We ask the Europe travel experts: Top 100 tips for travelling on a budget in Europe this summer

 

This is an exciting departure from our usual top 10 #TravelTuesday roundup of top tweets.

 

For this #TravelTuesday we’ve spoke to the top Europe Travel Experts from across Twitter.

 

We asked them with the upcoming summer and you in mind: what were would be their top budget tips for planning a trip to Europe.

 

The result is a staggering 100 tips-on all kinds of topics and themes about travelling in Europe.

 

To help you navigate your way through we’ve divided them into simple sections: from where to sleep and eat, to seeing the sights and more practical tips for managing your money.

If you'd like to know more and follow all the top experts featured here: we've created a special TweepML list for you here where with afew clicks you can follow all of them:

 

http://tweepml.org/Top-Europe-Travel-Experts-to-follow-on-Twitter/

Meantime here is that list of top tips for planning your European Budget Odyssey :if you have a tip of your own, feel free to add it in comments box below-happy Europe travels!

 

When and where to go in Europe

 

 

#1 @craig_ martin

Indie travellers should definitely drop into Krumlov House in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic. One of the friendliest hostels and most fairy-tale cities in Europe.

 

#2 @501Places

Include Mont St Michel in a visit to France. Perhaps the most spectacular place in the whole of France, and best done with an overnight stay to allow night-time exploration.

#3 @whltravel

Sarajevo has to be one the hottest travel destinations this summer for the budget traveller! There is so much to see, do and eat, and you complete the Bosnian experience by staying with a local family – request a home-stay through Ljubicica Hostel.

#4 @laradunston

Don't travel to Europe in the summer if you can avoid it - this is actually the worst time to visit Europe! Prices are at their highest, everything is booked up, the cities are uncomfortably crowded, and all of the locals are on holidays. Travel off-season instead for a more local experience.

When you arrive..

 

#5 @eurocheapo

When first arriving in a new city, make sure to stop by the tourism bureau for discounts, free maps and cost-free events.

 

#6 @BerlinTourism

Get the Berlin Welcome Card which includes free public transportation and lots of discounds to sights, tours, restaurants, museums and more (http://bit.ly/bmSW9S) It REALLY is a good deal!

 

#7 @craig_martin

 

You probably didn't meet your best friend at the airport, or when you just stepped out of a taxi. Don't be paranoid, but be wary of helpful touts and feel free to say no if you're uncomfortable.

 

 

Moneywise

 

 

#8 @Gadling

Get a lump sum of money from a bank ATM rather than exchanging. The fee is likely to be lower and the exchange rate better.

 

#9 @BerlinTourism

Also check out our website for budget tips and the Berlin calculator, where you can figure out exactly what you get for your money. http://bit.ly/9oK6cZ?

 

#10 @karenbryan

Get a Mastercard prepaid debit card to avoid the Ryanair £5 per person
per flight admin fee: http://bit.ly/bjpPJK

 

 

#11 @budgetraveller

Don’t leave buying your travel currency till reaching the airport-you will get ripped off. Try prepaid mastercard like Fair FX which offer competitive rates and often better than the Post Office.

 

 

 

Where to sleep

#12 @katieparla

Haggle. In a crisis economy, the customer can haggle for the cost of hotel and hostel accommodations in all star-rating levels.

#13 @MyMelange

Rent an apartment, shop the local outdoor market and cook your meals in to save money on your food bill.

#14 @karenbryan

Use a hotel meta search such as HotelsCombined to find the best hotel rates quickly and easily but also check hotels' own sites as they sometimes offer the best deals: http://bit.ly/d9Y758

#15 @TravelNotebook

Take advantage of cheaper rates in cities like Rome where the locals have 'gone to the coast'!

#16 @EverywhereTrip

Stay away from the city center. In almost every major European city you can get significantly cheaper prices if you are willing to travel a bit. 

#17 @madridexpert

For a hip hotel in Madrid without the designer price tag, you can’t beat the Mayerling (www.chicandbasic.com)

 

#18 @budgettraveller

If you’re looking to stay in luxury but on a budget in London: then stay at the Hoxton Hotel.If you’re plan well in advance, you get as cheap as £29 per room and if you get lucky during their £1 room sale then its definitely the bargain of the century. Check out my review: http://bit.ly/aunRWC

#19 @traveldudes

Couchsurfing.org isn't really an insider tip, but a superb way to meet new friends & to explore a country!

#20 @sevilletapas

An 18th century manor house now a family-run hotel in the centre of Seville. Every room is a treasure. Hotel Amadeus. (Does not count as "budget" but it really is the prettiest and most unique hotel I have seen in Seville )

 

#21 @ParisBuFF

For stays of more than 3 nights in Paris, prefer a vacation rental home to hotels.

#22 @ Gadling

Stay somewhere cheap, but live it up by having a drink at the grandest hotel you can find -- and take pictures.

 

#23 @TravelMagazine

Most tourists stay in Nice old town , but take the bus to Cimiez and visit the gardens with Matisse Museum and Franciscan Monastery.

#24 @whltravel 

Heading north to the Baltics now, the budget hotel Krisjanis and Gertrude, is a small and welcoming family-run accommodation in central Riga, the pulsating capital of Latvia, and is favourite amongst musicians and artists and those travelling on the cheap!

#25 @samdaams

Not exactly budget, but Hotel Sven Vintappare (http://www.hotelsvenvintappare.se/) is a 7 room hotel hidden away in the middle of Gamla Stan in Stockholm that is as comfy as it is cute and well located. Serves a great breakfast and coffee.

#26 @vickybaker

Renting an apartment or room in someone's house or private at is often much cheaper than a hotel, even for stays of a limited timeframe. Try Airbnb.com or Crashpadder.com

#27 @TravelEditor

Consider an apartment rental instead of a hotel stay. You'll save by shopping in local markets and cooking for yourself.

#28 @traveldudes

Did you know that if you book a hostel online that the so called 10% deposit is a commission? Is that low budget? Traveldudes.org hostel presentations are free!

#29 @ Gadling

Go with a group of friends. You can go in on apartments and villas on the cheap, and even afford to rent yachts for island hopping in Greece.

 

 

 

Where to eat

#30 @tomhalltravel

Try bars and restaurants in central markets for excellent cheap local dishes. Go early though as this is a breakfast or lunch option. The buildings are often superb, too.

#31 @colmhanratty  

Prove to the staff of The Last Drop in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh that you’re a backpacker and you get discounted prices on all main courses.

#32 @IsabellesTravel 

In Madrid they offer a Menú del día, two courses for a fixed price. This is an affordable way of having lunch! (info:http://bit.ly/bXrlKM)

#33 @sevilletapas

One of the best and cheapest tapas bars in Seville is Eslava. Always busy with friendly service and excellent food. 

#34 @budgetraveller

Cheap Eats in Edinburgh: Stay off the main drag like the Mile and Princes Street, where with a few notable exceptions, it can be pricey. Check out my tips for budget eats in the city: http://bit.ly/cvfhaN

 

 

#35 @laradunston

Visit a local market or cheese shops, delicatessens and bakeries and put together a picnic lunch and head to an off-the-beaten-track park or garden. Not only are they wonderful places to relax away from the crowds but you'll get a great insight into how locals live.

#36 @BerlinTourism

Great cheap eats in Berlin: If you just want a snack, go for one of Berlin's famous curry wursts or the döner. Both snacks taste great and are a Berlin staple.

#37 @ANight_in_Paris

Free food in Paris , if you buy a drink @ La Choppe, Friday and Saturday nights 8.30pm. 75018 - http://ow.ly/1Ax0D

#38 @EverywhereTrip

NEVER eat in eye sight of a tourist attraction. Lunch with a view of the Colosseum might be wonderful, but you will pay through the nose for the experience. 

 

#39 @TravelNotebook

Always check out lunch menus at good restaurants, often they have a set menu at lunchtime which is good value.

#40 @craig_martin

Meet people for a drink or meal and get the inside edge on what to see and do wherever you are.

#41 @ANight_in_Paris

Paris: Curried sausages & fries for €5.50 @ Franco-German Café Titon - http://ow.ly/1AwMd

#42 @vickybaker

Get free accommodation in Spain by volunteering as an English teacher at www.vaughantown.com

#43 @BerlinTourism

Restaurants in Berlin : I am obsessed with vietnamese food and love Monsieur Vuong http://www.monsieurvuong.de/

 

#44 @colmhanratty

When eating out in Dublin look for early-bird specials between 5.30-7.30 where you’ll find great deals.

#45 @madridexpert

Love the no-nonsense €10 lunch at La Sanabresa (www.restaurantelasanabresa.com), just off Plaza Santa Ana

#46 @laradunston

When you eat at a restaurant you like or drink at a bar that's fun, ask the waiters and bar-tenders where *they* like to eat and drink on their night off - they'll probably be recommendations that are not only more down-to-earth and less touristy, but also probably more affordable.

#47 @501Places

Mont St Michel gets 3m visitors a year and is a major tourist trap. Venture away from the Mont for decent food at reasonable prices. La Ferme St Michel is only a short walk from the causeway entrance and offers superb locally produced food

  
 
 

#48 @cultoftravel

Athens cheap eats for 2 Euros: Savas & Thannis are two of the best gyros & souvlaki joints in town. On Monastiraki Square, right across from the Metro station.

#49 @hackneye

If you want to eat cheap and authentic in London, read this: http://bit.ly/dBEeE8

#50 @katieparla

Eat at a bakery. Bakeries prepare products that are economical, fresh, and support the local economy (unlike most supermarkets).

#51 @eurocheapo

Avoid hotel breakfasts that aren’t free. In Paris is can cost as much as 12 euros for a sub-par continental breakfast of a croissant and coffee.

#52 @vickybaker

Gothenburg is home to five Michelin-star restaurants. Instead of going for dinner, try one of their daily lunch deals ("dagen rätt"), which offer excellent value. 

 

#53 @tomhalltravel

There’s a fantastic cafe underneath Milano Centrale station that serves some of the best pizza in Italy, provided you get it while it’s hot. It’s just the place to pass a few hours waiting for a train.

Follow your nose.

 

#54 @writersean:

Cheap eats in Spain: traditional bars serve tapas (small dishes) with every caña (small beer, 1-2 euros) Try El Tigre in Madrid

#55 @katieparla

Head for the caffeteria. It may not sound so attractive, but in Rome and other italian cities, the tavola calda (caffeteria) offers cheap homemade food at lunchtime for locals on a budget.

#56 @501Places

If staying in the Mont Michel area, visit the historic walled city of St Malo nearby, and enjoy a fantastic seafood lunch in the laid back resort of Cancale.

#57 @hackneye

 

If you want to eat seafood in Tuscany, go to Livorno. You'll eat better and pay about a third less.

 

#58 @TravelEditor

Visit a grocery store to make your own inexpensive picnic lunch -- like a baguette, cheese, grapes and wine.

 

#59 @writersean

 

Cheap eats in Spain: a panadería (bakery) will often have fresh hot empanadas (pasties), making a light lunch for 3-5 euros!

 

#60 @tomhalltravel

In Spain, go out late. Have a small meal in the afternoon, then a nap if you’re worried about stamina. Don’t schedule much for the mornings.

 

#61 @ParisBuFF

 

Most restaurants in Paris offer good value meals during lunchtime.Prefer the lunch menu instead of a la carte.

Relax and Play

 

 

#62 @madridexpert

I’m always in Barrio Alto (Calle Humilladero 16), a great bar in La Latina, hidden down a side street

 

#63 @ANight_in_Paris

Fabulous Free Massage & Pedicure in Paris http://ow.ly/1AyDK

#64 @freeamsterdam

See a movie at Pluk de nacht: One of the best free open air festivals, with national & international films and documentary's. http://bit.ly/cbmWHy

#65 @cultoftravel

Athens shopping: handmade leather sandals from Melissinos the sandal maker http://melissinos-art.com/ . Sandals are finished and fitted while you wait. Many sandals priced 23-30 Euro

#66 @whltravel

If nature is calling and you’re looking for something completely off-the-tourist-trail, head to the hills 140kms outside Bucharest to Cabana Veverita (Squirrel's Pension)! Here you’ll find gorgeous valleys and forests, not to mention the wine cellar below the pension where you’ll be served up the local drop in traditional clay pots!

#67 @IsabellesTravel

It`s cheaper to drink at the bar in Spain… than sitting down at a table or terrace.

 

And in Italy too....

 

#68 @hackneye

If you're only planning a quick coffee in Italy, walk to the bar, order it and stand there to drink. Sitting down can treble the price.

 

#69 @travelminded

 

Greek Islands "Get yourself to Greece: Take an overnight ferry to Ios, camp for 9 Euro a night and party like a rockstar

 

 

#70 @Joobili

Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Aug 6-30 2010)- Fringe is the rebellious younger sibling of the Edinburgh International Festival with twice the fun at a fraction of the price. http://bit.ly/bLlcTc

 

#71 @travelminded

 

Madrid: "A vibrant and vivacious city, flourishing with gardens, colorful winding streets, and cured ham in every window, take a siesta with the locals in Madrid"

#72 @Joobili

Robin Hood Festival (Aug 2-8, 2010)- Russel Crowe's new Robin Hood film has everyone buzzing about our favorite outlaw. This festival is free fun for the whole family. 

http://bit.ly/c5I9zg

#73 @freeamsterdam

Celebrate the summer in the Tolhuistuin:Free events in July & August in the weekends- theater, dance, music, literature... http://bit.ly/9QG883 (Dutch)

#74 @Joobili

Buskers Bern Street Music Festival (Aug 12-14, 2010)- The cobblestone streets of Bern fill with buskers ensuring entertainment at every turn.  http://bit.ly/afQZyU

 

#75 @sevilletapas

 

The Alcázar palace and gardens are not to be missed. Splendid mudéjar architecture in a cool green setting.

 

#76 @ANight_in_Paris

 

2.5 Hour Barge Cruise €20, best way to see non-touristy Paris - http://ow.ly/1Aw77

 

See

 

 

 

#77 @AboutLondon

Best Free London Museums list: http://bit.ly/cDlTHq

#78 @andrewghayes 

Look up.Look around.The most beautiful and wonderful parts of Europe don't have an admission fee.

 

#79 @freeamsterdam

Go to a free concert in the Vondelpark. All sorts of concerts from june-august Thursdays till Sundays. In May you can find the programme here: http://bit.ly/Ww3In

 

#80 @karenbryan

Entry to state run museums in the UK is free of charge.

 

#81 @eurocheapo

When visiting museums and other notable sites, always ask if special rates are available for students, seniors, or small groups. Some discounts aren’t clearly visible and can be overlooked

.

#82 @BerlinTourism

Great free walking tour works on a tip-basis only (http://www.newberlintours.com/nbt/).

 

#83 @BerlinTourism

Great walking areas: all the little side streets around the Hackesche Markt for fashion, design, bars, cafes ……

 

#84 @colmhanratty

In Paris, plan your trip around the first Sunday of the month when all the main museums are free.

#85 @writersean

 

Free art in Madrid! Conde Duque has 3 art galleries with quality exhibitions, plus special events (these sometimes cost)

 

 

#86 @MyMelange

Save money and keep cool In Rome's heat by refilling your water bottle with fresh spring water running freely from fountains. 

#87 @ParisBuFF

AVOID 1, 2, 3 or 5-day travel passes to get around Paris. A Carnet (10 tickets) suffices & would come out cheaper.

#88 @ IsabellesTravel

In most cities, the museums offer a day or evening with free entrance, ask/do some research before your visit.

#89 @ParisBuFF

Unless it's raining, prefer walking w/ aid of a good guide book.You will see more & experience the city better.

 

#90 @MyMelange

Some of Italy's best attractions are free. Explore churches, fountains, piazzas and famous monuments without ever spending a dime.

 

#91 @budgettraveller

Rainy day? Visit the free Museums on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh http://bit.ly/9TKaQK

 

Travel

#92 @traveldudes 

Traveling through Germany for cheap? Drive with others & use the free & safe http://www.mitfahrzentrale.de website! I always give people a ride there! It's fun & you meet great folks!

#93 @AboutLondon

Use an Oystercard for London transport

#94 @budgettraveller

If you’re flying into London and want to get into Europe-take the bus, forget flights. Eurolines run bus services to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels with fares as low as £15 one-way. Plus you can carry all your luggage too and get dropped right in centre of town.

 

#95 @samdaams

Oslo & expensive? Your tram ticket doubles as a ferry ticket so spend some time the way the locals do; enjoying the islands in the Oslo fjord. Bring a throwaway bbq, food and drinks for a cheap, excellent, day out.

#96 @andrewghayes

Plan ahead. Your favourite attractions will not be open 7 days a week, and that must-catch train might require reservations.

 

#97 @EverywhereTrip

Avoid taxis whenever possible. European taxis are horribly expensive. Take a train, bus or walk whenever possible. 

#98 @TravelMagazine 

Check which budget airline flies from your local airport on www.whichbudget.com and check out places you never heard of - they could be hidden gems (e.g. Alghero).

 

#99 @TravelEditor

Compare the cost of a rail pass against point-to-point tickets on RailEurope.com; the pass may not necessarily be your cheapest option.

#100 @cultoftravel

Cheap alternative to Greek Island hoping: take Athens metro down to Piraeus a hop a ferry for a day-trip to one of the Saronic Gilf Islands: Hydra, Poros, Aegina.

 

So there you go: the 100 tips from the top Europe Travel Experts on Twitter- we welcome your comments and

your very own Europe budget travel tips!