Europe on a Shoestring: How to Afford 2 Weeks in Western Europe for Under €800
The dream of wandering through the charming streets of Paris, gazing at Amsterdam’s canals, and hiking in the Bavarian Alps often comes with a hefty price tag. Many travelers assume a two-week trip to Western Europe is a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets. We’re here to shatter that myth.
With meticulous planning, smart choices, and a spirit of adventure, it is absolutely possible to experience the magic of Western Europe for under €800 for two weeks. This isn’t about luxury; it’s about immersion, experience, and the joy of discovery. Here’s your ultimate guide to making it happen.
The Golden Rule: Budget Breakdown
First, let’s set realistic expectations. Your €800 (approximately €57 per day) needs to cover four key areas. We’ll allocate it like this:
- Transportation (Inter-city & Local): €250
- Accommodation: €280 (€20/night)
- Food & Drink: €210 (€15/day)
- Activities & Contingency: €60
This is a tight budget, but it’s achievable. The secret lies in prioritizing experiences over comfort and planning ahead.
1. Mastering Transportation: Your Biggest Expense
This is where you can save the most. Be flexible and think outside the box.
- The Interrail/Eurail Pass (Carefully): For non-European residents, a Eurail Global Pass can be a good deal if you plan to travel frequently. For those living in Europe, an Interrail Pass is the equivalent. However, do the math! Sometimes point-to-point tickets are cheaper, especially if you book in advance.
- Budget Buses: Your Best Friend: Companies like FlixBus and Ouibus (now Blablabus) are the backbone of shoestring travel. You can find routes between major cities (e.g., Amsterdam to Berlin, Paris to Brussels) for as low as €15-€25 if booked early. Overnight buses save you a night’s accommodation.
- Advance-Purchase Trains: Book train tickets as far in advance as possible. Websites like Trainline or the national railway sites (DB Bahn for Germany, SNCF for France) offer massive discounts on pre-booked fares.
- BlaBlaCar: This ride-sharing app is hugely popular in Europe. It’s often cheaper and more social than a bus. You book an empty seat in someone’s car heading to your destination.
- Walk Everywhere: Once in a city, your main mode of transport should be your feet. It’s free and the best way to discover hidden gems.
2. Conquering Accommodation: A Roof for €20/Night
Forget hotels. Your options are hostels, guesthouses, and innovative alternatives.
- Hostels are King: This is your most reliable and social option. Use sites like Hostelworld to find highly-rated hostels. Look for ones that include free breakfast (a huge money-saver!) and have a kitchen where you can cook your own meals.
- Dormitory Life: Opt for larger dorms (8-12 beds) for the lowest prices. Bring a lock for your locker and an open mind.
- Alternative Stays:
- Couchsurfing: Not just for a free couch, but for cultural exchange. It requires a good profile and advance planning.
- Camping: If you’re traveling in the warmer months and have a lightweight tent, official campsites on the outskirts of cities are incredibly cheap.
- Workaway/Worldpackers: Trade a few hours of work (e.g., hostel reception, gardening) for free accommodation and sometimes meals. This requires a longer stay in one place but is a fantastic way to stretch your budget.
3. Eating & Drinking: Feast Like a Local, Not a Tourist
Food is a huge part of the travel experience, and you don’t have to survive on instant noodles.
- Embrace the Supermarket: Shop at local supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, or Carrefour. Buy bread, cheese, cold cuts, fruit, and snacks for picnics in the park. It’s cheap, delicious, and authentically European.
- Street Food is Your Go-To: Skip the sit-down restaurants in tourist squares. Instead, grab a kebab in Berlin, a crêpe from a stand in Paris, or a slice of pizza in Italy.
- Menu du Jour / Lunch Specials: In many countries, especially France and Spain, restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch menu that is significantly cheaper than dinner.
- Cook at the Hostel: Use the hostel kitchen to prepare your own dinners a few times a week. Pasta, rice, and simple sauces are your friends.
- Water is Free: Carry a reusable water bottle. Tap water is safe to drink in most of Western Europe. Refill for free and avoid paying €2-€3 for bottled water.
4. Activities & Sightseeing: Experience the Best for Less (or Free)
The most memorable experiences in Europe often cost nothing.
- Free Walking Tours: These are available in almost every major city (tip-based, so have a few euros ready for your excellent guide). They are the perfect introduction to a city’s history and layout.
- Museum Free Days: Most major museums have one evening or one day a week where admission is free or heavily discounted. Research this before you go!
- City Tourism Cards: Calculate carefully. These cards (like the Paris Museum Pass or I amsterdam Card) can be worth it only if you plan to visit every included attraction. For a shoestring budget, they are often not cost-effective.
- Love the Outdoors: Hike, walk through city parks, explore neighborhoods, and admire the architecture. The best of Europe is often just outside your door.
- Set a Daily “Fun” Budget: From your €60 contingency fund, give yourself a small daily allowance for a museum entry, a local beer, or a gelato.
Sample 2-Week Itinerary on a Shoestring
This loop minimizes travel time and costs while maximizing experience.
- Days 1-4: Berlin, Germany
- Vibe: History, nightlife, gritty creativity.
- Free Activities: East Side Gallery, Reichstag Building registration (free!), walking along the River Spree, exploring Mitte’s streets.
- Budget Eat: Currywurst from a street stand, doner kebab.
- Days 4-7: Prague, Czech Republic
- Vibe: Fairy-tale architecture, affordable beer.
- Free Activities: Walk across Charles Bridge at sunrise, explore Prague Castle grounds (entry to some areas is free), get lost in the Old Town.
- Budget Eat: Trdelník (chimney cake), cheap and hearty Czech meals in local pubs.
- Days 7-10: Vienna, Austria (or Budapest, Hungary for an even cheaper option)
- Vibe: Imperial elegance, coffee culture, music.
- Free Activities: Stroll the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, explore the Naschmarkt, wander the Ringstrasse boulevard.
- Budget Eat: Supermarket picnics in the Stadtpark, Würstelstand (sausage stand) hot dogs.
- Days 10-14: Northern Italy (e.g., Lake Bled, Slovenia & Venice, Italy)
- Vibe: Alpine beauty and iconic canals.
- Free Activities: Hike around Lake Bled (Slovenia is an affordable gem), walk the perimeter of Venice without entering every paid museum.
- Budget Eat: Picnic with supplies from a supermarket in Slovenia, cicchetti (Venetian tapas) for a cheap taste of Venice.
Final Pro-Tips for Success
- Travel Off-Season: April-May and September-October offer good weather and lower prices than the crowded summer months.
- Pack Light: Avoid airline baggage fees and make moving around easier.
- Use a Budgeting App: Track every expense to stay on target.
- Get Travel Insurance: It seems like an extra cost, but it’s essential. A medical emergency would shatter your budget.
Traveling through Western Europe on €800 is a challenge, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding adventure. It forces you to travel smarter, connect more with locals and fellow travelers, and value experiences over material comforts. So start planning—your European adventure is closer than you think
