Backpacking Western Europe: A 2-Week Budget Route

Backpacking through Western Europe is a dream for many travellers—one of picturesque cities, rich history, artistic treasures, and café-lined promenades. Yet, the price tag associated with this part of the continent often deters budget-conscious adventurers. Fortunately, with the right strategy and a thoughtfully designed route, Western Europe backpacking doesn’t have to break the bank.

This 2-week budget itinerary for Europe provides an immersive cultural experience, covers five vibrant countries, and highlights travel tips, affordable transport options, and budget-friendly accommodations. Whether you’re embarking on your first trip or planning a refined minimalist adventure, this cheap travel Europe route is designed to be both cost-effective and unforgettable.

Why Backpack Western Europe?

Despite its expense, Western Europe remains a backpacker’s paradise. You’ll find:

• World-class infrastructure that makes travel between cities seamless
• Diverse cultural experiences within short geographical distances
• Abundant hostel networks and free walking tours
• Rich opportunities for off-season or shoulder-season travel savings

Western Europe offers unmatched access to history, art, architecture, and cosmopolitan culture—all within a region easily traversable by train or bus.

Route Overview: 5 Countries in 14 Days

• Day 1–3: Paris, France
• Day 4–5: Brussels, Belgium
• Day 6–7: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Day 8–10: Cologne & Rhine Valley, Germany
• Day 11–14: Lucerne & Interlaken, Switzerland

Each destination has been chosen for its affordability relative to nearby alternatives, its travel connections, and its diversity of experiences.

Day 1–3: Paris, France

Though commonly associated with high prices, Paris can be explored affordably with planning.

Budget Tips:

• Buy a Paris Navigo Découverte pass for unlimited metro travel (€30 for a week)
• Visit major museums for free on the first Sunday of the month
• Explore Montmartre and the Latin Quarter on foot

Must-See (Free & Budget-Friendly):

• Eiffel Tower views from Trocadéro
• Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité
• Sacré-Cœur and panoramic views of the city
• Louvre’s courtyard and pyramid (entry €17 if not on a free day)

Accommodation: Hostels like Le Regent Montmartre from €25–€35/night

Day 4–5: Brussels, Belgium

Just 1.5 hours from Paris by bus or train, Brussels offers a delightful blend of politics, chocolate, and architecture.

Budget Tips:

• Explore on foot—most attractions are clustered near the city centre
• Try frites and waffles from street vendors instead of sit-down meals
• Visit museums with free entry on Wednesdays

Must-See:

• Grand Place (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Manneken Pis (quirky but iconic)
• Atomium (photo-op from outside if short on budget)

Accommodation: MEININGER Brussels City Centre or Sleep Well Youth Hostel from €20–€30/night

Day 6–7: Amsterdam, Netherlands

A cultural heavyweight with striking canals and world-class museums, Amsterdam is as walkable as it is photogenic.

Budget Tips:

• Rent a bike or walk—the city is compact
• Buy a GVB day ticket (€8.50) for unlimited trams and buses
• Book museum tickets online to avoid long queues and inflated prices

Must-See:

• Vondelpark and the Jordaan district
• Anne Frank House (book well in advance)
• Rijksmuseum gardens (free), and external views of the building

Accommodation: The Flying Pig Downtown or ClinkNOORD from €25–€35/night

Day 8–10: Cologne & Rhine Valley, Germany

Trade tourist-packed Berlin for Cologne—smaller, cheaper, and no less intriguing. Combine it with a scenic Rhine Valley loop.

Budget Tips:

• Use a German Länder ticket for unlimited regional train travel (e.g. NRW Ticket ~€32 for a group of 5)
• Take advantage of Germany’s excellent budget grocery chains (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe)

Must-See:

• Cologne Cathedral (free entry)
• Hohenzollern Bridge and love locks
• Day cruise or train ride along the Rhine (Koblenz–Bacharach–Rüdesheim)

Accommodation: Hostels in Cologne from €20/night; local B&Bs in Rhine towns often cheaper and more charming

Day 11–14: Lucerne & Interlaken, Switzerland

Switzerland may seem like a budget travel nemesis, but Lucerne and Interlaken offer stunning scenery and free outdoor activities.

Budget Tips:

• Purchase the Tell-Pass or a regional day pass for reduced train fares
• Many hiking trails are free and public transport-friendly
• Buy groceries from Coop or Migros and picnic by a lake

Must-See:

• Chapel Bridge and Lucerne Old Town
• Lake Lucerne ferry (covered by Swiss rail passes)
• Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Trümmelbach Falls (low-cost entry)

Accommodation: Balmers Hostel in Interlaken or Lucerne Youth Hostel from €30–€45/night

Travel Logistics and Budgeting

Transport Options:

• FlixBus: Affordable bus travel across all destinations (€5–€30 per leg)
• Eurail Global Pass (4 days in 1 month): €258 for youth, best used for long-haul routes (e.g. Paris–Amsterdam, Amsterdam–Cologne, Cologne–Lucerne)
• Local transit passes: Always research day/multi-day options in each city

Accommodation:

• Average hostel prices: €20–€35 per night
• Total accommodation budget: Approx. €420–€490 for 14 nights

Food:

• Cook at hostels or buy supermarket meals where possible
• Daily food budget: €10–€15 (less if self-catering)
• Indulge in one or two sit-down meals to sample local cuisine

Daily Cost Estimate

Pro Tip: Travel with a student or youth ID—many museums, transport companies, and hostels offer generous discounts.

Advanced Travel Hacks for Budget Backpackers

• Bring a refillable water bottle—tap water is drinkable everywhere
• Use offline maps and apps (e.g., Maps.me, Rome2Rio, Omio)
• Book trains and buses early—especially FlixBus and Deutsche Bahn
• Sleep on overnight transport to save on accommodation

Cultural Considerations

• Learn basic phrases in French, Dutch, and German—it’s appreciated
• Be punctual for transport—particularly in Switzerland and Germany
• Respect local norms regarding noise, tipping, and queuing

Key Takeaway

This 2-week budget itinerary through Europe shows that Western Europe backpacking doesn’t have to be financially daunting. By focusing on less obvious cities, choosing slow travel, and capitalising on local passes and hostel networks, you’ll experience a cross-section of Europe’s most captivating regions without sacrificing your budget or your experience.

Europe, Affordably and Authentically

Western Europe has long been painted as a luxury destination, but the reality is more nuanced. With thoughtful planning and a flexible itinerary, even the most celebrated destinations can become part of a cheap travel Europe route.

So grab your backpack, prep your Eurail app, and get ready to traverse Western Europe on your terms—deliberately, affordably, and full of curiosity.