Ultimate Europe Budget Travel Guide: Save Money in 27 Schengen Countries

Traveling Europe on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing experiences. This comprehensive guide shows you how to explore 27 Schengen countries without breaking the bank, with specific budgets, tips, and strategies for maximum savings.

Daily Budget Breakdown by Country (2025)

Super Budget-Friendly (€25-40/day)

Perfect for backpackers and tight budgets:

🇵🇱 Poland: €25-35/day

• Accommodation: €8-15 (hostels), €20-30 (budget hotels)
• Food: €10-15/day
• Transport: €3-5/day
• Attractions: €5-10/day

🇭🇺 Hungary: €30-40/day

• Accommodation: €10-18 (hostels), €25-35 (budget hotels)
• Food: €12-18/day
• Transport: €4-6/day
• Attractions: €5-12/day

🇨🇿 Czech Republic: €30-40/day

• Accommodation: €10-20 (hostels), €25-40 (budget hotels)
• Food: €10-15/day (thanks to cheap, excellent beer!)
• Transport: €4-8/day
• Attractions: €8-15/day

🇸🇰 Slovakia: €25-35/day

• Accommodation: €8-15 (hostels), €20-35 (budget hotels)
• Food: €10-15/day
• Transport: €3-5/day
• Attractions: €5-10/day

🇸🇮 Slovenia: €35-45/day

• Accommodation: €12-20 (hostels), €30-45 (budget hotels)
• Food: €15-20/day
• Transport: €5-8/day
• Attractions: €8-15/day

Budget-Friendly (€40-60/day)

Good value with reasonable comfort:

🇪🇪 Estonia: €35-50/day

• Accommodation: €12-25 (hostels), €30-50 (budget hotels)
• Food: €15-20/day
• Transport: €3-6/day (Tallinn has free public transport!)
• Attractions: €8-15/day

🇱🇻 Latvia: €30-45/day

• Accommodation: €10-20 (hostels), €25-40 (budget hotels)
• Food: €12-18/day
• Transport: €4-7/day
• Attractions: €6-12/day

🇱🇹 Lithuania: €35-50/day

• Accommodation: €12-22 (hostels), €28-45 (budget hotels)
• Food: €15-20/day
• Transport: €4-8/day
• Attractions: €8-15/day

🇭🇷 Croatia: €40-60/day

• Accommodation: €15-30 (hostels), €35-60 (budget hotels)
• Food: €15-25/day
• Transport: €8-15/day
• Attractions: €10-20/day
• Note: Significantly more expensive in peak summer on coast

🇵🇹 Portugal: €40-60/day

• Accommodation: €15-25 (hostels), €30-50 (budget hotels)
• Food: €15-25/day
• Transport: €5-10/day
• Attractions: €8-20/day

Mid-Range Budget (€60-90/day)

Comfortable travel with good experiences:

🇬🇷 Greece: €50-75/day

• Accommodation: €20-35 (hostels), €40-70 (budget hotels)
• Food: €20-30/day
• Transport: €10-20/day (especially island ferries)
• Attractions: €10-25/day

🇪🇸 Spain: €50-80/day

• Accommodation: €20-40 (hostels), €40-70 (budget hotels)
• Food: €20-30/day
• Transport: €10-20/day
• Attractions: €10-25/day

🇮🇹 Italy: €60-90/day

• Accommodation: €25-45 (hostels), €50-80 (budget hotels)
• Food: €25-35/day
• Transport: €10-20/day
• Attractions: €15-30/day

Higher Budget Required (€80-120/day)

Still doable on budget with smart strategies:

🇫🇷 France: €70-110/day

• Accommodation: €25-50 (hostels), €60-100 (budget hotels)
• Food: €25-40/day
• Transport: €15-25/day
• Attractions: €15-35/day

🇩🇪 Germany: €60-100/day

• Accommodation: €20-45 (hostels), €50-85 (budget hotels)
• Food: €20-35/day
• Transport: €10-25/day
• Attractions: €12-30/day

🇦🇹 Austria: €70-110/day

• Accommodation: €25-50 (hostels), €60-95 (budget hotels)
• Food: €25-40/day
• Transport: €15-25/day
• Attractions: €15-35/day

🇧🇪 Belgium: €60-95/day

• Accommodation: €20-40 (hostels), €50-80 (budget hotels)
• Food: €25-35/day
• Transport: €8-15/day
• Attractions: €10-25/day

🇳🇱 Netherlands: €70-110/day

• Accommodation: €25-50 (hostels), €60-100 (budget hotels)
• Food: €25-40/day
• Transport: €12-20/day
• Attractions: €15-30/day

Expensive but Manageable (€100+/day)

Requires serious budget strategies:

🇨🇭 Switzerland: €120-200/day

• Accommodation: €35-80 (hostels), €80-150 (budget hotels)
• Food: €40-60/day
• Transport: €25-40/day
• Attractions: €20-50/day
• Budget tips essential!

🇳🇴 Norway: €100-180/day

• Accommodation: €30-70 (hostels), €70-130 (budget hotels)
• Food: €35-55/day
• Transport: €20-35/day
• Attractions: €15-40/day

🇩🇰 Denmark: €80-130/day

• Accommodation: €25-55 (hostels), €60-100 (budget hotels)
• Food: €30-45/day
• Transport: €12-25/day
• Attractions: €12-30/day

🇸🇪 Sweden: €70-120/day

• Accommodation: €25-50 (hostels), €55-95 (budget hotels)
• Food: €25-40/day
• Transport: €10-20/day
• Attractions: €10-25/day

🇫🇮 Finland: €70-115/day

• Accommodation: €25-50 (hostels), €50-90 (budget hotels)
• Food: €25-40/day
• Transport: €10-20/day
• Attractions: €10-25/day

🇮🇸 Iceland: €100-170/day

• Accommodation: €30-65 (hostels), €70-120 (budget hotels)
• Food: €35-50/day
• Transport: €20-35/day (car rental recommended)
• Attractions: €10-30/day (many natural sites free!)

Accommodation: Sleep Cheap, Sleep Smart

Hostels: Your Budget Best Friend

Average costs: €8-50/night depending on country and city

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book directly: Avoid booking fees
• Longer stays: Many offer weekly discounts
• Off-season: Prices drop 30-50% outside summer
• Work exchanges: Some hostels offer work for accommodation
• Kitchen access: Save massively on food costs

Best Hostel Apps:

• Hostelworld: Largest selection, reviews
• Booking.com: Often cheaper rates
• Generator Hostels: Quality chain across Europe
• YHA: Youth hostel association, reliable quality

Budget Hotels & Guesthouses

Strategic Booking:

• Direct booking: Call hotels directly for better rates
• Last-minute deals: Apps like HotelTonight
• Business districts: Cheaper on weekends
• Suburbs with good transport: Balance price and accessibility

Alternative Accommodation

Airbnb Strategies:

• Longer stays: Weekly/monthly discounts
• Entire apartments: Split costs with travel companions
• Local neighborhoods: Authentic experience, lower prices
• Kitchen access: Cook your own meals

Couchsurfing:

• Free accommodation: With local hosts
• Cultural exchange: Local insights and tips
• Safety first: Check reviews, trust your instincts
• Give back: Host others when you're home

House Sitting:

• Free accommodation: In exchange for pet/house care
• Trusted Housesitters: Main platform
• Longer stays: Usually minimum one week
• Responsibility required: Real commitment to property care

Transportation: Move Smart, Spend Less

Trains: The European Way

Eurail Pass Strategy:

• Worth it for: 3+ countries, long distances, flexibility
• Not worth it for: Short distances, single country, advance bookings
• Youth discounts: Under 26 save significantly
• Group discounts: 3+ people traveling together

Budget Train Tips:

• Regional trains: No reservation fees, frequent service
• Night trains: Save accommodation costs
• Advance bookings: 50% savings on high-speed trains
• Off-peak travel: Avoid rush hours and weekends

Best Train Booking Apps:

• Trainline: Easy interface, small booking fee
• OurFin: Direct booking, no fees
• National railway apps: Deutsche Bahn (DB Navigator), SNCF Connect

Budget Airlines: Fly Cheap

Major Budget Carriers:

• Ryanair: Extensive network, ultra-low base prices
• EasyJet: Better service, still budget prices
• Wizz Air: Eastern Europe specialist
• Vueling: Spanish and Mediterranean routes

Budget Flying Tips:

• Book early: Best prices 2-6 weeks ahead
• Carry-on only: Avoid baggage fees
• Secondary airports: Often much cheaper
• Midweek flights: Tuesday-Thursday cheapest
• Compare total cost: Include transport to/from airports

Bus Travel: Slowest but Cheapest

FlixBus: Dominates European bus travel

• Extensive network: Connects 2,000+ destinations
• WiFi and power: Basic amenities included
• Flexible tickets: Easy changes and cancellations
• Night buses: Sleep while traveling

Regional Bus Companies:

• Student Agency: Premium bus experience, Eastern Europe
• Eurolines: Traditional coach operator
• BlaBlaBus: Long-distance routes, comfortable

City Transportation Hacks

Public Transport Savings:

• Daily/weekly passes: Almost always better value than single tickets
• Tourist cards: Often include transport + attraction discounts
• Walking: European cities very walkable
• Bike sharing: Available in most major cities

City-Specific Tips:

• Tallinn: Free public transport for residents (and some tourists!)
• Vienna: €1 tickets available at tobacco shops
• Berlin: Day passes valid until 3am next day
• Prague: Trams and metros use same tickets
• Budapest: Buy tickets in advance, validate on board

Food: Eat Well, Spend Less

Grocery Shopping Strategy

Save 50-70% vs restaurants

Smart Shopping:

• Local markets: Fresh produce, cultural experience
• Discount supermarkets: Lidl, Aldi, Netto across Europe
• Store brands: Often 30-50% cheaper than name brands
• Bulk buying: Split large packages with travel companions

Essential Grocery Items:

• Bread and cheese: Cheap, filling, available everywhere
• Pasta and sauce: Easy hostel cooking
• Local specialties: Try authentic versions cheaply
• Breakfast supplies: Hotel breakfast costs €10-20/day

Restaurant Strategies

Lunch vs Dinner:

• Lunch menus: Often 30-50% cheaper than dinner
• Early bird specials: Eat dinner before 7pm for discounts
• Business lunch: Weekday deals in business districts

Local Food Culture:

• Spain: Tapas culture, share small plates
• Italy: Aperitivo hour, free snacks with drinks
• Germany: Beer gardens, bring your own food
• Eastern Europe: Milk bars (bar mleczny) in Poland

Street Food Champions:

• Berlin: Currywurst, döner kebab
• Prague: Trdelník, sausages
• Istanbul: Amazing Turkish food (if extending beyond EU)
• Budapest: Lángos, chimney cake

Free Food Opportunities

Happy Hours & Promotions:

• Free bar snacks: During aperitivo or happy hour
• Hotel breakfast: Sometimes accessible to non-guests
• Walking tours: Often end at restaurants with group discounts
• Hostel events: Free dinners or cooking classes

Attractions & Activities: Culture on a Dime

Free Attractions Everywhere

Churches & Cathedrals:

• Usually free entry (donations appreciated)
• Notre Dame (Paris), Sagrada Familia exterior (Barcelona)
• St. Stephen's Basilica (Budapest), Duomo exterior (Milan)

Parks & Gardens:

• Hyde Park (London), Retiro Park (Madrid)
• Tiergarten (Berlin), Vondelpark (Amsterdam)
• Perfect for picnics and people-watching

Viewpoints & Walks:

• Prague Castle grounds (free), Sacré-Cœur (Paris)
• Fisherman's Bastion (Budapest), Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Lisbon)
• Many cities offer free walking tours (tip-based)

Museum & Attraction Savings

Free Museum Days:

• First Sunday: Many museums across Europe
• EU residents: Often free or discounted
• Students: International Student Identity Card (ISIC) saves 50%+
• Late openings: Some museums free after 6pm

City Tourist Cards:

• Paris Museum Pass: Skip lines, multiple attractions
• Vienna Card: Transport + attractions
• Berlin Welcome Card: Transport + discounts
• Roma Pass: Skip lines at Colosseum, Vatican

Alternative Cultural Experiences:

• Street art tours: Often free or tip-based
• Local festivals: Research dates, often free
• University campuses: Beautiful architecture, usually free to explore
• Markets: Cultural experiences, not just shopping

Transportation Deep Dive by Region

Western Europe Transport Strategy

High-Speed Rail Network:

• TGV (France): Book in advance for best prices
• ICE (Germany): Efficient, punctual
• AVE (Spain): Madrid-Barcelona in 2.5 hours
• Eurostar: London-Paris-Brussels connection

Budget Alternatives:

• Carpooling: BlaBlaCar for ride-sharing
• Bus + train: Combine for best value
• Regional trains: Slower but much cheaper

Eastern Europe Transport Wins

Incredible Value:

• Poland: Extensive, cheap rail network
• Czech Republic: €1-3 for local trains
• Hungary: Affordable connections to neighboring countries
• Balkans: Bus networks connect the region affordably

Nordic Transport (Expensive but Manageable)

Money-Saving Strategies:

• Advance bookings: Essential for reasonable prices
• Youth hostels: Often include transport info/discounts
• Camping: Wild camping legal in Sweden, Norway, Finland
• Regional passes: Better value than point-to-point tickets

Seasonal Budget Strategies

Peak Season (June-August)

Costs increase 50-100%

Survival Strategies:

• Book accommodation early: Or risk paying premium
• Shoulder season: May, September still great weather
• Less popular destinations: Skip Paris, try Lyon
• Eastern Europe: Less crowded, better value

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)

Sweet spot for budget travelers

Advantages:

• 30-50% savings on accommodation
• Pleasant weather for walking and outdoor activities
• Fewer crowds at major attractions
• Local life: Cities function normally, not tourist mode

Low Season (November-March)

Maximum savings, unique experiences

Winter Advantages:

• Accommodation: Up to 70% cheaper
• Christmas markets: Magical atmosphere, often free
• Cultural focus: Museums, theaters, indoor attractions
• Local life: See how Europeans actually live

Challenges:

• Weather: Cold, wet, short days
• Limited hours: Some attractions closed or reduced hours
• Fewer budget flights: Limited routes in winter

Money-Saving Apps & Tools

Transportation Apps:

• Rome2Rio: Compare all transport options
• Skyscanner: Flight search with flexible dates
• Trainline: European train bookings
• BlaBlaCar: Ride-sharing across Europe

Accommodation Apps:

• Hostelworld: Hostel booking with reviews
• Booking.com: Hotels and apartments
• Airbnb: Local apartments and rooms
• Couchsurfing: Free accommodation with locals

Food & General:

• HappyCow: Vegetarian/vegan restaurants (often cheaper)
• Foursquare: Local recommendations
• XE Currency: Real-time exchange rates
• Trail Wallet: Track daily spending by country

Our Essential Tool:

• Schengen Calculator: Plan your 90-day compliance to maximize your time in budget-friendly countries

Country-Specific Money Hacks

Poland 🇵🇱

• Milk bars (bar mleczny): Communist-era cafeterias, incredibly cheap
• Żabka convenience stores: Cheap snacks and basics
• Free walking tours: Available in all major cities
• Craft beer: World-class, fraction of Western prices

Czech Republic 🇨🇿

• Beer cheaper than water: Literally - average beer €1-2
• Prague Castle: Grounds free, pay only for interiors
• Tesco: UK supermarket chain, good selection
• Student discounts: Very generous, even for international students

Hungary 🇭🇺

• Thermal baths: Széchenyi Baths day pass great value
• Ruin bars: Budapest's unique nightlife, affordable drinks
• Great Market Hall: Authentic food, reasonable prices
• BKK day pass: Budapest transport pass includes all zones

Germany 🇩🇪

• Aldi/Lidl: German discount supermarkets everywhere
• Beer gardens: Bring your own food, buy beer
• Museum Island: Berlin day pass covers multiple world-class museums
• Deutsche Bahn: Advance bookings save 50%+ on train travel

Switzerland 🇨🇭 (Expensive Country Survival Guide)

• Coop/Migros: Shop at these supermarkets vs convenience stores
• Hiking: World-class trails, completely free
• Water: Tap water safe everywhere, don't buy bottles
• Half-Fare Card: Worth it for multiple train journeys
• Sleep in France/Germany: Cross border for cheaper accommodation

Norway 🇳🇴 (Another Expensive Country)

• Right to roam: Free wild camping almost anywhere
• Nature: Best attractions (fjords, northern lights) are free
• Happy hour: 4-6pm, alcohol slightly less expensive
• Rema 1000: Budget supermarket chain

Budget Planning Tools & Strategies

Pre-Trip Planning:

1. Research visa requirements: Use our Schengen Calculator to plan 90 days optimally
2. Create daily budgets: Based on our country guides above
3. Book flexible transport: Allow changes without huge fees
4. Identify must-see vs nice-to-see: Prioritize spending

During Travel:

1. Track daily spending: Use apps like Trail Wallet
2. Weekly budget reviews: Adjust if overspending
3. Flexible itinerary: Extend stays in cheaper countries
4. Local ATMs: Better exchange rates than tourist areas

Emergency Budget Extensions:

• Work exchanges: Hostels, farms (WWOOF), volunteering
• Slow down: Longer stays = lower daily costs
• Cook more: Reduce restaurant spending
• Free activities: Walking tours, parks, free museums

Conclusion: Budget Europe Like a Pro

Traveling Europe on a budget is absolutely achievable with proper planning and smart strategies. The key is balancing costs with experiences, not just choosing the cheapest option for everything.

Key Budget Strategies:

1. Mix expensive and cheap countries: Balance your 90 days
2. Travel slow: Longer stays reduce daily costs
3. Eat local: Markets and supermarkets vs restaurants
4. Book smart: Advance planning saves 30-50%
5. Stay flexible: Adapt to opportunities and deals

Essential Tools:

• Our Schengen Calculator to maximize your time in budget-friendly countries
• Hostelworld for accommodation
• Rome2Rio for transport comparison
• Trail Wallet for expense tracking

Budget Traveler's Mindset:

• Experiences over comfort: That cramped bus ride makes the best stories
• Local interaction: Cheaper options often provide more authentic experiences
• Flexibility: The best adventures come from unplanned discoveries

Ready to Start Planning? Use our Schengen Calculator to plan the perfect 90-day budget European adventure, balancing time in expensive and affordable countries for maximum value.

Remember: The goal isn't to spend as little as possible - it's to have amazing experiences while staying within your budget. Europe offers incredible value when you know where to look!

Happy budget travels across Europe!