Where Is The Best Place To Start Backpacking In Europe? (2024)
So you’ve decided to go on a big backpacking Europe trip this year, and now you’re stuck wondering where is the best place to start backpacking in Europe.
You came to the right place!
I’ve backpacked Europe many times in the past 6 years, from short one-country backpacking trips to multiple weeks-long backpacking adventures.
Deciding where to start your backpacking Europe journey might affect how your trip starts.
Not to sound too dramatic, but it will impact your route, your backpacking Europe budget, and the people you meet along the way.
So, if you’re ready to book that flight and start backpacking Europe, let’s jump right in!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
What to consider when deciding where to start backpacking Europe?
Where you decide to start backpacking through Europe will depend on several factors: your backpacking Europe route, whether you are backpacking Europe in winter or summer, and where it is cheapest to fly to.
Cheapest airfare
First and foremost, flight tickets are expensive if you’re flying to Europe from USA or Australia. That makes the best place to start backpacking in Europe the one where you can get the cheapest flight.
Save money on flights so you can spend it on your trip. Trust me, as long as it makes sense for your itinerary, it is worth it.
✈️Are you still looking for the best flight?
Browse here with “everywhere” as a destination!
Your backpacking itinerary
If you want to backpack through Balkan countries on this specific trip, starting in London probably doesn’t make sense.
However, there are cheap flights from London, so you can combine a visit to the city before making your way to the Balkans!
You want to avoid unnecessarily flying throughout the continent if you can follow a more comfortable backpacking route.
Time of the year
If you’re backpacking for several months, the best place to start a Europe trip depends on when you’re traveling.
If you start backpacking in October, begin in the North of Europe and make your way to the south. When backpacking Europe in winter, remember January in the Netherlands is rainy and cold, while the south of Spain is sunny and pleasant.
On the other hand, summer is the high season in the south of Europe. That means hostels in Algarve will be more expensive in July than in September.
At the same time, there is a reason why summer is the high season. That is when you can enjoy the beaches and lots of activity in seaside towns.
The popularity of travel destination
If you’re a solo female backpacker and want to make friends as a solo traveler, choose to start your backpacking trip in a popular destination on the Europe backpacking route.
Spain, Poland, and Croatia are some of the best countries to backpack in Europe.
Places like Budapest, Barcelona, and Prague are must-stop destinations on every backpacking Europe itinerary. There are many hostels and backpacker-friendly activities you can join and meet people.
Meeting people and making friends as soon as your backpacking trip begins will help you not feel lonely as a solo traveler.
Ease of travel
This one goes hand in hand with your Europe backpacking route. You don’t want to start in Frankfurt if you want to backpack along the Mediterranean coast.
How would you even get there? Another flight, trains, and buses? It would make your Europe trip expensive for no reason!
That specific route will make more sense from Madrid, as you can easily find cheap trains and buses to your next destination.
🚃Not sure how to get to your next destination?
Browse all bus and train lines here!
Best Place to Start Backpacking Europe
1. London, The United Kingdom
If you’re flying from overseas, London might seem like a logical place to start your trip. Flights to London are usually among the cheapest.
London is an amazing city to visit, with numerous activities and places to discover. This lively city is great to visit any time of the year – if you don’t mind a little bit of rain.
It is also one of the best cities in Europe for nightlife if you have a budget for it!
Pros of starting your trip in London:
- London is a big airline hub with some of the cheapest long-haul flights in Europe.
- It is a city that is on many people’s Europe bucket lists, with numerous activities, tourist attractions, and delicious foods to try.
- Obviously, is in an English-speaking country, which is great for easing into travel.
Cons of starting your trip in London:
- London is one of the most expensive cities to backpack in Europe.
- Unless you plan to travel around the UK, it is not on a popular backpacking route.
Best hostel in London for backpackers
Hostels in London are on the expensive side. However, it is worth investing in a well-rated hostel when you first start your trip.
Hostel One Notting Hill is the best hostel in London for backpackers. You’ll find Hostel One chain throughout Europe! They specialize in creating a friendly and social atmosphere for solo travelers, with daily events and activities organized.
If Hostel One Notting Hill is fully booked, here are more great hostels in London to consider:
🛏️Check rates and availability in Hostel One Notting Hill here!
2. Lisbon, Portugal
The capital of Portugal is one of the best places to go backpacking in Europe and a great place to start backpacking Europe as it is on the westernmost part of the continent.
Lisbon is not the cheapest beach destination in Europe, but you can take advantage of the beaches while you’re there too!
Pros of starting your trip in Lisbon:
- Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe, which is great if you have a one-way ticket.
- Lisbon is well connected to the rest of the region, whether you’re backpacking Portugal or traveling to Spain next.
- Lisbon is a popular backpacking destination with lots of activities and social hostels.
Cons of starting your trip in Lisbon:
- If you get a return ticket, it might be hard to go back to Portugal at the end of your trip.
- Portugal and the Algarve coast can get very expensive in the summer.
Best hostel in Lisbon for backpackers
There is no shortage of hostels in Lisbon! The city is rather hilly, which makes it feel very spread out. I suggest you go to a social hostel where you can meet people to explore with.
Yes! Lisbon Hostel is the best place to stay in Lisbon as a solo traveler.
The hostel was named the best hostel in Lisbon several years in a row, and it is especially popular with solo travelers.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers at their free events and inviting communal areas.
If Yes! Lisbon Hostel is fully booked, here are other amazing Lisbon hostels to consider:
- We Love F. Tourists Hostel
- Lost Inn Lisbon Hostel
- Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel
- Home Lisbon Hostel
🛏️Check rates and availability in Yes! Lisbon Hostel here!
3. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the best backpacking cities in Europe. It is a great place to start your adventure, as you’ll be surrounded by other backpackers, and it is easy to make friends.
It is also a great place to start your trip if you are backpacking Eastern and Central Europe.
I started two backpacking trips from Budapest and absolutely loved the atmosphere and how quickly you get into a backpacking mood in this city.
Pros of starting your trip in Budapest:
- Budapest is one of the best backpacking destinations in Europe.
- Plenty of hostels and backpacker-friendly activities to choose from.
- Hungary is a cheap country, which means you can actually enjoy all the activities.
Cons of starting your trip in Budapest:
- If you’re flying from overseas, it might be hard to find a cheap flight to Budapest.
- The central location of Budapest means you have to decide whether you’re backpacking in central or eastern Europe.
Best hostel in Budapest for backpackers
You’ll be spoilt for choice with backpacker-friendly accommodation in Budapest. From party hostels to social hostels, Budapest has it all!
Hostel One Budapest is the best all-around hostel in Budapest. Perfectly located in the city center, organized daily activities to meet other travelers and comfortable beds with curtains for privacy.
It is hard to pick just one hostel in Budapest, so here are more of the best Budapest hostels to consider:
🛏️ Check rates and availability in Hostel One Budapest here!
4. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most visited places in the world. It is one of those places that you either love or hate, and I love it!
I lived in Paris for a month and visited many times, so I’ve visited every corner of this picturesque city.
It is a must-visit on any European itinerary, so starting here is a great idea.
Pros of starting your trip in Paris:
- Paris has direct flights from many places worldwide.
- This city is a must-see in Europe, even if it is just for a day or two.
- Paris is well-connected to the rest of the continent.
Cons of starting your trip in Paris:
- Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
- The city is big and might feel overwhelming if it’s your first solo trip.
- A lot is going on in Paris, you have to stay alert and pay attention to your belongings.
Best hostel in Paris for backpackers
Hostels in Paris are pricey, even those simple “place to sleep” types of hostels. In that case, I suggest you go for the best.
Even if you think you’re too old for hostels, you’ll see all types of travelers staying in hostels in Paris.
St Christopher’s Inn Canal Hostel is the best in Paris for backpackers, especially those looking for good times, as there is a bar and a club within the hostel. It is one of the rare hostels in Paris organizing free activities to join!
If party hostels are not your thing, here are other social hostels in Paris to consider:
- Caulaincourt Montmartre by Hiphophostels
- JO&JOE Paris – Nation Hostel
- The People – Paris Belleville (ex Les Piaules)
🛏️Check rates and availability in St Christopher’s Inn Canal Hostel here!
5. Madrid, Spain
Start your backpacking trip in the lively capital of Spain, Madrid. You’ll get to ease into your trip with this laid-back, sunny capital.
Madrid is located in the west of the continent, making it a great starting point for backpacking Spain.
From Madrid, you can continue backpacking Andalucia or make your way to Portugal or Barcelona.
Spain is one of the best places in Europe in summer, so you’re up for a good time by starting your backpack trip there!
Pros of starting your trip in Madrid:
- Madrid is a laid-back city and one of the best places to backpack in Europe
- The weather in Madrid is pleasant most of the year.
Cons of starting your trip in Madrid:
- Madrid is not the best place to start your trip if you aren’t interested in backpacking Portugal and Spain.
- Far from central and eastern Europe, you’ll probably need to take a flight to get there.
Best hostel in Madrid for backpackers
Madrid is a vibrant Spanish city that lives in the night, and the best way to enjoy Madrid nightlife as a solo female traveler is by staying in a social hostel where you can join events and activities.
Sungate One Hostel is the best place to stay in Madrid for solo travelers. This hostel goes above and beyond to create social situations for solo travelers to get to know each other and enjoy their time in the city. Rooms are simple, and there are no bunk beds.
Madrid has many awesome hostels so here are other social hostels in Madrid to consider:
🛏️Check rates and availability in Sungate One Hostel here!
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the best backpacking destinations Europe has to offer and a beautiful UNESCO site.
Strolling picturesque cobblestone streets along the river or cycling around the city will be the highlight of your backpacking trip.
Pros of starting your trip in Amsterdam:
- Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque cities that will be a great introduction to travel
- The city offers lots of activities and laid-back vibes
- Well-connected by train and bus to neighboring countries
Cons of starting your trip in Amsterdam:
- Amsterdam is one of the priciest cities to visit in Europe
- Many people in hostels are coming to Amsterdam for weed and parties
Best hostel in Amsterdam for backpackers
As a backpacker hub, Amsterdam has hostels for every type of traveler. However, you might want to avoid party hostels if you don’t want to stay up all night.
St Christopher’s at The Winston Hostel is located right in the heart of Amsterdam city center. It is the best place for those who want to stay in the middle of the action. The communal area is a bar, so there are no cozy kitchen/ living room vibes if that’s what you like.
If you’re looking for a different vibe, here are more great hostels in Amsterdam:
🛏️Check rates and availability in St Christopher’s at The Winston Hostel here!
7. Any place with cheap flights
Europe is a small continent that is extremely well-connected. You can reach virtually every place with a reliable public transportation system.
You might need a day or two to adapt to the time zone difference when you first arrive in Europe. Maybe you want to ease into traveling instead of jumping into a party hostel at your first destination.
When traveling for multiple months, you will have many opportunities to make friends in hostels, adapt your itinerary, and join activities.
That being said, if you find a super cheap flight to Frankfurt, it could be a good idea to book it! Whether you find Frankfurt an attractive backpacking destination or not, it can be a great way to start a European Christmas market itinerary!
Summary: The Best Place To Start Backpacking In Europe?
As you can see, the best place to start backpacking in Europe depends mostly on the European backpacking route you want to follow.
It is always a good idea to figure out the cheapest place to fly to and then adapt your backpacking Europe itinerary accordingly. But sometimes flying to the cheapest airport doesn’t make sense when you already have a set itinerary you want to follow.
When planning where to start backpacking in Europe, you can start with cheaper countries like backpacking in Poland or the most expensive destinations such as London and Paris.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, especially when traveling on a budget.
To conclude, Europe is a well-connected continent, and you can easily reach virtually any place once you’re here.
Don’t worry too much about where to start as you will have a great time and plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers throughout your trip!
If you liked this article, pin it for later and share it with your friends who want to backpack Europe!
