Your Dream Euro Summer Itinerary: Budget-Friendly and Backpack-Approved

If you’ve ever dreamed of hopping from beach clubs in Ibiza to cafes in Paris all while sticking to a backpacker’s budget, welcome to your dream Euro summer. I spent two unforgettable weeks bouncing across Europe with nothing but a carry-on, a pair of good shoes, and a serious sense of adventure. Here’s the full scoop on how I made the most of 5 cities in 14 days.

Day 1–3: Barcelona, Spain (3 days)

Where I Stayed: Kabul Hostel (right off Las Ramblas)

Barcelona is the perfect summer launchpad — equal parts culture, party, and beach. I hit the ground running with seaside drinks, tapas, and a sunset booze cruise.

Things to See in Barcelona

Must-Dos:

• Sunset Booze Cruise: Includes free club entry. Pro tip: don’t pregame too hard before getting on board — they provide more than enough sangria.

• Montserrat Day Trip: Castle ruins, panoramic views, and local wine tasting. Absolutely worth the full-day commitment.

Kev’s Pick | GetYourGuide

Paella Cooking Class

• Paella Cooking Class + Boqueria Market Tour: Learn how to cook paella from scratch after sampling fresh ingredients at the famous market.

• Flameno Show: An electrifying blend of passionate dance, soulful singing, and live Spanish guitar, performed in intimate venues known as tablaos.

Local Tips:

• Cover up before entering any churches or cathedrals.

• Get a student discount at Casa Batlló and Casa Milà if you can flash a valid ID.

• Book tickets ahead for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell — they sell out.

• Flamenco shows in the Gothic Quarter are touristy, but still worth the experience.

Ibiza, Spain (2-3 days)

Where I Stayed: Amistat Island Hostel (San Antonio area)

Ibiza is more than just DJs and foam parties. I squeezed in beach clubs, a hot air balloon ride, and snorkeling off the coast — all while sleeping in a hostel dorm.

Tips for Ibiza’s Best of the Best

Must-Dos:

Beaches & Nature

1. Cala Comte (Cala Conta) – Crystal-clear waters and legendary sunsets

2. Cala Bassa – Great for paddleboarding, swimming, and beach clubs

3. Cala d’Hort – Stunning view of Es Vedrà rock formation

4. Benirràs Beach – Famous for Sunday sunset drum circles

5. Las Salinas Beach – Trendy, long beach with soft sand and great music

6. Atlantis (Sa Pedrera) – Off-the-beaten-path cove with mystical rock formations

7. Es Vedrà Viewpoint – Mystical and scenic cliffside spot overlooking the islet

Culture & History

1. Dalt Vila (Old Town Ibiza) – UNESCO-listed hilltop fortress, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views

2. Ibiza Cathedral – Perched atop Dalt Vila, with gothic architecture and sea views

3. Necropolis del Puig des Molins – Ancient Phoenician-Roman burial site

4. Museu d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa (MACE) – Modern art museum in the Old Town

5. Hippy Markets – Las Dalias (San Carlos) & Punta Arabí (Es Canar) for artisan goods and boho vibes

Nightlife & Dayclubs

1. Ushuaïa Ibiza – Legendary open-air club with massive DJ lineups

2. Amnesia – Iconic nightlife experience with techno and house music

3. Hï Ibiza – Cutting-edge sound system and wild performances

4. Pacha Ibiza – Classic club with chic vibes and great music

5. O Beach Ibiza (San Antonio) – Poolside day parties with themed events

6. Cafe Mambo – Sunset drinks and pre-party DJ sets on the San Antonio strip

7. DC10 – Underground electronic music mecca near the airport

Adventure & Activities

1. Sunset Boat Party or Booze Cruise – Drinks, DJs, and golden hour on the water

2. Snorkeling or scuba diving – Especially at Cala Xarraca and Cala Salada

3. Paddleboarding or kayaking – Around Ibiza’s calm bays

4. Hot Air Balloon Ride – Sunrise over the island with 360° views

5. Explore Formentera – Take a ferry for a day trip to Ibiza’s laid-back sister island

Wellness & Relaxation

1. Yoga on the beach – Especially in northern towns like Santa Eulalia or Benirràs

2. Hike to Torre des Savinar – For epic views of Es Vedrà

3. Spa day at Atzaró Agroturismo – Luxury wellness retreat in the countryside

4. Sunset meditation or drum circle – Especially magical at Benirràs Beach

Food & Drink Experiences

1. Paella at a beachside chiringuito

2. Try a Hierbas Ibicencas – A local herbal liqueur, often served after meals

3. Farm-to-table dinner in the countryside

4. Tapas crawl through Ibiza Town or Santa Gertrudis

Kev’s Picks | GetYourGuide

Ibiza Islands Beach Cruise

• Beach Cruises: Check out Cala Conta and Cala Bassa. Paddleboarding + snorkeling included.

• Sunset at San Antonio Bay: Pack a drink and find a spot along the beach.

• O Beach Club & Es Paradis: Splashy, bougie, worth the experience once.

Kev’s Pick | GetYourGuide

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

• Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise: A splurge, but nothing beats floating over Ibiza at sunrise. Take a dreamy, early-morning hot air balloon ride over the island of Ibiza. Float gently through the clouds, capture amazing views of the entire island, toast to the experience, and finish off the morning with a Spanish breakfast.

Local Tips:

• Stick to shared taxis or group tours to keep costs down.

• Book boat tours in advance during summer weekends.

• Try dinner spots like Soul Good or Es Caliu for affordable meals with great ambiance.

French Riviera (Nice + Monaco) (2-3 days)

Where I Stayed: Antares Hostel (across from Nice train station)

Between pebbled beaches and gelato runs, I toured the French Riviera with quick detours to Antibes, Cannes, and Monaco.

Must-Dos:

In Nice, France

1. Promenade des Anglais – Iconic seaside walk perfect for sunset strolls and rollerblading
2. Vieille Ville (Old Town) – Colorful streets, markets, and Baroque architecture
3. Cours Saleya Market – Flower, produce, and local food market (don’t skip the socca!)
4. Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – Best panoramic view of the bay, plus a hidden waterfall
5. Place Masséna – Grand central square with checkered tiles and stunning architecture
6. Musée Matisse – Dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse, set in a peaceful villa
7. Musée Marc Chagall – Features religious-themed modern art by Chagall himself
8. Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate) – Baroque gem in the heart of Old Town
9. Monastère de Cimiez & Garden – Peaceful historic site and scenic viewpoint
10. Parc Phoenix – Botanical and animal park near the airport, great for families

Nearby Coastal Towns & Day-Trips

1. Villefranche-sur-Mer – A charming seaside village just 10 minutes away by train or bus

2. Eze Village – Medieval hilltop village with cobblestone alleys and sweeping sea views

   Don’t miss: Fragonard perfume factory + Nietzsche hiking trail
   13. Monaco & Monte Carlo – Luxury, casinos, yachts, and cliffside palace views (30 min by train)
   14. Antibes – Historic walled town with sandy beaches, Picasso Museum, and a gorgeous port
   15. Cannes – Famous for its film festival, beach clubs, and upscale shopping
   16. Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Art-lovers’ paradise with galleries and panoramic views
   17. Cap-Ferrat – Home to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and gorgeous walking trails along the coast
   18. Menton – Known as the “Pearl of France,” with lemon trees and an Italian feel

Kev’s Pick | GetYourGuide

Nice Guided Segway Tour

• Guided Segway Tour: Great way to learn the city and cover a lot of ground.

• Evening Monaco Tour: Experience Monte Carlo by night, complete with dinner by the marina.

Kev’s Pick | GetYourGuide

From Nice: French Riviera Day Trip

• French Riviera Day Trip: Most tours hit Cannes, Eze, Antibes, and Saint-Paul de Vence in one go.

Local Tips:

• Hostels here are surprisingly social — don’t be shy.

• Book Riviera tours that include hotel pick-up if you're near the train station.

• Cours Saleya Market is a must for lunch.

Paris, France (2-3 days)

Where I Stayed: JO&JOE Paris (near Gentilly RER station)

Paris in summer is dreamy, but busy. I packed in landmarks, rooftop views, and a night cruise down the Seine.

Best Things to See in Paris

Must-Dos:

• Eiffel Tower at Sunset + Dinner: Book dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel or picnic below.

• Louvre + Sainte Chapelle: Book ahead and go early.

• Moulin Rouge Show: Pricey, yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

• River Cruise at Night: One of the best ways to experience the city lights.

Kev’s Pick | GetYourGuide

Palace of Versailles Skip-The-Line Ticket

• Palace of Versailles Skip-The-Line Ticket: Enjoy a day at Versailles with this entry ticket. Visit the palace, Trianon, Marie Antoinette's Estate, and gardens and see the famous Musical Gardens or Fountain Show with an optional upgrade.

Local Tips:

• Always validate your metro ticket. Fines are real.

• Most metro lines stop around 12:30am. Plan your return trip.

• Skip restaurants near the Champs-Élysées. Walk a few blocks out for better food.

Amsterdam, Netherlands (3 days)

Where I Stayed: Heart of Amsterdam Hostel (in the Red Light District)

Amsterdam is an ideal way to end your trip: canals, culture, and chill vibes. I spent my time mixing tours with coffee shops and museums.

Top Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

Must-Dos:

Cultural & Historical Must-Sees

1. Rijksmuseum – Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and more

2. Van Gogh Museum – The world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s art

3. Anne Frank House – Powerful, emotional experience about WWII history

4. Rembrandt House Museum – Where the artist lived and worked

5. Royal Palace Amsterdam – Grand architecture and Dutch royalty history

6. NEMO Science Museum – Interactive exhibits (great for families or rainy days)

Iconic Amsterdam Experiences

1. Bike the City – Rent a bike and explore like a local (just watch for traffic!)

2. Canal Cruise – Classic boat ride, especially pretty at sunset or with dinner

3. Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s Central Park; perfect for picnics and people-watching

4. Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market) – Unique stalls on barges selling tulips and souvenirs

5. A'DAM Lookout Swing – Europe’s highest swing with skyline views across the IJ River

6. Heineken Experience – Tour the historic brewery with tastings at the end

Eat & Drink

1. Try Stroopwafels – Thin waffle cookies filled with caramel

2. Bitterballen & Dutch cheese – Classic bar snacks

3. Herring from a street vendor – If you’re feeling brave (and local)

4. Indonesian Rijsttafel – A colonial-era fusion feast of small dishes

5. Brown Cafés – Cozy, pub-style bars with traditional vibes

6. Trendy cocktail spots – Like Door 74 or Flying Dutchmen

Fun Experiences

1. MOCO Museum – Modern and street art (think Banksy & Warhol)

2. House of Bols – Cocktail and genever tasting experience

3. Micropia Museum – The only museum in the world dedicated to microbes

4. Red Light District – For cultural curiosity or nightlife

5. Visit a Coffee Shop – Amsterdam’s cannabis cafés (know the rules before you go!)

6. Luxury Canal Cruise – Book one with drinks for a relaxing hour through the canals.

7. Canvas Club Amsterdam – Paint and sip on a rooftop.

Kev’s Picks | GetYourGuide

Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour

• Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour: Explore the traditional 17th-century houses and windmills of the Dutch countryside on a tour of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Edam, and Marken from Amsterdam.

Kev’s Picks | GetYourGuide

Rotterdam & The Hague Day Trip

• Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Day Trip: If you want to see more of the Netherlands. Explore southern Holland on a full-day tour to Delft, Rotterdam, and The Hague. See an old Dutch city, view one of the world's largest harbors, tour the buildings of the Dutch Parliament and visit the miniature town, Madurodam.

Local Tips:

• Public transport is seamless. Trams and bikes are your best friend.

• Pre-book Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum tickets.

• Try bitterballen and stroopwafels at a market stall.

Final Thoughts: How to Crush Your Euro Summer

• Book flights early for the best budget deals. I flew multi-city with stopovers in Reykjavik and Nice.

• Choose hostels that offer breakfast, lockers, and social events.

• Use GetYourGuide for tours and skip-the-line experiences.

• Pack light, you’ll be grateful every time you change cities.

• Say yes to plans, people, and places you didn’t expect.

This trip proved that you don’t need a luxury budget to have a first-class summer in Europe. Just curiosity, a bit of planning, and shoes that won’t fall apart.

- Kevin