Two Months in Europe Itinerary  

Welcome to our two months in Europe Itinerary! Europe is absolutely awash with beautiful cities and full of activities so it’s no wonder the region is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers. No matter what you enjoy doing, Europe has an array of climates to satisfy your desires; from skiing in the Alps or relaxing on a beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the possibilities are endless!

Our Two Months in Europe Itinerary provides you with the best route around Europe so you can see as much of Europe in the shortest possible time. We’ll also recommend how long to stay; what to do; where to stay; and the average cost per day for each destination. 

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Do I need a visa for my Two Month Europe Itinerary? 

Now, this entirely depends on your nationality. For example, if you’re a UK National, despite Brexit, you can still travel to the EU/Schengen Area for up to 90 days WITHOUT needing to apply for a visa. In addition, Canadian or American nationals can also travel visa-free for up to 90 days. 

To clarify whether you need to apply for a visa before entering the EU/Schengen Area, we’d advise checking your respective country’s foreign department and the European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs policy on Visas.

What to pack for Two Months in Europe? 

Luggage

Some people may recommend taking a wheeled suitcase for two months in Europe and we completely understand why. However, if you are trying to keep this trip as budget-friendly as possible (like we did) you may well find yourself walking through old towns and up a lot of hills. Europe is notorious for its cute cobbled alleys, which while beautiful are not ideal for wheeled suitcases.

We would recommend taking a 40L backpack such as this Osprey one. If you find yourself having to take a flight here and there, you’ll appreciate not having to spend extra on checked-in baggage – which can double your flight price in Europe. If you are not planning on taking many flights, this 55L Osprey backpack is the one we use for all our travels and it has a perfectly sized zip-off backpack for day trips.

Clothing

European weather can be very unpredictable and throughout this two-month trip, it is likely you will experience varying degrees of temperatures and climates, and this can be minimised depending on the time you visit. We started with bright sunshine and ended with lots of snow; because of this, layers are your best friend. A comfy pair of shoes is an absolute must as you will be walking a lot; we brought two pairs each and felt this was the right amount considering baggage space. Europeans tend to also dress very smart-casual which is a huge generalisation but if you do not want to stand out as a tourist, neutral colours and smart-casual are the way to go. It’s also very helpful to be comfortable in whatever you wear.

A tote bag has been a great addition to our packing list and we now won’t go anywhere without one; it’s super handy as a day bag and will barely take up any room in your backpack. We’d also highly recommend an under-the-clothes money belt as, unfortunately, pickpocketing is rife in big European cities.

Accessories

As luck would have it, we’ve already set out everything you need to purchase before travelling around Europe. Make sure to check out our Ultimate Amazon Shopping List; Top Gadgets you NEED for Travelling; and 21 Must-Have Apps for Travelling!! 

In addition, as your two months in Europe will be pretty hectic, we wouldn’t recommend bringing a laptop. Whilst technology will go a long way to helping you relax after a long day of exploring, most of this can be enjoyed through your phone.

However, if you’re planning a worldwide tour or wishing to work abroad afterwards then you should definitely consider taking your laptop. You can change your mind and have your laptop shipped out to you but this is obviously expensive. 

How to get around Europe

Flying

Flying is a very viable option for exploring Europe. Flights between European countries do tend to be more affordable than in other locations in the world but it’s still quite more expensive than other options. If you are planning on flying around Europe, be sure to only take hand luggage as putting your luggage in the hold can often double the price of your ticket!

We’d recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to get all the best deals.

Buses

We mostly got around using buses during our two months in Europe. Buses are usually the cheapest option but they do tend to take longer than trains. Therefore, if you aren’t tight on time, we’d definitely recommend looking into using buses on your travels.

We’ve found that Flixbus was a very reliable and popular company for getting around Europe. However, make sure to check out Omio who will provide you with all the best options!

Trains

Trains are probably the most common way for backpackers to get around Europe as many people travel via Interrail or Eurorail route.

One of the reasons why is that they’re affordable, quicker and tend to take you directly to the centre of the city you wish to visit. They’re also very affordable

Check out these interrail tips for first-timers to decide if this is the best option for you!

Renting a car

While renting a car is a less popular option for getting around Europe, if you have a larger budget, it can be a great way to explore the region. Pretty much the whole of Europe is driveable and there are some stunning road trips through the countryside.

As you can imagine, renting a car has numerous benefits; you’ll get to experience each country at your own pace and not rely on the (sometimes) inferior local transport to get around.

How much would Two Months in Europe cost? 

We’ll be completely honest here, Europe was our first destination and we hadn’t had a holiday for over two years so it is safe to say that we weren’t frugal with our money at the beginning; as shown by the amount of sangria and olives we consumed. As a result, we spent nearly £10k between us in two and a half months.

However, if you’re eating cheaply and stay in dormitories, you could easily spend two months in Europe for less than £4k (per person). That being said, make sure you still enjoy yourself and don’t be weighed down by the cost of everything; money can be earnt back but opportunities can’t.

Where to start? 

As we’re from the UK, London was naturally our starting point as it has great air and land links with the rest of Europe. No matter where you’re from in Europe, it will be far easier starting from your nearest biggest city like Munich or Milan. Alternatively, if you’re coming from the United States or Canada, we’d recommend flying to a major city in Western Europe; any city that has good connections and is well-priced. This could include London, Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid or Barcelona. From these locations, you can follow this recommended route or do it backwards. 

Do bear in mind that your route will also depend on your plans after your two months in Europe I.e. which airport is the best/cheapest to fly out from to go home or my next destination. 

However, for our two months in Europe itinerary, we’d recommend starting off in London due to Heathrow’s great connections worldwide. 

Starting Point: London, England

The City

Our two months in Europe itinerary starts in London. London is a huge city with vast amounts to do and see in each part. Frustratingly, however, London is quite expensive for backpackers so whilst you could easily spend a week here, it will blow a massive hole in your budget that isn’t really worth it. Moreover, people spend years living in London and they’ll still not have seen everything London has to offer; it’s just that big of a place. As a result, we’d recommend spending three or four nights here and focusing on the bits you REALLY want to see. 

If you’re a foodie, then London is the absolute place to be. We love the fact there are so many independent cafes and restaurants offering quality food from a variety of different cuisines. Moreover, getting around London is incredibly easy; the London Underground or Tube is arguably the best in the world when taking into account cost and coverage.

Even though we like to think we know our stuff about London, we found this London Travel Plans guide super informative and really handy. It gives you tonnes of tips on how to get around and where to visit so its definitely a must read if your planning to visit.

How long to stay: 3-4 nights 

Getting around: Tube or walking 

Currency: GBP, £

Where to stay: Generator London

Must Do’s: Camden Market, London Eye, Big Ben, London Walking Tour

Average cost per day: £60-£80 

Stop 2: Madrid, Spain

How to get there? 

Travelling from London to Madrid is incredibly easy; flights operate from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports multiple times a day and normally fly into Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez airport. Flights start at around €50 and many deals include checked-in baggage which makes them very affordable! 

The City

Madrid is a city that many backpackers miss out on but it was one of our favourite stops throughout the whole of Europe. In comparison to Barcelona, we found Madrid a lot less touristy and enjoyed the fact that you could get to all the attractions on foot. 

We also particularly enjoyed and embraced the Spanish culture of eating tapas as the sun sets every evening. Whilst eating later in the day (no earlier than 9pm) took some getting used to, we fell in love with sangria and olives in Madrid; you absolutely must try! 

How to get there: Fly from London €50

How long to stay: 3-4 nights

Getting around: Walking or Metro 

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: The Hat Hostel

Must do’s: Museum des Illusions, Parque de El Retiro, Plaza Mayor, Mercados (Food Markets)

Average cost per day: €50-€70

Why don’t you check out our Madrid Travel Guide for more information about visiting Madrid?

Stop 3: Barcelona, Spain

How to get there? 

As you can imagine, Spain’s two biggest and most populous cities are very well connected. You can choose to travel by plane, bus or train; however, we’d recommend taking the latter as it’s affordable and can provide better comfort than the other two options. 

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The City

Whilst we met tons of backpackers in Barcelona, it is a VERY popular holiday destination so if you want to put yourself in a position to meet other people then definitely make sure to stay in a busy hostel. In addition, the metro is by far the best way to get around given the frequency of stations and how big Barcelona is; trust me, it can take some time on foot. This city has so much to offer we would recommend staying for at least 4 days in Barcelona.

How to get there: Train from Madrid €30 

How long to stay: 5 nights

Getting around: Metro 

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Yeah! Hostel €20

Must do’s: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Free walking tour, Beach day 

Average cost per day: €50-€85

Thinking about visiting? Make sure to check out our Barcelona Travel Guide for more information! 

Stop 4: Nice, France

How to get there? 

Travelling to Nice from Barcelona is only really accessible by bus or flying, given that there are no direct train links. As the journey takes 9.5 hours, you can either choose to write off one day or take a night bus.

The City 

We’ll be honest, we actually visited Marseille but didn’t find it backpacker-friendly at all. Having made the mistake for you, we’d definitely recommend visiting Nice instead and this recommendation is based on our own research. There are far more activities to do in Nice and we’ve heard the food is also particularly amazing, whilst the metro makes every part of the city accessible. Just be aware, as with any southern French city, the prices of anything will be quite expensive. 

How to get there: Night Bus from Barcelona €25

How long to stay: 2 nights 

Getting around: Metro 

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Villa Saint Exupery Beach €18

Must do’s: Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya Market, Beaches

Average cost per day: €70-€80

Stop 5: Genoa, Italy

How to get there?

Given the locations of both Nice and Genoa, on the Ligurian Sea, it is incredibly easy (and surprisingly affordable) to travel between the two. We’d recommend travelling by bus as it is only €8 per person. 

The City

We found Genoa to be a great introduction to Italy and was a lovely place to visit. Whilst Genoa is dominated by its port, the city has ample things to do. We particularly enjoyed the views over the city from Spianata di Castelletto, you can easily enjoy two days exploring Genoa. In addition, it is a great location to visit the beautiful fishing village of Portofino where you can act like a celebrity enjoying the beautiful al fresco dining. 

How to get there: Bus from Nice €8 

How long to stay: 3 nights 

Getting around: Walking

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Ostello Bello Genoa €21

Must do’s: Spianata di Castelletto, Museo di Palazzo Reale, Day trip to Portofino 

Average cost per day: €60-€65

Stop 6: Florence, Italy

How to get there? 

Italy, and the major cities, in particular, are incredibly well connected so travelling by train or bus is very easy. This includes Florence so we opted to take the bus due to it being marginally cheaper than a train at €7pp; however, either method is feasible. 

The City

Florence was easily one of our favourite destinations in the whole of Europe so if you’re going to Italy, you MUST visit! The city itself has an amazing atmosphere with beautiful streets and cafes on every corner to sit and people watch. We unfortunately only spent 1 full day here so didn’t fully appreciate everything Florence had to offer; we wished we stayed for two or even three days. It is also a very walkable city so there is no need to spend any money on other modes of transport; unless you want to try your hand at an e-scooter. 

How to get there: Bus from Genoa €6

How long to stay: 3-4 nights

Getting around: Walking

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: PLUS Florence €25

Must do’s: Piazzale Michelangelo Viewpoint, Magnum Factory, Mercato Centrale, Michelangelo’s David

Average cost per day: €60-€80

Stop 7: Rome, Italy

How to get there?

Again, as Rome is the country’s capital it made getting to and from incredibly easy. Due to the price and convenience, we decided to take a direct train from Florence which was £24 each. 

The City

Whilst Rome was admittedly not our favourite destination, mainly due to its poor inner-city transport links, it is obviously a must-visit. However, it is still a city you need to tick off your list as the Colosseum is something you have to see. 

We particularly enjoyed staying at Yellow Square Hostel as it was a great chance to meet like-minded people in the Yellow Square bar opposite. They have happy hour each night and those staying at the hostel get an even further discount.

How to get there: Train from Florence for €16

How long to stay: 3-4 nights

Getting around: Walking and metro 

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Yellow Square Rome €35

Must do’s: Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City 

Average cost per day: €75-€90

Stop 8: Venice, Italy

How to get there?

For logistical and budgetary reasons, we stayed on the mainland at Anda Hostel and we were very glad we did so; it is cheap and easy to take the train onto the island every day. In addition, it is right next to the train and bus station which means you can choose either method of getting here from Rome. 

The City

Venice is absolutely as nice as advertised and the canals are stunningly beautiful. Whilst there are a variety of places on the island you should see, it is most enjoyable just getting lost in the maze of walkways; some you won’t even think lead to anywhere. Doing this will allow you to find out the true Venice and some great handmade local food.

We’d also highly recommend taking a day to visit the neighbouring islands of Murano and Burano which are also part of the Venetian region; the latter’s brightly coloured houses are beautiful. 

How to get there: Train From Rome €44

How long to stay: 3 nights

Getting around: Walking and taxi boats 

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Anda Venice €32

Must do’s: Murano & Burano day trip, St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, Gondola Ride

Average cost per day: €80-€100

Stop 9: Zagreb, Croatia

How to get there? 

Venice’s bus and train station are right next to each other so it’s all about what method of transport you’d prefer. We ended up taking the bus from Venice, which cost £21 pp, as we didn’t mind the slightly longer journey for the cheaper price. 

The City

Zagreb was another one of our favourite cities and the whole place really surprised us. We absolutely loved the atmosphere, where it was slightly cold (puffer jacket weather) but every still sat outside drinking. In addition, everything was super walkable and the food was amazing. It also has a great range of activities to do; if you like views or walks then the viewpoint and Art Park are beautiful whilst Ivana Tkalcica is a street full of bars and great eateries. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy Zagreb just as much as we did! Ideally, you would want to spend a few days here but you can easily spend just one day in Zagreb.

How to get there: Bus from Venice €20

How long to stay: 3 nights

Getting around: Walking

Currency: Croatian kuna, HRK

Where to stay: Chillout Hostel €23

Must do’s: Museum of Broken Relationships, Viewpoint, Art Park

Average cost per day: €55-€60

Stop 10: Vienna, Austria 

How to get there?

Again, as all of Europe’s main cities are really well connected, you can either choose the bus or train depending on where you’re staying. Vienna’s International Busterminal (VIB) is a huge train station with well-connected metro links all over the city. We ended up getting a bus to Vienna from Zagreb because it was the cheapest but the train is just as easy. 

The City

Admittedly, Vienna wasn’t our favourite city as the weather wasn’t our friend and it was quite expensive. As a result, we wouldn’t recommend staying that long here. Having said that, we particularly enjoyed the Royal Palace and the Hop-on, Hop-off bus which allowed us to see most of the city. The food was also particularly amazing so if you do visit, there is an extensive list you must try!!  

How to get there: Bus from Zagreb €17

How long to stay: 2-3 nights

Getting around: Walking and Metro

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Wombats Hostel €26

Must do’s: Palace, Walking tour, Prater Wien, Big Bus tour

Average cost per day: €60-€80

Stop 11: Budapest, Hungary

How to get there? 

You can either choose the bus or train from Vienna as it’s simple, easy and direct. We ended up commuting by bus but had real trouble finding a taxi once we got to the Nepliget Train Station as there was no taxi rank nearby and we didn’t have the Bolt app downloaded. As such, we’d recommend getting a train to Budapest as it’ll be easy to get into the city centre. 

The City

What a place. By far our favourite place in the whole of Europe. It has everything one could want from a holiday destination, apart from a beach. You can visit the beautiful Buda Castle that overlooks the city and the relaxing Széchenyi Thermal Baths.

However, by far the most enjoyable aspect of Budapest was its nightlife which is epitomised by the Szimpla Kert or Ruin Bars, as they’re commonly referred to. Here you can relax, drink and chat into the early hours whilst being surrounded by a unique setting; it has a great atmosphere and is our favourite place to visit in Budapest. 

To top it off, the city is easily walkable and a fairly cheap city to visit and explore. Ultimately, Budapest has it all and if you’re going to visit in place on the list, it has to be here. 

How to get there: Train from Vienna €15

How long to stay: 5 nights 

Getting around: Walking and Tram

Currency: Hungarian Forint, HUF

Where to stay: Hostel One €19 or The Hive €12

Must do’s: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Ruins Bars, Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Boat Party

Average cost per day: €25-€40

Stop 12: Krakow, Poland

How to get there? 

We ended up taking the bus as it was again cheaper and we couldn’t find a direct train to Krakow from Budapest at the time. Coming from Budapest also gives you the top room to fly; whilst more expensive it’s ideal for those who wish to keep their travelling time down. 

The City

Krakow is arguably the best city in the whole of Europe for backpackers. This is because it has great nightlife, it’s very cheap to socialise and there is a great deal of sightseeing to do (Old Town in particular). The only more expensive part we found was the accommodation; however, we found Greg & Tom’s Beer hostel which is just a five-minute walk to Old Town and was perfect. Your stay includes free breakfast and dinner and it was surprisingly really good although you must get out and try local food because it’s amazing also! 

How to get there: Fly from Budapest or Bus €28

How long to stay: 4 nights 

Getting around: Walking

Currency: złoty, zł

Where to stay: Greg and Toms Hostel €18

Must do’s: Old Town Square, Jewish District, Bar crawl, Auschwitz and Birkenau, Free walking tour

Average cost per day: €25-€40

Stop 13: Prague, Czech Republic

How to get there? 

We ended up getting the train to Prague as it then allowed us to get the metro to our accommodation. The transport system in Prague was really really good; you had the choice of the metro but we loved walking and taking the trams. 

The City

Another one of our favourite cities as it had such a good atmosphere and the whole city was beautiful! To make it even better, we visited in autumn so the air was crisp but not too cold. As a result, we thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the Old Town Square with a beer, gluhwein or hot chocolate to watch the world go by. The city also has a very famous nightlife scene which is very enjoyable if that’s your thing. 

How to get there: Train from Krakow €9

How long to stay: 4 nights

Getting around: Walking and Tram

Currency: Czech koruna or crown, CZK

Where to stay: Hostel One Old Town €19

Must do’s: Lennon Wall, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Pub crawl, Walking tour

Average cost per day: €30-€50

Stop 14: Berlin, Germany

How to get there? 

Germany has arguably the best train network in the whole of Europe. There are three huge train stations the size of Waterloo, all within a couple of miles of each other. As the city is so vast, you’ll be able to hop onto the metro or any tram from a variety of locations as walking can be time-consuming. 

The City

Being the capital of Germany and with its history, Berlin is a must-visit for anyone backpacking Europe. We loved visiting everything Berlin has to offer and particularly enjoyed (as much as you can) the Topography of Terror and sampling some Currywurst. As Berlin is a recent modern city (i.e. rebuilt after the war), everything is quite spread out which means a massive reliance on its impressive transport system. As such, it costs time and money to get to different parts of the city BUT Berlin is still well worth a visit, especially for its infamous nightlife! 

How to get there: Train from Prague €20

How long to stay: 3-4 nights

Getting around: Walking and Metro

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: St Christopher’s Alexanderplatz €17

Must do’s: Berlin Wall, Topography of Terror, Brandenburg Gate, Walking tour

Average cost per day: €45-€60

Stop 15: Hamburg, Germany

How to get there?

We chose to take the bus from Berlin (£10pp) as the pickup and drop off location was right outside our accommodation and it was cheaper. But again, the train is equally as viable and arguably comfier. 

The City

Whilst there isn’t as much to do compared to Berlin, we found it to be a great contrast and loved the atmosphere. We were unlucky during our stay as it pretty much rained the whole time we were there. Having said that, if you’ve got a spare few days then definitely check Hamburg out as the bridges are incredibly pretty. 

How to get there: Bus from Berlin €7

How long to stay: 2-3 nights

Getting around: Walking 

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Generator Hamburg €28

Must do’s: Speicherstadt, Harbour cruise, Miniatur Wunderland, Treasure hunt

Average cost per day: €50-€70

Stop 16: Copenhagen, Denmark

How to get there? 

Surprisingly, getting a bus from Hamburg to Copenhagen is much cheaper and quicker than getting a train. In addition, your route will likely take you across the Femer Baelt which is a beautiful ferry crossing. 

The City

Whilst not necessarily your typical backpacking location, a trip to Copenhagen is definitely unique; in a good way! Admittedly whilst it is one of the most expensive cities on our European travels, it was also a lot of fun. If you don’t fancy becoming a true Dane and decide to cycle everywhere, the metro is also very good and worth getting a zone pass for your stay. We particularly enjoyed Copenhagen Zoo to see the pandas and polar bears! 

How to get there: Bus from Hamburg €20

How long to stay: 3 nights

Getting around: Walking, metro and bicycle 

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: CityHub €89 or Copenhagen Downtown Hostel €25

Must do’s: Proud Mary Pub, Copenhagen Zoo, Freetown, Bike tour, Tivoli Garden

Average cost per day: €70-€120

Stop 17: Malmo, Sweden

How to get there? 

Due to its close proximity, getting to Malmö from Copenhagen via train is incredibly easy and cheap. We met loads of people who live in Malmö but work in Copenhagen in order to save money on accommodation; Scandinavia really is that expensive! 

The City

If you’re in Copenhagen, you’d be silly not to take a quick trip to Malmö for a day or two. As with a lot of Scandinavia, it rains a lot and it was no exception during our visit. Nonetheless, Malmö is utterly beautiful and a great city to walk around; we particularly enjoyed the cold, crisp air (when it wasn’t raining). 

How to get there: Train from Copenhagen €13

How long to stay: 2-3 nights

Getting around: Walking

Currency: Swedish krona, SEK

Where to stay: Hotel n Hostel Malmo City €35

Must do’s: Technology and Maritime Museum, Turning Torso, Kungsparken, Cycle tour, Pildamnsparken.

Average cost per day: €55-€70

Stop 18: Amsterdam, Netherlands

How to get there? 

Surprisingly, getting to Amsterdam from Malmö is quite simple. You’ll firstly need to get to Copenhagen via train (which is very easy) before walking to the nearby bus station for a night bus to the Netherlands. This was our first night bus on our trip and we were incredibly surprised to find the bus was full to the brim so be prepared for very little sleep! 

The City

Amsterdam ended up going into lockdown just before we were about to visit so we, unfortunately, didn’t get the chance to explore the beautiful city – we will one day! Nonetheless, it is obviously a hotbed for Europeans to visit for all the obvious reasons so why not try it for yourself? 

How to get there: Night bus from Copenhagen €37

How long to stay: 4 nights

Getting around: Walking

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Flying Pig Downtown €30

Must do’s: IJ-Hallen flea market, Anne Frank House, Heineken experience, Van Gogh Museum

Average cost per day: €65-€80

Stop 19: Brussels, Belgium 

How to get there?

With Brussels being the epicentre of European politics, it is incredibly easy to get to. Visiting from Amsterdam is no exception with both the bus (€10pp) and train (€20pp) going direct to Brussels.

The City

Despite being warned by many people that there wasn’t much to do in Brussels, we surprisingly found the city really enjoyable. The Grand Place is a beautiful square, especially at night, and we were lucky enough to visit in December so we were able to explore all the festive Christmas markets the city offered. If you fancy visiting more of Belgium (Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges), Brussels is a great location for day trips to the above. We also visited Pairi Daiza Zoo and this is easily the best zoo we’ve visited ever; the animals had so much space to roam which was great to see. 

How to get there: Bus from Amsterdam €10

How long to stay: 3 nights

Getting around: Walking and trains

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: MEININGER Bruxelles City Center €32

Must do’s: Pairi Daiza Zoo, Grand Palace, Atomium, Walking tour,

Average cost per day: €50-€90

We definitely recommend checking out Carolin’s Day Trip to Brussels Itinerary as it has everything you need to know about visiting Brussels.

Stop 21: Lille, France

How to get there? 

Whilst taking the bus is an option, we found Brussels’ great transport links meant we could get a direct train to Lille; simple, easy and just €9pp.

The City

Lille is definitely one of northern France’s hidden gems and whilst we only really stayed here to kill a few days before Paris, we were very glad we did. The city is really walkable and the canal de la Moyenne-Deul is beautiful to walk around. We also loved the fact that the main square was always bustling and there was so much to see. Being the foodies we are, we loved the sweet and savoury crepes at Crêperie Beaurepaire; truly amazing! 

How to get there: Bus from Brussels €4 or train €9.

How long to stay: 2-3 nights

Getting around: Walking

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: CALM Appartments and Hostel €24

Must do’s: Grand Place, Old Lille, Parc Zoologique, Sightseeing tour.

Average cost per day: €50-€70

Final Destination: Paris, France 

How to get there?

In a similar fashion to the rest of Europe, transport links to Paris are very good. As such, you can choose to take the train or bus from Lille and arrive within a good time. 

The City

Due to a series of unfortunate events, we had to skip out on sightseeing during our trip to Paris, but luckily we have been before. Paris is one of the most famous cities in Europe so obviously, the capital of France it is one not to miss out on. Brimming with history, art, food and fashion, Paris is on everyone’s bucket list and you can easily spend 3 to 4 days in Paris. However, it is not the most backpacker-friendly location budget-wise so be sure to pick your activities wisely and try to do a free walking tour to see a lot of the sights.

How to get there: Bus from Lille €12

How long to stay: 3-4 nights 

Getting around: Walking and Metro

Currency: Euro, €

Where to stay: Jo&Joe Paris €40

Must do’s: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Montparnasse Tower, Walking tour

Average cost per day: €65-€95

Where next? 

Paris is a great final destination because of its great links with the rest of the world. You have the ability to fly out of Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport which has great connections with Africa, North America and Asia. Alternatively, you can get the Eurostar train back to London, as Heathrow’s international links are arguably a little better, or to finish your journey; what’s next is completely up to you!!! 

Ultimately, your trip around Europe totally depends on where you want to visit and when. However, in order to keep costs to a minimum, it would be wise to travel as shorter distances as possible between cities. In addition, you could easily adapt this itinerary to include places like Munich or cut out Scandanavia if your budget doesn’t stretch that far.

If you are heading to Europe during the festive season, do check out our places in Europe to spend New Year’s Eve post!

There you have it; our Two Months Backpacking Europe, outlining all the best places to visit; how much it costs and where to stay. No matter wherever you visit, you’re going to absolutely love Europe as there are so many places to visit and so many things to see and do. You’re also bound to meet tonnes of people that you’ll continue to be friends with; that, for us, is the best part about travelling.

Travelled to Europe before? Let us know any of your top tips in the comments!

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Check out some of our other Europe content!

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