Europe Is Expensive — Unless You Know What You’re Doing
Europe has a reputation for draining travel budgets. And it’s true that London, Paris, Scandinavia, and Switzerland can cost as much per day as a week in Southeast Asia. But Europe is also astonishingly varied — and the affordable parts are often the most interesting.
Here’s how to see Europe properly without spending a fortune.
Getting to Europe Cheaply
Transatlantic fares have become more competitive in recent years. Flying into budget airline hubs — London, Dublin, Lisbon, Amsterdam — and continuing with European low-cost carriers is often cheaper than flying directly to your ultimate destination. Shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) deliver the biggest savings on transatlantic routes.
Getting Around Europe
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling connect hundreds of city pairs for sometimes $10–30 one-way. Book early, pack light to avoid baggage fees, and you can move between countries for almost nothing. A London–Barcelona–Rome–Athens–London loop flown on budget carriers can cost under $150 in total if booked strategically.
Trains
The Eurail Pass offers unlimited train travel across 33 European countries and makes sense for multi-country itineraries. Point-to-point tickets booked well in advance are often cheaper for specific high-speed routes. Trains are slower than flying but offer the scenery and zero airport hassle.
Overnight Buses and Trains
Flixbus runs an extensive European network from as little as $5. Taking an overnight bus or night train between cities saves you an accommodation night while covering distance — effectively paying for the transport and the bed simultaneously.
Accommodation
Hostels
European hostels have transformed over the past decade. Dormitory beds in quality hostels with excellent facilities, social events, and central locations are available for $15–30 per night in most cities. Even budget-conscious travellers who haven’t stayed in a hostel since their 20s are often surprised by modern hostel quality.
Guesthouses and Small Hotels
Family-run guesthouses and B&Bs consistently undercut hotel chains while delivering a more authentic experience. Staying one metro stop or a 15-minute walk from the main tourist zone cuts accommodation costs by 20–40% in most European cities.
Apartment Rentals
For groups or stays of 5+ nights, renting an apartment is almost always cheaper per person than hotels, with the bonus of a kitchen. Preparing your own breakfast and occasional lunches saves meaningful money on longer trips.
Eating on a Budget
- Supermarket lunches save $10–20 per day compared to restaurants — this alone funds another night’s accommodation over a week
- Lunch menus (prix fixe) at sit-down restaurants offer the best value: two or three courses for $10–15 in places that charge $25+ for dinner
- Street food and market stalls deliver authentic local food at genuinely low prices
- Carry a reusable water bottle — tap water is safe and free across most of Western Europe
- Eat where locals eat — if the menu is only in English and faces the main square, you’re paying the tourist premium
Free and Cheap Attractions
Some of Europe’s greatest experiences cost nothing:
- Almost all major UK national museums are free — British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery
- Rome’s churches contain priceless Renaissance masterpieces at no entry charge
- Paris museums are free on the first Sunday of each month
- Walking tours on a pay-what-you-wish basis operate in almost every major European city
- Most European cities’ old towns are entirely free to explore
- Vienna’s palace parks, Copenhagen’s harbourfront, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter — all free
Choose Your Destinations Strategically
The single biggest budget lever in Europe is destination choice. Eastern Europe offers Dubrovnik-quality old towns at Bucharest prices. Some specifics:
- Prague, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw, Bucharest — beautiful, historically rich, extremely affordable
- Portugal — Lisbon and Porto are among Western Europe’s cheapest and most charming capitals
- Greece — dramatically better value outside peak summer, especially in lesser-known islands
- The Balkans — Croatia (beyond Dubrovnik), Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania for scenery at low cost
Money Tips
- Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee debit or credit card for all purchases — avoids fees of 2–3% on every transaction
- Withdraw cash from ATMs using the interbank rate — never use airport currency exchange
- City tourist cards for unlimited transport and museum entry often pay for themselves on the first day
- Book major attractions online in advance — usually cheaper than at the door and avoids queues
The Honest Summary
Budget travel in Europe is very possible — it just requires being intentional about destination mix, accommodation type, and how you eat. Base your trip around Eastern Europe with forays into affordable Western European cities. Use budget airlines and overnight transport. Eat like a local. The itinerary that costs a fortune for one traveller costs a third of that for someone who’s read this guide.
Travelling Europe carry-on only saves you money on every flight. Read our complete guide on how to pack light for your European adventure.
