Planning a 7-day Europe trip – one city or multiple cities?
Mar 5th, 2026 | 01:48 PM
#21
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I wouldn't pick a destination that involves multiple flights to reach. Every connection is an opportunity for flight delays/cancellations that can wipe out a day or days of your already short trip. I don't know where in China you're coming from, but I rather doubt there are direct flights to some of the places that have been mentioned.
Mar 5th, 2026 | 01:55 PM
#22
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St. Petersburg is not near the action in any way (drones do land in Moscow now and then but St. Petersburg has had almost no impact - except for higher prices for some things - I have a relative living there - long LONG story - but the number of Chinese tourists supports the fact that it is affordable for them.
Mar 5th, 2026 | 08:12 PM
#23
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October is still high season . In some places more than others. That would keep lodging prices up. You can lower your costs by going mid November.
With only five days on the ground it's hard to do multiple stops. If you think about say Rome
Day 1 wander the Vatican sites
Day 2 wander the Colosueem
That leaves you three days for everything else.
In theory you could take a train ride to Florence or to Naples for the day but with a tight time and money budget that jaunt ends up costing you maybe more than you'd want.
With only five days on the ground it's hard to do multiple stops. If you think about say Rome
Day 1 wander the Vatican sites
Day 2 wander the Colosueem
That leaves you three days for everything else.
In theory you could take a train ride to Florence or to Naples for the day but with a tight time and money budget that jaunt ends up costing you maybe more than you'd want.
Another time I’m considering is January or February, since my friend and I also have some time off then. Do you think accommodation prices in cities like Rome or Paris are usually lower in January or February?
Thank you!
Mar 5th, 2026 | 08:13 PM
#24
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I wouldn't try to see more than one city (with perhaps a day trip). With your budget, London and Paris likely won't work; and Vienna probably isn't an option unless you are under 25. Even then, while you can lodge at a hostel, the museums charge "discount" student fees. Prague and Rome would be more budget-friendly, and high cultural impact, options.
Mar 5th, 2026 | 08:15 PM
#25
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OK -- you need to be a bit more realistic. (I actually thought flights from China might be significantly cheaper -- not sure why I thought that). But ff you are having to pay €800-ish just for your flights €1300 isn't close to doable.
London: Many museums are free which is good, but you'd need to pay close to €100 even for a cheap hostel . . . they use £ in London but I'll keep with € just for comparisons. Then about €10 per day for transport. So you are € 50 over your budge right there without ANY food or other expenses. And that is bare bones. Major sites like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are very expensive - nearly €40 for the Tower for instance. You'd probably have to double your budget to make five nights in London work.
Paris: Will have slightly cheaper hotels but to get one you'd have to stay in the outer districts and spend more time and money traveling into the city center. Transport will be a minimum of €12 per day. Almost ALL museums and sites in Paris charge entrances fees.The Louvre is €32, others will be less. So as you can see - a doubling of your budget is probably necessary.
I might suggest you look at St Petersburg Russia. It is a major city with probably cheaper flights from China. Nice but not posh hotels cost a lot less than in places like Paris or Rome or London. LOTS of sites and things to do that cost less. The fabulous Hermitage costs less than €10. Many Chinese vist there so there are probably cheap tours available. T
London: Many museums are free which is good, but you'd need to pay close to €100 even for a cheap hostel . . . they use £ in London but I'll keep with € just for comparisons. Then about €10 per day for transport. So you are € 50 over your budge right there without ANY food or other expenses. And that is bare bones. Major sites like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are very expensive - nearly €40 for the Tower for instance. You'd probably have to double your budget to make five nights in London work.
Paris: Will have slightly cheaper hotels but to get one you'd have to stay in the outer districts and spend more time and money traveling into the city center. Transport will be a minimum of €12 per day. Almost ALL museums and sites in Paris charge entrances fees.The Louvre is €32, others will be less. So as you can see - a doubling of your budget is probably necessary.
I might suggest you look at St Petersburg Russia. It is a major city with probably cheaper flights from China. Nice but not posh hotels cost a lot less than in places like Paris or Rome or London. LOTS of sites and things to do that cost less. The fabulous Hermitage costs less than €10. Many Chinese vist there so there are probably cheap tours available. T
Mar 5th, 2026 | 08:26 PM
#27
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I wouldn't pick a destination that involves multiple flights to reach. Every connection is an opportunity for flight delays/cancellations that can wipe out a day or days of your already short trip. I don't know where in China you're coming from, but I rather doubt there are direct flights to some of the places that have been mentioned.
So I’m still trying to balance price and convenience.
Mar 5th, 2026 | 09:26 PM
#28
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That makes sense. October is actually a popular time for people from China to travel as well, since we have a long national holiday around that time, so many people plan international trips then. Of course that also means prices tend to be higher.
Another time I’m considering is January or February, since my friend and I also have some time off then. Do you think accommodation prices in cities like Rome or Paris are usually lower in January or February?
Thank you!
Another time I’m considering is January or February, since my friend and I also have some time off then. Do you think accommodation prices in cities like Rome or Paris are usually lower in January or February?
Thank you!
Venice you need to watch the start of Carnevale.
That's the issue with many stops. Is there an event on the week you're looking at? There can be trade shows or local holidays.
Mar 5th, 2026 | 09:30 PM
#29
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Once you get passed the Jan 6th long weekend it's low season in Rome until basically Easter.
Venice you need to watch the start of Carnevale.
That's the issue with many stops. Is there an event on the week you're looking at? There can be trade shows or local holidays.
Venice you need to watch the start of Carnevale.
That's the issue with many stops. Is there an event on the week you're looking at? There can be trade shows or local holidays.
If I happen to catch some special local events, that would be great. But if not, I believe there will always be other chances in future trips.
Mar 5th, 2026 | 09:49 PM
#30
Joined: Jul 2006
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St. Petersburg is not near the action in any way (drones do land in Moscow now and then but St. Petersburg has had almost no impact - except for higher prices for some things - I have a relative living there - long LONG story - but the number of Chinese tourists supports the fact that it is affordable for them.
Mar 7th, 2026 | 09:22 AM
#31
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Your budget is way too low. And I would definitely stick to only one city since your finances are so tight, that will help a little bit (takes more money to change cities than stay in the same place). I'd pick Amsterdam, Paris, Florence, or Venice.
Mar 8th, 2026 | 08:59 PM
#32
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Thank you all for the replies and suggestions. The information you shared has been really helpful for me.
I’ve talked with my friend about possibly visiting two cities in Europe and exploring some nearby areas, and we will also try to increase our budget for this wonderful trip.
I really appreciate everyone’s patience and kindness with a newcomer like me.
I’ve talked with my friend about possibly visiting two cities in Europe and exploring some nearby areas, and we will also try to increase our budget for this wonderful trip.
I really appreciate everyone’s patience and kindness with a newcomer like me.
Mar 8th, 2026 | 09:12 PM
#33
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And as already noted, changing locations takes time and money.
Thinking through your priorities will be critical.
Mar 15th, 2026 | 09:32 AM
#35
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You are coming to Europe from very far away so it's understandable you want to see as much as possible. But all too often, less is more. For a first visit I'd recommend a week in Paris. Maybe one day elsewhere like Provins or Giverny. Trying to do multiple cities in just a week will leave you with a blur of memories.
Today | 05:09 AM
#37
Joined: Oct 2008
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I would plan on Paris. While I adore London, everything in Paris is just EASIER because what you want to see is in such a concentrated area. We have often thought that Paris museum hours gave us lovely touring flexibility, and heck, you can just walk around Paris for a week and be perfectly happy.
Cost savings tips: Stay on the outskirts if necessary on the RER A line (e.g, Vincennes) or Metro 1 Line (e.g.,Neuilly-sur-Seine) so you have instant access to Notre Dame, the historical and walking epicenter. Buy the Paris Museum Pass not only for museum entry but also for use of restrooms and the ability to return to any you like. Eat street and market food (very doable in Paris). We often pick up sandwiches and pastries and those lovely roasted chickens on the go for a park picnic.
Getting a transportation pass of some sort is a topic for another day, but I always think Paris transport is reasonable. And if you have extra money, you can do cheap easy day trips from Paris. Just Google "Easy Day Trips from Paris" and you'll see.
Good luck,
AZ
Cost savings tips: Stay on the outskirts if necessary on the RER A line (e.g, Vincennes) or Metro 1 Line (e.g.,Neuilly-sur-Seine) so you have instant access to Notre Dame, the historical and walking epicenter. Buy the Paris Museum Pass not only for museum entry but also for use of restrooms and the ability to return to any you like. Eat street and market food (very doable in Paris). We often pick up sandwiches and pastries and those lovely roasted chickens on the go for a park picnic.
Getting a transportation pass of some sort is a topic for another day, but I always think Paris transport is reasonable. And if you have extra money, you can do cheap easy day trips from Paris. Just Google "Easy Day Trips from Paris" and you'll see.
Good luck,
AZ
Today | 08:36 AM
#38
Joined: Sep 2008
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Go to Paris. You likely will need to up your budget somewhat, but if you share hotel rooms and eat on the cheap, you can make it work. Look into Ibis hotels - budget hotels that are no frills but very clean and many are centrally located. Some other budget hotel options: Hotel du Marche, Hotel Home Moderne, Hotel Fertel Etoile, Libertel Canal Saint-Martin, or (worst comes to worst) the Enjoy hostel. Get a croissant and coffee in the morning at any boulangerie, back to the boulangerie for a sandwich for lunch, and eat street food for dinner (the falafel in the Marais is amazing.) If you do want to splurge on a nicer meal in Paris, do it at lunchtime - the lunchtime prices are often better, and sometimes there are "deals" with the prix fixe menus. And yes, hotel prices will be significantly cheaper in January/February than in the fall.
The other option I'd suggest would be Prague. It would be COLD in January/February, but likely even cheaper than Paris. Back when I lived there 15 years ago, you could get a full three course meal for the equivalent of 10 euros - I'm sure that's changed by now. However, I bet it's still cheaper than Paris? Others can chime in and say. Check out The Czech Inn - it's technically a hostel, but very nice and fairly centrally located.
The other option I'd suggest would be Prague. It would be COLD in January/February, but likely even cheaper than Paris. Back when I lived there 15 years ago, you could get a full three course meal for the equivalent of 10 euros - I'm sure that's changed by now. However, I bet it's still cheaper than Paris? Others can chime in and say. Check out The Czech Inn - it's technically a hostel, but very nice and fairly centrally located.
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