Backpacking in Europe is expensive. Aside from the flight, your subsequent most significant expenditure is often accommodation, and hotels will ruin your budget unless you're traveling with friends.
Hostels aren't much better, with a bed in a dorm averaging around $22 (20 euros) a night. Add this with food costs, and you're looking at $44 (40 euros) daily.
Fortunately, there are ways to sleep for free in Europe. Unfortunately, you will have to sacrifice a bit of comfort and convenience.
There are plenty of spots, from train stations to McDonald's, where you can sleep safely, relatively comfortably, and best of all, for free.
While getting a decent night's rest might be challenging, you might eventually prefer it to a night in a hotel.
Whether you're looking to save money on accommodation or arrive too late to check into a hotel, below are five spots where you can sleep for free in Europe.
Table of Contents
1. In Train & Bus Stations
Except for London's King Cross and a few other German stations, most train and bus stations remain open all night.
It is not unusual to find fellow backpackers camped out all over the floor during the summer backpacking season.
The station attendants generally don't mind, and since police are usually nearby, it is relatively safe. This is one of the best places to sleep for free.
2. Camping
Although there are generally designated campsites, which require a small fee, there are also loads of beaches and forests where you can camp for free.
In Western Europe, it's best to pick a concealed spot away from the city. This way, police or potential thieves won't bug you.
If you are in Eastern Europe, it is safer to stay near the city. Here, the police usually don't care if you camp and will add a degree of safety.
3. In 24-Hour Restaurants
There are many American fast-food chains throughout Western Europe, including McDonald's and Starbucks.
They are often found near the train station and usually stay open until 3 or 4 AM, if not all night. If you buy a burger from the dollar menu, the staff usually lets you rest for the night.
4. On Couches
Couchsurfing is another great way to get free accommodation. Although you need to plan this by connecting with others through their website, it allows you to make new friends and sleep comfortably.
When browsing the Couchsurfing website, you'll see various options, from actual couches to beds with different types of mattresses.
While Couchsurfing is relatively safe, trust your instincts and politely decline if you get a bad feeling.
5. In Parks
City parks aren't your best option, but they are better than an alley. It is often best to pick a spot out of sight to avoid homeless people and police.
However, in some parks, you might find other backpackers camping out for the night, in which case it's not a bad idea to try to make friends.
Conclusion
You might be stuck without a hotel in the middle of the night or maybe want to save funds to help you travel longer. Either way, the former spots are some of the best ways to sleep for free.
While most are relatively safe spots, it's always best to keep your guard up. If you can, always try to join another backpacker group. The more people around you, the less likely you are to end up in a dangerous situation.
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About the Author:
When Leif was 16, he ran away from home and explored much of Europe and the Middle East without a dime. He is working on a book about this adventure as he continues making new ones while traveling the world.
Through his experiences, advice, and adventures, he hopes to prepare, empower, and inspire others to travel. Follow him on Facebook or visit him at RunawayGuide.com.
