15 Best Travel Apps You Must Have When Travelling Europe

This is a post about the best travel apps for Europe.

When you’re planning a trip around Europe whether it’s for a week or a few months your phone can be one of your most useful travel companions. From getting around new cities to staying connected with friends to managing your budget the right travel apps can save you time stress and money. Here are seven essential travel apps you’ll want to download before you board that plane.

15 Best Travel Apps for Europe Every Traveller Needs in 2025

Table of Contents

Google Maps

Let’s start with the obvious one! It’s not revolutionary but Google Maps remains one of the best travel apps out there. Use it to download offline maps of any city or region so you can navigate even without data. It also lets you save pins for cafes landmarks and your accommodation which makes getting around way easier. Public transport information is surprisingly accurate in most European cities too.

I have to say, I just got back from Albania where I had no data but I could use Google Maps perfectly well to look at where I was going. When I did connect to wifi and use it for directions, that was a different story…even our cab driver got lost! Ok, it’s not that bad, it’s mainly the highways when they break into various roads but that’s a topic for another post…

Rome2Rio

If you’re planning on hopping between cities or countries Rome2Rio is a lifesaver. It shows you all the possible ways to get from Point A to Point B including flights trains buses ferries and rideshare. It also gives you rough travel times and estimated costs so you can compare routes and plan smarter.

CityMapper

LOVE CityMapper! It’s available in so many cities too! Yes you can use Google Maps but CityMapper is a really good alternative and it gives you detailed information about public transports including exact timing and platforms/stops. Unless it’s the District Line in London which is highly unpredictable…

Omio

Once you know how you’re getting around, use Omio to book transport. This app compares prices and lets you book train, bus and plane tickets across Europe. You can often find better deals or easier connections here than on individual train company websites. It’s particularly helpful if you’re travelling between smaller cities or crossing borders.

Flixbus

You’re good with Omio but you can also go direct to the source on Flixbus where you search for cheap buses around Europe, book and store your tickets. I just used it to go from Tirana, Albania to Ohrid, North Macedonia! (recommend both trips btw)

Google Translate

It goes without saying… even if you speak a bit of the local language Google Translate is incredibly useful. It now works offline with downloaded language packs and you can use the camera to translate signs or menus in real time. No more ordering veal brains in Paris!

The conversation mode helps when you’re speaking to someone who doesn’t know your language at all.

Revolut or Wise

Managing money while travelling can be tricky with exchange rates ATM fees and international transaction charges. Apps like Revolut and Wise let you hold multiple currencies, get great exchange rates and use your card abroad without crazy fees. Both are digital banks that also let you freeze your card or track spending in real time. These are great features in case you lose your card or have it stolen. You can instantly see if someone’s used it!

If you used my link above to sign up to Wise you get your first transfer up to £500 free.

Airalo or Holafly

For staying connected without paying huge roaming charges consider getting an eSIM. Airalo and Holafly offer affordable data plans for most European countries and regions. Once activated you don’t even need to change your physical SIM card. You can top up data from your phone and keep using maps translation and messaging wherever you are.

Smart Traveller or Sitata

Apps like Smart Traveller or Sitata provide real-time safety updates travel advisories and emergency contact info based on your location. You can also set up alerts for strikes weather disruptions or local protests. These are great to have especially if you’re going to unfamiliar places or travelling solo.

Hostelworld / Booking.com

While not essential for survival these are super helpful for planning. Hostelworld is perfect for backpackers. Booking.com offers lots of flexible accommodation options including apartments. I just came back from week-long multi-country mini roadtrip which I did not plan and just went on Booking every day to find my next stay!

GetYourGuide

For tickets to attractions, group trips, city passes, tours, etc., GetYourGuide is your go to! You can even book skip-the-line museum entries across Europe.

MeetUp

This is a great app for finding local groups and activities and meeting people in the process! You can find all kinds of groups: sports, language, hikes, witches (yep!)…even the Silent Book Club! Great for making new friends too.

Facebook

Ok, hear me out…GROUPS! Facebook has some really great travel groups where you can ask questions, find suggestions, maybe get some help and even possibly a buddy to grab a coffee or explore a new place! Think GIRLS LOVE TRAVEL, Host a Sister, London New Girl (or equivalent)…

Bolt / Uber

These don’t need an introduction… get a cab when you’re in need.

TripAdvisor

I find it very useful especially for traveller’s photos of hotels and restaurants which you sometimes can’t find when booking a place. The restaurant rating is perfect in some locations, not so much in others. In Seville, for instance, I fell into a tourist trap because I followed the TA crowd. However, the more you use it, the better you can discern what will appeal to you or not.

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Travelling through Europe can feel seamless if you’ve got the right tools in your pocket. Whether you’re trying to get a last-minute train, find a Wi-Fi hotspot or translate a menu, these apps make your trip smoother. They also help you feel more confident if you’re travelling solo or to multiple countries.

Have you got any other apps to recommend?

This was a post about the best travel apps for Europe.

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liv

Liv is a Brazilian traveller living in London, UK and dedicated to showing you that living abroad is achievable for everyone. Having lived in 4 countries and explored 39 destinations so far, she shares all her best tips for travelling on a mid to lower budget and visa pathways, especially for Europe, Au Pair and Digital Nomad routes. Her guides are built on first-hand experience to ensure you skip the headaches and dive straight into the adventure. You can follow her on Tiktok @everyoneshouldliveabroad for more travel tips and all about her life in London.