BUDGET AND PRICES

Classic Europe (Austria, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy) is generally more expensive than Eastern and Southeastern Europe, but prices vary significantly between countries and cities. Italy is usually the most affordable of the group, while Switzerland is by far the most expensive. Major tourist cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich and Vienna can be particularly costly, while smaller cities and rural areas are often more manageable.

ACCOMMODATION

- Hostels: Around €20–€45 per night for a dorm bed

- Budget Hotels: €55–€110 per night for a double room.

- Airbnb: Around €50–€130 per night for a private room or small apartment.

FOOD

- Street food & fast food: Around €5–€12 for a quick meal.

- Restaurants: A normal sit-down meal costs about €15–€35 per person.

- Supermarkets: Generally affordable, although Switzerland is significantly more expensive than the other countries.

TRANSPORT

- Bus: Around €5–€30 between cities depending on distance and booking time.

- Trains: Excellent and extensive railway networks connect most major cities. Typical journeys cost around €10–€50+, although high-speed and last-minute tickets can be considerably more expensive.

- Car Rental: Around €30–€70 per day depending on season, country and vehicle.

DAILY TOTAL

- Budget Traveler: €50–€90/day.

- Mid-range Traveler: €100–€180/day.

- Switzerland: Expect roughly €100–€150/day for budget travel and €200–€350/day for mid-range travel.

LANGUAGE

Each country has its own main language and strong regional identities. English is widely understood in major cities and tourist areas, particularly among younger people, although English proficiency varies outside popular tourist destinations.

• Austria: German

• Germany: German

• France: French, Breton, Occitan, Corsican and Basque

• Belgium: Dutch, French and German

• The Netherlands: Dutch and Frisian

• Switzerland: German, French, Italian and Romansh

• Italy: Italian

TRAVEL TIPS

WEATHER

Classic Europe has four distinct seasons, but conditions vary considerably between countries. Italy can be hot and dry in summer, while the Alps can remain cool even during July and August. Northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands tend to be cooler and wetter, while Germany and Austria experience more continental conditions. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so layers and a waterproof jacket are useful year-round.

LANGUAGE

English is widely spoken in major cities, tourist areas and among younger people, but proficiency varies between countries. The Netherlands, Austria and Germany generally have strong English proficiency, while communication can be more difficult in rural France and Italy.

TRANSPORTATION

Public transport is generally excellent, especially between major cities. High-speed trains connect many of the region's biggest destinations, but tickets can become expensive when bought last-minute. Regional trains and buses are usually cheaper. In the Netherlands, trains and local public transport are particularly convenient, while Switzerland and Austria are excellent for reaching mountain destinations without a car.

CURRENCY

• Austria, Germany, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy: Euro (€)

• Switzerland: Swiss franc (CHF)

TIPPING

Tipping culture varies slightly between countries. It is generally less obligatory than in the United States. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving around 5–10% for good service is usually sufficient. Always check whether a service charge is already included before tipping more.

RESPECT THE NATURE

Classic Europe is not culturally uniform. Customs, meal times, language, architecture and attitudes can change noticeably between neighboring countries. Don't treat Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland as one identical region - the differences are part of what makes traveling through them worthwhile.

WATCH FOR PICKPOCKETS

Tourist areas, major train stations and crowded public transport are the places where you should be most careful with valuables. Paris, Rome, Berlin-style tourist hotspots and major European transport hubs attract opportunistic thieves. Keep your phone and wallet secure in crowded areas.

PEAK SEASON

July and August are generally the busiest months, especially in the Alps, northern Italy, the French Riviera and major European cities. May–June and September–October can offer a much better balance of weather, prices and crowds.

SEASONS IN CLASSIC EUROPE

SPRING (MARCH - MAY)

Spring varies significantly across Classic Europe. March can still be cold, especially in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the Alps, while southern Italy can already feel pleasantly mild. By April and May, temperatures generally reach around 10°C–22°C, with warmer conditions in southern Europe. Cities become greener, alpine landscapes begin to open up and tourist numbers are still relatively low. April and May are particularly good for city trips, sightseeing and countryside travel.

SUMMER (JUNE - AUGUST)

Summer is the busiest travel season and generally the warmest period across the region. Temperatures often range from 20°C–30°C, while southern Italy and parts of France can regularly exceed 30°C. Alpine areas remain considerably cooler and are excellent for hiking, lakes and outdoor activities. Beaches, mountain resorts and major cities can become very crowded in July and August, and accommodation prices are usually at their highest.

AUTUMN (SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER)

Autumn is one of the best seasons for traveling through Classic Europe. September is often still warm, with temperatures around 15°C–25°C, while October brings spectacular autumn colors across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands. Northern and Alpine regions become colder sooner, while Italy and southern France can remain pleasant well into October. Tourist numbers drop significantly after summer, making September and October excellent for sightseeing, road trips and hiking.

WINTER (DECEMBER - FEBRUARY)

Winter ranges from cool and wet in western and southern areas to cold and snowy in the Alps. Temperatures commonly range from -5°C to 8°C, although Alpine areas can be much colder. Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy and southern Germany become major destinations for skiing and winter sports, while cities are known for Christmas markets and festive decorations. Southern Italy and parts of France remain relatively mild, making them better options for escaping the cold. Daylight is short, especially in December and January.

MUST TRY FLAVOURS

THE NETHERLANDS

- Stroopwafel – Thin waffle filled with caramel syrup

- Bitterballen – Deep-fried meat-based snack served with mustard

- Haring – Raw herring traditionally eaten with onions

BELGIUM

- Belgian waffles – Soft or crispy waffles with toppings

- Moules-frites – Mussels with fries

- Belgian fries – Thick-cut fries served with sauces

GERMANY

- Currywurst – Sausage with curry ketchup

- Bratwurst – Grilled sausage

- Labskaus – Traditional northern sailor dish with meat, potato and beetroot

- Pretzels – Soft salted bread

SWITZERLAND

- Fondue – Melted cheese eaten with bread

- Raclette – Melted cheese served with potatoes and toppings

- Rösti – Fried grated potato dish

AUSTRIA

- Wiener schnitzel – Breaded veal or pork cutlet

- Apfelstrudel – Apple pastry dessert

- Kaiserschmarrn – Fluffy shredded pancake with powdered sugar

ITALY

- Pizza Napoletana – Neapolitan pizza with a soft crust

- Pasta – Regional varieties with countless sauces

- Risotto – Creamy rice cooked with broth

- Gelato – Dense Italian-style ice cream

- Tiramisu – Coffee-soaked mascarpone dessert

FRANCE

- Croissant – Buttery, flaky crescent-shaped pastry

- Crêpes – Thin pancakes with sweet or savory fillings

- Ratatouille – Stewed Mediterranean vegetables

- Coq au vin – Chicken slowly cooked in wine