How to Travel Europe on a Shoestring Budget (and Still Have Fun!)

5 tips on how to explore Europe without spending a lot of money.

1. Eastern Europe: Your Budget Travel Haven

Let’s start with the often-overlooked gem of budget travel—Eastern Europe. Countries like Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Ukraine offer rich culture, historical architecture, and vibrant cities at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
🛏️ Accommodation

• Opt for hostels or budget guesthouses in cities like Krakow or Sofia. You can often find dorm beds for under €10 per night.
• Try Couchsurfing to connect with locals and stay for free.

🍽️ Food

• Local markets and traditional “milk bars” in Poland offer full meals for under €5.
• Street food like kürtőskalács in Budapest or banitsa in Bulgaria are cheap and delicious.

🎉 Fun on a Budget

• Free walking tours are common and a great way to learn local history.
• Many museums and landmarks have student discounts or free entry days.

💡Pro Tip: Use the Budapest Card or Krakow Card for free public transport and discounted attractions.

2. The Balkans: Adventure for Less

The Balkan Peninsula is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Countries like Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina offer jaw-dropping landscapes and warm hospitality—all on a budget.
🚍 Getting Around

• Buses are the primary and most economical mode of transport. Intercity rides can be as cheap as €5-€10.
• Hitchhiking is relatively common and safe, especially in rural areas.

🏞️ Things to Do

• Hike through the Accursed Mountains of Albania for free.
• Swim in the sapphire waters of Lake Ohrid or visit medieval towns like Mostar.

💡Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from traveling off-season. Summer is busy (and pricier), but spring and autumn are just as beautiful and cheaper.

3. Western Europe: Save Without Sacrificing

Sure, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK aren’t known for being cheap, but budget travel is absolutely doable.
🛌 Where to Stay

• Use hostel booking platforms or apps like Trustroots and BeWelcome for community-based free stays.
• In cities like Paris or Amsterdam, look for capsule hostels or stay outside city centers and commute in.

🚆 Cheap Transport Hacks

• Eurail Passes can be cost-effective if you plan multiple long-distance trips.
• Use FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, or even budget airlines like Ryanair (but beware of hidden fees!).

🆓 Free Activities

• Major cities offer free museum days, often once a month.
• Explore public parks, free concerts, and street festivals—especially in summer.

💡Pro Tip: Picnic in Paris! Grab some bread, cheese, and wine from a local supermarket and enjoy a meal by the Seine for under €10.

4. Southern Europe: Sun, Sea, and Savings

Portugal, Spain, Greece, and parts of Italy offer great value, especially if you avoid major tourist traps.
🧭 Off-the-Beaten Path

• In Portugal, skip Lisbon and head to Coimbra or Évora for a quieter, cheaper experience.
• In Greece, islands like Naxos or Paros are less expensive (and less crowded) than Mykonos or Santorini.

🚶 Walk and Wander

• Cities like Seville and Florence are perfect for exploring on foot. Walking saves money and offers unexpected discoveries.
• In Italy, many churches, piazzas, and historical sites are free to enter.

💡Pro Tip: Dine where the locals do. Look for small “trattorias” or “tascas” away from tourist hotspots. Lunch menus are cheaper than dinner.

5. Scandinavia: Not as Expensive as You Think

It’s true—Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland are pricey. But with some clever tricks, you can explore the north without hemorrhaging cash.
🏕️ Embrace the Outdoors

• Wild camping is legal in Norway and Sweden under the "Allemansrätten" (Everyman’s Right) law.
• Nature is free: hike fjords, explore forests, and marvel at the Northern Lights.

🍳 DIY Meals

• Eating out is expensive. Buy groceries and cook at hostels or use supermarket delis.
• Chain stores like Lidl or Coop offer better deals.

💡Pro Tip: Consider overnight trains or buses to save both on accommodation and time.

General Budget Travel Tips (No Matter Where You Go)

💶 Budget Like a Pro

• Use apps like Trail Wallet, Splitwise, or Spendee to track your expenses.
• Always carry a student or youth ID for potential discounts.

📱 Essential Apps

• Rome2Rio for transportation options
• Omio for booking buses, trains, and flights
• Maps.me for offline navigation
• HappyCow to find budget-friendly vegetarian food

👥 Make Connections

• Join Facebook groups or Reddit threads like r/solotravel for local tips and meetups.
• Attend hostel events or free city tours to meet other travelers.

Final Thoughts: Budget Travel = Freedom, Not Sacrifice

Traveling Europe on a budget isn’t about missing out—it’s about getting creative. When you trade luxury hotels for local hostels, and expensive tours for self-guided adventures, you get closer to the real heart of each destination. You’ll meet other savvy travelers, discover local secrets, and collect stories you’ll tell for a lifetime.
So grab your backpack, your reusable water bottle, and your sense of adventure—the budget-friendly version of Europe is just as beautiful, and maybe even more authentic.

Bon voyage! 🌍✈️