15-Day Shoestring Budget Europe Itinerary

  • Day 1: Paris, France
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 0

    On your first day, take a free walking tour of the city to see some of Paris' landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower. Take advantage of the numerous bakeries and cafes to enjoy some French pastries or coffee.

  • Day 2: Brussels, Belgium
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 3.5 hours by train (320 km)

    In Brussels, visit the Grand Place, a picturesque square encompassed by Guildhalls and the Town Hall, famous for its daily flower market. Head over to the Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue representing a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin, with various elaborate costumes.

  • Day 3: Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 3 hours by train (202 km)

    In Amsterdam, visit the Anne Frank House, where the famous diarist, Anne Frank, lived for two years during World War II. Explore the Rijksmuseum, a Dutch national museum highlighting the country's art, history, and culture.

  • Day 4: Berlin, Germany
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 6 hours by train (654 km)

    Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial to understand the legacy behind the Wall and witness the preserved grounds. Next visit the Brandenburg Gate, a landmark of Berlin that has historical significance since the Nazi regime, the German division, and the Peaceful Revolution.

  • Day 5: Prague, Czechia
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 4.5 hours by train (346 km)

    Start your day in the city's Old Town, where you can stop by Old Town Square and admire the Gothic and Baroque architecture of Prague. Stroll down the city's Royal Route, where you will reach Prague Castle, a complex of palaces, courtyards, and churches, and the historic seat of Bohemian kings and rulers.

  • Day 6: Vienna, Austria
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 4 hours by train (300 km)

    Vienna is known as the 'City of Music', and you can't leave without a visit to the Schönbrunn Palace, where Mozart himself performed. Explore Vienna's imperial past at the Hofburg Palace, the former official residence of the Habsburg dynasty.

  • Day 7: Budapest, Hungary
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 2.5 hours by train (214 km)

    Take a stroll along the Danube River, and admire the views of two cities - Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube. Visit the Buda Castle, which used to be the Royal Palace, and see the famous landmarks of Budapest such as the Parliament Building, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Heroes Square.

  • Day 8: Krakow, Poland
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 8 hours by train (742 km)

    Head into the Old Town area, where you can visit the largest medieval town square in Europe, the Rynek Glówny, and the famous Royal Castle, which has been home to Polish Kings and leaders throughout history. Take some time to visit one of the many Catholic churches in Kraków or pay tribute to the Holocaust victims in Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.

  • Day 9: Prague, Czechia
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 4.5 hours by train (346 km)

    Take a day trip to the gorgeous Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Prague. Stroll around the medieval town's winding streets and lanes, soaking up its Renaissance-era charm or go castle hunting in Cesky Sternberk Castle.

  • Day 10: Bratislava, Slovakia
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 3 hours by train (333 km)

    Walk uphill to the Bratislava Castle where you'll be rewarded with the perfect view of the Old Town, Danube River and iconic landmarks like the UFO Bridge. Visit The Slovak National Museum, featuring Slovak history and culture, or enjoy some shopping at the local markets.

  • Day 11: Munich, Germany
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 4.5 hours by train (406 km)

    Start your day at Marienplatz, the main square to see the famous Glockenspiel and explore the city's distinct architecture. Then, visit the famous breweries and experience some Bavarian delights, such as beer and pretzels.

  • Day 12: Venice, Italy
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 7 hours by train (567 km)

    Explore the beautiful canals of Venice by taking a Vaporetto, which is a fun way to ride around the city. Visit Piazza San Marco, famous for its stunning architecture and famous landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace.

  • Day 13: Florence, Italy
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 2 hours by train (260 km)

    Start your day and discover the art scene in Florence with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery or head over to the Piazza del Duomo where you can see the famous cathedral featuring the Dome of Brunelleschi. Wander around the narrow streets lined with boutique shops selling local products or eat some delicious gelato.

  • Day 14: Rome, Italy
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 2 hours by train (277 km)

    Start your exploration of the city by visiting the Colosseum, one of the world's most famous landmarks. Visit the Pantheon and the Sistine Chapel, the famous chapel found in the Apostolic Palace used by the Popes of the Roman Empire.

  • Day 15: Athens, Greece
    Estimated time and distance from previous location: 4 hours by plane (1,077 km)

    In Athens, visit the Acropolis Museum, which houses artifacts and ongoing excavations from the Acropolis. Explore the Parthenon and the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archaeological museum in Greece that has a vast array of antiques that date back to ancient Greece.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The Eiffel Tower (2 hours, 10 euros)
  • Belgian Waffles (1 hour, 4 euros)
  • Van Gogh Museum (2 hours, 20 euros)
  • Brandenburg Gate (1 hour, free)
  • Prague Castle (2 hours, 12 euros)
  • Schönbrunn Palace (2 hours, 14 euros)
  • Thermal Baths (4 hours, 18 euros)
  • Wawel Castle (2 hours, 9 euros)
  • Pantheon (1 hour, free)
  • Parthenon (2 hours, 30 euros)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 127 euros

Transportation

When traveling to Europe, your best option will be train travel as trains are the most economic and widely available. You can use popular travel apps to book train tickets and assisted with itineraries, tickets, and subways. If you prefer a faster option, planes are also available.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider traveling further east and visit other cities such as St. Petersburg and Bucharest. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider skipping some cities or spending less time in certain places. In general, it's easier to arrive at a city's most popular landmarks in the morning to avoid crowds.

Airports

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the busiest airport in Europe and is within sixty kilometers of Milan. The airport has several transport connections via shuttle buses or rail to the city center at regular intervals.

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