Travelling around Europe is exciting, but keeping track of your budget can sometimes feel stressful. The good news is that with a few smart choices, you can save money and still make the most of your trip!
1. Join free walking tours
Free walking tours are one of the best ways to explore a city, learn about its history and discover hidden spots. You can usually find them online, through tourist offices or by searching “free walking tour” using search engines plus the city name.Most tours are tip-based, so you can decide how much to contribute at the end.
2. Book attraction tickets in advance
It is very important to research and book popular attraction tickets in advance. Many museums and attractions offer online discounts, student deals or free entry on certain days, so it’s always worth checking ahead. For example:
Paris: Many major museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin and Musée Picasso offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. If you’re under 26 and from the EU, national museums (including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay) are also free year-round with valid ID.
Brussels: The first Wednesday or Wednesday afternoon of the month, museums are free to visit. Visit brusselsmuseum.be for more information.
Cities like Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are known for their excellent museums and galleries, and they regularly host free or low-cost cultural events throughout the year.
3. Use your European Youth Card
The European Youth Card gives discounts on transport, museums, food, activities and more across Europe. Check the DiscoverEU Travel App to see available offers here!
4. Use the benefits of your DiscoverEU Interrail Pass
During the validity of your Pass, your Interrail Pass includes extra discounts on local transport, ferries, hostels, tours and attractions in many countries. Make sure to check the available benefits before travelling. You can search for the benefits per country on this page.
5. Find affordable accommodation
Staying in hostels is a great way to save money and meet other travellers. Platforms like Airbnb can also be useful for budget travel, as you can compare prices and choose between a shared space, private room or full apartment depending on your budget. First-time users may also find special offers or discounts. You can also try hospitality exchange platforms such as Couchsurfing, where you stay with local hosts for free and get to experience the destination from a local perspective.
6. Save money on transport
Walking is the cheapest way to explore a city and helps you experience local life more closely. For longer distances, check day passes, weekly tickets or off-peak discounts for public transport. Many cities also offer affordable bike or e-bike rentals.
7. Pick destinations that fit your budget
Travel costs vary across Europe, so it helps to research destinations in advance. Cities such as Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Porto offer culture, history, good food and affordable travel options for different budgets. Smaller cities and regional destinations can also be great for discovering local culture while avoiding bigger crowds.
With a little planning, travelling on a budget can still be an amazing experience and sometimes the best memories come from the simplest moments along the way.