Backpacking San Marino is a niche but surprisingly cool stop: medieval towers on a mountain ridge, epic views, and the novelty of visiting one of the world’s smallest countries. It’s best as a 1-day or overnight trip, not a main backpacking destination.
🇸🇲 San Marino City (The Main Event)
7
Everything centers around San Marino.
Walled medieval streets
Stunning mountaintop setting
Unique microstate atmosphere
Great photo stop
👉 Most people see it in half-day to 1 day
🏰 Three Towers (Highlight)
7
The iconic symbol of the country is the Three Towers:
Guaita
Cesta
Montale
Walking the ridge path between them is the best experience.
👉 Fantastic sunset spot
🌄 Why It’s Worth Visiting
7
One of the oldest republics in the world
Incredible views over Italy to the Adriatic
Very compact and easy to explore on foot
Fun passport-stamp/microstate bragging rights (tourist souvenir stamp available)
🚍 How to Get There
San Marino has no airport or train station.
Typical backpacker route:
Train to Rimini
Bus from Rimini up to San Marino (common route)
👉 Easy add-on if you’re already doing east Italy.
💸 Budget Snapshot
Not terrible for a short stop.
Hostel: limited options nearby
Hotels/guesthouses: moderate
Food: €10–20
Transport: bus from Rimini affordable
👉 Budget tip: Stay in Rimini and day-trip in.
🗓️ Suggested Plan
Option A: Day Trip
Base in Rimini
Morning bus up
Explore old town + towers
Sunset views
Return same day
Option B: Overnight
Stay one night for quieter evening atmosphere after day tourists leave
🧭 When to Go
Best: April–June, September–October
Summer: hot + touristy midday
Winter: quieter, atmospheric if clear weather
⚠️ Things to Know
It’s steep—lots of uphill walking
Tourist shops can feel cheesy in parts
Very safe and clean
Better as part of Italy trip than standalone
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: unique microstate, great views, cool history, easy stop
Cons: tiny, touristy, limited nightlife, not enough for long trip
👉 Compared to Monaco: more historic, less flashy 👉 Compared to Luxembourg: smaller but more dramatic setting 👉 Compared to Andorra: easier quick stop, less nature depth
Backpacking Portugal is one of Europe’s best all-around choices: ocean coast, beautiful cities, warm weather, surfing, solid hostels, and usually better value than Spain/France/Italy. It’s especially good if you want sun + culture + nightlife + easy travel.
🇵🇹 Lisbon (Classic Start)
7
Most backpackers begin in Lisbon.
Hills, viewpoints, trams, tiled streets
Great nightlife in Bairro Alto / Cais do Sodré
Excellent hostel scene
Easy day trips nearby
👉 Stay 3–4 days
🌊 Sintra (Must-Do Day Trip)
6
From Lisbon, visit Sintra.
Pena Palace
Forested hills + fairytale estates
One of Europe’s best day trips
👉 Full day
🏙️ Porto (Favorite for Many Travelers)
5
Porto often becomes people’s favorite.
Beautiful riverside old town
Great food + wine scene
Slightly cheaper than Lisbon
More compact and atmospheric
👉 Stay 2–3 days
🏄 Algarve (Beach Zone)
6
Southern Algarve is for sun and sea.
Base in Lagos for backpacker vibes
Stunning cliffs + beaches
Kayaking, boat caves, nightlife
👉 3+ days
🌊 Surf & Wild Coast
6
Portugal is Europe’s surf capital.
Ericeira
Nazaré (huge waves seasonally)
Costa Vicentina
👉 Great if you prefer nature over cities
💸 Budget Snapshot
Portugal is good value by Western Europe standards.
Cons: summer crowds, some rising prices, long travel from Central Europe
👉 Compared to Spain: often easier + slightly better value 👉 Compared to Italy: better hostel/beach backpacking scene 👉 Compared to Croatia: more city + surf culture
Backpacking North Macedonia is one of Europe’s most underrated budget trips: lakes, mountains, Ottoman-era towns, strong café culture, and very low prices. It’s ideal if you want authentic Balkans vibes without crowds.
🇲🇰 Skopje (Start Here)
7
Most travelers begin in Skopje.
Contrast of Ottoman Old Bazaar + modern/statue-heavy center
Great cheap food and café scene
Easy transport hub
👉 Stay 1–2 days
🌊 Ohrid (The Highlight)
6
Ohrid is the must-visit destination.
Beautiful UNESCO old town
Swim in Lake Ohrid
Churches, views, relaxed summer vibe
Great hostels and cafés
👉 Stay 3–4 days if possible
🏔️ Mavrovo National Park (Nature Escape)
8
Mavrovo National Park is ideal for mountains.
Hiking and alpine scenery
Winter skiing too
Traditional villages nearby
👉 2 days if you like nature
🕌 Bitola (Underrated City Stop)
8
Bitola has a different vibe.
Elegant pedestrian boulevard
Ottoman / Balkan mix atmosphere
Nearby ancient ruins at Heraclea Lyncestis
👉 1 day or overnight
🌿 Matka Canyon (Easy Day Trip)
7
Near Skopje, Matka Canyon is perfect for a quick nature break.
Kayaking / boat rides
Caves and cliffs
Super easy half-day trip
💸 Budget Snapshot
One of the cheapest good-value countries in Europe.
Hostel: €8–18/night
Food: €3–8
Beer: €1.50–3 🍺
Buses: cheap and common
👉 Budget tips:
Eat local grills/bakeries
Use buses/shared transport
Stay longer in Ohrid for best value
🗓️ Suggested 6–7 Day Route
Day 1–2: Skopje + Matka Canyon
Day 3–5: Ohrid
Day 6: Bitola
Day 7: Mavrovo / return
🧭 When to Go
Best overall: May–June, September
Summer: hot inland, lively around Ohrid
Winter: ski + quiet city trips
⚠️ Things to Know
Very affordable and safe overall
English common with younger people/tourism areas
Buses better than trains for travelers
Cash still useful in smaller places
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: cheap, authentic, Lake Ohrid is excellent, fewer crowds
Cons: slower transport, Skopje can feel strange/divisive, smaller tourism infrastructure
👉 Compared to Albania: calmer and easier 👉 Compared to Montenegro: cheaper but less dramatic coast/mountains 👉 Compared to Bulgaria: more compact and easier short trip
Backpacking Montenegro is one of Europe’s best-value trips right now: dramatic Adriatic coast, mountains, old towns, and prices usually lower than Croatia. It’s compact, scenic, and ideal if you want beaches + hikes + Balkan energy in one trip.
🇲🇪 Kotor (Classic Start)
6
Most backpackers start in Kotor.
Beautiful medieval old town
Famous fortress hike for epic bay views
Social hostel scene in summer
Great base for day trips
👉 Stay 2–3 days
🌊 Bay of Kotor (Perast & Villages)
8
The Bay of Kotor is the highlight region.
Visit Perast
Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
Swim, kayak, chill in smaller villages
👉 Easy day trips from Kotor
🏖️ Budva (Beach + Nightlife)
7
Budva is the lively side of Montenegro.
Beaches and clubs
Walled old town
Busy in summer
👉 Good if you want nightlife
🏔️ Durmitor National Park (Best Nature)
7
For mountains, head inland to Durmitor National Park.
Hike around Black Lake
Stay in Žabljak
See Tara River Canyon (Europe’s deepest canyon claims vary, but spectacular regardless)
👉 2–3 days minimum
🌿 Lake Skadar (Underrated Gem)
7
Lake Skadar is great for a slower stop.
Boat tours through wetlands
Birdlife and nature
Wine region nearby
👉 1 day or overnight
💸 Budget Snapshot
Montenegro is usually excellent value.
Hostel: €12–25/night
Food: €5–12
Beer: €2–4 🍺
Buses: cheap, common, sometimes slow
👉 Budget tips:
Travel shoulder season (May/June or Sept)
Use buses between towns
Stay inland for cheaper accommodation
🗓️ Suggested 7 Day Route
Day 1–3: Kotor + Bay of Kotor
Day 4: Budva or Sveti Stefan coast stop
Day 5–6: Durmitor / Žabljak
Day 7: Lake Skadar / Podgorica departure
🧭 When to Go
Best overall: May–June, September
Summer: hottest, busiest coast
Spring/Autumn: ideal balance
Winter: coast quiet, mountains snowy
⚠️ Things to Know
Euro is used (€) despite not being in Eurozone
Roads are scenic but slow/curvy
Coast gets crowded in July/August
Very safe overall for backpackers
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: amazing scenery, affordable, compact, diverse
Cons: transport slower than Western Europe, summer crowds, some overdevelopment on coast
👉 Compared to Croatia: cheaper, less polished, often better value 👉 Compared to Albania: easier first-time Balkan trip 👉 Compared to Greece: more mountain-focused, smaller beaches
Backpacking Malta is one of Europe’s easiest island trips: sunny weather, clear water, English-speaking, compact, and usually cheaper than many Western Europe beach destinations. It’s ideal if you want history + swimming + nightlife + easy logistics.
🇲🇹 Valletta (Historic Start)
6
Most travelers begin in Valletta.
Beautiful honey-colored old city
Massive fortifications + harbor views
Easy base for buses/ferries
Great cafés and evening atmosphere
👉 Stay 1–2 days
🌊 Sliema / St Julian’s (Base + Nightlife)
6
Sliema and St Julian’s are popular backpacker bases.
Cons: crowded in peak summer, some overdevelopment, limited hiking compared to bigger islands
👉 Compared to Greece: easier logistics, less dramatic islands 👉 Compared to Croatia: smaller and easier base trip 👉 Compared to Spain islands: often better value
Backpacking Italy is one of the best classic Europe trips: world-famous cities, beaches, mountains, amazing food, and strong train connections. It can be cheap or expensive depending on region and season—much more flexible than Switzerland or Norway.
🇮🇹 Rome (Classic Start)
6
Most travelers begin in Rome.
Colosseum
Roman Forum + Pantheon
Trastevere nightlife + food
Endless history everywhere
👉 Stay 3–4 days
🎨 Florence & Tuscany
8
Florence is compact and beautiful.
Renaissance art + architecture
Florence Cathedral
Day trips into Tuscany countryside
👉 2–3 days
🌊 Cinque Terre (Iconic Coast)
6
Cinque Terre is postcard Italy.
Five colorful villages on cliffs
Great hiking between towns
Swim + sunsets
👉 2 days
🚤 Venice (Unique but Touristy)
5
Venice is unlike anywhere else.
Lose yourself in alleyways
Gondolas, canals, hidden bridges
Go early morning / evening to avoid crowds
👉 1–2 days
🏔️ Dolomites (Best Nature in Italy)
6
For mountains, head to the Dolomites.
Stunning hikes and alpine scenery
Great alternative to Swiss Alps
Excellent from Austria (easy for you)
👉 3+ days if hiking
🌴 South Italy (Cheaper + More Chaotic + Amazing)
7
Southern Italy often gives better value.
Naples = intense but unforgettable
Amalfi Coast = gorgeous but crowded
Sicily / Puglia = fantastic longer trips
👉 Great if you want authenticity + lower costs
💸 Budget Snapshot
Italy can be very backpacker-friendly.
Hostel: €20–45/night
Food: €5–12 cheap meals / pizza / pasta
Espresso: €1–2 ☕
Trains: reasonable if booked early
👉 Budget hacks:
Avoid peak summer
Use regional trains
Eat at bakeries / takeaway spots
Stay outside tourist centers
🗓️ Suggested 10 Day Route
Day 1–4: Rome
Day 5–6: Florence
Day 7–8: Cinque Terre
Day 9–10: Venice
Nature Route
Dolomites + Lake Garda + Venice
Cheap Route
Bologna + Naples + Puglia + Sicily
🧭 When to Go
Best overall: April–June, September–October
Summer: hot, crowded, expensive
Winter: fewer tourists, some rainy days
⚠️ Things to Know
North = richer, more organized, pricier
South = cheaper, rougher edges, huge personality
Trains are excellent overall
Validate some regional tickets if required
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: food, culture, variety, beauty, easy routes
Cons: crowds in famous spots, summer heat, scams in tourist zones
👉 Compared to France: better value 👉 Compared to Spain: more history / scenery diversity 👉 Compared to Balkans: pricier but smoother travel
Backpacking Switzerland is all about one thing: jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Think glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and perfect mountain villages. The catch? It’s one of the most expensive countries in Europe—but with the right strategy, it’s still doable.
🇨🇭 Interlaken (Adventure Base)
7
Interlaken is the backpacker hub.
Between two lakes (Thun & Brienz)
Base for outdoor activities: hiking, paragliding, skydiving
Easy access to Jungfrau region
👉 Stay 2–4 days
🏔️ Lauterbrunnen Valley (Waterfall Paradise)
7
Lauterbrunnen looks unreal.
70+ waterfalls in one valley
Visit Staubbach Falls
Base for villages like Wengen & Mürren
👉 1–2 days (or more if hiking)
🚞 Scenic Trains (Bucket List)
8
Switzerland has some of the best train journeys in the world.
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
👉 Expensive, but unforgettable views
🏙️ Lucerne (Classic Swiss Beauty)
7
Lucerne is a postcard-perfect stop.
Chapel Bridge + lake views
Easy trips to Mount Pilatus or Rigi
More relaxed than big cities
👉 1–2 days
🏔️ Zermatt (Matterhorn Views)
6
Zermatt is famous for the Matterhorn.
Car-free alpine village
Incredible mountain views
Great for hiking or skiing
👉 1–2 days (pricey but iconic)
💸 Budget Reality (Important)
Switzerland is very expensive.
Hostel: €40–80/night
Food: €15–25 (cheap = supermarket)
Transport: expensive but excellent
Beer: €7–10 🍺
👉 Backpacker survival tips:
Cook your own meals (Coop/Migros supermarkets)
Camp or stay in hostels outside main hubs
Consider a Swiss Travel Pass (if moving a lot)
Drink tap water (free and excellent)
🗓️ Suggested 5–8 Day Route
Day 1–2: Lucerne
Day 3–5: Interlaken + Lauterbrunnen
Day 6–7: Zermatt
Optional: Scenic train route
🧭 When to Go
Best: June–September (hiking season)
Winter: skiing + snow landscapes
Shoulder seasons: cheaper, fewer crowds
⚠️ Things to Know
Everything runs perfectly on time
English widely spoken
Nature is the main attraction (cities are secondary)
Weather changes quickly in the mountains
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: arguably the most beautiful landscapes in Europe
Cons: expensive, not very “budget backpacker”
👉 Compared to Austria: more dramatic, but pricier 👉 Compared to Norway: similar cost, but easier transport
🧭 Smart Strategy
Switzerland works best as:
A short, high-impact trip (5–7 days)
Or part of a Central Europe route (Austria–Switzerland–Italy)
Backpacking the Netherlands is one of the easiest and most enjoyable trips in Europe—compact, well-connected, and full of character. Expect canals, bikes, historic towns, and a relaxed vibe (plus surprisingly good nature if you know where to go).
🇳🇱 Amsterdam (Start Here)
7
Most travelers begin in Amsterdam.
Iconic canals, bikes everywhere
Visit the Anne Frank House (book early!)
Museums like Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum
Lively nightlife + cafés
👉 Stay 2–3 days
🌷 Utrecht (Underrated Gem)
7
Utrecht feels like a calmer, more local Amsterdam.
Unique canals with lower-level cafés
Climb the Dom Tower
Student vibe, less touristy
👉 1–2 days
🌊 Rotterdam (Modern & Different)
6
Rotterdam is completely different from the rest.
Modern architecture (Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge)
Huge port city energy
Cool food scene
👉 1 day
🏛️ The Hague (Politics + Beach)
7
The Hague (Den Haag) mixes culture and coast.
Dutch government + royal sites
Scheveningen Beach nearby
Less chaotic than Amsterdam
👉 1 day
🌿 Dutch Countryside (Windmills & Villages)
6
Don’t skip the countryside—it’s what people imagine the Netherlands to be.
Kinderdijk (UNESCO windmills)
Zaanse Schans (easy from Amsterdam)
Giethoorn (no roads, only canals)
👉 Great day trips
🚲 Why Backpacking Here Is So Easy
Trains are fast and frequent (country is tiny)
Cycling infrastructure is world-class
English is spoken everywhere
Everything feels organized and safe
💸 Budget Snapshot
Not cheap, but manageable.
Hostel: €25–50/night
Food: €10–15 (cheap meals)
Beer: €5–7 🍺
Transport: €10–25 between cities
👉 Budget tips:
Stay outside Amsterdam (Utrecht is a great base)
Rent a bike instead of using transport
Supermarkets for meals
🗓️ Suggested 4–6 Day Route
Day 1–3: Amsterdam
Day 4: Utrecht
Day 5: Rotterdam + The Hague
Day 6: Countryside (Kinderdijk / Zaanse Schans)
🧭 When to Go
Best: April–June (tulips 🌷 + good weather)
Summer: lively but busy
Autumn/Winter: fewer crowds, more cozy
⚠️ Things to Know
Bikes rule—watch out or you’ll get run over 🚲
Weather can be rainy and windy
Book Amsterdam accommodation early
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: super easy travel, unique culture, compact
Cons: touristy in Amsterdam, not super cheap
👉 Compared to Belgium: more modern and organized 👉 Compared to Germany: smaller, more “polished” feel
Backpacking Monaco is… a bit of a paradox. It’s one of the richest places on Earth, but you can still visit it on a backpacker budget—if you treat it as a short stop, not a base.
🇲🇨 Monaco / Monte Carlo (The Whole Country)
5
The entire country is basically one compact city: Monaco.
Walk everywhere in a few hours
See insane yachts and luxury cars
Famous spots like the Monte Carlo Casino
Parts of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit are just normal streets
👉 You can see most of it in 1 day
🏰 Le Rocher (Old Town & Palace)
5
The historic core sits on a rock above the sea.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Monaco Cathedral
Oceanographic Museum (worth it if you like marine life)
👉 Best area for views and photos
🌊 Port Hercule & Luxury Vibes
7
Port Hercule is where you really feel the wealth.
Superyachts everywhere
Ferraris and Lamborghinis casually driving past
Great place to just walk around and people-watch
💸 Budget Reality (Be Honest Here)
Monaco is not budget-friendly at all.
Hostel: basically none
Hotels: €150+ per night (often way more)
Food: €15–30 minimum
Coffee: €4–6 ☕
👉 Backpacker strategy (important):
Stay in Nice or Menton
Take a train (20 min, cheap) into Monaco
Bring your own food or eat outside the center
🗓️ Suggested Plan
Half day–1 day: Monaco highlights
Base yourself in Nice and explore the Riviera
🧭 When to Go
Best: April–June, September (nice weather, fewer crowds)
May: during Monaco Grand Prix (amazing atmosphere, but VERY expensive)
Summer: crowded and hot
⚠️ Things to Know
It’s extremely safe and very clean
Dress slightly nicer than typical backpacker style if entering casinos
Everything is walkable but hilly (lots of elevators/escalators help)
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: unique, glamorous, surreal to see
Cons: expensive, small, not very “backpacker culture”
👉 Best as a day trip curiosity, not a main destination
Backpacking Luxembourg is a bit different from most countries—it’s tiny, wealthy, and often overlooked. But if you like fairytale scenery, castles, and easy logistics, it’s a great short stop (especially combined with Belgium, France, or Germany).
🇱🇺 Luxembourg City (Cliffside Capital)
6
Start in Luxembourg City.
Built dramatically on cliffs above river valleys
Walk through the Bock Casemates (underground tunnels)
Explore the Grund district (super scenic)
👉 1–2 days is enough
🏰 Vianden (Castle Town Highlight)
6
Vianden is the must-see outside the capital.
Visit Vianden Castle
Ride the chairlift for epic views
Quiet, postcard-perfect village
👉 Half-day to full day
🌲 Mullerthal (Little Switzerland)
6
Mullerthal Region is the country’s nature hotspot.
Known as “Little Switzerland”
Rock formations, forests, waterfalls
Famous Mullerthal Trail (great hiking)
👉 1–2 days
🌄 Echternach (Relaxed Nature Base)
7
Echternach is a good base for exploring nature.
Old abbey town vibe
Access to lakes and hiking trails
Quiet and less touristy
👉 1 day or overnight
🚆 Free Public Transport (Huge Bonus)
Luxembourg is the only country in the world with free public transport nationwide.
Trains, buses, trams = €0
Makes backpacking super easy and flexible
💸 Budget Reality
Accommodation is the main challenge.
Hostel: €30–50/night (limited options)
Food: €10–20
Transport: free
👉 Budget tip: stay in nearby countries (e.g. Germany or Belgium) and day-trip in
🗓️ Suggested 2–4 Day Route
Day 1–2: Luxembourg City
Day 3: Vianden
Day 4: Mullerthal / Echternach
🧭 When to Go
Best: May–September (green landscapes, hiking)
Autumn: especially beautiful with fall colors
⚠️ Things to Know
Very small → you’ll move fast
Quiet nightlife (this is not a party destination)
Extremely safe and clean
Multilingual (French, German, Luxembourgish)
⚖️ Honest Take
Luxembourg is not a full backpacking destination on its own for most people.
👉 Best used as:
A 2–3 day scenic stop
Part of a Western Europe route (France–Belgium–Germany)
But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in unique landscapes and fairytale vibes.
