Travel Like a Pro: 25 Best Travel Apps For Europe (2024)

Embarking on a European adventure can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when trying to find the best deals and navigate unfamiliar territory.

That’s where this comprehensive list of the best travel apps for Europe comes in!

This is a compilation of our top picks of user-friendly and budget-saving tools designed to organize every aspect of your trip – from accommodations and transportation to dining and sightseeing recommendations.

Best Travel Apps For Accommodations

Booking.com

Booking.com stands out as a top travel app for securing accommodations throughout Europe. With over 27 million properties worldwide, it offers unmatched access to hotels, hostels, apartments, and even unique stays like castles and treehouses.

Not only does Booking.com provide extensive information about each property with detailed reviews and photos from real travelers, but it also boasts an offline-accessible itinerary feature that ensures you have your booking details on hand at all times without needing internet access.

Plus, loyal users can take advantage of the Genius loyalty program which unlocks additional discounts and perks at participating properties around Europe.

Airbnb

Airbnb has revolutionized how travelers experience accommodations in Europe, providing a more unique and immersive alternative to traditional hotels.

By staying in local neighborhoods, guests can feel like a part of the community while enjoying cost-effective lodging options catering to various budgets and preferences.

But it’s not just about finding a place to rest your head; through the “Experiences” feature available on the app, travelers can book local-led tours for an authentic insight into European culture and attractions.

From cooking classes with Italian chefs to art workshops led by Parisian painters, these experiences deliver unforgettable memories that surpass typical tourist activities.

Hostelworld

Hostelworld is one of the helpful apps for travelers seeking affordable and unique accommodations in Europe.

This user-friendly platform lets you quickly compare hostel prices, ratings, and reviews from other users while providing a wide range of options, from budget-friendly dorms to stylish private rooms.

Besides providing accommodation choices at your fingertips, Hostelworld enhances your travel experience by fostering connections with fellow travelers through its “Hostel Notice Board” feature and rewarding loyal customers with exclusive discounts and perks via its rewards program.

Moreover, the app partners with renowned travel brands to offer unbeatable deals on activities and tours across Europe.

HotelTonight

One of the most sought apps to use for accommodations in Europe is HotelTonight. This app offers last-minute hotel deals, including a daily drop deal with even more savings.

With HotelTonight, travelers can save up to 70% off regular rates and choose from a wide range of options for hotels, resorts, and private rentals across over 1,700 cities worldwide.

The intuitive interface allows for easy searching and booking. At the same time, detailed information about each hotel’s ratings, reviews, and amenities helps travelers make informed decisions about their stay.

Additionally, HotelTonight offers HT Perks as its loyalty program, providing members with extra discounts and perks to further enhance their travel experience.

Best Travel Apps For Getting Around

Eurail/Interrail Rail Planner

The Eurail/Interrail Rail Planner is a free app offering a comprehensive train travel guide. This app provides real-time information on schedules, travel routes, and reservations for trains in the region.

It also includes discounts for different countries and cities, making it an attractive option for travelers on a budget.

With this app, users can easily plan their itinerary by inputting their starting point and destination, choosing departure time, and obtaining relevant information such as connections needed to reach various European destinations.

Furthermore, the Eurail/Interrail Rail Planner has several other features making it stands out from other European transportation apps.

For instance, travelers can use this app as an offline map when exploring new cities since it includes maps of major European cities with directions to essential landmarks like hotels or restaurants.

Additionally, the app allows users to compare prices of different types of passes available on the market to choose one that suits their needs best without overspending.

Omio

Omio, formerly GoEuro, is a transportation app that allows travelers to compare easily and book train, bus, or flight tickets for any travel destination in Europe.

Regarded as the best European train app, Omio displays all available transportation options and provides users with real-time information on stops, delays, and arrival times.

The app offers a range of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay, and is available in multiple languages.

Citymapper

Citymapper is an essential travel app that provides transportation information for nearly 20 European cities, making navigating easier for travelers.

The app covers various modes of transport, including walking, cycling, buses, trams, trains, and taxis. It offers real-time schedules and cost estimates to help users plan their journeys efficiently.

One unique feature of Citymapper is the “rain-safe” option that helps users avoid getting caught in bad weather conditions by providing alternative routes or suggesting indoor activities nearby.

The “night tube” feature in London also provides accurate schedules for night trains in the city.

The app also includes a comprehensive travel guide with recommendations for nearby attractions and restaurants – perfect for time-constraint travelers who wish to make the most of their visit.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is one of my favorite apps that allow travelers to compare flight ticket, hotel, and car rental costs from various companies on the same platform.

This app lets users easily find incredible deals for their next Europe trip. Skyscanner collates information from numerous airlines and travel agencies in real time so that users can view prices in one location without searching multiple websites.

In addition, it offers package deals with dramatic discounts for hotels plus flights or cars across Europe.

BlaBlaCar

If you are looking for a travel app that can help you travel across Europe on a budget, download BlaBlaCar. It’s a great app that offers affordable carpooling options that are both safe and environmentally friendly.

With over 80 million users in 22 countries, BlaBlaCar connects travelers with others going in the same direction, allowing them to share the cost of travel and reduce their carbon footprint.

Additionally, BlaBlaCar features safety measures such as background checks on drivers and passenger ratings, ensuring that you can feel comfortable while traveling with strangers.

FlixBus

FlixBus is a popular app for travel among backpackers and budget travelers looking for cheap and convenient transportation options in Europe.

The German bus company provides affordable direct fares to over 25 countries across the continent, with information on schedules, delays, and arrival times available through its user-friendly app.

FlixBus offers complimentary onboard amenities such as free WiFi and charging sockets while providing comfortable seats for long hauls.

Additionally, the app enables users to compare prices and book tickets easily without any hassle.

Best Travel Apps For Activities And Sightseeing

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is a must-have travel app for anyone looking to explore Europe’s best activities and sightseeing options. With over 40,000 experiences to choose from, users can easily browse through tours and activities based on their destination or interests.

Apart from providing genuine traveler reviews and access to tour vouchers offline, GetYourGuide offers a best-price guarantee and an easy cancellation policy.

The app’s mobile ticket feature eliminates the need for users to print out their tickets while allowing them to access their booking information offline.

Viator

Viator is one of the best travel apps that provide access to over 200,000 tours and experiences throughout Europe.

As a TripAdvisor-backed platform, Viator offers travelers confidence and peace of mind knowing they are accessing reliable reviews from fellow travelers.

With fully refundable tours if canceled 24 hours in advance, Viator offers flexibility to accommodate spontaneous trip planning and provides tickets directly on users’ phones for added convenience.

One notable feature Viator offers is same-day tour availability, so travelers can efficiently plan their trips on the road without missing out on any exciting experiences.

SANDEMANs New Europe

One of the great travel apps for activities and sightseeing in Europe is SANDEMANs New Europe. The app offers free walking tours in 17 European cities, including Madrid, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

The experienced guides provide insightful commentary on the history and culture of each destination while taking visitors to popular landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben.

This app lets you experience a city’s highlights without breaking the bank. It allows travelers to meet new people from around the world who share similar interests.

Rick Steves Audio Europe

Rick Steves Audio Europe is one of the best apps for European travel. The free app provides audio guides for 17 European cities, including Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Rome.

With self-guided tours and informative audio files, users can explore museums, historical landmarks, and cultural hotspots at their own pace while picking up the destination’s history and culture.

Created by acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves to encourage Americans to broaden their perspectives through travel, this app has earned rave reviews from users who appreciate its engaging content.

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or embark on your first trip to Europe, Rick Steves Audio Europe is an essential resource to help you make the most of your journey.

Best Travel Apps For Dining And Cuisine

The Fork

The Fork is a must-have app for foodies traveling to Europe. This restaurant booking app offers discounts of up to 50% off at over 80,000 restaurants across the continent.

The user-friendly interface makes it easy to help you find restaurants based on cuisine, location, and budget. Users can view menus, photos, and reviews of listed restaurants before making reservations directly through the app.

Furthermore, The Fork has a loyalty program where users earn points for each booking to redeem discounts on future visits.

Happy Cow

Happy Cow is a must-have travel app for anyone who observes a vegetarian or vegan diet.

This app helps users find plant-based options while traveling in Europe, with over 100,000 restaurants, cafes, and stores that cater to a vegan or vegetarian diet.

With its global database of over 65,000 restaurants in more than 180 countries, Happy Cow is the world’s most extensive vegetarian and vegan restaurant guide.

This app allows users to filter results by location, cuisine type, price range, and rating – making finding the perfect spot for your dietary preferences effortless.

The premium subscription service offers additional features such as offline access to the database and saving favorite restaurants.

Too Good To Go

Too Good to Go is a game-changer for budget travelers who want to experience different cuisines without breaking the bank.

This app partners with over 60,000 restaurants, bakeries, and cafes across 15 European countries and offers their leftover food at discounted prices.

The app has saved over 100 million meals from going to waste since its launch in 2016.

Not only is Too Good to Go convenient for travelers looking for cheap eats, but it also supports local businesses and helps the environment by reducing food waste.

Users can find nearby restaurants on the app and purchase a “magic bag” filled with delicious goodies that would have otherwise gone unsold.

Best Travel Apps For Translation And Currency Conversion

Google Translate

Google Translate is an essential app for any traveler visiting Europe. This app helps you communicate with the locals by translating words, phrases, and written text in real time.

This app comes with translation from images and even handwriting, which can be helpful when reading signs or menus.

With offline language data packages available for download, this app still works without an internet connection.

TripLingo

For all your language and currency conversion needs, TripLingo is the perfect app for Europe travel.

This app provides a phrasebook for over 100 countries and 5,000 cities worldwide, including cultural gestures and customs that will help you confidently navigate unfamiliar territory.

Additionally, the TripLingo app works as an accurate currency converter feature that allows users to convert between over 150 currencies based on current exchange rates.

With its tip calculator function, travelers can also estimate appropriate tipping amounts in various countries and situations. Plus, offline capabilities make it easy to use without WiFi or data roaming charges.

XE Currency

XE Currency is a must-have mobile app for travelers who need to keep track of exchange rates when traveling in Europe.

The app provides actual exchange rates and historical charts for over 180 currencies, making it easy to figure out prices in foreign currencies.

Users can also set rate alerts and use a calculator to convert prices. XE Currency is free on iOS and Android devices and is a web-based tool for those who don’t want to download additional apps.

It’s regularly updated to reflect the latest market trends, making it reliable and highly recommended by users.

Moreover, it can be used offline, which is convenient for travelers without internet access.

Revolut

Revolut is a must-have app for travelers heading to Europe. It’s a digital banking app that allows users to navigate foreign currency transactions and avoid costly exchange fees easily.

With Revolut, users can spend and send money in multiple currencies with no fees and access actual exchange rates.

The app also offers various budgeting features such as tracking and categorizing spending, setting goals, and receiving notifications when they’re close to reaching them.

Additionally, Revolut provides travel insurance on a pay-as-you-go basis, making it easy for users to get travel coverage without breaking the bank.

Best Travel Apps For Planning Itinerary And Organization

TripIt

TripIt is deemed one of the best travel apps for organizing and planning a trip to Europe.

Its seamless integration with other travel apps, such as Airbnb and Uber, makes managing the trip you’re planning a breeze.

Available on iOS and Android devices, TripIt automatically creates an itinerary by scanning confirmation emails and compiling all travel details in one place.

Travelers can manually add reservations, and TripIt also syncs with calendars for easier accessibility.

Additionally, users can receive flight alerts, gate changes, and delay notifications through the app.

The map view feature displays all trip details including flights, hotels, and activities making navigation stress-free while exploring Europe’s top destinations.

You may also want to share your trip with others which is made simple thanks to TripIt’s user-friendly interface.

Packr

Packr is an essential travel app for anyone who struggles with packing efficiently and effectively.

This user-friendly app generates a customized packing list based on the destination, trip dates, weather forecasts, and planned activities.

With over 800 items in its database, Packr covers all the essentials for any traveler. Plus, users can add their custom items to ensure they always remember everything necessary.

One unique feature of Packr is its ability to share your personalized packing list with others – whether it’s a friend you’re traveling with or someone looking for tips on what to pack for their trip.

Developed by Quentin Plomteux, who knows firsthand how stressful packing can be when preparing for a trip abroad, Packr has received rave reviews from travelers who found it incredibly helpful in staying organized while on the go.

The premium version also offers additional features like syncing across multiple devices and personalized advice based on your previous trips.

PolarSteps

PolarSteps is a travel app that has been gaining popularity among travelers planning their European adventures.

It offers an innovative way to document and plan trips, providing users with a digital travel journal of the places they have visited and the photos taken along the way.

The app uses GPS technology to accurately track distances traveled, which can be incredibly helpful for keeping tabs on daily movements.

In addition to tracking, PolarSteps encourages social sharing by allowing users to follow each other’s journeys and share experiences, making it perfect for solo or group travelers seeking inspiration from others.

What’s more impressive about this app is that it works offline, allowing travelers to add notes and photos without an internet connection while accurately mapping their travels.

Google Maps

Google Maps is an indispensable travel planning app for any backpacking trip to Europe.

The app provides many helpful features, from real-time traffic conditions and public transport schedules to street views, satellite imagery, and location-sharing options.

With Google Maps, you can easily plan trips and organize your travel itineraries while on the go. It also offers offline use in case you find yourself in areas with limited connectivity.

Plus, it’s entirely free, making it accessible to all travelers regardless of their budget.

Conclusion

In summary, these 25 helpful travel apps will undoubtedly guide you in planning your trip to Europe. From finding affordable accommodations to planning transportation and activities, there’s an app for every need.

Omio is the go-to for trains when traveling around Europe. At the same time, Skyscanner offers the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals. Viator has a vast collection of tours and experiences, while The Fork helps with restaurant bookings.

And don’t forget about Google Maps for navigation and translation apps like TripLingo for communicating with locals.

FAQs:

1) What features should I look into when searching for a travel app for Europe?

When searching for the best travel apps for Europe, features to consider include the following:

Offline maps and navigation.
Language translation tools.
Recommendations on local attractions and activities.
The ability to book flights or accommodations through the app.

2) Are there any free travel apps available for use while traveling in Europe?

Many free travel apps offer helpful features such as currency conversion rates, public transportation information and schedules, and reviews of restaurants and attractions from locals’ perspectives.

3) Can I use my regular phone plan when using these European travel apps?

It depends on your carrier’s international roaming policies- some may charge high fees. In contrast, others may offer affordable data plans that vary based on your needs.

4) Can I access my saved trip itineraries offline when using a travel app?

Many modern applications now feature offline access where users can download necessary information about their itinerary (such as maps & current reservations) so they can still be accessed even without WiFi/cellular connectivity at the time.