How much does a 2-week trip to Europe realistically cost in 2024?

I am planning my first-ever trip to Europe for next spring and trying to put together a realistic budget. I want to visit a mix of major cities like Paris and Rome, staying in mid-range accommodations and eating out without going too crazy. Between flights, trains, hotels, and daily expenses, roughly how much should I expect to spend overall?

For a 2-week mid-range trip to Paris and Rome, you should realistically budget around $3,500 to $5,000 per person, including flights from North America.

Hotels will probably eat up a huge chunk of that. Expect about $150 to $250 a night for decent, well-located mid-range hotels with private baths.

Don't forget to factor in internal travel! High-speed trains between cities or budget airline tickets add up quickly, usually another $200–$400 total depending on when you book.

When I went last year, I spent roughly $100 a day on food, drinks, and attractions combined, and that was without being overly frugal. If you want to check out some great seaside spots during your trip, take a look at these Top coastal towns to visit in the Mediterranean.

Flights alone in the spring can easily run $900 to $1,300 round trip depending on your departure city, so keep an eye on fare alerts starting now.

If you are traveling by yourself for the first time, definitely read up on safety tips and check out this guide on the Safest European countries for solo travelers to help ease any anxiety.

Eating out in major tourist hubs like Rome and Paris gets expensive fast. Plan for a nice sit-down dinner and a few casual lunches or bakery stops to keep costs balanced.

Booking your train tickets and major museum reservations (like the Colosseum or the Louvre) well in advance will save you both money and precious vacation time.

Overall, I'd say $4,000 is the sweet spot for a comfortable, stress-free two weeks where you don't have to constantly count every single penny.

Also, if you decide to venture outside the major cities and rent a car to explore the countryside, make sure to read up on Planning a road trip: Best tips for renting a car and driving in Europe? first.

Have an amazing time! Spring is the absolute best time to visit before the massive summer crowds and heat waves hit.