Backpacking Europe Cost in 2023

Backpacking Europe  Cost – It does not have to break the bank, but how much does it cost?

 

Let’s begin by listing the cost of backpacking Europe broken down by cities in 1 week periods.

 

These are the average costs of backpacking Europe when you’re on a tight budget, some refer to as budget travel.

 

With so many cities to visit, how do you choose? How much does it cost backpacking in Europe?

Backpacking through Europe is a popular way to explore the continent, with a wide range of backpacking routes available to choose from.

Some popular backpacking Europe routes include the Grand Tour, which takes you through Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, and the Eastern Europe Route, which takes you through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.

In addition to these popular routes, there are many other options available, depending on your interests and travel style. If you’re short on time, you can also take day trips from major cities to nearby attractions.

For example, if you’re in Paris, you can take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, while if you’re in Barcelona, you can take a day trip to Montserrat. With so many destinations and routes to choose from, there’s no shortage of opportunities to visit Europe and create unforgettable memories.

Note, remember to budget for unexpected expenses.

How much does it cost to backpack Eastern Europe and Western Europe?

 

This might not be a backpacking Europe cost calculator, but it’s definitely a thorough list 

Backpack across Europe cost

London, UK

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in London, UK
• US$ 911
• Daily budget $66
• 
  Paris, France

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Paris, France
• US$1,127
• Daily budget $72

Istanbul, Turkey

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Istanbul, Turkey
• US$474
• Daily budget $15

Antalya, Turkey

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Antalya, Turkey
• US$90
• Daily budget $9

Rome, Italy

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Rome, Italy
• US$1,082
• Daily budget $110

Prague, Czech Republic

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Prague, Czech Republic
• US$531
• Daily budget $37

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Amsterdam, Netherlands
• US$829
• Daily budget $98

Barcelona, Spain

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Barcelona, Spain
• US$756
• Daily budget $51

Vienna, Austria

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Vienna, Austria
• US$702
• Daily budget

Milan, Italy

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Milan, Italy
• US$803
• Daily budget

Athens, Greece

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Athens, Greece
• US$480
• Daily budget

Berlin, Germany

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Berlin, Germany
• US$635
• Daily budget

Moscow, Russia

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Moscow, Russia
• US$313
• Daily budget

Madrid, Spain

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Madrid, Spain
• US$614
• Daily budget

Venice, Italy

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Venice, Italy
• US$1,167
• Daily budget

Dublin, Ireland

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Dublin, Ireland
• US$707
• Daily budget

Florence, Italy

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Florence, Italy
• US$815
• Daily budget

Munich, Germany

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Munich, Germany
• US$766
• Daily budget

Saint Petersburg, Russia

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Saint Petersburg, Russia
• US$309
• Daily budget

Brussels, Belgium

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Brussels, Belgium
• US$642
• Daily budget

Budapest, Hungary

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Budapest, Hungary
• US$424
• Daily budget

Lisbon, Portugal

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Lisbon, Portugal
• US$714
• Daily budget

Copenhagen, Denmark

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Copenhagen, Denmark
• US$1,091
• Daily budget

Heraklion, Greece

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Heraklion, Greece
• US$395
• Daily budget

Mugla, Turkey

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Mugla, Turkey
• US$380
• Daily budget

 

Krakow, Poland

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Krakow, Poland
• US$378
• Daily budget

Warsaw, Poland

• 1 Week for a couple in Warsaw, Poland
• US$427
• Daily budget

Frankfurt, Germany

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Frankfurt, Germany
• US$572
• Daily budget

Stockholm, Sweden

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Stockholm, Sweden
• US$939
• Daily budget

Nice, France

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Nice, France
• US$754
• Daily budget

Porto, Portugal

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Porto, Portugal
• US$644
• Daily budget

Rhodes, Greece

• Cost of 1 Week for a couple in Rhodes, Greece
• US$791
• Daily budget

This is an estimate of the maximum you could spend while traveling on a low budget. But is it possible to go lower? Yes, it depends on how frugal you want your budget travel to be.

You’ll have to make the most out of free walking tours opportunities and public transport, and always be looking for great grocery stores’ deals to maximize your food budget.

While Europe has great food everywhere, we recommend you not dine out daily, or you’ll run out of money quickly.

If you’re traveling on a very tight budget, stay away from peak season.

Average Cost of Backpacking in Europe – 2-Week Itinerary

2 Weeks in Spain will cost an average of US$650 for one traveler

 

If two weeks is all you have for your backpacking through Europe, don’t try to visit 2 or even 3 countries; focus on 1 only.

Go for a relatively small country like Portugal, Austria, or Spain.

 

It is possible to visit 4 to 5 major European cities in 2 weeks, but you’ll have to be on the run all the time and fly to every city; you’d be spending money nonstop.

 

Your schedule won’t allow for much flexibility; this is the perfect recipe for an expensive trip, especially if you’re planning to visit northern Europe

 

Our advice for a two-week trip to Europe, focus on 1 country.

 

2 weeks in Spain on a backpacker budget will cost you US$650.

 

• Madrid 3 Days US$132
• Galicia 2 Days US54
• San Sebastian 3 Days US$81
• Barcelona 3 Days US$162
• Valencia 2 Days US$76
• Madrid (Fly back home)

 

• On average, you’ll pay US$30 for each train ride to move between cities.
• Get a round-trip ticket to Madrid.
• From Valencia, go back to Madrid to fly back home.

You’ll find local cuisine in Spain to be fantastic.

 

These numbers do not account for any travel costs (international travel flights and visas mainly) that you have to incur before reaching your first destination in Europe.

Average Cost of Backpacking in Europe – 3 Week Itinerary

3 weeks will allow you to visit 2 countries and see a lot.

 

Just make sure the cities and towns you want to visit are not that far apart so you can use public transport and don’t spend too much time traveling between cities/towns.

 Try to stay within one region, eastern Europe or Western Europe. This will help you optimize transportation costs.

3 weeks in the UK and France on a backpacker budget will cost you US$1,644

 

• Edinburgh 3 Days US$198
• Cardiff 2 Days US$96
• London 3 Days US$222
• Paris 2 Days US$160
• Chamonix 2 Days US$256
• Nice 3 Days US$162
• Marseille 3 Days US$156

 

• On average, you’ll pay US$65 for each train ride to move between cities, use trains.
• Buy a one-way flight ticket to Edinburg and a one-way ticket from Marseille back home. Don’t forget to use a budget airline.
• These numbers do not account for any expenses (Flights and visas) that you must incur before reaching your first destination in Europe.

Average Cost of Backpacking in Europe -1 Month Itinerary

Backpacking through Europe is more enjoyable if you have one month for it. You can visit 3 countries without rushing too much.

 

You can opt for the traditional European Mediterranean backpacking route many do.

 

1 Month in Spain, France, and Italy on budget travel, your backpacking Europe cost will be US$1,482

 

• Madrid 3 Days Travel Costs US$132
• Valencia 2 Days Travel Costs US$72
• Barcelona 4 Days Travel Costs US$216
• Marseille 3 Days Travel Costs US$156
• Cannes 2 Days Travel Costs US$114
• Florence 3 Days Travel Costs US$174
• Rome 3 Days Travel Costs US$174
• Naples 3 Days Travel Costs US$117
• Palermo 3 Days Travel Costs US$117

 

• Do train travel to move between cities; on average, you’ll pay US$27 for each train ride.
• Buy a one-way flight ticket to Madrid and a one-way ticket from Palermo back home
• These numbers do not account for any expenses (Flights and visas) you must incur before reaching your first destination in Europe.

Save Money Traveling in Europe – Visit Underrated Countries

Places like the UK, France, and Switzerland are trendy among tourists but also costly.

 

So, here comes the great money-saving tips, stay away from the famous Western Europe countries and go on the road less traveled in Eastern European Countries – fewer tourists.

 

Most Underrated Eastern Europe Countries. Remember to look for free walking tours.

 

 Step away from the beaten path; do it for the entire trip, and you’ll save money.

 

• Albania 1 week for a couple – Budget Travel US$292
• Serbia 1 week for a couple – Budget Travel US$136
• Montenegro 1 week for a couple – Budget Travel US$408
• Estonia 1 week for a couple – Budget Travel US$428
• Kosovo 1 week for a couple – Budget Travel US$210
• Bosnia 1 week for a couple – Budget Travel US$362

 

If you were to backpack Europe, focusing on the countries above, you could spend a month in Europe for around US$1,100, with a daily budget of as low as US$35.

 

Stick to eating street food to lower your food costs, or even cook your own food. Food prices in Europe can be high.

 

Check out lists of cheap Europe hostels to save money on accommodation costs.

 

Save on transportation costs by using public transportation costs.

 

Where to Stay in Europe -List of Europe Hostels with Costs Included

 

This is a difficult question to answer; it depends on your Europe trip route and your accommodation budget.

 

Since this article is for budget travelers, and we want to help you optimize your Europe budget we’ll provide you with a list of the most affordable hostels in the most visited cities of Europe and the ones we showed in the most underrated cities in Europe.

 Remember that cheaper prices mean you won’t get a private room; you must commit to this arrangement when you’re a budget traveler.

Bear in mind that accommodation prices range vary from season to season and also around festival dates. It will also vary greatly if you want to stay in the city center or around popular destinations.

 

We’ll show you accommodation costs in 2023 for a couple for one week. We’ll use the second week of June as the date for the accommodation. This is the high season for backpacking Europe.

London, UK

• 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
• US$ 200 
• PubLove @ The Rose and Crown

Paris, France

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 270
  • Untalented Hotel Villette
  • The average daily cost is US$38

Istanbul, Turkey

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 51
  • Bufes Hotel
  • The average daily cost is US$8

Antalya, Turkey

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 47
  •  Antique House (Antalya Center)

Rome, Italy

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 288
  •  Palma Residence

Milan, Italy

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 220
  • Affittacamere Hostel 3

Prague, Czech Republic

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 99
  • Hostel Fontana

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 276
  •  Budget Hotel Neutraal

Barcelona, Spain

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 164
  • Inout Hostel

Vienna, Austria

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 184
  • Travel Homes Vienna

Milan, Italy

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 220
  • Affittacamere Hostel 3

Athens, Greece

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 120
  • Esseligk

Berlin, Germany

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 140
  • Sezer B&G UG

Moscow, Russia

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 24
  • Loft Hostel

Madrid, Spain

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 108
  • Hostal Csa 18

Venice, Italy

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 156
  • Venice Central Hostel

Dublin, Ireland

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 230
  • The Apache Hostel

Florence, Italy

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 260
  • Room in Shared Apartment 

Saint Petersburg, Russia

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 24
  • Capsule Hotel Pulkovo

Brussels, Belgium

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 284
  • Private Studio Brussels Airport

Munich, Germany

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 284
  • The 4 You Hostel & Hotel Munich

Budapest, Hungary

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 165
  • Jade Panzio

Lisbon, Portugal

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 99
  • 7 River Hostels

Copenhagen, Denmark

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 267
  • Globalhagen Hostel

Heraklion, Greece

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 106
  • Saint George

Mugla, Turkey

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 121
  • Ankakyaka Apart Hotel

Warsaw, Poland

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 62
  • Kwatery

Krakow, Poland

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 83
  • Hostel Hub by Home-Hotel

Frankfurt, Germany

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 225
  • Hotel Little Paris

Nice, France

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 212
  • Studio à 2 pas de la promenade des anglais

Stockholm, Sweden

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 190
  • Acco Hostel

Porto, Portugal

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 168
  • City Heart Rooms

Rhodes, Greece

• • 1-week Hostel Cost for a couple
  • US$ 125
  • Dolphin Apartments

You can also check Airbnb for rental apartments availability.

How to Get Around in Europe? 2023 – Travel Europe Cost

Usually, backpacking through Europe means using public transportation, local bus, high-speed trains, metro, or trams; the average is US$2.30 one way.

 Make sure to get the Eurail pass to reduce your transport costs.

 

Moving from city to city varies widely; you can check the itinerary sections above for the average cost of traveling between cities by train.

 

Making a little parenthesis here, many European cities are bike-friendly, so renting a bike instead of car rentals for a day is a good and cheap way to explore a city.

 

Here’s more data for your europe trip cost  calculation 

This is one of our best budgeting tips when Backpacking through Europe.

• Copenhagen, Denmark – Cost of Bike Rental – US$10 / Day
• Amsterdam, Netherlands – Cost of Bike Rental – US$12 / Day
• Utrecht, Netherlands – Cost of Bike Rental – US$11 / Day
• Strasbourg, France – Cost of Bike Rental – US$24 / Day
• Eindhoven, Netherlands – Cost of Bike Rental – US$12/Day
• Malmo, Sweden – Cost of Bike Rental – US$18/Day
• Nantes, France – Cost of Bike Rental – US$10/Day
• Bordeaux, France – Cost of Bike Rental – US$18/Day
• Antwerp, Belgium – Cost of Bike Rental – US$8/Day
• Seville, Spain – Cost of Bike Rental – US$10/Day
• Barcelona, Spain – Cost of Bike Rental – US$6/Day
• Berlin, Germany – Cost of Bike Rental – US$10/Day
• Ljubljana, Slovenia – Cost of Bike Rental – US$10/Day
• Dublin, Ireland – Cost of Bike Rental – US$12/Day
• Vienna, Austria – Cost of Bike Rental  – US$1.20 for 2 hours
• Paris, France – Cost of Bike Rental – US$18/Day
• Hamburg, Germany – Cost of Bike Rental – US$18/Day

To move from city to city, other than trains, you have the option of budget airlines or buses.

Backpacking Europe Cost – Budget Airlines in Europe

Skyscanner, the flight search engine you should use to find a cheap flight, shows that the cheapest flight from Paris to London is around US$40, which is still cheap for backpacking Europe.

 

Momondo shows a plane ticket for as low as US$35. Remember that these flights only allow for carry-on luggage; if you want to check in an extra bag, this will depend on your travel style.

Note average prices vary depending on seasons.

 

Cost of Intercity Buses in Europe

Some popular long-distance bus companies in Europe are great for backpacking Europe. Perfect if you love a road trip.

 

• MegaBus UK
• Eurolines
• Flixbus
• Busabout

 

Using buses for backpacking Europe is not as comfortable as trains, but it is a great way to save money and reduce the cost of backpacking Europe.

 

Going from Amsterdam to Copenhagen by bus will cost you around US$64

 

Going from Berlin to Munich by bus will cost you around US$28.

 

Public transport will always be a great choice for a backpacking trip like this, whether in Eastern Europe or Western Europe.

Cost of Gear and Packing List to Backpack Europe

If this will be your first time backpacking Europe, you’ll need some guidance with your packing; this is what experienced Europe backpackers recommend for your backpacking trip.

The Best Euro Travel Backpack for Backpacking Europe

How to pack for a Backpacking Europe Trip?

You need to pack light; this is how professional backpackers do it.

Clothes

• 1 pair of jeans or khaki pants
• 1 bathing suit
• 1 pair of shorts
• 7 T-shirts
• 1 long-sleeve shirt
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 8 pairs of socks
• 8 pairs of briefs or underwear
• Toiletries
• 1 Toothbrush
• 1 Toothpaste
• 1 Package of dental floss
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• 1 Towell
• 1 Deodorant
• 1 small bottle of sunscreen

Medical Kit

• Band-Aids
• A small bottle of hand sanitizer
• Disposable face masks
• Tylenol
• Antibacterial cream
• Tylenol
• Loperamide – Antidiarrheal
• Hydrocortisone cream for mosquito bites

Things you’ll need

• Earplugs
• Sleep mask
• Lock
• Plastic bags
• Universal charger adaptor
• Lifestraw water purifier bottle

How to pack for backpacking Europe women?

How to pack for backpacking Europe women?

Clothing

• 1 swimsuit
• 1 sarong
• 1 pair of stretchy jeans 
• 1 pair of leggings 
• 2-3 long-sleeve tops
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 3-4 spaghetti tops
• 1 light cardigan

Toiletries

• 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder 
• 1 hairbrush
• Makeup you use
• Hairbands & hair clips
• Feminine hygiene products 

Travel Insurance when Backpacking in Europe

 

Travel insurance is essential because it can provide coverage for unexpected events or situations that may arise while traveling.

These can include things like

• Medical emergencies,
• Trip cancellations or interruptions,
• Lost or stolen luggage

 

Trying to save money by not purchasing travel insurance can be tempting if you are on a tight budget.

 

However, it’s essential to consider that the cost of dealing with an unexpected event or situation without insurance can be much higher than the cost of purchasing a travel insurance policy.