Backpacking around Europe has always been about getting as far as you can on as little as possible. While this hasn't changed, here at Hotels4u we're happy to say hostel living and communal bathrooms are a thing of the past. Say goodbye to bunk beds, and hello to hotels! Many cheap hotels now offer more for your money than your average hostel. Fancy a three star hotel room instead of a shared dorm? It's all here! Check out some of the great places you can stay in style... even on a shoestring.
Zagreb skyline by Sobrecroacia
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is the biggest city in the Republic of Croatia, and its vibrant culture includes plenty of free or inexpensive museums, including the curious Museum of Broken Relationships. Zagreb's central locality means major international acts often perform here, and the city's tramlines and commuter rail services make it cheap and easy to get around.
STAY: The 3-star Holiday Hotel in the western shopping district has twin rooms for as little as £22.50 per person, including breakfast.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world - older than Rome, in fact! So there is plenty of history to be discovered here, in addition to free museums, picturesque parks, and a buzzing café culture. Take the funicular railway around the city or explore the old town, right on the water's edge.
STAY: The 3-star Residencial Horizonte Hotel is central and right beside a tram stop. Rooms are as little as £17 per person including breakfast.
Costa Dorada coastline by Viajar24h
Costa Dorada, Spain
This popular stretch of Spanish coastline is known for its luxury resorts, but believe it or not, backpackers, you can find Costa Dorada hotels which will fit in your budget. Spend your days on the beach in Tarragona enjoying sun, sand and sea, just minutes down the road from your low-cost digs.
STAY: The 2-star Catalunya Express in Tarragona is only 200m from the beach and has twin rooms for as little as £22 per person - with breakfast included.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria's gem of a capital is jam-packed with galleries, museums and parks, but it's also a great place to go for the nightlife, due to its countless clubs, taverns, pubs and venues. Sofia's combination of modern media and historic culture makes it a must for any backpacker's European itinerary.
STAY: Treat yourself with a stay at the 3-star Bulgari Hotel, right in the city centre, with bed and breakfast from just £16 per person.
Prague bridge by Giorgio Tomassetti
Prague, Czech Republic
Take the tram up to Petřín hill for the amazing view, and explore historic Prague castle. Eating out in the Czech capital is inexpensive, with plenty of great value pizzerias and steakhouses. Alternatively make an al fresco meal and have a picnic by the Vlatva river, watching the boats go by.
STAY: Just a 15 minute stroll from Prague's famous Wenceslas Square is the 3-star Hotel Victoria, with rooms for as little as £15 per person, including breakfast.
Naples, Italy
Naples is the birthplace of pizza and should be on the itinerary of any backpacker travelling through Italy. Stroll the winding cobbled backstreets for lunch at a historic pizzeria, or alternatively, take a day trip to the incredible ancient city of Pompeii, which was once buried in the eruption of nearby Mt Vesuvius.
STAY: The 3-star Buono hotel is located right on the picturesque Piazza Nazionale. Rooms are as little as £16 per person and breakfast is included.
*Prices are based on twin or double rooms, two people sharing.