I used to think a trip to Europe was only for rich people. You know the type. They are always on my social media with a hot coffee, a fancy coat, and the Eiffel Tower in the background. As a middle-class person from India with a real bank balance and strict parents, I had one major question. Which are the cheapest European countries to visit without selling a kidney? I spent months planning, researching, and finally traveling. Budget For Europe Trip 2 Weeks From India is a topic that many people worry about, but I found that it is totally possible if you choose the right spots.
I have done several trips now. I used budget airlines, overnight buses, and stayed in more hostels than I can count. Europe does not have to be crazy expensive. You just need to pick the right europe tour countries and travel smart. In this guide, I will share every detail about how I managed my money, where I stayed, and how you can plan your own europe tour itinerary 2 weeks without stress.
The Big Question: How Much Does It Really Cost?
Let us be honest. Money is the first thing we think about. When I talk about a “cheap” trip, I mean a budget or backpacker style. First of all, you need to know the daily costs. In many affordable countries, a dorm bed in a hostel costs between ₹1,200 and ₹2,500 per night. If you want a simple guesthouse or a budget hotel for two people, expect to pay ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. A local meal usually costs between ₹400 and ₹900. Therefore, a daily budget of ₹3,500 to ₹6,000 is realistic, excluding your flights.
I looked at many different options for my journey. The cost of europe trip for 2 weeks for two adults typically ranges from ₹3,68,800 to ₹7,20,600. This total includes everything from flights to visas. However, if you are traveling alone on a shoestring budget, you might spend around ₹1.45L to ₹2.35L for those 14 days. Additionally, a mid-range trip where you stay in three-star hotels often costs between ₹2.83L and ₹4.88L.
Some people want to stay longer. I checked the 21 days europe tour from india price and found it can scale up significantly. Similarly, the one month europe trip cost for a mid-range traveler can go quite high, often starting around ₹5.5L if you include more luxury options. Plus, for a basic one-month trip, you should budget at least ₹3L to ₹4L to be safe.
Picking the Best Europe Trip Package
Sometimes, planning every single thing is a headache. I realized that many people prefer a europe trip package because the travel company handles the hotels and transport. For example, a 7 to 9-day europe trip package from India usually costs between ₹1.25L and ₹1.75L. These often include return flights, hotels with breakfast, and guided tours.
I also noticed specific options like europe tour packages from india for senior citizens. These are great because they move at a slower pace. One package I saw for seniors started at ₹3,52,690 for 15 nights. It included Indian meals and an experienced tour manager who speaks Hindi and English. On top of that, there are customized europe tour packages that let you pick exactly which cities you want to see, like a mix of Paris, Amsterdam, and the Swiss Alps.
Booking Your Flights Smartly
Flight tickets are usually the biggest cost. I found that a round-trip ticket from cities like Mumbai or Delhi to hubs like London, Paris, or Rome costs between ₹40,000 and ₹80,000. However, if you are flexible, you can find deals. I once saw a one-way flight from New Delhi for as low as ₹15,671.
I learned that October is actually the cheapest month to fly from India to Europe. On the contrary, April and January are the most expensive months. Therefore, I recommend booking your flights at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Also, flying on a Tuesday often saves money. Similarly, using an “open-jaw” strategy—where you fly into one city, like Paris, and fly out of another, like Rome—saves a lot of travel time.
Dealing with the Schengen Visa
You cannot enter most of these countries without a Schengen Visa. This visa allows you to visit 29 different countries. First of all, the visa fee for an adult is €80, which is about ₹7,200. Additionally, you must pay VFS service charges, which are usually between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000.
I had to show a lot of documents. A valid passport, flight bookings, and hotel confirmations are necessary. On top of that, you need a bank statement showing a stable balance. For a 15-day stay in France, a balance of ₹2.0L to ₹2.5L is often recommended. Finally, do not forget the mandatory travel insurance. It must cover at least €30,000 in medical costs and be valid in all Schengen states.
Where to Go? My Top 10 Budget Countries
I discovered that Eastern and Southeastern Europe are the real winners for budget travelers. These places are often 30% to 50% cheaper than Western Europe. Here is my list of the best spots to include in your europe tour itinerary 2 weeks.
1. Hungary – The Beauty of Budapest
Budapest is the city that convinced me Europe can be cheap. I found a hostel bed for about €15 to €20 (roughly ₹1,400 to ₹1,800). I ate a full meal by the Danube river for less than the cost of a coffee in Mumbai. Local snacks like Lángos (fried bread) are delicious and only cost a few Euros.
2. Poland – Real History and Low Prices
Kraków is one of my favorite cities now. I stayed in a hostel for €12 to €18. I also ate at “milk bars,” which are old-school canteens that serve huge meals for €4 to €7. The history here is heavy, but the city is beautiful.
3. Czech Republic – Beyond Prague
Prague is famous and can be crowded, but it is still cheaper than London or Paris. I found local pubs serving big portions of goulash for €7 to €10. Later, I visited smaller towns like Český Krumlov, which were even more affordable and less rushed.
4. Romania – The Land of Castles
Romania was a big surprise. In Bucharest, hostels start around €10 to €15. I loved the Transylvania region. Places like Brașov have cute old towns and mountains that look like a movie set. Additionally, the food is very filling and cheap, with full meals costing only €5 to €8.
5. Bulgaria – Beaches and History
Bulgaria is a hidden gem for us Indians. In the capital, Sofia, I stayed in a hostel for €12 a night. If you go in the summer, the Black Sea coast has great beaches that are much cheaper than the ones in Greece.
6. Serbia – Great Vibes and Big Portions
Belgrade is full of energy. I found private rooms for €20 to €30 when I booked ahead. The food is amazing if you like grilled meats. A full plate usually costs around €5 to €7.
7. Bosnia & Herzegovina – A Mix of East and West
Sarajevo is a place that everyone should visit. It feels like a mix of different worlds with mosques and churches standing side by side. I paid about €10 to €14 for a hostel bed. The famous bridge in Mostar is a must-see.
8. Albania – The Secret Riviera
Albania is just now becoming popular. I found a private room in a homestay for €18, and that included a homemade breakfast. The beaches on the Albanian Riviera look like they belong in a luxury magazine, but the prices are very low.
9. Montenegro – Tiny but Stunning
The Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. It is slightly more expensive than Albania but still much cheaper than Italy. I paid about €7 to €10 for meals in sit-down restaurants.
10. Portugal – The Best of the West
Portugal is the most affordable country in Western Europe. In Lisbon and Porto, I found hostels for €18 to €25. I ate at local family-run spots called “tascas” where a set lunch costs about €8 to €12.
Step 4: Transportation Inside Europe
Moving between cities is another place where you can save a lot of money. I used a mix of trains, buses, and low-cost flights.
First of all, buses are your best friend for saving money. Companies like FlixBus and RegioJet offer cross-border tickets for as low as €10 to €30. I even took an overnight bus a few times to save on the cost of a hotel for one night.
Gradually, I learned that trains are faster and very comfortable. High-speed trains take you right into the center of the city. However, they can be expensive if you do not book early. I looked into the Eurail Pass, which gives you unlimited travel across 33 countries. For a 14-day trip, a 4-day pass costs about €300. I found that this pass is worth it only if you plan to take many long-distance trips. Therefore, for just a few cities, I recommend buying individual point-to-point tickets early.
Plus, there are budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. I found tickets for less than €30. At that time, I had to be very careful about luggage fees. A cheap €40 ticket can quickly become €90 if you have a big suitcase.
Step 5: How to Eat Well on a Budget
Food can be a major expense if you are not careful. I followed a few simple rules. First of all, I always looked for the “menu of the day” or “dnevni meni”. These are lunch specials that usually include a soup, a main course, and a side for €6 to €9. On the contrary, ordering the same items separately at dinner would cost twice as much.
Additionally, I ate a lot of street food. In Budapest, I ate Chimney Cake, and in Serbia, I loved the Burek. These snacks are very cheap and filling. I also carried some instant food from India, like poha and upma. This helped me when I was traveling late at night or wanted to save money on a long train ride.
Finally, I always carried a reusable water bottle. Tap water is safe to drink in most of these countries, so I never had to buy expensive bottled water.
Step 6: Accommodation Secrets
Where you sleep changes everything. Hostels are great because you meet other travelers and get free local tips. I stayed in places like the Maverick Urban Lodge in Budapest, which was very clean and central. However, if you travel as a couple, an Airbnb or a small apartment with a kitchen might be cheaper per person. I could cook my own breakfast and dinner occasionally to save cash.
Step 7: Packing and Staying Connected
I packed light. Seriously. Carrying a heavy bag on cobblestone streets is not fun. I wore comfortable walking shoes and layered my clothes because the weather in Europe changes fast.
For staying connected, I did not use my Indian SIM card because the roaming charges are huge. Instead, I bought an eSIM before I landed. I used Airalo, and it cost me only about $5 for a basic data pack. This was enough for maps and booking my next bus ticket.
My Suggested 2-Week Itinerary
If you want the Best Budget For Europe Trip 2 Weeks From India, I suggest a route through Central and Eastern Europe.
- Days 1–3: Budapest, Hungary. Explore the Buda Castle and soak in the Széchenyi thermal baths.
- Days 4–5: Bratislava, Slovakia. A quick bus ride from Budapest. Walk through the Old Town.
- Days 6–8: Prague, Czech Republic. See the Charles Bridge at sunrise and visit the massive castle complex.
- Days 9–11: Kraków, Poland. Visit the cute cafes in the Old Town and take a day trip to the Salt Mines.
- Days 12–14: Warsaw, Poland. A modern city with a lot of history. Fly back to India from here as flights are often cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to Europe from India for 2 weeks?
A basic 14-day trip for one person usually costs between ₹1.45L and ₹2.35L. However, a mid-range journey for a couple can range from ₹3,68,800 to ₹7,20,600 once you include all flights and hotels.
How much money does a 2 week trip to Europe cost?
A standard budget traveler generally spends between $1,800 and $3,000 for a two-week stay. Gradually, you will see that a mid-range trip often requires $3,500 to $6,000.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
This amount is likely not enough if you need it to cover international flights. Therefore, you should treat 1000 euros as a budget for your daily food and travel only.
Is 2 weeks enough for a Europe trip?
Yes, 14 days is a very practical and fulfilling amount of time for a first-timer. You can visit 4 to 5 major cities without feeling too rushed. Finally, this duration balances sightseeing and rest perfectly.
What is the cheapest month to travel to Europe?
October is the cheapest month for return flights from India. Additionally, February and early March are very budget-friendly periods for low prices.
Can I go to Europe visa free?
Indian passport holders must have a Schengen visa to visit most European countries. Plus, some spots like Albania or Serbia might offer easier entry rules if you have a valid US or UK visa.
Is 2000 enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
If you mean 2000 USD or EUR, yes, that is a solid budget for a 2-week trip. On the contrary, 2000 INR will not even cover your transport to the airport in India.
Is $5000 enough for a vacation?
Yes, $5000 is a great amount for a mid-range vacation for two weeks. Also, it covers nice hotels and good sit-down meals easily.
What is the best time of year to visit Europe?
The best value for your money happens in April to June and September to October. Though the winter is pretty, these shoulder seasons have the best weather for walking.
Is France costly for Indians?
Yes, France is part of the high-cost tier in Western Europe. Similarly, countries like Switzerland and the UK are also more expensive than the East.
Can I survive on $1000 a month?
This is very difficult because the lowest daily budget is about €35 to €75. Therefore, $1000 a month would only allow for a very basic lifestyle in the cheapest cities.
What is the most expensive country in Europe for tourists?
Switzerland is a major outlier with very high daily costs. On top of that, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are the most expensive regions overall.
Where to go with 2 weeks in Europe?
The classic route includes France, Switzerland, and Italy. Alternatively, a Central Europe route through Germany, Czechia, Austria, and Hungary is much better for a tight budget.
How much does a 15 day Europe trip cost?
A full grand tour for 15 days often costs between ₹2.45L and ₹3.25L per person. Additionally, special senior citizen packages for 15 nights start at around ₹3,52,690.
How much should I budget for spending in Europe?
You should plan for €75 to €125 per day for a standard mid-range style. First of all, backpackers can manage on €35 to €75 daily if they are careful.
Which country in Europe is the cheapest to visit?
Hungary, Poland, and Romania are very affordable for Indians. Plus, countries like Bulgaria and Albania offer some of the lowest costs in the region.
What is the most expensive month to visit Europe?
April and January have the highest return flight prices from India. Later, the summer peak in June to August makes all hotels and tours more expensive.
Is $100 a day enough for Europe?
Yes, 100 euros a day is a standard average for daily costs, not counting your hotel. Gradually, you can save even more money by buying food at local markets.
Concluding words
A trip to Europe for two weeks is a dream that you can achieve with smart planning. You should focus on Eastern European countries like Hungary and Poland to keep your costs low. First of all, book your flights and visas at least three months early.
A budget of ₹1.7L to ₹2.4L per person is a safe start for a 14-day basic journey. Therefore, you can see many famous landmarks and enjoy local food without huge financial stress. Europe is a land of great history and beauty. You will find it worth every rupee.
