Budget-Friendly Europe Travel Itinerary for Major Cities

Look, I'll be honest—Europe always felt like one of those destinations reserved for people with overflowing bank accounts. But after digging into budget travel strategies (and frankly, getting tired of postponing my wanderlust), I discovered something genuinely exciting: you can experience Europe's major cities without sacrificing your entire savings account.

The Route That Makes Sense

The infographic above showcases a clever west-to-east trajectory that I found particularly intriguing. Starting in pricier London and gradually moving toward more wallet-friendly gems like Prague, Budapest, and Krakow creates a natural spending rhythm that helps you stretch those euros further. It's strategic, really. You frontload the expensive stuff when your budget is fresh, then coast through Eastern Europe where your remaining funds carry more weight.

Transportation: Your Secret Weapon

Here's where the magic happens. Booking trains weeks in advance through sites like FlixBus or national rail services can slash costs dramatically—I'm talking about differences of €50 or more per journey. Sometimes the slow bus is your ally. Those overnight routes? They double as accommodation, which is brilliantly efficient if you can sleep sitting up.

The Free Stuff Is Actually Good

Every city on this route overflows with zero-cost experiences that tourists somehow miss while chasing expensive attractions. Free walking tours remain unbeatable for orientation (though do tip generously—those guides work hard). Markets, parks, architectural wandering—these aren't consolation prizes for being broke. They're often the most memorable moments.

Quick tip from my research: Check Visit Europe for free museum days in each city. Some places offer complimentary entry on specific weekdays or monthly schedules.

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Sources:

• FlixBus Official Website
• Visit Europe Tourism Portal