Backpacking Europe Itinerary
Having decided to backpack through Europe, the next most important decision you’ll make is what to include in your European backpacking itinerary. Europe is a vast area, with some parts better connected than others, so it’s important you get your planning sorted well in advance of your trip. This article will describe my itinerary from a few years back when I went for 4 weeks. If you’re planning a longer or shorter trip then you can adapt it accordingly, but I believe it is the good basis for most trips.
This itinerary focuses on central and Eastern Europe as they are well placed to be combined in a relatively short period. No one wants to spend days on buses and trains, so I have tried to limit travel time where possible. Europe has been around for a few million years already, and will probably be around for a few million more – you can always go back!
People expect different things from their backpacking trips and like to do things at different speeds. Personally, I’d rather do fewer towns and cities and spend more time in each, but I know that some people like to do a whistle stop tour of city, maybe only staying a night or two, just so it can be ‘ticked off the list’. If your one of these people, this backpacking itinerary may not be for you!
Days 1-3 – Amsterdam – Great city that is centrally located with excellent transportation links from almost everywhere in the world.
Day 3-6 – Brussels – Only a two hour train journey from Amsterdam, Brussels is a vibrant city steeped in history. Be sure to check out the Cantillion brewery.
Days 6-10 – Paris – The City of Love is next on the agenda with its must see attractions the Eiffel Tower and the Art De Triumph. Paris is an expensive city so make sure you spend wisely.
Days 10-13 – Barcelona – Known as the party capital of Europe, Barcelona is a must see city. It’s roughly a 12 hour train journey from Paris so I recommend getting a night train so you can have a sleep.
Days 13 – 17 – Rome- There’s so much to do in Rome that I recommend at least 4 days there, but it could be shorten dependant on your time scales.
Days 17- 20 – Zagreb – Although one of the more industrial Croatian cities, Zagreb’s architecture, hustle and bustle, and great food should still be experienced. It can be reached in under 5 hours by boat from Rome.
Days 20 – 23 – Budapest – Another stunning city with great architecture. It’s salt baths most be experienced.
Days 23-27 – Prague – It would be foolish to go to this part of Europe without going to Prague. Although not as cultured as other places on this itinerary, its 24hr party culture most be experienced! Be careful though; stay on the main streets as there are a number on savoury characters.
That’s as far as money would allow me to travel on this particularly occasion, but if I had more I would defiantly explore more of Eastern Europe including Russia and Bulgaria. Let me know what you think; is there anything you’d do different?
