Europe is the world's most visited travel destination for good reason. Within a relatively compact area you'll find ancient civilisations, Renaissance masterpieces, world-class food and wine, dramatic Alpine scenery, Mediterranean beaches, and a transport infrastructure that makes moving between countries almost effortless. Whether you have two weeks or six months, Europe rewards every kind of traveller.
Planning your route
The classic backpacker route runs from west to east or north to south — but there's no wrong way to do it. A few popular starting points:
Western loop: London → Paris → Amsterdam → Berlin → Prague → Vienna → Budapest Southern route: Barcelona → Madrid → Lisbon → Seville → Rome → Athens Scandinavian circuit: Copenhagen → Stockholm → Oslo → Helsinki
The Interrail/Eurail pass gives unlimited train travel across most of Europe and is worth buying if you're moving between multiple countries. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet connect cities for as little as €10 if booked in advance.
Top cities
London — Start or end here. The British Museum, the Tate Modern, Borough Market, a West End show and a proper pub Sunday roast are all essential. London is expensive but most major museums are free.
Paris — The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, the Marais, the boulangeries, the wine bars. Paris lives up to every expectation and exceeds most of them.
Amsterdam — One of Europe's most beautiful cities, built on a network of canals. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are world-class. Hire a bicycle — it's the only way to see the city properly.
Berlin — Raw, creative, historically layered and endlessly fascinating. The East Side Gallery (remnants of the Berlin Wall), Museum Island, and the food and club scene of Kreuzberg are highlights.
Prague — Arguably Europe's most beautiful old town, somehow still affordable compared to Western European cities. The Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Jewish Quarter are unmissable.
Barcelona — Gaudí's extraordinary architecture defines the city. The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló are like nothing else on earth. The food market La Boqueria and the beachside neighbourhood of Barceloneta are equally compelling.
Rome — Three thousand years of history compressed into one overwhelming city. The Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain are the obvious draws but the real Rome is in the neighbourhood trattorias and the piazzas at dusk.
Athens — The birthplace of democracy and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The Acropolis is more spectacular in person than in any photograph. The food scene has transformed in recent years and is now genuinely world-class.
Dubrovnik — The walled city on the Adriatic coast is one of Europe's most dramatic settings. Walk the city walls at sunrise before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
Budapest — One of Europe's most underrated cities. The thermal baths, the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter, the Parliament building viewed from across the Danube, and extraordinary food at remarkably low prices.
Getting between countries
- Trains: Book in advance via Trainline or the national rail websites for the best prices. High-speed trains connect most major cities.
- Budget airlines: Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air connect almost every European city. Book 6–8 weeks in advance for the lowest fares.
- Buses: FlixBus is cheap and covers routes trains don't. Slower but very affordable.
- Ferries: Essential for Greece, Croatia and the Scandinavian countries.
Staying connected across Europe
This is where an eSIM transforms the trip. Instead of buying a new SIM card in every country, a single Europe-wide eSIM keeps you connected across the entire continent. Get an InstantESIMs Europe eSIM before you fly — one plan, 30+ countries, instant delivery.
Money tips
- The euro is used in most EU countries but not all — the UK uses pounds, Switzerland uses francs, and several Eastern European countries have their own currencies.
- Revolut or Wise cards offer excellent exchange rates with no foreign transaction fees.
- ATMs in tourist areas often offer "dynamic currency conversion" — always pay in the local currency.
