14-Day Europe Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Start your first day in Lisbon with their famous custard tarts paired with coffee at this iconic bakery.
Take tram 15 from the city center to Belém.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Belém Tower

Stroll around the historic Belém district and visit the mesmerizing Belém Tower that stands proudly along the river.
It's a short walk from the bakery.
EUR6, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Time Out Market

Enjoy a variety of affordable local food at this bustling, centrally-located market.
Take tram 15 back towards the center.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Alfama District

Wander through the ancient streets of Alfama, taking in spectacular views of the city and its architecture.
Walk or take tram 28.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Enjoy a stunning sunset view over the Alfama district from this picturesque lookout.
A short walk from Alfama.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Tasca da Esquina

End your day with delicious Portuguese dishes at this affordable and cozy local eatery.
Accessible via bus 728.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Lisbon to Sintra

Lisbon, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fábrica Coffee Roasters

Fuel up with exceptional coffee and pastries before heading out for a day trip.
Take the metro to the coffee shop.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Day Trip to Sintra

Catch a train to the beautiful town of Sintra, known for its stunning palaces and natural beauty.
Train from Rossio Station to Sintra.
EUR5, 1 hour, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Visit Pena Palace

Explore the colorful and fairy-tale-like Pena Palace, one of Portugal's most famous landmarks.
Take the bus from the town center.
EUR14, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cantinho Gourmet

Try local dishes at this small, family-run restaurant offering affordable meals.
Walk from the palace back to the main street.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Wander through the enchanted gardens and mysterious architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk for 15 minutes.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Lisbon

Head back to Lisbon to rest before dinner.
Take the train back to Lisbon.
EUR5, 1 hour, 30 minutes

8:00PM

Dinner at O Prego da Peixaria

Indulge in unique fish steak sandwiches for a twist on traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Take the metro to the restaurant.
EUR12, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Seville

Seville, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee from local vendors at this lively market.
Take metro to the mercado.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Seville

Catch a bus or budget airline from Lisbon to Seville.
Bus from Sete Rios Station.
EUR20, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bodeguita Romero

Savor local tapas in this traditional Seville restaurant known for its authentic flavors.
Metro to the restaurant.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Cathedral of Seville

Marvel at one of the largest cathedrals in the world and climb the Giralda Tower for breathtaking views.
Walk to the Cathedral.
EUR9, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore the Alcázar of Seville

Discover the stunning architecture of this palace, a testament to the city's rich history.
Short walk from the Cathedral.
EUR12, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at La Azotea

Allow your taste buds to experience Spain at this affordable restaurant featuring delicious tapas.
Walk to the restaurant in the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe de Oriente

Pair coffee with a delicious Spanish tortilla in a café overlooking the Royal Palace.
Walk or take the metro to the café.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Madrid

Leave Seville early by train to get an early start exploring the capital.
High-speed train from Seville to Madrid.
EUR30, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Royal Palace

Dive into Spain's history with a visit to the grandeur of the Royal Palace.
Walk from the train station.
EUR12, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Casa Labra

Taste the authentic bacalao (cod) croquettes at this popular eatery.
Short walk from the palace.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore El Retiro Park

Take a leisurely stroll or rent a boat in this beautiful city park.
Metro to Retiro.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Visit the Prado Museum

Discover one of the world's premier art museums featuring works from Spanish masters.
Walk or take the metro.
EUR15, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Savor the world’s oldest restaurant's signature dish, cochinillo (roast suckling pig).
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Barcelona Bliss

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chök

Start your day with delicious pastries and gourmet chocolate in this trendy café.
Metro or walk to Chök.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Barcelona

Catch an early train from Madrid to Barcelona to maximize your day.
AVE Train from Madrid to Barcelona.
EUR25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Boqueria Market

Try some fresh tapas and local dishes at this famous market.
Walk from the train station.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit La Sagrada Familia

Explore Gaudí's breathtaking basilica, an icon of Barcelona still under construction.
Metro from the market to Sagrada Familia.
EUR17, 2 hours

5:00PM

Walk through Park Güell

Stroll through the colorful park designed by Gaudí, filled with unique sculptures and gardens.
Metro to the park.
EUR10, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at La Plata

Indulge in delicious seafood tapas at this small venue known for its cozy atmosphere.
Metro to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Nice

Nice, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic bread and coffee in this charming, rustic bakery.
Walk or take the tram to the café.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nice

Board a low-cost flight from Barcelona to Nice in the morning.
Bus to the airport.
EUR30, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Acchiardo

Indulge in traditional Niçoise cuisine in this delightful family-owned restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant from the train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Nice’s Promenade

Stroll along the stunning Promenade des Anglais and soak up the sun or catch a beach sunset.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Visit Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Explore the narrow streets of Old Town, highlighted by colorful buildings and lively shops.
A short walk from the promenade.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant La Voglia

Enjoy delicious Italian pasta in the heart of Nice’s Old Town.
Walk to La Voglia.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Florence Adventure

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Struzzi

Enjoy fresh cornettos and cappuccinos at this famed pastry shop.
Walk to the shop.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Florence

Catch a train from Nice to Florence to experience the charms of Tuscany.
Train from Nice to Florence.
EUR25, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Osteria All’ Antico Vinaio

Feast on a Florentine sandwich at this local favorite known for its focaccia.
Walk from the train station.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Duomo

Marvel at the magnificent dome of the Duomo, a symbol of Florence’s history.
A short walk from lunch.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Uffizi Gallery

Encounter works from legendary artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli.
Walk to the gallery.
EUR20, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at La Giostra

Savor traditional Tuscan dishes in a cozy setting with a lot of charm.
Walk or take the tram.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Roman Majesty

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Start with delectable pastries and cappuccino in this Roman bakery.
Walk to the bakery.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Rome

Take a train from Florence to Rome, immersing yourself in Italy’s vibrant capital.
Train from Florence to Rome.
EUR30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Grab a slice of Roman pizza or a salad from this popular spot in the market.
Walk from the train station.
EUR8, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Colosseum

Step back into history with a tour of the iconic grand Colosseum.
Walk from lunch.
EUR18, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Roman Forum

Walk through the ancient ruins adjacent to the Colosseum and uncover Rome's vibrant past.
Walk from the Colosseum.
EUR12, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Savor authentic Roman cuisine in this popular trattoria with a cozy atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Discovering Venice

Venice, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rizzardini

Enjoy fresh pastries and espresso in this quaint Venetian bakery to start your day.
Walk to the bakery.
EUR5, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Venice

Catch an early train from Rome to Venice, arriving in time to explore its canals.
Train from Rome to Venice.
EUR30, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Taste fresh seafood from this local favorite, tucked away from the tourist paths.
Walk to the restaurant from the train station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Ride a Gondola

Experience the magic of Venice on a traditional gondola ride through the picturesque canals.
Head to the nearest gondola station.
EUR80 (per gondola, split with 4 people), 30 minutes

3:00PM

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Marvel at the stunning architecture and mosaics of this iconic basilica.
Walk to the basilica from the gondola station.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Rialto Market

Stroll through one of the oldest markets in Venice, filled with fresh produce and local delicacies.
Walk to the market from St. Mark's.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Bancogiro

Enjoy delicious local cuisine with stunning views of the Grand Canal.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Munich's Charm

Munich, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Man Versus Machine

Grab a cup of expertly brewed coffee paired with delicious pastries at this hip café.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Munich

Take an early flight from Venice to Munich to kick off your German adventure.
Bus to the airport.
EUR30, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Explore a variety of local and international eats at this famous food market.
Walk from the airport to the city center.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Marienplatz

Join locals at this iconic square to see the famous Glockenspiel in action.
Walk to the square.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Nymphenburg Palace

Stroll through the beautiful gardens and discover the history of this grand palace.
Tram from the city center.
EUR11, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the English Garden

Take a refreshing walk or relax in one of Europe's largest urban parks.
Tram to the English Garden.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Weisswurst and Bier

Indulge in traditional Bavarian sausages and beer at this delightful casual eatery.
Walk or take the tram to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Prague Exploration

Prague, Czech Republic

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Louvre

Start your day with traditional breakfast in this popular café visited by many literary figures.
Walk to the café.
EUR6, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Prague

Catch a bus from Munich to Prague to explore its stunning architecture.
Bus from Munich to Prague.
EUR15, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lokál Dlouhááá

Taste authentic Czech cuisine in this traditional restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere.
Walk to Lokál Dlouhááá.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Prague Castle

Wander the grounds of this majestic castle complex with stunning city views.
Tram to the castle.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Charles Bridge

Stroll across this iconic pedestrian bridge adorned with sculptures and artists.
Walk from the castle.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Visit the Astronomical Clock

Witness the famous clock show in the Old Town Square at the top of the hour.
Walk to the square.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant U Modré Kachničky

Savor exquisite Czech dishes in a cozy and romantic setting.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Budapest Adventure

Budapest, Hungary

8:00AM

Breakfast at New York Café

Enjoy breakfast in one of the world’s most beautiful cafés topped with a fine selection of pastries.
Metro to the café.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Budapest

Travel by train from Prague to Budapest, moving to another stunning European capital.
Train from Prague to Budapest.
EUR25, 6.5 hours

4:00PM

Lunch at Central Market Hall

Savor the flavors of Hungary at this large market, filled with local delicacies.
Walk from the train station.
EUR15, 1 hour

6:00PM

Visit Buda Castle

Wander around this historic castle complex and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Take the funicular up the hill.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Kiosk Budapest

Enjoy modern Hungarian dishes in this trendy restaurant with a lively atmosphere.
Metro to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Vienna's Splendor

Vienna, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Central

Delight in a classical Viennese breakfast at this historic café.
Walk to the café.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Vienna

Head to Vienna on a short train ride from Budapest.
Train from Budapest to Vienna.
EUR15, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Explore this vibrant market filled with a variety of street food and local specialties.
Metro to Naschmarkt.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Explore the beautiful gardens and the opulent palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Metro to Schönbrunn Palace.
EUR18, 2 hours

4:00PM

Wander the Historic Center

Take in the grandeur of Vienna's historic buildings and architecture.
Walk around the city center.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

Savor classic Viennese cuisine at this beloved local restaurant.
Walk or take the tram.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Charming Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Enjoy a traditional breakfast in Salzburg’s oldest café, rich in history.
Walk to the café.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Salzburg

Catch a train from Vienna to Salzburg and arrive in this charming city.
Train from Vienna to Salzburg.
EUR15, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskeller

Dine at one of the oldest restaurants in Europe, offering regional specialties.
Walk from the train station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Take the funicular to this historic fortress for panoramic views of the city.
Funicular from the town center.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:00PM

Wander the Old Town

Explore Salzburg's charming streets filled with vibrant shops and music history.
Walk around the Old Town.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Alter Fuchs

Conclude your journey with traditional Austrian food in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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