travellers guide to europe

Welcome to Europe

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Popular types of travel packages in Europe

City breaks, beach vacations, cheap vacations, luxury holidays, your guide to all countries in europe.

the Netherlands

Switzerland

Travel packages in all countries in europe.

France travel packages

Turkey travel packages

Spain travel packages

Italy travel packages

The United Kingdom travel packages

Greece travel packages

Germany travel packages

Portugal travel packages

Wales travel packages

Romania travel packages

Slovenia travel packages

Poland travel packages

Travel packages in all the top destinations in europe.

Istanbul travel packages

London travel packages

Paris travel packages

Madrid travel packages

Athens travel packages

Rome travel packages

Lisbon travel packages

Barcelona travel packages

Frankfurt travel packages

Milan travel packages

Vienna travel packages

Budapest travel packages

Top-rated travel packages in europe.

Two-Week Tenerife Beach Holiday in Playa De Las Americas

4-Day England city break in London

5-Day France city break in Paris

Two-Week Spain Beach Holiday in Benidorm

Tours & tickets in all countries in europe, france tours & tickets, spain tours & tickets, italy tours & tickets.

England tours & tickets

Turkey tours & tickets, germany tours & tickets.

Austria tours & tickets

Greece tours & tickets, portugal tours & tickets.

The Netherlands tours & tickets

Croatia tours & tickets

Poland tours & tickets, tours & tickets in all the top cities in europe.

Istanbul tours & tickets

London tours & tickets

Paris tours & tickets

Madrid tours & tickets

Athens tours & tickets

Rome tours & tickets

Lisbon tours & tickets

Barcelona tours & tickets

Frankfurt tours & tickets

Milan tours & tickets

Vienna tours & tickets

Budapest tours & tickets

Top-rated tours & tickets in europe.

Amsterdam Luxury Boat Canal Cruise w/ Live Guide and Onboard Bar

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour from Rome

Amsterdam Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide, Drinks, and Cheese from Prinsengracht

Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Flights to all countries in europe, flights to spain, flights to the united kingdom, flights to italy, flights to france, flights to turkey, flights to germany, flights to england, flights to portugal, flights to greece.

Flights to Scotland

Flights to poland.

Flights to Denmark

Flights to popular cities in europe.

Flights to London

Flights to Istanbul

Flights to Paris

Flights to Madrid

Flights to Frankfurt

Flights to Barcelona

Flights to Tirana

Flights to Athens

Flights to Manchester

Flights to Rome

Flights to Lisbon

Flights to Zurich

Popular types of accommodation in europe.

guesthouses

vacation rental apartments

Hotels & places to stay in all countries in europe, france hotels, spain hotels, italy hotels, germany hotels, portugal hotels, the netherlands hotels, greece hotels.

Switzerland hotels

Austria hotels.

Belgium hotels

Turkey hotels, the united kingdom hotels, hotels & places to stay in all the top cities in europe.

Paris hotels

London hotels

Rome hotels

Berlin hotels

Vienna hotels

Madrid hotels

Munich hotels

Barcelona hotels

Prague hotels

Budapest hotels

Milan hotels

Helsinki hotels

Top-rated hotels & places to stay in europe.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Warsaw

Nhow Amsterdam RAI

Electra Metropolis Athens

Fernando III

Popular car rental types in europe.

medium cars

premium cars

station wagons

Car rental in all countries in Europe

Car rental in france, car rental in spain, car rental in italy, car rental in germany, car rental in portugal, car rental in the netherlands, car rental in greece, car rental in switzerland, car rental in austria, car rental in belgium, car rental in turkey, car rental in the united kingdom, car rental in popular cities in europe.

Istanbul car rental

London car rental

Paris car rental

Madrid car rental

Frankfurt car rental

Rome car rental

Athens car rental

Barcelona car rental

Lisbon car rental

Milan car rental

Vienna car rental

Tirana car rental

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the ultimate travel guide to Europe

The beauty of travel to Europe is there is there are so many diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes within a stone’s throw of each other. The mind genuinely implodes when considering all the enticing options; we’re here to lend a hand with our detailed Europe travel guide.

Perhaps you’d like to head to Austria and capitalise on some of the greatest ski resorts in the world , or drink in the musical history of Vienna?

From Renaissance art to world war history and cutting-edge fashion, there’s a lot to like about Belgium . You can visit the medieval walled city of Bruges and marvel at The Grand Palace in Brussels .

For beautiful swimming spots and quaint fishing ports, a stop in Croatia is a must. Drink in the sun on the Dalmatian Coast , wander the old town in Dubrovnik , and be sure to take your camera to Plitvice Lakes National Park – dubbed “the prettiest place on earth”.

In Denmark you can hit über cool Copenhagen , and immerse yourself in the incredible design culture and fabulous restaurants. This is a great city to explore on a bike .

Chic Parisians and crisp champagne, the Eiffel Tower and beautiful blonde beaches of the French Riviera – the innate glamour of France makes it a must-visit for every traveller at least once in their lives.

With its rich history, beautiful islands and fresh Mediterranean cuisine, Greece has a lot to offer. In modern day Athens the ghosts of Greece’s venerable ancient history rub shoulders with restless youths, contemporary architecture and lots of graffiti to create a heaving city of compelling contrasts.

Germany contrasts gritty, industrial cities such as Munich and Dusseldorf with fabulous forested landscapes and fairytale castles. Echoes of its storied past are everywhere from the Nazi camps that still scar the landscape to the colourful remains of the Berlin Wall, now a gallery for Europe’s coolest street artists.

Bewitchingly beautiful, yet volatile and unpredictable, Iceland is one of planet Earth’s most captivating destinations. The Land of Fire and Ice lures tourists with its endearing capital Reykjavík , astonishing volcanic scenery, exhilarating adventures and otherworldly natural phenomena.

With sweeping, rich green landscapes, dotted with white sheep, and beautiful vistas, Ireland is one of the friendliest, cheeriest places in the world. With picturesque villages, stunning waterways, and an abundance of bars and restaurants, Ireland is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Italy’s combination of world-class food, culture and natural wonders makes it irresistible to travellers. Neapolitan pizzas and big, bold red wines from Chianti, the sparkling water of Lake Como and romantic fishing villages of the Cinque Terre are just a few of the things to lure you there.

The Netherlands has to be one of the coolest places to stop in Europe. Amsterdam , “The Venice of the North”, is lined with canals that wind their way through streets of quaint old merchants’ houses, while its galleries are world-renowned, featuring the finest works from Dutch masters Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

Portugal’s glorious coastline, fabulous flavours and photogenic cities make it one of Europe’s hottest destinations. The golden sand of the Algarve’s many beaches, gooey custard tarts, sweet, spicy madeira and colourful houses are all serious drawcards.

Few countries in the world are as mysterious as Russia . Cultural capital St Petersburg is consistently named as one of the globe’s “must visit cities”, with its artworks, history and winding canals.

Full of wonder and the kind of laid-back charm we all crave, Spain is as abundant in incredible countryside as it is stunning bars and beaches. From the big cities of Barcelona and Madrid to islands like Majorca and the countryside around Seville , there’s so much variation in this beguiling country.

With more than 65,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails, 54 designated regional bike routes , 336 recognised ski resorts , 900 museums and a 29,000-kilometre public transport network linking every town and village in the nation, working out what to leave out on a holiday to Switzerland will be one of the hardest decisions you have to make.

If it’s an exotic escape you’re craving, Turkey should be on your itinerary. Shopping at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul ,   soaking in natural hot springs , and paying your respects at the battlefields are all experiences you won’t soon forget.

Last but not least, there’s the UK . Roast dinners with fluffy Yorkshire puddings, cozy pubs whose stories are as tall as the tales its regulars tell over their pints, princes, princesses and some of the most iconic monuments in the world… everyone should visit the tiny island with the big history at least once in their lives.

While it may be hard to see beyond the many attractions of cities such as London , Edinburgh and Cambridge, go further afield and the British countryside will charm you with its thatched cottages and surprisingly wild scenery. Think misty moors, breathtaking highlands and beautiful beaches.

Top Destinations In Europe

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Your 13-Step Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time

There is absolutely nothing like traveling to Europe for the first time–and we want to help make your experience as magical as possible!

It has been about a decade since our very first trip to Europe, and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

The thrill of the plane touching down in Paris , the confusion of taking the RER B train into the city, and the absolute electricity that shot through my veins as we exited the train stop and I marveled at the real-life version of Saint-Germain-des-Prés unfolding before my eyes (I swear, actual church bells were going off)–I remember it all.

I remember the next trip, too, where we upped the stakes: instead of a week in Paris, we spent 2.5 weeks exploring Krakow ,  Budapest ,  Plitvice Lakes National Park ,  Zadar ,  Dublin , and the  Cliffs of Moher .

… and then we quit our jobs to travel the world , and we’ve only gotten more obsessed with traveling Europe since.

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In the decade since that first trip to Paris, we’ve thrown ourselves into exploring the world, traveling full-time for 4+ years, visiting 50+ countries (including most countries in Europe), and even living in Portugal along the way.

One of my absolute favorite parts of my job, though, is to help people–primarily Americans like myself–plan their first trip to Europe.

Because here’s the thing: neither my husband Jeremy nor I ever had a passport or left the USA until we were adults.

We taught ourselves how to travel Europe and the world at large from scratch, and I remember the fear we felt and the mistakes we made along the way almost as well as I remember the beauty of that first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.

If you find yourself with a major case of European wanderlust and a dizzying array of questions about how to turn those travel dreams into your actual first trip to Europe, this checklist is for you.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to traveling to Europe for the first time!

Table of Contents

Ready to Plan Your First Europe Trip?

Our top 2 tips for visiting europe for the first time, planning your first trip to europe: your 13-step checklist, faq about traveling to europe for the first time.

Helping people plan trips is our passion and purpose here on Our Escape Clause.

Once you read this step-by-step checklist for planning your first trip to Europe, we’d love to help you continue to plan your travels in more detail!

We have around a dozen general Europe travel guides on our website, including everything from suggested Europe travel itineraries to where to find the most magical Christmas markets , plus literally hundreds of posts on specific European destinations!

We’ll link relevant blog posts throughout this Europe travel guide, but if you’re curious about our coverage of any particular place, you can use the search bar in the top right corner of the site (or on the pop-out menu if you’re reading on your phone) to see what we’ve written.

You can also check out our destinations page to browse by country!

We have a lot to say when it comes to Europe travel tips ( here are 75 of our best ones ), but specifically for travelers visiting Europe for the first time, there are 2 pieces of advice we’d give above all others.

First, resist the urge to overcrowd your itinerary.

I go into this more below, but believe us, we absolutely relate: I still have to fight this urge with every trip we take!

However, moving around constantly is a surefire way to end up overwhelmed, exhausted, and not getting to appreciate all of the magnificent places you’re seeing.

Second, know that throwing down money and committing to finally taking the trip of your dreams is often the hardest part–once you board the plane, everything gets easier.

I vividly remember how nervous we were to book our first (and second, and third) trips abroad.

For 2 people who had never even had passports until they were adults, we had a lot to learn!

But at the same time–I’m so, so, so glad we took the plunge, and you will be too.

After all, millions of people travel to foreign countries each year, and there’s absolutely no reason that you can’t be among them.

You’ve got this!

Now onto the details…

Step 1: Get inspired and brainstorm where you want to go.

Without a doubt, the first step to planning a trip to Europe is brainstorming all of the places you want to visit!

If you’re anything like us, odds are high that the list is longer than what you could rationally accomplish in a decade, let alone on a single vacation, but it never hurts to dream!

Whether you want to road trip Tuscany , wander the streets of Paris , marvel at the Alhambra in Spain, hike on a glacier in Iceland, stroll along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland , or something radically different, pay attention to what calls to you the most.

There are no wrong answers when deciding which destinations are most interesting to you!

Step 2: Check visa requirements for Europe.

While most readers of this blog post, such as Americans like us and other people from non-European, strong-passport countries like Canada and Australia, will likely not need a visa to take their dream trip to Europe, it’s always best to triple-check!

(And, in a post-2020 world, we all know more than ever that expectations can change quickly.)

As you research what you need to travel to Europe, you’ll likely come across many references to the Schengen Area .

These are the 26 European countries that share open borders with each other.

Americans and many others can visit these countries for up to 90 days out of any 180 without a visa.

In the future, the ETIAS system –essentially an e-visa procured by filling out paperwork online before traveling, which will cost a nominal 7 Euro–will come into effect for the Schengen Area.

ETIAS is currently slated to begin operating sometime in 2024, though the starting date has been pushed back several times.

Other countries–like the UK, Montenegro, and Romania, for example–are not part of this system, but if you come from a country with a strong passport, you likely won’t need a visa there either.

A few nearby places that might be on your radar, like Turkey , require an e-visa for Americans to enter.

Step 3: Shop for flights (and be as flexible as possible).

Once you have a list of your most-wanted travel destinations and have confirmed you’re clear to travel, it’s time to shop for your flights to Europe!

We recommend being as flexible as possible during this process, either with your travel dates, your destinations, or ideally, both.

Flight prices and routes can vary dramatically depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going, which is one reason why we don’t recommend finalizing your Europe itinerary until you have your flights purchased (more on that below).

Ideally, you’ll want to start and end your first Europe trip in a major airport hub.

This doesn’t necessarily need to be the same hub, though!

While one-way tickets can be pricier than round-trip ones, if you’re flexible on your dates  and  destinations (so deciding which cities to start and end in partially based on price), you can usually find excellent deals.

This is exactly how we ended up flying into Krakow and out of Dublin during our first multi-country trip to Europe!

As far as airports go, for those of you coming from the USA (or anywhere in North America, really), you’ll want to potentially check ticket prices for London, Madrid , Dublin, Paris ,  Lisbon , Frankfurt,  Amsterdam , and  Milan .

That’s not an exhaustive list by any means, but there are often flight deals to and from these cities.

Step 4: Narrow down your itinerary for your first Europe trip.

Now that you’ve scored a great flight deal on the “bookends” of your trip, it’s time to fill in the rest of your itinerary for traveling Europe for the first time!

As we mentioned above, the biggest challenge here for most travelers is to not bite off more than they can chew and travel too fast.

Trust me, we understand the temptation–I still have to trim destinations from every. single. trip. that we plan, because my overwhelming desire to do it all fights with logic every step of the way.

I promise, though, you will have a much better trip if you slow it down.

Ideally, allow at least 2 full days (typically not including days you travel to or from the destination, though there are exceptions) to each “base” or city.

Staying in one place for 3 or 4 days is even better, and will give you time for a day trip or two.

We have several suggested Europe itineraries outlined here , and can highly recommend all of them!

However, there are truly infinite possibilities when it comes to structuring your first Europe trip.

When it comes to deciding exactly which of your dream destinations make the cut, we recommend letting geography be the tiebreaker.

For example, if you’re trying to decide whether to visit Amsterdam or Budapest on a trip where you fly into Paris, Amsterdam is the clear winner.

If you fly into Vienna instead of Paris, though… Budapest it is!

Other factors to keep in mind when narrowing down your itinerary include seasonality/weather and your budget.

Using Google Flights and searching the general term “Europe” in the “Where To?” box can be a great way to find unexpected flight deals!

(Don’t forget to play around with the map, zooming in and out on different regions–you might be surprised at what deals you find).

Step 5: Finalize your budget for traveling to Europe for the first time.

Now that you know exactly when your trip to Europe is happening and where you are going, it’s time to finalize your travel budget!

We recommend taking the total amount you hope to spend in Europe, subtracting any splurges or major expenses you know are coming (a pricey tour, some clothes shopping, etc.), and then dividing the remaining amount by the number of days you’ll be traveling in Europe.

Voila–you have your daily Europe travel budget!

This is the number you should try to stay under each day when you add up the amount you spend on food, activities, lodging, and intra-city transportation.

We have used this simple strategy to budget our trips for years and detail it more thoroughly in our travel budgeting guide .

Step 6: Book some of your accommodation.

Once you have your plane tickets, a plan for where you’re going, and a budget set, it’s time to decide where to sleep!

We offer specific hotel suggestions in the vast majority of our destination-specific travel guides, but generally speaking, you’ll want to look for something well-reviewed (we aim for an 8.0 rating or better on Booking.com ) in a central location.

Also, keep an eye out for air conditioning and/or heating as the weather demands–those things are not a guarantee in all areas!

A very general rule to keep in mind when booking hotels?

The smaller the destination, the earlier you will want to book.

Somewhere like Cinque Terre simply doesn’t have as much lodging available as it does people who want to visit, while places like Paris are big enough to absorb their travelers in spite of their popularity.

As a result, tiny, popular places are where we tend to book our accommodation the earliest.

Of course, if you’re headed somewhere for a big event or festival–say Oktoberfest in Munich or Christmas markets in Salzburg –you’ll want to book ASAP.

We find virtually all of our accommodation (short-term apartment rentals included) via Booking.com these days.

If we get stuck, we may occasionally check Airbnb too, but as the years have gone by, prices and guest expectations have both increased dramatically, so we find ourselves using it much less than we once did.

Step 7: Figure out your inter-city (or country) transportation.

When it comes to traveling between each of your destinations during your vacation in Europe, you might find that you come up with quite a mix of methods!

Trains are our favorite way to travel in Europe–they’re simple, comfortable, safe, and extremely convenient for visiting most major cities (there are caveats to this, in places like the Balkans).

We would only recommend renting a car if you’re visiting the countryside somewhere.

If your itinerary is a more typical first-timer’s route and sticks to major cities–something like London-Paris-Amsterdam–then a car is absolutely unnecessary.

Buses are our least favorite method, as they tend to be slow and uncomfortable, but are undoubtedly the cheapest.

Flights are by far and away the best option for extreme distances, but are cumbersome and tend to eat up an entire day.

And, finally: if you’re visiting Europe in the summer , don’t forget about ferries!

Step 8: Book some of your bucket-list travel experiences in Europe.

While simply existing in a gorgeous new destination is a bucket-list travel experience in and of itself, booking some unique tours and attractions can help make your trip even more memorable!

From touring the Colosseum at night to eating our way through Athens on an incredible food tour to snorkeling between 2 tectonic plates in Iceland, we have never been sorry to splurge on a memorable experience abroad.

(And yes, we paid our way on each of those tours–we don’t accept sponsored trips or tell anyone that we’re bloggers while there.)

Booking your experiences in advance goes beyond the small group tours, though: skip-the-line tickets for major attractions like the Arc de Triomphe , Vatican Museums , and Sagrada Familia are so beneficial that I cannot sing their praises enough.

We never show up to a major attraction without booking tickets in advance these days (and it’s even more important in a post-2020 world).

We book our skip-the-line tickets and many of our tours through Get Your Guide .

For bespoke, small-group tours that go above and beyond the “normal” experience, we love Take Walks .

Step 9: Learn a little bit of the local language(s).

If you’re staying firmly on the tourist trail on your trip to Europe, you won’t necessarily  need  to speak any of the local language(s) to travel there.

… But you will almost certainly encounter some monolingual Europeans, and either way, it will definitely enhance your experience in the country to know a tiny bit of their language.

Simple phrases like hello, goodbye, please, thank you, you’re welcome, do you speak English, and the numbers 1-10 can go a long way!

If you’d like to go a bit further, learning to order in restaurants and read menus is both helpful and efficient.

In addition to being fun and practical to learn, it’s one of the conversations that you’re likely to have repeatedly enough during your travels that the phrases will potentially stick with you until long after your trip is over.

Step 10: Make a packing list (and shop!).

Packing can often be one of the most unexpectedly stressful parts of getting ready for a trip, and even more so for your very first European vacation!

We have full suggested packing lists for Europe in spring , summer , winter , and fall , which go into far more detail than I have room for here.

Our absolute biggest advice for packing for Europe, though, is not to stress too much about it: just about anything you could possibly forget will be available there too!

For now, here are a few essentials that we absolutely recommend adding to your list:

Travel Adaptors for Europe — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

Be sure to check the requirements for any particular country that you visit–the United Kingdom, for example, is well-known for using different plugs than most of the continent.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Portable USB Charger — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re sightseeing: add a portable charger to your packing list for Europe.

Basic Medication  — Some people prefer to buy medication for basic headaches, fevers, and stomach aches as needed, but who wants to deal with language barriers when they’re sick?

I personally learned this lesson the hard way on our very first trip to Europe, and have never hopped continents without my own supply since.

Step 11: Purchase travel insurance.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before jetting off to Europe!

While Europe is generally a perfectly safe place to travel, the reality is that traveling in general opens you up to vulnerabilities that you simply don’t have at home.

If you miss a plane or train, have your luggage get lost, get pickpocketed, or worse, get injured, you’ll be glad that you have insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is when purchased in advance (especially as compared to the price of plane tickets!), it’s well worth the investment.

Consider checking inclusions and prices with  Safety Wing  for your first trip to Europe.

Step 12: Plan for your arrival.

The penultimate step of planning a trip to Europe is as simple as it is important: make an arrival plan.

When you arrive, you’re undoubtedly going to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and probably a bit jetlagged, too!

No matter how many times we step foot in a new country, it never stops being a tiny bit stressful, simply because there are a lot of variables at play in the first few hours of arriving somewhere new.

Make life easier on yourself by thinking ahead!

When learning how to travel to Europe, set aside time to figure out your exact steps for what to do after the plane lands.

That means knowing exactly how far away your hotel is, how you’ll get there from the airport (train, bus, rental car, taxi?).

If you’ll be traveling by taxi, look up what a reasonable price is at your destination and/or if there’s a set fare from the airport to the city center (in major cities, there often is).

Though it’s not strictly necessary, if you’d like to make arriving in Europe for the first time extra easy on yourself, consider treating yourself to an airport transfer when you arrive (like tours, you can often book these on Get Your Guide ).

Options like this one in Rome and this one in Paris can be a great way to make sure your very first Europe trip starts off on the right foot.

Step 13: Have an amazing first trip to Europe!

Once you’ve done the planning… then it’s time for the fun part!

Enjoy every step of your first trip to Europe, from the confusing parts to the magical ones–and yes, both will probably end up with a prominent place in your memories.

If you’re anything like us, the odds are high that your first experience of traveling in Europe won’t be your last.

Once you start… it’s hard to stop.

Every day, I wake up to emails from readers planning a trip to Europe.

I love answering emails (and yes, I will probably answer yours!), but there are definitely some frequently asked questions that come up often enough that they deserve a blanket response here.

These are some of the most common FAQs we see about traveling in Europe!

What’s the easiest way to get Euros and other currency?

The answer to this question has a significant caveat: be sure to check foreign transaction fees and ATM fees with your bank before leaving and let your financial institutions know that you’ll be abroad.

However, generally speaking, by far the easiest way to acquire a new currency when traveling in Europe is to simply withdraw money from the ATM when you arrive.

It has been years since we’ve done anything else, anywhere in the world!

When you’re at the ATM, be sure to opt to have the transaction go through in the currency you’re receiving (ie, Euros), not your home currency (ie, USD).

Your bank’s conversion rate will undoubtedly be better than the ATM’s!

Also, avoid Euronet-branded ATMs like the plague: they’re infamous for their extremely high fees.

Instead, look for an ATM operated by a local bank.

How should I get from city to city in Europe?

This depends entirely on your itinerary, but here’s a very short, very general answer.

Trains are the most comfortable, and often the most expensive.

Buses are the least comfortable, frequently take the longest, and are generally the cheapest.

Rental cars have their place–there are some truly phenomenal road trips in Europe –but rarely make sense for first-time travelers, who tend to bounce between major cities that are well-connected by rail.

Flights are the most cumbersome, as they burn time dealing with things like security and getting to and from airports located outside of city centers, and simply aren’t comfortable.

However, flights can be surprisingly affordable compared to trains and are obviously the fastest option for covering very long distances.

When traveling Europe for the first time, we recommend traveling by train wherever it makes sense, and filling in the other options as necessary ( here’s our full guide to train travel in Europe ).

Our first multi-country trip to Europe included an overnight train, a daytime train, 2 rental cars, and a flight–in other words, you can definitely mix and match!

How can I use my phone in Europe?

If your phone is unlocked, the cheapest and easiest way to use your phone in Europe is to buy a local SIM card.

You can either do that on the ground once you land (there’s almost always a selection of helpful kiosks near the airport exit) or if you’d prefer not to worry about it once you arrive, you can buy one online before you go or even try out an eSIM card.

If your phone is not unlocked, or you just hate the idea of changing your SIM card, check with your carrier and see what they offer as far as international plans go.

Will I need an adaptor for my electronics?

Most likely, yes!

Luckily, adaptors are cheap to buy and easy to carry–we recommend picking these up before you go.

Keep in mind that the UK and a few other countries ( Ireland ,  Malta ) use a separate plug from the bulk of the continent.

If you’re heading to a place that uses UK plugs, you’ll want these adaptors as well.

Do I need to be worried about pickpockets?

I wouldn’t go so far as the use the word “worried”, but aware, yes.

Pickpockets are a problem around the world in places where there are crowds, and that includes major European cities.

Barcelona, Rome, Paris, and Naples are examples of places that are particularly prone to pickpockets.

Watch your belongings carefully, especially near particularly crowded tourist attractions and in and around transportation hubs like train stations, and you will most likely be fine.

Very generally speaking, the closer to a world-famous landmark you are, the higher the risk of getting pickpocketed is in that place.

We have never been pickpocketed, but it does happen, even to experienced travelers.

We don’t choose to use a money belt anymore, and pickpockets certainly know about them, but if you would like another layer of protection, they’re an option (we used this one when we first started traveling).

An anti-theft day bag that can be locked and/or attached to a chair can help too, and we carry one everywhere ( we love this one ).

How severe is the language barrier?

It varies significantly, of course, but generally, it’s not nearly as difficult as first-time visitors to Europe worry before they arrive (ourselves included).

We recommend learning basic phrases in the language of the countries that you are planning to visit during your first European vacation, but this is usually more for good manners than out of necessity.

While you can absolutely find monolingual Europeans in virtually any country, especially in smaller cities and towns, the people employed in customer service roles and in the tourism industry in major cities–in other words, where most or all of your trip will likely take place–generally speak some English.

Can I drink the tap water in Europe?

Usually, yes!

We drink out of the tap just about anywhere in Europe.

In rare cases where the water is not safe to drink (usually in remote areas of southern and eastern Europe, or in very old buildings with iffy pipes), there will generally be large and obvious signs stating so.

If you’re worried about it, though, you can always ask your hotel concierge or host about it!

How far in advance should I book my trip?

For plane tickets, we recommend booking your trip as soon as you can commit to dates!

Not only will this allow you to have more time to plan and budget with a bit of structure, but it will also spread out your costs a bit more.

During peak seasons, like coastal locations in the summer or popular central European cities during the Christmas markets, you’ll want to book your hotels as far in advance as you can commit to them as well.

What’s your favorite country in Europe?

We get asked this all the time, and the answer is: we couldn’t possibly choose!

We definitely have a very special love for Italy –we’ve spent more time there than any other country outside the USA, traveled the country from north to south, know the travel scene there very intimately, and will continue to visit extensively for the rest of our lives.

And no, we haven’t discounted the possibility of living there one day, either!

However, simply naming Italy as our favorite would discount so much.

Like, for example, how much we adore hiking amongst the Alps in Switzerland, or waking up in picturesque bed and breakfasts in Ireland .

It skips over the joy of wandering through the art museums of Paris , admiring the rocky coastline of the western Algarve in Portugal, and jumping into the Adriatic Sea in Croatia .

Simply naming one favorite doesn’t leave room for sharing just how incredible it is to marvel at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, or devour Greek salads on Santorini … or so much more than I could include in this list.

And really, the answer to the question behind the question is this: as long as it’s somewhere that you’re desperate to visit, and you plan your trip well, it doesn’t really matter where you decide to go on your first trip to Europe.

Traveling to Europe for the first time is a magnificent and potentially (in our case, definitely) life-altering experience, and there are no wrong answers.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “Your 13-Step Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time”

Your blog is SO informative! Planning my first ever trip to Europe (Scotland in particular) and all the info you have is super helpful! 🙂

So glad to help, and I hope you have a fantastic trip to Scotland!

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Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good 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. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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About Europe

From the mountains in  France  and  Switzerland , to the Dalmatian Coast of  Croatia  and the  Albanian Riviera , from epic road trips through  Iceland  and climbing experiences in  Norway,  to exploring the European capital cities of  Rome ,  Dubrovnik  and  London , Europe will fill your bucket list within moments of beginning your research.

There are pockets to fuel all types of adventure here, all embedded within deep history, culture and landscapes. You can do Europe on a budget, Europe for a weekend, Europe in Luxury or Europe on a road trip . Whichever you choose, you’re going to love it!

A European adventure is one of the most exciting on the planet because of how close all of the borders are. You can create the most diverse itinerary and experience 2/3/4 countries easily within a week’s adventure. 

Want to know the best places to visit in Europe, the best city breaks and get top tips for travelling ? Grab a notepad and pen and tuck into my Europe travel guides below to get the inspiration flowing for your adventure. 

When is the best time to go?

Well it depends on what adventure you’re after. December through April is the perfect time for snowy mountain adventures in the Alps and for Christmas markets. Come June the long summer days descend and shine upon cities, beaches, mountains and oceans in abundance. There’s no bad time!

Mollie's favourites

Spending the late summer months in Portugal surfing (when the high season tourism fades), road trips through French and Swiss mountain villages and lakes, Dubrovnik and the Croatian Islands, Greek food on a Greek island, a weekend in London / Rome / Amsterdam .

Escaping for some winter sun in Gran Canaria

Live music and an overnight stay at ibis Styles Manchester Portland Hotel, UK

The best Airbnb stays in the UK

A 3-day itinerary in Bournemouth, England

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A Holistic Approach to Healing Eczema

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Bucket list adventures in europe.

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• background Layer 1 NC500 road trip in Scotland
• background Layer 1 Swiss and French Alps road trip
• background Layer 1 Husky sledding and skiing in Finnish Lapland
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Europe Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Europe travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

If you love to travel, chances are a trip to Europe is high on your travel bucket list. With a wide variety of different countries and cultures to explore the content of Europe has something for every kind of traveler at any time of year.

Of course, with so many destinations to choose from, planning a trip to Europe can feel overwhelming. You’ll need to do a bit of research and organization to figure out where you want to go and when.

There are plenty of Europe trip planners and tools online, but if you’re looking for in-depth guides to many of Europe’s top destinations, we’ve got you covered.

Many travelers like to explore Europe by choosing one region of the continent and hopping between countries in that area.

Western Europe is a particularly popular region for travelers. It’s home to many top European cities like Paris , London, Amsterdam, and more, so you definitely won’t run out of itinerary ideas.

You’ll find some of the most iconic sites here, from world-famous museums like the Louvre to medieval castles in Switzerland .

And with plenty of train, bus, and plane routes between cities, it’s very easy to get from one destination to the next.

One thing to note about Western Europe, though, is that its popularity makes it more expensive than Eastern Europe. There are plenty of ways to stretch your money in this region, though. Head to our destination pages below to learn how to get the most bang for your buck in Western Europe.

Looking for something a little different?

Consider a trip to Eastern Europe, home to trending destinations like Latvia and Slovenia .

Eastern Europe has so much to offer travelers, from cities that blend old and new to gorgeous mountains perfect for hiking.

And though things are always changing, parts of Eastern Europe are not quite as Westernized as the rest of the continent, so you’ll definitely feel like you’re a world away.

Additionally, Eastern Europe is a great destination for budget travelers, as prices for food, lodging, and transportation are generally lower than in the western half of the continent.

It’s also become a top spot for solo female travel as most countries are very safe and welcoming.

Ready to book?

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Europe.

Note: This ultimate guide to European travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

France Travel Tips

Rome travel guide, map of europe.

Use this Europe travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Austria Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to Austria with the following guides!

Solo Travel In Vienna: How To Have An Amazing Trip Traveling Alone

4 Day Vienna Itinerary (With Map!)

Croatia Travel Guide

These Croatia travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

How To Explore Croatia’s Stunning Krka National Park

Croatia Guide: Exploring Zadar Off-Season (+ Year-Round Travel Tips!)

Croatia Adventure: Learning To Rock Climb In Split

Essential Tips For Traveling Croatia

My Epic Research Fail In Croatia (& What You Can Learn From It)

Going Back in Time On A Bike Tour In Zagreb, Croatia

Czech Republic Travel Guide

Plan the perfect trip to the Czech Republic !

Solo Travel In Prague: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

Denmark Travel Guide

Have a blast visiting Denmark with the following tips!

Copenhagen Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide

England Travel Guide

These guides can help you plan the perfect England travel itinerary !

5 Days In England: From London To Carlisle By Train [UK Travel Guide]

13 Secrets To Traveling On A Budget In London, England

Uncovering England: Liverpool Tourist Guide

26 Amazing Hotels In The UK With Private Hot Tubs

50+ Fun Things To Do In London Alone

27 Best Lake District Lodges With Hot Tubs

25 Best Lodges With Hot Tubs In The Cotswolds

France Travel Guide

These France travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Paris Travel Guide

Use this Paris city guide section to plan the perfect trip!

Solo Travel In Paris: A Romantic Guide For One

How To Enjoy Paris On A Budget

6 Amazing Apps For Cultural Immersion In Paris, France

Taking In The Best View Of Paris From Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Cheap Travel: Exploring Paris For Less Than €25 Per Day

Lyon Travel Guide

Plan a memorable trip to Lyon with the help of these ultimate guides to the city:

2 Days In Lyon: The Ultimate Itinerary + Tips

Nice Travel Guide

This Nice tourist guide section shares fun things to do in this beautiful city!

3 Stunning Day Trips From Nice, France

France Fun: Exploring Nice Beyond The Promenade

Marseille Travel Guide

Looking for a fun Marseille tourist guide ? The following resources have you covered!

How To Hike Calanques National Park In Marseille, France

Provence Travel Guide

This guide to Provence section will show you the best this region has to offer!

5 Must-Eat Dishes In Provence, France (Beautiful Illustrations Included!)

5 Epic Adventures You Didn’t Know Your Could Have In Provence

An Authentic Calisson Cooking Class In Aix-en-Provence

South Of France Travel Guide

Explore fun things to do in one of the best French holiday destinations ! You can also peruse the above sections on travel in Nice, Marseille, and Provence for bonus South of France trip inspiration.

How To Have An Epic South Of France Road Trip (With Video!)

How To Enjoy Epic Wine, Hiking & Skinny Dipping Near Cannes, France

Is The Verdon Gorge France’s Most Beautiful Attraction?

These 5 Unique Accommodations Will Make You Crave A South of France Getaway

15 Best Beach Clubs On The French Riviera

Important advice for traveling in France !

How Not To Get Treated Rudely By The French

France Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide

Germany Travel Guide

These Germany travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Leipzig: A Must-Have Day Trip From Berlin, Germany

Exploring Germany’s Berlin Wall History, 25 Years After The Fall

10 Amazing Offbeat Things To Do in Germany

How The Berlin Marathon Showed One Traveler That We’re All In This Race Of Life Together

10 Reasons Why Germany Should Be Your Next Trip

10 Tips for Traveling Berlin On A Budget

17 Essential Germany Transportation Tips For Travelers

Greece Travel Guide

These Greece travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Solo Travel In Greece: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

10 Greek Islands To Visit During Shoulder Season

Drinking Culture: A Sip Of Corfu, Greece

Iceland Travel Guide

These Iceland travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

The Solo Traveler’s Guide To Iceland Travel In Winter

The Epic Hike Every Solo Traveler To Iceland Must Do

Here is What To Eat In Reykjavik (Beyond Fermented Shark)

19 Awesome Ways To Explore Iceland Beyond The Blue Lagoon

Here Is What Happens When You Snorkel Between Tectonic Plates At Silfra In Iceland

Here Is What Happens When You Explore Iceland’s Golden Circle

Here Is What Happens When You Explore Iceland’s South Coast

Ireland Travel Guide

These Ireland travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Dingle, Ireland: The Outdoor Adventure Destination You Shouldn’t Skip

The Ultimate Guide To Solo Travel In Ireland

The Ultimate Guide To Solo Travel In Dublin

4 Days In Dublin: The Perfect Itinerary

Italy Travel Guide

These Italy travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Top Italy Destinations

Looking for the best vacation places in Italy ? These travel guides to Italy can help!

Slowing Down In Paradise In Perugia, Italy

Things To Do In Venice, Italy (Beyond The Grand Canal)

One Perfect Day On The Italian Island Of Ischia

Tips About Italy

This Italy travel advice will help you plan the perfect trip!

How To Hike The Path Of The Gods On The Amalfi Coast Of Italy

How To Have An Epic Road Trip Through Italy

Traveling Italy Solo: The Ultimate Guide

Tuscany Travel Guide

You can’t go to Italy without visiting Tuscany. Learn why through these Italy travel guides.

How To Bike Tuscany & See The Region’s Best Views

A Carnivore’s Heaven In Tuscany, Italy

Learning The Art Of Cooking With Olive Oil In Tuscany

Piazza del Vino: A New Concept For Tuscany

A Delicious & Tipsy Journey Through Tuscany, Italy

Florence Travel Guide

Looking for a city guide to Florence as well as to learn about the best day trips from Florence ? Check out:

Learning The Art Of Fresco In Florence, Italy

3 Unique Art Experiences In Florence (Beyond The Uffizi Gallery)

Cinque Terre Travel Guide

If you’re looking for the best Italy places to visit you can’t miss Cinque Terre. Here’s why.

Making Friends Over Food In Riomaggiore, Italy

How To Go Beyond The Guidebook In Cinque Terre, Italy

Rome is home to some of the best sights to see in Italy , which you’ll discover in these guides.

Italy, Travel: Exploring Rome Beyond The Ruins

Exploring The Hidden Treasures Of Rome, Italy

The Ultimate Rome Solo Travel Guide

20 Best Weekend Trips From Rome

Latvia Travel Guide

The following guides can help you plan the perfect Latvia travel itinerary !

Here’s What Happens When You Travel Latvia Solo

11 Amazing Destinations For Curious Solo Female Travelers (Including Latvia!)

Portugal Travel Guide

These Portugal travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

11 Reasons Why The Azores Should Be Your Next Trip

5 Lesser-Known (But Awesome) Destinations For A Stopover

Solo Travel In Portugal: The Ultimate Guide (By A Local)

Azores Exploration: An Epic São Miguel Road Trip

Azores Travel: Exploring Adventure & Artisan Culture On São Jorge Island

Eat The Azores: A Delicious Look At São Jorge Cheese Culture

Exploring Hydroelectricity Through Hiking On São Miguel Island In The Azores, Portugal

Amazing São Miguel Island Views In The Azores, Portugal

The Perfect 3 Day Porto Itinerary

Solo Travel In Lisbon: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

Scotland Travel Guide

Plan an epic trip to Scotland with the help of the following advice:

25 Best Lodges With Hot Tubs In Scotland

Slovenia Travel Guide

These Slovenia travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Slow Travel: A Slovenian Countryside Homestay With A Curative Twist

Visiting Lake Bled: Things To Do & Skip At This Slovenia Attraction (Vintgar Gorge included!)

Hiking In Slovenia In Triglav National Park & The Soča Valley In The Julian Alps (near Ljubljana)

6 Lessons Learned On A Ljubljana Bike Tour

Slovenia Travel: Local Ljubljana Experiences For Solo Travelers

Spain Travel Guide

These Spain travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

8 Secrets To Traveling Madrid On A Budget

The Alternative Traveler’s Guide To Barcelona, Spain

Things To Do In Majorca Besides Partying

24 Hours In Sevilla, Spain

14 Top Things To Do In Granada, Spain (Beyond The Alhambra)

Spain On A Budget: Granada For less Than $25 A Day

Solo Travel In Spain: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

A Guide To Spanish Fiestas In Benidorm

How Hiking The Camino Helped One Woman Heal & Grow

Sweden Travel Guide

Explore Sweden with confidence with the following guides:

Stockholm Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide

Switzerland Travel Guide

These Switzerland travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Swiss Alps Retreat: Skiiers Guide To Morzine And The Portes du Soleil

Interlaken: One Of The Destinations In Switzerland For Adventure

Solo Female Travel In Switzerland: The Ultimate Guide

4 Experiences To Have In Europe This Summer (Including Swiss Travel!)

11 Amazing Destinations For Solo Female Travelers (In Switzerland + Beyond!)

My Favorite Destinations For Getting Away From Tourists (Including A Place In Switzerland!)

Turkey Travel Guide

These Turkey travel tips, destinations, and itinerary suggestions will help you plan the perfect trip!

Cruising The Mediterranean: Turkey & Greece

Okey & Turkish Tea In A “Men Only” Hangout In Istanbul

Antalya: Luxury, History & Culture On The Turkish Riviera

Tracing The Heritage Of Delicious Turkish Dolma [Recipe Included]

Solo Travel In Istanbul: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

Europe Travel Tips

The following Europe travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip!

19 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

Best Europe Tours

Explore local culture with a Europe tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Prague- Hiking Tour (Czech Republic)
• Off the Beaten Track: Guided Bike Tour of Paris Local Districts and Stories (France)
• Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence (Italy)
• Canyoning Adventure in the Salzkammergut from Salzburg (Austria)
• See the Unknown Copenhagen by Bike (Denmark)
• Banya experience & Sergiyev Posad Monastery Onboard A Classic Soviet Van from Moscow (Russia)
• Wine Tour of Etyek from Budapest (Hungary)

Click here for a full list of Europe travel tours!

Renting A Car In Europe

Need a rental car for your Europe trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Europe Train Travel

Getting around Europe by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs when traveling Europe.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Europe Hotels

Click here to browse the best Europe travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Europe Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Europe tour. When visiting Europe — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Europe travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Europe Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Europe .

Q: What is a suggested itinerary if I’m planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks?

Europe’s size and generally open borders make it easy to see a fair amount of the continent in just two weeks.

If you only have a limited amount of time to travel, though, you might want to focus on just one part of Europe or a group of countries when building your itinerary. This will allow you to spend a few days in each destination and explore them in-depth.

A particularly popular itinerary is a tour through Western Europe, traveling through countries like France , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , and the Netherlands. This will allow you to visit major cities like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam as well as more off-the-beaten-path locations like the Swiss Alps and the Dutch countryside in between.

You can customize your itinerary to fit your personal travel bucket list, too. For instance, maybe you want to throw in a few days in Barcelona or Munich!

If you’re leaning more towards an Eastern European adventure, you have plenty of options. Again, focus on a few countries in the region that you want to visit and build your itinerary around them.

For example, a tour through Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic is very doable in two weeks, with plenty of time to enjoy each country and city on your schedule.

Q: What is the best way to tour Europe?

When it comes to getting around Europe, you have a lot of options. Travel between most countries is easy, with almost every country offering some form of international travel service. This is great if you’re more of a DIY traveler; whether you want to travel by bus, train or plane, you’ll find plenty of options within your budget.

Alternatively, you can rent a car or camper and take a little road trip through the continent. Just make sure your driver’s license is valid in every country you’re passing through and that you’re aware of all local traffic laws.

Not sure where to start? Check out Omio , an amazing search tool that helps you find travel deals and routes on every mode of transportation across Europe and around the globe.

Guided group tours are another fun and easy way to see Europe. Tour companies take the guesswork out of planning a multi-city or -country trip and give you the opportunity to see Europe with a group of like-minded travelers. It’s also a great option for solo travelers, particularly those heading out on their own for the first time.

Intrepid Travel has been leading small group tours around the world with a focus on sustainable and responsible travel. Their catalog features tours to nearly every country in Europe and they even cater to specific types of travelers like young adults, families, foodies, and cyclists.

GAdventures also plans a wide range of European tours and truly unique experiences like hikes through Madeira and cooking classes in Croatia. GAdventures tours go beyond the simple multi-city bus tour to give you an in-depth look at the diverse cultures of the continent and are a great option for travelers looking for that wow factor.

Q: What are some Europe train travel tips?

Europe’s robust rail system makes it easy to travel from country to country. Interrail, also known as Eurail outside of Europe, is a pass that allows for unlimited travel through Europe by train for a certain period of time. This is probably the most flexible way to travel by rail as you’re not bound to a timed ticket and can change up your plans whenever you like.

The downside? It’s expensive.

Global passes start at around $220 USD and you may still need to pay extra to reserve seats on certain routes.

In some cases, you may be better off just booking individual tickets, so be sure to compare prices before you book.

Overnight trains are also a great option if you’re taking a longer journey and don’t want to lose a day of exploring to travel. Don’t worry about having to spend the whole night in a regular train seat; bunk beds are available on most trains and are usually pretty affordable.

Another great time-saving option is Europe’s high-speed rail. Germany’s ICE network is probably the most robust system in Europe, but many other countries throughout the continent have instituted some high-speed trains.

While many train lines have food service options ranging from snack carts to full dining cars, others do not. Be sure to do your research when booking your fare, particularly for long journeys. You don’t want to arrive at your destination completely ravenous.

And make sure to familiarize yourself with a few common transportation phrases in the languages of the countries you’re visiting. This will save you a lot of time and confusion at the train station!

Q: What are some travel tips for Europe?

Comfortable shoes and clothing are an absolute must when traveling through Europe. Yes, we’re all aware of the stereotypical tourist look of a baseball cap, slogan t-shirt, and white tennis shoes. While you want to blend in to a certain extent — especially to avoid becoming a mark for pickpockets — you still need to keep comfort in mind.

You’ll be walking a lot throughout your trip, particularly if you’re visiting major cities like Paris, and cobblestone streets are generally not compatible with heels. Make sure to pack clothes and shoes you’re happy to walk around in for several hours because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing.

While in Europe, you’ll find that most places use 24-hour time, or military time on schedules, clocks, and basically anything that tells time. If you’re not used to reading time this way, consider switching your phone or digital watch over to 24-hour time a week or so before your trip to acclimate to this system. You don’t want to accidentally show up for a 9am tour of the Vatican at 9pm!

You should also know that you won’t see everything you want to see in one trip. Every European country is chock full of things to see and your must-do list will probably be pretty long when you start planning.

Remember that there are only so many hours in a day; you may have to skip one activity in order to do another. Narrow down your list to your absolute priority activities and find time in your itinerary for each one.

And be sure to pace yourself; you don’t want to load up your first few days with activities and find yourself burnt out halfway through your trip. Schedule time to rest and give yourself some buffer time between activities.

Q: Is it safe to travel in Europe?

While the level of safety varies from country to country, Europe is generally quite safe for travelers.

Every place is different, so there will be different things to watch out for wherever you travel. It’s best to keep an eye on the news and any travel advisories for specific countries from government organizations ahead of your trip.

The main things you’ll want to be wary of are pickpocketing and petty theft. This kind of crime is common in many European countries, particularly in heavy tourist areas.

Always stay aware of your surroundings and make sure you’re not flaunting any obvious signs of wealth. Keep any valuables close to you or locked away in your accommodations.

Q: When is the best time to visit Europe?

Summer is Europe’s peak season for a reason. Throughout the summer months, you’ll find warm weather, long days, and plenty of opportunities to explore. This is also when you’ll find the biggest crowds, so make sure you have everything booked in advance so you’re not shut out of any must-do activities.

The “shoulder seasons” of spring and fall are also great options for a European vacation as the weather is cooler but generally pleasant and the crowds are much smaller.

You can also find some pretty good deals in certain countries during the shoulder seasons and the winter, so keep that in mind when booking your trip.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Europe?

While it varies by country, visitors from many countries like the United States and Canada can typically stay in Europe for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay (for example, in the Schengen area).

This is very general advice, so make sure to check individual country rules.

Q: Do I need a European travel visa?

Visa rules differ by country, so you’ll need to check your country’s International Travel Information page for your destination for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements.

You can also contact the embassy of your destination.

Q: Where is Europe?

Located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere — and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere — Europe is a continent that sits north of Africa and west of Asia. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean (north), the Atlantic Ocean (west), the Mediterranean Sea (south), and Asia (east).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Europe?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around Europe, particularly in tourist areas, though this does differ by country and region.

It is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency. Additionally, you’ll want cash in more rural areas and small towns.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Europe?

While it is safe to drink the tap water in many European countries, you’ll want to check the water quality of the specific country you’re visiting.

What would you add to this Europe travel guide?

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Welcome to Europe by Rail

Exploring Europe by train is easy, economical and enjoyable. Europe by Rail is a guidebook featuring fifty great routes, country information and off-beat diversions. It'll inspire you to explore Europe in a way you've probably never done before.

The 17th edition of Europe by Rail was published on 12 April 2022. The book was reprinted in September 2022 and July 2023.

What people have said about recent editions of the book

The continent of Europe is a vast land that is rich in diversity, history and culture. There are borders of course, yet Europe by Rail teaches us to see borders not as obstacles, but instead as open doors to new and different experiences.

Europe by Rail has been in existence for over a quarter of a century, but with each new edition Nicky and Susanne have continued to refine what is not only the finest guidebook to rail travel across this continent of ours, but also one of the best guides to travel in Europe full stop.

This guide most certainly lives up to its name: it is a most definitive guide, and is packed with all the information that you will need to plan your rail travel across the continent. Do not leave home without it.

Europe by Rail is a book of sheer possibility, a love letter to a continent that also tells you where to buy the ring and how to get to the jeweller's.

Whether you use it vicariously, imagining trips from the comfort of home, or as an essential part of your travelling kit, Europe by Rail is a wonderful publication, proving that we don't have to fly thousands of miles to find adventure when there's so much to see at our doorstep.

If you’re planning to travel by train in Europe, “Europe By Rail” is your one-stop-shop resource that’s filled with everything you need to know.

This fifteenth edition is not just a guide to European train journeys (50 of them) but it’s a cornucopia of useful information about rail travel in general. Even if you don’t intend to travel by rail regularly, there is plenty of in-depth writing to whet your appetite from your armchair.

Gardner and Kries have packed this new edition with invaluable information on European train travel. But they have also managed to capture the joy, excitement, and even romance of train travel in what could have been an otherwise dry reference guide.

If you love train travel as much as we do, this book is more than just a guide for your bookshelf. Snuggle down with it on the sofa, or pull it out of your bag on a crowded commute home–then promise yourself you’ll use it to discover just how magical train travel can be.

Whether you are planning on taking just one or two rail journeys in Europe or will be covering much of the continent onboard a train, Europe by Rail is a must-read. Both rail novices and experienced train travellers will appreciate the tips and information included in the book.

This new edition should appeal in particular to members of the engineering profession, always defined by the two parameters of precision and creativity (or passion if you wish). Europe by Rail is resplendent with both. While brimming with the latest thoroughly verified bits of information, it is written with genuine gusto by the people who are not only extremely fond of travelling, but also happen to be accomplished stylists and writers.

Can you lose yourself happily within the book’s pages, much in the same way that you would lose yourself in a town or a landscape that you are exploring for the first time? With Europe by Rail , the answer is a resounding yes: not only will you get new ideas of where to go, you will also find stuff to make you see familiar places in a fresh perspective.

For anyone planning to embark on a rail holiday in Europe, this guide is an invaluable companion. Even if you’ve travelled extensively by rail across the continent, things change regularly and it’s an easy way to bring yourself up to date. Don’t wait until you leave to buy it. The suggestions for stopovers and detours will help with your planning and you’ll have information at your fingertips about rail passes, supplements, connections and the like.

What comes across more than anything is a genuine love of Europe and a huge enthusiasm for exploring different countries and cultures. Living in Berlin, the authors are at the very heart of Europe, and the routes and diversions they suggest give everyone the chance to sample the excitement of having a whole continent spread out before us.

It’s a wonderful book – I love the idea of arranging a travel guide around rail journeys, rather than rail journeys merely being included as a means of getting from A to B. Over its 512 pages, it includes some 50 rail routes, which between them do an impressive job of covering the wealth of landscapes, cities, cultures and languages this continent has to offer.

Beautifully written, the book is both practical and inspirational.

The book is an alluring combination of evocative writing (“Speed soaks up detail as poppies in the fields of Flanders become a red haze”) and practical advice. Subtitled The Definitive Guide for Independent Travellers , it is also a history of Europe in 50 train routes.

Wenn es ein Buch in die 15. Auflage schafft, dann ist das schon ein großes Lob. Umso mehr, wenn es sich um einen Ratgeber handelt. Und ganz besonders, wenn der sich um etwas so – vermeintlich – Altmodisches wie Bahnreisen dreht.

The most comprehensive European railway guide, this book serves two separate purposes: As an inspiring book to read before you leave on your travels - and an essential guide to constantly refer to when you are actually travelling on the most beautiful trains and railway lines that Europe has to offer.

Last month, Nicky and Susanne’s latest project hit the shelves: the 15th edition of Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide . As both editors and now publishers of the guidebook, Nicky and Susanne have brought their trademark attention to detail to all aspects of the new publication, and as always it is an absolute pleasure to read.

Each chapter is peppered with insights into culture and heritage, and practical information for making the most out of a journey. [...] Europe by Rail is a guidebook that proves both inspirational and informative.

Inside the book

A detailed guide for planning your rail journeys

The guidebook is packed with information you’ll need for planning your train journeys around Europe – be it a meandering trip using Eurail or InterRail or a quick break to just one destination. Detailed route descriptions and tips on fares and ticketing help you navigate your way around Europe’s rail network.

Our passion for rail travel

The authors of Europe by Rail are travel writers and slow travel aficionados. And they are passionate about rail travel. The book captures the essence of each journey. You’ll find facts, ideas and inspiration aplenty in well-penned prose which invites you to hop aboard and discover another side of Europe.

A good read

Whether you are planning a long journey by rail or are an armchair traveller, Europe by Rail has something for everybody. The book records the sheer variety of European life and landscapes – join us as we watch lakes, mountains and townscapes slip by beyond the carriage window.

Take time to explore

Most journeys within Europe are of a length where flying hardly makes sense. Modern and efficient rail services criss-cross the continent. Take time to stop off and explore places along the way. Rediscover the joy of being flexible. If a station looks inviting, why not hop off the train and see what the town has to offer?

The authors

Susanne Kries and Nicky Gardner know their way around Europe by train. The two women, both based in Berlin, are the editors of hidden europe magazine. In their work for Europe by Rail , Nicky and Susanne perpetuate a tradition of writing about rail travel which goes back to Victorian England and the work of Thomas Cook.

European Rail News

Keep up to date with new services with the latest edition of the European Rail Timetable . And see our own European Rail News & Notes, which highlights what’s new around the railways of Europe. European Rail News & Notes is published by the authors of Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide .

Get occasional updates about the brand-new 16th edition of Europe by Rail which was published in mid-October 2019.

By registering you agree with our privacy policy . By default, our e-Newsletter is in html format. If you should prefer to receive a simple text version, just tick the box below.

Get updates on train services, the announcement of new routes and other rail travel related snippets in our European Rail News & Notes section.

• ERN Newslines Apr 2024

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The Travel Runner

6 best travel guidebooks for europe [plan your perfect trip].

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Find the best travel guidebooks for Europe. Discover the top picks, including Rick Steves’ guides and Lonely Planet, and plan your perfect trip!

There’s no better companion on a European trip than a travel book for Europe.

They give you information, tips, tricks, and advice on navigating the area. And, as I’ve learned, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned traveler. A guidebook helps.

And Europe has plenty of travel books to help you sightsee — from Lonely Planet to Fodor’s.

So, let’s dive into the best books so you don’t miss a thing on your next trip to Europe.

How to choose the best travel guidebooks for Europe

Guidebooks are a great way to get to know a city in a deeper way.

When choosing the best travel guidebooks for Europe, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the activities you enjoy.

1. Think about the guidebook style you prefer.

Some people prefer straightforward and to-the-point guides, while others enjoy more detailed and immersive ones. Also, think about the type that works best for you. Do you prefer a physical book or an eBook?

Also, how specific do you want to be?

For example, if you’re only visiting Italy, getting a more specific guidebook may be worthwhile.

The most popular guidebooks are for:

2. Jot down what you want to do on your trip.

Are you a hiker or more of a city-goer? If I had to look for you in a foreign city, would I find you wandering the local forests, or would I have to pull you from a nearby museum?

Find the guidebooks that share your interests, and keep on using them as long as you find value in them! That’s why I like to try a variety of different ones until I find what I like (right now that’s Lonely Planet).

3. Look for reputable authors (I’ve got you covered with the books below 😉).

Especially as people use AI more to generate content, it’s important to find experts and experienced travelers who have been to the destination.

So, with that out of the way, let’s dive into the best books for European travel.

1. Lonely Planet Europe

Lonely Planet is one of the most trusted names in travel.

And that’s reflected in the Lonely Planet books with top tips, to-dos, and travel experiences.

What makes Lonely Planet great is they provide different itineraries based on budget. So, if you’re looking for luxury, Lonely Planet will have you in the finest hotels and restaurants.

If you want to travel Europe on a budget, you’ll find hostels and hotels to keep money in your pocket for other activities.

From off-the-beaten-path to the must-see sights, Lonely Planet will show you how to do it and do it right.

Note: If you’re a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you get access to a few of the European travel guidebooks included in your subscription!

• Pages: 1248 pages
• Countries included: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium & Luxembourg, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Britain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, The Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine
• Formats: Paperback and eBook
• Amazon Rating: 4.3 stars
• Extras: 190+ maps, tons of experiences, and more

2. Rick Steves Best of Europe

Rick Steves’ travel books are gospels in the travel game.

Honestly, I don’t know if there is someone who has covered Europe more and in a better way than Rick.

So that’s why Rick’s Best of Europe is a must-have when traveling to Europe. From itineraries to maps, Rick and his team wrote down their travel tips for all the major cities across Europe.

So, if you’re looking for the best travel guide for Europe, it’s hard to go wrong with anything Rick Steves creates.

• Pages: 1024 pages
• Countries included: England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland
• Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars
• Extras: 100+ full-color maps and photos, self-guided tours and walks, and more

3. DK Eyewitness Europe

The DK Eyewitness travel guide for Europe is slightly lesser-known than Lonely Planet and Rick Steves’, but it’s still a great option if you’re looking for Europe travel books.

The book is packed with guides and information on all the big attractions. And stunning photography dots the pages to give you a visual (and help with your daydreaming adventures). And the recommendations for cities, major attractions, and restaurants are spot-on for all ranges of interests. However, some buyers have noted that the Rick Steves travel book is a better choice if you’re looking for more in-depth info.

But, overall, you can’t go wrong with the DK Eyewitness Europe guide to start planning.

• Pages: 760 pages
• Countries included: Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands
• Formats : Paperback and eBook
• Extras: 3D cutaways of important sights, floor plans for major museums, hand-drawn illustrations, and more

4. The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget

Budget travelers, rejoice!

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking for some tips, a tourist visiting Europe for the first time, or a gap year student looking to make the most of your time — Rough Guides Europe is for you.

This book has everything from practical tips to time (and money) saving itineraries to maps. Plus, it offers budget itineraries no matter your travel style. If you’re looking for restaurants and music, it’s got it. Hiking and outdoors? It’s got that, too.

So, if you want to save a buck and see Europe, here’s the book for your trip planning.

• Pages: 1272 pages
• Countries included: Albania, Austria, Belgium & Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey
• Amazon Rating: 4.2 stars

5. Fodor’s Essential Europe

Fodor’s Travel has been helping people find the best ways to travel Europe longer than most of us have been alive.

Beginning in 1936, Eugene Fodor began publishing the top books to read when planning a trip to Europe. And it’s continued on to today.

And with Fodor’s Essential Europe, you have everything you need to start your planning:

• Where to travel — Western Europe and Eastern Europe
• What time to travel to avoid crowds
• Where to go and what to see
• The ins and outs of the major sights, along with some hidden gems

Plus, with its itineraries, you have everything you need to make the most of your European adventure. After all, it covers 25 countries in Europe!

• Countries included: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Scandinavia and the Baltic States, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom
• Amazon Rating: 4.4 stars
• Extras: Multiple itineraries for different travel types, 16-page color insert of top attractions, and more

6. Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door

I told you he was reliable.

If you need to know something about forming the perfect European trip, Rick Steves is the man to ask. And if you only have one trip, this is the one book to have.

This book includes tons of tips and a unique look into how to travel Europe in this edition:

• Cultural insights
• Useful phrases
• A bit of history and culture
• What to do when you’re looking to plan your trip

Less about things to see and top destinations and more about how to experience Europe’s best. An excellent companion.

• Pages: 824 pages
• Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars
• Extras: More tips and tricks to get you around Europe than Rick can give in a lifetime

What do you think are the best travel books for Europe?

No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong with this list of the best European travel guides.

But I’m curious to hear from those of you who are headed to Europe for the first time  and seasoned vets. What do YOU think is the best travel guidebook out there?

Let me know in the comments below!

And, if you’re looking for more adventure before your trip, check out the best books to read before traveling to Europe.

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Home » Europe » ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Europe | Destinations & Tips for 2024

ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Europe | Destinations & Tips for 2024

I firmly believe that everyone needs to solo travel in Europe at least once in their life. Exploring different cultures in such a small amount of space is simply mind-blowing.

But trust me, I know just how nerve-racking taking that leap is. That’s why I’ve put together the ultimate guide on European solo travel.

Travelling alone is more than just hopping from one hostel bed to another: it’s about finding out who you are and what the world has to offer. Travel is the best teacher life can give you – and the most fun.

From meeting people around the world to falling in love with your soulmate (more than once, oops…) and seeing some of the world’s best sights, solo travel will change your life.

And to be honest, Europe is the perfect place to start. Even though travelling through Europe is more expensive than Southeast Asia or Latin America, it also feels familiar for Westeners.

English is widely known, the public transport is immaculate, the food you recognize, and most places welcome solo travellers with open arms. So take a deep breath, and let’s plan the BEST freaking solo trip of your life!

7 Things to Do in Europe When Traveling Solo

5 best solo destinations in europe, the best travel apps for solo travel in europe, safety tips for solo travellers in europe, tips for solo travelling in europe, final words for your solo europe trip.

So obviously, Europe is a continent, and if we broke it down country by country, there are SO MANY things for solo travellers to do. But since that would take hours on end to read (and write), let’s focus on the top 7 things you absolutely cannot miss while solo travelling in Europe .

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1. Join a Walking Tour

I’ve yet to visit a good European city that didn’t have a walking tour to join, and usually, they’re free. (Big score for budget backpackers.)

Occasionally, they can be a drag, but I’ve found that if you book them through your hostel, the guides are usually enthusiastic while being equally informational. And best of all, you’ll be joined by other travelers making it one of the best ways to make friends .

You’ll spend the morning getting a feel for the city, and I love doing this on my first day in a new place because the guides can give you some local tips on all the best places to eat, drink, and party. You’ll see all the must-do’s and have a good idea of how to get around the place.

2. Check off Iconic Landmarks

Whether you’re checking off the world’s wonders or just want to drink some wine under the Eiffel Tower, Europe is the perfect destination for travellers who love sightseeing. The continent is full of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and will definitely keep you busy. (Get ready to be walking 20,000+ steps a day!)

Travelling solo allows you to go to the ones that are high on your list without having to worry about someone else’s schedule. Plus, you can take as many pictures and selfies as your heart desires without being judged!

3. Go on a Pub Crawl

If you’re staying at a hostel , more often than not, someone will be hosting a pub crawl. And let me tell you, Europeans do it differently. There is a high possibility you’ll be out all night long and an even higher possibility of having an epic adventure through the city.

Since they’re organised through the hostels, you’ll be around other travellers about your age, and it’s the perfect way to loosen up and meet other people. Entry into the clubs and bars is usually free, and you might get a shitty shot of absinthe or bottom-shelf liquor on the house.

(If you’re on a budget, drink up. If hangovers are the bain of your existence… well, buy something else. Ha!)

4. Take a Cooking Class

Some of the world’s best food comes out of Europe (and some of the worst, I’m looking at you, beans and toast). And while it might not be in your budget to eat out for every meal, taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to experience local culture and flavours.

Sometimes, you’ll get to go shopping at the local market or step into an old grandma’s home that smells like freshly baked bread. Not only will you learn how to make delicious dishes, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the daily life of locals. It’s one of my favourite ways to meet other travellers who are interested in the same things as me.

5. Eat at Local Spots

I can’t recommend eating at local spots enough. I know it can be difficult to break out of your comfort zone and dine alone, but after a few times, it’ll grow on you.

I’ve come to love heading out to a local spot and getting to interact with the staff and other guests, grabbing some food. Trust me, they can tell you’re a tourist. And for the most part, they will be super kind and help you if you’re confused about the menu or any other customs you aren’t familiar with.

Plus, eating at local spots is typically much cheaper than eating at tourist hotspots. You’ll also get to taste authentic dishes that are so freaking delicious you’ll be dreaming of them for ages.

6. Get Lost in the World’s Best Museums

Museums are the perfect way for solo travellers to spend their day. And the ones in Europe are the BEST.

I seriously don’t think it gets better than the Louvre , the British Museum , or the Rijksmuseum . Not only are they a treasure trove of historical and cultural artefacts, but you also get to explore at your own pace and take in all the beauty without feeling rushed.

7. Attend a Music Festival

If you love music, then you’ve come to the right place. Europe is home to some of the best festivals in the world . I don’t know what it is or why they’re so much better than the rest of the world but prepare for the best vibes and the best shows (and the best drugs, if you’re trying to turn up.)

I’ve definitely planned a solo trip to Europe solely around Tomorrowland, and it was one of my best travel experiences ever. Just make sure to research the festival beforehand and plan accordingly because some tickets sell out super fast.

And don’t be afraid of going alone. You’ll meet loads of other travellers and locals. Plus, it’s a music festival, so everyone is there to have a good time.

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!

With 44 countries and hundreds of cities, how on earth are you supposed to choose where to go ? Even with all the money in the world, there is just no way to hit all of the European destinations.

I know. I find it tragic as well.

But there are a few places that are just better suited for solo travellers in Europe, and here they are! The top 5 solo destinations in Europe.

Prague is a backpacker haven, making it the perfect destination in Europe for solo travellers. If you go to Prague and don’t make any friends… well, maybe the problem is you.

Ha, just kidding. But seriously, the city has always been known for its amazing nightlife, cheap eats and drinks, and friendly locals.

The city is absolutely gorgeous, and whether you’re planning to stay in Prague in the summer or the winter, the city’s charm is breathtaking. You’ll find a little bit of everything while visiting the city, you can learn about the history on a walking tour (I recommend the ones in the old town.)

Getting lost in the cobblestone streets is like a medieval fairytale. The Museum of Communism is also a great activity for solo travellers, as you’ll get to learn about a really interesting part of history, and you can even join a tour if you want to meet people.

Fun fact: Prague is also one of the safest cities in Europe, making it the perfect destination for solo female travelers .

The Prague Dream Hostel is one of my favourite stays in the city. It’s super warm and cosy in the common areas, so meeting friends is a breeze. It’s also located about a 20-minute walk from the old town, which is perfect for exploring on your own.

History, culture, and nightlife collide in Berlin, making it a must-visit for solo travellers in Europe. Berlin was the first European city I ever visited, and I’m not sure that was the smartest idea, but it definitely prepared me for all the cities I would visit after it.

As someone who grew up quite sheltered, the nightlife in Berlin had its way with me. It was a hell of a time. And if you’re into the techno scene, my god, you’re about to have the time of your life.

But Berlin has so much more to offer than just its party scene. The city is filled with museums, galleries, and historic sites that are a must-see for any solo traveller interested in culture and history.

One of my favourite things to do in Berlin was biking around the city, admiring the street art and architecture. Joining some sort of tour, whether it be biking or walking, is a must. While walking alone is fine, hearing the stories and learning more about the city and the war really adds to the experience.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Berlin, I highly recommend checking out the Circus Hostel . It’s located in a great area with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, and they offer a variety of room options, including dorms and privates. Plus, they host events like pub crawls and walking tours making it easy to meet other travelers.

Everyone dreams of visiting Amsterdam on their European tour, and for good reason. The city is one of the coolest and most progressive destinations in Europe, making it perfect for solo travellers.

The best way to explore Amsterdam is by bike. There is some crazy statistic that there are more bikes than people, and after visiting—I believe it.

And one of my favourite things about visiting Amsterdam is literally everyone speaks English. So if you’re feeling a bit paranoid about being able to communicate, well, Amsterdam is the perfect choice for you.

Just prepare for the bluntness. They don’t mean to be rude—they’re just honest.

Unfortunately, loads of expats have moved to the city, pushing out a lot of the Dutchies. And in the summer, it’s pretty much a melting pot of travellers. This is sad because you miss out on a lot of the local culture that made Amsterdam so unique to begin with.

But it’s still an epic destination in Europe, and make sure to stay at Flying Pig Downtown . The staff are amazing. And with all of the awesome common areas, you can hang out, drink a beer, smoke some green, and meet some other travellers.

For so long, Portugal was flying under the radar, and then, what seemed like out of nowhere, it became everyone’s go-to destination in Europe. And they weren’t wrong.

Travelling to Portugal is awesome just about any time of year, and Lisbon is one of the best cities for solo travellers. Unless you don’t like hills… because Lisbon is all hills.

The city has a chill vibe with lots of street art, great food, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers. Head to the famous Time Out Market for some food and drinks, or take a free walking tour to learn about the history and culture. You can also do some pretty sick day trips from Lisbon like visiting the beautiful beaches of Cascais or the gorgeous castles of Sintra.

If you’re looking for a party place, stay at Yes! Lisbon . This hostel is full of social butterflies, and they put on one heck of a bar crawl every few nights.

Barcelona is one of the most iconic cities in all of Europe, so obviously, it landed a spot on this list. You can visit the ever-unfinished Sagrada Familia or roam the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter.

Barcelona is also known for its delicious food scene and buzzing nightlife. And if you’re into beaches, there are plenty of those too!

Although Barcelona isn’t exactly the cheapest place in Europe, there is lots of opportunity here to bring the costs down. You’ll find cheap flights here from many corners of the world and public transport is easy-peasy.

Barcelona is every solo traveller’s dream come true. I don’t know if it’s because of the weather or the blunt locals (well, most of them have moved to Barcelona, but we will still call them locals), but it’s just so easy to make friends here.

Every morning, you’ll find the cafes full of people enjoying breakfast and a chat, and every night, the streets are packed with young people grabbing dinner on their way out to explore the nightlife. And from what I experienced, just about every night you can party.

My favorite hostel was Onefam Paralelo . Every night, they have a family dinner, making it easy to meet other guests, and typically, everyone goes out together after.

Here are a handful of my favourite travel apps that helped me backpack through Europe immensely. Having these apps in your arsenal will give you superpowers. Trust me.

• Google Maps – Do I need to explain this one?
• Booking.com – Easily the best app for accommodation.
• Hostelworld – This app is perfect for finding the best hostels in Europe .
• Google Translate – Such an easy way to speak every language.
• Couchsurfing – Backpacking Europe isn’t always the cheapest, and downloading the couch surfing app will help you save some money and meet locals.
• Interrail Planner App – If you’re planning on travelling by train in Europe , this app will be your best friend. It helps you plan out your route, shows you the different train options and schedules, and even lets you book tickets.
• Flixbus – But if you plan to travel by bus to save some money, Flixbus is a great option. Their app makes it easy to book tickets and navigate different routes.
• Rick Stevens Audio Europe – This audio guide app offers guided walking tours in different European cities. You’ll get insider tips and historical background information while exploring independently.
• Holafly – An e-SIM application that allows you to download a data-only SIM card without installing a physical card.

Facebook groups are also a great shout for solo backpackers, and so is the Hostelworld chat for your location. My best tip though? Get off yo’ phone and go chat to people!

Stop stressing about your phone service when you travel abroad.

Holafly is a digital SIM card that works smoothly like an app — you simply pick your plan, download it, and voilà!

Roam around Europe, but leave the roaming charges for the n00bies.

So this is where it gets tricky lumping all of Europe together into safety tips. Each country definitely varies when it comes to levels of crime. So make sure to look up the countries you’re headed to before and do some research on their travel warnings. With that said, here are a few tips to help keep you safe while exploring solo in Europe.

Pickpockets are in just about every city, so just be smart about your belongings. Don’t wear fancy jewellery. Zip your bags and keep them in front of you, and maybe even get a necklace thing for your phone to make sure it doesn’t get snatched.

If you’re going out or bar hopping, don’t get hammered. I know it feels a bit like a theme park as you travel from city to city. But you aren’t untouchable, and creeps exist everywhere.

So don’t drink too much. If you are a female solo traveller, try to go with a group of friends and don’t wander off alone. Like anywhere, Europe is safe to travel alone but you must keep your wits about you.

If this is your first big solo trip, don’t worry, these tips will help you have a killer time in Europe and could also save your ass.

• Travel light , and pick a trusty backpack over a rolling suitcase.
• Book hostels . It’s the BEST way to travel solo. You’ll meet awesome people and they’re often nicer than hotels.
• If you’re travelling on a tight budget , you can get cheap transport tickets if you book in advance .
• Free walking tours are a must ! They’re a great way to meet people and explore the local areas and, well, they’re free!
• Leave your heels at home . Good travel shoes are essential.
• Always have some Euros on hand. Cash is still king.
• Don’t just visit cities … please. Countries are more than just their tourist hotspots and Instagram-famous locations.
• With that being said— do the touristy things . There is a reason everyone loves going to the Eiffel Tower or seeing the Colosseum. Don’t leave wanting more.
• Get European travel insurance . You never know what can happen, and we want you safe, not hundreds of dollars in debt and unable to get home safely.

My final tip would be to just go for it and also to go with the flow. Nothing ever unfolds exactly how you imagined it, but this is the beauty of travel. We love the mystery of surprises, don’t we?

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.

All that’s left to say is get ready for a trip of a lifetime. My first solo trip to Europe was more than I could have ever imagined, from getting kicked out of a club in Barcelona to jumping on the back of a Vespa to ride around Rome with a stranger. Travelling solo brings opportunities to your front door that you would never even think possible.

Not that getting kicked out of the club was fun, but it definitely makes for a great story to tell. And you’re about to have all of that and more. You’ll learn more about yourself and honestly see more churches than you ever need to in your whole life—but, hey, that’s Europe.

So regardless if you’re visiting one country or are on an epic solo backpacking journey through Europe, you’re about to eat, dance, and live your life to the fullest. So double-check your travel packing list , and get ready to say hola, merci, ciao, and cheers as you embark on your solo adventure in Europe.

Darren Griffiths

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A first-timer’s guide to Belgium — why this should be your first stop in Europe

A Belgian friend once said, “Good thing this country is tiny.” Like Singapore, it doesn’t take long to get to places.

At an hour’s drive from the capital city, you could find yourself on cobblestone streets surrounded by medieval buildings. In 1.5 hours by train, you could be in Amsterdam, or Paris. But before you think of your next adventure from this iconic European city, here’s a quick guide to Belgium and soaking in the bustling vibes of Brussels — your first stop in Europe.

Heading to Europe? Check out our Europe guides and itineraries .

How to get to Belgium from Singapore

Brussels is now a direct flight from Singapore via Singapore Airlines .

Flight time: 13.5hrs Flight departing from Singapore: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays Flight departing from Brussels: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Fun fact: The last time Singapore Airlines flew directly to Brussels was between 1979-2003!

Must-tries in Brussels

Brussels is a fairly small city. Public transport works well, but you can walk to most attractions. 

1) Soak in Magritte’s Surrealist influence

René Magritte’s surrealist art can be felt throughout Brussels, where he lived and worked for much of his life. What’s interesting about his artwork is how he uses ordinary objects in unusual contexts or juxtaposes them with unrelated elements, similar to the randomness in a dream.

Of course, one of the more prominent places to experience Magritte’s legacy is the Magritte Museum — it houses over 200 of his most famous artworks.

*Pro-tip: grab an audio guide from the entrance for more insights about his artworks.

Extend your Magritte experience with drinks at the Bar Magritte — apart from the artworks, its menu consists of 20 bespoke cocktails inspired by some of his most famous works.

2) Try Belgian Fries

In Belgium, don’t ask for french fries; ask for La Frites. These are thicker fries but incredibly crispy at the edges, thanks to their double cook technique that makes them crispier. You could get a takeaway box from the famous chain La Friterie, or better, as a side with Mussels. Best eaten dipped in mayonnaise — many restaurants make them fresh! 

3) Belgium Beer World

A fun interactive museum where you’ll journey through Belgium’s rich brewing heritage. Learn everything beer from the beer styles — crisp lagers to complex ales, to interesting stories about how monks in centuries-old abbey breweries brewed beers. Fun fact: beer is 90% water, and in the past, water wasn’t clean, so it was actually safer to drink beer 🙃

Entrance fee: €17 (incl. A half-pint beer of choice at the end) Opening hours: 10AM – 5:30PM

4) Join a chocolate workshop at Laurent Gerbaud

Chocolate is serious business in Belgium. And one of the best ways to dive into it is to get in on the Laurent Gerbaud chocolate workshop .

Held by the charming Laurent Gerbaud himself, the workshop has two parts: First, you get to make your own chocolate squares — learn how to fill up the moulds with the house-mixed dark chocolate (very tasty), then top it with any mix you like from candied fruits to nuts and other interesting toppings.

While waiting for the chocolates to cool and set, Laurent will bring you through a tasting palette of 12 different chocolates. You can walk away from this session calling yourself a chocolate connoisseur — jk, not really. Still, you’ll really gain an appreciation for the distinct flavours of chocolates and how they pair with savoury nuts or candied/sour fruits — a must-experience in Brussels, I’d say.

Cost: €35 Workshop timing: Every Saturday, 11:30AM – 1PM (book via via [email protected] )

5) Explore charming neighbourhoods outside the city

One such neighbourhood is Saint Gilles — an architectural feast for the eyes, essentially, where the rich live. Spot colourful townhouses, lively cafes, and trendy boutiques. 

One of the highlights here is Maison Hannon, a restored Art Nouveau-style home designed by a renowned architect in the late 19th century. Look out for the intricate ironwork, curved lines, and floral motifs characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. You could imagine what it might have been like for the family during the peak of its time.

Maison Hanon Entrance fee: from €12 Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM (Closed on Mon–Thu)

Side trips from Brussels

Just a short train ride or drive from Brussels is the medieval city of Bruges, often called the Venice of the North. Just a fair warning, the main street is very touristy, but with reason — and there are lesser-known gems to escape from the crowds.

Wander through the cobblestone streets along the canals, flanked by historic buildings all around. Walk along the main street if you love soaking in medieval vibes. If you’re looking for quieter spaces, check out this walking route:

From the Railway station, take a 10-minute stroll to Minnewater , also known as the Lake of Love.

Koningin Astridpark is about 15 minutes on foot. Grab a little picnic to enjoy lunch at the Gazebo or around the lake.

From Astridpark, follow the path to Coupure , a historic canal that served as a defensive waterway during the Middle Ages.

How to get to Bruges From Brussels Train: €21 (~1hr) Drive: ~1hr

Ghent turned out to be my favourite stop. It’s as picturesque as Bruges (IMO, more than), but has a much chiller vibe and fewer tourists.

A novel (albeit touristy) way to experience Ghent is via a boat ride from Korenlei. Find Vernie the boatman if you can. It’s not just “look at this, and look at that,” but he has a way of weaving in stories of himself, the city, and what you’re about to see. This turned out to be one of our highlights!

Another unexpected experience was our visit to Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. I’m not normally drawn to religious buildings, but our guide was so enthusiastic about the Mystic Lamb painting that we had to see it.

It starts with an immersive VR tour down in the Crypt, where you’re introduced to holographic scenes of the past before learning about each segment of the famed painting in detail. I promise it looks a lot more impressive in real life.

How to get to Ghent From Brussels Train: from €10.20 (36mins) Drive: ~1hr

Recommended accommodation in Belgium

Belgium has not shortage of unique accommodation options. Some houses in centuries-old palaces, and even an old jail. Here’s where we stayed, what we loved about them and what you can find within walking distance of the property.

Brussels: Hotel Amigo

What we loved: Located strategically within walking distance of most Brussels attractions like the Grot Markt, Belgian Beer World, and the iconic Zennike Pis. Also surrounded by famous bars and restaurants like the Delirium Cafe (houses over 2000 beers), Aux Armes de Bruxelles (Brussels Cuisine), La Table de Mus (fine dining), and Chez Léon (casual place for mussels and La Frites).

The interiors are modern and cosy, filled with character. Rooms are decorated with art pieces by surrealist artist René Magritte. There are even themed rooms like a Tintin Suite, a Diane von Fürstenberg Suite (Belgian-American fashion icon), and a presidential Suite that (hearsay) housed Barack Obama during his visit to Belgium.

Fun fact: Back in the day, the spot where the hotel stands was a prison. Legend has it that Spanish soldiers, who weren’t so good with Dutch, mistook “ vrunt ” (which means prison) for “ vriend ” (friend) and started calling it “amigo.” Fast forward to today, and the hotel’s official address is “Vruntstraat” in Dutch, or “rue de l’Amigo” in French. Lost-in-translation?

Bruges: Hotel Dukes’ Palace

What we loved: the only 5-star hotel in Bruges, housed in a 15th-century Palace. It’s located in the heart of Bruges’ UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre, which makes it a perfect base for exploring the medieval city. Major attractions like the Belfry of Bruges and the Markt Square are a short walk away.

Ghent: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof

What we loved: Rooms are as luxurious as the other two, but this one had an indoor heated pool and sauna (unfortunately, we didn’t have time to enjoy). The breakfast here was also one of the most indulgent, and of course, it was located close to Ghent’s historic city centre. It’s within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, including the Gravensteen Castle , Saint Bavo’s Cathedral , and the charming canal where you can take boat rides. Guests can explore Ghent’s cultural treasures and culinary delights, all within walking distance of the hotel.

What’s surprising about being in Belgium

While there aren’t any bucket list experiences in this Belgium itinerary, it surprised me how drawn to the country I was at the end of the trip. Walking through its cobblestoned streets, taking in the atmosphere, and hearing locals speak proudly about their country draws you into Belgium’s charms — especially the latter 🙃

If you ever find yourself itching for a European getaway, bookmark this quintessential guide to Belgium so you can add it to the start of your adventure!

One of Magritte’s famous sayings is, “It is not a question of surprising people with something, but of being surprised that one is surprised.

We hope you found this first-timer’s guide to Belgium helpful! What’s your favourite part about exploring new European cities? Share them with us in the comments!

This post was brought to you by Singapore Airlines and visit.brussels as part of a media familiarisation trip.

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and  YouTube .

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The best places to visit in the Netherlands

May 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Contrast days exploring the Netherland's many cultural institutions with outdoorsy pursuits on Texel © Sara Winter / Shutterstock

The Netherlands is a treasure chest of exquisite art-filled cities and towns, canals, windmills and tulip fields, along with shiny-new sustainable urban environments, and glorious natural landscapes, coastlines and islands. While it’s one of Europe’s smaller nations (you can cross the entire country in a handful of hours), choosing where to spend your time takes planning.

These are the best places to begin your explorations.

1. Amsterdam

Best city for culture.

Ribboned by UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals that are lined by tilting gabled buildings that form its central core, the Dutch capital is a cultural jewel.

Amsterdam brims with museums headlined by the national showpiece the Rijksmuseum, neighboring Van Gogh Museum and modern-art Stedelijk Museum, with eye-openers like the Wereldmuseum museum of world cultures, and scores of smaller, specialist gems as niche as piano-player pianolas or sustainable fashion.

Music spanning classical to EDM spills from historic churches, hallowed concert halls (the Concertgebouw has near-perfect acoustics) and legendary venues like Melkweg, as well as open-air spaces such as the stage in the sprawling green Vondelpark.

Planning tip: It’s easy to avoid overtourism and escape the crowds by heading to less-visited neighborhoods. Amsterdam Noord is a fantastic starting point, home to a state-of-the-art film museum, the world’s biggest street-art museum, vast art "breeding ground" in former shipping warehouse NDSM-Loods, and eco-focused cafes and bars, many built from recycled materials. 

Find the ideal neighborhood to base yourself in Amsterdam.

2. Rotterdam

Best city for contemporary architecture.

The Netherlands’ second-biggest city and Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam has triumphed over the adversity of its WWII devastation, transforming into a veritable gallery of contemporary architecture and public art. Standout structures include the Overblaak "forest" of tilted cube-shaped houses (one houses the Kijk-Kubus museum), the soaring, horseshoe-shaped Markthal with original food stalls and restaurants, and the gleaming mirror-ball-like Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen – a world-first open-access art storage facility. Repurposed spaces abound, such as the Schieblock, a mid-century office building converted into creative studios, topped by a harvestable roof terrace.

Planning tip: An exhilarating way to see the shapeshifting cityscape is aboard a water taxi zipping across the harbor. Daredevils can even abseil 100m (328 ft) from Rotterdam’s iconic 1960-opened Euromast observation tower.

Save this guide to the top things to do in Rotterdam.

Best spot for outdoors activities

Basking less than 2 miles off the Dutch coast, the bucolic Wadden Sea island of Texel (pronounced "Tes-sel") is capped by a crimson lighthouse and fringed by sweeping white-sand beaches. With its lush pastures grazed by fluffy sheep (prized for their wool) and dairy cows (producing milk used in local cheeses, chocolate and ice cream, mixed with freshly picked berries), along with rambling forests and nature reserves, Texel is an outdoors paradise. Cycling trails crisscross the island, with activities ranging from horse riding and skydiving. Watersports include sailing and kite-surfing.

Some 10,000 seals swim in the surrounding waters; you can spot them on boat trips or at Ecomare’s seal sanctuary.

Planning tip: Ferries carry foot passengers, cars and bikes from mainland Den Helder to Texel in just 20 minutes. In summer, there’s also a service linking Texel with the Frisian island of Vlieland . 

Best for time-honored streetscapes and artistic traditions

Lovely little Delft , with its web of narrow canals lined by quaint, colorful buildings, seems preserved in another era. Centered on its medieval Markt, one of Europe’s largest market squares (markets still set up here on Thursdays), it’s crowned by the lopsided 14th-century spire of its Oude Kerk (Old Church), and 17th-century-completed Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – climbing its tower’s 376 spiraling steps provides beautiful views of the town.

A less demanding but equally picturesque impression is across the canal at Hooikade, where 17th-century Deft-born artist Vermeer, painted his famous View of Delft that’s still recognizable today. Vermeer’s life and techniques are covered at the Vermeer Centrum Delft.

The 17th century also saw artisans create an enduring legacy with the production of blue-and-white-painted pottery, known to the world as Delftware. Operating since 1653, Royal Delft has behind-the-scenes tours.

5. Den Haag (The Hague)

Best for regal museums and performing arts.

Stately Den Haag (The Hague) , the Netherlands’ third-largest city, isn’t the capital – that’s Amsterdam – but it is the seat of government and royalty. The glimmering Hofvijver pond relects the Gothic-style Binnenhof (Inner Court), the permanent home of the Dutch parliament (temporarily relocated until renovations that began in 2022 wrap up around 2028). The country’s monarch King Willem-Alexander works from adjacent Noordeinde Palace and lives at nearby palace Huis ten Bosch.

You won’t need a royal invitation to visit the dazzling royal picture gallery the Mauritshuis, hanging such masterpieces as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Fabritius’ The Goldfinch . Former royal residence the Lange Voorhout Palace showcases the mind-bending works of Dutch graphic artist MC Escher. Bringing together organizations including the Royal Conservatoire and modern-dance Nederlands Dans Theater across four halls, 2021-opened performing arts complex Amare is the city’s cultural meeting point.

Planning tip: When the weather warms up, join locals unwinding at laid-back beach bars along the long, sandy strand at Scheveningen.

6. Maastricht

Best for roman relics and revelry  .

In this otherwise-flat country’s hilly southeast, Maastricht upends most visitors’ impressions of the Netherlands. Bordered by Germany and Belgium, its location on the ancient trading route between Cologne and Boulogne-sur-Mer saw the Romans establish a fort to guard the crossing on the Maas (Meuse) river. You can see the site of the original bridge from its replacement, the arched, stone footbridge Sint Servaasbrug, begun in 1280 and the Netherland’s oldest bridge.

Maastricht’s unbuttoned joie de vivre harks back to the 15th century when it was part of the vast Burgundy powerbase, resulting in rich food and flowing wine, beer and merriment. Great places to whet your appetite are the city squares Markt, Vrijthof (overlooked by Romanesque basilica Sint Servaasbasiliek) and Onze Lieve Vrowplein (by Romanesque church, Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek).

Planning tip: Carousing peaks during Carnaval, in the lead-up to Shrove Tuesday (February or March), when many businesses otherwise close and costumed parades and parties take over.

Want to attend a festival like Carnaval or King's Day? Here are the best times to g o.

Best spot for history lessons

Whether your historical interest is academia, art or trans-Atlantic history, Leiden is a must-visit. Threaded by canals, it’s home to the Netherlands’ oldest and most illustrious university, gifted to Leiden by Willem the Silent in 1575; its botanical garden, the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, opened in 1590, shelters rare species from all over the world.

Befitting an academic city, Leiden is stuffed with fascinating museums; the flagship Museum De Lakenhal, in a former cloth warehouse, displays works by artists including Rembrandt, who was born in Leiden in 1606. The Pilgrims, religious refugees who had fled England for Amsterdam in 1608, moved to Leiden the following year, raising money to lease the Speedwell to commence their journey to the New World in 1620. The tiny Leiden American Pilgrim Museum charts their story.

Planning tip: Leiden is a jumping-off point for springtime trips through the rainbow-striped tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens , 10 miles north at Lisse, when some seven million bulbs bloom.

Best place for unique perspectives

Utrecht ’s university was founded in 1636, and this vibrant student city buzzes with independent shops, bars and bakery-cafes.

The city has some singular vantage points. From the top of its Utrecht's medieval landmark, the 112m (367ft) belfry Domtoren, reached by 465 steps, you can see as far as Amsterdam on a clear day. The Domkerk cathedral’s nave was destroyed by a hurricane in 1674 and never rebuilt. Below ground DOMunder guided tours take you to an underground archaeological site covering two millennia of history. Paleis Lofen tours explore the subterranean remains of this residence built by the Holy Roman Emperors around 1020 AD, incorporating Roman remains.

Also unique to Utrecht are its canals. Sluicing through the historic center, the Oudegracht and Nieuwegracht have double-decker towpaths, at both river level, where merchants offloaded goods into kelders (cellars), many of which house cafes and accommodation, and street level above. You can see another side to them from the water by boat, kayak or canoe.

Best for beaches, dunes and wildlife

The grand city of Haarlem – with its Grote Markt (Great Market) square, centuries-old churches (try to catch a Müller organ recital at the Grote Kerk) and impressive ensemble of museums (notably Frans Hals and Teylers) – is a splendid place to visit in itself.

When you’ve had your fill, the city is an ideal base for accessing powdery-soft, white-sand beaches at Zandvoort and Bloemendal aan Zee, via the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park , which teems with wildlife: along with birds and bats, you might spot bison, red foxes and fallow deer, as well as 2016-introduced horned Highland cattle. Kopje van Bloemendaal is the Netherlands’ highest dune, with views of the sea and Amsterdam (the capital is just 20 minutes from Haarlem). 

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Backpackers Guide To Northern Europe: 10 Best Cities For Solo Travelers

B ackpacking Europe is how a lot of travelers get their start - it’s a relatively comfortable option for first-timers who want to travel a well-worn path. Within Europe, there are many established tourist trails, plenty of affordable hostels, and many like-minded adventurers to bond with along the way.

For solo travelers seeking safe cities with developed tourism infrastructure to begin their explorations, there are few places in the world more suitable than Northern Europe. To prove that, here are some of the best Northern European cities for solo travelers and backpackers.

Related: 10 Super Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Europe

Bergen, Norway

Bergen is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is located on Norway’s southwest coast. It’s easy to reach by train from Oslo, and the ride between the two cities is one of the most visually stunning train rides in the world.

For photographers, Bergen is a dream destination because of the surrounding landscapes and hiking trails to explore.

• Best Month To Visit: May to September
• Who It’s Best For: Photographers
• Top Attraction To See: Bergenhus Fortress

Reykjavík, Iceland

Iceland is a beautiful Nordic country and island. Known for its volcanoes, hot springs, and lava rock fields, it's often referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice. Solo travelers can feel confident exploring Iceland because it's one of the safest countries in the world.

With an extremely low crime rate and no large wild predators , travelers can be at ease in the capital city of Reykjavík or when hiking in the countryside.

• Best Month To Visit: June to August
• Who It’s Best For: Female Solo Travelers
• Top Attraction To See: Blue Lagoon

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is the capital of Norway and offers plenty to do and see . The city is well-connected to many other major hubs throughout Europe, making it a convenient stop on a solo traveler’s backpacking route.

Oslo is a very safe city with a clean and easy-to-navigate metro system. There are plenty of green spaces and museums to explore at leisure.

• Best Month To Visit: September or October
• Who It’s Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts
• Top Attraction To See: The Vigeland Park

Related: How To Backpack Through Europe On A Budget

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden, is another Scandinavian destination that is ideal for solo travelers in Europe to explore.

Especially for first-time backpackers in Northern Europe, this city caters to those finding their footing with a clean and streamlined metro system, charming historic streets, and lots of cafés for experiencing Swedish Fika.

• Who It’s Best For: First-time solo travelers
• Top Attraction To See: Vasa Museum and Gamla Stan (the old town)

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland, might not be on every solo backpacker’s radar, but this Scandinavian city in Northern Europe is seriously underrated. Travelers who want to experience the peacefulness and organization of a Scandinavian capital without compromising on the party scene found in some other backpacker cities across Europe should add Helsinki to the bucket list, at least for a weekend .

Overall, the Finnish capital finds itself among the best backpacker cities in Northern Europe, thanks to its vibrant nightlife scene with lots of clubs and bars.

• Best Month To Visit: May or September
• Who It’s Best For: Party seekers
• Top Attraction To See: Sea Fortress Suomenlinna

Related: How To Prepare For Backpacking Throughout Europe

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark is known for being one of the happiest countries in the world, and its capital, Copenhagen, is a prime example of why. It’s a beautiful, clean, and accessible city with bike lanes, cafés, and scenic canals.

For travelers who prefer to explore a European city by bicycle, Copenhagen is the obvious choice - the city is catered towards cyclists, with bikes for rent from the city and separate bike lanes for safety.

• Best Month To Visit: March to May
• Who It’s Best For: Cycling enthusiasts
• Top Attraction To See: Tivoli Gardens (Amusement Park)

Malmö, Sweden

Malmö doesn’t get as much attention as Stockholm, but it’s a gorgeous Swedish city that solo travelers should consider visiting on a backpacking trip around Northern Europe.

It’s only a 40-minute train ride to Malmö from Copenhagen, so it’s easy to add it to a Scandinavian trip itinerary. For foodies, Malmö will be a pleasant surprise with many cafés, upscale restaurants, and wine bars.

• Best Month To Visit: June to September
• Who It’s Best For: Foodies
• Top Attraction To See: Malmö Castle

Related: The Tips Every Backpacker In Europe Should Know

Hamburg, Germany

This culturally rich and historic city in northern Germany is a fantastic option for solo travelers on a backpacking adventure. It’s well-connected to other cities in Europe like Copenhagen, Berlin, and Amsterdam, making it easy to get to by train.

The port city on the North Sea boasts canals, greenery, and historic buildings.

• Who It’s Best For: History buffs
• Top Attraction To See: Elbphilharmonie (The Elphi)

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is a Swedish city that is known for its beautiful architecture. It has charming canals reminiscent of the Netherlands and was established as a commercial fishing hub.

While it’s not as easy to find cheap flights to Gothenburg as it is to Stockholm, it’s worth visiting Sweden’s second city.

• Best Month To Visit: May to August
• Who It’s Best For: Travelers who appreciate architecture
• Top Attraction To See: Liseberg Amusement Park

Tallinn, Estonia

Solo travelers who want to get off the tourist trail might find themselves exploring Tallinn, the capital of Estonia , one of the top backpacker cities in Northern Europe. This historic city on the Baltic Sea is located just across the water from Helsinki in Finland.

Backpackers can get between the two cities by ferry (the ride is 2 hours), but Tallinn is also easily accessible by train from other major cities in Eastern Europe by train, bus, and plane.

• Best Month To Visit: May to June, or December
• Who It’s Best For: Adventurers getting off the beaten path
• Top Attraction To See: Medieval Old Town

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Budapest travel guide 2024: Navigating the Heart of Europe's Hidden Jewel With things to do in Budapest, where to stay, itinerary with maps and many tips on Budapest. [Print Replica] Kindle Edition

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About the author

Lorenzo canali.

I am a storyteller, photographer, and fellow traveler. Ever since I was a kid all I ever wanted was to travel around the world like the great Ferdinand Magellan who traveled around the world. Right now I have been to over 50, countries I am eager to share my passion for exploration and empower others to embark on their own adventures.

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Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

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7 Affordable Towns In Western Europe I Loved Staying In During The Summer

Who said that a budget-friendly summer trip to Western Europe is impossible? It is possible in these affordable European towns!

• Vienna, Austria, offers a historic and cultural summer experience for budget travelers, with affordable attractions and charming architecture.
• Dresden, Germany's rebuilt city, is accessible and welcoming, with affordable accommodation options and captivating landmarks steeped in history.
• Naples, Italy, known for its amazing food and architecture, offers affordability compared to other parts of Italy, making it a budget-friendly summer destination.

Numerous Western European towns, each rich in history, continue to captivate visitors with their antique charm. The diverse cultures of the nations in this region offer unique experiences to explore. Each destination I visited in Western Europe unveiled its distinct atmosphere and beauty, leaving me enchanted by its exceptional character. That said, this part of the continent isn't known for being cheap, but there are ways to explore Western Europe on a budget if you know where to go.

Would you like to embark on such a trip? However, are you unsure about which affordable European destinations to go to for a summer vacation , especially because you're short on funds? Don't worry! I found budget-friendly gems spread all over the area. Here are several affordable towns in Western Europe I loved staying in during the summer (best of all, these are all Western European vacations you can take for less than $1,000 per week, ranging from a few hundred to just over a couple of hundred dollars!).

How To Spend 10 Perfect Days In Western Europe (A First Timer's Itinerary)

7 vienna, austria, travel cost per week: $438.

Vienna, Austria's summer destination, sits gracefully along the Danube River, steeped in history and the arts. Once the majestic capital of the Austrian Empire, it still proudly showcases its Baroque architecture.

I enjoyed hours of strolls around this affordable Western European town, enchanted by its architecture and history. Renowned for its classical music culture, fine arts, museums, and vibrant café scene, Vienna has consistently been voted the world's most livable city . During my visit, attending a classical Viennese music concert was a must, as well as exploring its splendid national library and castles, including Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo !

I also toured an array of attractions in Vienna , including St. Stephen’s Cathedral , the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel , the Museum of Natural History , Volksgarten , Stephansplatz , and Wiener Staatsoper . Vienna, a quintessential summer destination in Western Europe, offers a delightful blend of historical grandeur and contemporary beauty for travelers seeking unforgettable and affordable experiences.

6 Dresden, Germany

Travel cost per week: $429.

I recently visited the beautiful rebuilt city of Dresden in Eastern Germany, and let me tell you, it's a summer budget traveler's paradise! The city, steeped in history, offers affordable accommodation options, with decent hotels available.

Despite attracting about 2 million visitors annually , Dresden remains accessible and welcoming to tourists. Exploring Dresden's landmarks like the Frauenkirche and the Semperoper , meticulously rebuilt after WWII, was truly captivating. Moreover, Dresden is not just a relic of the past; it is also a thriving technology hub in modern Germany.

Affordable attractions abound, and Dresden's walkable layout makes it a charming and convenient destination in Western Europe.

5 Naples, Italy

Travel cost per week: $412.

Southern Italy is far more reasonably priced than Northern Italy, which can be quite expensive. A prime example is Naples. Compared to Milan or Rome, this medieval city is far less expensive to visit while still offering amazing food, interesting sites, and pleasant weather.

The architecture of Naples is something everyone should see. World-class, top-rated attractions in Naples include Castel Nuovo , the San Carlo Theatre , and the San Gennaro Catacombs . The renowned Vesuvius volcano is also nearby, which has had a significant impact on the city's history and residents (it's the famous volcano whose historical eruption destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii).

Football enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Stadio Diego Armando Maradona , home to the elite team SSC Napoli. Lodging in central Naples is generally affordable, even during summer visits to this Western European town. While upscale options exist, plenty of affordable alternatives are available.

Any visitor on a budget would be wise to explore Naples' free attractions and activities as well! Overall, my favorite aspects of Naples were its old streets and squares, New Jesus Church , genuine people, and, of course, la Pizza Napolitana .

Backpackers Guide To Western Europe: 10 Best Cities For Solo Travelers

4 porto, portugal, travel cost per week: $411.

So, I just got back from Porto, and I'l glad to tell you that it's easily one of the most affordable summer towns in Western Europe. Portugal, in general, is super affordable, but Porto takes the cake. While Lisbon has gotten pricier with all those expats moving in, Porto has managed to stay wallet-friendly. Seriously, even staying in the city center won't break the bank when it comes to accommodation. And eating out? You can feast like royalty for €10-20 in many places.

Sure, there are fancier areas like Boavista and Foz, but you don't have to splurge there. Porto's got this vibe where you get more bang for your buck compared to other big Western European towns and cities. Plus, the transport is very cheap! I took a train and explored nearby historic cities like Aveiro and Guimarães for around €5 ($5.35) .

Overall, Porto is a gem with a lot to offer budget-savvy travelers like us, offering both affordability and adventure. Not to mention, there's an abundance of free things to do in Porto , perfect for those with minimal funds.

3 Lyon, France

Travel cost per week: $403.

Last summer, I had the pleasure of exploring Lyon in France , and it proved to be an ideal destination for a budget-friendly summer vacation in Western Europe. Nestled in the heart of France, Lyon offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy without breaking the bank.

From strolling along the picturesque banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers to marveling at the captivating architecture of Vieux Lyon and the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière , the city offers countless opportunities for affordable exploration.

Delightful street markets, offering fresh produce and local delicacies, cater to budget-conscious travelers, while charming bistros and cafés provide an authentic taste of Lyonnaise cuisine at reasonable prices. With its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and an array of affordable attractions, Lyon is undoubtedly a hidden gem for those seeking an unforgettable summer getaway in Western Europe without draining their wallets.

16 Cities In Europe For A Weekend Getaway

2 seville, spain, travel cost per week: $348.

Seville, an affordable city in Spain, was an amazing destination for my summer stay. Nestled in the southern region of Andalusia, summers here may be warm, but staying cool is effortless. With its robust tourism infrastructure, Seville offers a diverse range of accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxurious hotels and vacation rentals.

Dining in this mesmerizing town is even more affordable compared to Valencia, and enjoying drinks won't strain your wallet. While some primary attractions in Seville require tickets, discounts are often available for families, seniors, and students, making them reasonably priced. I suggest visiting free attractions like La Plaza de España , where you can see a free and authentic Flamenco performance, and the nearby Parque de Maria Louisa in the early morning to beat the heat.

For a midday excursion, explore the Royal Alcazar de Seville and La Giralda , providing respite from the high temperatures. As the sun sets, head to La Setas de Sevilla for breathtaking views, followed by a dinner at a nearby restaurant.

1 Aveiro, Portugal

Travel cost per week: $265.

Taking an affordable summer trip to Western Europe along the sun-kissed shores of Aveiro, I found myself enchanted by its beguiling charm. Nestled by the Atlantic, Aveiro's bustling port is a testament to centuries of seafaring heritage.

This Western European town unveiled its hidden treasures as I meandered through its labyrinthine canal network, earning its rightful title as the Portuguese Venice . Immersed in its rich history, I unearthed the antique arts of salt harvesting and ceramic craftsmanship, each a testament to Aveiro's timeless ingenuity.

The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. Philanthropist. Legal weed champion. The real Rick Steves is so much more complex than who you see on TV.

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion-dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: This would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe, but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues such as car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has probably missed this side of him. On TV, they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year, Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he has built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist, but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he sits in only economy, claiming that he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should have only one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes that they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment, and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She has appreciated his regular presence in the community, which has entailed hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She has used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than in previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems such as finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue that the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If it doesn’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints. ... They’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but also to Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduating, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and there were few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved; his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries. (People forget that Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door.”)

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties. … It’s the racism. … Everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking, and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

The coronavirus was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then shutdowns happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember whether he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous-chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

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