Planning a 2-week trip to Europe is hard work — so many cities, so little time. Do you go for the big-name capitals like Paris and Rome? Or chase countryside villages and mimic Bollywood road trips? Trust me, I’ve been there. After living in Europe for three years and traveling all over, I know firsthand how overwhelming it is to nail down the perfect route.

But here’s the thing: there’s no “perfect” Europe itinerary. 

Whether you’re dealing with a passport that limits your options or flying in from halfway across the world, the temptation to cram as much as possible into two weeks is real. But let’s be honest—nonstop sightseeing isn’t always the best way to experience Europe. Running through five countries in two weeks might look impressive on paper, but in reality, it’s a blur of train stations and overpriced airport sandwiches.This guide is for first-time travelers who want to see the best of Europe without rushing through it or making rookie mistakes. Instead of telling you exactly where to go, I’ll help you plan a trip that fits your travel style—whether you’re all about history, nature, or food.

What This Guide Covers

  • How to pick an itinerary based on your travel style
  • Essential planning tips: budget, flights, best time to go
  • Transport options and how to get around without wasting time
  • Sample 2-week itineraries—whether you want classic cities, budget-friendly spots, or nature-focused adventures

What I definitely wouldn’t recommend? Planning your trip based on someone else’s preferences. Your trip should be personal, not a checklist of Instagram hotspots. I’ll help you build an itinerary that actually makes sense for you—without the stress.

How to plan a 2-week Europe Trip Itinerary
Wandering aimlessly through streets in Athens
A view of the rooftops in Lisbon.
Rooftops of Lisbon

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1. Planning Essentials: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Before you start locking in flights and scrolling through dreamy Airbnbs, you need to figure out a few big-picture logistics—how much this trip is actually going to cost, when to go, and whether your itinerary even makes sense. Mess this part up, and you’ll either blow through your budget in a week or spend half your trip stuck on trains instead of actually exploring.

Budget: How Much Does a 2-Week Europe Trip Cost?

Let’s be real—Europe isn’t cheap, but how much you spend will depend massively on where you go. There’s a huge difference between sipping cocktails in Switzerland and grabbing $2 beers in Budapest.

Average Daily Budget by Region

Western Europe (France, UK, Switzerland) = The most expensive. Expect to spend more on accommodation, food, and transport.
Central & Eastern Europe (Czechia, Hungary, Poland) = Much more affordable—think $2 beers and $5 meals.
Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy) = Somewhere in between. You can eat amazing food for cheap, but major cities still have high tourist prices.

Estimated Daily Budget:

Backpacker: $70–$100/day (hostels, cheap eats, budget transport).
Mid-range: $100–$150/day (boutique hotels, occasional splurges, trains)
Luxury: $200+/day (fancy hotels, private tours, Michelin-star restaurants)

Ways to Save Money:

  • Book flights early—prices jump the closer you get to your travel dates. 
  • Travel in the shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
  • Use budget airlines strategically—Ryanair and EasyJet have crazy cheap flights, but  triple-check baggage policies before booking. That $20 flight can turn into $80 real quick if you don’t read the fine print.
  • Trains and buses can save you money—FlixBus is cheap, and Eurail passes might be worth it if you’re traveling long distances.
  • Eat like a local— if you see a restaurant with an English menu outside and a guy waving tourists in, probably not the best place to eat. 

Flights: Open-Jaw vs. Round-Trip Tickets

One of the best ways to save time and money is by booking an open-jaw ticket—meaning you fly into one city and out of another.

Example: Fly into Paris and out of Rome instead of wasting a day (and extra cash) backtracking just to catch your return flight.

This works best for multi-country itineraries because it lets you see more without wasting time doubling back. Open-Jaw is often more expensive, but this is the one thing I wouldn’t skimp on. Your time is valuable, jaanu!

Where to Find the Cheapest Flights

Google Flights → Best for tracking prices & setting alerts.
Skyscanner → Great for comparing budget airlines & hidden deals.
Kayak → The most useful for flight hunting if you’re flexible on dates and destinations. 

C. Best Time to Visit Europe

Europe isn’t a one-season-fits-all destination—when you go matters just as much as where you go.

Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)

  • Mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
  • Great for city-hopping—you won’t be sweating through your clothes or battling peak-season tourist mobs.
  • Outdoor attractions are open, and flights/accommodation aren’t outrageous.

Summer (June-August) 

  • Every major city is packed. Think hour-long lines at the Colosseum and €8 bottles of water near the Eiffel Tower.
  • Accommodation prices skyrocket. Booking last minute? Good luck.
  • Good for beaches and islands, but miserable for city travel (waiting in long lines in 30°C heat is not the vibe).

Winter (November-March) 

  • Cheapest flights & accommodation—except during Christmas/New Year’s.
  • Best for Christmas markets (Germany, Austria) & winter sports (Swiss Alps).
  • Not ideal for island hopping or road trips—many coastal towns shut down for the season.

BUT some places shut down completely. A lot of smaller coastal towns, especially in Greece, Italy, and Croatia, go into hibernation. Ferries run less frequently, some hotels close, and beach destinations lose their appeal unless you enjoy walking along empty shorelines in a coat.

Walking tour in Krakow
A pretty cool library, they don’t make ’em like that anymore

2. Transportation in Europe: Getting Around Efficiently

Europe is one of the easiest continents to travel around, but it also requires a little bit of planning. I really think knowing when to take a train, when to fly, and when to just grab a bus can free up some room in my ADHD brain to actually do things that bring me joy on a trip. Figuring out logistics while I’m there isn’t my idea of fun. 

Trains vs Flights vs Buses: What’s Best?

Everyone romanticizes train travel in Europe, and honestly? It’s justified. Some of my best travel moments have been on trains—watching snow-covered peaks in Austria fly by, sipping espresso on an old-school Italian Trenitalia ride, or chatting with strangers on a slow-moving Balkan train.

Trains: Best for Comfort & Scenery 


When to take the train:

  • If your cities are a few hours apart. Paris to Amsterdam? Train. Rome to Florence? Train. It’s faster, more comfortable, and drops you in the city center.
  • If you’re traveling through scenic areas. The views on trains through Switzerland, Austria, or the Italian Alps? Worth every penny.
  • If you hate airport stress. No security lines, no baggage fees, and no arriving two hours early just to take off your shoes.

When trains don’t make sense:

  • If you didn’t book early. Last-minute train tickets can be more expensive than flights (I’ve paid $120 for a Paris-Amsterdam ticket that could’ve been $40).
  • If the distance is too far. Taking a 12-hour train from Madrid to Berlin sounds fun until you realize you just wasted an entire day.

How to book trains without getting ripped off:

  • Use Omio or Trainline to check schedules and book in advance for better prices.
  • Eurail Pass? Maybe. If you’re hopping around a lot, it can save money. But sometimes, individual tickets are cheaper—do the math first.

Budget Flights: Best for Covering Long Distances 

Budget airlines in Europe are a blessing and a scam at the same time. I once found a $20 flight from Budapest to London, felt like I had hacked the system—then got hit with a baggage fee that cost more than my ticket. 

When to take a budget flight:

  • If the train ride is more than 6 hours. Madrid to Berlin? Just fly.
  • If you book early. The earlier you book, the cheaper the flights—no surprises there.

What airlines won’t tell you (until it’s too late):

  • Baggage fees are brutal. If you show up with more than a backpack, prepare to pay—Ryanair and Wizz Air are notorious for this.
  • Airports are often far from the actual city. If your ticket says “Paris-Beauvais” or “Milan-Bergamo,” congratulations—you’re nowhere near Paris or Milan.
  • If you don’t check in online, you’ll be charged a “check-in fee” at the airport. No, I’m not kidding.

Best sites to find cheap flights:

  • Google Flights – Best for tracking prices & setting alerts.
  • Skyscanner – Great for comparing budget airlines.
  • Kayak – Useful if your dates/destinations are flexible.

Buses: Best for Saving Money 

Buses get a bad reputation, but sometimes they’re your best move. I’m not saying you should take a 15-hour bus from London to Barcelona (why would you do that to yourself?), but for shorter routes? They can be a game-changer.

When to take a bus:

  • If you’re traveling between smaller cities. Many towns in Portugal, Spain, and Eastern Europe don’t have direct train connections, but buses are cheap and easy.
  • If you’re on a budget. FlixBus tickets can be as low as €5–€20, and sometimes they’re just as fast as trains.
  • If you don’t mind overnight travel. Night buses save money on accommodation—just don’t expect great sleep.

When to skip the bus:

  • If the trip is longer than 6 hours. At that point, just take a train or flight.
  • If you get motion sickness easily. European buses are comfortable, but winding roads + long rides? Not a great combo.

Best sites to book buses:

  • FlixBus → Cheap, reliable, and has Wi-Fi (most of the time).
  • BlaBlaCar → Ridesharing app where you can carpool with locals for cheap.

Should You Rent a Car in Europe?

Renting a car sounds romantic (cue the Italian countryside road trip dreams), but it’s not always practical.

When Renting a Car is Worth It:

  • If you’re exploring remote areas. Think Iceland, rural Spain, or anywhere in the Alps.
  • If public transport sucks. Some places (especially in the Balkans) don’t have great train networks, so a car is the easiest way to get around.
  • Traveling as a group—splitting costs can make it cheaper than trains.

When You Should Skip It:

  • Big cities are a nightmare to drive in. Parking is a hassle, and some cities like Amsterdam ban cars in certain areas.
  • Tolls and gas are expensive. Fuel costs way more than in the U.S., and highway tolls can add up fast.
  • International driving laws vary. Some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP), and some rental agencies charge a fortune for insurance.

Tip:

  • Use Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars to compare prices.
  • Check if your credit card includes rental insurance so you don’t pay for the overpriced add-ons.
  • Avoid renting at airports—city center locations are often cheaper.

C. Travel Apps You’ll Actually Use

I don’t download a ton of apps when I travel, but these ones are non-negotiable:

  • Google Maps & Rome2Rio – If you don’t know how to get somewhere, Rome2Rio will show every possible option.
  • Omio & Trainline – For booking trains and buses.
  • Skyscanner – For finding cheap flights.
  • FlixBus & BlaBlaCar – For buses and rideshares.
  • Bolt & Uber – For taxis in places where public transport isn’t great.
pexels-photo-2225440-2225440.jpg
2 Days in Rome, Italy

3. Choose an Itinerary That Matches Your Travel Style

There’s no single “best” way to travel Europe. Some people want to hit all the big-name cities; others prefer quieter, offbeat spots. Some are in it for food, history, or nightlife; others just want to chill by a lake.

So how do you decide? Pick an itinerary that actually fits how you like to travel —not just what looks good on an instagram post. 

How Many Cities Should You Include?

  • Big cities need at least 3 days. Places like Paris, Rome, and Berlin are packed with landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods—you’ll barely scratch the surface in two days.
  • Smaller cities/towns need at least 2 days. Think Bruges, Salzburg, or Lake Como—places where you can slow down and soak in the charm.
  • For a 2-week itinerary, you’re realistically looking at 4–5 cities. Any more, and you’ll spend half your trip rushing between train stations instead of actually enjoying where you are.

I’ve put together these itineraries based on my own experiences, but there are endless ways to plan your trip. I’ve kept each stop at least three days because while I personally prefer slow travel, I know most first-time visitors want to pack in as much as possible. Also, I’m sticking to Schengen-only countries—for many travelers, getting that visa is a huge achievement, and they want to maximize their time in the zone.

A. Classic Western Europe Itinerary (France, Belgium, Netherlands)

💡 Best for: First-time visitors, museum lovers, foodies.

📍 Destinations: Paris → Brussels → Bruges → Amsterdam → Rotterdam

This is the quintessential Europe itinerary—full of world-famous landmarks, walkable cities, and an unreasonable amount of pastries. It’s perfect for first-time travelers who want a mix of history, culture, and food without exhausting themselves.

What Makes This Itinerary Great?

  • Paris has the bucket-list sites, but the real magic is in its neighborhoods.
  • Brussels & Bruges give you medieval charm, world-class chocolate, and some of the best beer in Europe.
  • Amsterdam is more than canals—bike through the city, visit museums, and find cool spots beyond the touristy center.
  • Rotterdam is a modern wildcard—edgy architecture, a killer food scene, and way fewer crowds.

Top Experiences:

  • Skip the Eiffel Tower at midday—go at sunrise or late at night when it’s actually peaceful.
  • Belgian frites > Belgian waffles. Trust me, get them with Andalouse sauce.
  • Amsterdam’s NDSM Wharf is an artsy, industrial spot where locals actually hang out.
  • You can also do a road trip around one or a few of the countries. Here is a great a southern France road trip itinerary.
Girl standing in front of Louvre Museum
Despite what I say, I will still take the most touristy picture in front of the Lourve
Picnic in front of Eiffel tower
Sunset and wine by the Eiffel Tower

B. Central Europe Itinerary (Germany, Czechia, Austria, Hungary)

💡 Best for: History lovers, affordable travelers, nightlife seekers.

📍 Destinations: Berlin → Prague → Vienna → Salzburg → Budapest

This route is a history-packed, architecture-lover’s dream, with a mix of fairytale old towns, grand palaces, and intense 20th-century history. Plus, it’s more affordable than Western Europe—so you can stretch your budget without sacrificing experience.

What Makes This Itinerary Great?

  • Berlin is raw, gritty, and endlessly fascinating. The history, the nightlife, the street art—there’s nowhere else like it.
  • Prague looks like it was plucked from a storybook, but head beyond Old Town for the real gems.
  • Vienna is all about imperial palaces, coffeehouses, and classical music.
  • Budapest? Walkable city, ruin bars, and stunning views over the Danube—easily one of Europe’s most underrated cities. If you’re wondering how much ground you can cover in just a couple of days, I’ve put together a first-timer’s guide to a short Budapest trip that makes the most of the city without feeling rushed.

Top Experiences:

  • Don’t just see the Berlin Wall—walk the East Side Gallery for the best murals.
  • Prague’s best view isn’t from the castle—it’s from Letná Park with a cheap beer in hand.
  • Budapest’s thermal baths are great, but go at night for an entirely different vibe.
  • If you have more time, here some day trips you can do in Hungary from Budapest
St. Stepehns Bascillica captures froma street lit with lamps in rain
Budapest | So many European cities are best explored on foot!
Experience 2 Days in Budapest Like a Local
Hanging at a tram stop in Budapest

C. Southern Europe Itinerary (Spain, Portugal, Italy)

💡 Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, warm-weather travelers.

📍 Destinations: Barcelona → Lisbon → Madeira → Rome

This itinerary is all about rich history, coastal beauty, and food so good you’ll be planning your next trip before you even leave. It’s warmer, livelier, and full of iconic cities that feel completely different from one another.

Trying to decide between Madeira and another island? Here’s a detailed comparison of Madeira vs. the Azores to help you pick the best fit for your trip.

What Makes This Itinerary Great?

  • Barcelona has Gaudí’s surreal architecture, stunning beaches, and the best tapas in Spain.
  • Lisbon is effortlessly cool, with trams, hilltop viewpoints, and those ridiculous custard tarts.
  • Madeira is Portugal’s hidden paradise—hiking trails, waterfalls, and dramatic coastline.
  • Rome needs no introduction, but Trastevere at night? That’s the real Rome experience.

Top Experiences:

  • Avoid La Rambla in Barcelona—go to the Bunkers del Carmel for the best views.
  • Lisbon’s Tram 28 is overrated—take Tram 24 instead for the same experience, minus the tourists
  • In Madeira, the Levada walks (ancient irrigation trails) are the best way to see the island.
Person in front of Rome Colloseum
Rome | Celebrating my birthday
A red coffee shop building with 3 huge trees in front
Lisbon | Stumpling over cute courtyard Cafe’s

D. Nature Lovers’ Itinerary (Switzerland, Austria, Italy)

💡 Best for: Hikers, outdoor adventurers, photography lovers.

📍 Destinations: Interlaken → Zermatt → Dolomites → Lake Como

If you’re not really a big city person and would rather wake up to mountain views than church bells, this is the itinerary for you. Breathtaking scenery, alpine lakes, and hiking trails that ruin every other hike you’ll ever do.

What Makes This Itinerary Great?

  • Interlaken is the gateway to some of Switzerland’s best hiking.
  • Zermatt is all about the Matterhorn, but the scenic train rides here are just as spectacular.
  • The Dolomites are Italy’s best-kept secret—alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and way fewer tourists.
  • Lake Como is where you end your trip by the water, Aperol Spritz in hand.

Top Experiences:

  • Skip Jungfraujoch—hike Schynige Platte instead (just as stunning, way fewer crowds).
  • Zermatt’s Gornergrat train is expensive, but worth every cent.
  • In Lake Como, take the slow ferry instead of the tourist boats—cheaper, better views, and more local vibes.
View of Salzburg from above
Salzburg: Hiking Day
Girl standing on the top of a mountain
Somewhere on the Bavarian Alps

4. Final Tips for Planning Your Perfect Europe Trip

Don’t Over-Plan—Leave Room for Spontaneity

I get it—you want to see everything. You’ve got two weeks and a lifetime of bucket-list places to check off. But trying to do too much will leave you exhausted, cranky, and probably sick of museums by day four.

Some of my best travel moments happened when I ditched the schedule:

  • Wandering into a tiny local bar in Prague and ending up at a late-night jazz show.
  • Stumbling across a sunset viewpoint in Lisbon that wasn’t in any guidebook.
  • Spending an entire afternoon people-watching in a Parisian café instead of rushing to another attraction.

Leave some buffer time—your trip will feel more like an adventure and less like a military operation.

Book Key Attractions in Advance

If you take one thing from this section, let it be this: Book. The. Big. Attractions. Ahead. Of. Time.

Here’s some attractions where you should definitely book ahead:

  • Eiffel Tower – The stair climb is fine, but don’t expect to waltz into the elevator last minute. I would personally ditch the Eiffel Tower, this is just if you are interested. 
  • Anne Frank House (Amsterdam) – There’s no same-day entry. Tickets open weeks in advance, and they go fast.
  • Vatican Museums (Rome) – If you want to actually enjoy the Sistine Chapel without standing in line for three hours, book a morning tour.

For most major attractions, the official website will have the best price—skip the random third-party booking sites that charge extra.

Consider Travel Insurance—It’s Worth It

If you think you don’t need travel insurance, let me tell you about the time I got food poisoning in Vienna and had to see a doctor in a country where I spoke zero Austrian.

Or the time my backpack got lost in transit and didn’t show up for three days. Fun times.

Things go wrong when you travel. You miss a flight, your luggage gets lost, or you need a doctor for reasons you did not plan for. Travel insurance helps with that.

  • World Nomads – Great for adventure travelers and long-term trips.
  • SafetyWing – Budget-friendly, flexible insurance for digital nomads and backpackers.

Check your credit card perks before buying separate insurance—some cards already cover trip cancellations or lost luggage.

Use a Mix of Cash & Cards

You’d expect Europe to be mostly card-friendly, but some places surprise you. So many establishments in Berlin don’t take card. Berlin! The capital of one of the ‘most advanced’ European countries. You definitely want to carry some cash with you at all times. 

Also avoid airport currency exchanges, they have terrible rates. Use ATMs in the city for a better deal.

Plan What Matters, Skip the Rest

There’s no single “perfect” Europe itinerary—only the one that works best for you. Whether you’re in it for the food, the history, the adventure, or all of the above, the best plan is one that gets you excited about your trip.

If you’re still debating between different routes, don’t stress too much—Europe isn’t going anywhere. You can always come back and do another itinerary next time.

Got questions about your trip? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!

FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions

How much money would I need for 2 weeks in Europe?

The cost of a 2-week trip to Europe depends on where you go and your travel style. Western Europe is pricey, while Eastern and Central Europe are budget-friendly. On average, budget around $100–$150 a day, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Keep in mind, this doesn’t include airfare.

How big of a backpack do I need for a 2-week trip to Europe?

For a 2-week trip, a 40-50L backpack is perfect. It’s small enough to fit as a carry-on and large enough to pack essentials like clothes, toiletries, and a pair of shoes. Keep it light, especially if you’re moving between cities a lot—you’ll thank yourself later.

How many European countries can you visit in 2 weeks?

In 2 weeks, you can comfortably visit around 3 to 4 countries. Any more, and you’ll be rushing through, missing the best parts. Focus on spending 3-4 days in each city, and add a couple of day trips to nearby spots if you want to explore more without burning out.

How far in advance should you plan a trip to Europe?

It’s best to start planning your Europe trip 3-6 months in advance. Book your flights as soon as you have dates set to snag the best deals. For accommodations, aim to book 2-3 months out, especially if you’re visiting during peak seasons like summer or Christmas.

Is the water safe to drink in Europe?

Yes, the water is generally safe to drink in Europe, especially in major cities. There may be a few exceptions in remote or rural areas, but signs will usually let you know. If in doubt, ask your hotel or Airbnb host. Tap water is free in restaurants too, just ask!

How extreme is the language barrier?

The language barrier in Europe isn’t as bad as you’d think. In most tourist-heavy spots, locals speak enough English to get by. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is always appreciated, but it’s more for politeness than necessity. Don’t worry—you’ll be fine!

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