Welcome to EuroCheapo's guide to saving on your trip to Europe

We have thousands of articles about ways to save on your trip to Europe. From Amsterdam to Venice, Paris, London and Rome, we've got budget tips for you!

British Museum
The British Museum draws huge crowds, but there are still ways to have an enjoyable visit. Photo: Christophe G
The British Museum is probably one of the sights you shouldn’t miss when you’re in London. There’s a reason why it’s the most visited tourist attraction in the UK: it has an amazing collection of artifacts, dating back thousands of years and drawn from all over the world. Plus, it probably doesn’t hurt that the » Read more
Amsterdam Outdoor Dining
Heading to Amsterdam? Here's how to save on eating out. Photo: Michael C
You’ve arrived in Amsterdam, checked into your hotel, and are hungry for some Dutch culinary delights. But where and how do the locals dine, and how do they do it on a budget? Amsterdam locals know the ins and outs of Amsterdam dining on the cheap. Here are our top tips for Amsterdam budget dining. » Read more
view of Brussels streets from A La Grande Cloche
Looking out on Brussels from A La Grande Cloche. Photos: Booking.com
As the headquarters for NATO and the European Union, Brussels attracts plenty of bureaucrats, but tourists flock here too. With a delightful mix of old-world and cutting-edge architecture and a diverse population mingling on the streets, it’s easy to see why Brussels is one of Europe’s great cities. Although the surge of professionals can make » Read more
Tower Bridge in London early morning
Exploring London doesn't have to break the bank. Photo: Charles Postiaux
London is expensive! It would be folly to try to pretend otherwise. But a visit shouldn’t have to destroy your bank account at home. There are two cross-cutting factors at play. Let’s start with the good news for visitors. The pound is historically pretty weak at the moment, which means that, at the moment at » Read more
Temple Bar Market in Dublin
Dublin's Temple Bar Market offers delicious cheap eats on Saturdays. Photo: Infomatique
Dining in Dublin can put a dent in your budget. While this city is full of opportunities to spend big on food, you can utilize a few simple strategies to keep prices down. Plan ahead and you will taste the best of the local dining scene without emptying your wallet. So book one of our » Read more
Row of chalets at hu Roma Camping In Town campsite in Rome
Sleep cheaply in Rome by camping, renting a chalet, or booking a hostel or convent room. Photo: Booking.com
While our mission is focused on finding you the best budget hotels in Rome, we know that sometimes, you need to stretch your euros even further. Maybe that means crashing at a hostel where you can meet new friends, or perhaps you’re open to sleeping under the stars at a super-cheapo campsite outside the city. » Read more
mansion on green hill at Beckenham Place Park
A sunny day at Beckenham Place Park. Photo: Berit Watkin
Greater London boasts a striking 3,000 public open spaces across 32 boroughs and the City of London. During the worst of the pandemic, London parks served an extraordinarily important function for locals. They were places where people could be active outside, places where some semblance of normalcy could be staked. Happily, you don’t have to » Read more
Barcelona
Tourists looking out on Barcelona. Photo: Thomas G
Are you planning a trip to Barcelona and worried about looking like a blundering tourist? That’s natural, of course. But don’t get too hung up on this — you’re visiting the city and taking in its biggest sights. You’re allowed to look like a tourist! As a traveler in a new culture, it will be » Read more
view of rooftops in Zurich from Hotel Marta window
Looking out over the rooftops of Zurich from Hotel Marta. Photos: EuroCheapo and Booking.com
Like most destinations in Switzerland, Zurich can be very expensive for visitors. As a result, many tourists just pass through on their way to the next stop of their European journey. Don’t make the same mistake! Zurich is a wonderful city worthy of your time with vibrant energy and a charming Old Town. With the right » Read more
Hotel Paris exterior
The Hotel Paris France is a great central option... with a very straightforward name. Photo: Booking.com
Have hotel prices in Paris given you sticker shock? How much are hotels in Paris? Is that normal? And is there anything you can do to lower those rates? We’ve been reviewing hotels in Paris for more than 20 years, and are here to tackle some of the most common questions. We’ll show you what » Read more
Place des Vosges Paris
Enjoy a picnic in the Places des Vosges. Photo: Marko Maras
You really don’t have to spend much money at all to enjoy Paris. Sure, food and a hotel will require a bit of an investment, but if you play your cards right, you can soak up the best Paris has to offer without dropping an extra euro. That’s because there are hundreds of free things » Read more
Venice
Venice at sunset. Photo: Photo by @canmandawe on Unsplash
When people think of Venice, the first three things that usually come to mind are water, gondolas, and crowds! Venice is a year-round city, with tourists filling the streets 365 days a year (and particularly during the summer). An obvious way to skip the crowds is to visit Venice during the winter when rain and » Read more
Looking down over Munich. Photo: protake
Are you planning a trip to Germany in 2024? No wonder. The country has a lot to offer, from castles and storybook villages to vibrant metropolises, like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. And don’t leave out the sausages, pretzels, and beer! Here’s the good news: In general, Germany is not a particularly pricey tourist destination in » Read more
Porto
The Douro River in Porto, Portugal. Photo: Ana Matias
In this historic city flanked by the sea and the Douro River, striking modern art and architecture, like the diamond-shaped Casa da Música, mingles with the region’s traditional granite buildings cheered by colorful ceramic tiles. Welcome to Porto. The second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, Porto is a budget traveler’s paradise. Eating and drinking, even » Read more
National Portrait Gallery interior, green room with several framed paintings, one of our favorite free art museums in London
A stroll through the National Portrait Gallery won't cost you a penny. Photo: HerryLawford
Eating and drinking in London may not be as easily affordable as in some other European cities, but the city is one of the world’s most generous when it comes to art. Yes, Cheapos, you can gorge on free art in London until your cultured minds can take no more. From the big name galleries » Read more
patio filled with plants
The leafy patio at Marble House is perfect after a day of sightseeing.
With a rich history and astounding structures around every corner, Athens is a fantastic place to spend a vacation. And best of all, Cheapos can enjoy an array of affordable hotels, free or low-cost sightseeing and wallet-friendly cafes throughout the city. Modern Athens is truly a dream for budget travelers. But rather than trying your luck » Read more
people walking up the Spanish Steps to look for budget dining in Rome options
The Spanish Steps in Rome are a must-see, but finding a good place to eat can be a challenge. Photo: Sean MacEntee
Don’t want to get trampled by meal costs when in Rome? Read on for tried, true, and tasted (or rather, tested) tips for budget dining in Rome. Rome is a culinary paradise, but dining out can quickly drain your travel budget if you’re not careful. This guide will help you navigate Rome’s food scene like » Read more
Paris
Ah, Paris! Photo: Alexander Kagan on Unsplash
Planning a trip to Europe this year and deep in the list-making process? Now’s a great time to quickly review your itinerary and “trip strategy” to make sure that you’re not about to make any common mistakes that will add unnecessarily to your travel costs. From hotels to flights, rental cars, and train tickets, there » Read more
Trevi Fountain
Before you join the tourists at Trevi Fountain, read our cheapo tips! Photo: Kok Chih & Sarah Gan
Planning a trip to Italy this year and looking for ways to save? While traveling in Italy is usually more affordable than in other countries (we’re looking at you Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland!), trip expenses can add up quickly. This is especially true if you’re planning to visit popular destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, and » Read more
Rome's Colosseum exterior at dusk
Colloseum by night, and for free. David Köhler
Rome, the Eternal City, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class attractions. While it can be an expensive destination, there are plenty of ways to explore Rome on a budget. This guide highlights 25 free things to do in Rome, helping you experience the city’s wonders without breaking the bank. Budget tip: » Read more
When it comes to the age-old struggle between eating in and dining out, Paris is no exception. Restaurants are top-notch, with prices to match. Cooking your own meals (if you’re lucky enough to have access to a kitchen) or even picnicking outside will save you loads of euros. However, tourists might find it difficult to navigate » Read more
Tiny, dark Hotel Room
This room is tiny, but it does have a desk! Photo: Chris Gladis
Whenever you are on the road in Europe, you are bound to have a few frustrating experiences. This happened to me a few years ago when I was on the road inspecting hotels across Europe. I had a bad feeling when I checked into my second hotel on my trip to Lisbon. While in town » Read more
plant-covered walls on outdoor patio
A gorgeous hotel patio in Seville. Photos: Booking.com
Seville is a dreamy destination for budget travelers. Old tales say this Andalusian city was founded by Hercules, perhaps explaining why it is so vibrant and lively. From a high culture focused on ceramics, architecture and flamenco to outstanding restaurants and hidden gems throughout, Seville is exciting to explore. Luckily, the city is also ripe » Read more
Metro Paris
Go ahead and push! Photo: Adrien.Paris
Riding the Metro is a staple of everyday life for Parisians. But the unwritten code of conduct isn’t something that comes instinctively to the more than 4 million people who hop on board every day. In fact, each year 1.5 billion riders use the Paris Metro — that’s almost on par with New York City! » Read more
Waiting to enter the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Photo: mattmangum
Editor’s Note: We originally published this article in 2014 when visitors would have to line up (sometimes for several hours!) to get into the Anne Frank House. Now you can only visit with online tickets purchased in advance. We have updated the information to reflect the most recent changes to the ticketing system as of » Read more