What Tourists Should Avoid In europe backpacking — Planning a trip to europe backpacking? This guide covers the best things to do, where to stay, travel tips, and everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
What Tourists Should Avoid When Backpacking in Europe: Advanced Strategies & Expert Insights
Backpacking across Europe is a rite of passage for many travelers. The romance of train rides through the Alps, lingering over espresso in Parisian cafés, and spontaneous adventures in lesser-known villages? Absolutely irresistible. But too often, travelers fall into tourist traps, overspend, and miss the very pulse of authentic Europe. After several backpacking trips zigzagging from the Nordic wilds to the cobbled lanes of the Balkans, I’ve picked up expert strategies—hard-won and streetwise—for getting the most out of your European backpacking journey.
Ditch the Obvious: Avoiding Major Tourist Traps
Let’s be honest: The Eiffel Tower is iconic, but not if you’re spending half your budget on crowded lifts and overpriced crêpes. The same applies to Rome’s Trevi Fountain, Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, and Prague’s Charles Bridge. These places are stunning, but you don’t need to spend all your time (and money) competing with selfie sticks and scammers.
- Skip Peak Hours: If you do visit big sights, go early or late. In Venice, I found Piazza San Marco empty at sunrise—a magical experience without the crowds.
- Find Local Alternatives: Instead of Santorini in summer, try Naxos or Paros for stunning Greek island vibes at a fraction of the cost.
- Avoid "Must-Do" Menus: In Florence, restaurants with “tourist menus” along the Duomo square were underwhelming and twice as expensive. Head a few lanes away, where locals dine, for genuine pasta loaded with flavor.
Accommodation: Rework Your Stay for Real Experiences—and Real Savings
Let’s talk about where to stay. Hostels usually come top of mind for backpackers, but the game has changed. Europe is full of inventive, affordable options that let you soak up local culture.
- Hostels with Heart: Look for hostels that run cultural nights or cooking classes. Hostel One in Budapest and The Independente Hostel in Lisbon offer family-style dinners and insider city walks—a fantastic way to make friends and get local insights.
- Guesthouses: In the Balkans, small guesthouses like Pansion Ana in Mostar and Rooms Milka in Lake Bled offer home-cooked breakfasts and local connections.
- Avoid Party Central: Big party hostels are fun—until you’re stuck with sleepless nights before a big travel day. Prioritize quiet, central neighborhoods. In Berlin, Kreuzberg gives you both nightlife and peaceful corners, without the chaos of Alexanderplatz.
Pitfalls to Avoid: Money, Scams & Local Faux Pas
Seasoned travelers know that Europe’s charm can be soured by rookie mistakes. Here’s how to avoid the most common ones:
- Dynamic Currency Conversion: When paying by card, always opt to pay in the local currency. I learned this the hard way in Split when a “helpful” vendor switched to my home currency, earning me an extra 4% fee.
- ATM Fees: Avoid generic ATMs with hefty charges. Use bank branches like Deutsche Bank in Germany, CaixaBank in Spain, or BNP Paribas in France.
- Common Scams: Be wary of women handing you “friendship bracelets” or men who want you to “sign a petition.” In Paris, my travel buddy lost €50 to a seemingly innocent street game near Montmartre.
- Respect Local Etiquette: Bare shoulders in Italian churches, loud voices in the UK, or jaywalking in Germany will get you dirty looks—or worse. Research basic customs for every country.
Advanced Transport Tactics: Going Further for Less
Europe’s rail network is legendary, but it’s easy to overpay or get stuck if you don’t plan strategically. Here’s how to move smarter—and cheaper.
- Eurail Isn’t Always the Best Deal: In countries like Italy, Spain, and Poland, buying individual train tickets is often much cheaper than a rail pass. Use sites like Omio or Trainline to compare prices.
- Night Trains: Save on accommodation by taking overnight trains. I traveled from Vienna to Berlin in a cozy sleeper, waking up refreshed—and in a new country.
- Buses are Underrated: FlixBus and BlaBlaBus connect hundreds of cities for a fraction of train prices. A FlixBus from Prague to Krakow ran me under €20—and the scenery along the way was unreal.
- Cheap Flights—With a Caveat: Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air can be temptingly cheap. But always check airports: flying “Paris-Beauvais” or “London-Stansted” can mean a costly, time-consuming bus ride from the actual city.
Eat Like a Local—Not Like a Tourist
Dining out in Europe is a joy—but tourist traps can sour the experience. Here’s how to eat well and spend less:
- Markets over Restaurants: Grab quick, local bites at markets. In Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel is a treasure trove of tapas and fresh tortilla. In Palermo, Ballarò Market serves epic arancini for less than €2.
- Avoid Restaurants Near Landmarks: “With a view” usually means higher prices. In Rome, the best pizza I had was at Antico Forno Roscioli—a ten-minute walk from Piazza Navona.
- Go for the Set Lunch Menu: In France and Spain, lunch deals (“menu del día”) include multiple courses for the price of a single dinner. It’s how locals eat, and you’ll get the best value.
FAQ: Avoiding Common Mistakes Backpacking Europe
- Is it worth traveling to small towns?
Absolutely. Places like Český Krumlov (Czech Republic), Piran (Slovenia), and Ghent (Belgium) offer charm, character, and fewer crowds. They’re often the highlight of my trips. - How can I stay connected?
Pick up a local SIM card or eSIM in each country; it’s far cheaper than international roaming. I buy Orange Holiday Europe for coverage across most EU countries. - Should I pre-book trains and hostels?
For popular routes and cities, yes—especially in summer. For the Balkans or Eastern Europe, you’ll have much more flexibility booking a day or two ahead. - How do I avoid pickpockets?
Use zippered bags, keep valuables in front pockets, and be extra cautious on public transport and in markets. In Barcelona, my pickpocket-proof crossbody bag saved me from a close call in the metro.
Backpacking Europe is about discovery—of new places, flavors, cultures, and yourself. By sidestepping the usual tourist mistakes, you’ll unlock the real heart of the continent. Follow these expert tips, stay sharp, and let Europe surprise you.