My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Finding Cheap Flights to Get Me There
As a solo budget traveler, finding cheap flights is absolutely essential for me to be able to afford visiting a new European city every month. I rely on flight deal sites like Secret Flying and Scott's Cheap Flights to alert me to low fares, but I always double check on Google Flights as well.
My strategy is to be as flexible as possible on dates, airlines, and departure airports when searching for flights. I set up alerts for a few target destinations I'm interested in visiting over the next 6 months. As soon as I get an alert for a good deal, I hop on Google Flights and search those exact dates as a starting point.
From there, I play around with nearby airport options on both ends of the route. For example, flying into Brussels (BRU) instead of Amsterdam (AMS) for a long weekend in the Netherlands saved me over $100 last fall. I also look at flying out on Thursday night instead of Friday to see if I can get an even lower fare.
Once I've identified the cheapest dates and route options, I start tracking the price to see if it drops any further before I book. I use Google Flights' price tracking feature which shows a calendar view of fares and sends me an email alert if my preferred dates fall in price. Patience has paid off - I've scored $350 roundtrips to Europe this way!
When it comes time to book, I always search on the budget airlines directly as they don't show up on Google Flights. Norwegian, Vueling, easyJet, and Ryanair have gotten me across the pond for under $250 roundtrip on multiple occasions. The trade off is I need to travel light and forgo seat selection and baggage allowances. For quick long weekend trips, it's worth it!
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Navigating Public Transportation to Get Around
Getting around European cities using public transportation is one of my favorite parts of city breaks. Not only does it save a ton of money compared to taking Ubers or taxis everywhere, it puts me right in the heart of the local hustle and bustle. After dozens of solo weekend trips, I've gotten the hang of mastering metro, tram, bus, and even ferry systems in cities across Europe.
For starters, I always download the local public transit app as soon as I land. Citymapper is my go-to - it covers most major European cities and makes route planning effortless. I punch in where I want to go and it tells me which metro lines, buses, or trams to take and how long the journey will be.
I also take some time to study the metro map and major stops near my hostel. Having a sense of the layout and where key spots are makes navigating quicker once I'm out and about. Nothing ruins your city exploration momentum like having to stop every 5 minutes to reorient yourself on the metro map!
When boarding metros, trams, and buses, I keep my ticket, transit card, or change handy so I can validate quickly without holding up the line. I've found transit riders across Europe to be impatient with dawdling tourists at ticket machines!
For longer journeys that require multiple connections, I plot the course out ahead of time on Citymapper to ensure I allow enough time for transfers. Nothing feels worse than missing the connection you needed by seconds and having to wait 20 minutes for the next one.
An underrated benefit of public transportation is meeting locals who can share insider tips. On the metro in Brussels, a friendly passenger suggested I check out the Musical Instrument Museum after overhearing my travel plans - it ended up being a highlight!
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Opting for Hostels Over Hotels to Save Money
Thankfully, staying in hostels rather than hotels has been a total game changer for me. Hostels allow me to meet fellow travelers and keep my lodging expenses minimal so I have more cash to enjoy the actual city!
I target hostels that offer private rooms with shared bathroom facilities to get the community vibe without sacrificing too much privacy or sleep. The freeamenities like WiFi, breakfast, and communal kitchens are clutch as well.
Places like Generator Hostel, Wombats, and Meininger Hotels are modernEuropean brands found in many major cities. Their private rooms with lockers cost as little as $25-50 per night depending on the city. That’sa fraction of what even budget hotel rooms cost in the same locales.
Booking shared dorm beds drops the price even further, often to just $15-25 per night. I’ve had really positive dorm experiences and met some great travel buddies this way. Some hostels even have "female only" dorm options which can be less intimidating for solo women travelers.
A key factor is location – I look for centrally located hostels within walkingdistance or a short metro ride to major attractions. Places in the heart of the action tend to book up far in advance, so planning ahead is essential.
While hostels have more basic amenities than hotels, the social environment creates opportunities hotels simply can’t match. You’ll bond with fellow globetrottersin the shared kitchen whipping up meals, swap travel stories over beers in the lively bar, and might even make travel buddies toexplore the city together.
After staying in loads of hostels across Europe, I’ve concluded spending barely $30 per night on accommodation allows me to indulge in fancier meals out, take those pricey walking tours I’ve been eyeing up, and splurge on cultural events.
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Eating on a Budget Without Sacrificing Taste
One of the best parts of traveling is experiencing all the delicious food a new city has to offer. But dining out multiple times a day can quickly devour your vacation funds. As a budget solo traveler, I've mastered the art of eating incredibly well without breaking the bank in cities across Europe. It just takes a little planning and creativity.
First things first - take advantage of free hostel breakfasts! Most hostels offer complimentary morning meals to guests, usually consisting of bread, cereal, fruit, coffee, tea, juice and sometimes eggs or pancakes. While it's not gourmet, filling up on breakfast sets you up for the day and saves on having to buy lunch. Some hostels even have family-style group dinners certain nights of the week for around €5-10—great way to bond with other travelers over a homecooked meal.
For lunch, grab a savory crepe from a street vendor, fresh produce and cheese from the market to DIY a picnic, or try a doner kebab (German street food staple that's delicious!). Things like soup, sandwiches, empanadas or pasta dishes at casual cafes also offer good value and don't skimp on flavor. The key is sticking to one course - avoid the temptation of appetizers, drinks and dessert when you're paying out of pocket.
When it comes to dinner, set yourself up for an unbelievable meal without overspending by timing it right. Restaurants tend to offer the best prix fixe deals for multi course dinners early in the week - I'm talking 2-3 courses including an appetizer, entree and sometimes dessert or wine for under €20 total. Hitting up bars and pubs for happy hour deals is another smart move. You can fill up on half priced tapas, cheap cocktails and discounted bar bites.
Lastly, don't be shy about asking for the local or student discounts! Many museums, attractions and transportation providers offer reduced rates if you show a valid student ID. Same goes for restaurants - if they advertise a student menu or meal deal, don't hesitate to politely ask if you can take advantage of the lower pricing. The worst they can say is no.
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Experiencing Free Activities and Attractions
One of the best parts of traveling on a budget is discovering all the incredible free things each city has to offer. As much as we'd love to tour every museum and landmark, entrance fees add up quickly. That's why researching and experiencing free attractions and activities is essential for budget-minded travelers like myself. Not only does it save precious cash, but it leads you to hidden gems and local favorites you may have otherwise overlooked.
On every trip, I make it a priority to hunt down free walking tours. Companies like Sandeman's New Europe operate complimentary tours all over Europe, covering different neighborhoods and themes in each city. The guides work for tips only, so you pay what you feel it was worth at the end. I've learned more local history, stories, and insider tips from these tours than I would have just wandering around on my own. Because the guides are locals, they provide a unique grassroots perspective you can't get from guidebooks or blogs.
I also tap into tourism boards and city websites to find out about free festivals, concerts, markets, and other special events happening during my trip. Time it right, and you can stumble upon amazing street performances, open air cinema nights, and pop-up markets and festivals. For example, on a summer trip to Oslo, Norway I was thrilled to take part in their annual Pride parade and festival which was totally free and open to all.
Most cities have at least a few free museums and galleries, whether it's on certain days or times of the week or always free entry. Asking locals and checking museum websites ahead of time lets me plan visits to take advantage of free admission periods. Even just walking the neighborhoods yields all kinds of serendipitous discoveries of quirky public art installations, impromptu music performances, and eye-catching street murals.
Parks are an obvious but excellent free option to soak up the local scenery. Pack a budget picnic and post up in a sprawling green urban oasis you'd never guess exists in the bustling city center. No museum ticket required to enjoy the people watching and idyllic atmosphere.
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Walking Tours to Learn the History and Culture
Walking tours are my go-to activity when visiting a new European city. They provide an affordable, accessible way to get oriented in the destination while learning about its rich history and culture first-hand from passionate local guides. Unlike taking a bus tour or just wandering aimlessly through pretty streets, walking tours give helpful context that brings the sights to life.
For a solo traveler like me, walking tours are a perfect way to meet fellow travelers who also want to dive into the city's heritage. I've made fast friends debating where to grab dinner together after our tour wraps up. The groups tend to stay small and intimate as well. My Prague walking tour had just 6 of us, so we could ask lots of questions without the guide having to shout over a megaphone just to be heard like on oversized bus tours.
Even in cities I've visited multiple times, I discover new hidden gems and enlightening origin stories through walking tours. In Berlin, my guide took us to an easy-to-miss canal where houseboats reflected shimmering sunlight, telling how post WWII housing shortages led creative residents to make homes on the water. I gained insight that history books and plaques along major tourist routes just can't provide.
Walking tour companies pride themselves on recruiting only the most knowledgeable, passionate guides - people who genuinely love their cities and want to share insider perspectives with visitors. They're able to weave in personal anecdotes and funny tidbits that would never make it into a stuffy textbook. The tours feel more like being shown around by a witty friend than a rehearsed robot reciting dates and names.
I also appreciate when walking tours make a point to highlight more offbeat and diverse historical figures and events, not just the textbook male politicians and wars. One of my favorite experiences was a feminist walking tour in Berlin. We learned how the city shaped modern women's rights movements and honored activists who courageously fought for equality.
Beyond history, many walking tours also provide an entertaining crash course on contemporary local culture. Guides offer tips on everything from navigating public transit, to restaurant recommendations for traditional cuisine, to etiquette and customs. Those practical elements gave me the confidence to continue exploring the city with gusto after parting ways with my guide.
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Meeting Other Travelers at Hostel Events
One of the most enriching parts of staying in hostels is connecting with fellow travelers from around the world. Hostels facilitate this in fun, memorable ways by organizing events that bring guests together to mingle and make new friends. As a solo traveler, I've learned these lively social gatherings are the perfect antidote to loneliness on the road.
Hostels often host free welcome receptions when you check-in to kickstart conversations. Lingering over complimentary drinks and snacks makes it easy to approach other travelers about their plans and swap recommendations. I once got invited on an epic pastry tour by a Danish backpacker I met at my hostel's welcome happy hour in Prague!
Game and movie nights pump up the energy. My hostel in Berlin had epic Jenga competitions where we’d strategize and cheer each other on while swapping travel stories between turns. When I struggled to remove a block, a lively group of Aussie girls gave me tips and encouragement until I finally freed it - we ended up pub-crawling together later that night.
Hostel-organized activities like walking tours, cooking classes, and day trips outside the city also facilitate fast friendships. Trekking to Stonehenge together with my London hostel-mates annealed our bond as we cracked jokes to pass time on the bus and shared epic photos snacking on the grassy fields.
For solo travelers seeking cultural connections, language exchanges and tandem meetups unite global citizens. I sharpened my pitiful Italian with Rome hostel guests from Sicily and Tuscany over limoncello on the terrace. In return, they got to practice English slang and idioms with lots of laughter on both sides.
Hostels also embrace sharing local cuisine through affordable family-style dinners or cooking classes. My favorite was hand-making authentic Neapolitan pizza from scratch with fellow foodies at my hostel’s weekly Pizza Night in Naples. Afterward, we headed out for gelato - my treat thanks to the money saved cooking together.
Spontaneous adventures ignite when you befriend hostel travelers as thrilled by nightlife as you. Thanks to a Polish bartender I befriended while playing hostel foosball in Budapest, I had the time of my life discovering ruin pubs and thermal spas.
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Packing Light to Stay Mobile
One of the keys to maximizing my time and minimizing fatigue during my quick weekend city hops is packing as lightly as possible. I’ve mastered the art of fitting everything I need for a multi-day urban getaway into a 30-40L backpack. Packing light allows me to walk briskly and navigate crowded metros, trams, and sidewalks without lugging around a huge suitcase. It also makes taking budget airlines that charge for checked bags more feasible.
I stick to versatile neutral-colored clothing that mixes and matches easily so I can get multiple wears without needing to do laundry. Items like black leggings, dark wash jeans, black and grey t-shirts, a cozy sweater, and a denim jacket form the basis of my capsule wardrobe. I also make sure to bring weather-appropriate layers like a raincoat, scarf, and beanie so I’m prepared for the local climate. Having just 8-10 thoughtfully chosen tops and bottoms prevents overpacking while providing enough outfit options to stay feeling fresh.
When it comes to footwear, I pick one versatile pair of walking shoes like Allbirds or ultra-packable sneakers. A comfortable, supportive shoe that goes with everything eliminates the need to pack multiple pairs for different activities. I sometimes stash a slightly dressier pair of foldable flats or loafers in my bag for going out at night when I want to give my feet a break from athletic shoes. But choosing multi-purpose shoes that work for daytime exploring and eveningactivities helps keep luggage lean.
To avoid checking a bag, I stick to airline-approved liquids and gels under 3 oz. Fillable travel bottles allow me to pack just the right amount of toiletries like face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen needed for the length of my trip. I also look for toiletries that multitask, like a 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner. Skipping hairdryers and other bulky styling tools is a must since hostels always have them available to borrow for free.
My backpack contains a few lightweight tech accessories that make a huge lifestyle difference while traveling. I never leave home without a portable phone charger and adapter, mini power strip for convenient plugin access, lightweight collapsible daypack for excursions, silk sleeping mask and earplugs for noisy hostel dorms, microfiber travel towel, and a padlock for hostel lockers. Though small, these items add much-needed comfort and convenience on the road.
To pare down electronics, I just bring my smartphone and a Kindle loaded up with books. My phone can snap photos, access maps, play music, and serve as my e-reader in a pinch. For safety, I back up my phone photos to the cloud each evening in case anything happens to my device. Skipping bulky laptops and tablets keeps my bag light and deterstheft.
My Monthly Solo European City Breaks: How I'm Exploring Europe's Top Cities on a Budget in 2023 - Balancing Fun Activities with Self-Care
While cramming in as many sights, tours, and events as possible may seem like the best way to maximize my limited time in Europe's top cities, I've learned the hard way that burning the candle at both ends leads to needing a vacation from your vacation. As exhilarating as trying to see and do it all can be initially, lack of sleep, skipped meals, and nonstop stimulation inevitably catch up with you. Hitting the wall mid-trip takes the magic out of exploring incredible new places.
That's why I now build in plenty of rejuvenating downtime between high-octane activities to sustain energy and enjoyment. Late mornings lingering over coffee and pastries recharge me before an action-packed afternoon. Refueling with leisurely lunches in cozy cafes or leafy parks clears brain fog. Taking an evening bubble bath and turning in early with a good book resets me for the next day's adventures.
I also limit myself to one major sightseeing stop or intensive tour per day. Whether it's the Louvre in Paris or a street art walking tour in Berlin, in-depth cultural experiences require mental stamina. Trying to cram in back-to-back similar activities day after day leads to diminishing returns. I'd rather fully absorb one iconic museum or guided tour than shuffle through three in a blur of exhaustion.
Staying hydrated and avoiding overindulging in food, alcohol, and caffeine keeps my mind sharp and mood stable. When I'm dragging, I treat myself to little luxuries like a massage, facial, or spa visit rather than reaching for more quick-fix espresso shots. Taking brief mental timeouts in relaxing green spaces or places of worship clears my mind amidst the exhilarating city energy.
Solo travel can be draining, so I make an effort to have real conversations when social opportunities pop up, whether it's chatting with my walking tour guide or talking trains with a friendly passenger. Human connection reenergizes me. I also call friends and family occasionally – hearing familiar voices is comforting.
If I really need a digital detox, I'll leave my phone locked in my hostel locker for a few hours and wander around completely present, people watching and window shopping instead of viewing the world through my camera.