2 Weeks in Europe for Under $1,500: The Ultimate Budget Itinerary

Europe doesn't have to be expensive. With smart planning, budget airlines, and hostel booking strategies, two remarkable weeks are entirely achievable on $1,500.

The Route

**Days 1–3: Lisbon, Portugal** — Cheapest Western European capital, incredible food.

**Days 4–5: Porto, Portugal** — €12 train from Lisbon, port wine at $5 a glass.

**Days 6–8: Barcelona, Spain** — Budget Ryanair flight from Porto (~€30).

**Days 9–10: Rome, Italy** — Vueling from Barcelona (~€40).

**Days 11–12: Prague, Czech Republic** — Wizz Air from Rome (~€35).

**Days 13–14: Budapest, Hungary** — $5 Flixbus from Prague (3 hours).

Budget Breakdown

- **Flights:** ~$250 (mix of budget airlines + points) - **Accommodation:** ~$400 (hostels at $25–35/night average) - **Food:** ~$450 ($30/day — mix of supermarket, street food, one restaurant) - **Transport:** ~$200 (local transport + trains) - **Attractions:** ~$200 (selective paid attractions, many free sights)

Total: ~$1,500

Key Money-Saving Tips

1. Book Eurail passes for multiple train journeys 2. Use Hostelworld for the best hostel deals 3. Eat lunch set menus instead of à la carte 4. Visit museums on free admission days 5. Use a no-foreign-fee credit card