Europe is a dream destination for many travelers, but it’s often considered expensive. However, with smart planning and budget-friendly choices, you can explore some of the most beautiful European cities without spending a fortune. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan a 7-day budget Europe trip, covering affordable destinations, budget tips, and itinerary ideas.
1. Choosing Budget-Friendly European Destinations
Europe is diverse, and some countries are more expensive than others. To save money, choose Eastern and Southern European countries, which are significantly cheaper than Western Europe.
Best Budget-Friendly European Countries:
✅ Portugal – Affordable food, beautiful beaches, and historic cities.
✅ Hungary – Low-cost accommodation and stunning architecture in Budapest.
✅ Poland – Inexpensive food and transport, plus charming old towns.
✅ Czech Republic – Budget-friendly beer and a fairytale-like capital, Prague.
✅ Greece – Cheap hostels and affordable street food in Athens.
📌 Tip: Avoid expensive cities like Paris, London, and Zurich. Instead, focus on budget-friendly capitals like Budapest, Lisbon, and Kraków.
2. Budget Planning for a 7-Day Europe Trip
💰 Estimated Budget for 7 Days in Europe: ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000 per person
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (India to Europe & return) | ₹35,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Intercity Travel (Trains/Buses/Flights) | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Accommodation (Budget Hotels/Hostels) | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Food & Drinks (Street Food & Budget Restaurants) | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Sightseeing & Activities | ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | ₹5,000 |
📌 Tip: Book flights 3-4 months in advance to get the best deals.
3. Perfect 7-Day Budget Europe Itinerary
This itinerary covers 3 budget-friendly cities, ensuring you experience the best of Europe without overspending.
🗓 Day 1-2: Budapest, Hungary
Why Budapest? It’s one of the cheapest European capitals with stunning architecture and great nightlife.
✅ Things to Do:
- Visit Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion (Free)
- Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Baths (~₹2,000)
- Take a Danube River Cruise (~₹1,200)
- Enjoy a budget-friendly ruin pub experience (~₹500 for a drink)
Budget Stay: Hostels from ₹800/night, Budget hotels from ₹2,000/night
🚄 Train/Bus to Vienna: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 (3-hour journey)
🗓 Day 3-4: Vienna, Austria
Why Vienna? A cultural hub with stunning palaces and museums, and budget-friendly public transport.
✅ Things to Do:
- Explore Schönbrunn Palace Gardens (Free)
- Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Free)
- Take a budget lunch at Naschmarkt (~₹600)
- Enjoy a classical music show (~₹1,500)
Budget Stay: Hostels from ₹1,200/night, Budget hotels from ₹2,500/night
🚄 Train/Bus to Prague: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (4-hour journey)
🗓 Day 5-7: Prague, Czech Republic
Why Prague? A fairytale-like city with affordable beer, food, and sightseeing.
✅ Things to Do:
- Walk across Charles Bridge (Free)
- Visit Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral (~₹1,000)
- Try cheap Czech beer (~₹300 for a pint)
- Explore Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock (Free)
Budget Stay: Hostels from ₹900/night, Budget hotels from ₹2,200/night
✈️ Return Flight from Prague to India (~₹35,000)
4. Saving Money on Accommodation in Europe
🏨 Best Budget Stay Options:
✅ Hostels: Perfect for solo travelers (₹800 – ₹1,500/night)
✅ Airbnb: Good for groups (₹2,500 – ₹4,000/night)
✅ Budget Hotels: Affordable 2-star and 3-star hotels (₹2,000 – ₹3,500/night)
📌 Tip: Book through platforms like Hostelworld, Agoda, and Booking.com for discounts.
5. Budget-Friendly Food Options in Europe
🍽 Affordable Eating Tips:
✅ Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy fresh sandwiches and snacks.
✅ Street Food: Enjoy kebabs, crepes, and local delicacies (~₹300 – ₹600 per meal).
✅ Lunch Buffets: Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus than dinner.
📌 Tip: Use apps like Too Good To Go for discounted meals at the end of the day.
6. Budget Transport in Europe
🚇 Affordable Ways to Travel Between Cities:
✅ Trains: Use Eurail Pass if traveling between 3+ countries.
✅ Buses: FlixBus offers cheap intercity bus tickets (~₹1,500 per ride).
✅ Budget Airlines: Use Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet for flights under ₹3,000.
📌 Tip: Walk & Use Public Transport—avoid taxis as they are expensive.
7. Free & Cheap Things to Do in Europe
💰 Best Free Attractions in Europe:
✅ Walking Tours: Most cities have free walking tours (Tip: ₹500 for the guide).
✅ Parks & Gardens: Visit Tivoli Gardens, Hyde Park, and Parc Güell.
✅ Churches & Cathedrals: Many historic sites are free to enter.
📌 Tip: Look for city tourist cards that offer free transport and museum discounts.
Conclusion: Can You Travel Europe on a Budget?
Absolutely! With smart choices and budget-friendly hacks, a 7-day Europe trip can be done under ₹1,00,000. Focus on cheaper destinations, use public transport, and stay in budget accommodations to experience Europe without overspending.
🌍 Are you planning a Europe trip soon? Let us know which destination excites you the most!