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
Hi Roger,
I’m currently budgeting for a 9 month trip around Europe, I plan on leaving in under a year. I plan on starting in Paris and moving up through Brussels, the Netherlands and then onto Germany, Poland, Prague, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Romania (also wondering if it is safe, I was told by a travel agent it was questionable) then Turkey. From there I would like to go to the Greek islands and then to Croatia. From there I will be going to Italy and Spain. I know I can fit this all in as there are only roughly 3 cities in each country I wish to visit. I know I shouldn’t plan all of this out as my situation will definitely change when I am over there but I am unsure how to plan my travel through these countries.
I am a quite impulsive person so I will most likely book last minute.
Do you have any idea how much I should budget for travel expenses?
So far I have budgeted $25,000 AUD for the trip (excluding flights and rail tickets)
LukeGGGGGGGG,
This is one of the longer trips I’ve been asked about and it sounds like it’s going to be amazing. Your first few countries are obviously among the more expensive, and after that (starting in Poland) you’ll find that your funds will go much further. You should find that the Backpacker Index prices listed in the article above should be a realistic budget for someone who isn’t splurging much. And you can even keep things maybe around 20% to 30% under these numbers if you really keep to a backpacker style. The Backpacker Index prices including seeing a famous attraction (often a museum) as part of each day’s budget, but if you are traveling slowly for a longer time like this, you obviously aren’t going to do paid attractions each day. Also, it includes 3 beers in a cheaper bar each day, while on a longer trip you will likely spend much less on alcohol and entertainment on a daily basis.
So with that in mind, looking at the list of countries you will be visiting, I’d say that you could get by on as little as US$1,000 per month, not including transportation, which is about AU$1,400/month at the moment. Again, that would be about the minimum you could get by on if staying in hostel dorms and looking for cheap meals and whatnot. So if you are starting with AU$25,000 for 9 months, that should be plenty to really enjoy yourself without having to constantly cut corners to survive. It’s also good that you are starting in the more expensive places and moving to the cheaper ones because it will train you to search for good value at first, and then the other places will seem cheap by comparison, and you can afford to splurge a bit. On the other hand, on that budget you’ll never feel like a king, so you’ll want to be pretty careful with expenses all the way around.
Romania is one of only a few European countries that I’ve yet to visit, but I know many people there and I’ve never heard anyone say that it was unusually unsafe. If you stay in centrally located hostels and ask the desk people there for advice on what to watch out for, you’ll be fine. I lived in neighboring Serbia for almost 5 months not long ago and it felt extremely safe.
Also, on a trip of that length, and especially if you want to be a bit impulsive as to when you’ll move to the next destination, you are going to want to focus mostly on buses to get between cities. In the cheaper countries you’ll find that buses are not only much cheaper but also as fast as trains and with more frequent service. In the more expensive countries the train tickets will be very expensive if you buy at the last minute, yet buses are usually the same price no matter when you buy. I hope this helps and let me know if you have other questions. -Roger
And what about Minsk (Belarus)? Has anyone ever visited it?
Stranger,
That’s an interesting question, partly because it’s the first time someone has asked. In general, Belarus gets very little tourist traffic, and almost everyone needs to get a visa before a visit. As far as I’ve seen, they are purposely keeping themselves closed off from most of the world because they are still hanging onto communism in a fairly strict way. So for the time being, there isn’t much interest from most Europe travelers. I’d like to know how much things cost there, however, but I haven’t been there either. -Roger
Very nice list. Many of these places I’ve have not been to yet. Thank you for keeping up on this list and getting feedback from your visitors. I’ve never been to these places in Spain and Portugal. Do you think you will be adding places like Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Porto, or Cascais? Or maybe the other smaller nations like Andorra, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, or Cyprus? Europe has also been a fascinating place to me since a kid. I think it started when I was introduced to French and Italian food. From there, I would always study maps and tell myself I am going to go there someday. lol
Jesse,
Interestingly, we’ve recently added new City pages for Valencia and Seville and Porto. I’m not sure I’m going to add any of those to the official Backpacker Index list because 56 already seems like a lot, but at the very least I’ll be linking to them near the Madrid and Barcelona entries.
The criteria for adding new cities in general and also adding them to the Backpacker Index lists has been a bit tricky. The goal with this site has been to help people choose destinations and also give them a rough idea of how expensive things there are. As a result I prefer not to add cities that are essentially suburbs of cities already on the list because the climate is the same and the prices will generally be the same as well. So it’s about finding as many discreet destinations as possible and trying not to add too many others. I’ve long had a Monaco page though, even though it’s very close to Nice.
More specifically, I’ve been meaning to add at least one city in Cyprus and you’ve reminded me of that. But the micro states like Liechtenstein, Andorra, and San Marino are probably not worth it. For one thing, not many people spend the night in those places, and even if they do it’s just one night. Also, the prices of each are all very similar to the country that surrounds them. Monaco is a bit different because it is sort of its own economic zone as well.
So thanks for the comment and suggestions and hopefully I’ll add at least a Cyprus one soon. -Roger
Hey Roger, your work here and replies has been so helpful, I’m really glad someone like you is carrying this on. I have a few question regarding Regional Eurail Pass (4 countries) and traveling by ferry from Croatia (Split or Dubrovnik) to Italy (Preferably Bari).
Here is my itinerary.
I plan to head to travel in Europe next summer for about 3 month starting May 1st from Copenhagen, then Berlin, Krakow, Prague,?eský Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest (possibly) then down to Croatia. From Croatia I would like to head over to Italy and visit Pompeii and Rome, as I have been studying about these two places in school. And at the end, I want to fly out from Italy to Spain ( Barcelona or Madrid) for 3 weeks and then exit from Portugal on the last week before my 90 days Schengen visit expires.
I’m wondering if I would benefit at all from a regional Urail pass in any of the 4 Estern European countries. I understand that trail services are not as robust as Western Europeans. If not, would traveling by buses be easier across those countries? (Czech, Austria, Hungary) Since the distance between countries aren’t that far apart. Also, is hitchhiking possible in those Eastern European countries?
Getting back to my second question. I will likely arrive Croatia in mid June. Approximately how ahead should I book my tickets on one of those ferry companies’ sites? ( Jadrolinija Or Blueline) Also, a crossing for 8 hours with a berth and a meal seems to cost around 100-120 dollars on the website. What alternatives do you propose for getting around if not taking a ferry? i don’t plan to visit Venice, Milan or Florence coming to Italy, as this is my first time coming to Europe and I want to just keep my focus and visit the places that interest me the most.
Anyhow, thanks again for all your work and taking the time to answer our questions.
Cheers!
Jack
Jack,
Thank you for the kind words. I normally prefer to answer these kinds of questions in the comments below the articles on European itineraries and Eurail Passes. I’ll answer below and if you have any follow-ups please do so in one of those threads. I’ll take the questions in the order they came up.
Copenhagen to Berlin can be an expensive train ticket if you don’t buy far in advance, but from Berlin all the way to Croatia they aren’t too expensive. And as you mentioned, in some of those legs you’ll find that buses are as fast as trains as well as cheaper and more frequent. In other words, a 4-country Select Pass would not be good value in those eastern countries. In the Czech Republic there is a bus company called Student Exchange (open to anyone of any age) that runs frequent cheap buses with free wifi that are sometimes even faster than trains and rarely much slower.
As for hitchhiking, I don’t see much of it anywhere in the world these days, although I’m sure it still goes on to some degree all over. One challenge is that in that part of Europe the average driver might speak little or no English, even though the average hotel or restaurant worker speaks English pretty well. With cheap and fast buses I don’t think it’s worth the hassle, but if you do want to try something like that I’d look into the various ride-sharing websites and smartphone apps, which are somewhat popular there. You can look for someone who has posted a trip in your direction and you only have to chip in for gas if you find a ride.
As for the Croatian ferry websites, you’ll probably want to book at least a week ahead of time in June, or maybe even longer. Most routes only have one ferry per day going, probably one from each company, and when they sell out you can be out of luck. Interestingly, I just took one of those from Ancona to Split last October, when it was only one company (Jadrolinija) running 3 times per week. I waited until a few days before I wanted to go and found out the boat was sold out so I had to go 2 days later. The price does seem a bit high, at least if you want a berth, but that is the best you can do as long as you book on the official website with the ferry company. Other ferry websites will sell the same bunk and add a big surcharge, so book direct. If both companies are running on the day you want to travel you can probably wait until one of them is sold out for that day and then book the other, and that might be a week or more early in prime season like that.
I also looked into alternatives between Croatia and Italy and the ferry is the only decent way to go. Even the trains that go through Venice are very slow in that area, and buses are as well. Just do the ferry.
This looks like a great first trip to Europe that will be filled with highlights. If you have any other questions, please follow up on one of those other articles. -Roger
why not included Frieburg(Germany)
S N TIWARY,
Interesting question. If I were to add more German cities I’d consider Cologne, Frankfurt, and even Rothenburg ob der Tauber first because they get far more international tourists than Freiburg. My brother actually lives near Freiburg and I was there recently. As lovely as parts of it are, nearly all of the visitors are from Germany and Switzerland.
The other reason I wouldn’t add it is that prices there are similar to Munich and elsewhere in Germany, so they would all be bunched together on the list. The idea for this list is to help people sort out the cheaper destinations from the expensive ones so they can make choices about where to go. Thanks for reading and commenting. -Roger
I have been looking for something like this to help me with my first overseas travel in Sept. I know for certain i want to make a trip to Amsterdam but with only 2 weeks to travel any suggestions from there? Thanks again for such valuable information.
Shelly,
If you use Amsterdam as your main hub then the other great cities that are easy to reach from there are London, Brussels and/or Bruges, Paris, Berlin, and perhaps Munich. If you spent about 3 days in each city you’d have an excellent trip and most of your train journeys would be around 3 hours, except for Berlin and Munich which are more like 6 hours from Amsterdam. Those are all top destinations in Europe, but they are also on the expensive side. If you wanted to do something cheaper you’d want to go from Amsterdam to Berlin to Prague and maybe even Krakow.
Let me know if any of those suggestions sound good to you and I will help you sort out the best way to string them together. You’ll want to take trains between cities, and the only slightly tricky one is London, which is only connected to Brussels and Paris via the Eurostar train. -Roger
Dear ROB..I NEED HELP..
First i would like to appreciate the hard work you put into collecting all this info. Its really helpful.
I need your suggestion.
I am from New Delhi- India. I want to travel in EUROPE. Starting 1st week of august.
My budget is INR 40000/- maximum.
That will include accomodation,food n drink, transportation and attractions.
Ofcrse air ticket from my city is separate.
I have to attend a friend’s wedding in VENICE for 2 days, so that has to be my starting point.
I can spend around 10 more days. Please guide me on which places/cities i can visit in my budget.
If possible i would like to include a beach destination and a place with good nightlife n party scene.
I would be really greatful to you.. Pls pls pls help.. 🙂
Karan,
I’ll be happy to try to help, but this will be challenging with a budget of 40,000 INR (US$625). In August, all of the beaches in southern Europe will be packed with Europeans who take the whole month off. From Venice you might be able to find a fairly uncrowded beach in Croatia, but honestly all of the nice ones will be packed and charging the highest rates of the year.
On your budget in 10 days I think you’ll get the best value out of heading to Budapest, Krakow, Prague, and/or Cesky Krumlov. The first 3 on that list have great party scenes and fairly inexpensive alcohol. On the other hand, it will cost a bit to go from one city to the next, so that will eat into your total as well. In other words, you’ll be able to have a better time by visiting fewer places so you won’t spend so much on transport.
Hopefully this is at least something to help you start planning. I’m happy to follow up with more suggestions if you have other preferences or ideas. Best of luck with this. -Roger
This is awesome!!! My friend and I am planning to do a backpacking Europe next year and this is just the list I need! Thanks a lot! 🙂
P.S. Gotta start saving now. Hehe! 😉
Hi there Rob,
This is really an awesome list. I’m from Malaysia and never thought it was possible to backpack in Europe for 2 weeks for less than USD1950. I’m planning to do Europe; Paris – Budapest – Slovakia – Prague – Vienna – Budapest, before returning to Paris for my flight back to Malaysia. Of course I didn’t take your pricing lock, stock and barrel. I’ve googled and it seems kinda accurate. Plus the total expense of USD 1950 is include flights and nights of partying at Budapest & Prague.. ;). I’ve also add an additional 15% on top of my expense just to play safe. your website is like my travel bible and I’m already planning on my next Europe trip next year. I’ll be flying off in September… ;). I have your website as a reference bookmark on my desktop.
Cheers,
Hafiz Noor
Hafiz,
Thank you for the kind words and it’s great to hear that this information is helpful. I’m also glad that you are taking this data as a general guide rather than as a shopping list. It’s all as accurate as we can make it, but it’s really only meant as a way to generally compare basic costs from one city to the next. Everyone has different preferences and tolerances for discomfort while traveling, so everyone’s budgets will also be a bit different. -Roger
Dear Roger,
Hi, I’m from Singapore and I’m planning to go to the following places this June. How long would you recommend I stay in each place and if I’ve missed out on anything along the way I should go to? I’ve got a month off. Thanks so much btw.
Munich – Rothenburg – Dresden – Prague – Krakow
I’m also thinking of flying to London after Krakow, do you think I’d have time?
Serene,
If you have a full month, you’ll have plenty of time to see all of those cities and a few more as well. I’ll give you my recommendations for the minimum number of nights to stay in each of those cities, and then I’ll suggest a few others.
Munich – 3 nights minimum
Rothenburg ob der Tauber – You can see it all in about 24 hours, and it’s really nice
Dresden – 1 or 2 nights should be fine.
Prague – 3 nights minimum
Krakow – 3 nights minimum
You’ll find much more specific information on this on my article about where to go in Germany. You’ll notice that Dresden doesn’t even make the list and there are at least 10 other cities in Germany that I’d recommend higher than that one. If you have a specific reason to go there, then great, and the town center is pleasant enough. But if you aren’t sure of exactly what you’d do there, I’d highly recommend skipping it in favor of Berlin, which is the most interesting place in Germany, and worth at least 3 nights.
You’ll definitely have time to fly to London, and I’d spend at least 3 or hopefully 4 nights there. It’s expensive, but it’s one of the world’s greatest and most important cities.
If you are going to Prague and Krakow (which are both highly recommended), I’d also think about going to Cesky Krumlov (2 nights) and/or Budapest (3 nights).
Let me know if you have other questions, and have a great trip. -Roger