Europe is made up of 44 countries, and if you’re anything like me you want to see them all. Visiting each one requires time and money though. For these reasons, most people visit Europe on multiple trips, and backpacking is the cheapest way to do it. There are various backpacking routes in Europe that make traveling more convenient. Let’s look at why you should stick to a single route, and break down the most popular ones.
Plan Ahead To Save Time & Money
A lot of backpackers romanticize the idea of trekking through Europe without a plan, bouncing from place to place on a whim. While that’s certainly enticing, the reality isn’t as attractive.
Pre-planning helps you save both time and money. This means you’re stretching your dollar further and you’ll have more time to see the world. If you’re set on exploring sans preparations, this can still be done. But figuring things out beforehand (ie. where you’re going, how you’ll get there, where you’ll be staying, trip duration, etc.) makes everything else easier to deal with.
Travel Reality Check
Traveling is fun, but it can also be stressful and exhausting. Managing your stress levels is important so you don’t burn out. To give you some perspective, here’s what happened when I traveled from Lisbon, Portugal to Seville, Spain. The two countries are neighbors. I opted for the train and bus to save money while seeing the countryside. Travel time is roughly 8 hours, but the trip took much longer.
- 6:45 am: Wake up, pack
- 7:20 am: Shuttle to the train station picks me up
- 7:20 am – 8:05 am: Shuttle picks up other passengers and drives us to the station
- 8:05 am: Arrive at the train station, grab a cheap breakfast and run to the train
- 8:20 am: Train to Faro, Portugal (3 hour travel time)
- 11:20 am: Arrive in Faro
- 11:20 am – 3:30 pm: Wander around Faro, eat lunch, wait at the bus station
- 3:30 – 8:30 pm: Bus to Seville, Spain (5 hour travel time)
- 8:30 pm: Arrive in Seville
- 9:45 pm: Arrive at Seville Hostel
My travel time was extended by 4 hours due to my layover in Faro. To make matters worse, I got lost trying to find my hostel when I arrived in Seville (which added another hour). From the time I left my Lisbon hostel to the time I arrived at my Seville hostel, it was roughly 14.5 hours. I planned everything as much as I could and it still took longer than expected.
Make A List
In the planning stages, break out a map and make a list of the places you want to go to. The choices in Europe are plentiful. You may want to visit major cities such as Paris, Rome, and Berlin. Maybe you prefer lesser-known towns off the beaten path. You may not even know what you want to see in Europe. If that’s the case, I’d advise you to research European countries and their most popular sites.
After you’ve made a list, edit it. There will be places you absolutely must see, and those you can live without. You need to be realistic. Take into account how much money you’ll need to spend on each city. An eastern European destination will be a lot cheaper than the south of France. A city such as London requires more than a few days compared to a small town that can be toured in 1 or 2 days. Also, look at where these cities are on the map. It will give you an idea of how far you’ll have to travel to get to each one. Remember, the further you travel, the more expensive it will be.
Choose An Area
To maximize your time and money, it’s smart to choose an area of Europe rather than bounce all over the map. For example, if you start in the west, follow a route that heads east. If you start in the north, make your way south. Devoting a full day to traveling between cities is common. But some European destinations are so close that a half-day of travel can get you to a new country. Traveling short distances conserves your energy, saves you money, and allows for more time to explore.
Transportation Modes
Europe is a backpacker-friendly destination that’s easy to get around. You have your choice of taking the bus, the train, or flying. The preferred method of travel through Europe is by train. It’s affordable, clean, and allows you to take in the scenery. Buses are the cheapest option, while flying is the most expensive. Flying can be faster and is a good idea if you’re visiting a one-off destination that deviates from your route. Europe has a few discount airlines with relatively cheap flight prices. EasyJet and RyanAir are known for their affordability, sometimes costing as little as $50 USD/flight. Pre-booking any form of transportation will save you money. You can use Rome2Rio.com to plan your route and get an idea of pricing.
Popular Backpacking Routes In Europe
You’ll need anywhere from 2 to 4 days to explore a city. You should also plan for traveling a half-day or full-day when moving from place to place. The following are general routes. Destinations can be added or removed depending on the length of your trip and what you wish to see.
The All-Encompassing Route
This circular route brings you to many of the top cities in Europe. It starts and ends in the north, with London and Amsterdam being bookends. This route is also the most expensive as you’ll be hitting major European cities.
London / Paris / Barcelona / Nice / Rome / Florence / Venice / Salzburg / Vienna / Budapest / Kraków / Prague / Berlin / Amsterdam
London
One of the largest and most important cities in Europe, there are tons of things to see and do in London. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and London Eye are all on travelers’ itineraries.
Paris
Known as the most romantic city in Europe, you can stroll by the Seine River, visit the Eiffel Tower, and visit the city’s numerous museums. Montmartre and Sacre-Couer Basilica are heavy favorites with tourists, and French delicacies can be had anywhere in the city.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a buzzing city with a mixture of friendly people, great food, and unique architecture. The most visited sites were designed by Antonio Gaudi, and include the Sagrada Familia Basilica, Park Guell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo. Foodies can enjoy authentic paella, and taking in a flamenco show at night is a must.
Nice
The coastal city of Nice is found in the south of France. It’s an idyllic destination that’s great for unwinding and taking in the scenery. The Promenade des Anglais along the waterfront is the main attraction, but exploring the cobblestone streets of Old Nice is another favorite. The Castle of Nice provides views of the surrounding area.
Rome
Rome is one of the top-visited destinations in Europe, famed for its ancient ruins and Roman architecture. Old world structures such as The Colisseum and Pantheon still stand today. The ruins of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Circus Maximus provide a glimpse into the past, with more recent attractions such as Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps being equally impressive.
Florence
North of Rome, Florence is another Italian town renowned for its history and art. The main attraction is the Duomo cathedral, designed with an impressive terracotta dome and bell tower. Michelangelo’s famous sculpture “David”, and Sandro Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” painting both call Florence home, and the Piazzale Michelangelo is the best place for an overlooking view of the city.
Venice
Located in northern Italy, Venice is a city known for its canals and romance. 118 islands are linked together by 400 bridges. Gondolas are the main mode of transport, and you can explore the narrow streets if you aren’t claustrophobic. The main square is Piazza San Marco, which consists of St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doge’s Palace.
Salzburg
After Venice, you’ll make your way north to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salzburg is a fairly walkable city, with the Salzach River separating the Old City from the New City. Fortress Hohensalzburg is not to be missed, and there are gardens, parks, churches, and museums for you to explore. Its close proximity to the Alps provides spectacular mountain views and accessible hiking trails.
Vienna
Traveling across Austria you’ll land in the Eastern city of Vienna. It’s considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and was home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud. It mixes a cosmopolitan feel with beautifully designed palaces and concert halls. Tops sites are the gothic-inspired St. Stephen’s Cathedral, former imperial palace The Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, and the Vienna State Opera House.
Kraków
From Vienna, you’ll travel by train into Poland and arrive in Kraków. A historical town during World War II, a day tour to the Auschwitz concentration camps is a must. The main square of Rynek Glówny is highlighted by St. Mary’s Basilica, and Wawel Castle is another major attraction. The Jewish Quarter attracts many visitors, as does the Wieliczka Salt Mines, which can be easily reached by train.
Prague
Cutting into the Czech Republic, your next stop is the visually stunning city of Prague. A historic destination, the top attraction is the 9th-century fortress Prague Castle, which is the current home of the Czech President. The Charles Bridge is equally popular, being a 600-year-old stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava River and leads to Old Town. Additional sites to see are Wenceslas Square, The Astronomical Clock, and St. Vitus Cathedral.
Berlin
A city with a turbulent history, the German capital of Berlin is a fascinating destination. Landmarks are found throughout with none more important than Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace. Checkpoint Charlie, The Reichstag, and various WWII museums are also reminders of the dark years. But Berlin’s vibrant present is reason alone to check out this unique and thriving city.
Amsterdam
Famous for its lax marijuana laws and red-light district, Amsterdam is a charming town with impressive architecture and 160 canals. After taking a boat ride through them you can rent a bicycle and explore the city via its many dedicated bike paths. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House are all must-sees, and there’s no shortage of outdoor patios for relaxing.
Western Routes
The size of Europe makes for exploring multiple countries on any route you choose. However, you may only be able to explore one or two countries at a time. Taking this into consideration, here are a few different ways you can backpack countries in Western Europe.
Portugal
Portugal is the oldest country in Europe and is also home to the most westerly point (Cabo de Roca) on the continent. Lisbon is a definite must, and you can take a day trip to the nearby Sintra region. In the north are Porto (a coastal city known for its port wine production) and Braga (a religious city with Roman ruins). The southern coastline of Portugal is referred to as The Algarve. Here you’ll find relaxing coastal destinations like Lagos, Faro, and Tavira.
Lisbon / Coimbra / Aveiro / Porto / Braga / Lagos / Faro / Tavira
Spain
Spain is the fourth largest European country in terms of land size, so you’ll have plenty to see. The south is the most popular region, with destinations such as Seville, Granada, and Malaga providing beautiful architecture and beaches. Ibiza and Majorca are for the party crowd, and Barcelona’s reputation as a world-class destination is warranted. Head to the northern towns of Bilbao and Oviedo for fewer crowds but equally enthralling culture.
Seville / Cordoba / Granada / Malaga / Valencia / Ibiza / Majorca / Barcelona / San Sebastien / Bilbao / Oviedo / Madrid
France
One of the most visited countries in the world, France has a diverse range of places to visit. Paris is the most popular, but there are also WWII sites like Normandy/Omaha Beach, as well as the wine-producing Loire Valley. No trip to France would be complete without visiting the French Riveria towns of Marseille and Nice. Nearby you can visit Monaco and then finish up in underrated Lyon.
Paris / Normandy / Orléans / Montrésor / Bordeaux / Toulouse / Montpellier / Marseille / Nice / Monaco / Lyon
Intercountry Route
Lisbon / Lagos / Faro / Seville / Malaga / Granada / Madrid / Barcelona / Marseille / Nice / Monaco / Bordeaux / Orleans / Paris
Eastern Routes
Eastern Europe is less popular than the West, or even Central Europe. However, it isn’t to be overlooked. This historical region is also the most affordable area of Europe. Here are some of the more popular routes and cities in Eastern Europe.
Ukraine
Ukraine is the 2nd largest European country in terms of landmass. There are basically 4 major spots to visit, starting with the capital city of Kyiv. Curious explorers can take some time to visit the town of Pripyat, which is the site of the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant disaster. Heading east you’ll make a stop in Lviv (known as the soul of Ukraine), and then visit the beaches in the southern town of Odesa. Of note, the eastern oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk should be avoided due to ongoing conflicts.
Kyiv / Pripyat (Chernobyl) / Lviv / Odesa
Romania
Romania’s history dates back to 600 B.C. and 50% of the country is made up of the Carpathian Mountain range. The Romanian capital of Bucharest is well worth a visit, but the Transylvanian region is where the country shines. Medieval fortresses, castles, and dense virgin forests are well worth exploring on your visit.
Bucharest / Iași / Cluj-Napoca / Timișoara
Poland
Poland is a country steeped in history, and part of that includes The Holocaust and Auschwitz concentration camps. But it also has a lot of beautiful scenery, with castles, salt mines, and magnificent architecture. The main cities to visit are Kraków and Warsaw, and the southwestern city of Wroclaw is a hidden gem you should make the effort to see.
Kraków / Lublin/ Warsaw / Wrocław / Szczecin
Intercountry Route
Kyiv / Lviv / Warsaw / Kraków / Berlin / Prague / Salzburg / Vienna / Budapest / Bucharest / Odesa
The UK Route
The United Kingdom is made up of 4 countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There’s a lot to see in each country, and it’s not unheard of for backpackers to spend a month exploring any one of these countries. Here are a few UK routes you can use, with Ireland added into the mix as well.
England
A global powerhouse, a trip to England should be on anyone’s bucket list. While London is certainly impressive, the country offers a lot more. The seaside resort of Brighton is worth a look, as is the coastal region of Cornwall. Ancient cities such as Exeter and Bath transport you to the time of the ancient Romans with their ruins and architecture. Head to Liverpool if you’re a Beatles fan, York for its impressive cityscapes, and Northumberland for its remote locales of rolling hills and mountains.
London / Brighton / Exeter / Cornwall / Bristol / Bath / Oxford / Liverpool / Manchester / York / Northumberland
Wales
Sharing England’s western border is Wales, a rugged country filled with natural beauty. The coastal capital city of Cardiff is where most people start their route, moving west and eventually heading north. This lets you explore some of the most stunning coasts in the world, in cities like Pembroke and St. Davids. Wales is also home to some incredible fortresses and castles, such as Caernarfon Castle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cardiff / Swansea / Pembroke / St. Davids / Aberystwyth / Caernarfon
Scotland
North of England is Scotland. Stereotypically known for bagpipes, soccer hooliganism, and the Loch Ness Monster, the reality is a rich cultural destination with stunning landscapes and incredible cities. Edinburgh (the capital) and Glasgow will keep you busy for days, and there are lots of ancient ruins strewn about. The Scottish Highlands showcase the country’s natural beauty and many travelers are forever changed by this unassuming destination.
Edinburgh / Aberdeen / Aviemore / Inverness / Loch Ness / Portree / Fort William / Loch Lomond / Glasgow
North Ireland
Across the Irish Sea, you’ll find Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Most travelers start in Belfast and make their way around a circular route. There are plenty of touristy things to do in Belfast (such as the Titanic Museum), but the landscapes in Northern Ireland are something to behold. The basalt columns of Giants Causeway are a must-see, and the coastlines are a mixture of dramatic cliffs and decayed castles.
Belfast / Giants Causeway/Bushmills / Londonderry / Enniskillen / Portadown / Newcastle
Ireland
Making your way south you’ll hit Ireland. As it shares the same landmass as Northern Ireland, most of the scenery is identical and equally breathtaking. Green lands abound, and sites such as the Wicklow Mountains and Killarney National Park should be on your must-see list.
Dublin / Wicklow Mountains / Kilkenny / Waterford / Cork / Killarney / Limerick / Galway / Clifden / Belmullet / Glenveagh
Intercountry Route
London / Brighton / Bath / Cardiff / York / Northumberland / Edinburgh / Glasgow / Belfast / Dublin / Cork
Maximize Your Trip
Travel can be hectic and chaotic, so you want to maximize your trip as much as you can. Using a backpacking route in Europe gives you an outline that’s easy to follow. By planning your route ahead of time, you’ll be able to focus more on enjoying your trip, and less on where your next destination will be.
About Post Author
