Europe on €50/Day: How I Backpacked 10 Countries Without Going Broke

Dreaming of exploring Europe but worried about the cost? You’re not alone! Many travelers assume that a European adventure requires deep pockets, but I’m here to tell you it’s possible to experience the magic of the continent on a tight budget. In fact, I backpacked through 10 incredible countries while sticking to Europe on €50/Day—and I didn’t have to sacrifice fun, food, or unforgettable experiences to do it.

Here’s exactly how I made it happen, along with my best tips for stretching your euros further without missing out on the adventure.

How I Managed Europe on €50/Day

The key to budget travel is smart planning, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace local experiences over tourist traps. Here’s how I kept my daily spending under €50 while still enjoying everything Europe has to offer.

1. Travel Off-Season

Peak summer months (June-August) mean sky-high prices for flights, hostels, and attractions. Instead, I traveled in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Not only were accommodations cheaper, but I also avoided massive crowds. Plus, the weather was still perfect for exploring!

2. Stay in Budget Accommodations

Forget fancy hotels—hostels, guesthouses, and even Couchsurfing were my best friends. Websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com helped me find affordable stays (often under €20/night). Many hostels included free breakfast, saving me even more.

Pro tip: Look for hostels with kitchens so you can cook your own meals and cut food costs.

3. Use Budget Transportation

Europe’s train system is legendary, but it can be pricey. Instead, I relied on:

Budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet) for long distances (sometimes as low as €15 one-way!).
Buses (FlixBus, Eurolines) for cheaper, scenic routes.
BlaBlaCar (ride-sharing) for an affordable and social way to travel between cities.

4. Eat Like a Local

Dining out for every meal will destroy your budget. Instead, I:

Shopped at local markets for fresh, cheap produce.
Ate street food (think €3 falafel in Berlin or €2.50 pizza slices in Rome).
Took advantage of lunch specials (many restaurants offer cheaper midday menus).

5. Prioritize Free & Cheap Activities

Europe is packed with free walking tours, stunning parks, and discounted museum days. Some of my favorite experiences cost little to nothing:

Free walking tours (tip-based, so budget €5-10).
City tourism cards (discounts on attractions and transport).
Hiking and exploring nature (hello, Swiss Alps and Croatian coastlines!).

Sample Daily Budget Breakdown

Here’s how I kept my spending under €50/day:

Accommodation: €15-20 (hostel dorm)
Food: €10-15 (groceries + street food)
Transport: €5-10 (local transit + occasional bus/train)
Activities: €5-10 (museums, tours, etc.)
Miscellaneous: €5 (souvenirs, snacks)

Total: €50 or less!

10 Countries I Explored on This Budget

Portugal (Lisbon, Porto) – Affordable hostels, delicious pastries.
Spain (Barcelona, Madrid) – Tapas bars, free beach days.
France (Paris, Lyon) – Picnics by the Eiffel Tower.
Belgium (Brussels, Bruges) – Cheap waffles, free city walks.
Netherlands (Amsterdam) – Bike rentals, park hangs.
Germany (Berlin, Munich) – Budget-friendly kebabs, free history tours.
Czech Republic (Prague) – €1 beers, stunning free viewpoints.
Austria (Vienna, Salzburg) – Discounted opera tickets.
Italy (Rome, Florence) – Pizza al taglio, free Vatican days.
Croatia (Split, Dubrovnik) – Beach hopping, budget guesthouses.

Final Tips for Making Europe on €50/Day Work

Track your spending (apps like Trail Wallet help).
Avoid tourist traps (eat where locals do).
Take overnight buses/trains (save on a night’s accommodation).
Travel slow (fewer transit costs, deeper experiences).

Yes, Europe on a Budget Is Possible!

Backpacking Europe doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. With the right strategies, you can explore 10 countries (or more!) while sticking to Europe on €50/Day. It’s all about prioritizing experiences over luxury, being flexible, and embracing the adventure.

So pack your bags, book that ticket, and get ready to see Europe—without going broke!

For more resources on unexplored destinations and travel tips, check out iexploor.com.

Make sure to plan by booking these five crucial elements for a seamless travel experience.

First and foremost, secure a comfortable place to stay through reliable accommodation platforms like Booking.com.

Next, arrange your transportation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles; Skyscanner is perfect for finding the best flight deals.

Ensure you make the most of your destination by reserving tickets for key attractions through Get Your Guide.

Don’t forget to prioritize your safety with comprehensive travel insurance, and for that, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance has got you covered.

Lastly, stay connected on the go by arranging for a local SIM card or international roaming plan, Airalo provides excellent options.

Happy exploring!