14 Days Europe Backpacking Itinerary
This backpacking adventure takes you through five iconic European cities: Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Experience the unique charm of each city while sticking to a budget.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$420-700 total estimate
Best Time
May-September
Activities
52
Daily Avg
$40/day
Cities
Amsterdam (2d), Berlin (2d), Prague (2d), Vienna (2d), Budapest (6d)
Pace
Moderate
Experience a diverse range of cultures, histories, and cuisines in a short amount of time. This itinerary focuses on vibrant cities accessible by budget-friendly transportation.
Your itinerary covers 11 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Sites
Day 2: Anne Frank House
Local Cuisine
Day 1: Dinner at a Local Market
Museums
Day 2: Van Gogh Museum (optional)
Parks & Gardens
Day 2: Vondelpark Picnic
Nightlife
Day 1: Red Light District Walk
Thermal Baths
Day 10: Szechenyi Thermal Baths
River Cruises
Day 9: Danube River Walk
Street Art
Day 4: East Side Gallery
Local Markets
Day 8: Lunch at Naschmarkt
Religious Sites
Day 7: St. Stephen's Cathedral
Iconic Bridges
Day 6: Charles Bridge
Free Walking Tours
e.g., General City Tour, Historical Tour
European cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the continent's rich history and varied cultures. From hearty stews to delicate pastries, there's something to satisfy every palate. Each country, and even region, boasts its own unique specialties, making culinary exploration a key part of any European adventure.
Must-Try Dishes
A simple yet iconic pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Its simplicity highlights the quality of the ingredients.
📍 Pizzerias throughout Italy, especially in Naples
A saffron-infused rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan, typically with seafood, chicken, or rabbit. There are many regional variations.
📍 Restaurants in Valencia and along the Spanish coast
A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh and warm, often with coffee.
📍 Bakeries (boulangeries) throughout France
A thin, breaded, and pan-fried cutlet of veal. Traditionally served with a slice of lemon and parsley.
📍 Traditional Austrian restaurants (Gasthäuser) in Vienna
Food Neighborhoods
Known for falafel, Jewish bakeries, and trendy cafes
Known for traditional Roman cuisine and lively atmosphere
Known for tapas, Catalan cuisine, and artisan food shops
Known for its diverse international cuisine, including Turkish and Vietnamese options
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available in most European cities, but it's helpful to learn a few key phrases in the local language. Gluten-free options are also becoming more common, but it's wise to check with restaurants in advance. For halal meals, look for restaurants specifically catering to Muslim communities.
Tipping customs vary across Europe. In some countries, service is included in the bill, while in others, a small tip (5-10%) is expected. It's generally polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. In some cultures, it's customary to keep your hands above the table, rather than in your lap.
Oktoberfest
September-OctoberMajor beer festival in Munich, Germany. Expect large crowds and higher prices.
La Tomatina
AugustTomato throwing festival in Buñol, Spain. Book accommodation in advance.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
AugustWorld's largest arts festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Expect large crowds and higher prices.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚆Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and take a train to Amsterdam Centraal Station. From there, walk or take a tram to Flying Pig Downtown Hostel.$25
2:00 PM - Arrive in Amsterdam & Check into Hostel
Settle in and leave your luggage.
🏨Create Custom ItineraryAdd your hotel booking
Search and add hotels to see on maps
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Walk from Flying Pig Downtown Hostel to the Canal Ring.
- 🚶Walk from the Canal Ring to Albert Cuyp Market.$10
7:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Market
Try some Dutch street food.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Dinner
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Walk from Albert Cuyp Market to the Red Light District.
De Wallen (Red Light District)
Central location, close to many attractions and nightlife.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May-September
Expect warm and sunny days, with occasional showers. Evenings can be cool, so pack layers. The weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities.
Summer in Europe is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and long daylight hours.
Summer is a popular time for local festivals and events, which may affect accommodation availability and prices.
Travel
$150Accommodation
$140Food
$210Activities
$70Utilize free walking tours in major cities to get acquainted with the area and history without cost. Pack picnics from local markets or supermarkets for lunches to save significantly on restaurant meals.
Opt for public transportation instead of taxis or ride-shares; consider multi-day passes if you're doing a lot of sightseeing within a city. Walk as much as possible to save money and discover hidden gems.
Invest in a high-speed train journey (e.g., TGV, Frecciarossa) for the experience and efficient travel between major cities, offering stunning views and comfort over flying.
Treat yourself to a memorable meal at a highly-rated local restaurant, perhaps with a Michelin star, or a unique culinary experience like a cooking class focusing on regional specialties.
Look for 'Menu del Día' (Spain) or 'Plat du Jour' (France) for excellent value lunch deals at local restaurants, often offering multiple courses at a fixed, lower price than dinner.
Venture slightly off the main tourist streets for food and souvenirs. Prices tend to be higher and quality often lower right next to major attractions; authentic experiences are usually found a few blocks away.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Consider purchasing a city pass for discounts on attractions and public transport.
- Take advantage of free walking tours to get an overview of each city.
- Eat at local markets and street food stalls to save money on food.
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees and make it easier to move around.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets.
- Use public transport to get around cities efficiently and affordably.
- Take advantage of free activities like visiting parks and walking around.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money.
- Research free museum days or discounted entry times.
- Download offline maps and translation apps.
- 1Backpack (40-50L)
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Lightweight clothing (layers)
- 4Rain jacket
- 5Universal adapter
- 6Power bank
- 7Travel towel
- 8First-aid kit
- 9Reusable water bottle
- 10Lock for hostel lockers
Flights & Accommodation
Book 3-6 months ahead, especially for peak season travel, to secure best prices and availability.
Major Attractions & Museums
Many popular sites (e.g., Eiffel Tower, Vatican Museums, Anne Frank House) require timed entry; book weeks to months in advance to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
Train Tickets (especially high-speed/overnight)
Booking 1-3 months ahead often yields better prices and guarantees seats, particularly for popular routes like Eurostar or TGV.
Visa / ETIAS
Check current visa requirements for your nationality well in advance. ETIAS will be mandatory for many non-EU visitors from 2025; apply before departure.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your first flight or accommodation to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
eSIM / International SIM
Arrange before departure (eSIM) or plan to purchase upon arrival to ensure immediate connectivity.
International Driving Permit (if renting a car)
Required in many European countries alongside your domestic license; obtain before departure.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Vodafone stores at airports or in major cities
📍 Amazon, airport kiosks, or Orange stores
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants throughout Europe. Many cities also offer free WiFi in public areas like parks and squares. However, speeds and reliability can vary, so it's a good idea to have a backup data plan.
Useful Apps
Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip to save on data. Check if your mobile carrier offers international roaming plans, but these can be expensive. Be aware of data roaming charges if you're not using a local SIM or WiFi. Consider using a VPN for added security when using public WiFi.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Europe is generally safe for tourists, but be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Europe is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is peak season with warm weather but also higher prices and more tourists.
Related Itineraries
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
Want a Personalized Version?
Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.
Create My Custom Itinerary60sBrowse by travel style: