This carefully structured 2-week trip is perfect for those who have never been to Europe and are ready for a fun adventure. Explore five countries with five different blends of history, culture, and adventure. This guide will help you navigate bustling cities and stunning vistas while maintaining a budget.
Day 1–3: Paris, France
Day 1: Getting there and looking around
- Arrive in Paris in the morning and check into a decent hostel, such as Le Village Montmartre.
- Head straight to the iconic Eiffel Tower to capture the beauty of the city.
- In the afternoon, take a stroll on the Seine River and visit the old Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Evening: Dine at a bistro in the Latin Quarter and enjoy traditional French fare.
Day 2: History and Art
- Morning: See the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces at the Louvre Museum.
- Afternoon: Wander through Montmartre’s lovely streets and visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
- Evening: Experience the bustling nightlife with a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge.
Day 3: What you can do in the area
- Breakfast: Enjoy delicious croissants from a nearby bakery.
- Visit the Palace of Versailles and admire its stunning gardens.
- Evening: Return to Paris for a picnic dinner near Champ de Mars with the illuminated Eiffel Tower as your backdrop.
Travel Tip: Utilize the Paris Metro to get around quickly, and purchase a carnet (10-ticket pack) to save money.
Saving Tip: Hostels in Paris range from €25 to €40 per night. Cheap dinners at street food stalls and bakeries cost under €10.
Day 4–6: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 4: Arrival and the Canals
- Take a fast train to Amsterdam (Thalys or Eurostar, ~3.5 hours).
- Check in at Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark hostel.
- Afternoon: Hire a bike to explore scenic canals and bustling city parts.
- Evening: Enjoy Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam.
Day 5: History and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Anne Frank House (book tickets in advance).
- Afternoon: Explore the Rijksmuseum’s art collection.
- Evening: Discover the lively Jordaan area with bars and cafes.
Day 6: Tastes from the area
- Morning: Sample local fare like stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market.
- Afternoon: Relax in Vondelpark or take a canal tour.
- Evening: Dine on Indonesian rijsttafel at Restaurant Blauw.
Travel Tip: Purchase an I Amsterdam City Card for free public transportation and attraction discounts.
Budget Tip: Hostels cost €20–€35 per night. Lunches at street markets are under €8.
Day 7–9: Berlin, Germany
Day 7: Travel there and see the sights
- Take the ICE train to Berlin (~6 hours).
- Check in at Circus Hostel in Mitte.
- Afternoon: Visit Reichstag Building and Brandenburg Gate.
- Evening: Try Berlin’s iconic currywurst at Curry 36.
Day 8: Culture and History
- Morning: Explore Museum Island, including the Pergamon Museum.
- Afternoon: Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery.
- Night: Experience Berlin’s techno scene at clubs like Berghain or Watergate.
Day 9: Berlin, Off The Usual Track
- Morning: Take a guided street art tour in Kreuzberg.
- Afternoon: Visit Tempelhofer Feld, a former airfield turned urban park.
- Night: Enjoy classic schnitzel at Max und Moritz restaurant.
Travel Tip: Get a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited public transport and attraction discounts.
Saving Tip: Hostels range from €15 to €30 per night. Free walking tours and cheap street food abound.
Day 10–11: Prague, Czech Republic
Day 10: The journey and exploring the Old Town
- Take a morning FlixBus to Prague (~4.5 hours).
- Stay at Hostel One Prague.
- Afternoon: Stroll through Old Town Square, see Tyn Church and Astronomical Clock.
- Dinner: Try classic Czech goulash at U Medvidku Beer Hall.
Day 11: Views and Castles
- Morning: Visit St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle complex.
- Afternoon: Walk across Charles Bridge for panoramic city views.
- Evening: Attend a classical music concert at an old church.
Travel Tip: Purchase a Prague City Pass for discounted access to major sites.
Saving Tip: Prague is very affordable with hostels from €10 to €20 and meals under €7.
Day 12–14: Budapest, Hungary
Day 12: Arriving at the thermal baths
- Board the RegioJet train to Budapest (~7 hours).
- Stay at Maverick City Lodge.
- Afternoon: Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
- Evening: Sample Hungarian lángos at the Great Market Hall.
Day 13: Pest and Buda
- Morning: Visit Buda Castle for views of the Danube River.
- Afternoon: See Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
- Evening: Enjoy a Danube River cruise as city lights come alive.
Day 14: Leaving with memories
- Spend your final day exploring hidden spots like the Ruin Bars of District VII before heading home.
Travel Tip: Use the Budapest Card for free transport and attraction discounts.
Budget Tip: Hostels cost €10 to €25 per night. Markets and street food offer inexpensive meals under €6.
General Tips for Travelling through Europe on a Budget
- Purchase train and bus tickets at a discount in advance.
- Save on lodging by staying in hostels or using Couchsurfing.
- Eat real food cheaply by visiting street food stalls and local markets.
- Join free walking tours in most cities to get a local’s perspective.
- Travel in spring or fall when crowds are fewer and rates are better.
- Respect local rules and customs to enhance your cultural experience and safety.
