The Top European Destinations For Backpackers On A Budget

Traveling is an expensive hobby. Luckily, there is a solution. We introduce the best value cities in Europe for backpackers on a budget. As the saying goes, ‘travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer’. Time to start planning your next summer vacation.

Bruges | Belgium

If history is your passion, travel to Bruges. Go back in time as you enjoy the city’s many medieval buildings. Here you can visit a local Chocolate Museum or explore colorful scenery through a canal trip. Since it is named one of the cheapest cities in Europe, the destination is ideal for travelers on a budget. Spend the night at the Snuffel Backpacker Hostel. The accommodation puts an emphasis on hospitality, offering informative staff and helpful facilities for backpackers.

There is no doubt that nowadays, Berlin has become a creative hub, characterized by its young and vibrant energy. The city is a cultural hotspot offering an abundance of art galleries, museums, music venues and nightlife. It is also surprisingly cheap compared to other capitals across Western Europe. Here, a wide range of affordable hostels can be found. One recommended place is PangeaPeople hostel, which offers a good combination of price, comfort and location. To save money, go on a free city tour and learn more about Berlin’s history and culture.

Thessaloniki | Greece

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, is a modern metropolis displaying a crossroad of diverse cultures. The destination is known for its young population and student vibe. This is because one of the largest campuses in Greece, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, is located here. Backpackers looking to meet new people will particularly enjoy this city. Visitors can also explore the area’s ancient monuments and rich history or shop till they drop. With beautiful beaches, a thriving culture and affordable prices, Thessaloniki truly has it all.

Split | Croatia

Split is famous for hosting the Ultra Europe music festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every summer. But the town has become a hot spot for tourists all year long, as it’s fairly cheap and offers so much to see and do. For relaxation, tan at the beach. For shops, cafes, galleries, and cathedrals, walk around Diocletian’s palace. The Roman monument, located in the city center, is full of history and is considered a UNESCO world heritage site. In Split, the residents are relaxed and informal and the scenery, with mountains and light blue waters, is truly awe-inspiring.

Barcelona | Spain

An avant-garde and modern city, anyone can fall in-love with Barcelona. It’s full of life and ideal for the young, sight-seeing here is endless. Besides the beach, top tourist attractions include the impressive Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Camp Nou football stadium. The city is home to the best of modern art and architecture and is famous for displaying the works of Dali and Gaudí. And Barcelona can certainly be budget friendly. Spain is known to be cheaper than other European countries. Backpackers can save money by visiting local restaurants, avoiding tourist traps and finding cheap hostel deals.

Amsterdam | Netherlands

This list would not be complete without Amsterdam, a city made for backpacking. This small European capital is like an urban village characterized by its friendly people, magical canals, and artistic heritage. It is budget friendly as well, with its range of inexpensive hostels, outdoor markets and free walking tours. Cycle through the city, order a picnic basket and dine at the park, or visit the local Van Gogh museum. For a memorable stay, reserve the famous Flying Pig hostel. Take the pub crawl tour and meet other backpackers from around the globe.

Budapest | Hungary

Young travelers backpacking through Europe cannot miss out on Budapest. You can meet friendly locals, stroll through the lively streets, rent a bike, or relax in a hot pool in one of the city’s many thermal baths. Another element adding to the city’s unique character is the Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you’re into historical architecture, wine tasting, high quality cuisine or hot springs, you are in for a treat.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.