Europe for Indian Travellers: Best Countries to Visit, Real Costs in INR, and Everything Nobody Tells You
- Akshay Umashankar
- May 25
- 11 min read
I still remember telling people I was going to Europe for the first time. The reactions ranged from genuine excitement to polite concern. “Europe? Bhai, bahut mehnga hai.” Europe is very expensive.
And honestly? They weren’t wrong. But they weren’t entirely right either.
After 15 trips across Europe, from the obvious classics to the places most Indian tourists haven’t discovered yet and I can tell you this clearly: Europe is not uniformly expensive. The cost difference between spending a week in Switzerland versus a week in Portugal is nearly ₹80,000 per person. The difference between going in July versus October is ₹25,000–₹40,000 in flights alone. Europe’s cost is almost entirely a function of your choices like country, season, and how you book.
This post is written specifically for Indian travellers planning their first Europe trip. Real numbers in INR. No sugar-coating. No tour operator fluff.
Let’s get into it. Also read: 10 Best Travel Hacks That Actually Save You Money (Tested & Proven)
Quick Index:
The Three Things That Determine Your Total Cost
Before any country recommendations or breakdowns, understand this: three decisions determine 80% of your Europe trip cost.
1. Which country (or countries) you visit
A mid-range day in Switzerland costs ₹12,000–₹15,000 per person. A mid-range day in Portugal or Czech Republic costs ₹4,000–₹6,000. Same trip length, wildly different total.
2. When you travel
Peak season (June–August) adds ₹20,000–₹40,000 to your flights and 20–30% to accommodation costs across the board. Shoulder season (April–May, September–October) is the sweet spot with good weather, lower prices, fewer crowds.
3. How far in advance you book
Flights booked 3–4 months ahead cost ₹35,000–₹50,000 return from major Indian cities. The same flights booked 3 weeks ahead cost ₹65,000–₹90,000+. This is not a small difference. It is often the difference between a budget trip and an expensive one. We use Aviasales to book our flights. We tend to get the best deals on this site.
The Honest Total Cost by Budget Tier (10 Days, Per Person)
These are all-in numbers for flights, visa, accommodation, food, transport, sightseeing based on 2026 prices.
Budget Tier | What It Looks Like | Total Cost (10 Days) |
Ultra Budget | Hostels, cooking some meals, Eastern Europe focus | ₹1,00,000–₹1,40,000 |
Realistic Budget | Budget hotels/hostels, mix of eating out and self-catering | ₹1,50,000–₹2,00,000 |
Mid-Range | 3-star hotels, eating out every meal, mix of countries | ₹2,50,000–₹3,50,000 |
Comfortable | 4-star hotels, Western Europe, good restaurants | ₹4,00,000–₹6,00,000 |
Switzerland-heavy | Switzerland + Western Europe, 4-star | ₹6,00,000–₹9,00,000+ |
The most important thing on this table: the ₹1.5–₹2.5 lakh range is genuinely achievable for a good 10-day trip. Not a suffering trip. A real trip. The key is choosing the right countries, but more on that below.
Flights from India: What to Budget
Flights are your single biggest fixed cost and the one most worth optimising.
Return flights from major Indian cities to Europe (economy):
Departure City | Budget (booked 3–4 months ahead) | Average | Peak Summer |
Mumbai (BOM) | ₹32,000–₹45,000 | ₹48,000–₹60,000 | ₹70,000–₹90,000 |
Delhi (DEL) | ₹30,000–₹42,000 | ₹45,000–₹58,000 | ₹65,000–₹85,000 |
Bangalore (BLR) | ₹35,000–₹50,000 | ₹52,000–₹65,000 | ₹72,000–₹95,000 |
Chennai (MAA) | ₹33,000–₹48,000 | ₹50,000–₹62,000 | ₹68,000–₹90,000 |
Which airport to fly into: Lisbon, Dublin, and Madrid consistently offer the cheapest entry points from India costs often ₹8,000–₹15,000 cheaper than flying directly into Paris or Rome. If your itinerary has flexibility on starting city, always check these three first.
One connection vs two: Most affordable India-Europe flights have one stop typically in the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha) or Istanbul. These are fine. Two connections add 4–6 hours of travel and the savings rarely justify it.
The Schengen Visa: What You Need to Know
For Indian passport holders, a Schengen visa is mandatory for most of Europe. This covers 27 countries on a single visa, meaning once you’re in, you can move freely between France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and more.
Schengen visa costs for Indian travellers (2026):
Visa fee: ₹7,600 (approx €80)
VFS service charge: ₹1,500–₹2,000
Mandatory travel insurance: ₹800–₹1,500
Total: ₹9,500–₹11,500 per person
I’ve written a detailed Schengen visa guide for Indian travellers covering documents, bank statement requirements, which embassy to apply through, and how to avoid the most common rejection reasons. Read that before you apply as it will save you significant stress. How to Avoid Schengen Visa Refusals in 2026: Proven Strategies That Work
Key things to know:
Apply through the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most nights
Apply 3–4 weeks before travel but not too early, not too late
A confirmed hotel booking and return flight ticket are required for the application
Bank statements showing a healthy balance matter as consulates look for evidence you can fund your trip
Best European Countries for First-Time Indian Travellers
Not all European countries are equal for Indian travellers. The differences in cost, vegetarian food availability, Indian community presence, and tourist infrastructure vary significantly. Here’s my honest assessment from first-hand experience.
Portugal — The Best First Europe Destination for Indians Right Now
Daily budget: ₹4,000–₹6,000 mid-range Vegetarian-friendly: Very good Indian community: Small but growing, Indian restaurants in Lisbon and Porto Verdict: Start here
Portugal is the most underrated country in Western Europe and the best value in the region for Indian travellers. Lisbon is beautiful, walkable, safe, and genuinely affordable. A sit-down dinner at a good local restaurant costs ₹1,200–₹1,800 per person with a drink. A 3-star hotel in Lisbon costs ₹5,000–₹8,000 per night.
The food question: Portugal is manageable for vegetarians. Pastel de nata (custard tarts), fresh bread, soups, salads, and Mediterranean dishes are widely available. It’s not effortless like Italy but it’s far easier than France or Hungary.
Why it’s perfect for first-timers: It’s gentler and less overwhelming than Paris or Rome. The pace is relaxed, people are warm, and you don’t feel the frantic tourist-trap energy of the more famous Western European cities.
Italy — The Dream Destination That’s Also Vegetarian Heaven
Daily budget: ₹6,000–₹9,000 mid-range Vegetarian-friendly: Excellent and arguably the best in Europe Indian community: Present in major cities Verdict: Worth every rupee
Italy is more expensive than Portugal but delivers proportionally more. And for Indian vegetarians, it’s the easiest country in Europe to eat well like pasta, pizza, risotto, bruschetta, fresh salads, and gelato are all naturally vegetarian and genuinely excellent everywhere.
The practical breakdown for 10 days in Italy:
Flights: ₹38,000–₹55,000 return
Visa: ₹10,000
Accommodation (3-star, 9 nights): ₹72,000–₹99,000
Food (₹1,800/day): ₹18,000
Transport (trains between cities): ₹8,000–₹12,000
Sightseeing: ₹8,000–₹12,000
Total: approximately ₹1,55,000–₹2,00,000
Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast are all within the same Schengen zone and connectable by train. Italy rewards slow travel, so don’t rush it. Read: 10 Days in Italy: A Smart, Comfortable & Exploratory Itinerary
Czech Republic and Hungary — The Budget Power Duo
Daily budget: ₹3,000–₹5,000 mid-range Vegetarian-friendly: Moderate (improving in cities) Indian community: Small, Indian restaurants in Prague and Budapest Verdict: Best value in Europe, period
Prague and Budapest are two of the most beautiful cities in Europe and among the most affordable. These two cities alone make a spectacular first Europe trip at a fraction of Western European costs.
Prague (Czech Republic): A mid-range hotel in the old town runs ₹4,000–₹6,000 per night. A sit-down dinner costs ₹800–₹1,500. Beer (if you drink) costs ₹150–₹250. The city is extraordinarily beautiful with gothic architecture, riverside views, medieval lanes. Most Indians who go are shocked that they hadn’t heard more about it.
Budapest (Hungary): Even cheaper than Prague and, in my opinion, equally spectacular. The thermal baths, the Danube views, the ruin bars as Budapest has a completely unique character. Budget ₹2,500–₹4,000 per day for mid-range travel.
Vegetarian note: Central European food is traditionally meat-heavy. Vegetarians need to be more proactive here and look for Italian restaurants (everywhere in both cities), Indian restaurants (a handful in each), and the growing number of modern cafes with good vegetarian menus. It’s manageable, not effortless.
Spain — Big Country, Varied Cost
Daily budget: ₹5,500–₹8,000 mid-range Vegetarian-friendly: Good for tapas culture offers many natural vegetarian options Indian community: Present in Barcelona and Madrid Verdict: Barcelona for first-timers, beyond for second trips
Spain is huge and the costs vary significantly by region. Barcelona is expensive. Madrid is mid-range. The smaller cities like Seville, Granada, Valencia are great value and often more authentically Spanish than the major tourist hubs. Read: Málaga Beyond the Beach: A Different Way to Travel Southern Spain
For Indian travellers, Spain works well because the Mediterranean diet naturally includes a lot of vegetarian-friendly options, patatas bravas, pan con tomate, gazpacho, tortilla española, padron peppers. You won’t struggle.
Barcelona specifically: Budget ₹8,000–₹10,000 per day mid-range. It’s a top-tier European city with a beach but expect to pay for it.
Switzerland — The Most Requested, Most Expensive
Daily budget: ₹12,000–₹18,000 mid-range Vegetarian-friendly: Good (cheese fondue, potato dishes, bakeries) Indian community: Present, Indian restaurants in Zurich and Geneva Verdict: Do it, but plan the budget carefully
Switzerland is on almost every Indian traveller’s first Europe list. Interlaken, Jungfrau, Lucerne, Zermatt with the images of snow-capped mountains and mirror lakes are legitimately real. Switzerland delivers on its visual promise.
The honest financial reality: Switzerland is roughly 2.5x the daily cost of Portugal. A coffee costs ₹450–₹600. A train journey between cities costs ₹2,000–₹4,000. The Jungfraujoch mountain railway costs ₹12,000+ per person alone.
My honest recommendation for first-timers: Do 3–4 days in Switzerland and balance it with 5–6 days in Italy or Portugal. This gives you the iconic Swiss experience without it dominating your entire budget. A full week in Switzerland alone for a first Europe trip is a significant financial commitment with ₹3,00,000–₹4,00,000 per person including flights that you might prefer to spread across more varied experiences.
Ireland — A Surprise Favourite for Indian Travellers
Daily budget: ₹6,000–₹9,000 mid-range Vegetarian-friendly: Good in cities, manageable elsewhere Indian community: Strong particularly in Dublin Verdict: Underrated by Indian travellers and genuinely spectacular
Ireland doesn’t appear on most Indian travellers’ first Europe lists. It should.
Dublin has one of the strongest Indian communities in Europe so finding Indian food, vegetarian options, and familiar cultural touchpoints is genuinely easy. The country is safe, the English language makes navigation effortless, and the landscape with the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way is unlike anything else in Europe.
Practical note for Indians: Ireland is not part of the Schengen zone. You’ll need a separate Irish visa alongside your Schengen visa if you’re combining Ireland with continental Europe. This is an additional ₹8,000–₹10,000 in visa costs but absolutely worth factoring in.
I’ve covered Ireland extensively on RoamMantics so check my complete 10-day Ireland itinerary and Wild Atlantic Way road trip guide for the full picture.
The Vegetarian Food Reality: Honest by Country
This is the question I get asked most by Indian followers. Here’s my honest country-by-country verdict:
Country | Vegetarian Ease | Notes |
Italy | Excellent | Pasta, pizza, risotto — naturally veg everywhere |
Portugal | Good | Mediterranean food, some effort required |
Spain | Good | Tapas offer many veg options |
Ireland | Good in cities | Dublin has strong Indian restaurant presence |
Germany/Netherlands | Good in cities | Growing vegan culture, good cafes |
France | Moderate | Beautiful food but meat-dominant, research required |
Czech Republic/Hungary | Moderate | Meat-heavy tradition, manageable with research |
Switzerland | Good | Cheese, potato dishes, good bakeries |
Universal tip: Download the HappyCow app before you leave India. It maps vegetarian and vegan restaurants in every European city. It has saved me multiple times in countries where veg options aren’t obvious.
The supermarket strategy: Every European city has supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour, Tesco) stocked with bread, cheese, fruits, nuts, packaged hummus, and ready meals with many vegetarian. One supermarket meal per day instead of a restaurant meal saves ₹800–₹1,500 per day without sacrificing quality.
Getting Around Europe: Transport Costs in INR
Budget flights within Europe: Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air connect most European cities for ₹2,000–₹6,000 per flight booked in advance. Add a checked bag and airport transfer and the real cost is closer to ₹4,000–₹9,000 per leg. Again, we use Aviasales to book our internal flights as well to get a more discounted pricing. Bagage however is a different story.
Trains: More comfortable than budget flights and city-centre to city-centre. Key train costs:
Paris to Amsterdam: ₹5,500–₹11,000
Rome to Florence: ₹2,000–₹5,000
Prague to Budapest: ₹1,500–₹3,500
Barcelona to Madrid: ₹2,500–₹7,500
Book through Trip.com or directly with national rail operators. Earlier booking means significantly lower prices with sometimes 50–60% cheaper than the same day.
Local transport: European city metros, trams, and buses are excellent and cheap ₹150–₹250 per journey typically. A day pass usually costs ₹700–₹1,200 and covers unlimited travel. Never take taxis when public transport exists as the difference is ₹700–₹1,500 per journey.
Practical Tips Specific to Indian Travellers
Currency: Always pay in local currency (euros, Czech koruna, Hungarian forint) and never choose the “Pay in INR” option on card machines. The exchange rate used for INR conversion is terrible and costs you an invisible 3–5% on every transaction.
Cards: Carry a zero-forex-fee card if possible like NIYO Global, IDFC First, or IndusInd Nexxt are popular with Indian travellers. Regular Indian debit/credit cards charge 2–3.5% foreign transaction fees on every purchase. Over a 10-day trip, this adds up.
Cash: Carry some euros for small purchases for some small cafes, public toilets, and rural markets are still cash-only. ₹5,000–₹8,000 worth of euros is usually enough as backup.
SIM card: Get a local SIM at the airport or buy an eSIM before departure. Airtel and Jio’s international packs work but are expensive for data-heavy usage. A local European SIM or Airalo eSIM covering multiple countries costs ₹1,500–₹2,500 for 15 days with generous data. We use Yesim personally as we find it cheaper than any other networks.
Voltage and plugs: Europe uses Type C or F plugs (round pins) are different from India’s Type D. Carry a universal travel adapter. Voltage is 220V which is the same as India, so most Indian appliances work fine.
Safety: Europe is generally very safe for Indian tourists. The main genuine risk is pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas like around the Eiffel Tower, at Barcelona’s La Rambla, Rome’s Colosseum, Prague’s Charles Bridge. Use a crossbody bag, keep your phone in a front pocket, and don’t leave valuables in coat pockets on metro trains. This is standard awareness, not paranoia.
Sample Itinerary: 10 Days, ₹2 Lakh Budget
This is a genuinely achievable trip for a solo Indian traveller in shoulder season (September–October):
Flight: Delhi to Lisbon (one stop, booked 3 months ahead) ₹40,000 return Visa: Schengen via Portugal embassy ₹10,500 Accommodation: Mix of budget hotels and hostels ₹4,000 avg/night × 9 = ₹36,000 Food: ₹1,500/day × 10 = ₹15,000 Transport within Europe: Lisbon city transport + train to Porto ₹4,500 Sightseeing: ₹800/day × 10 = ₹8,000 Travel insurance: ₹1,200 Misc (SIM, tips, small purchases): ₹4,000
Total: approximately ₹1,19,200
Yes, Portugal can be done for under ₹1.25 lakh. Add 3 days in Madrid or Barcelona by budget flight (₹3,000) and an extra ₹25,000 for those days and you’re still at ₹1.5 lakh for 13 days across two countries. This is not a suffering trip. This is a good, real trip.
The Tour Package Question
I know many Indian first-timers go with tour packages like Thomas Cook, SOTC, MakeMyTrip bundled Europe packages. Let me give you the honest picture.
What packages are good for:
First-timers who want everything arranged and feel anxious about DIY travel
Families with elderly parents who need logistics handled
People who specifically want a guided group experience
What packages are not great for:
Value is a 10-day Europe package from India typically costs ₹2.5–₹4 lakh per person, much of which is margin for the operator
Flexibility, well you’re on their timetable, their hotels, their restaurants
Authentic experience by group tours by nature hit the most touristy spots on a fixed schedule and not the hidden gems.
If you’re comfortable booking flights and hotels independently (and the internet makes this very straightforward), DIY will give you a significantly better trip at significantly lower cost. Also, it's an amazing way to experience countries by yourself.
The Honest Bottom Line
Europe from India requires planning, a meaningful budget, and realistic expectations. It is not a weekend trip to Goa. But it is far more accessible than most people assume, particularly if you choose the right countries, travel in shoulder season, and book well in advance.
The ₹1.5–₹2.5 lakh range delivers a genuinely excellent 10-day trip. The ₹3–₹4 lakh range delivers a comfortable, mid-range trip across multiple countries. Switzerland and Scandinavia will push you beyond that so go in knowing that.
We’ve done 15 trips across Europe. Every single one has been worth it. Start planning for the Schengen visa is the first step and it’s more manageable than it sounds.
Before you start applying for your Schengen visa, read my complete Schengen Visa Guide for Indian Travellers, it covers every document you need, the bank balance requirement, which embassy to apply through, and how to avoid the most common rejection reasons. How to Avoid Schengen Visa Refusals in 2026: Proven Strategies That Work
Have questions about planning your first Europe trip from India? Drop them in the comments and I’m happy to give specific advice based on your budget, travel dates, and destinations.
This post contains affiliate links. Booking through them earns me a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I’ve personally used.
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