If you’re anything like us, the idea of packing your necessities into a backpack and setting off in search of seeing what the world has to offer outside of your hometown is unmatched. Today, hidden gems don’t stay hidden for long, which naturally drives up demand and prices as a result.
We know that most travellers are working on tight budgets. After all, the more you save, the more you can travel, right? So it’s important to scope out the travelling hotspots that can be ticked off while still leaving you with enough money to carry on your adventures.
If you’re looking to backpack around Europe on a budget, here are five places to check out that can be done so without breaking the bank.
Chioggia, Italy
Venice’s famous canals and iconic architecture put the city in high demand amongst travellers. Unfortunately, demand drives up costs, and its small size means restaurants and accommodation can be extremely costly. As a result, the beautiful city of Venice is usually crossed off most people’s travel lists.
However, there is an alternative to Venice for the low-cost traveller which comes in the form of Chioggia which is just an hour’s drive from Venice in Italy. Chioggia can also be reached by boat and its canals, bridges and floating nature make it just as picturesque as Venice itself.
The plus side of Chioggia is that it comes without the crowds of Venice allowing for a much more relaxed experience. The reduced demand also means bars, restaurants and accommodation work out far cheaper than the Floating City.
Bokodi Floating Village, Hungary
Budapest is one of Europe’s cheapest cities which makes it a popular destination for backpackers and travellers. But located around 80 kilometres west of Budapest is one of Europe’s hidden gems, Bokod.
In Bokod, you’ll find Lake Bokodi. A village of floating homes built on top of an artificial lake. The lake is a popular fishing spot as it rarely freezes but is also emerging as a backpacker’s paradise due to its unique nature and picturesque views.
I’d recommend staying in Budapest and travelling to Bokodi by public transport to save costs. That way, you can take advantage of Budapest’s cheap living costs. It’s also known for having some of the best hostels in Europe with most offering above average stays for reasonable prices.
London Markets, England
London is famous for many things, and you’ll find an abundance of things to see and do whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or entertainment. If you’re travelling on a budget, London’s thriving market scene offers a great mix of culture and atmosphere that can be enjoyed regardless of your budget.
In fact, it doesn’t cost a penny to walk around London’s famous markets. Even without making a purchase, you can enjoy the quintessentially British atmosphere that offers a more authentic experience of London compared to the more tourism-centred hotspots in the centre of London.
If you’re a foodie, I’d recommend heading to Borough Market, London’s most iconic food market. Here you’ll find an array of high-quality meats, cheeses and produce from various cultures. Other popular options include Camden Market and Portobello Road Market but there are fantastic markets all across London.
If you are completely new to London, be aware that getting around can be quite overwhelming at first. If you’re fortunate enough to be travelling by car, consider city centre car parks in London to leave your car while you take advantage of London’s efficient tube system.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The island of Ireland is one of the best places you can visit as a low-cost traveller. Ireland’s varied landscape and rich history of music and culture make it a must-visit for explorers of all ages.
For those on a budget, Dublin probably comes in at a little too expensive. Even if you’re able to find yourself a cheap hostel in the capital, you’ll end up paying some of Europe’s highest prices when it comes to food, drink and transport.
Instead, travel to the west of Ireland where you’ll find the less-talked-about County Kerry, an absolute dream for hikers and outdoorsy backpackers. The Ring of Kerry is where Ireland’s west coast is at its most scenic. A vast amount of trails, beaches and jaw-dropping views will make the trip to Kerry more than worth it.
While you’re never far from a priceless view, you’ll also have the added luxury of enjoying lower prices than you would in the likes of Dublin and Belfast.
Dzintari Forest Park, Latvia
Latvia is known for being one of Europe’s most budget-friendly countries, allowing travellers to explore cities such as Riga and Daugavpils without spending a small fortune. As the capital, Riga receives a lot of the attention of Latvian tourism. But just a 30-minute drive from the capital city, you’ll find a nature lover’s paradise.
Latvia is home to some of the world’s most wonderful forests, but Dzintari Forest Park is the most popular. Here you’ll find the perfect place for a Sunday stroll while adrenalin junkies also have the option to enjoy recreational activities too.
Being located so close to Riga also means you’ll have the option of staying in one of Riga’s many hostels. It’s also worth pointing out that Riga is one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities so you may even want to explore hotels for your budget.
While we could only squeeze five of Europe’s best budget-friendly backpacking destinations into this article, it just goes to show that it’s worth considering locations off the beaten track when it comes to travelling around Europe. Obviously, there is far more to Europe than the destinations above and the beauty of European travelling is that there truly is something for everyone. Whether you want golden beaches, hikes in the snow or something in between, you’ll find it in Europe.
