incredible people while backpacking, some of whom have encouraged me to derail my plans, go with the flow, and see some wonderful places I would have otherwise never visited.

All in all, talk to strangers while backpacking Europe. You never know what might happen!

Don’t be afraid to splurge and treat yourself

Last but not least, I know what it’s like backpacking Europe on a budget, that feeling like every penny counts and you’ll never financially recover if you dare pay more than you budgeted for…

But remember, backpacking Europe is a huge bucket list experience! You deserve to treat yourself every once in a while.

At the risk of sounding too “deep”, your money will come back, but your time will not… So definitely treat yourself to some amazing experiences on your bucket list while backpacking Europe, even if they are a bit pricey.

I promise you’ll never regret it.

I hope these Europe backpacking tips were helpful!

Let me know in the comments if I missed any tips you’d recommend, or if you have any more questions. Have an amazing trip!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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The ultimate backpacker guide to Europe

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on October 15, 2018 |

Europe is a backpacker’s paradise; vibrant cities, pristine beaches and impressive national parks all keep travellers coming back. The continent’s mixed climate makes it a year-round destination, whether it’s a sun-drenched summer or a snowy winter you’re after. Not to mention its dependable transit system which makes hopping between countries a total breeze.

Yet there’s a lot to consider before a Europe tour. Its wonder lies in its diversity – but that means there are a lot of decisions to be made. Do you go out alone? Or maybe take a Roamies tour? What countries will you visit? How will you get around?. To help you make them, here’s our complete guide to backpacking Europe.

Best time to visit Europe

Travelling around europe, hostels in europe, how much does it cost to travel europe, places to visit in europe, european culture and customs, european food, europe travel advice.

From sun-baked Spain to the often crisper climes of Scandinavia, Europe’s weather is varied and changeable. The best time to visit depends on what part of the continent you’re headed to and the experiences you’re after.

Do you want to bask on a beach, sight-see in a humming city, or go in search of some snow?

Generally speaking, most European cities are best explored in April–May and September–October. Usually, these months will offer the best value for money and the most moderate temperatures, and the top sights will be a little quieter too. In spring, the continent is at its blooming best, with kaleidoscopic tulip fields in the Netherlands and lilac lavender meadows in Provence. In the later months, carpets of autumn foliage turn Europe orange and gold.

Summers in popular cities such as Barcelona and Rome, and even Prague and Budapest, can be very sticky indeed (temperatures often exceed 30°C). If you do choose to travel from June through to August, slick on plenty of sunscreen, guzzle lots of water and don’t forget your hat.

Alternatively, strike north. Many parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland benefit from near constant daylight throughout high summer. In Iceland especially, darkness barely falls from May through to August, with the sun setting for a mere four hours or so. This means comfortable temperatures of around 15-20°C, and a greater chance of spotting wildlife such as whales and puffins.

Parts of the continent can be utterly charming in winter too. If you’ve got your heart set on a snowy expedition, the Nordic countries once again deliver. With knee-knocking temperatures reaching well below freezing in some parts of Sweden, Norway and Finland, you’ll need to come prepared with lots of winter woollies. But it’s worth it for activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling and the chance to glimpse the elusive northern lights.

Glittering festive markets in cities such as Prague, Tallinn and Bucharest are also worth travelling for – and they’ll be a whole lot quieter than their Western counterparts (those in Strasbourg, Munich and Vienna, for example). These markets generally begin in mid-November or early December and run right through to the New Year.

Christmas market in Tallinn, Estonia

There are plenty of other European holidays and festivals you can plan your travels around too. Pretty much every month offers a unique reason to explore some pocket of the continent:

There’s the Carnival of Venice, just before Lent, in which thousands take to the city streets in elaborate masks and enjoy parties and masquerade balls.

In Ireland, Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day festivities on March 17th are legendary – and rightly so. The raucous celebrations include a parade and heaving pubs, while green faces and hats abound.

A little later on, in August, is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: a three-week jamboree of comedy, theatre, music, dance and more. This one often coincides with the Spanish La Tomatina: a quirky little festival at the end of summer, in which the folks in Buñol, Valencia, pelt each other with tomatoes.

Germans love their beer, and there’s no better time to soak it up than in autumn, at Munich’s Oktoberfest. Beer-lovers line wooden benches in giant tents in the Bavarian city, supping brews and feasting on Bratwurst.

If you’re a music fan, there’s something for you too. There are festivals dedicated to jazz (think France’s Jazz a Vienne in June/July); techno (Croatia’s Sonus Festival in August); folk music (Wales’ Green Man Festival , also in August) and more. A couple of the most lauded are Somerset’s Glastonbury Festival , arguably the most famous in the world;  Benicàssim , a lively festival on the Spanish coast catering to a huge range of musical tastes and Serbia’s EXIT festival. The latter’s previous headliners include huge acts such as David Guetta and The Killers.

Remember though, that travel over any of these dates will take some extra planning. The festivities mean rooms and restaurants book up quickly, prices will be elevated across the board and everything will be a lot busier, so bear this in mind before you start shopping for a new tent.

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Europe’s transport system is wide-reaching, reliable and generally very clean and comfortable. It’s not always easy on the pocket, though, and it can end up swallowing hefty chunks of your budget if you don’t plan ahead.

An Interrail pass is a great way to visit multiple countries by train, and sometimes bus or ferry too. Thirty countries are included in total, and there are oodles of different routes you can follow.

First, you must choose from a range of passes: the right one for you will depend on how much country-hopping you plan to do. Are you keen to cover as much ground as possible, or would you prefer to really get to grips with a single destination? If it’s the former, opt for the Interrail Global Pass; if it’s the latter, the One Country Pass is best.

If you’re 27 or under, a month-long Interrail pass with no restrictions will set you back about £470 (if you’re over 27, you’re looking at closer to £580). To bring the cost down, choose a pass with a few more limitations – for example, you could opt for a pass that allows for 15 days’ travel within a month-long period, and pay around £100 less.

  @robsdyer – Slovenia

The route you take, depending on your travel allowance, is really up to you – but some journeys are more popular and Interrail has some pre-planned itineraries you can follow. Their ‘Classic Route’ zips from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, to Lake Bled in Slovenia, taking in Berlin, Vienna, Budapest and more along the way. Those on a budget could opt for their ‘Shoestring Adventure’: an Eastern European tour stretching from Kraków, Poland to Dubrovnik, Croatia and covering Bucharest, Sofia and Belgrade en route too.

For travellers from the Americas, US-based Rail Europe is another great provider. You can book individual journeys with operators such as Eurostar or purchase a full rail pass from them. Pick from a range of single or multi-country options: the price of the former starts at $60 (for train travel around central Scotland), while the latter begins at $91 (and covers several countries in the Balkans).

But trains are not the only option – buses can be an affordable way of getting around whilst also taking in some of Europe’s epic scenery. A Busabout pass gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel through 38 destinations, hopping on and off as you please. Not only can you change your Europe tour travel plans as often as you like free of charge, you’ll also get to enjoy a sociable atmosphere on board and might even end up meeting some new buddies to travel with!

Eurolines brings together both international and national services – it covers more than 50 destinations, including hotspots like London, Paris and Berlin. Prices are dependent on the season, so keep an eye on their website.

Though Europe’s public transport system takes some beating, a rental car can give you some extra freedom if you really want to get out into the sticks. Cartrawler has a variety of deals depending on your needs. Remember, though, that due to parking restrictions in some cities, having a car on your European adventure could sometimes be more hassle than it’s worth. If you ever hop into a cab, ensure it is marked and that the meter is running or you’ve agreed a price before you set off to avoid overpaying.

Aside from getting to the continent in the first place, it’s rare that you’ll need to travel by air. Given flying is often the costliest form of transport, we suggest you plan your travels overland if possible. If you’re making a journey that requires a flight (from Paris to Stockholm for example) opt for a budget carrier to keep costs under control: airlines such as Norwegian Air, Ryanair and EasyJet offer very affordable flights indeed. Adding hold luggage to the flights often bumps up the cost, so make sure you check this before booking.

If all this information is overwhelming, or you’re just not a natural trip planner, why not book a solo travel tour? Europe tours like Roamies have everything planned for you, INCLUDING staying in Europe’s best hostels. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and have the backpacking tour of a lifetime while making guaranteed friends for life.

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Europe has no shortage of fantastic hostels, catering to everyone from solo travellers to bigger backpacking groups.

Amsterdam has some of the quirkiest, and rates start from as little as £15 (about €17) per night for a dorm room. Flying Pig is one of the most talked-about chains in the city, with hostels Downtown, Uptown and beside the seaside. If you want to be in the heart of the action, the Downtown location is best: expect bright interiors, a bustling bar and plenty of fellow travellers to make friends with.

In pricier cities such as London and Paris, hostels are a great bet too, and you’ll find plenty of options to suit smaller budgets. Wombat’s City Hostel London is one of the city’s most stylish, with a brick-walled bar and a comfy lounge area. You’ll find it in London’s Whitechapel neighbourhood, famed for its brilliant galleries and fantastic curry houses. Prices for a dorm bed here depend on the season, but you can find them for around £20 per night.

For an even cheaper stay, scope out Clink78 . Private rooms, plus mixed and female-only dorms, are available at this converted courthouse in the central area of Kings Cross. Here you’ll be in easy reach of the Eurostar, which leaves from London St Pancras, and you can secure a night’s stay in a dorm room from £17 per night. You probably won’t spend much time in the room though, since the basement ClashBAR pulses until 2am.

In Paris, the HipHopHostels chain is well regarded and their welcoming abodes can be found across the city. Prices start from as little as £13 (€14.50) per night, with standout locations in Montmartre and the historic Latin Quarter . Paris can be a blowout city, so the more you can save on accommodation, the better.

Though a little more reasonable than Paris and London, Rome can easily set you back a tidy sum too – but its plethora of clean, comfortable hostels will save you some pennies. Generator Rome is widely considered one of the best. With its uber-modern interiors and boutiquey lounge, this hostel is one of the chicest in the city – but that’s barely reflected in the price tag, with costs per night starting at around £19 (€22).

Generator Rome hostel

If you’ve set your sights on Germany, the cities of Berlin and Munich are a haven for hostels too. The Circus Hostel in Mitte, Berlin (beginning at around £18 or €20 per night) is a winner with a micro-brewery on site and a generous buffet breakfast to kick off a day’s exploring.

To the south, Munich deserves your attention too. If you want to be smack bang in the middle of the action, Jaeger’s Munich is for you. Fashionable and friendly, the hostel is in a city-centre location which definitely comes in handy during autumn time when the festivities of Oktoberfest are taking place just a 15 minute walk away. Prices are from £13 (€14.50) per night.

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Backpacking in Europe doesn’t have to break the bank – there are plenty of ways to keep costs down on your travels. Being savvy about which destinations you visit, as well as where you stay, eat and drink, will really help you save some cash.

Even some of the most expensive cities in Europe like London and Stockholm can be explored on the cheap. As a general money-saving rule, avoid the tourist spots when choosing where to eat. Dining at a restaurant in the middle of a main tourist centre, London’s Leicester Square for example, will sink a fair few pounds – but slink down a side street and you’re sure to get your meal at a better price (it’s likely to be tastier too).

When on the continent, seek out Rome’s basement trattorias and Madrid’s alleyway tapas bars for big flavour and small price tags. Street-food vendors will also often serve up delicious local delicacies for lower prices.

It’s worth remembering as well that many of Europe’s top attractions are free to enter: London’s National Gallery, the Louvre in Paris (on the first Sunday of each month) and many opulent churches and state buildings across the continent.

Take advantage of the various free walking tours across Europe’s capitals and big cities. Sandeman’s New Europe Tours lead groups through cities including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Lisbon, Copenhagen and many more.

Wherever you explore in Europe, think carefully about your accommodation and transport. Travelling by bus is nearly always cheaper than by train or plane, while hostels are the most budget-friendly place to hang your hat. When you’re in a city, make use of public transport; using metros and buses is not only more economical than shelling out for pricey taxis, but it can show you a whole other side to a place that you might not otherwise discover.

A specific daily budget can depend on a lot: in particular, when and where in Europe you’re travelling. If you’re headed west, to the likes of Paris, you’ll probably need to set aside at least €75 per day – especially if you plan to eat dinner out.

If you want to make your money travel as far as possible, plan your escape to include some more affordable destinations. Avoid Scandinavia and western Europe in favour of the east: you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck in countries such as Albania, Hungary and the Czech Republic. In Prague, for example, you can get a pint of beer for as little as €1.50 (that’s around 38.50 Czech Koruna and £1.30 in sterling). Meanwhile, in Budapest, Hungary, €50 should be enough for a three-course meal for two if you skip the main squares.

Beer in Prague, Czech Republic

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Whatever you want from your travels, you’ll almost certainly find it in Europe: powdery white beaches, world-class art galleries, lush green mountains and historic cobbled streets – this magnificent continent has it all in abundance.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the travel possibilities are endless, and you’ll need to come back time and time again to really make the most of what the continent has to offer. But, depending on your preferences, this handful of European backpacking routes (based on a minimum three-week trip) and destination ideas, should get you inspired:

For the big hitters

If Europe’s biggest sights are top of your priority list, then West is best. Each Western European capital city has so much to offer, and it’s better to spend ample time in each than to rush between them too quickly.

Begin in London, where you can ogle Buckingham Palace, duck in and out of the many free museums, and recharge in the green Royal Parks. Spend at least two days here, preferably more, going beyond the city centre to explore quirkier neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Brixton to get a local’s perspective on the city.

Once you’ve inhaled the Big Smoke, jump on the Eurostar and head for Paris. The French capital should eat up another three days of your schedule. Visit the big sights (the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Sacré-Cœur), of course, but make time to simply stroll here too. Paris seems purpose built for wayward wandering, with cobbled alleyways trailing off from bustling squares and pocket-sized coffee shops around every corner. You’ll find the hippest locals in the Canal Saint-Martin neighbourhood, eating street food down by the waterside.

Next, strike northeast towards Germany – taking the train will be the most comfortable and quickest way to travel. Make a pitstop in Brussels (for Belgian waffles in nothing else) or in Amsterdam (for canals and quirky cafés) if you wish, before carrying on towards Berlin.

Berlin is both a hotbed of contemporary creativity and a preserver of the past. Get your art fix in cutting-edge spaces such as the Contemporary Fine Arts centre, or take in the murals at the East Side Gallery, a sprawling, decorated section of the Berlin Wall that’s officially the longest open-air gallery on Earth.

@jeremias_182 – East Side Gallery, Berlin

If it’s a rainy day (or even if it’s not), make a beeline for Museum Island. This five-strong museum complex, includes the Altes Museum, focusing on Classical and ancient history, and the Pergamonmuseum, one of the world’s leading archaeological institutions.

From here, journey south towards Vienna, Austria’s crowning jewel and capital city. There are few better ways to spend your time here than in a café eating cake. Family-owned and run, Hawelka is one of the best. Make sure you order the Sachertorte, a chocolately cake topped with apricot jam – we promise you won’t regret it. Foodies shouldn’t miss Naschmarkt: a buzzing open-air market, it brims with produce and is packed with pint-sized restaurants serving up local delicacies.

Finish your country-hopping in Italy. You could spend weeks here alone, so choose your destinations based on your passions and preferences. Intent on finding the country’s best pizza? Head to Naples. Dreaming of the sea? Weave your way along the Amalfi Coast. Want to step back in time? Get lost in Rome’s ancient ruins.

For first-time visitors, Rome will likely be high on the hit list. Relive the past in the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum (all three are included in one ticket), before heading below ground. Many don’t know that Rome’s underbelly is filled with historic treasures from catacombs to ancient churches (the extra layers beneath the Basilica San Clemente are particularly impressive).

Return to ground level in time for an aperitivo : the welcome tradition of a pre-dinner drink (such as vermouth or Negroni) paired with local cheeses, olives or nuts.

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Europe on a shoestring

If you want to be a little kinder to your wallet, focus your travels on a central and eastern Europe tour. Not only will you find some of the best European cities here, you’ll also get a lot more for your money.

Make your first stop Prague, in the Czech Republic. Get your bearings with one of the free walking tours that leaves the Old Town Square daily, before peeling off to discover the city for yourself. Pick up a trdelník – a kind of funnel-shaped pastry filled with ice-cream – and don’t miss the beer museum: it chronicles the history of brewing in the city and beyond and finishes up with a tasting flight. Make time, too, to explore the student area of Žižkov, southeast of the Old Town, with its bohemian shops, art spaces and bountiful pubs.

The Czech Republic’s countryside is often overlooked – but those who venture into the country’s backyard will be rewarded with fairy-tale castles, intricate cave systems, roaring falls and rambling mountain ranges. The best way to explore the wilds is by hiring a car. Carve out time, in particular, for Bohemian Switzerland National Park (around 2 hours’ drive from Prague) – it’s remote, but the natural arches, verdant forestland and dramatic crags are worth the trip.

From the Czech Republic, journey east to Kraków, Poland. Peek at the Gothic architecture in the Old Town, before chilling out in the Kazimierz neighbourhood, with its murals and street food (we love bright green burger truck Streat Slow Food ). Also make the two-hour trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former Nazi concentration camp, for a sobering dose of history.

Old Town Centre – Krakow, Poland

Next travel towards Budapest, Hungary (bus is best for this leg of the journey). Feel any travel stress seep away as you bathe in one of the city’s many spas: Gellert is certainly the grandest, but the Széchenyi Thermal Baths are larger, with three outdoor pools. Once the sun sets, head to a ruin bar: these abandoned, derelict buildings turned quirky watering holes are the city’s USP. The best is vast Szimpla Kert, in the Jewish Quarter, the first of Budapest’s ruin bars. Expect motley furniture and artworks and plenty of plants. Local favourite Racskert, a former car park, is another lively pick.

Make your last stop Slovenia. Though capital Ljubljana is worth a visit, the countryside is the real draw here. You may well have seen photographs of pristine Bled, with its castle, lake and church-topped islet – and it’s just as pretty in person. The stunning views are best taken in from a kayak on the water.

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Europe’s top destinations for sun, sea and sand

Beach bums rejoice: there are plenty of seaside spots in Europe that you can shoe-horn into a trip.

Of course, there’s Spain. If you want to combine a city break with a fly-and-flop stop, Barcelona should be top of your list. Ogle at Gaudís masterpieces (from Park Güell to the Sagrada Familia), feast on tapas for lunch, then take a siesta on the sand (but be sure to find a shady spot and don’t forget your sunscreen). Your beach day is unlikely to be rained off as the city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year. We like those odds!

Portugal is often overlooked in favour of the Spanish coast – but that’s a shame. Ditch the busy southern beaches of the Algarve (beautiful as they are) for those in northern and central Portugal. The waters may be a little chillier, but strands such as Moreiró Beach are wilder and often a little quieter than their southern counterparts. There’s the added bonus, too, of being closer to the charming city of Porto as well as Lisbon, Portugal’s happening capital.

@natalie_campbell_ – Lisbon, Portugal

Island-hopping in Croatia is another great – and relaxing – way to enjoy some beach time. From the historic city of Dubrovnik, with its walled Old Town and buzzing city beach, you can sail out to the island of Korčula, with its Medieval buildings and rolling olive groves. Seek out quiet, rocky coves and secluded sandy bays as you sail, and whichever island you end up on, order the catch of the day for dinner.

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Europe’s top destinations for a Nordic escape

Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland) can be expensive but, if you’ve got budget to spare, the magic of northern Europe is worth discovering.

Depending on whether you come in winter or summer, you’ll have a drastically different experience. In winter, embrace the cosy concept of hygge in Denmark’s colourful capital, Copenhagen, or chase the aurora borealis in the wilds of the Faroe Islands (make sure you’ve got the proper gear, as conditions here can become pretty extreme).

In summertime, Sweden is a delight. Get out onto the water and explore Stockholm’s 30,000-island-strong archipelago (you can rent kayaks from various outfitters in the city), spotting bright fishing huts along the way.

Iceland has rocketed in popularity over recent years, and it’s not difficult to see why. Its otherworldly landscapes, bountiful wildlife and trendy capital are a perfect recipe for the adventurous backpacker.

@dfesar – chasing waterfalls in Iceland

Base yourself in Reykjavík : top city attractions include the rocket-shaped Hallgrímskirkja church and (come summertime) the man-made Nauthólsvík beach. There’s also a smattering of health-conscious foodie spots (think canteen-style, veggie-friendly GLÓ ) and plenty of eccentric night venues ( Kaffibarinn is the place to be seen).

From here you can make trips out to the country’s natural wonders. Crowd-pleasers include the geothermal Blue Lagoon and the so-called ‘Golden Circle’, which you can explore on various guided tours if you wish. The latter encompasses the striking Gullfoss waterfall, the Great Geysir and the stark stone landscapes of Þingvellir National Park.

To shake off the crowds, focus your travels further west: the Víðgelmir lava cave and the little village of Reykholt are highlights.

Fancy a slice of that Nordic magic?

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Europe’s most underrated spots

There’s a lot to see in Europe and that inevitably means that some brilliant destinations fly under the radar. Here are four underappreciated places you should build into your itinerary.

Albania: The unspoilt beaches, scenic walking trails and an up-and-coming capital (Tirana) are just a few reasons to give this Balkan country a chance. The trail through the rugged Accursed Mountains, (don’t let the name put you off), is an exciting route for seasoned hikers.

Serbia: The Serbs know how to party. Belgrade is the perfect place for night owls and the city’s ‘splavs’ or floating clubs on the Sava River are the place to be after dark. Student-heavy Novi Sad also has heaps of bars and pubs (our top pick is local favourite Martha’s Pub ). Serbia is laced with historical sites from preserved monasteries to ornate churches too.

Montenegro: For a slow travel experience, make for Adriatic bolthole Montenegro. The jewel in its underrated crown is Kotor, a mountain-edged town with terracotta-topped buildings tumbling towards the bay. Schedule a visit to Durmitor National Park as well: this glacial park is full of lakes, lush woodland and hiking routes for beginners and daredevils alike.

Estonia:  Capital city Tallinn may be known for its cheap beer and raucous nightlife, but prepare to be charmed by its cobbled streets and quirky cafes. Venture a little further afield and you’ll find that exploring Estonia’s enchanted countryside is like stepping foot into a fairytale.

European politics

For the most part, Europe is a safe and stable continent, and politics are unlikely to affect your travels in any meaningful way. One significant factor for European and international travellers here is ‘freedom of movement’.

Many of the countries you may visit during your trip will be part of the European Union (EU): this means they have many unified laws and agreements including, for the most part, ‘freedom of movement’.

There are currently 28 member states in the EU, and there are also 26 states that form part of the ‘Shengen area’: the latter means that EU residents, business travellers and international tourists alike can move freely between these countries without border checks. The countries forming part of the Shengen area include the travel hot spots of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Greece.

There are also several countries that are part of the Shengen area, but are not part of the EU: these include Iceland and Norway. If you secure a visa to visit any Shengen area country, you can automatically travel to other countries within the agreement too.

Equally, there are countries within the European Union that have opted out of the Shengen area agreement: the United Kingdom and Ireland, for example. This means international travellers (even those coming from Europe) will be subject to some border checks.

However, in June 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union, and ever since this so-called ‘Brexit’ has taken up much media space and international attention. Negotiations between Britain and the EU are underway (leading up to the current scheduled leaving date of March 2019), and it’s unclear what the final deal will be. Nevertheless, once Britain’s exit from the EU is completed, it’s likely that those tourists visiting the country will be subject to more stringent border checks and may face other restrictions.

European countries that are not in the EU include Switzerland, Ukraine and Turkey.

Turkey has experienced political tensions in recent years. A failed coup in 2016 saw dangerous conflict on the streets, and there have been gun and bomb attacks in Istanbul and Ankara. Currently the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to some parts of the country, including the areas bordering Syria, and warn of heightened risks of terror attacks in other areas, including the aforementioned cities. They do, however, concede that most tourist visits here are “trouble free”. If you do choose to travel to Turkey, exercise caution and expect to see a heightened police presence.

The FCO also warns of a risk of terror attacks against Western countries including France, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium – though again, they state that huge numbers of visitors pass through these countries each year without issue.

Other recent political conflicts in Europe include the ‘Catalan crisis’ (in simple terms, Catalonia’s demand for independence from Spain). Fortunately this is unlikely to impact your visit to Spain unless your trip coincides with a major demonstration.

European culture

Each country in Europe has its own distinct cultural heritage, and it is this diversity that makes exploring the continent such a joy.

Whether you’re seeking out Van Gogh originals in Amsterdam, swaying to folk music at a Serbian festival, admiring the world-famous architecture in Barcelona or dancing to techno music at a basement club in Berlin, you’ll find a cultural activity to suit your preferences.

@oneweekin – La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

European music is the continent’s beating heart, and wherever you go you’ll find a soundtrack to your trip. The root of Europe’s music history lies in the Classical genre, from Bach to Beethoven, and many European cities boast regal opera theatres. The Berliner Philharmonie concert hall, the Vienna State Opera and the Prague State Opera all offer affordable tickets to various performances.

If opera’s not your thing, there are plenty of other ways to dance to Europe’s beat. Folk music offers a glimpse into the stories of the past, particularly in Eastern Europe. Festivals are one of the best ways to experience this tradition, and the modest prices of most will be music to your ears. Look out for tickets to festivals such as Prague Folklore Days and Slovenia’s Jurjevanje Folklore Festival .

Beyond this, Europe has borrowed musical genres from the world over, and you’ll find concerts and festivals dedicated to rock, pop, heavy metal, techno, jazz, Hip-Hop, R ‘n’ B and everything in between. Major festivals include England’s Glastonbury – a modern, mixed-genre jamboree with big-name headliners from all over the world – and, in Eastern Europe, Budapest’s Sziget , a wild city festival packed full of musical superstars, art and theatre performances.

Literary greats lace Europe’s history too. There’s England’s Bard, William Shakespeare; Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Shelley; and France’s Marcel Proust, who wrote In Search of Lost Time , a bildungsroman considered one of the best novels of the 20th century. Then there’s influential German playwright Bertolt Brecht, who fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s, and ancient Greece’s Homer, who wrote epic poems Odyssey and Iliad . The list goes on. If books are your bag, delving into Europe’s literary history will be a delight – you can do so at museums across the continent, from London’s Charles Dickens Museum to Athens’ National Library.

Some of the greatest artworks ever created have come out of Europe as well. From the sculptures of Ancient Greece and Rome to cutting-edge contemporary design and photography, Europe is a major destination for art-lovers. Whether you travel east or west, north or south, you’ll find a thriving creative scene.

Many art-loving travellers will flock to the Louvre in Paris to peer at the Mona Lisa, or to Florence to scope out Michelangelo’s David – but Europe’s underground galleries, street murals and artists’ studios are where you’ll really unearth the continent’s unique creative capacity. Seek them out for yourself, by peering down side streets and taking leaflets from independent cafés. Meanwhile, Kunstkraftwerk , a power station-turned-art-space in Leipzig, Germany, and Lisbon’s Underdog Gallery , which focuses on ‘urban-inspired’ contemporary art, are good places to start.

For a healthy dose of European culture that won’t blow your budget, check out our  50 free things to do in Europe.

Whichever part of Europe you end up in, you certainly won’t go hungry. Continental food is often grouped together, but in reality each individual country has its own delicious index of dishes. From belly-busting pizza and pasta in Italy to the meat-heavy dishes of Eastern Europe, this is a continent worth taking a bite of. Here are some dishes you shouldn’t miss:

In Britain: Traditional British food is hearty and gratifying – and it comes in plentiful portions. There are few more quintessentially British dishes than fish and chips. It’s best when the fish is flaky and the batter is crisp: enjoy your catch by the coast with salt-and-vinegar chips and a dollop of mushy peas.

Come Sunday, Brits herd towards the pub for a traditional roast – and whether you’re in a big city or a small town, you’ll easily find a solid Sunday dinner on your travels. Hole up in a snug boozer, then order succulent roast beef with all the trimmings, doused in thick gravy and washed down with a local brew.

In France: It may be well-known for fine-dining restaurants and delicate plates of food – but the national dish of France is something a little homelier. Pot-au-feu is a warming stew filled with spices, colourful veg and slow-cooked meat. Steak-frites (steak and chips) is another favourite – you’ll come across sumptuous versions of this dish in Belgium too.

Beyond these rustic staples, delicacies such as escargot (snails, usually smothered in garlic sauce) and cuisses de grenouille (frogs’ legs, deep fried or grilled, with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of parsley) are still rife. Though pricey Michelin-starred establishments are plentiful, versions of these dishes can be found in more laid-back bistros and brasseries too. (We recommend relaxed, budget-friendly Le Petit Cler in Paris, for example).

If you’re looking for something simpler, you can’t go wrong with a soft baguette, purchased from a bakery and laden with market-fresh cheese.

In Germany: German traditional food is all about no fuss and plenty of flavour. Carnivores should eat well here, with schnitzel and currywurst the country’s signature dishes. For schnitzel, the meat (usually pork, but sometimes chicken) is tenderised, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden. It’s usually served up with crunchy slaw or sauerkraut.

Currywurst is another favourite. A kicking tomato sauce coats juicy bratwurst sausage, and the concoction is served alongside crispy fries. Konnopke’s Imbiss in Berlin serves up the best.

In Italy: The Italians know that simple ingredients go a long way, and a no-frills trattoria is the best place to get a true taste of the country. Rome’s Trattoria Monti never disappoints, though you’ll need to make a reservation.

Carbonara was invented in Rome, so you can’t leave the Eternal City without trying it. Spaghetti is tossed with just four ingredients: egg, pepper, pecorino (a type of hard cheese) and guanciale (cured pork jowl).

Naples, meanwhile, is the queen of pizza. Best when pulled bubbling from a wood-fired oven, Neapolitan pizza is traditionally Margherita-style, topped with zingy tomato sauce and mozzarella.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then Italy’s many gelato shops will surely satisfy. Soft scoops of pastel ice cream can be bought from parlours and street stalls across the country: one of the most lauded shops is La Carraia in Florence (where the sweet stuff was invented).

@florence_foodie

In Eastern Europe: The cuisine of Eastern and Central Europe is often underestimated – but it’s worth embracing. Highlights include goulash , a rich stew served across the region; gołąbki , stuffed cabbage leaves traditional in Poland; and lángos , a deep-fried dough usually smothered in cheese and sour cream, dished up in Hungary.

Mediterranean food: While the countries of the Med have their own distinct cuisines, there are similarities between them. Mediterranean food is known for being light and fresh, with an abundance of fish, fruits and vegetables.

In Greece, be sure to try moussaka , a baked dish of layered mince meat, aubergines and tomato, topped with soft potato and creamy cheese. Dolmades – grape leaves filled with rice and rich tomato sauce – are another must-taste.

In Croatia, fish and seafood should be the order of the day. Look out for mussels buzara, a garlicky tomato stew.

Hungry yet? You might want to take a look at these:

The one thing you MUST eat in these European countries

The most drool-worthy European desserts

As an international traveller, you must have a valid passport to visit Europe – it should also be valid for at least three months after you’ve left the country you’re travelling to. But even if you’re an EU national, it’s advisable that you carry some form of identification with you while journeying across European borders, should you need to show it upon request.

Ensure your passport is renewed before you set off so you don’t run into any difficulties en route. If your passport becomes out of date while you’re travelling – or it is lost or stolen – contact your embassy as soon as you can. It’s also wise to bring photocopies of your up-to-date documents on your travels in case any are misplaced.

How you renew your passport depends on the country you’re travelling from – each state has their own way of doing things. Sometimes it’s possible to renew your passport online, by filling out the relevant forms and paying a fee. This is true for UK travellers.

US travellers must renew their passports by mail – but if the passport was lost or stolen, you’re a first-time applicant, or your last passport was issued 15-plus years ago, you’ll need to go to your local “passport acceptance facility” . This may be a post office, library, government office or other official building. In Australia, too, you must apply for passport renewal in person . You can check the passport renewal policies for your particular country of residence on the relevant government website.

Depending on where you’re travelling from and to, you may also need a visa. A full list of countries whose residents require a visa to travel in Europe’s Shengen area can be found here . Once you have the required visa, you can travel freely between other Shengen-area countries. You’ll usually be able to stay for up to 90 days during a period of 180 days.

As previously explained, Britain is not part of the Shengen area, and you can use this handy tool on the British government website to determine if you’ll need a visa to travel here or not. Tourists from Japan, the USA, Australia and EU states, among others, are able to stay in the country for up to six months without a visa.

Currency in Europe

Many countries in Europe have adopted the Euro (€) – there are 100 cents to each Euro. Coins come in the value of €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c, while banknotes delineate €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

Some countries have not homogenised their currency: these include Britain (pounds), Sweden (kronas), Czech Republic (korunas), Switzerland (francs) and several more. All of these currencies are decimalised, so they’re pretty easy to get your head around once you begin to recognise the tender.

Solo travel in Europe

Travelling Europe alone is a unique experience, and the abundance of hostels, ease of transport and friendliness of locals means it’s a joy. The usual precautions apply, though: beware of pickpockets in busy areas and on public transport, and keep an eye on your most expensive items, such as cameras and smartphones.

Europe is favoured backpacker terrain, so you’re sure to meet like-minded people along the way. Prop yourself at your hostel bar, and don’t be afraid to start conversations with locals and fellow travellers alike – you may even find a companion for a leg of your journey.

Of course, since there’s so much to explore in Europe, not being tied to someone else’s itinerary has major advantages. However, if you’re not ready to go completely solo, Europe tours such as Roamies offer all the freedom of solo travel with the planning taken out.

@abenteuervanlife 

Planning a solo adventure?

The best places to travel solo in Europe by train

The 10 best places in the world to travel alone

Summer jobs in Europe

It’s not hard to find a summer job in Europe. Tourism is a major industry for most of the continent, and many companies will be on the lookout for temp workers throughout their busiest periods. You could wait tables in a hotel, help out at an activity camp or work shifts at a water park, for example. Many ski resorts also take on short-term workers during peak season. Sites such as seasonworkers.com bring together listings of temp jobs all over the world.

Teaching English as a foreign language is another popular form of summer employment, and you can find opportunities across Europe. Check out tefl.org.uk to find a placement that suits you.

Our takeaway tips for backpacking Europe

So, you’re all set. But here are a few last pointers for when you’re on the road.

Don’t stick within city limits

Inviting as Europe’s big cities are, the continent has little shortage of natural wonders, and making time for some of them will enhance your trip no end. From the tumbling hills of England’s South Downs to Croatia’s popping blue Plitvice Lakes, Europe’s countryside will leave you just as breathless as its cities.

Do as the locals do

The continent’s top sights are popular for a reason but, especially when it comes to eating and drinking, many under-the-radar spots are worth your time too. Try asking the bartender to recommend their favourite art gallery, or your waiter to share their favourite spot for a sundowner. They’ll likely send you on a path you hadn’t planned.

This goes for your itinerary timings too. In Spain, for example, locals like to take a siesta in the afternoon heat and eat their evening meal later on. Try doing the same – if you fall into local rhythms you’ll get an even better feel for the place.

Embrace overland travel

It’s a hackneyed idea, but it’s true: sometimes the journey is as important as the destination. As you see Europe’s incredible scenery zipping past you through a train window, this is a pretty hard sentiment to disagree with.

If you choose to fly between destinations, you’ll be missing out, and you’ll carve great chunks out of your budget too. Especially when out east, bus and train journeys between destinations can be long, so load up your phone with your favourite music or, better still, strike up a conversation with a fellow passenger. You might come by some extra travel tips.

Come prepared for the weather

Weather in some parts of the continent – particularly in Britain, France and swathes of central Europe – can be mercilessly changeable. Sunny skies can give out to rolling rain clouds in no time, so come prepared for the best and worst that the European weather can throw at you.

Go with the flow

It’s good to have plans, yes but the beauty of Europe lies in its diversity, and to appreciate this in full you may have to be flexible. Your most valued travelled memory could well end up being something you’d never considered before you learned about it on a train journey from Paris to Brussels. If you hear of an incredible festival that’s a bit out of your way, or fall so deeply in love with a city that you want to stay longer than planned, go for it! Travel is all about saying yes, and it’s a well known fact that spontaneous experiences often turn out to be the best.

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• Backpacking
• Solo Travel

Planning a Backpacking Trip to Europe for the First Time

• November 17, 2020 October 17, 2023

Going on a backpacking trip for the first time? Or perhaps you’re just seeking some new advice? Well, you’re in the right place to learn how to prepare for the adventure. I’ll draw from my personal experiences, and we’ll discuss:

• What your first week(s) on the trip will be like;
• How to budget;
• What are the essential apps for backpacking;
• Where to stay;
• How to get around;
• What to pack in your backpack.

By the end, you’ll know how to plan a backpacking trip to Europe successfully. Let’s dive in!

Disclosure : This article features affiliate links, including Amazon.com. If you decide to buy through one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra expense to you. For more details, please see my disclosure policy .

1. Planning a Backpacking Trip for the First Week or Weeks

Planning for a first backpacking trip seems like a sensible idea. It helps to address major challenges, and having written “what if” scenarios can assist in managing unexpected situations. However, the drawback of planning is that things don’t always go as initially envisioned. Unforeseen events can divert you in unexpected directions, making sticking to a precise plan hard.

I’m not suggesting that, as a novice backpacker, you should embark on a European backpacking trip without any plan. Quite the contrary. First, determine a starting point . Whether Naples in Italy, a delightful w e ekend in Budapest or commencing with day trips in Slovenia to hike the mountains, you should have a basic outline. This includes decisions on where to stay, which sites to visit, transportation methods, and other essentials.

Read more : Italy travel guide ; Hungary travel guide ; Slovenia travel guide ; Greece travel guide ; Albania travel guide .

The first week or weeks are a time to adjust to a new lifestyle . After a while, when you feel more experienced, allowing some room for spontaneity is beneficial. Know your destination, but remain flexible with your schedule and be open to unexpected opportunities.

2. Set Your Backpacking Budget

Budgeting is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when planning a backpacking trip to Europe. Whether you’re on a tight budget using existing savings or planning to earn money while traveling, setting financial boundaries is vital.

For beginner backpackers, start by creating a monthly budget. Then, break it down to a weekly basis, and finally, daily. The three largest expenses typically are accommodation, transportation, and other costs (like eating, drinking, and entertainment). While on the road, your daily budget might fluctuate, but adhering to a weekly budget target is advisable. Otherwise, you might deplete your savings more quickly than anticipated.

If you’re aiming to earn money while traveling, it’s still essential to prioritize budgeting from the outset. Remember : things might not always go as planned. As you gain more experience, you can always adjust your budget. Even if you exceed your budget, there’s always a way to get by, but it wouldn’t be enjoyable if you’re left eating macaroons with ketchup for the last few weeks. Never embark on a backpacking trip without a defined budget.

Read more :  Budget Backpacking Tips .

3. Download Travel Apps

Downloading and familiarizing yourself with certain apps can be beneficial when planning a backpacking trip. In today’s digital age, especially in Europe, some apps can make a beginner backpacker’s journey much more carefree.

Google Maps

If you haven’t installed it on your mobile, now’s the time. Naturally, it’s excellent for navigation whenever you need to get around. It functions well in larger areas without an internet connection, as long as there’s a GPS signal (which usually corresponds with a mobile signal). It displays your current location, and with a previously downloaded offline map, it operates seamlessly.

This app is a valuable tool for planning a backpacking trip. It helps locate essential places (saving time), such as when you search for ‘ ATM near me ,’ ‘ supermarket near me ,’ or ‘ hostels near me .’ The app organizes routes for walking, driving, or using public transportation. Being aware of all the features Google Maps offers during the trip planning process is beneficial. It’s impossible to get lost when Google Maps is working properly.

Accommodation Apps

Backpacking through Europe essentially means you’re homeless. Don’t get me wrong; it’s just part of the backpacking experience in Europe. Finding a place to sleep becomes a daily task. Of course, embracing adventure and sleeping outdoors is always possible. But if the weather isn’t on your side or you’re uncomfortable with wild camping , there are other convenient choices. Fortunately, there are accommodation apps that make planning a backpacking trip less stressful.

Couchsurfing – This is the go-to app when you’re keen on forging local connections and creating unforgettable memories. The Couchsurfing app is a community where locals open their homes to travelers from all over the world. And yes, it’s free . Why? Because they’re eager to hear your stories and meet international folks like you, and many have been on the receiving end of such hospitality themselves. Don’t just view it as a free couch to crash on; engage, share stories, and enjoy the company of locals.

HostelWorld – This is a budget hostel app tailored for backpacking trips. With this app, you can find hostels from around the world, ensuring you get the best match in terms of location and price (don’t forget to check out the reviews). It ranges from budget backpacker hostels to the more “luxurious” premium ones.

Booking – Probably the most renowned and extensive company for accommodations. It offers everything from hostels to villas. It’s easy to compare prices, choose from thousands of reviews, and search on the map for the best balance between cost and location. It’s convenient when you find yourself in a remote area.

Airbnb – This platform focuses more on renting apartments or entire homes. Worth considering if you’re seeking more privacy or traveling with a larger group.

Transportation Apps

Another significant cost while backpacking across Europe is transportation. True adventurers might argue that it’s not an expense if you opt for hitchhiking . While that’s valid, I must emphasize that it doesn’t always go as planned, or sometimes you might not feel right about it. Hitchhiking occasionally consumes an entire day, whereas other paid transportation methods can get you to your desired destination more quickly and seamlessly. It’s beneficial to be acquainted with a few transportation apps.

Read more : Tips for hitchhiking .

Rome2Rio – This app identifies nearly all local transportation options: short distances, local bus companies, trains, flights, boats, and cars. It’s a convenient tool that can save you a lot of time. No need to dive deep into Google searching for local bus companies; everything is in this app , complete with schedules, locations, and estimated prices. While there’s an option to purchase tickets online, if they don’t have the authority to sell tickets for a specific company, they provide a link to do it.

Omio – It’s quite similar to Rome2Rio but tends to work better between popular destinations. It might not help you find transportation in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany countryside, but it’s good to have on hand since Omio has many licenses to sell tickets online.

BlaBlaCar  – If carpooling with strangers sounds appealing, then BlaBlaCar might be just what you’re looking for. Someone is driving from point A to B and has spare seats in their car. A budget traveler heading in the same direction can snag one for a modest fee. Backpacking through Europe using this carpooling app often turns out cheaper than public transport, and it comes with the added perk of mingling with locals.

Apps for Making New Contacts

What’s a backpacking trip to Europe without encountering new faces ? Meeting strangers is almost a given on solo backpacking adventures. For many, striking up a conversation with new people isn’t the norm. It might be so far out of your comfort zone that the idea of connecting with locals feels daunting. Yet, somehow, travelers still find ways to meet. If approaching someone on the street feels too intimidating, there are apps where you can break the ice online.

Couchsurfing – Beyond its hosting feature, Couchsurfing also offers a section called “Hangouts.” It’s a space where other travelers or locals, who share your intention of meeting new people, gather. Local folks might be open to showing you around their neighborhood, grabbing a beer, or just hanging out. It’s a straightforward way to connect with others.

Tinder – While it’s primarily known as a dating app, it can also serve as a platform to make new acquaintances. And who knows, maybe even something more.

Facebook Travel Communities – As the largest social media platform, Facebook boasts numerous travel-related groups where you can find fellow travelers, locals to spend time with, and more. Simply input destination-related keywords into the Facebook search bar. With thousands of communities available, there’s bound to be at least one group where you can find the answers or companionship you’re seeking.

WorkAway – Primarily designed for work and travel, WorkAway is a platform where entities like farms or families seek additional help. It’s a form of volunteer cultural exchange. Within this expansive community of hosts and volunteers, there’s a “travel buddies” section. Dive in and strike up a conversation.

Read more : Best apps for backpacking .

4. Join Travel Social Network Groups

As previously mentioned, Facebook is a vast social network filled with numerous communities and groups. They cover just about everything. This includes groups focused on shared travel interests, such as backpacking for beginners, traveling in Europe in general, hitchhiking, and various other travel-related topics. Familiarizing yourself with these groups while planning a backpacking trip can be invaluable, especially when you need a place to seek advice or assistance.

Hitchhiking Europe – As the name suggests, this group centers around hitchhiking in Europe. It offers tips on hitchhiking, advice on where and how to hitch a ride, and even opportunities to find someone driving to your destination or another hitchhiker to join you. All you have to do is ask within the group.

NOMADS – Hospitality Networks – This is a group where travelers and hosts from around the world connect. Through it, you can find hosts willing to offer you a spot on their couch or a space to pitch a tent in their garden. It’s a secure place to rest for the night. The concept is similar to Couchsurfing, but it operates within Facebook.

EUROPE Travel Community – This expansive community boasts over 50,000 members. Any travel-related information you might need can likely be found here. You can post questions, and with such a vast membership, chances are someone will have an answer.

Backpacking Europe  – This group is designed to provide information on destinations for all types of travel, but it leans heavily towards adventurous journeys. Here, you can find travel buddies, gather information about countries, seek backpacking tips, and more. Anyone can glean a wealth of knowledge from this group, which boasts over 50,000 like-minded members.

Of course, there are thousands of travel-oriented Facebook groups out there. Just pop some keywords into Facebook’s search bar, and you’re off. Start with your current location and add terms like “backpacking,” “traveling,” “expats,” “hitchhiking,” “hospitality,” and so on. You’re bound to find groups brimming with invaluable insights.

5. Secure Accommodation for the First Few Days

When your backpacking trip through Europe is coming together and everything seems straightforward, the excitement builds. You eagerly anticipate those first steps in a foreign land, feeling prepared to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

However, sometimes reality can punch you in the face . You might find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings, or your initial plans might not pan out. Signs in foreign languages can be baffling. Your internet might fail. You could be clueless about local transportation or activities in this new country. And then there’s the task of finding a place to stay. With all these unusual circumstances, the first day or so can leave a beginner backpacker feeling a bit lost.

It’s easier to adapt to a new lifestyle when you have a place to stay. Explore hosting opportunities on the CouchSurfing app, find an affordable hostel on the HostelWorld app, or consider options from Booking or Airbnb. With time, a beginner backpacker will become more comfortable facing challenges.

6. Invest in Reliable Backpacking Gear

Quality and durability in backpacking gear are essential for a successful trip. It’s wise to spend a little more upfront rather than deal with the frustrations of subpar equipment.

A Quality Backpack

Planning a backpacking trip is different from preparing for a typical vacation. You’ll need to secure suitable gear for a beginner backpacker, starting with a comfortable backpack. It’s not advisable to skimp on this essential item. Remember, this backpack might be attached to you for hours each day. Find one that fits well, and feels comfortable on your back, and invest in it.

Backpacker Clothing

What’s a typical day in the life of a backpacker ? Think of it as a marathon. Whether you’re hiking or simply wandering around, you’re constantly on the move. Add a backpack to the mix, and you’re bound to sweat a lot. By day’s end, you’ll likely need a fresh shirt.

For backpacking attire, it’s advisable to lean towards sportswear. Opt for clothing that dries quickly, is made of “breathable” material, and feels comfortable. If you’re backpacking in the wild, you can wear certain sportswear items for a few days, as they’ll typically dry overnight.

When taking a break from typical backpacking, say in a town where you want to enjoy some city life, it’s good to have one or two “classier” outfits on hand. Plan your clothing choices with the assumption that you’ll have laundry facilities available once a week. However, when drafting a backpacking trip checklist, prioritize sportswear.

Additional Camping/Hiking Gear

For wild camping , you’ll need to secure a sleeping bag, mattress, and a waterproof shelter (like a tent or bivy tent). If your outdoor cooking gets out of hand, it’s wise to have proper medical supplies on hand.

From the kitchen essentials : Include a dining set, fuel stove, and backpacking stove.

Ensure your gear also contains a refillable water bottle and hiking boots.

Also, Consider a Small Backpack

You won’t always be in full backpacking mode. On days when you’re embarking on a longer hike, taking a city break, or simply spending an extended period in one place, it’s beneficial to have the option to leave your large backpack behind and explore with a smaller day bag. It’s easier on the body.

Read more : Lightweight Backpacking Gear List ; Backpacking Europe Packing List For Women .

7. Backpacking Essentials for Your First Trip

There are certain items you simply can’t leave behind. Even if you’re aiming for a minimalist survivalist adventure, these essentials are a must.

A Smartphone is Essential

The most crucial item ? Your smartphone. It might seem obvious, but this compact piece of technology, which fits snugly in your pocket, is a treasure trove of information and tools. Ensure its safety; you wouldn’t want to lose or damage it given the valuable data it holds.

Remember Important Documents

Another indispensable item is your passport . Ensure it’s valid for at least six more months to avoid any travel disruptions due to an expired passport. Within the European Union, you can travel using just an ID Card (within the Schengen Area ). This ID Card can also come in handy for various purposes, such as signing up for local insurance, registering with mobile operators, or checking into hostels. Additionally, consider carrying your driver’s license, immunization records, and a student card (which can offer various discounts).

Save Money with Travel Cards

While cash is king in certain situations, especially in smaller locations or in Albania that only accept physical currency, it’s not advisable to carry your entire budget in bills and coins. There’s limited space to securely stash cash in a backpack.

Using a bank card is a safer alternative . To avoid hefty fees when making payments or withdrawing from ATMs, consider signing up for a Wise account and obtaining a bank card, which offers minimal transfer fees worldwide.

If you have all these essentials, you can acquire anything else you might need along the way. However, this approach isn’t recommended for first-time backpackers.

8. How to Efficiently Pack Your Backpack

Once you’ve gathered all your backpacking essentials, the challenge is fitting them into a single backpack. You might initially feel like you need two bags to accommodate everything “necessary.” However, the beauty of backpacking lies in the realization that less is more . The trick is to only pack items you’ll use and leave behind anything that would remain untouched throughout your trip.

Packing a backpack for your first trip requires making some compromises and debating with yourself about what’s truly necessary. Once everything fits, it’s essential to organize items logically. For instance, a spoon shouldn’t be mixed in with socks and shirts, and a stove shouldn’t be tucked into a sleeping bag. Every item should have its designated spot, making it easier to locate things quickly. Distributing the weight of the bag is also crucial for your back’s comfort.

Related : How to pack a tent for backpacking .

9. Sign Up for Travel Insurance

Securing insurance is essential when planning a backpacking trip. It’s crucial when exploring a foreign country. Even if you haven’t needed medical attention in recent years, anything can happen while backpacking. Activities might include hiking, scuba diving, cliff jumping, or other high-risk pursuits—perhaps even things you’ve never tried before.

Your journey will be more peaceful if you don’t have to worry about unexpected medical expenses. Medical treatments can severely strain your budget, or you might even find yourself needing financial assistance from friends or family back home. You can secure insurance in your home country through local providers or opt for trusted and well-known backpacker insurance options available in Europe.

10. Choose a Mobile Operator with Internet Data

Imagine setting up a wild camping spot in a remote location, with no signs of life around. Suddenly, ominous clouds begin to gather overhead. You’d want to check the weather forecast for the night, but you lack internet data. In such situations, it’s crucial not to rely solely on free wifi from city cafes.

For EU Citizens

For EU citizens backpacking within the European Union, connectivity is relatively straightforward. Several companies offer varying data packages (depending on your needs) that work across all EU countries. This means there’s no need to juggle multiple SIM cards; one will suffice for the entire EU. However, always verify with your mobile operator to ensure you know which countries are covered. Additionally, many plans offer unlimited calls within the EU without any additional roaming charges.

Non-EU Countries

If you’re traveling outside of an EU country, using data becomes a different challenge. While your home mobile company might offer options for such travel, these plans are often pricey. It’s usually more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting and use a local mobile operator.

Some international mobile operators provide data packages for use outside the EU, or even globally. These can range from daily deals to monthly subscriptions. Which operator should you choose for a backpacking trip to Europe? It largely depends on your destination and the duration of your stay. You can find operators by searching on Google Maps.

11. Ensure You Have Copies of Essential Documents

Unexpected events can occur, such as losing a vital document. While it’s not the end of the world, having copies can save you time and hassle. Some countries have more bureaucratic processes, making it more time-consuming and stressful to obtain replacements for lost documents.

Keeping copies of crucial documents, like your passport, ID card, driving license, and student card, can expedite processes. It’s sufficient to have printed copies, and digital versions stored in the cloud, and on your mobile device. As an added precaution, consider sending copies to a trusted person.

Read more : My First Solo Travel Experience in Europe.

Bringing It All Together

Considering all the essentials, tasks, and equipment for planning a backpacking trip, nothing can hold back the eager traveler – adventures await you. While there might be challenges or unexpected situations, with time, they’ll be addressed by a seasoned problem-solver – the backpacker. Solo travel offers numerous benefits , including fun, spontaneous adventures, unforgettable experiences, undiscovered places, and the chance to make new friends. Take the time to plan your backpacking trip thoroughly to enjoy every moment to the fullest!

Recent Posts about Backpacking:

How to stay safe when backpacking solo

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The Gallivanting Spoon

A Custom Travel Planning Service

The Ultimate 2-Month Europe Backpacking Trip

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Table of Contents

2-Month Europe Backpacking Itinerary & Tips

Europe is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is made up of 44 countries, all connected with a system of trains making it one of the easiest places to travel. Whether you are backpacking through Europe on a budget or no budget at all, you will get to see the same stunning landmarks. We spent two months backpacking through Europe in the Fall of 2021. Planning a trip like this does take some time, but that’s where this guide comes in. This guide will give you tips on backpacking, what cities to visit, what to pack, transportation, and more!

Europe Trip Highlights

• Wandering the Charming Streets of Prague, Czechia
• Scirocco Restaurant Collaboration in Naxos
• Blue Caves Boat Tour in Zakynthos, Greece
• Eating Endless Authentic Cheap Greek Gyros
• Seeing Venice, Italy for the First Time
• Staying at a 5-Star Luxury Hotel in Florence
• Hiking the Amalfi Coast
• Relaxing by the beach in the Surf Town of Ericeira, Portugal
• Touring Barcelona for just One Day

Europe Backpacking Route

Backpacking Tips:

• Time of Year: I recommend visiting Europe in the Spring or Fall to avoid the crowds and cold weather.
• Main Forms of Transportation : Europe offers great transportation services that allows you to travel on a budget. We took advantage of the metro and public transportation services in each city. Planes, buses, and trains are a great way to travel long distances.
• Be Flexible: If you are a Type A Planner like me you will most likely have your entire trip planned out, before leaving. Not everything always goes to plan! If you are visiting Europe for an extended time, I recommend having a rough layout of where you want to visit and for how long. Some places you may love and want to extend your stay!
• Always have Extra Water and Snacks : You never know when hunger might strike, so pack some extra snacks and water. Protein bars are my go to. Many cities throughout Europe have FREE drinking water spouts, bring your reusable water bottle to fill up.
• Accomodation : We stayed in a variety of accomodations. Hostels are very budget friendly and a great place to meet people. Depending on how many people you travel with, Airbnb can be a great option with a full kitchen and extra living space. If you have the extra money, don’t be afraid to splurge on one luxury stay even if it is for just one night!
• International Drivers Liscense: Get your international driver’s license before heading to Europe. Rental shops will ask for it and if you are renting a scooter you may want to look into getting your motorcycle license as well.
• Currency: I highly recommend exchanging USD for a couple hundred Euros with your bank before crossing the pond. Europe is very credit card freindly but it is always a good idea to carry the local currency.

Europe Packing Guide

• Carry On Backpack
• Tripped Travel Gear Day Pack
• Walking Shoes
• Travel Sized Curling Iron/Straightener
• Compressable Packing Cubes
• Noise Cancelling Airpods
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Think! High Protein Bars
• USB Portable Charger
• Outlet Adapter
• Power Converter

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Paris, France

24-hours, 1 night.

Paris, France is one of my favorite European cities to visit. This charming city takes my breath away each and every time. Paris does a great job of making you feel like you are immersed in their culture with the numerous landmarks, stunning buildings, and delicious French cuisine. Paris was the beginning of our two-month Europe backpacking trip, and I couldn’t have been more excited.

Why only 24-hours?

We were not planning on visiting Paris at all during our two-month Europe trip because we had both spent some time in the city prior. We found cheap flights from New York to Paris that we could not pass up. Our plan was to head straight to Prague when we crossed the pound but there were not many flights to Prague until the next day. We thought we would make the best of our one night in Paris.

How Long to Spend in Paris : 5 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : French Dinner at Brasserie Dubillot , Warm Flakey Croissants, French Macarons, and Duck Confit

Prague, Czech Republic

3 days, 2 nights.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and home to colorful baroque-styled buildings, the Vltava River, and the stunning Charles Bridge. Prague is very traditional with its rich and hearty cuisine. At most restaurants, you will find goulash, Svíčková (braised beef) with dumplings, Grilované klobásy (grilled sausages), and the sweet treat Trdelnik. This was our first time visiting Prague and I quickly fell in love with this romantic city, I cannot wait to return!

How Long to Spend in Prague : 4 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Trdelnik, Tapas at Fortel , Staropramen Beer, and Svíčková (braised beef with dumplings)

Vienna, Austria

4 days, 3 nights.

Vienna is the capital of Austria and home to some of the most gorgeous buildings. You may also hear the city be called “Wien” this is the local’s way of saying Vienna. Being just south of Germany, the prominent language spoken here is German. Many people will speak English, making it easy to navigate and explore the city. There are numerous things to see in this historic and expensive city. If you are traveling on a budget but still want to get the full Vienna experience then this is the guide for you!

How Long to Spend in Vienna : 2 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Goulash, Manner Wafers, Sachertorte, Viennese Coffee, Apple Strudel, Wiener Schnitzel

Budapest, Hungary

4 days , 3 nights.

Budapest is separated into two cities by the large winding Danube River. On the east side of the river is Pest which is known for a lively experience for tourists with bustling cafes and modern shops. Buda lies directly opposite of Pest and is home to the Buda Castle and Castle Hills. You may notice things are a little bit quieter and more relaxed here. I highly recommend visiting both sides, as they are just one mile apart with the famous Chain Bridge connecting the two.

How Long to Spend in Budapest : 4 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Goulash, Drinks at the Ruins Bars, and Töltött káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage)

Zakynthos, Greece

6 days , 5 nights.

Zakynthos is a large northern Greek island known for its stunning Navagio beach and bright blue waters. This is a hidden gem that you may have not heard of but I highly encourage a visit! Zante (what the Greeks call it for short) is an exotic island with a natural landscape of olive trees, beaches, large cliffs, and rolling hills. We stayed in Zakynthos, Greece for one week and absolutely loved our time. If you love adventure as much as us I highly encourage a visit to this stunning Greek island.

How Long to Spend in Zakynthos : 4 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Greek Salads, Portokalopita (Orange Cake), Lamb, and Olives

Athens, Greece

3 days , 2 nights.

Acropolis means the city at the top, Athens is home to one of the best Acropolis sites that still stands today. Millions of people visit Athens Acropolis each year, making it one of the top attractions in this large city. The Parthenon is the main building atop the Acropolis with over 60 marble columns built at a small angle. The symmetry and attention to detail is an incredible work of art that dates back to 447 BC. The Athens Acropolis is one place you should visit once in your lifetime!

How Long to Spend in Athens : 1 Full Day

Must-Try Foods : Gyros, Mousakka, Greek Dips with Homemade Bread, and Dolma

Naxos, Greece

4 days , 4 nights.

Naxos, Greece is one Greek island you need to add to your bucket list. This stunning island is home to white-sand beaches, the Temple of Apollo, and charming white stone narrow streets. The port city and capital of Naxos is Chora, Chora is a small touristy town where the ferry meets the island dropping off visitors from around the world. Keeping with the traditional Greek cuisine Naxos has some amazing restaurants, including one of my favorites in all of Europe!

How Long to Spend in Naxos : 3 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Gyros, Saganaki, Orzo (Greek Pasta), and Naxos Cheese

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of the most visited and well-known Greek Islands. Its pristine white-painted buildings, blue domes, and cliff views have been posted all over the internet making this one of the top Greek islands to visit. I first thought Santorini was going to be a bit overrated and overly touristy but it ended up being one of my favorite Greek islands!

*Crete is also a stunning island I highly suggest visiting. It is great for solo travel and adventure.

How Long to Spend in Santorini : 4 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Gyros, Saganaki, Greek Wine, and Spanakopita (spinach pie)

Venice, Italy

Venice is by far my most favorite city in Italy, with its winding canals, charming streets, and gothic palaces. This unique destination is also called “The Floating City” because it is made up of over 100 small islands. San Marco is the most popular island in Venice with historic landmarks, restaurants, and shops. This charming city will surely feel like a dream with delicious Venetian food and romantic gondola rides through the Grand Canal.

How Long to Spend in Venice : 3 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Cicchetti, Aperol Spritz, Pasta E Fagioli, A full Italian Dining Experience, and Baccalà (local fish)

Florence, Italy

Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and home to many museums and art galleries. Fiorenza is the birthplace of the Renaissance, the piano, and the famous frozen Italian dessert, the gelato. The famous red tin roofs and large Duomo have been photographed for years and have become a large tourist attraction with over 16 million visitors each year. This is one charming city that you will fall in love with!

How Long to Spend in Florence : 2 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Gelato, Famous Italian Sandwiches from All’antico Vinaio, Florentine Steak Dinner, and a 5-Star Dinner at Mimesi Restaurant

Rome, Italy

We spent four days in Rome exploring all of the major landmarks. The Rome Collesuem was a highlight with the wealth of history and large presence it has. Besides eating the best Pasta Carbonaro of my life we also delved into some delicious Neopolitan and Roman food. Visit the charming Ristorante da Barbara for some classic Neopolitan and Roman dishes.

How Long to Spend in Rome : 4 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Pizza, Pasta Carbonara, Cannolis, and Tiramisu

Positano, Italy

Positano is an Italian village located on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. This colorful city has become one large tourist destination with fancy restaurants and charming hotels overlooking the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is built on a steep cliffside with winding narrow streets and lots of stairs. Positano is not the cheapest place to visit in Italy but with my top 10 budget-friendly things to do, you can enjoy all that Positano has to offer without breaking the bank.

How Long to Spend in Positano : 3 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Pizza, Gelato, Anything Lemon, and Italian Charcuterie

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon (Lisboa) is Portugal’s capital and one of my favorite cities to visit in Europe. This large city is home to some of the best food with multiple Michelin Star restaurants, authentic pastel de natas, and the famous Time Out Market. Its rolling hills and yellow trams remind me of San Francisco, USA. The colorful tiled buildings and orange-painted city views will take your breath away! Lisbon is a wonderful place to visit with many things to do, famous landmarks, and great food.

How Long to Spend in Lisbon : 5 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Pastel de Natas, Anything at Time Out Market, Salted Cod, Port Wine, and Ginja

Ericeira, Portugal

10 days , 9 nights.

Ericeira is a small surf town on the west coast of Portugal. This stunning place was added to the World Surf Reserve in 2011 making this a surfer’s paradise. Whether you surf or not you will find plenty to do here. The charming downtown offers fun shops and delicious restaurants. My favorite part was the warm ocean views and watching the waves crash in. Ericeira was a great place to regroup and relax after a lot of travel and sightseeing.

Tip: Book a long stay in a relaxing and low-cost area to take a moment and relax after traveling every 3-4 days!

How Long to Spend in Ericeira : 2-14 Days

Must-Try Foods : Seafood, Smoothie Bowls, and Pastel de Natas

Barcelona, Spain

1 day , 2 night s.

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Europe. The ease of living, stunning architecture, sandy beaches, and amazing food won me over after our quick visit. Antoni Gaudí paints this bustling city with architectural works of art. The grandest of them all is the La Sagrada Familia, it will take your breath away. I cannot wait to be back in Barcelona to explore more of this wonderful city!

How Long to Spend in Barcelona : 4 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Croquetas, Seafood Paella, Patatas Bravas, and Jamon Iberico

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city. It is one of the country’s most beautiful places with charming warm colors, unique buildings, and large food markets. It is home to the first Paella, an authentic rice dish. The most famous attraction is the City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is not a very popular city to visit but it will welcome you with delicious comfort food and fun activities.

How Long to Spend in Valencia : 3 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Paella, Healthy Lunch at Salad Planet, and Fideuà Paella’s (seafood-and-noodles)

Madrid, Spain

3 days , 3 nights.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and is filled with a variety of things to do. It is home to the Royal Palace of Madrid which is the largest functioning palace in Europe. Madrid reminds me of a European New York City with a multitude of food types, large parks, and famous boulevards. The welcoming people, delicious foods, and easy transportation make this one of the top places to visit in Spain.

How Long to Spend in Madrid 3 Full Days

Must-Try Foods : Spanish Hot Chocolate with Churros, Sushi at Sakale, and Huevos Estrellados (fried eggs and potatoes)

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How much does Backpacking Europe Cost? (My actually spending breakdown)

In the summer of 2022, I ventured on a 4-month backpacking trip across Europe. I made it my mission to keep track of my spending so I could report back to you just how much backpacking in Europe ACTUALLY costs. You see, there are A LOT of guides online estimating ‘the perfect budget’ but the problem is many of them are using figures from pre-2019. AND…well…we all know the years leading up to 22′ haven’t been exactly normal. We have since seen a drastic rise in prices of fuel, accommodation, and everyday living expenses. Now, the good news is, it is still possible to backpack Europe on a Budget but it is also important to be realistic about that budget. That is why I am going to break down step by step just how much I spent on each ‘category’ as well as giving an estimated budget for those who want to spend a little less, and those who want to spend a little more. I will be spilling the beans on the real Backpacking Europe Cost!

What kind of backpacker are you?

Now, before we dive deep into the budget, it is important to determine what kind of backpacker you are because it is pointless for me to tell you how much I spent when in reality, we have completely different spending habits. I have made a little table down below explaining the different types of backpacking styles, a shoestring backpacker, a mid-budget backpacker and a high-budget backpacker. I suggest you read the table and see which one suits you the most.

I personally fall into the mid-budget backpacker, I will travel on a budget when it comes to accommodation, food and transport with the occasional splurge, however, I am very experience led, in other words, if there is something I really want to do, whether that is parasailing, white water rafting or a guided tour I won’t let money get in the way. Later in the post, I will divide my spending into 6 different categories, accommodation, food, transport, alcohol and others. For each category, I will give examples of how I spent my money to help you calculate if you a likely to spend more or less. Yes, I could give you the final figure and call it a day, but the reality is everyone’s final figure is going to be different depending on their spending habits.

The PERFECT banking card to keep on track with your backpacking Europe budget!

One more thing I want to mention before breaking down the cost of backpacking Europe is banking cards.

Of course, you can go the old fashion route of keeping track of your spending on a spreadsheet every night, but… let’s be honest…that is incredibly time-consuming. And odds are you will lose track of your budget!

I personally, would have been lost without my Revolut pay-as-you-go card. I used it for literally every purchase and it never let me down.

Basically, you add money onto the card as you need and can pay by using your phone or a Revolut debit card. I used to add €500 every Thursday onto my card and that would be my spending money for the week. It felt so good some weeks when I was under.

Revolut is currently running an offer for a FREE card and an additional €10 once you make your first purchase. So, it’s a win-win really. If you are in the market for a Travel banking card then I recommend getting your Revolut card today .

I have highlighted down below some of Revolut’s travel-friendly features.

One of the nicest features of the Revolut mobile app is the budget tracker . Revolut tells you how much you spend each day. I have attached a screenshot above as an example, on the 9th of July, I spent €43.26. The app notifies you each time you make a purchase with your total spent so far that day. Of course, you can turn it off, but I liked it on as it kept me aware of my spending. It also allows you to set a monthly or weekly budget. When you are set to go over that budget the app notifies you! Therefore, you can track your spending while travelling without having to physically think about it.

Another travel-friendly feature of the app is the categories . When you pay for something Revolut automatically stores that payment under a suitable category. Therefore, you can keep track of how much you are spending on accommodation, transport, food etc..

Finally, I want to talk about Revolut’s currency features , it is easy to exchange currencies back and forth through the app. If you are in a country with a currency different to your own, Revolut automatically exchanges your purchase into your home currency. Making it much easier to keep track of what you are spending in a currency you might not otherwise understand. An example of this can also be seen in the screenshot above, I was in the Czech Republic on the 9th of July and all my spending has been converted back into Euro. It’s a super handy feature.

If you are in the market for a travel-friendly banking app I’d highly recommend Revolut. And with my link , you can order a FREE card straight to your home + avail of the extra €10 offer.

Backpacking Europe Cost Breakdown: Accommodation

The first category I am going to break down is accommodation.

Now, it is important to take into consideration what part of Europe you will be travelling through. In peak season, nightly prices in hostels can vary greatly depending on which country you are travelling to.

Below is a breakdown of the average nightly cost of each country I visited. If you are looking for my honest opinion of each hostel I stayed in then check out this post .

Generally, I stayed in 6-10 bed dorms with the exception of a week’s stay in a private room in Krakow Poland.

The table down below shows a big range of the average nightly cost depending on the destination.

Backpacking Europe Cost Video Guide

Before we continue, I wanted to mention that I do have an intensive video guide version of this blog post. So, if you prefer to watch rather than read this is the guide for you!

Backpacking through Europe Cost Breakdown: Food

The next spending category I want to highlight is food. While I was away I made the majority of my food in my hostels with the occasional splurge on fast food, street food and restaurant meals. Again, the cost of food varies greatly depending on what country you are visiting. However, it is possible to keep costs down by making your own meals.

I purchased this collapsable lunch box on amazon and it proved to be very useful throughout my trip. If I was staying somewhere for longer than 3 days I would make up a big dinner the first night, then store the leftovers in the fridge for the remaining days.

I would usually do a breakfast and dinner shop for 3/4 days which would range from €25 to €35 euros. Which meant I could be spending as little €8 per day on food.

Now, that is not to say I do not recommend splashing out from time to time, it’s nice to try some of the local foods too. Whether that is eating in a boulangerie in Paris, or taking a food tour in Munich .

Backpacking Europe Costs: Drink/Alcohol

Another thing to consider while researching the cost of backpacking in Europe is Alcoholic Beverages. Drinking is a common way to socialize and make friends in hostels, where you’ll likely be staying on your trip. Whether it’s grabbing a beer at the hostel bar or going out with fellow travellers, alcohol is a big part of the social scene.

It can also be tempting to buy a drink while you’re out and about, trying new foods and exploring new cities.

But, trust me, those little purchases add up quickly and can take a big bite out of your budget. On my trip, I didn’t drink a ton of alcohol, so my budget for drinks was lower than the average traveller.

But you may notice, that Croatia is considerably higher than the rest of my trip. That is because it was my first stop and I got sucked into the ‘hostel lifestyle’. But once I added up how much the alcohol cost I quickly reevaluated my spending. Don’t get me wrong, I still took part in the nighttime ventures but I didn’t feel the need to drink every time.

However, I still made sure to set aside some funds specifically for drinks so I wouldn’t be caught off guard. It’s always better to be prepared and budgeting for drinks is a small but important part of the overall backpacking experience, especially if you want to fully immerse yourself in the social scene and make new friends along the way.

Cost to backpack Europe: Activities

However, if you are planning on taking part in day tours, visiting national parks, or booking into adventure activities , then I recommend putting some additional funds aside.

One of the more expensive elements of backpacking in Europe is activities and tourist attractions. Of course, there are plenty of things to do on a budget.

It means that you can try everything you want to do in a destination without feeling like you are spending too much money. The last thing you want is to regret not visiting places like the fairytale setting of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany or the taking part in the iconic Boat Tours in Budapest .

Personally, I am very satisfied with how much I spent on tours and activities. Yes, some things were expensive like day trips through the Julian Alps or Rafting in Croatia. But I have many amazing memories from these experiences.

How much does it cost to backpack Europe: Transport

There are many convenient ways to travel across Europe, the main ones being train, bus and ferry. The continent is well connected and it is easy to get from A to B. Many people will argue that using busses is the most budget-friendly option while backpacking Europe. And this may be true to some extent, I believe travelling by train is a much better option.

If you purchase a continuous interrail pass you can travel between most destinations without needing to pre-book your tickets. Meaning you’ll have full flexibility when you decide to move on from each stop. It also allows you to make use of the convenient night train services .

If you want to find out more about how the Interrail Pass works you can check out my Youtube video here .

It is also important to keep a bit of money for transport set aside, many European cities have great Uber services, like Rome , while others like Budapest only have traditional taxi services which will cost a fair bit more. In saying that walking and public transportation is a much cost affective way of getting around.

For my first month of travelling (Croatia), I made my way around by bus or ferry. I then activated my 3-month interrail pass for the remainder of my trip. Below is a breakdown of how much I spent on transport over the 4 months.

Backpack Europe Budget: Other Expenses

The next category covers all other expenses, these are the little things that you need to buy throughout your trip that you never really thought of adding to your predicted budget. For example, washing your clothing tends, this price vary’s from place to place with it costing around €8 in places more eastern/central cities like Split and Budapest . And €10/12 Europe in more northern countries like Italy.

Trips to the pharmacy really add up, especially if you are away for a long period of time. Hygiene products like shampoo, tooth paste and deodorant.

Cash withdrawals where you can’t quite remember what you spent the money on 🤣

And clothing, I DID NOT pack right for my trip and ended up spending a lot more money on clothes than I wish to admit. I did not account for this in my original budget.

The total cost of backpacking Europe

And now, for the grand total of how much I spent while backpacking Europe. Drum roll please…

I spent a total of €8,336 over the course of 114 days in Europe which equals to an average of €73 per day.

Now, if you are planning your own Europe trip, please take this as a rough guide as there are many circumstances that may lead to that price being higher or lower.

For example, accommodation types, certain countries, activities, eating habits and backpacking style.

I have broken down below the total spend of each country to give you an ever-deeper understanding of my spending.

Tips on how to travel Europe on a Budget

1. bring a reusable bottle:.

This may seem like a simple concept, but not only is it environmentally friendly you will also save yourself €1 to €4 every time you need a drink. Most major European cities have free and safe drinking water. I recommend this reusable bottle. I love that it has a clip so I can add it to the outside of my bag.

2. Do NOT withdraw cash from just any bank machines

In Europe, there are ATM machines EVERYWHERE. Every time you turn a corner there are at least 3 machines BUT… these machines tend to have the largest withdrawn fees. I recommend finding an ATM that is attached to a bank as it will be a lot more affordable to withdraw money.

3. Walk as much as possible!

Avoid taking busses, taxis and paid modes of transport. A lot of European cities are walkable and while a simple bus journey may only cost a couple of euros. Using them repeatedly can really add up. Walking will save you some extra cash and you may come across a hidden gem or two as you stroll.

4. SIM Cards

If you are visiting from outside the EU, odds are you will need to purchase a sim card. I was lucky, as my phone works as normal in most European countries. However, I made friends with fellow backpackers who were stung by high prices when purchasing sim cards and phone plans from shops in train stations and airports. My advice would be to wait until you get into a city before shopping for plans.

5. Travel in the off-season

It can be tempting to plan your trip in the summer months but the reality is this is when Europe is at it’s most expensive. Considering travelling the shoulder season between March-May or September – October. You will still have mild to warm temperatures in most countries but accommodation and activities will be a fraction of the price.

6. Plan your route ahead of time

Plan your Europe Route before starting your trip, I don’t mean you need to prebook everything but have an idea of where you want to go. This way you will avoid travelling back and forward and ultimately spending more money on transportation than needed.

So, for example, say you plan to visit Budapest , have a look to see what other destinations are near by before jumping to say Lisbon which is on the otherside of the continent.

7. Eastern VS Western Europe

Eastern Europe is considerably more affordable than Western Europe. So, if you are trying to have your money go as far as possible try to stay out of the West. The Balkans is also a budget-friendly spot to travel around and is completely underrated. You will pay a fraction of the price in the likes of Poland, Slovenia and Croatia, compared to the likes of Lisbon , Rome or Dublin .

8. Make friends to share the budget with

If you plan on staying in hostels you will find it easy to make friends with fellow travellers. Odds are one of them will want to take part in the same activities whether that is renting a boat, going on a day tour or taking part in an experience. Generally, there a group discounts, its best to take advantage of this as much as possible.

9. Shop around for you flights

Ok, so I didn’t actually include the price of my flight in this final cost breakdown because this expense will vary from person to person depending from where you are travelling from. For example, some may be starting from a country in mainland Europe, therefore, no flights would be needed.

Where as me, I travelled from Dublin, which tends to be rather expensive compared to other European destinations.

Then you have backpacker coming from different continents, they will need to factor in the cost of flights as they will be considerable more.

10. Don’t skip out on the hidden gems

Ok, so it can be easy to want to visit some of Europe’s top travel destinations while backpacking but do not sleep on the off the beaten path locations. Like Hallstatt in Austria or Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland.

This also applys to cities, like did you know that one of Rome’s top hidden gems in a pyramid, or that Budapest has a underground cave system that you can take an adrenaline tour through?

And yes some of these experiences cost money but I highly recommend keeping some cash aside for them as they will leave you with a life time of memories.

11. Don’t let expenses get in the way of your saftey

It can be easy to decide to walk somewhere at night alone because it is the more cost effective way of getting there. However, even in safe cities such as Budapest or Rome , I would not advise doing so. Yes, hopping in an Uber may eat a little bit into your budget but it means you get to you hostel safetly.

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12 Budget Backpacking Tips for Traveling Across Europe

Posted: March 1, 2024 | Last updated: March 1, 2024

Backpacking through Europe is a dream for many, offering a tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. However, traversing this diverse continent doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart planning and savvy travel hacks, you can explore Europe affordably, immersing yourself in its richness without exhausting your finances. This guide provides essential tips for budget backpacking in Europe, ensuring your journey is as economical as it is adventurous.

1. Plan Your Route Wisely

Efficient route planning is a cornerstone of budget backpacking in Europe. You can minimize travel distances and costs by focusing on regions where countries are geographically close. For example, Eastern Europe is more affordable and offers rich cultural experiences with fewer crowds than more popular Western European destinations.

Consider starting your journey in cities where flights are cheaper, and then use Europe’s extensive train and bus networks to travel between countries. This approach saves money and allows you to see more within a limited time frame.

Insider’s Tip: Use apps like Rome2Rio to find the cheapest and quickest routes between destinations.

2. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Traveling during Europe’s shoulder seasons – spring and autumn – can lead to significant savings. During these times, flights and accommodations are often cheaper, and popular destinations are less crowded, offering a more authentic experience. Besides cost savings, traveling during the off-peak season means milder weather, making exploring and enjoying outdoor activities more comfortable.

Insider’s Tip: Late September to October offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for budget travel.

3. Embrace Overnight Trains and Buses

Overnight trains and buses are not only budget-friendly but also time-efficient. Traveling at night saves on a night’s accommodation while covering significant distances. Europe’s extensive rail and bus networks connect major cities and even cross international borders, making it easy to plan your journey. Additionally, the experience of waking up in a new city is exhilarating and maximizes your daytime for exploration.

Insider’s Tip: Invest in a good travel pillow and earplugs for a more comfortable journey.

4. Stay in Hostels or Use Homestay Apps

Hostels are the go-to accommodation choice for budget backpackers, offering affordable rates and opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Many hostels provide amenities like free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and sometimes even free breakfast. For a more local and personal experience, consider using homestay apps like Couchsurfing, where you can stay with locals for free or a nominal fee, gaining unique insights into the local lifestyle.

Insider’s Tip: Look for hostels with kitchens to save money by cooking your own meals.

5. Eat Like a Local

Eating out in tourist-centric areas can quickly drain your budget. Instead, dine where the locals eat. Street food, local markets, and small family-run eateries often offer delicious and authentic food at a fraction of the price you’d pay in tourist spots. This saves you money and gives you a taste of the local cuisine and culture.

Insider’s Tip: In Mediterranean countries, look for set lunch menus, which are often great value for money.

6. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours

Most European cities offer free walking tours, a great way to familiarize yourself with a new city. These tours, usually led by enthusiastic local guides, cover major landmarks and provide historical and cultural insights. While the tours are free, tipping your guide is customary and appreciated.

Insider’s Tip: Chat with your guide after the tour for personal recommendations on cheap eats and hidden gems in the city.

7. Use Public Transportation

Opting for public transportation over taxis or car rentals can lead to substantial savings. European cities generally boast efficient and affordable public transport systems. Look into day or multi-day passes for unlimited travel, which are often more economical than single tickets.

Insider’s Tip: Always validate your ticket to avoid fines, as many European cities have an honor-based system.

8. Limit Paid Attractions

While visiting every paid attraction is tempting, these costs can quickly add up. Prioritize which attractions are a must-see for you and look for city passes that offer access to multiple attractions at a reduced price. Many cities also offer free entry to museums and galleries on certain days or hours.

Insider’s Tip: Many museums and attractions have free entry days or hours; plan your visit accordingly.

9. Pack Light and Practical

Packing light is essential for budget backpacking. Not only does it make travel easier, but it also saves you money on luggage fees with budget airlines. Choose versatile clothing suitable for different weather conditions and comfortable walking shoes. Remember, most things can be bought locally if needed, so pack only the essentials.

Insider’s Tip: Pack a lightweight, foldable backpack for day trips and excursions.

10. Stay Connected Affordably

Staying connected is important, but international roaming charges can be exorbitant. Opt for local SIM cards for cheap data, or take advantage of free Wi-Fi in hostels, cafes, and public spaces. This keeps you connected and helps with navigation and finding information on the go.

Insider’s Tip: Apps like WhatsApp and Skype allow free calls and messages over Wi-Fi.

11. Shop at Local Markets

Shopping at local markets is budget-friendly and offers an authentic slice of local life. You can find fresh produce, regional specialties, and sometimes even unique handmade souvenirs at lower prices than in tourist-oriented shops.

Insider’s Tip: Visit markets towards the end of the day for potential discounts as vendors pack up.

12. Be Flexible and Open to New Experiences

Flexibility can lead to unexpected adventures and savings. Be open to changing your plans based on local recommendations, weather conditions, or discovering new opportunities.

Sometimes the most memorable experiences are unplanned and cost little to nothing. This flexibility might mean taking a last-minute bus to a less-visited town or joining new friends on a day trip.

Insider’s Tip: Be open to changing your plans based on local recommendations or new opportunities.

The Bottom Line

Budget backpacking in Europe is about smart planning, flexibility, and immersing yourself in local experiences. By following these tips, you can explore the rich tapestry of Europe without depleting your savings. Remember, the value of your journey isn’t measured by how much you spend but by the experiences you gain and the memories you create.

Traveling affordably allows you to see more of the world, meet diverse people, and embrace new cultures. So pack your bag, set your budget, and embark on an adventure that proves that the best things in travel don’t always come with a hefty price tag. Happy backpacking!

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The post 12 Budget Backpacking Tips for Traveling Across Europe republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Duet PandG.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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