One Week Europe Trip Cost: The Ultimate Budget Guide [2024]
Planning a one-week Europe trip cost can be daunting, but with careful planning and smart choices, your dream European adventure can become a reality in 2024. This comprehensive guide will break down the costs, provide money-saving tips, and help you create a budget-friendly itinerary for an unforgettable week in Europe.
Before getting into details, here are some other recommendations near in this city:
Factors Affecting Your Europe Trip Cost
Destination
The choice of countries and cities you visit significantly impacts your overall expenses. Eastern European countries like Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic tend to be more budget-friendly compared to Western European destinations like France, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries[1].
Cheapest countries in Europe:
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Hungary
- Poland
- Czech Republic
Expensive European cities:
- Zurich
- Geneva
- Oslo
- Copenhagen
- Paris
Time of Year
Traveling during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) can lead to significant savings on accommodation and flights while still enjoying pleasant weather[1].
Peak season: June to August
Shoulder season: April-May, September-October
Off-season: November to March (excluding holidays)
Travel Style
Your preferred travel style greatly influences your Europe trip cost. Backpacking and budget travel can significantly reduce expenses, while luxury accommodations and fine dining will increase your overall spending[1].
Travel Style |
Estimated Daily Budget (EUR) |
Backpacking |
50-70 |
Mid-range |
100-150 |
Luxury |
200+ |
Duration & Itinerary
A 7-day Europe itinerary allows for visiting 2-3 cities comfortably. Trying to squeeze in too many destinations can increase transportation costs and reduce time for actual sightseeing[1].
Average Costs for a One-Week Europe Trip
Flights
Round-trip airfare to Europe can vary greatly depending on your departure city, destination, and time of booking.
Average flight costs from major US cities:
- New York to London: $500-$800
- Los Angeles to Paris: $600-$1000
- Chicago to Rome: $700-$1100
Tips for finding cheap flights to Europe:
- Book 2-3 months in advance
- Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Momondo
- Be flexible with your travel dates
- Consider flying into alternative airports
Accommodation
Accommodation costs can vary widely based on location and type of lodging[1].
Average nightly costs:
- Hostels: €20-€40
- Budget hotels: €50-€100
- Airbnb (entire place): €70-€150
Money-saving tips:
- Stay in hostels or budget hotels
- Book accommodations with free cancellation in advance
- Consider staying slightly outside city centers
- Use hotel reward programs
Food
Daily food budgets can range from €20 to €60 or more, depending on your dining choices[1].
Budget-friendly eating options:
- Street food: €5-€10 per meal
- Local markets and grocery stores: €10-€15 per day
- Budget restaurants: €15-€25 per meal
Tips for eating cheap in Europe:
- Try local street food and markets
- Cook some meals if you have kitchen access
- Take advantage of set lunch menus
- Drink tap water where safe (most of Western Europe)
Activities
Many European cities offer free walking tours and museums with free admission days. However, budgeting for paid attractions is essential for a well-rounded experience[1].
Average costs for popular activities:
- Museum entry: €10-€20
- Guided city tours: €15-€30
- Day trips: €50-€100
Money-saving tips:
- Research free activities and attractions
- Take advantage of city passes for multiple attractions
- Join free walking tours (tip-based)
- Visit museums on free admission days
Transportation
Efficient public transportation systems in most European cities can help keep costs down[1].
Transportation options and costs:
- Single metro/bus ticket: €1.50-€3
- Daily public transport pass: €7-€15
- Budget airline flights between cities: €30-€100
- Train travel (e.g., Eurail Pass): €200-€400 for 7 days
Tips for saving on transportation:
- Use public transportation within cities
- Walk when possible
- Consider overnight trains to save on accommodation
- Book train and bus tickets in advance for better rates
Sample One-Week Europe Itinerary & Budget Breakdown
Here's a sample 7-day itinerary covering three popular European cities with a budget breakdown:
Day 1-3: Paris, France
- Accommodation: Hostel (€30/night)
- Food: €40/day (mix of grocery shopping, street food, and cafes)
- Activities: Eiffel Tower (€26.10), Louvre Museum (€17), Free walking tour
- Transportation: 3-day metro pass (€29.40)
Day 4-5: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Transportation to Amsterdam: Budget flight from Paris (€60)
- Accommodation: Budget hotel (€80/night)
- Food: €45/day
- Activities: Anne Frank House (€14), Canal tour (€18), Van Gogh Museum (€19)
- Transportation: 48-hour GVB pass (€22.50)
Day 6-7: Prague, Czech Republic
- Transportation to Prague: Overnight train from Amsterdam (€80)
- Accommodation: Airbnb (€60/night)
- Food: €30/day
- Activities: Prague Castle (350 CZK ≈ €14), Free walking tour, Charles Bridge (free)
- Transportation: 3-day public transport pass (310 CZK ≈ €12)
Total estimated cost for one person:
- Flights (round-trip from New York): €700
- Accommodation: €370
- Food: €270
- Activities: €128
- Transportation: €203
Estimated total: €1,671 (approximately $1,970)
This budget allows for a mix of affordable accommodations, local cuisine, and popular attractions while using public transportation and budget travel options between cities.
Money-Saving Tips for Your Europe Trip
- Utilize travel rewards programs and credit card points for flights and hotels[1].
- Stay in hostels or use home-sharing platforms like Airbnb for cheaper accommodation[1].
- Pack light to avoid checked baggage fees on budget airlines[1].
- Take advantage of free walking tours and museum free days[1].
- Eat like a local by trying street food and shopping at local markets[1].
- Travel during shoulder seasons for better deals on flights and accommodation[1].
- Book flights and accommodation well in advance for the best rates[1].
- Use public transportation and walk when possible to save on transportation costs[1].
- Consider a Eurail Pass if planning extensive train travel.
- Look for city passes that include public transportation and attraction entries.
- Use no-fee debit cards and credit cards with travel rewards.
- Take advantage of student and youth