Europe doesn’t have to drain your wallet if you travel smart.
Traveling through Europe is an incredible experience, but it’s easy to burn through your budget faster than expected. Between pricey hotels, tourist trap restaurants, and unexpected fees, costs can add up quickly. The good news? There are plenty of ways to explore Europe on a budget without sacrificing comfort or missing out on unforgettable experiences.
The key to saving money while traveling isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making smarter choices. Knowing when and where to book transportation, how to score cheap accommodations, and avoiding common tourist pitfalls can keep your expenses low while still enjoying everything Europe has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a long adventure, these clever hacks will help you stretch your budget further and get the most out of your trip.
1. Travel during the shoulder season for huge savings.
Summer may seem like the perfect time to visit Europe, but it’s also when flights, hotels, and attractions are at their most expensive. Instead, traveling in the shoulder season—spring or early fall—can cut your expenses dramatically while still offering great weather and fewer crowds, according to Emma Patch of Kiplinger.
Flights and accommodations often drop in price by 30% or more outside of peak season. Plus, you’ll have a better chance of finding deals on activities and avoiding long lines at major attractions. The weather in places like Spain, Italy, and Greece is still warm in September and October, and you’ll get to experience local life without being surrounded by tourists.
2. Book trains in advance to avoid overpriced tickets.
Europe’s train system is fast, scenic, and convenient, but last-minute tickets can be absurdly expensive. Booking in advance—especially for high-speed trains like France’s TGV or Spain’s AVE—can save you up to 50% compared to buying at the station, as stated by Rick Steves.
For longer routes, check out rail passes like the Eurail Pass if you’re planning multiple train trips. In some cases, budget buses like FlixBus or BlaBlaCar rideshares offer even cheaper alternatives, though they take longer. Researching the best option for each leg of your journey can help you keep transportation costs low.
3. Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals.
Hotels in Europe can be pricey, especially in major cities. Instead, consider budget-friendly alternatives like hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals. Many hostels now offer private rooms with hotel-like comfort at a fraction of the price, as reported by Steph Liao of Lost Girl on Earth.
For an even more unique experience, look into family-run guesthouses or agriturismos in rural areas. They often provide a more personal touch and sometimes include free breakfast. If you’re open to house-sitting or couchsurfing, you can even stay for free while getting an inside look at local life.
4. Use budget airlines, but beware of hidden fees.
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air make flying between European cities ridiculously cheap—sometimes as low as $20 per flight. However, the savings disappear quickly if you’re not careful with baggage fees, seat selection, and check-in rules.
Always read the fine print before booking, especially regarding luggage. Many budget airlines charge high fees for checked bags and even carry-ons that exceed size limits. To avoid unnecessary costs, pack light, check in online, and skip seat selection unless absolutely necessary. Being flexible with travel dates can also score you the lowest fares.
5. Eat like a local and skip touristy restaurants.
One of the biggest budget mistakes travelers make is eating near major attractions, where prices are inflated for tourists. Instead, venture a few streets away from the main sites and look for local cafes, food markets, or bakeries for an authentic (and much cheaper) meal.
Lunch menus in many European countries offer excellent deals. In Spain, look for the “menu del día,” a set meal at a reduced price. In Italy, avoid restaurants with English-only menus and opt for family-run trattorias instead. Street food is also an affordable and delicious way to experience local flavors without spending a fortune.
6. Use public transportation instead of taxis or Ubers.
Taking taxis or rideshares in European cities can add up fast, especially in places like Paris and London. Instead, rely on public transportation, which is usually efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate.
Most cities offer multi-day transport passes that provide unlimited rides on buses, metros, and trams for a set price. Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps make it simple to figure out routes and schedules. Walking or renting a bike can also be a great way to explore cities while saving money.
7. Take advantage of free walking tours.
Many major cities offer free walking tours led by locals who provide fascinating insights into history, culture, and hidden gems. These tours operate on a tip-based system, so you can pay what you can afford while getting an informative and engaging experience.
Walking tours are a great way to get oriented in a new city while avoiding expensive guided tours. Look for companies like Sandemans or local hostel-organized tours for the best experiences.
8. Save on currency exchange fees by using the right card.
Exchanging cash at airport kiosks or currency exchange booths will cost you more in fees and bad exchange rates. Instead, use a debit or credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees and withdraw money from ATMs for better rates.
Before traveling, check with your bank about withdrawal fees and consider using a travel-friendly card like Revolut, Wise, or Charles Schwab, which offer better exchange rates with fewer fees. Paying by card is widely accepted across Europe, so carrying minimal cash is often the smarter choice.
9. Visit museums and attractions on free admission days.
Many European museums and attractions offer free entry on certain days of the month or during specific hours. The Louvre in Paris, for example, offers free admission on the first Friday of every month, while Rome’s Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of the month.
Research free admission days before your trip and plan your itinerary around them. This simple trick can save you a lot, especially in cities with pricey attractions like London, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
10. Pack a reusable water bottle to avoid paying for drinks.
Buying bottled water throughout the day can add up, especially in countries where restaurants don’t offer free tap water. Carrying a reusable water bottle saves money and reduces plastic waste. Many European cities have safe, drinkable tap water, and public fountains are common in places like Rome and Vienna.
If you’re unsure whether the tap water is safe, check online resources or ask locals. Some bottles even come with built-in filters, making it easy to purify water on the go.
11. Use local SIM cards or eSIMs instead of expensive roaming plans.
International roaming charges from your home carrier can be outrageously high. Instead of relying on your regular phone plan, buy a local SIM card or use an eSIM for cheap data and calls while traveling.
Many European providers offer prepaid SIM cards with generous data packages at a fraction of what you’d pay for international roaming. If your phone supports eSIMs, you can download a plan before arriving and have instant access to affordable mobile data without needing a physical SIM.
12. Be flexible with your itinerary to score last-minute deals.
Planning everything in advance can be great, but leaving room for flexibility can save you money. Last-minute hotel deals, discounted transportation tickets, and even cheaper activities often pop up when demand is lower.
Apps like HotelTonight, Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search, and Trainline can help you find unexpected discounts. If you’re open to changing plans on the go, you can take advantage of these savings and discover hidden gems that weren’t even on your original itinerary.