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!

Escape to the charming village of Calella de Palafrugell along the Costa Brava. Photo: horrabin
Hoping to escape the heat, hustle, and bustle of Madrid, Barcelona and other big cities in Spain this summer? Spain is literally lined with seaside options, and as temperatures rise these sandy retreats fill up. However, not all of these summer destinations are recommended for travelers trying to keep their costs under control. Many are » Read more
Ciutat Vella
A modern room at Ciutat Vella.
As Barcelona remains toward the top of the list of destinations for Cheapos to visit, we want to be sure you have plenty of options to choose from when booking an affordable hotel. So before you plan your itinerary of architectural sightseeing, museum-hopping, wining and dining, and shopping until dropping, be sure to find a » Read more
Hotel Opera exterior
The view of central Bordeaux from Hotel Opera. Photos: Booking.com
Bordeaux, France might sound like a fancy destination to the unacquainted, but it’s actually quite affordable if you plan it right. With our budget guide to Bordeaux in hand, you can save on everything from restaurants to attractions. But what about hotels? Of course, wine is the most famous calling card of this port city » Read more
Start your adventure in Berlin. Photo: larssteffens
No doubt about it, Berlin is one of Europe’s sexiest and most exciting cities. Whether you come to while away the hours in its world-class museums, take in it fascinating but sometimes haunting history, stroll through its many peaceful parks or simply get lost in its notoriously wild and hedonistic nightlife, Berlin won’t disappoint you. » Read more
EuroCheapo’s Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Europe Welcome, budget traveler! If you’re looking for ways to make your upcoming trip to Europe more affordable, you’ve come to the right place. Since 2001, EuroCheapo has been helping travelers save in Europe. It’s what we do. On the following pages we’ve compiled our top budget travel advice. » Read more
Ryanair plane flying through blue skies
Chapter 3: Finding Cheap Flights to Europe Flying to Europe is expensive — in fact, it’s probably the largest expense facing many American travelers heading abroad. How can you actually find great deals on airfare to Europe? Here are some tips to help you fly the cheapo skies. For most of us traveling from North » Read more
Be realistic with your plans. Photo: Je Shoots
Chapter 2: European Itineraries for Budget Travel When putting your travel itinerary together, try to remain calm and realistic. If possible, give yourself a minimum of two nights at every stop in order to minimize travel expenses and keep everyone happy. Note: This is Chapter Two in our Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Europe. The » Read more
Student Amsterdam City
A fresh new room at Student Hotel Amsterdam City.
Whether you are looking for a vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants or top-notch museums and bicycle rides past charming townhouses and tulips — or a little bit of both! — Amsterdam is the city for you. As such, it attracts many visitors all searching for affordable places to stay. We’ve scoured many of the city’s » Read more
aerial view of Munich
The classic cityscape of Munich. Photo: John Morgan
Bavaria is Germany’s wealthiest region, and Munich is known for its posh spots and expensive tabs. However, not everything is out of a Cheapo’s budget in this city. Munich is also home to wonderful traditions and scenery that won’t cost you even one euro to experience. Here are seven of our top free things to » Read more
Paris Metro
The Metro is a great way to get around Paris, but is buying a Navigo pass worth your time? We investigate. Photo: Bryan Pirolli
Everyone wants to feel like a local in Paris, and taking the Metro is one of the best ways to achieve such status. But is it worth taking the plunge and subscribing to a transit pass, called the Navigo? Let’s break it down. The Navigo The Navigo pass is a card that allows you to » Read more
rainbow over Notre Dame
A rainbow over Notre Dame. Photo: Bryan Pirolli
The smoke has stopped billowing. The rose windows are intact. The tears have dried. Watching Notre Dame burn was heart-wrenching, but the cathedral still stands, and will, as it has since its construction. President Macron has already committed to rebuilding the cathedral, even if his five-year estimate seems a bit ambitious. Money has been pouring » Read more
crowds of people walking on Gran Via in Madrid
Look like a local as you stroll Madrid's Gran Via. Photo: Tom Meyers
The day has come. You’re packing a bag for your trip to Madrid, Spain’s largest city. Seeing that lugging three rolling suitcases is neither savvy nor cost-effective, you have to be choosey with clothes, shoes and accessories. Once you book your hotel, it’s time to figure out what to bring. So should you pack the » Read more
Lisbon
Instead of Madrid or Barcelona, consider a trip to Lisbon. Photo: Ulrika
On the face of it, this should be a great time for Americans to think about traveling to Europe. Just a few years ago, it took $1.38 to buy a euro; today, a euro can be had for just $1.13. But despite this trend, Western Europe can still be expensive for Americans, and, for that matter, » Read more
scammer tricking tourists in Paris
Guess who's about to win at this game of Three Card Monte on the streets of Paris? Not the tourist! Photo: Gilgongo
Are you worried that a vacation to the City of Light might cost too much? We think Paris is pretty affordable, especially if you follow our tips for budget success. However, costly mistakes lurk around every (picture-perfect) corner. If you hit a snag that sets you back €20, €40, or even €60, well, it still » Read more
Madrid Car
Driving through Madrid. Photo: Ruben V
For the first few years I lived in Spain, I didn’t have a car. There’s really no need to get behind the wheel if you’re living in a city or visiting another city on vacation. But sometimes you get the urge for a road trip, and the Spanish rail and bus system doesn’t always reach the » Read more
Guidebooks might not be cool, but they're very practical. Photo: mrdamian
I’ll be the first to point out this irony: I started EuroCheapo, a budget travel website, back in 2001, and yet I still love traveling around Europe with a guidebook. Furthermore, I’m conveying this information to you — on a website. Ironies aside, I believe that when it comes to trip guidance, there’s room for » Read more
Paris map
Get a guidebook and get yourself oriented! Photo: Racky Salzman
Paris is always at the top of my list when I’m drawing up vacation plans for the year. And although I’ve strolled down the streets many times and know my way around a fair bit, I still like to have a little help by my side. I always travel with a handy friend — a » Read more
Falafel
Enjoy famous falafel, crepes and classic French fare in Paris. Photo: Andrea Schaffer
Paris has a reputation for being romantic, fashionable, and as most are quick to add, expensive. While the food is almost always quite good, a nice dinner in the City of Lights can run up quite a tab. We highly recommend treating yourself to a classic French meal at least once during your stay, but » Read more
National Library of Ireland
Research your ancestry at the National Library of Ireland. Photo: Nico Kaiser.
Visiting on a rainy day in Dublin? Or maybe you just want to save a few euros so you have more money for an extra pint? A Cheapo looking to wait out the storm indoors can explore one of the free museums in the city center. Whether you’re interested in art, literature or natural history, there » Read more
Swedish Kroner
When should you hand over some extra Kroners? Photo: Simon Handby
Traveling from the US to Europe, it’s easy to fall into the same tipping habits you use back home, like handing over 20 percent at a restaurant without even really thinking about it. The tipping culture throughout Europe varies quite a bit from Paris to Amsterdam, and Sweden is no different. And a trip to Stockholm can » Read more
Vienna Opera House
Cheap seats to the Vienna Opera House can be scored for just a few euros. Photo: Jorge Franganillo
Vienna boasts a long list of cultural attractions, but for many opera and ballet lovers coming to the city, it’s a performance (or three) at the Vienna’s State Opera (“Wiener Staatsoper”) that really makes the trip. Built in the 1860s in the Neo-Renaissance style, the opera house itself is a treat. It dominates the southern » Read more
The view of Lago Bianco near the summit of the Bernina Pass. Photo © hidden europe
“I want to see the Alps by train, so I’ve the booked a ride south from Berne into Italy,” said Margot. We didn’t have the heart to tell her that a big chunk of the 90-minute run from the Swiss capital south to Domodossola in Italy is through tunnels. Of course, there is a lot » Read more
small Parisian restaurant with teal exterior
We'd rather be eating in Paris. Photo: Pedro Szekely
Dining out in Paris can be a difficult task on a budget, especially for first-time visitors. There are so many restaurants and recommendations to take in that just deciding where to go — or even which neighborhood to head to! — can be a laborious process unto itself. I’m not going to make individual restaurant » Read more
close-up of ornate mask with Venice canals in the background
Carnival is a wonderful time of year to visit Venice. Photo: tiakatty
Headed to one of the world’s biggest parties this February? Here are 10 ways to rest assured that even if you get lost in Venice — as you can and should — your wallet will still be intact. Carnevale Venezia 2019 kicks off on February 16th and comes to its grand finale on March 5th. The world-renowned » Read more
Happy in love on the Pont Alexandre III in Paris. Photo: Waqas Ahmed
Whether you’re a gay couple from New York celebrating your right to wed or you’re simply inspired by the romantic aura of the City of Light, proposing in Paris never goes out of style. From the top of the Eiffel Tower to the spectacular Pont des Arts  (where couples used to show their love with padlocks), people » Read more