Whether you’re a fan of museums, history, outdoor activities, or gourmet wine and food, Europe has something to offer for everybody. But with so many destinations in Europe to explore, it can be difficult to decide where to go first and how to go about traveling to Europe on a budget. And if you’re looking to save money, it can also be tricky to find budget-friendly accommodations and dining options—if you don’t know where to look, that is.
If you’re interested in travelling to Europe on a budget, here are some tips to help you make the most out of your experience while keeping more of your hard-earned money.
Top Things to Do in Europe on a Budget
As you adventure through Europe, you’ll find out that there’s no shortage of incredible things to do. Here are three of them that stand out.
1. Visit City Parks
There are thousands of beautiful and historic parks in every country in Europe. For example, Villa Doria Pamphili is the largest public park in Rome, Dublin’s Phoenix Park has roaming deer herds, and the Jardin du Luxembourg is often referred to as the Central Park of Paris. All three are free to enter. Once you’re inside, you’ll find plenty of things to do.
2. Skip the Expensive Museums
Most museums—like the Louvre, Uffizi, and the British Museum—charge a sizable entry free. If you’re travelling in Europe on a budget and don’t want to pay for expensive museum tickets, visit one of the thousands of free churches that have precious art inside.
In Rome, for example, you’ll gain entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica without reaching into your wallet. Both the Helsinki Cathedral and Grundtvig Church in Copenhagen are also free.
3. Go Swimming
Europe is filled with scenic beaches in nearly every country—most of which cost nothing to visit. If catching some rays is on your to-do list, don’t miss Praia de Creiro Beach in Portugal, La Concha Beach in Spain, or Elafonisi Beach in Greece.
Top Affordable Hotels to Stay at in Europe on a Budget
If you’re traveling to Europe on a budget and want to save on your hotel costs, the first rule of thumb is avoiding boutique hotels in major urban centers. In many cases, traveling just a few minutes away from the main tourist areas can lead to a significantly lower hotel bill. Many budget-friendly hotels also offer hostel-type accommodations—helping you save even more.
That said, here are some of our favorite budget friendly hotels in Europe.
- Eastern Comfort Hostelboat, Berlin: Centrally located and with a cool maritime vibe, Eastern Comfort offers private rooms starting at $50 and shared rooms starting at $18.
- Maverick Hostel and Ensuites, Budapest: In the heart of Budapest, Maverick Hostel and Ensuites offers shared rooms for around $15 each night. If you’re looking for more privacy, a private room for two starts at $40
- Z Hotel, Glasgow: If Scotland is on your itinerary, Z Hotel Glasgow features a hip vibe and tasty cafe. A room for two starts at $44.
Affordable Flights in Europe
You probably know that train travel is a great method of travelling around Europe on a budget. But many travelers have no choice but to book a flight to kick-off their Eurotrip.
Our team of deal experts at Dollar Flight Club can help you save up to $500 on your roundtrip airfare to Europe’s most popular airports, including London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), and more.
Top Affordable Places to Eat in Europe
When travelling to Europe on a budget, it pays to seek out local marketplaces, farmers’ markets, and outdoor food venues that serve affordable and fresh local cuisine. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly places to eat in Europe.
- Campo de Fiori is one of Rome’s largest outdoor food markets. There, you’ll find an endless array of locally sourced fruits, veggies, breads, cheeses, meats, and more.
- Latin Quarter in Paris is a section of the city that’s filled with bustling cafes and delicious, affordable food options. =
- Kauppahalli, located in downtown Helsinki, is a food hall that features dozens of local vendors. Eating out in Helsinki can be very expensive. So, if you’d like someone else to make your lunch, this is one of the most affordable options in the city.
- Boqueria Food Market in Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most popular food markets.
- Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s longest-running food market with over 140 vendors that sell locally sourced staples and prepared foods.
Your Affordable Europe Trip is Just One Flight Away!
At this point, you’re convinced that traveling Europe on a budget is not impossible. The only thing left to do is book your flight so you can start exploring and eating your way through the endless amount of interesting destinations in Europe.
Remember, with Dollar Flight Club, you can save up to $500 on your roundtrip flight to Europe. Book your trip today and you’ll be saying bon voyage to your coworkers in no time!
