Assuming you only plan to visit the capital city of London, you should plan to spend at least full days or nights in this amazing city, preferably more. London has endless attractions , but some of the most popular are the many theatrical productions, shopping at markets like Portobello Road or Borough Market, incredible historical attractions, and beautiful parks to explore.
Depending on how many cities you want to visit in Germany, you should plan a good amount of time to visit this beautiful country. Our time estimate for Germany assumes you might visit one large city like Berlin and two smaller cities like Cologne, Munich, or Rothenburg. Each of these cities offers incredible attractions in their own right and are certainly worth a visit. As the capital and largest German city, you should plan full days in Berlin to see the beautiful museums and explore the vibrant nightlife.
Smaller cities, such as Munich, will only require full days. Munich is also known as the home of Oktoberfest and beautiful German architecture. Cologne and Rothenburg are smaller cities that only take a day or two to explore, but both are beautiful in their own right. Spending days or nights in the Netherlands is a wonderful way to get a feel for the beauty of this incredible country.
While there, hop on your bike and tour the Jordaan, or head over to a park and enjoy a lunch while people watching. Because it is so close, you may even decide to make your home base in Haarlem just 13 miles from Amsterdam , which features the beautiful Keukenhof gardens in the spring. Nearly everyone who dreams of traveling around Europe plans to visit Paris. Visitors to Paris should ideally spend full days exploring the city and possibly take a day trip to explore the nearby cities of Nantes and Versailles.
Another small town to visit in Nice , which is located on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea and offers a respite from the congestion of Paris. There are so many incredible cities to visit in Italy alone, you could easily spend your whole two-week vacation in this one country. Smaller towns like Seville are also worth a day or two. Of course, there are more countries than this in Europe, but this is a great place to start when planning your Europe trip.
Although you could choose to squeeze in countries during a two-week stay in Europe. For more great tips on how to backpack through Europe , check out the Nomatic blog and start your Europe trip planner today. Close search. Get ahead, shop early. Email info nomatic. Call Text Destinations , Travel Tips.
Travel Documents This is non-negotiable. When packing for your Europe trip, you should also consider: Local Style —Europeans dress well. Clubbed and pubbed out? It's time to hit the beach. If you're looking for Europe's charm without the crowds, you'll want to consider straying from the well-worn routes. Some of our favourite under-the-radar towns include Olomouc in the Czech Republic, a pint-sized Prague with less people and more charm and cobblestones , and Berat , a gorgeous Albanian town where row after row of Ottoman buildings loom down at you from the sides of a steep valley.
Take some basic precautions to stay safe. Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Spain. Pick your season wisely If you decide to travel during the peak summer season, try heading east — the Balkan coastline, the Slovenian mountains and Baltic cities are all fantastic places for making the most of your money.
Eat like a local You'll come across some of the world's greatest cuisines on a trip to Europe, so make sure to savour them.
Find the freebies continued below Related Rough Guides travel guides. In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice. Get outdoors It can be tempting to focus backpacking through Europe on a succession of capital cities — but you'd be missing out on a lot.
Allow yourself the odd splurge One advantage of budget travel is that it makes splurging all the sweeter — and for a little "flashpacking" guidance, we include Treat Yourself tips throughout our latest Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget. Hit the beach Clubbed and pubbed out? Then you can ferry to Rhodes , which is known for its history, nightlife, and beautiful medieval town.
From Rhodes, you can boat to the island of Kos then head to Leros, a great island for chilling out, and then to Samos. This island is known for secluded waterfalls and beaches. As you continue North you can hit up Lesvos , which is known for its olive oil, ouzo traditional Greek alcohol and hot springs, or Kalymnos , an island where rock climbers rejoice at the limestone cliffs.
Wherever you decide to go on your Euro backpacking trip, you will be sure to have your mind blown by all of the magic that awaits. Each country in Europe is unique, full of surprises, and requires its own individual approach and strategy with regards to budget backpacking.
The common theme is clear: backpacking Europe is a fantastic adventure that every traveler should experience at least once in their lifetime…. Once you begin to discover a few European countries for yourself, you can be sure that you will be entranced by the jaw-dropping landscapes, fascinating history, vibrant culture, and spectacular food. Feeling the anticipation yet?
Let us take a look at the countries that make backpacking in Europe so darn special. Portugal is a grand paradise of sorts. The pace here is slower than that of other European countries. The country is packed with friendly locals, charming villages, fun parties, and one of the most chill vibes you will come across anywhere on earth.
Lounge on the beach. Visit a secret village. Eat Seafood. Drink ice-cold beer and smile like a fool whilst taking in an epic sunset over the ocean. Most backpackers start their trip in Lisbon as it appeals just to just about everyone. The south of Portugal, also known as the Algarve, is the more Mediterranean part of the country. It resembles more southern Spain not only in the scenery but in vibes.
Expect a lot of tourists on holiday here and more than a few drunken, wandering Aussies. Northern Portugal is more Atlantic. That means more rustic cooking, somewhat cloudier days, and bigger waves. This is the place to be if you want to go surfing. Portugal is also composed of two semi-autonomous island regions as well: the Azores and Madeira. Both are just as if not more impressive than the mainland. Spain is a fascinating country.
You do not have to look too far to see why this country, in addition to producing some lovely human beings, is a magical land for backpackers. Like to sleep? You came to the wrong country. Think dinner at midnight! Spain is a country that truly never sleeps. But not in the shitty strung-out Las Vegas sense.
The Spaniards practice sleep deprivation in style. Spain just has a certain charm to it. Is it the small plates of delicious Tapas?
The cool cold wine served with sweet orange melon in the summer? The old olive groves running through tiny villages? The fine beaches? The church in Barcelona that is a perpetual construction project? My suspicion is that my love of Spain is deeply rooted in all of the little nuances one experiences on a daily basis whilst traveling here.
Many backpackers just roll through Barcelona and Madrid. Whilst those cities are not to be missed, backpacking through Spain without exploring its other regions would be a mistake. Spain is incredibly diverse. Be sure to check out its mountains. Explore Andalucia, the Basque Country, and Catalonia. Go to a football game or a bullfight. Check out the world-class museums while backpacking in Madrid. Sound like fun? This is Spain. France might just be the most diverse country you encounter whilst backpacking through Europe.
In addition to two coasts and two mountain ranges, France has a wide variety of cultures, landscapes, and food packed into one country. Paris is amazing and seriously one of the most exciting cities in the world. The Mediterranean coast is something straight out of your dreams. Trekking or skiing in the Alps is an unforgettable experience. France is very regional. Where ever you turn you will find different kinds of wine, cheese, and even variations on the French language.
If you love food, culture, and outdoor playgrounds, a stopover in France is an obvious choice for backpackers exploring Europe. One could spend 7 days here checking things out or a lifetime exploring. The choice is up to you! I have been living in France for almost a year now and I have barely scratched the surface even though I am constantly checking out new places here. Forget about the old stereotypes about the French being rude and uptight.
The French can be like soft-boiled eggs: they have a shell on the outside but with it removed they are softies at heart. France is full of lovely soft-boiled eggs, uhm I mean humans…. Since France is quite a large country in European terms, there are so many hidden gems in this country that I have lost track.
From stunning medieval castles to picturesque villages and cities, backpacking in France is truly an unforgettable experience. Italy has been a popular vacation destination for a looooonggg time. Tourists have been coming here for years to see the likes of the Colosseum, drink wine in Tuscany, tour the canals of Venice; all that touristy stuff.
Consequently few people stray far from the main backpacking route in Italy and, unsurprisingly, many say that tourism here has become a bit calcified. Some might say that Italy can offer nothing else besides the same postcard views and disgruntled baristas.
The Dolomites are truly one of a kind and few other mountains can reply compete. Rome… Rome is amazing ; where else can you find masterpieces from almost every era of western civilization? Italian food, which has received a similar treatment, should be explored with equal enthusiasm. Sicily with its miles of coastline produces some of the finest seafood in the country not to mention amazing deserts.
No matter what you eat, chances are it will be delicious. So give Italy a chance! Visit Florence , see the Almafi Coast but set aside some time for exploring the lesser-visited regions, like Marche, Umbria, Calabria, and so on. If you are planning on spending time in the French or Italian Alps, a visit to Switzerland is an obvious choice. Switzerland is a land famous for its equally beautiful Alps, quaint villages, and hip cities.
Heard of the Matterhorn mountain? It lives in Switzerland. In addition to its powdery peaks, Switzerland is also home to gorgeous alpine lakes. Take in some of the ancient castle fortifications lakeside by day and sip the legendary Swiss hot chocolate by night.
In Switzerland, you do have to pay for the pleasure. For better or worse the Swiss people have this whole thriving economy thing down to a T. As a country long resistant to changing over to the Euro, the Swiss Franc is as strong as ever before.
For backpackers, this translates into a scenario of high cost, high reward. That said, if you have a week or two on your hands, Switzerland will certainly do anything but disappoint.
For one reason or another, Austria is not a country typically included on the usual European backpacker itinerary. It would be an absolute shame to miss though because Austria has all the makings of great time! For starters, Vienna is easily amongst the most beautiful cities in Europe. Everywhere you look, there is some regal remnant of the Hapsburgs: a palace here, a monument there, and plenty of museums to go along with them.
The nightlife of Vienna, though nothing compared to Berlin or Budapest, can still be fun; you just need to know where to look. Find out be checking our Vienna travel guide. Beyond Vienna, you have airy Salzburg, winter wonderland Innsbruck, and the Austrian Alps to explore.
Austria also benefits from an excellent location. It may not seem so at first, being on the fringes of Western Europe, but from here you can launch easily into Germany, Italy, and the best Eastern European countries. Budapest, Prague, and Zagreb Croatia are all within hours of Vienna; Bratislava is a mere is only an hour away by train. So consider stopping by Austria on your backpacker trip. For those who want to go off the beaten path and would like a nice break from the usual, sometimes overwhelming main attractions, this is the place to visit.
After gaining a justified terrible reputation on the world stage in the first half of the 20th century, Germany has emerged over the last 50 years as an economic powerhouse and center of culture in Europe. As a lover of cool cities and good beer, I am totally enamored with Germany.
While famous for its fast cars and pretzels, there is so much more to see whilst backpacking Germany — historic towns, medieval monasteries and castles, culture-filled cities, fairy-tale forests, and majestic mountains. To top it off, Germany has one of the strongest economies in the EU, yet traveling here is surprisingly affordable in comparison to the rest of Western Europe. Plus, backpacking Germany is a great addition to any European travel itinerary!
Most backpackers gravitate towards Berlin , and for good reason: its nightlife is unbeatable and there is a wealth of culture to keep people interested. But there are other places in Germany worth seeing. Dresden, beaten to shit during WWII, has been wonderfully restored.
Hamburg is totally under-the-radar. Finally, Regensburg may be the prettiest town in the country. Those are some of the things that come to mind when thinking about The Netherlands. Amsterdam has long been a favorite backpacker haunt and is well worthy of exploration. Nowhere else in Europe can you legally rock into a cafe, order a joint, and sit down to smoke it.
If you like riding bicycles long-distance, The Netherlands is a perfect country in which to feed that urge. The Netherlands is almost entirely flat. If you have had long challenging days trekking or biking in the Alps, the flatness here will be a welcomed change.
You will find that Dutch people often speak perfect English which is impressive as Dutch sounds nor looks anything like English. Because the country is relatively small, you can travel around here with ease whilst taking in a majority of it. One of the best things to do whilst backpacking in The Netherlands? Get baked and go wander around the Vincent Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. Bring snacks. There is no Colosseum, no Montmartre, no legalized drugs, or raging Berghains.
Just a lot of charming houses, calories, and dreary weather. I love the fact that Belgium places beer in such high and hallowed regard. I love the fact that Belgians seem to have no problem smothering their fried potatoes in aioli and mussels with heavy cream.
Finally, I love that you can go backpacking in Belgium with zero expectations and still be impressed. Antwerp would be the best place to base yourself although Ghent and Bruges are worth seeing.
If you wanted a really enjoyable experience, consider sleeping at a brewery for a few days! Most have guesthouses attached. In particular, Het Anker is great. Get your fill and then move along. Want more deetz on why we love it so damn much? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! The UK is just one of those places that I have fallen in love with over the years.
If you are in the mood for a wonderful campervan and trekking adventure, backpacking in the UK and Scotland is the journey you have been waiting for. The Highlands in Scotland has some of the last true wilderness areas in Western Europe. The Scottish Islands look like something out of a fairytale book. Along with stunning natural landscapes, the UK is home to major centers of culture in Europe.
London is a destination unto itself for obvious reasons. The Scottish capital city of Edinburgh too is full of awesome things to do. Bottom line: this region has landscapes so green that the hills seem to have been spray-painted green in every sense of the word. It has remote islands dotted with whiskey distilleries, lochs, and cascades.
The hiking trails and huts in the Highlands offer up an endless supply of hiking opportunities in a breathtaking environment. Throw in the vast cultural richness of the big cities and small villages and you have yourself one great place to go traveling.
The lush, green, enchanted and enchanting island of Ireland perches serenely at the furthest boundary of Europe. Beyond it, there is nothing but the Atlantic until it reaches the New World. That is not to patronize though, Dublin is every bit the cosmopolitan and expensive EU capital, and the once-troubled Belfast wears its gritty history with pride.
But head out to the Burren, or the lanes of Cork and you will find warm taverns ringing with the sound of the fiddle and a way of life where time still takes its own time. The headline draw in Ireland is the capital Dublin where you can visit Kilmainham Gaol and pull a pint at the Guinness brewery. From here you can easily visit Game of Thrones locations or check out the geologically wondrous Giants Causeway.
Getting to know Greece and some of its islands is one of the most rewarding backpacking trips to be had in Europe. Those blue and white houses and perfect Mediterranean landscapes you have seen on postcards live up to their hype in real life.
Greece is a charming, laid-back country. Backpacking the Greek Islands has been one of my favorite travel experiences. This is due not just to the beautiful views, but to the food, beaches, wonderful people, and plethora of history. Island hop the Cyclades. Pop over to Crete.
Experience life with no cars on Hydra. Whatever you get up to in Greece, a trip backpacking here is bound to be one of hell of a good time. For one thing, the nightlife here is fantastic: rebellious, wild, and absolute fun.
Another is the Acropolis. Seriously, spend a few days here before heading to the islands. If backpackers make it this far north whilst backpacking Europe, you are sure to be met by a region with heaps to do. The mystical fjords of Norway offer up some of the most dramatic and surreal landscapes of anywhere on planet earth. The farther north you go, the more dramatic they become.
Oh yeah, then there are the Northern Lights! Norway also is home to some of the most picturesque villages in Scandinavia. Bergen is a staple of the Norwegian backpacker route but try to visit Reine if you can as well. Regardless, everywhere you visit looks like it belongs on a bloody postcard.
Finland, Denmark, and Sweden are home to their fair share of absolutely stunning nature in addition to some of the cleanest and most efficient cities in the world. Copenhagen is leading the way as a new age metropolis while Stockholm remains one of the most classically beautiful cities in the region.
Of course, we cannot forget backpacking in Iceland, which has grown into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Once a sleepy little country that hosted mostly just fishing villages and American airbase, Iceland has exploded no pun intended onto the backpacker scene. With alien landscapes, welcoming natives, and some quirky customs, Iceland is arguably the most popular location in Scandinavia at the moment.
Traveling in Scandinavia can be notoriously expensive. If you plan to spend more than a couple of weeks here, make sure you invest in some quality camping gear. Having your own gear allows you to really take advantage of all of the beautiful wild places in the region without blowing your budget.
Although the Balkans could technically be traversed by bus in a few days, the sheer diversity of cultures and history is astounding and will keep you busy for weeks.
Culturally the Balkans are where the west begins to merge into the east as well as where the Russo-sphere of influence disintegrates into the western one. All of the Balkan nations have now embraced consumerism and vie for EU membership, but they were part of the Eastern bloq until It all makes for one of the most beguiling travel experiences imaginable.
However, this rich and complex melding of cultures does have a darker side and you cannot fail to miss the anguished scars left by brutal dictatorships and tribal wars that still dot the landscapes and cities across the region.
Whatever you are seeking from your next trip, you can find it in the Balkans. Croatia has first-rate beaches, Romania steep forested mountains, and Serbia quietly conceals one of the most relentless rave cultures I have experienced. As you head east through Europe, you are entering a whole other world of backpacking potential. In recent years, Eastern Europe has become the go-to destination for travelers wanting to escape the standard Europe backpacking route found in the western part of the continent.
Backpacking Eastern Europe is one hell of a good time for any aspiring adventurer. Beer is often the same price or less as bottled water. Most countries of Eastern Europe were part of or allied with the former Soviet Union, and the relics of those times are still visible across the region. There are many awesome backpacking delights to be had in this part of Europe. In fact, there are so many awesome Eastern European countries to see I find it difficult to mention them all here.
The Czech Republic , Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and former Yugoslavia are all prime backpacking destinations and good places to start with. I strongly encourage all travelers to experience the magic of Eastern Europe! Either they just visit a few cities or they go on cookie-cutter tours where they are shuffled around from one famous attraction to another plowing through a sea of baguettes, gelato, and, tapas along the way.
Few people really get out an explore multiple destinations in Europe under their own steam. Fewer still experience Europe off of the beaten path. Far from it, again depending on where you go. More importantly, you will escape the tourist hordes, mingle with more locals, find your own solitude, and overall a path to a more rewarding backpacking experience. Explore small villages. Go on multi-day treks.
Couchsurf with locals. Spend a few extra days getting to know a popular city. If you follow these suggestions and remain open to other off the beaten path adventures as they present themselves, you will be sure to make memories that last a lifetime. Ads SUCK. Nobody likes ads. So you know what we did? We cut them from our site! No Patreon and no ads: just you, The Broke Backpacker, and good vibes central.
And if you want to learn about how you can help more , read our support the site page. Greece is composed of over islands which means there are over places to go on an adventure.
Live out your mythical fantasies on the islands of Ithaca or Crete, escape the hecticness of life on Sikinos, or join the hordes of partiers on Ios and Mykonos.
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