How to Visit Europe on a Budget (2025)

How to visit Europe on a budget is easy with some smart planning and research; we share our best tips for saving money in Europe during your next trip.

Thinking about taking a trip to Europe but concerned your budget might be tight? This blog can help! As an experienced traveller, I’ve explored Europe’s winding streets, cosy cafés, lively cities, and beautiful landscapes—all while staying within my budget.

Many people think Europe is only for luxury, but it’s actually a great place for budget travellers who want to explore astutely. Use my tips to make your European adventure both budget-friendly and truly memorable.

How to Visit Europe on a Budget

Planning Your Trip Wisely

Travel During Shoulder Seasons

Your trip timing can really affect how much you spend. The months of April-May and September-October, often called shoulder seasons, are great times to consider.

You can skip the busy tourist crowds during peak season, enjoy lower prices on flights and accommodations, and experience the nice, mild weather in Europe during these months.

Christmas in Europe can be expensive on weekdays but visiting at the end of November and the very start of December, can give you a festive vibe for affordable prices.

Flexible Itineraries Are Budget Friendly

Maintain a flexible schedule. Flight prices change frequently. Tools such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Momondo let you easily choose the most affordable dates and destinations. Set alerts for price changes and book when prices are at their lowest.

Smart Transportation Hacks

Leverage Budget Airlines

Europe features budget airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, and Wizz Air, frequently offering jaw-dropping fares—occasionally under €20! Watch out for sneaky fees: travel light, print your boarding pass in advance, and stick to the luggage rules.

For example, when flying into London Gatwick Airport, you can use plenty of budget airlines, with affordable flights to most cities in Europe.

Rail Pass or Bus Pass? Choose Wisely!

One way of knowing how to visit Europe on a budget, is by knowing how to travel Europe on the cheap. The Eurail Pass looks good for inter-city travel, but check if you’ll travel enough to make it worth the cost.

Point-to-point tickets on platforms like Trainline or Omio are usually cheaper, especially when booked early. Europe’s long-distance bus operators, such as FlixBus and Eurolines, provide affordable and comfortable travel between countries.

City Passes and Public Transport Cards

Most major cities and best places to visit in Europe provide city cards or transportation passes. Passes like the Paris Metro Card, Rome’s Roma Pass, and Amsterdam’s OV-Chipkaart offer substantial savings on unlimited travel and access to major tourist attractions.

Affordable Accommodation Choices

Consider Staying in Hostels

Hostels in Europe have transformed; today’s modern hostels can compete with hotels in comfort, cleanliness, and style, making them a great choice for budget travellers. Sites like Hostelworld and Booking.com make it easy to discover hostels with private or shared rooms at amazing prices.

Budget-Friendly Rentals and Homestays

Airbnb, VRBO, and Homestay provide unique local experiences for your stay. Living in an apartment or shared space lets you save on food by cooking your own meals, and your local hosts usually share great insider tips.

House Sitting and Work Exchanges

If you’re an adventurous traveller looking for a longer stay, check out websites like TrustedHousesitters and Workaway, for the experience to work in Europe.

They offer free accommodations in exchange for some basic house care or volunteering. It’s a win-win! It’s a fantastic way to dive into local culture while saving a significant amount of money.

Eating Without Breaking the Bank

Embrace Local Street Food

Europe offers a variety of culinary experiences. Avoid popular tourist restaurants and explore local street food options. Spanish tapas bars, French crêperies, and Italian pizzerias offer delicious options, while street stalls provide fresh, authentic dishes at lower prices.

Cook Your Own Meals

Daily dining out adds up quickly. Think about getting groceries from stores and making some meals at home. Supermarkets in Europe, such as Aldi, Lidl, Carrefour, and Tesco, provide quality groceries at low prices. This tip can greatly reduce your budget.

Lunch Specials Are Your Friend

Throughout Europe, it is common for restaurants to provide discounted “prix fixe” lunch specials or daily menus. For example, Spain’s ‘menú del día’ and Italy’s ‘pranzofisso’ typically offer multi-course meals at unexpectedly low prices, enabling you to enjoy a delightful dining experience without overspending.

Seeing the Sights on a Shoestring

Free Walking Tours

Most big cities in Europe have free walking tours with enthusiastic local guides (just don’t forget to tip!). These tours are a great way to check out Europe’s amazing cities, history, and culture without breaking the bank.

These tours often include visits to some of the best instagrammable places in Europe.

Take Advantage of Free Museum Days

Numerous museums across Europe offer designated days or times when entry is either free or significantly reduced. For instance, the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Louvre in Paris provide free entry hours, allowing you to save money while enhancing your cultural experience.

Explore Nature and Outdoor Activities

Europe offers a wealth of parks, beaches, trails, and stunning views that are completely free to experience. The free things to do in London includes plenty of historic attractions and parks,

From hiking in the Swiss Alps to wandering through Amsterdam’s Vondelpark or unwinding on the beaches of Lisbon, the continent’s natural beauty stands out as one of the finest resources at no cost.

Saving with Currency and Banking

Use Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Currency exchange and withdrawal fees can quickly eat into your budget. Select credit or debit cards that have no international fees. Wise, Revolut, and some premium bank accounts provide good exchange rates and low fees. 

In recent years, travel gear has evolved to meet the unique needs of globetrotters. One such innovation is the card protector, a sleek and compact device designed to protect your most important cards.

Always Withdraw Cash in Local Currency

It is smart to refrain from withdrawing cash in your home currency from ATMs while travelling abroad. Opt to withdraw in the local currency to minimise costly conversion fees imposed by ATMs or banks.

Insider Secrets and Hidden Savings

Lesser-known Destinations Offer Greater Savings

Avoid pricey cities like Paris, London, or Venice and check out charming, lesser-known European spots. Places like Porto in Portugal, Budapest in Hungary, Kraków in Poland, and Brno in the Czech Republic are interesting, beautiful, and much cheaper.

Leverage Group and Youth Discounts

Travelling with friends can lead to savings, particularly on train tickets, places to stay, or group tours. Students and young travellers, usually under 26, often benefit from lower prices—make sure to have a valid ID or ISIC card with you.

Pack Smart, Travel Light

Avoid Checked Baggage Fees

Fees for checked luggage on budget airlines can significantly impact your limited budget. Only pack the essentials and utilise carry-on luggage for your travel. Packing cubes, vacuum bags, and versatile clothing items assist in optimising your limited luggage space, reducing fees, and facilitating smooth transitions between locations.

Keep Connected Without Huge Bills

Local SIM Cards or eSIM

Get local prepaid SIM cards when you arrive or use an eSIM if your device allows it to avoid high roaming fees. Providers such as Orange Holiday Europe, Vodafone, and Holafly offer easy and budget-friendly options.

Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

Europe boasts plenty of free Wi-Fi locations, especially in cafés, public squares, libraries, and metro stations. Make the most of these free connections to keep your data usage and costs down.

Manage Your Budget Wisely

Track Your Expenses Daily

Apps for tracking your budget, such as Trail Wallet, TrabeePocket, or Splitwise, can make it easier to keep an eye on your spending. Keeping an eye on things helps you know your boundaries and lets you tweak your daily routine when needed.

Set Realistic Daily Budgets

Establish a practical daily budget that aligns with your travel preferences and adhere to it consistently. Effective allocation of your resources will enable you to enjoy your trip without stress, assured that you are not overspending.

You can travel through Europe on a budget without sacrificing on the enjoyment, comfort, culture, and memorable experiences. With careful planning, using budget-friendly transportation and lodging, savouring local food at reasonable prices, and exploring Europe’s free or discounted attractions, you can make lasting memories without overspending.