If you are planning to traverse cities and countries across Europe, you’ll probably find yourself downloading some of the best Europe travel apps. These apps come in handy when it comes to navigating cities without WiFi or internet on your phone, finding the best places to stay, or keeping updated with currency exchanges as you hop from place to place.
As a Europe local with lots of insider tips, let’s get into my go-to apps when traveling Europe.
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About This Best Europe Travel Apps Guide
I’m covering a little bit of everything in terms of apps and essentials you’ll want to have for a trip to Europe. All of these are apps, most are also websites, that are free to download from Google Play Store or the App Store.
Best Navigation & Maps Apps for Europe
These apps will help you get from place to place, whether you’re walking or using public transport.
Google Maps
Probably one of my most used travel apps for Europe, Google Maps is excellent for saving places you want by using their handy dandy “save” function that can be organized into different lists.
However, it’s great for navigation especially because you can download maps of certain areas before you visit – meaning you can use the map pretty much as normal without the need for WiFi or cell service.
Citymapper
This navigation app is similar to Google Maps but with a heavier focus on public transport. Use it as a Google Maps alternative to see various transport options within a city or destination
It usually provides live timing and duration info and can be very handy in major cities like London.
Europe Accommodation Apps
When you need a place to lay your head at night, check out these best apps for European travel.
Booking.com
No matter what country I’m in, Booking.com is is my main go-to app when booking hotels and accommodation.
The app is better than the website because they give “mobile only deals” that can give you about 10% off the price you see on the website.
I find the app to be easy to navigate and narrow down your choices using the amenities criteria function. It also has a map option so you can choose a hotel or accommodation in the area best suited to your trip.
My only complaint is that they have gotten a lot of new home-style properties (in an attempt to compete with Airbnb I’m sure) but the downside of that is that a lot of those properties will try to tack on fees once you get to the payment page.
So, just keep that in mind when looking at properties that aren’t hotels – they may or may not have extra fees.
Hostelworld
Transportation Travel Apps for Europe
Different from the navigation apps, these European travel apps will help you book tickets to get where you’re going.
Trainline
This is one of the best train apps, which can be great to use when doing a 2-week Europe itinerary that involves various train routes.
From the Trainline app, you’ll be able to book, manage tickets, see schedules and real-time updates on trains across Europe.
If you are planning train trips, you’ll definitely want this app or one of the ones below.
Omio
I really like Omio because I feel like the price is generally a tiny bit lower compared to Trainline. With Omio you can book train rides, buses, ferries, and even flights.
Keep in mind that both take a service fee, so whenever you can book directly through the train company’s website, do that! By that I mean comparing ticket prices on Trenitalia for routes in Italy before booking on Omio or Trainline.
Local Transport Apps
With that in mind, I always recommend using destination-specific Europe travel apps whenever possible. But if you’re traveling to a lot of different countries on your trip, then Omio or Trainline will be easier than having tons of apps bogging down your phone.
However, some destination specific transport apps include things like Scotrail for train travel in Scotland and Tfl Oyster app for London. Just do a quick search of your destination before you go.
FlixBus
If you’re mainly doing bus routes, FlixBus is a European bus service company that has its own app. They offer cheap rides to other countries and cities in Europe and most buses have free WiFi.
If you are on a budget, once again, this is one of the best travel apps for Europe.
BlaBlaCar
This is one of the most unique transportation apps for Europe! I’ve used BlaBlaCar a few times, mainly in Europe, and I remember one of my friends taking a BlaBlaBlaCar from Germany to meet me in Poland.
Anyway, this app/website is a carpooling service that connects drivers with people wanting a lift. A driver will post that they are doing so-and-so route and are accepting passengers to join them on the route in order to cut down on fuel costs.
This is a good idea if there’s not a lot of public transport options in your area and are looking for a unique way to meet locals and enjoy a bit of a slow travel experience.
Ryanair
Ryanair is one of the most popular budget airlines in Europe. They have an app that allows you to book flights, check your reservation, and hold a digital version of your ticket – all good things to have when looking for the best travel apps for Europe!
Language & Translation Apps
As there are a plethora of languages in Europe, you’ll most likely need a translation at some point, whether it’s to read a menu or ask a question to a local.
Google Translate
For translations, Google Translate has been my go-to. You can hover your phone’s camera lens over a menu, for example, and it will translate the text for you in real-time. This is a great feature that makes ordering at a restaurant in another language a lot more efficient.
It can also translate text and speech, and if you download the language in advance you can use it offline. This is definitely a game-changer when you’re traveling abroad without internet service on your phone.
Duolingo
Visiting a particular country and want to learn some basics in the language? Hello, Duolingo! They have 39 languages available, and many of them are European.
The app is free with the ability to pay to unlock more features and benefits.
Some languages, like Spanish and French, are far more extensive than less common languages like Finnish and Czech.
I do wish the app had a specific set of lessons designed for those traveling and looking to learn essential phrases: hello, please, thank you, can I please have, where is the bathroom, etc.
So it can take a few lessons to start finding what you need.
Currency & Payment Apps for Europe Travel
Europe doesn’t only use the euro, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. These currency and payment apps will help.
Revolut
This is a multi-currency card/app that helps you manage and exchange money without hefty fees. You can use it like you would Apple Pay and it’s free to create and use your account.
This is an easy alternative if you aren’t already traveling with a travel credit card like the Capital One Venture One – which is a free credit card that has no international payment fees.
XE Currency
When you’re hopping from place to place and visiting countries that don’t use the euro, like Hungary and Poland, you’ll definitely want to use a real-time exchange rate app and currency converter so you know how much you’re paying.
It does work offline for basic info, though it won’t update in real-time (obviously).
Europe Food & Dining Apps
For when you’re looking for something to eat or want to make a dinner reservation, check out these best travel apps for Europe.
TripAdvisor
When you’re in a new city and looking for places to eat, the best coffee in the neighborhood, and nearby attractions, TripAdvisor is a great option.
While you can use Google Maps for much of what I’ve just mentioned, TripAdvisor has a lot more reviews, photos, and information that can help you decide on things to do during your Europe itinerary.
TheFork
A lot of restaurants in major cities like Barcelona and Paris will want you to book your reservations in advance. Apps like TheFork will help you find and book restaurants while also giving you discounts and special offers.
It’s perfect if you’re trying to get a reservation at a popular place or you are looking to save money while eating out.
For Booking Attractions & Experiences
Because travel is about the experiences, here’s how to book some paid ones.
GetYourGuide
Viator
Viator works similarly to GetYourGuide, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for on GetYourGuide, check if there’s something on Viator. You can find walking tours, excursions, day trips, and other experiences.
Staying Connected
Because you’ll want to have internet on your trip for at least the essentials.
WiFi Map
Another app that you’ll want to have while traveling in Europe without cell service is WiFi Map. It shows you free WiFi hotspots around you so that you can check back with family, call your Airbnb host, find your booking reservation, locate a cool cafe, or whatever you need to do.
Airalo
And when you want to get an eSIM for affordable mobile data in Europe, I recommend checking out Airalo. They sell eSIMs for specific countries across the globe, providing you with a cheap alternative to paying loads in international roaming fees.
But, here’s a little tip that is better than Airalo. Grab this Europe SIM Card from Amazon and you’ll connect to the Vodafone network, one of the most popular in Europe and UK, and be able to use your data across Europe.
Travel Planning Apps
For my organized travelers who like to plan ahead, these are the best travel apps for Europe for itinerary planning.
Wanderlog
I love using Wanderlog to organize my trips. They have a handy map feature, itinerary outline guides, restaurants to visit, a place to add notes, and lots of curated itineraries and recommendations made by real travelers.
You can see an example of one of my Wanderlog maps here to see how they are typically laid out. I used it to organize a 4-day Barcelona itinerary.
Thank you for reading my recomendations on the best travel apps for Europe. If you have a unique app you’d like to add to this list, comment your tip below. 🙂 Happy travels!
