Want to discover Europe without breaking the bank? Plenty of people dream of backpacking across Europe, meeting great people and experiencing the sights and sounds of famous cities. There are plenty of ways to do the backpacker thing on the cheap, and the best way to save on your travelling experience is to pick your destinations wisely. Destinations such as Paris, and Italian cities like Venice and Rome, are not advisable if you’re a bit short on the readies. However, you can still find some fantastic places to visit in Europe that won’t break the bank, whilst guaranteeing a unique and memorable experience.
Berlin
Berlin is a backpacker’s paradise. As with anywhere, hostels are a much cheaper option than hotels. If you don’t fancy sharing dorms with rowdy Aussie teenagers, there are plenty of hostels that offer private rooms, and some even let you stay at a reduced rate or for free if you’re prepared to help out around the place. Berlin is full of culture, and also nightlife, for which it is famous. It will take some restraint not to fritter away your funds in clubs and bars, but you should at least experience the Berghain nightclub while you’re there, which is reputably the best club on earth. You can save money on other things, such as your airport transfer, as the city and airport are so close.
Prague
Although it has become increasingly commercial in recent years, Prague is still a culturally rich place to visit. Grab a hostel and make the most of the cheap bars and restaurants off the beaten path. Be prepared to explore side streets and a little further out of the centre, and you will find traditional Czech eateries and bars frequented by locals, where the food is a million times better, and cheaper, too. General rule: if you’re the only Brit in there, and the locals eye you suspiciously, you’re in the right place.
Budapest
Budapest is an inexpensive city, and is also stunningly beautiful. There is so much to do in Budapest, you may find yourself having to make tough decisions about how to spend your money. Renting a bike is a cheap way to get around, and leisurely. You get to see the sights as you go, stopping where you like. Pubs and restaurants in Budapest often possess idiosyncratic charm, with antiquey interiors and cosy atmosphere. And with beer at just 2 Euros a pint, you can enjoy many lost hours financially carefree! Oh, and in addition many hostels in Budapest, there are also some fab cheap campsites, if you’re visiting during warmer months. However, saying that, Budapest makes a cracking Christmas location. This city under snow is simply breathtaking.
Barcelona
No trip within Europe would be complete without my very favourite city of all: Barcelona. Full of life, culture, art and fun, as far as I am concerned, there are few other contenders to the throne. Barcelona oozes cool, with a laid-back, carefree air. It is not known for being a city that it kind on the pocket, but I completely believe that it depends how you enjoy it. There are plenty of restaurants designed to part you with your hard-earned cash. They are the ones that are easy to find. Just like in Prague, go exploring. And whilst the city has a great nightlife, there’s no real need to go clubbing. If you’re staying at a hostel, you’ll make friends as you go, and the best nights I ever spent in Barcelona were those down on Barceloneta beach, with some cans of Estrella, watching the sun come up over the sea. If you’re considering a trip to Barcelona but aren’t quite sure where to start, this brilliant blog has endless articles on events, attractions and what to do in this incredible city.
Wherever you decide to go to experience Europe, it is definitely possible to do so on a tight budget. The tourist traps in any city are never as great as they’re cracked up to be, and after all, everybody knows that the best things in life are free. Getting to know the locals, as well as other travellers, is a great way to expand your horizons and learn so much about any given place. Try and get under the surface of wherever you’re staying, and you’ll be rewarded with a unique, authentic glance of life beyond your back yard.
