54 European cities by price: Europe Backpacker Index for 2024
Prices for tourist in Europe’s most popular cities range from amazing bargains to astonishingly expensive. Now in its 14th year, the Europe Backpacker Index is designed to help you sort out the cheapest European cities and make an accurate budget for when you visit Europe. As you’ll see on the list below, there are amazing cities that are surprisingly cheap and other cities that literally cost 2 or 3 times as much per day.
The 2024 update was less dramatic than some recent years and most positions didn’t change too much. There was inflation ranging from about 3% to 10% in the countries mentioned below, so in some cases the price increases were noticeable. You’ll still find many great bargain destinations in the top half of the list.
Note: This article was last updated in late December, 2023.
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2024 Update notes
The 2024 update to the information below required a lot of work due to inflation and prices rising more than they did a few years ago, but the overall list didn’t change so dramatically. Kiev remains the cheapest city on the list, and in case you are wondering, it had always been close to the top of the list and it had been the cheapest once or twice before.
Hostel prices went up again in some cities, but not as much as they had the year before. The Euro and other European currencies are slightly higher this year compared to last year, but overall the US dollar is still stronger than its recent historical average so Europe is relatively cheap for many visitors.
New video highlighting 7 of the best and cheapest on this list
In case you haven’t heard, Priceoftravel.com now has a Youtube channel and this is a video with video highlights and hotel examples of 7 of the best of the cheap cities on the list below. Please have a look.
How the Backpacker Index works
Prices for most things (hostels, transportation, attractions) are fixed and certain, but prices for a “budget lunch” or a pint of beer can vary depending on where you go. Still, our estimates are based on a lot of research, and should be very close if not right on.
Interactive map at the bottom of this list
We’ve added an interactive map that shows the Backpacker Index price for each city as you roll over it with your cursor. You can click on the city names to see all the details about each city as well. They might not be all of the largest cities, but these are the best places to visit in Europe.
Costs for each city
- One night in the cheapest bunk at the least expensive hostel with a good location and good reviews (Note: In summer hostel prices might be higher than listed below)
- Two public transportation rides per day
- One paid/famous attraction per day (Every city is loaded with free things to do for budget-conscious travelers, but here we take the average cost of a major attraction in each city for each day.)
- Three “budget” meals per day (We took our minimum meal price and added 20% to make it more realistic for a longer trip).
- Three cheap, local beers (or wine) each day as an “entertainment fund.” Non-drinkers might have dessert and coffee or attend a local music performance instead, so this is a general benchmark that should be proportional for each city.
Additional backpacker resources
Europe Backpacker Index for 2024
From cheapest to most expensive
1– Kyiv, Ukraine (cheapest)
Kyiv was never a popular backpacking destination even though it has always been among the cheapest cities on this list every year, but of course now everything is different and generally much worse. There hostels open as of the end of 2023 and reports are that there are actually some tourists around in spite of the war. It’s hard to imagine and things could obviously get worse at short notice in 2024.
- Currency: Ukraine Hryvnia
- Best cheap hostel: Dream Hostel Kiev – 317/night
- Transportation: 16.00
- Meals: 810.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 195.00
- Attractions: 50.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: UHR1,388 = US$37.27/day
2– Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia remains a good bargain among European capitals, with a very pleasant city center that is quite welcoming of foreign tourists. Prices of nearly everything are cheap, except for inbound flights from other major cities. Even for those planning to travel Europe cheap, Sofia is out of the way for anyone who isn’t doing an extensive tour of the region. Don’t expect any major checklist attractions, but you can expect a surprisingly lovely urban experience at shockingly reasonable prices. If you visit you will probably be impressed at how nice it is considering how cheap it is as well.
- Currency: Bulgaria Leva
- Best cheap hostel: 10 Coins Hostel & Tours – 17.04
- Transportation: 3.20
- Meals: 27.24
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 8.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: BGN70.48 = US$39.60/day
3– Bucharest, Romania
Definitely not Romania’s most charming town, Bucharest’s Old Town gets decent reviews but the rest of the city struggles to appeal to tourists. Fortunately, those that make the effort to come will at least be rewarded with low prices all around, which certainly help make up for the other frustrations of visiting. And that huge parliament building is worth a look. Hostels seem to be getting cheaper lately, so it’s even more appealing for the backpacker set. Many visitors skip the capital and head to Brașov in Transylvania, which is lovely and is also a bit less expensive.
- Currency: Romanian leu
- Best cheap hostel: Sleep In Hostel = 70.73/night
- Transportation: 5.00
- Meals: 67.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 27.00
- Attractions: 20.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: RON190.53 – US$41.97/day
4– Krakow, Poland
Krakow is just about as cheap as Budapest (below), essentially tying as Europe’s cheapest major tourist city. We’ve always had it pegged as an excellent bargain because it’s also a charming and historic city and it would be worth a visit even if prices were much higher. The low prices have also drawn in larger numbers of Europeans for weekend breaks, and there are many great and cheap hostels, bars, and restaurants to keep prices low while you are enjoying the beautiful old city and the local culture. Put this one on your list before demand forces prices up like in Prague, which comes in at #23 this year.
- Currency: Polish Zlotych
- Best cheap hostel: Let’s Rock Party Hostel – 58.00/night
- Transportation: 5.60
- Meals: 64.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 42.00
- Attractions: 16.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: PLN186.40 = US$47.19/day
5– Budapest, Hungary
Almost as cheap as Kiev and far more appealing for most visitors, Budapest continues on as arguably Europe’s best travel bargain (along with Krakow). Unlike some other cities near the top of this list, Budapest is a world-class tourist city that just also happens to be unusually cheap, at least as long as you steer clear of the most touristy places along the river. The castles and cathedrals are enough, but here you also get thermal spas that are cheap even for the backpacking set. Hostels, in particular, are great value, but you have to get a bit out of the center to find inexpensive hotels. When you are here it doesn’t look like it would be on a list of inexpensive European cities, but it definitely is.
- Currency: Hungary Forint
- Best cheap hostel: The Hive Party Hostel Budapest – 7,184/night
- Transportation: 700
- Meals: 5,460
- Drinks/Entertainment: 1,800
- Attractions: 2,000
- Daily Backpacker Index: HUF17,144 = US$48.70/day
6– Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Another Balkan-area city whose name conjures up images of its past troubles for those of a certain age, Sarajevo is a destination that is struggling to attract tourists. The location deep into the mountains is remote, but it’s also gorgeous once you arrive. The Muslim Old Town next to the modern center is very interesting and incredibly welcoming. This one is a hidden gem, partly because it’s so hard to reach. If you can figure out a way to get here, do it and see what the fuss is about. It’s fairly easy to reach from Split, Croatia and Mostar as well. Sarajevo is understandably popular with Muslim visitors as well, and that adds another interesting dimension to a European city like this.
- Currency: Converted Mark (fixed, so prices below are in euros)
- Best cheap hostel: Balkan Han Hostel – 12.00/night
- Transportation: 4.60
- Meals: 15.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 6.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €45.10 = US$49.56/day
7– Belgrade, Serbia
You don’t hear many people talking about Belgrade, for better or for worse. This is another where you won’t find an abundance of checklist attractions, but you will find a lively and interesting urban center with good nightlife and appealing prices. Among the cheap European cities, Belgrade might not be high on your list, but it’s nicer and more pleasant than you probably imagine. The slow trains that reach Serbia don’t make visiting any easier, but there are plenty of buses and occasionally cheap flights. It’s definitely worth a stop if you are in the area, although you might want to spend more time in nearby Novi Sad instead.
- Currency: Serbian Dinar (prices below are in euros)
- Best cheap hostel: Habitat-Hostel – 14.96/night
- Transportation: 1.50
- Meals: 18.30
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.75
- Attractions: 3.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €46.05 = US$50.60/day
8– Riga, Latvia
It’s surprising to see a city so far north also so high on the cheap-cities list, but it turns out that Riga (similar to Vilnius) is quite a bargain for the backpacking set. Hostel beds in particular are very affordable, and so is pretty much everything else. Riga’s main problem is that it’s a bit out of the way for those not on an extensive tour. Even for a weekend break, Riga is worth a look, especially for the nightlife crowd. If you can find a cheap flight to get here it’s definitely worth a few days.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Tree House Hostel – 16.25/night
- Transportation: 2.30
- Meals: 18.24
- Drinks/Entertainment: 10.50
- Attractions: 3.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €50.29 = US$55.26/day
9– Zagreb, Croatia
The beach resort towns of Croatia are the main attraction, so Zagreb, which is well inland, tends to be only a short stopover for most. Still fairly cheap by European standards, and especially compared to Italy next door, Zagreb is a bargain and a worthwhile pause on the way to one of the beach towns or nearby Plitviče Lakes National Park. Croatia finally joined the Eurozone as 2023 started, which will make things a bit easier for some visitors.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Funk Lounge – 18.87/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 17.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 5.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €50.77 = US$55.79/day
10– Warsaw, Poland
While Krakow gets most of the raves in Poland, the capital city also has plenty to brag about in addition to very reasonable prices. The Old Town center was famously rebuilt after WWII to resemble its former self, and it’s as charming as it is impressive. Warsaw is a bit out of the way for most travelers, but it’s very worthwhile for those touring the area. English isn’t widely spoken once you leave the tourist area, but it’s still easy enough to get by. If you are only going to visit one Polish city then Krakow is probably a better choice, although Warsaw probably provides a better look at Poland of today rather than Poland of yesterday.
- Currency: Polish Zlotych
- Best cheap hostel: Chillout Hostel – 73.44/night
- Transportation: 6.80
- Meals: 72.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 42.00
- Attractions: 30.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: PLN224.24 = US$56.77/day
11– Vilnius, Lithuania
Unlike nearby Riga and Tallinn, the city of Vilnius does not have a cruise port and it’s well inland. For this reason it feels far less touristy than the other two, and the Old Town is gorgeous. This is another Baltic capital that is surprisingly cheap in many ways, so it’s a worthwhile stop between Latvia and Poland. The (hard to find) Frank Zappa statue is one of the more famous quirky attractions here.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Jimmy Jumps House/Hostel – 17.00/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 21.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 5.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €54.60 = US$60.00/day
12– Bratislava, Slovakia
You’d think that practically being walking distance from Vienna would make Bratislava a very popular stop for those on a Europe tour, but so far it’s still mostly forgotten. It’s cheaper than Prague and much cheaper than Vienna, so perhaps it will start catching on more in the coming years. A lack of famous attractions doesn’t help, though the pleasant and historic town center is worth a day or two. Bratislava is pleasant enough that it’s a good choice for those looking to relax in one spot for a while on a budget.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Patio Hostel – 20.93/night
- Transportation: 1.40
- Meals: 18.48
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 6.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €55.81 = US$61.33/day
13– Split, Croatia
Split is partly known for being the transportation hub along the Croatian coast, and the gateway to many nearby islands. But the Old City here is even older than Dubrovnik’s and in many ways it’s just as impressive. Prices here are far cheaper than those in Dubrovnik, so it’s a much better stop for most people, as it also feels far less touristy than the walled city to its south. If you visit Split first you will wonder why there is such a fuss over Dubrovnik. In fairness, Dubrovnik is very impressive and it has better city walls, but even hostels there are far more expensive than those in Split in 2024. Again, Croatia joined the Eurozone in early 2023 so it’s a bit easier for most visitors.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: En Route Hostel – 15.00/night
- Transportation: 2.40
- Meals: 18.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €60.00 = US$65.93/day
14– Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey is a very interesting place these days for a few different reasons. The historic city remains one of the world’s most fascinating places, but the country has struggled with very high inflation and a related currency collapse. This makes things a bit unpredictable for visitors because the currency falling sometimes outpaces the inflation and sometimes it doesn’t. Inflation ran at around 60% in 2023 and it could be as bad or worse in 2024, although hopefully not. As 2024 begins Turkey is very cheap for outsiders and tourism in general is down, but it is worth following the news and checking hotel rates before you lock in a visit.
- Currency: Turkish lira
- Best cheap hostel: Istanbul Harmony Hostel – 365/night
- Transportation: 30
- Meals: 588
- Drinks/Entertainment: 600
- Attractions: 340
- Daily Backpacker Index: TRY1,923 = US$66.01/day
15– Valletta, Malta
Nearly hidden just a bit south of Sicily in the Mediterannean, Malta is a small island group with a pleasant climate and an improving tourist infrastructure. The tiny capital city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site on its own, and the rest of the islands offer a nice mix of historical sites and pleasant beaches. Nearly everyone speaks English, so it continues to be popular with Brits. Valletta is actually the historic Old Town and most visitors are better off just across the harbor in the district called Sliema. There are very few sandy beaches on Malta, but the pleasant winter climate keeps it popular even in the winter months.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Granny’s Inn Hostel – 17.14/night
- Transportation: 3.40
- Meals: 21.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 10.50
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €62.64 = US$68.84/day
16– Tenerife, Spain
The Canary Islands (off the northwest coast of Africa) are a popular warm-weather retreat for many Europeans all year, and Tenerife is the largest and most popular island with English speakers. Prices tend to be similar to or a bit lower than mainland Spain, which makes it a relative bargain for most Europeans who are just a cheap flight away. Not many cultural attractions are to be found, so it’s mainly a place to relax. The beaches in the southwest of the island are the most popular with English speakers.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Hostel Tenerife – 20.00/night
- Transportation: 2.70
- Meals: 21.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €62.70 = US$68.90/day
17– Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia is mostly known for its natural sights such as Lake Bled or the Karst plateaus, but its capital is definitely worth a look as well. Ljubljana is a charming and laid-back city with a peaceful Old Town and very appealing prices for visitors. This is the kind of place you’ll think about moving to when you see it, so it’s a very nice place to chill out for a few days on longer trips around Europe.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Fluxus Hostel – 19.00/night
- Transportation: 2.40
- Meals: 21.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 10.50
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €62.90 = US$69.12/day
18– Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is cheap by most European standards, but it’s marginally the most expensive city in the Baltic area because it’s a popular getaway for the Finns just a 2-hour ferry ride away. Frequent ferries from Helsinki are loaded with the party crowd and those looking to stock up on bulk alcohol for the return trip. Still, it’s a fun place with a lovely Old Town. This is another one that is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area or can find a cheap flight.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: The Monk´s Bunk Hostel & Bar – 18.50/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 21.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €63.50 = US$69.78/day
19– Naples, Italy
Italy’s cheapest major city is a very good bargain for those willing to venture south of Rome. Affordable hostels and casual dining choices keep it cheaper than cities to the north, and it has a different atmosphere as well. Naples has almost no green space and a reputation for petty crime, which keeps many visitors away. If you want to see Naples on a day trip and also visit the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the island of Capri, you are better off staying in the lovely town of Sorrento, which is only a bit more expensive and a lot more pleasant.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Naples Pizza Hostel – 22.50/night
- Transportation: 2.60
- Meals: 21.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €67.10 = US$73.74/day
20– Athens, Greece
Athens used to have a reputation as a cheap city that was falling apart at the seams, but things have changed and it’s not as cheap and quite a bit nicer as well. The infrastructure created for the Olympics has actually turned Athens into a modern and easy-to-visit place, and the Acropolis and other attractions continue to amaze, so it still seems like a good deal for the moment and may get even cheaper. Many people visit Athens for 2 or 3 days on their way to one of the islands such as Santorini or Rhodes and it’s definitely a nice combination for a trip. There are ferries to nearly every tourist island and flights to all of the major ones as well.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Pagration Youth Hostel – 13.00/night
- Transportation: 2.80
- Meals: 27.30
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €68.20 = US$74.95/day
21– Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
The second most popular tourist town in the Czech Republic is another jewel not to be missed if you are nearby. Framed by a gorgeous serpentine river, the historic Old Town feels perfectly preserved yet not overly touristy. Best of all, Český Krumlov seems shockingly cheap when you are there, with hotels, food, and drinks at very low prices even in the heart of town. This place is a huge hit for Asian tourists, for some reason, though it’s highly recommended for everybody. The main real hostel in Český Krumlov was called Hostel Skippy. It’s been closed for a few years now and if it doesn’t reopen then this town isn’t quite as affordable. Not only are there no other hostels, but the hotel prices seem to have gone up as well. Still, it’s worth a visit if you’ve got the time and are in the area.
- Currency: Czech krona
- Best cheap hostel: Pension Danny (hotel) – 971/night
- Transportation: 48
- Meals: 406.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 135
- Attractions: 140
- Daily Backpacker Index: CZK1,700.80 = US$75.96/day
22– Prague, Czech Republic
Prague used to be famously cheap, but now it’s more of a mid-range European city for visitors. That said, it should definitely be high on your list even though the central tourist areas are frustratingly crowded much of the time. Prague is gorgeous and one of Europe’s best cities for historic architecture, having been mostly spared from the WWII bombing that flattened so many others on this list. Hotels can be pricey and the tourist restaurants can be as well, but Prague is a city that can be much cheaper and sometimes even more pleasant if you get a bit off the beaten path and away from the main square just off the river.
- Currency: Czech krona
- Best cheap hostel: Czech Inn – 447/night
- Transportation: 48
- Meals: 558
- Drinks/Entertainment: 165
- Attractions: 350
- Daily Backpacker Index: CZK1,718 = US$76.73/day
23– Lisbon, Portugal
Its out-of-the-way location seems to keep tourism well below the levels that the city otherwise deserves, but those who go to the trouble to reach Lisbon will find an extremely handsome and charming city that is a great bargain as well. The city is particularly known for excellent and cheap hostels that are always in a race to outdo each other, with visitors being the ultimate winners. Lisbon is one of those destinations that many people avoid for a long time, and then after they visit they vow to return again and again. The food is really top-notch as well, and noticeably cheaper than nearly all of the cities below it on this list.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon – 19.55/night
- Transportation: 2.80
- Meals: 22.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €70.15 = US$77.09/day
24– Madrid, Spain
This classic European city definitely feels like a bargain compared to capitals to the north. There is great competition among its many hostels, and even private rooms in the city center are often cheap. Check out our cheap Madrid hotels list for well located and dependable bargains. Another money saver is the tapas culture, with cheap eats and cheap glasses of beer or wine as part of the nightly ritual. The reasonable climate also helps, although of course in summer it can get a bit sticky.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon – 21.48/night
- Transportation: 3.00
- Meals: 24.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
- Attractions: 14.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €75.08 = US$82.51/day
25– Berlin, Germany
Berlin is officially booming, and is now one of Europe’s most-visited destinations. This city has endless things to see and do, along with an arts and entertainment scene that rivals anywhere in Europe. The museums and attractions are priced reasonably, and can be efficiently bundled with a Berlin Pass. All that, plus the competition among its many hostels keeps things pleasantly cheap. Put it on your list and schedule a trip before things change much. See our recommended hotels in Berlin list for some very good rates at highly rated and well located hotels. We also rate Berlin very high as one of the best destinations for solo travelers.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Heart of Gold Hostel – 22.23/night
- Transportation: 5.60
- Meals: 23.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €75.23 = US$82.67/day
26– Santorini, Greece
Arguably Greece’s most popular holiday island, Santorini is here mainly as a placeholder for all of them. There are a few sights and cultural attractions but most people (Europeans) come to just relax in the sun during the day and drink into the night. If you stay in hostels or basic hotels and eat in places without sea views, these Greek islands all tend to be quite affordable. Hostel prices seem to have shot way up in the last year and we couldn’t find anything reasonable during our test dates. It could be that some of the cheaper hostels are staying closed until summer. Still, we hear stories every year that Santorini is not even worth visiting on days when cruise ships are in port, so that might be something to research.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Fira backpackers place – 35/night
- Transportation: 3.20
- Meals: 21.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 6.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €79.30 = US$87.14/day
27– Munich, Germany
Germany’s most pleasant city is only a bit more expensive than some of the others, so budget travelers can get by with few complications as long as they aren’t going during Oktoberfest (when hotel and hostel prices triple). Prices of hostels do shoot up a bit during summer, but overall it’s fairly easy to find bargains, and the city is so livable that it feels like good value. Even outside of Oktoberfest, hostel prices in Munich are volatile and some weeks are far cheaper than others.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: The 4You Hostel Munich – 22.05/night
- Transportation: 5.60
- Meals: 26.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €79.55 = US$87.42/day
28– Nice, France
As the largest city on the Côte d’Azur, Nice actually has a decent infrastructure for budget tourists, though things can get pretty crowded in summer and prices do shoot up. This is a great base for exploring Monaco and Cannes with a short train journey (20 minutes in either direction), but even in the city itself there is plenty to do, and a pleasant beach if you don’t mind pebbles instead of sand. The cheaper hotels and hostels near the train station are also very convenient for those who want to explore the nicer nearby towns since they are all connected by super-short train journeys.
Note: Drink prices here are for wine rather than beer, as it’s much cheaper and better as well.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Hostel OZZ – 27.50/night
- Transportation: 3.00
- Meals: 24.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €80.10 = US$88.02/day
29– Milan, Italy
Milan’s success in finance and fashion have helped make it one of Europe’s more expensive cities to sleep in, although the hostels aren’t as outrageous, so overall expenses are similar to most other Italian cities. Since it’s on-the-way between so many other nearby cities, Milan is definitely worth a stop for a day or two if you can manage it, but don’t feel bad if you skip it. This is another city that is popular with business travelers so prices can be very high or weirdly low depending on what is going on at the time you visit. Visit Rome, Florence, and Venice and if you have extra time you might stop for a couple days in Milan. Honestly, it’s far less interesting and charming than all the other famous Italian cities.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: City Center Best Hostel Milano – 27.00/night
- Transportation: 4.00
- Meals: 23.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 15.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €82.90 = US$91.10/day
30– Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a very good bargain for the backpacking set due to reasonably priced hostels and affordable attractions. In high season (summer) prices go up a bit, but still Bruges is a fine choice to chill out for a few days or more, even though you can see the main sights in less time. If you are coming from Amsterdam or another city in the Benelux area you’ll notice that the architecture in each of them has a lot in common. That said, Amsterdam can feel like a zoo for most of the year, so Bruges is a cheaper and more pleasant version for those who don’t like crowds and weirdness.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Snuffel Hostel – 25.08/night
- Transportation: 2.60
- Meals: 28.50
- Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €84.18 = US$92.51/day
31– Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, like Stockholm and Oslo below, has a good economy, but along with it they have very high wages and taxes, and that makes things expensive for outsiders. Hostels in Helsinki are not as expensive as the other nordic capitals, but alcohol and sit-down meals can be very pricey. It’s worth a stop for European capital completists, but many others are just as well off skipping it.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: CheapSleep Helsinki – 19.66/night
- Transportation: 5.00
- Meals: 26.70
- Drinks/Entertainment: 21.00
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €84.36 = US$92.70/day
32– Vienna, Austria
Being one of Europe’s grandest capitals, it’s only slightly surprising that Vienna comes out as a relatively expensive city. Its location between so many other tourist cities makes it an easy one to stop off in for a few days, and while food is a bit expensive, there are some good-value hostels in the city to help make up for it. The Vienna Pass is a good way to save money while seeing the top attractions, but only if you are well organized. Vienna is not known for nightlife, so it’s a better stop for the cafe and dessert crowd.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Do Step Inn – 24.50/night
- Transportation: 4.80
- Meals: 27.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 15.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €85.40 = US$93.85/day
33– Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik has one of the most amazing walled historic centers in the world, and it used to be considered a bargain compared to Italy. But now it’s so popular with tourists and cruise passengers that it feels more than a bit pricey. If you are on the fence about visiting here, you are better off going to Split (see way above), which is similar, much cheaper, and easier to reach. Prices might be a bit higher now that Croatia joined the Euro as of early 2023, but the walled city area has been quite expensive for years now.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Hostel Lina – 23.21/night
- Transportation: 3.20
- Meals: 29.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €85.81 = US$94.30/day
34– Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
This underrated and mostly forgotten city is definitely worth a stop if you are passing between Belgium and France. The location is stunning and the city’s history is interesting, plus the food and drink culture is what you would expect for this part of Europe, meaning there are a lot of great choices. Luxembourg is one of the richest countries on earth for average income, and yet it doesn’t feel snooty or pretentious. It’s small enough to explore in a day or two as well.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Luxembourg City Hostel – 35.00/night
- Transportation: 4.00
- Meals: 25.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 8.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €87.80 = US$96.48/day
35– Florence, Italy
A highlight of so many Italy tours, Florence is cheaper than Venice in some regards, though hostel prices here have been going up so it’s not exactly a bargain anymore. Still, the food is excellent, if not particularly cheap. If you have extra days to spend in Italy on day trips then Florence is your best choice in the area. Pisa, the Cinque Terre, and many lovely Tuscan hill towns are within easy reach. One odd thing about Florence is that accommodation prices can vary widely from one week to the next, so if room and dorm rates seem unusually high, it can be worth checking just a week before or after.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: PLUS Florence – 31.36/night
- Transportation: 2.40
- Meals: 22.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
- Attractions: 20.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €88.56 = US$97.32/day
36– Ibiza, Spain
While it’s not really considered a backpacking destination, Ibiza is popular enough with budget travelers to include here. Hotels can be quite cheap outside of July and August, which makes up for a lack of hostels. Entrance to the main nightclubs in Ibiza will cost a fortune, as will drinks once inside, but if you are content to hang out on the beach then this island can be affordable. Hostel prices in Ibiza have really shot up in 2024, which could be due to closures and more private rooms in the places left. The good news is that you can find cheap happy hour drink bargains in Saint Antonio even in high season.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Amistat Island Hostel Ibiza – 36.00/night
- Transportation: 2.90
- Meals: 26.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €88.80 = US$97.58/day
37– Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona and Madrid are very different in many important ways, but they are very similar in general prices so there’s no reason not to visit both if you can. And this is another city where hostels tend to get expensive and crowded during summer, but are quite cheap for most of the rest of the year. See our cheap and recommended Barcelona hotels list for some options that are well located and highly rated. If you have 2 or 3 days in town and want to see the main sights you should read our Barcelona Pass review as it might be helpful. All of that said, Barcelona is one of a few European cities that is now so crowded in summer that many people say it’s not worth visiting in high season at all.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Sant Jordi Hostels Rock Palace – 26.10/night
- Transportation: 4.30
- Meals: 25.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 20.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €87.90 = US$98.57/day
38– Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital is one of the famously expensive Scandinavian cities, but if you plan ahead you can visit on a reasonable budget. Quality does tend to be quite high, and Copenhagen is arguably one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe, so the higher prices feel somewhat justified. Still, it’s a tough place for the backpacker crowd, especially for those who drink. At least you can get a fairly cheap hot dog from a street cart at almost any hour of the day or night.
- Currency: Danish kroner
- Best cheap hostel: Urban House Copenhagen by MEININGER – 137/night
- Transportation: 74
- Meals: 204
- Drinks/Entertainment: 150
- Attractions: 120
- Daily Backpacker Index: DKK690 = US$101.32/day
39– Salzburg, Austria
A classic tourist city, Salzburg is at the base of the Alps and it has one of the most impressive Old Towns anywhere in Europe. As the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a key hub for classical concerts and festivals, but for non-Europeans it’s even more famous as the setting of the Sound of Music. The bus tours dedicated to that movie are more fun and far more scenic than you might expect. Hostel prices have gone up lately so this is another one to book early to lock in the better places.
- Currency: Euro
- Best cheap hostel: Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg – 31.26/night
- Transportation: 5.20
- Meals: 27.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 16.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €92.96 = US$102.15/day
40– Hamburg, Germany
This somewhat remote city is largely forgotten by most North American visitors, known best as where the Beatles honed their chops, but Hamburg is a lovely and classy city that is worth a stop if you are in the area. Germans, in general, like good value, so there are plenty of good budget sleeping and eating options for the backpacker types. Hotel prices here are heavily influenced by trade fairs and business travelers, so it can be cheap one week and very expensive the next. For our research in 2024 the hostel prices were very high every week we checked. Good luck!
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Generator Hamburg – 37.44/night
- Transportation: 3.00
- Meals: 24.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 15.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €95.04 = US$104.44/day
41– Stockholm, Sweden
Backpackers who want to visit the homeland of most of their furniture have to go a long distance out of the way to reach Stockholm, and then face shocking prices once they arrive. This is another city where almost nothing is cheap no matter where you look. The long-promised ABBA Museum is now open and it’s predictably expensive as well. This is a beautiful city that you will really enjoy for a few days, as long as you can afford it.
- Currency: Swedish kronor
- Best cheap hostel: City Backpackers Hostel – 235/night
- Transportation: 76
- Meals: 312
- Drinks/Entertainment: 240
- Attractions: 200
- Daily Backpacker Index: SEK1,063 = US$104.73/day
42– Brussels, Belgium
For the budget traveler, Brussels can be a bit difficult since the infrastructure is built mostly for business travelers and bureaucrats. There aren’t many hostel options, and cheap meals are a challenge in the city center area. Still, it’s worth a look for the main square alone if you are heading to or from Bruges, which is much cheaper and listed above.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles City Center – 34.67/night
- Transportation: 4.20
- Meals: 26.10
- Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
- Attractions: 13.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €95.97 = US$105.46/day
43– Edinburgh, Scotland
While it’s certainly true that most things in Edinburgh are a bit cheaper than things in London, it’s not exactly cheap for most budget travelers. Those who are satisfied with skipping the Edinburgh Castle and the Camera Obscura will find this city very reasonable, except during the Festival season. Speaking of that, check our Edinburgh cheap travel tips for the festival season, which can actually be helpful all year round.
- Currency: British pound
- Best cheap hostel: The Hostel – 21.50/night
- Transportation: 3.50
- Meals: 25.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 18.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: £84.08 = US$106.43/day
44– Reykjavik, Iceland
After its currency collapsed in 2008, Iceland cost about half what it did previously for foreigners, but prices crept up and up, and it’s again very expensive. Reykjavik isn’t a particularly charming city, which is fine because the appeal of Iceland is the amazing scenery everywhere else. If you plan a trip to Iceland, don’t linger in the capital longer than you have to. Accommodation and food on rest of the island are also fairly expensive, but the whole island is stunning and almost everything is free once you get there. Iceland has undergone a tourism boom in recent years and things are continuing to change quickly. Keep your eyes on the volcano situation as they can affect where you might be able to go on your visit.
- Currency: Iceland kronur
- Best cheap hostel: KEX Hostel – 4,634/night
- Transportation: 900
- Meals: 5,304
- Drinks/Entertainment: 2,700
- Attractions: 2,500
- Daily Backpacker Index: ISK16,038 = US$116.74/day
45– Amsterdam, Netherlands
From a price standpoint, Amsterdam may be a victim of its own popularity. Even with scores of hostels throughout the city center, they are still able to get extremely high rates even during shoulder season. In fact, hostel prices in Amsterdam have continued to climb and they are now among the highest in the world, especially when you consider the poor quality of many of them. Pick from our recommended Amsterdam hostels and cheap hotels for decent value and locations. The famous attractions are on the expensive side, though good deals are always available on food and drinks if you know where to look. Budget travelers will have to book a place way outside the center in order to find a decent deal, and unfortunately Amsterdam loses some of its charm if you have to commute in and out like that.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Meininger Amsterdam Amstel – 43.00/night
- Transportation: 5.60
- Meals: 25.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 16.50
- Attractions: 20.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €110.90 = US$121.87/day
46– Paris, France
Similar to Rome, it’s just a good thing that Paris isn’t any more expensive than it is, because people are going to visit anyway. As long as you are willing to stay a bit outside the main tourist districts then Paris can be quite reasonable on the wallet, and the quality of food is exceptional nearly anywhere you go. The main attractions are actually fairly cheap compared to major sights in some other big cities, and you might save even more money with a Paris Pass. To get the best value have a look at our recommended Paris hostels and cheap hotels section.
Note: Drink prices here are for wine rather than beer, as it’s much cheaper and better as well.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: The 3 Ducks Eiffel Tower by Hiphophostels – 43.00/night
- Transportation: 3.60
- Meals: 27.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
- Attractions: 17.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €112.40 = US$123.52/day
47– Bergen, Norway
Even with a lower Norwegian currency, Bergen is still very pricey compared to the rest of Europe. This is the gateway to the beautiful fjords of Norway, and the city itself is more interesting and easier to visit than Oslo. Actually, hotels here are very good quality and decent value. It’s the food and drinks that feel so overpriced, and the few hostels feel weirdly expensive as well.
- Currency: Norwegian kroner
- Best cheap hostel: HI Bergen Hostel Montana – 400/night
- Transportation: 66
- Meals: 390
- Drinks/Entertainment: 270
- Attractions: 150
- Daily Backpacker Index: NOK1,276 = US$124.25/day
48– Rome, Italy
Regardless of costs, Rome is one of those cities that you’ve just got to visit anyway, so fortunately it’s not as outrageously expensive as some lesser destinations a bit down the list. There are good budget options for most things, but hotels and hostels are more expensive than one might expect, and the main Rome attractions are justifiably expensive as well. Weirdly enough, hostel prices look to be up by around €20 per night for our test dates and we couldn’t find anything reasonable even a month before or after. Booking early seems wise. Choose from our recommended Rome hostels and hotels for possible bargains with great locations. The Rome and Vatican Card is a good way to see the main attractions and skip the very long queues here.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Palladini Hostel Rome – 55.25/night
- Transportation: 3.00
- Meals: 26.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
- Attractions: 16.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €114.15 = US$125.44/day
49– Venice, Italy
No surprises to find Venice so far down the affordability list, but once again this is a city where it’s all easily justifiable, and fortunately you can see all the main sights in just two days and one night if you are tight on funds. Of course, most cheaper hotels are not even on the main island, but getting back and forth is cheap and easy. Check our cheap and recommended Venice hotels list for some great choices. Staying on one of the main islands is worth it for most people because the city is far less crowded in the mornings and evenings, when the cruise passengers and bus trip visitors are not there.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Ostello S. Fosca – CPU Venice Hostels – 36.43/night
- Transportation: 8.00
- Meals: 34.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
- Attractions: 18.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €114.63 = US$125.97/day
50– Dublin, Ireland
Many years ago, Dublin was a relatively cheap city to visit, but those days are over and now it feels unusually expensive. Hostel prices in particular are very high, and it’s €6+ for a pint of Guinness in even a dumpy bar. Food is reasonably priced and the main attractions are as well, fortunately. Hostel prices continue to soar and now they are among the most expensive in Europe. Speaking of Guinness, if you are going to do the Guinness Brewery and the popular distillery tours, then the Dublin Pass is a great deal.
- Currency: euro
- Best cheap hostel: Abbey Court – 49.28/night
- Transportation: 3.00
- Meals: 24.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
- Attractions: 20.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €114.88 = US$126.24/day
51– Oslo, Norway
Norway is a rich country and its capital seems mostly built for business people, so it can seem pricey for tourists. Oslo is a pleasant city, but Norway is mostly about the scenery so don’t come here just because it’s the capital and largest city. Flights into Oslo can be quite cheap, although Bergen (see above) is probably a better choice if you have to choose just one.
- Currency: Norwegian kroner
- Best cheap hostel: Anker Hostel – 457/night
- Transportation: 68
- Meals: 360
- Drinks/Entertainment: 270
- Attractions: 150
- Daily Backpacker Index: NOK1,305= US$127.07/day
52– Interlaken, Switzerland
The big cities in Switzerland are awesomely expensive because everything is priced for business travelers and the like, so budget travelers are better off skipping them in favor of the small towns of Interlaken or Lucerne to get better views and lower prices. Interlaken itself feels a bit tired, so head straight up to Gimmelwald or one of the other mountain towns for the best experience. The Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is a 20-minute train ride away from Interlaken, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Google it and get ready to book a trip.
- Currency: Swiss Franc
- Best cheap hostel: Happy Inn Lodge – 29.54/night
- Transportation: 0 (local transport is free for overnight guests)
- Meals: 40.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 19.50
- Attractions: 20.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: CHF109.84 = US$127.72/day
53– London, England
London is famously pricey, but it’s also a weird one for budget travelers since it actually has somewhat affordable hostels (at least outside of peak season), and all the major museums are actually free. However, pretty much everything else feels outrageously expensive, particularly the other attractions like the Tower of London and the London Eye. The Brexit currency slide has helped bring prices down, but it still aint exactly cheap. Those wishing to save by bundling these top attractions should consider a London Pass. For cheap hotel and hostel options see our recommended London hostel and hotels page.
- Currency: British pound
- Best cheap hostel: Clink261 – 30.47/night
- Transportation: 4.80
- Meals: 28.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 25.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: £104.07 = US$131.73/day
54– Zurich, Switzerland
Certainly no surprise here, especially considering that Zurich also came out on top on our survey of world taxi prices. Switzerland is a rich country and Zurich is its very-rich main city, so the hotel and restaurant scenes are dominated by business travelers and those on expense accounts. It’s a nice enough place, but honestly, Bern is more interesting, and the highlights of the country are in the scenery rather than in the cities.
- Currency: Swiss franc
- Best cheap hostel: MEININGER Hotel Zurich Greencity – 42.26/night
- Transportation: 5.20
- Meals: 41.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 27.00
- Attractions: 15.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: CHF130.86 = US$152.16/day
How to use this information
As mentioned at the top, these prices are for a typical group of expenses for a backpacker, and you could even say these are “average prices” for each city, but definitely not “minimum prices.” Those who never drink, only eat two meals a day, and/or skip most museums or attractions can get by on much less. However, if your style of travel is more minimalistic than this, the order of these cities should still be more or less the same.
Each city name is linked to a page that contains specific prices for many more things, and is converted to US dollars or any other currency you wish on a daily basis.
Also check out Backpacker Indexes from the rest of the world
Berlin more expensive than Moscow? That’s some interesting statistics! Not in my experience anyways,
Zenia,
You aren’t alone. Many people who haven’t been to Moscow recently or checked prices of hostels and 3-star hotel rooms are shocked to discover that it’s now not even close to one of the most expensive cities in Europe. For 4-star and 5-star hotels, Moscow is still quite expensive, but since its currency came down a few years ago, it’s much more affordable. Thanks for the helpful comment. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I’m Nurul from Malaysia. I am referring to your list to plan for my next vacation. We plan to go to Europe in middle Sept and currently I am not sure which Europe country will be the best for us. I am looking for a not so expensive trip because I will travel with my husband and my 2 yo daughter. We will not stay at the hostel, usually we opt for airbnb. We love scenery and also country which are kids friendly, we don’t really go to those museum etc. My budget will be around MYR12,000 (roughly around US$4000) which include flight tix. The period should be about 2 weeks. Is it possible? Thanks for your recommendation. We have been to few countries but we really love Turkey and Scotland. Thanks and have a nice day!
Nurul,
Ah, I’ve spent a lot of time in Malaysia and I’m a fan, especially of curry laksa but also the Cameron Highlands, KL, Penang, and a few other places.
This is an interesting question. On one hand, I generally encourage people to visit the “greatest” and most famous cities before the cheap ones because places like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, and Venice are popular for a reason. BUT, if you are trying to do two weeks for a couple and a toddler, then your budget wouldn’t cut it in those expensive cities. And since you are more after scenery than museums and cultural attractions, it’s just as well that you are not going to focus on the expensive cities.
Turkey is certainly scenic and affordable, and Scotland is certainly scenic if a bit less affordable. Since it would be nice to go somewhere new, I have a couple suggestions for you.
One would be to visit Croatia, Bosnia and Herzogovina, and Slovenia. The cheapest flight might be into Zagreb, but Venice is also close enough to work. Croatia has a gorgeous coastline with the cities of Split and Dubrovnik being the main attractions. There are also islands just off Split that are very nice. North of Split you can visit the Plitvice Falls National Park, which might be Europe’s most photogenic area outside of the Alps. Bosnia has the lovely city of Sarajevo, which might interest you even more if you are Muslim. It has a wonderful Muslim old town at its heart and it’s very popular with Muslim tourists (I love it there and I’m not a Muslim, by the way), and the town of Mostar is also worth a look.
In Slovenia you’ll want to visit Ljubljana for a couple days and also Lake Bled and the Karst rocks along the coast. Slovenia is known for its scenery and there is a lot more there as well. All three of those countries are quite inexpensive yet still very nice, with very good weather in September. There is pretty good bus service in this region, and rental cars can be reasonably priced. The train service is spotty and slow, however.
The other option that might be interesting and fit your budget would be Greece. It’s somewhat similar to Turkey, except it’s mostly coastlines and islands. You could spend a few days in Athens and then take a ferry to one island and then another ferry to a different island. Santorini, Rhodes, and Mykonos are some of the larger and more popular islands, but there are plenty others and all of them should be reasonably priced in September, with very nice scenery.
One last option would be to visit Spain and/or Portugal. The larger cities can be pricey, but apartment rentals in smaller cities and even beach towns can be pretty cheap in September. Generally, Spain isn’t quite as dramatic with scenery as the others though. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
Very useful information. Quite informative. Thank you for your guidance and advice.
Newlyweds here who delayed the honeymoon. Trying to start the planning phase now and at a loss. We have maybe 1.5-2weeks for a European honeymoon. He suggested taking the City of Light River cruise which would allow us to see more. However, we’re not in our 70s. So I’m leery of that sort of thing for a couple in their 30s-40s.
Husband likes Europe in the winter. Wife thinks that’s a bad idea for the concept of a honeymoon. We want to stroll and dine al fresco. Not enjoyable in a parka. Paris, Prague, Germany (he has family there) are all of interest. The biggest kicker is money. We need to do it all under $10K USD, including flights. What cities/itineraries do you recommend? We’re thinking culture, dining (lots of it), drinking (also lots of it) and leisure activities. Our reasons are to indulge, to unwind and to discover.
Thanks!!!
Whitney,
This is an interesting question. I agree that Europe in winter is less joyful than Europe in summer, but many European cities have fairly mild winters. You don’t mention when you are planning on going, so I assume it’s in the coming months?
First off, I think your budget will be fine. Round-trip flights for two should be around US$2,000 total from the US, which leaves you US$8,000 for 10 to 14 days. The USD to Euro exchange rate is fantastic now for you, and you can really have a fantastic time on US$500 per day for two people. Hotels worthy of a honeymoon should be running around US$250 per night in the off season, except perhaps in London, which might be a bit more.
For culture, drinking, relaxing, and indulgence, Paris should obviously be a key stop and I’d recommend probably 4 nights. With the other 7 to 10 nights you could take the train to London for 3 or 4 days, or to Amsterdam for 2 or 3 days. Both of those have fairly mild winters considering the latitude, and almost no snow.
The other main option would be to start in Paris and then fly to Venice for 2 nights or so, then a train to Florence for 3 days or so, and then another train to Rome for 3 or 4 nights. Italy should be a bit warmer, and all of those cities are fairly dense so you spend most of your time indoors and strolling through small streets, rather than across frozen fields. If you want to add a few days on a beach you could fly to Tenerife. There isn’t much culture there, but at least it’s sunny and warm pretty much all year. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello, first trip to Europe we have 26 traveling days. Flying into Madrid and out of Amsterdam. Is the following itinery too extensive, and Is a month Europass worth it since we want to do most of our travel by train since we want the most flexibility. Its just my wife and I for our 15 year anniversary (leaving kids at home) neither of use have visited before. Madrid-Toledo-Barcelona-Nice-Milan-Venice-Florence-Rome-Prague (Rome to Prague via Airplane) Prague-Munich-Frankfurt-Cologne (Rhine river)-Paris-London-Brussels-Amsterdam. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks Dan, Tijuana, Mexico
Daniel,
Sorry about the delayed reply. It looks like you have 17 cities on your list, which would give you 1 or 2 nights in each, and you’d spend at least half of every other day or every day going from one city to another. In other words, it would be more like a race than a holiday. My recommendation is to spend 3 nights in each city you visit. Some small cities such as Venice can be done in 1 or 2 nights as long as you don’t spend too much time getting in or out. So if you have 26 days I highly recommend you shoot for 8 or maybe 9 total cities. And try to find ones that are easy to reach from another one you’ll be visiting.
A few notes that might make it a bit easier: Toledo is better as a day trip from Madrid if you have an extra day. If you only have 3 nights then spend them all in Madrid. If you are there a 4th day then a day trip to Toledo would be fun. It’s a small town that can be appreciated in 4 to 6 hours. Milan is a big and busy city, and the touristy part near the cathedral can also be appreciated in one day or so. Personally, I’d skip it on my first Europe trip.
Frankfurt is home to Germany’s largest airport and most of its banks, but there are very few sights there. The Rhine nearby is interesting with little castles here and there, but I’d save that and Cologne for a future visit. Brussels is another similar to Milan that has a small and interesting core, but it’s mostly a business city that is very expensive. My preference in Belgium is Bruges, which is an hour away by train. But it’s also sort of similar to Amsterdam so I’d save Belgium for a future trip.
Again, if you have 26 days I think you should pare down your list to 8 or 9 stops. Once you do that the transportation part should be more obvious. Eurail Passes aren’t great value in Italy because the distances are short and fares are low between the Big 3 cities. And if you have 26 days you’ll probably want to stick to a schedule rather than drift around making plans as you go. Sorry if this is disappointing, and I’ll be happy to help more if you have more questions. -Roger
Me and my wife will be traveling around Europe during July and August, our budget is limited. The list above provide good guidance but need more information on the bus services around Europe. Regards Markes, South Africa
Markes,
For long distance bus services within Europe you should check Eurolines. Trains are usually the best choice, but buses can be even cheaper. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Whan I submitted the table, the formating was lost….
A few Notes to undesatand each line
1st Number – Order
2nd Number – Month of Arrrival to the city
3rd Number – Day of Arrrival to the city
4th Number – Total Day of Stay
Country
City
I hope this helps
Guillermo
Hi Roger,
I wrote a couple of weeks ago regarding a five month trip in Europe.
I came up with this itinerary keeping in mind a balance between shengen and non Schengen countries.
I would appreciate if you can tale a look, looking for potencial pitfalls (i.e, trying to cross “critical” borders)
By the way, Happy New Year!!
Guillermo
PS: I havent allocate days in the UK section, but following our advice I will spend around a month there.
Order Month Day # Schen # Non Country Area/ City
1 4 4 5 Greece Athenas
2 4 9 2 Greece Patras
3 4 11 2 Greece Preveza
4 4 13 2 Albania Sarande
5 4 15 2 Albania Himare
6 4 17 2 Albania Berat
7 4 19 2 Albania Durresi
8 4 21 2 Albania Tirana
9 4 23 2 Albania Skolder
10 4 25 3 Montenegro Budva / Mogren
11 4 28 4 Montenegro Kotor,
12 Montenegro Herceg Novi
12 5 2 2 Montenegro Podgorica
13 5 4 2 Montenegro Niksic
14 5 6 3 Croatia Dubrovnik
15 5 10 3 Bosnia & Herzegovina Sarajevo
16 Bosnia & Herzegovina Blagaj
16 5 13 2 Bosnia & Herzegovina Mostar
17 5 15 2 Croatia Split
18 5 18 2 Croatia Zadar
19 5 20 2 Croatia Senj/ Rijeka
20 5 22 4 Croatia Zagreb
21 5 26 34 UK London
22 6 2 UK Bristol
23 UK Oxford
24 UK Tenby (Wales)
25 UK Bibury
26 UK Glouchester
27 UK Hay on Wye, Wales
28 UK Brighton
28 UK Britain Birmingham
29 UK Liverpool
29 UK Manchester
30 UK Leeds
30 UK NewCastle
31 Ireland Dublin
32 Ireland Arklow
33 UK Northe Ireland Belfast
34 UK Glascgow
35 UK Scotland Edinburgh
37 6 29 2 Belgium Bruges
38 7 1 2 Belgium Antwerpen
39 7 3 2 Belgium Brussels
40 7 5 4 Netherland Amsterdam
41 7 9 3 Germany Dusseldorf/ Colonia
43 7 12 1 Germany Stuttgart
44 7 13 5 Germany Berlin
45 7 18 4 Czech Rep Praga
46 7 22 3 Slovakia Bratislava
47 7 25 4 Hungary Budapest
48 7 29 2 Slovakia Kosice
49 7 31 3 Poland Krakow
50 8 3 3 Poland Warsaw
51 8 6 3 Lithuania Vilnus
52 8 9 1 Lithuania Kaunas
53 8 10 1 Lithuania Marijampole
54 8 11 3 Lithuania Palanga
55 8 14 15 Sweden Stockholm
Hi Roger,
I’m going on a trip with my scholarship program from July 21 to August 5 to Strasbourg and Paris. We’re allowed to go to Europe for independent travel beforehand and our airfare will still be covered, so I want to make the most of it. I’ve never been to Europe but I have plans to study abroad in London, Florence, and Geneva so I don’t want to go there. I think I could handle about 2 weeks of independent travel, which I think should be enough time to see quite a bit. I am on a budget but I’d be willing to spend a little more to spend time in the iconic European cities. I can fly into wherever I want but I have to be in Paris midday on the 21st. Sorry this is so vague, but I have no idea where to start. Thanks for your help!
Katie,
Wow. Lucky you! If you have 14 days I’d suggest 4 or 5 total cities, and generally 3 nights in each city unless it’s a really small one. Since you’ve got London and Paris covered, and from Florence it’s easy to visit Venice and Rome either for short trips or even day trips if you buy your ticket far enough in advance. In other words, you’ve got many of the great European cities covered already, so you can cover some others on the pre-trip.
I’d strongly recommend Amsterdam, as in my opinion it’s one of Europe’s five great cities to be covered first. You’ll have the other 4 covered, so you’ll be good.
So fly into Amsterdam and spend 3 nights there. Take a train to Berlin and spend 3 or maybe 4 nights there. It’s much more interesting and much more fun than you might suspect based on its old reputation. After that I’d take a train to Prague for 3 nights, as it’s another gem.
After Prague you have 3 good options. You could take a train to Budapest and then fly to Paris from there. Or you could take a train to Vienna for 2 or 3 days and then Salzburg for 2 days and then to Paris. Or you could take a train from Prague to Munich for 3 days, and maybe also Salzburg for 2 days or you could make one of the other stops in southern Germany that I mention in my article on where to go in Germany.
Any of those options would be fantastic for you. Hopefully one of them sounds best to you at first glance. Let me know if you have any other questions, as I enjoy helping with these sorts of things. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I’ve been looking into a trip that would take me to Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, and Berlin. It looks like that would be a fantastic trip! My plan would be to leave the states on July 8.
A few more details have come up since then:
1) The meeting place has been changed to Strasbourg, and I have to be there on the 22nd.
2) I forgot to mention that I’ve taken Spanish classes for the past 6 years and I would kind of like to go to Spain and test that out.
3) I don’t think I’m going to do that Italy/Switzerland trip, so those options are open again but not necessary.
I’m pretty open to switching things around, and I know I have the opportunity to be back in Europe in the near future so I can afford to limit myself to a few countries.
Thanks!
Amazing blog about best European countries.
Very useful information..
Thank you