Europe has a reputation for being expensive, and parts of it are. But with the right strategies, you can experience incredible history, culture, and cuisine without requiring a second mortgage.
The East-West Divide
The single biggest factor in Europe budget travel is geography:
Eastern Europe: Budget Paradise
- Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria
- Daily budget: $40-70 USD with comfortable accommodation
- Beer costs less than water in some places
- World-class history and architecture at fraction of Western prices
Southern Europe: Middle Ground
- Portugal, Spain, Greece, southern Italy
- Daily budget: $60-100 USD
- Better value than northern Europe, especially Portugal
- Shoulder season delivers significant savings
Western/Northern Europe: Plan Carefully
- France, UK, Germany, Scandinavia, Switzerland
- Daily budget: $100-150+ USD
- Still possible on a budget but requires more effort
- Free museum days, picnic meals, and hostel kitchens essential
Rail Pass Reality Check
Eurail passes seem romantic but are often poor value:
- Pass prices have increased while budget flights have decreased
- Many trains require reservations (additional cost) even with a pass
- Only worthwhile for very intensive travel over long periods
Better strategy: Book point-to-point tickets in advance on national rail sites, or use budget buses (FlixBus) and airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet).
Free Attractions Strategy
Many of Europe's best attractions are free:
- UK: British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern (all free)
- Paris: Many museums free first Sunday of month
- All cities: Churches, parks, architecture walking tours
- Free walking tours: Tip-based tours in every major city
Accommodation Hacks
- Hostels: Private rooms often cheaper than budget hotels
- University housing: Available in summer in many cities
- Airbnb: Best for groups or longer stays
- Monastery stays: Simple, clean, cheap—especially in Italy
Eating Well for Less
- Lunch specials: Many restaurants offer fixed-price lunch menus at 30-50% less than dinner
- Markets and supermarkets: Picnic lunches save enormous amounts
- Ethnic food: Kebab shops, Chinese restaurants, falafel stands offer value
- Happy hours: Drinks and appetizers at reduced prices
- Tap water: Free and safe in most of Western Europe
Best Value Destinations
- Portugal: Western Europe prices, Eastern Europe costs
- Poland: Incredible history, great food, very affordable
- Czech Republic: Prague is pricier but still reasonable; smaller towns are cheap
- Greece: Especially islands in shoulder season
- Spain: Varies by region; Andalusia offers great value
Shoulder Season Sweet Spots
- May: Warm enough, before summer crowds
- September-October: Summer crowds gone, still pleasant weather
- Avoid: July-August (peak prices, overwhelming crowds)