When we think about the best destinations worldwide, Europe is the first place that comes to mind. From Big Ben in London to the Eiffel Tower in France, the Colosseum in Athens to the beautiful city of Greece, Europe holds the heart of all travelers.
It is impossible to cover the whole of Europe in one or two months as there are a plethora of magnificent places and views to witness. Moreover, if you want to see this beautiful continent on the real side, I suggest going on a backpacking trip.
Backpacking in Europe will be one of your life’s most splendid experiences. From local food to the amazing scent of biscottis and monuments to other amazing places, European nations have their own cultures and beauty.
So, we have come forward with the best options for you to visit the best Backpacking routes in Europe.
But first, let us look at the important things that need to be strictly taken care of if you are planning to visit Europe on a backpacking route.
Important Tips for Europe Backpacking Tour
While backpacking to Europe, Budget is the main one of the main things to consider. Travelers usually reach out to ask how much exactly can be spent to cover the Europe trip.
Few countries in Europe are super expensive, and some are easily affordable. If you think that budget can be a constraint for you, then it is advisable to cover the nations from Western Europe.
But if the budget can not be a major issue, then you can cover many southern, eastern, and central nations of Europe in your Backpacking trip. You mainly need to take care of the major expenses discussed in the below-mentioned tips.
- Consider taking health insurance for the period you will be coming to Europe, as the medical facilities are way too expensive in European nations.
- Make sure to book your transportation in advance to avoid any extra expenses. If You can drive on your own and have a valid driving license, you can also rent a car if it falls within your budget. Local transport like buses or trains is a better option to travel in different cities and countries because Uber in Europe is an expensive affair.
- Learn to read maps so that you can easily locate the places where you want to reach.
- Try to find a cheap flight by early booking.
- Book your stay in hostels rather than hotels to stay within budget.
- Do not try to cover as many places as you can in a short time; slowly cover fewer places but come home with a better experience under your belt.
- Plan your trip wisely, as carelessness in Europe can lead to major expenses.
Best Backpacking Europe Route
Backpacking in Europe is a famous activity for travelers. It is important to understand the several routes that are best for the backpacking trip.
As it is a huge continent, covering all the places in a week or two is difficult. If you stay here for a long time, it is still difficult to cover every aspect of European nations. Therefore, we have covered all the famous and exciting yet different places for you on the continent.
We have covered a single route with approximate basic fares for a few places. If you do not have enough time to visit Europe, then you can make some amendments to this route and visit the southern, northwestern, central, or eastern Europe routes, whichever you feel is right.
Nations such as Portugal, Spain, France, London, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, etc., are part of this amazing backpacking Europe route that we carry forward for you.
With all the important tips, get ready, pack your bags, and bon voyage on this amazing backpacking Europe route.
Expected time for first-timers to cover this route – Approximate One Month
Recommended – Minimum 2 days in every city, Maximum 3-4 days in big cities to absorb the essence of every place. You can cover a few places in a day and move forward to the next one the same day.
No. Of Countries Covered – 12
According to our recommendation, you should start your journey from Lisbon, Portugal. Let’s have a detailed look at the routes with their train and bus fares and travel costs per day for every city covered.
Backpacking In Lisbon, Portugal
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €25-€40/day
Start with enjoying the Belem Tower, Lisbon Cathedral, and Jeronimos Monastery. The other most pleasing monument in Lisbon is the Castelo de S. Jorge, also called the historic castle of Saint George. The view of the city from this castle is magnificent.
Besides these monuments, Lisbon is popular as a budget destination with good vibes, delicious food, and fantastic weather.
Backpacking In Spain
After exploring the beautiful city of Lisbon in Portugal, head to the kingdom of Spain. From the all-time popular cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, and Valencia to Bilbao and Malaga, you can explore Spain’s best places. You can start your journey with the resort town of San Sebastian in Spain.
San Sebastian, Spain
Train Fare from Lisbon to San Sebastian: Begins from €28.60
Bus Fare from Lisbon to San Sebastian: Begins from €35
Approximate Cost for San Sebastian Trip: Minimum €75/day
In San Sebastian, you can visit the popular City Hall, where you can witness the beauty of the huge Jesus Statue, which is one of the important architectural pieces of the town. Famous for its beautiful architecture and historical places, the city of San Sebastian is worth visiting while you are backpacking in Southern Europe.
Barcelona, Spain
Train Fare from San Sebastian to Barcelona: Begins from €17.10
Bus Fare from San Sebastian to Barcelona: Begins from €35
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €50 – €75/day
After you visit San Sebastian, make your way to the ancient and historical city of Barcelona in Spain. Taking a bus ride from San Sebastian to Barcelona is recommended to experience the local life and keep your tour within budget.
Spend your day visiting the famous monuments in Barcelona, such as Picasso Museum, La Sagrada Familia, Zaragoza Cathedral, Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi, and many more tourist attractions.
Another interesting fact about the city is the Flamenco show in the City Hall of Barcelona. You can stay at night in Barcelona and then move to any next city in Spain or direct your journey to Nice in France by a seven-hour ride by bus.
Backpacking In France
The next destination in our backpacking Europe routes is our all-time favorite, France. The two main cities covered in France are Bordeaux and Paris. Let’s have a look at the places that we can cover in these two beautiful cities in France.
Bordeaux, France
Train Fare from Barcelona to Bordeaux: Begins from €49
Bus Fare from Barcelona to Bordeaux: Begins from €30
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €50 – €70/day
From art and culture, history, and museums to fine wineries, this beautiful city of Bordeaux has a lot to offer visitors. Places like Bordeaux Cathedral, Place de la Bourse, Gross Cloche, La Ciudad del Vino, etc., are must-watch in the city.
This city is mainly known for its wines, and you can find several wineries. Make sure that your taste buds get served the specialty of Bordeaux.
You can cover this amazing city in a single day and then move your way to the splendid city of love, Paris.
Paris, France
Train Fare from Bordeaux to Paris: Begins from €16
Bus Fare from Bordeaux to Paris: Begins from €9
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €50 – €90/day
It wouldn’t be fair if you did not visit the Eiffel tower in Paris when you plan to visit France. Other than Eiffel Tower, the amazing Louvre museum is also a very popular attraction here. If you are staying for more than a day in Paris, there are several cathedrals in the city that you can visit.
In terms of food, make sure to taste the world-famous Croissants in authentic flavor. Food in Paris is a must to taste when visiting this place.
After Paris, the next stop on this backpacking Europe route is Luxembourg City in Luxembourg.
Backpacking In Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Train Fare from Paris to Luxembourg City: Begins from €31
Bus Fare from Paris to Luxembourg City: Begins from €13
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €65/day
Luxembourg City in the European nation Luxembourg is a hub of several cathedrals, architecture, museums, and art. You can visit the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art, Bock Casemates, and Cathedral Notre Dame.
You must explore the local food and markets of this city to understand the real essence of this beautiful city. Further, head your way to Brussels in Belgium.
Backpacking in Belgium
The next country on the list is Belgium. Here, The cities of Brussels and Bruges are important to visit.
Brussels, Belgium
Train Fare from Luxembourg City to Brussels: Begins from €22
Bus Fare from Luxembourg City to Brussels: Begins from €10
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €109/day
Grand Place, Atomium, Royal Palace of Brussels, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, etc., are a few of the amazing places ot visit in Brussels.
Other than museums and architecture, you must also try Moules in food. It is also the national dish of Brussels.
The next stop on our backpacking Europe route in Belgium is Bruges.
Bruges, Belgium
Train Fare from Brussels to Bruges: Begins from €13
Bus Fare from Brussels to Bruges: Begins from €7
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €99/day
Well-known for making luxurious lace around the globe, this aesthetic city of Belgium has several amazing places to visit. You can visit Burg Square, the Church of our Lady Bruges, Belfry of Bruges, etc.
Bruges is also famous for its world-famous Belgian Chocolate. Other than chocolates, you can also try local dishes like Mussels cooked with Onions and explore this city’s local market.
After Bruges, let’s move to the next country.
Backpacking In the United Kingdom
The next place on my list of backpacking routes is London. Besides London, we have also covered Bath, Edinburgh, and Northern Ireland; on the return route from Ireland, we have covered Manchester and Ipswich.
London, England
Train Fare from Bruges to London: Begins from €58
Bus Fare from Bruges to London: Begins from €30
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum £50-£90/day
Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Borough Market, etc., are some places you can visit in London. Make sure to try the English Breakfast in this wonderful city.
Bath, England
Train Fare from London to Bath: Begins from £21.50
Bus Fare from London to Bath: Begins from £9
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum £113/day
In Bath, you can visit amazing places like Thermae Bath Spa, The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and Fashion Museum Bath. Besides architecture, Bath is popular for traditional British pubs, tea shops, and fine restaurants.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Train Fare from Bath to Edinburgh: Begins from £60
Bus Fare from Bath to Edinburgh: Begins from £34.90
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum ££70-£90/day
Edinburgh Castle, the National School of Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish National Gallery, etc., are some places to visit while you are in Edinburgh.
Besides its beautiful and world-famous architecture, you must try the national dish Haggis in Edinburgh.
Antrim, Northern Ireland
Train Fare from Edinburgh to Antrim: Begins from £45
Bus Fare or Ferry Fare from Edinburgh to Antrim: Varies according to season
Approximate Cost Per Day: €50 Minimum/day
The best way to reach Antrim is via flight, and you can book this flight according to your stay on the continent. However, this affair could be a little expensive. On the other hand, another option is to cover the land distance via train and then take a ferry to Antrim.
There will be a land transport fare and a ferry fare for reaching this beautiful city in Northern Ireland.
Antrim is a low-budget place, and the top attractions of this beautiful county are the Giant’s Causeway, The Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Titanic Belfast, and many more. Pratie Oaten and Ulster fry are the traditional dishes of this place.
Backpacking In Dublin, Ireland
Train Fare from Antrim to Dublin: Begins from €20
Bus Fare from Antrim to Dublin: Begins from €16
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €35-€60/day
Dublin Castle, St. Patrick Cathedral, and several Irish castles are must-visits in Ireland.
Other than top sights, enjoy your day with the famous Irish Breakfast and other typical foods and cuisines of this place.
Backpacking In Douglas, Isle of Man
Ferry Fare from Dublin to Douglas: Vary according to season
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €15-€20/day
This route will be covered all by ferry, and the ferry fare will be checked on the spot as it varies from season to season.
Places like The Great Union Obscura, Castle Rushen, Manx Museum, and Gaiety Theatre are famous places in Douglas. Moreover, this city is quite affordable for backpacking travelers.
Backpacking In UK
Manchester, UK
Train Fare from Douglas to Manchester: Begins from €171.66
Ferry Fare or Bus Fare from Bath to Edinburgh: Vary according to season
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum £90/day
The next place in our backpacking Europe routes is the city of Manchester in the UK. We head back to a few places in the United Kingdom to reach central Europe.
You can add the famous Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, and Cathedral to your list of must-visit places in this wonderful city of the UK.
Ipswich, England
Train Fare from Manchester to Ipswich: Begins from £79.90
Bus Fare from Manchester to Ipswich: Begins from £18-£25
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum £70/day
A day tour is enough for Ipswich in which you can visit Ipswich Waterfront, Christchurch Park, and Ipswich Museum. While visiting this place, do not forget to try the traditional fried fish served with potato chips and fresh vegetables.
Backpacking In Netherlands
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ferry Fare from Ipswich to Rotterdam: Begins from €41
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €65/day
You can reach Ipswich to Rotterdam by Ferry and enjoy the local street food and places in the city.
This place is famous for its nightlife and the best environment for backpackers. St. Lawrence Church, Cube Houses, Rotterdam Zoo, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, etc., are places to enjoy in the daytime in Rotterdam. Have a fun-filled adventure in this place and ease your stay with fellow travelers.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Train Fare from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: Begins from €18
Bus Fare from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: Begins from €5
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €65/day
You can explore the local markets and enjoy Amsterdam’s tasty local delicacies. It is a beautiful city and is the topmost location for many visitors.
Royal Palace, Heineken Experience, NEMO Science Museum, and Anne Frank House are some famous places in Amsterdam.
Backpacking in Germany
Essen, Germany
Train Fare from Amsterdam to Essen: Begins from €20
Bus Fare from Amsterdam to Essen: Begins from €20
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €50-60/day
Well-Known as the Energy Capital of Germany, Essen is one of Germany’s well-planned and organized cities. It is famous for UNESCO’s Welterbe Zollverein, Grugapark Essen, Museum Folkwang, and many other popular architectural sites.
This city has the lowest crime rate in Germany and is popular amongst tourists. Hostels are easily available here, and the nightlife is a must if you visit Essen.
Frankfurt, Germany
Train Fare from Essen to Frankfurt: Begins from €12.90
Bus Fare from Essen to Frankfurt: Begins from €20
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum €60/day
In Frankfurt, you can visit the places such as Frankfurt Cathedral, Goethe House, Plam Gardens, Stadel Museum, etc. are few places where you can visit to experience the amazing city.
Moreover, you can also enjoy the taste of authentic Schnitzels here. Frankfurt is one of the best cities to visit while backpacking in Germany.
Backpacking In Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland
Train Fare from Frankfurt to Zurich: Begins from €20.35
Bus Fare from Frankfurt to Zurich: Begins from €18.90
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum CHF189/day
This financial capital of Switzerland has a lot to offer to backpackers. Lindenhof, Swiss National Museum, Zurich Opera House, and Fraumunster Church are a few of the worth visited places in Zurich.
Besides lakes and architecture, you should also explore the local food, especially Cheese fondue in Switzerland.
Bern, Switzerland
Train Fare from Zurich to Bern: Begins from CHF16.30
Bus Fare from Zurich to Bern: Begins from CHF5.91
Approximate Cost Per Day: Minimum CHF88.88/day
The last city on this Europe backpacking route is the famous city of Bern in Switzerland. This beautiful place has a lot to offer to backpackers.
You can visit UNESCO-Bern Old Town, the Cathedral of Bern, and several museums and architectural beauty. Other than this, the natural scenic view is splendid in this place.
Make sure to explore the swiss chocolates and taste the wholesome Berner Platte.
The Bottom Line
That is all we have covered for your backpacking trip to Europe. You can also visit several internal cities or, as required, according to your circumstances while you are traveling this amazing continent.
If you haven’t thought about visiting Europe, give it a thought and witness the beauty of the mesmerizing views of the European nations.
