So that you’re fascinated by backpacking by means of Europe? Nice! However the massive query that’s on everybody’s thoughts is “how a lot does it value to journey by means of Europe?”
After I first backpacked in Europe I had little or no concept how a lot it will all value. I figured I might return by means of all my notes and information to assist in giving you a ballpark concept of how a lot you need to funds to backpack Europe.
Fast Look At Journey Prices To Backpack Europe
The primary day-to-day prices related to backpacking Europe embrace lodging, meals, sightseeing, public transportation, and some further incidental prices.
Most frugal-minded, hostel-hopping backpackers spend round $75-$125/day in Western Europe and $40-$90/day in Jap Europe. At this degree, you possibly can journey pretty modestly and comfortably with out making too many sacrifices however you’re not going to be dwelling it up.
In case you watch your funds intently and make a aware effort to maintain your prices down, it’s potential to drop your bills by round 25%. Decreasing your prices from this level begins to develop into troublesome, so that you’ll need to get inventive.
Lodging Bills For Backpacking Europe
There may be a variety of lodging choices in Europe — from tremendous low-cost to tremendous costly. However since we’re funds vacationers, I’m going to stay with the cheaper choices.
How A lot Do Hostels Value in Europe?
Hostels in Europe are historically the most affordable possibility with regards to lodging. Under are typical hostel costs for an evening in a hostel dorm room for a couple of well-liked locations.
Word: These costs are for the most affordable possibility at decently rated hostels. You would possibly be capable to discover a barely cheaper place in the event you select the bottom-of-the-barrel possibility. You can even spend (significantly) extra if you need a personal room.
Here’s a pattern checklist of common hostel costs through Hostelworld (our favourite reserving website):
- London: $35-$85
- Paris: $35-$70
- Dublin: $35-$70
- Amsterdam: $35-$65
- Munich: $30-$55
- Berlin: $23-$45
- Krakow: $15-$30
- Budapest: $18-$40
- Barcelona: $30-$45
Try our hostel value guides for a extra in-depth take a look at hostel costs:
How A lot Do Rental Residences Value in Europe?
I’m an enormous fan of rental flats and they are often an reasonably priced possibility in lots of cities—particularly for teams. Rental flats are sometimes priced equally to low-cost inns however you get good bonuses like more room, kitchens, and a sense such as you’re native.
After all, there are some downsides like check-in/check-out logistics, further charges, cleansing points, upkeep points, and so on.
Right here is our information to short-term leases in Europe if you wish to study extra.
How A lot Are Low cost Resorts in Europe?
There are many low-cost (and crappy) inns all all through Europe — simply don’t count on a lot on the funds traveler’s value vary. Nevertheless, the value of an affordable resort can generally be decrease than a hostel whether it is shared by two or extra individuals.
We’ve discovered that Reserving.com has the very best value and choice.
Is Couchsurfing in Europe Free?
Couchsurfing is a well-liked and free technique to journey all through Europe. You’ll be able to learn all about how Couchsurfing works right here, however don’t count on to depend on it for all of your lodging wants as a result of it’s turning into more and more troublesome to search out hosts.
How A lot Does Meals Value in Europe?
For the funds traveler, your day by day meals funds can be anyplace from $20-$60.
On the decrease finish of this value vary, you’ll largely be consuming the free hostel breakfast and home made meals/picnics from the grocery retailer. In case you’re on an excellent tight funds, you possibly can decrease your meals prices all the way down to $10/day however you’ll need to get inventive.
On the center to excessive vary, you possibly can eat at low-cost takeaway eating places ($8-$12 for a meal), reasonably priced sit-down eating places ($15-$25 for a meal), and perhaps have a couple of snacks all through the day.
We recommend budgeting a little bit excessive for meals as a result of even probably the most diehard funds vacationers will break down and purchase a ready meal generally. Once you’re not accustomed to town, it may be difficult to discover a grocery retailer and it’s even worse while you’re already hungry. Moreover, making a meal after a protracted day of sightseeing can generally be a ache within the ass, so it would usually be difficult to encourage your self to prepare dinner one thing.
We additionally encourage everybody to put aside some money for making an attempt the native delicacies. Provided that meals is such a big a part of experiencing a rustic’s tradition, it will be a disgrace to overlook this expertise.
Meals and drinks can kill any funds — particularly for us penny pinchers. Listed here are some ideas for consuming and ingesting on a funds in Europe.
How A lot Are Sightseeing and Attraction Costs in Europe?
We recommend budgeting about $15-$35/day for sightseeing prices in Europe.
You go to Europe to expertise the tradition and to see the sights. Effectively, get out your pockets as a result of most sights cost an admission charge. The charges are often not outrageous, however they do add up. Many locations supply pupil/youth reductions, so make sure to inquire about these.
Whilst you could not do one thing that requires an admission charge day-after-day, we advise budgeting $15-$20. Under is an inventory of admissions costs at some well-liked sights in Europe so you will get a really feel for the way a lot issues value:
- Louvre Museum (Paris): $18
- Centre Pompidou Museum (Paris): $18
- Tower of London: $37
- Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam): $20
- Strolling Excursions: Free (guides work on ideas) or $25+ for paid excursions
Word: Many museums supply discounted or free tickets to college students and/or individuals underneath 26.
Many cities even have sightseeing passes which could be a whole lot for some vacationers. I’ve reviewed a couple of of the most well-liked right here:
How A lot Does Public Transportation Value in Europe?
Between subways, buses, and trams, European public transportation is superb in practically each massive and medium-sized metropolis. Moreover, it’s often reasonably priced. Most cities are walkable however in some instances, public transport is perhaps a greater use of your time and power.
Most cities promote a spread of tickets and journey passes (i.e. single tickets, 1/3/5/7 day passes, month-to-month passes, and so on.) so it’s sensible to perform a little analysis to search out the choice that works finest for you. Under are some examples of transportation prices:
- London Tube (w/Oyster Card): $3.50/off-peak single fare or $14/all-day
- Paris Métro: $17 for 10 single tickets
- Amsterdam (tram): $23 for 72 hours of limitless journey
- Budapest (bus and subway): $17 for 72 hours of limitless journey
- Prague: $1.60 for a single tram ticket
- Barcelona (metro): $1.40 for a single ticket on the metro
How A lot Does Alcohol Value in Europe?
Europe has an insane quantity of excellent beer and wine — so you need to pattern all you possibly can. And let’s be trustworthy, most backpackers drink their fair proportion as they journey round. Simply be cautious as a result of these massive nights out can value you a fortune — however I don’t need to let you know that. As all the time, shopping for alcohol from the grocery retailer is an effective way to avoid wasting some huge cash.
Listed under are some pattern alcohol costs from round Europe:
- London (pint of beer): $3.20-$6.50 however count on to pay extra at stylish golf equipment/pubs.
- Paris (wine): $7-$14 for an inexpensive bottle of excellent wine from the shop.
- Prague (pint of beer): $2 at a restaurant and round $.70 from a grocery retailer.
- Budapest (pint of beer): $2-$4 at a bar.
- Munich (beer): $10 for an enormous mug at a beer backyard and round $1.25 for a liter of beer from the shop.
- Copenhagen (pint of beer): $9-$14 for a pint of craft beer from a bar.
Buffer Cash For Backpacking Europe
We wish to preserve a “buffer” fund for emergencies and surprising bills like laundry, souvenirs, toiletries, clothes, skydiving, missed trains, and so on.
Backpacking Europe Metropolis Journey Worth Guides
One main consider how a lot you’ll spend whereas touring is dependent upon the place you journey — you’ll clearly spend extra in Paris than in Prague. That’s why we’ve made a sequence of detailed European Metropolis Worth Guides that cowl day-to-day journey prices like meals costs, lodging costs, and different widespread bills that you simply’ll discover in Europe’s hottest cities.
Our Europe Metropolis Worth Guides additionally define among the finest budget-friendly eating places and different money-saving ideas that can assist you preserve your journey prices down.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €55-€80 (Approx. $65-$95). See the entire value information for Amsterdam
ANTWERP, BELGIUM Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €39-€57 (Approx. $43-$67). See the entire value information for Antwerp
ATHENS, GREECE Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €30-€65 (Approx. $36-$71). See the entire value information for Athens
BARCELONA, SPAIN Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €36-€66 ($42-$77 USD). See the entire value information for Barcelona
BERLIN, GERMANY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €36-€57 (Approx. $42-$65). See the entire value information for Berlin
BRUGES, BELGIUM Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €37-€65 (Approx. $43-$76). See the entire value information for Bruges
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €48-€71 (Approx. $52-$78). See the entire value information for Brussels
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: Approx. $20-$45. See the entire value information for Budapest
COLOGNE, GERMANY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €38-€54 (Approx. $40-$58). See the entire value information for Cologne
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: Approx. $62-$95. See the entire value information for Copenhagen
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: Approx. $43 -$63. See the entire value information for Dubrovnik
DUBLIN, IRELAND Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €40-€64 (Approx. $47-$75). See the entire value information for Dublin
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: £32-£59 (Approx. $43-$78). See the entire value information for Edinburgh
FLORENCE, ITALY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €42-€61 (Approx. $50-$72). See the entire value information for Florence
HAMBURG, GERMANY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €39-€65 (Approx. $46-$76). See the entire value information for Hamburg
KRAKOW, POLAND Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: Approx. $20-$35. See the entire value information for Krakow
LISBON, PORTUGAL Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €24-€38 (Approx. $27-$43). See the entire value information for Lisbon
LONDON, ENGLAND Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: £45-£75 (Approx. $65-$110). See the entire value information for London
MADRID, SPAIN Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €32-€56 (Approx. $37-$64). See the entire value information for Madrid
MILAN, ITALY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €34-€60 (Approx. $40-$70). See the entire value information for Milan
MUNICH, GERMANY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €40-€65 (Approx. $45-$75). See the entire value information for Munich
NAPLES, ITALY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €32-€50 (Approx. $35-$56). See the entire value information for Naples
NICE, FRANCE Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €37-€60 (Approx. $42-$70). See the entire value information for Good
PARIS, FRANCE Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €40-€80 (Approx. $50-$90). See the entire value information for Paris
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: Approx. $23-$40. See the entire value information for Prague
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: Approx. $70-$105. See the entire value information for Reykjavik
RIGA, LATVIA Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €25-€40 (Approx. $30-$50). See the entire value information for Riga
ROME, ITALY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €40-€70 (Approx. $46-$80). See the entire value information for Rome
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: 550 SEK-840 SEK (Approx. $62-$93). See the entire value information for Stockholm
VENICE, ITALY Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €51-66 (Approx. $60-$75). See the entire value information for Venice
VIENNA, AUSTRIA Journey Prices For Backpackers
Common Every day Funds Journey Value: €40-€62 (Approx. $46-$70). See the entire value information for Vienna
We’ve additionally written guides in regards to the least expensive cities in Europe if you need some extra funds journey concepts.
Backpacking Europe Pre-Journey Bills
Don’t neglect that you simply’ll encounter a handful of pre-travel bills which can be simple to neglect about.
Journey Insurance coverage: $30/week
Journey insurance coverage could be a whole lot in the event you run into any medical points or journey disruptions/cancellations whereas overseas. Some plans even cowl loss and theft of private gadgets and rental automobile collision protection. There are a number of firms that supply insurance coverage, however World Nomads Journey Insurance coverage appears to be a well-liked selection for backpackers.
Cell Information Plan
You’ll need high-speed cell knowledge on your cellphone whereas touring in Europe however the worldwide knowledge plan out of your supplier can value you $70-$100/week. Nevertheless, you should purchase pay as you go SIM playing cards and eSIM knowledge plans that may run you about $15-$25/week.
I’ve written a number of articles about getting cell knowledge for Europe:
Passport: $135
In case you don’t have a passport, you’ll have to get one to journey to Europe. You’ll want to apply early as a result of it would value you one other $60+ in the event you want one in lower than 4-6 weeks. Passport images will value you about an additional $10, or you possibly can print your individual without spending a dime at ePassportPhoto.
Journey Backpack or Baggage: $85-$300
Most individuals select to convey a backpack to Europe. We’ve compiled an inventory of the very best journey backpacks and created a information on how to decide on the right backpack. In case you’re on a funds, ask your pals if they’ve an outdated backpack or contemplate shopping for a used one.
Journey Equipment: $75+
There are all kinds of equipment (plug adaptors, guidebooks, journey towels, sporks, journals, and so on.) that may assist make your backpacking journey extra gratifying, however how a lot you spend will depend upon what sorts of belongings you need. This value estimate can skyrocket in the event you begin including issues like digital cameras, tablets, and specialty journey clothes. Try our
Try our Backpacking Packing Checklist for Males and our Backpacking Packing Checklist for Ladies to get an concept of what we advocate packing. Each guides will define just about all the things you’ll want.
Airfare: $450-$1500
Your airfare prices will differ primarily based on a dozen components. We do have a information to discovering low-cost flights to Europe that may make it easier to get the very best deal potential.
Transportation Prices Inside Europe
Transportation inside Europe (i.e. touring from metropolis to metropolis) could make up a big share of your journey funds, however it’s also very exhausting to foretell how a lot you’ll spend. There are such a lot of components that go into how a lot every type of transportation (prepare, airplane, bus, automobile, and so on.) will value that I can’t actually give an excellent correct estimate. Nevertheless, I can provide you some normal pointers and level you to extra in-depth articles.
Bear in mind, the much less you alter areas, the much less you’ll spend. Think about spending extra time at every location in the event you’re on a really tight funds.
Practice Journey Costs
The trains in most of Europe are superb, they usually’re often pretty reasonably priced. Most nations cost by distance traveled, however the costs can change primarily based on the time of day, availability, and kind of prepare (excessive pace vs regular pace). Tip: On high-speed trains, it’s best to e-book as far upfront as potential to make sure the very best value.
Listed here are some useful guides to taking trains in Europe:
Eurail passes are one other well-liked methodology of journey for backpackers. These passes aren’t filth low-cost like they had been prior to now, however for a lot of vacationers, that is nonetheless an reasonably priced technique to journey. There are dozens of Eurail passes obtainable to go well with nearly any want. Costs vary from about $100 for an excellent fundamental cross to $2000 for a 3-month limitless cross.
For more information, learn our Information To Rail Passes in Europe.
Europe Flight Costs
Air journey inside Europe might be very reasonably priced — low-cost even. For instance, it’s not unusual to discover a one-way ticket from Paris to Berlin for $50 or from London to Barcelona for $40. After all, there can be further prices like transportation to and from the airport.
For extra info, learn our article about methods to discover low-cost flights in Europe.
Europe Rental Automotive Costs
Touring by automobile is an efficient technique to journey if you wish to see small cities and rural areas. It’s a ache within the ass in the event you’re city-hopping. I rented a automobile to drive round France for 4 days and it value round $200 for an automated transmission automobile (in any case the additional taxes). Nevertheless, you’ll reduce your rental charges in half if you understand how to drive a handbook transmission. You even have to contemplate all of the potential further charges like tolls, fuel, parking, and so on. — which add up shortly.
Be taught extra about renting a automobile in our information to automobile leases in Europe.
Be taught Extra About Backpacking Europe
The recommendation above is only a small portion of what you’ll discover at The Savvy Backpacker. In case you’re new right here, we extremely counsel trying out our Full Information To Backpacking Europe for step-by-step recommendation for planning your massive journey overseas.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the e-book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Funds”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
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