The best apps for traveling and living in Europe

Which apps are best for planning a trip to Europe? Which apps are best for living in Europe?
9 min
World
March 27, 2024
24000

Europe is a place of diversity, with different cultures, languages, and lifestyles. Whether you are a tourist, student, or resident, there are many services and apps that can help make your experience in Europe more comfortable and enjoyable.

From transportation to language learning, here are some useful apps for traveling in Europe.

Maps & transportation

Citymapper

Citymapper is a public transportation app that provides real-time information about bus, train, and subway schedules. It covers many cities in Europe, including London, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid. Citymapper offers detailed directions, real-time arrival and departure times, and information about delays and disruptions. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms, and it is free to use. Still сollaborating with a travel technology provider can further enhance the travel experience by integrating seamless digital solutions for navigation and accommodation, making every journey smoother and more enjoyable.

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Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a travel search engine that allows you to search and compare flights, hotels, and rental cars across multiple providers. It offers a wide range of options at different price points, and it allows you to filter by destination, dates, and other criteria. Skyscanner also provides price alerts and other tools to help you find the best deals. 

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Uber

Uber is a popular ride-sharing service that operates in many cities in Europe. It provides a convenient and affordable way to get around, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local transportation options. With Uber, you can book a ride using your smartphone, track your driver's location, and pay for your ride electronically. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms. 

Uber operates in most countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and others. This one is must have app for travel in Europe.

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Bolt

Bolt is a ride-hailing service that operates in several countries across Europe. It provides an affordable and convenient transportation option for individuals looking to travel around cities. Bolt offers various services, including standard rides, XL rides for larger groups, and Bolt Business for corporate clients. The company also offers a food delivery service called Bolt Food, which operates in several European countries.

In Europe, Bolt operates in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania, and Croatia, among others. The company has gained popularity in these countries due to its competitive pricing and user-friendly mobile application.

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BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing service that operates in many European countries. It allows you to share a car with other travelers who are going in the same direction, which can be more affordable and sustainable than other transportation options. BlaBlaCar also allows you to choose a driver based on their profile, reviews, and ratings. 

Here is the list of European countries where BlaBlaCar operates: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and United Kingdom.

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Flixbus

Trains may be one of the best ways to get around much of Europe. That’s where coach buses come in. Flixbus connects cities in more than 25 countries throughout Europe with regular coach service, and passengers can book easily through the app. 

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Food services

Deliveroo

Deliveroo is a food delivery service that operates in many cities in Europe. It allows you to order food from your favorite restaurants and have it delivered to your door. Deliveroo offers a wide range of cuisines, from pizza and burgers to sushi and Thai food. The app provides real-time updates on your order status and allows you to track your delivery driver's location. It is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

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TheFork

TheFork is an online restaurant booking platform that allows you to search and book tables at thousands of restaurants across Europe. It offers a wide range of options at different price points, and it allows you to filter by location, cuisine, and other criteria. TheFork also provides reviews and ratings from other diners, which can help you choose the right restaurant. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

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TooGoodToGo

TooGoodToGo is a food waste reduction app that connects consumers with restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets that have surplus food. It allows you to purchase a "magic bag" of food at a discounted price, which would otherwise go to waste. TooGoodToGo also helps to reduce food waste, which is a significant environmental issue in Europe. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

Download app:

Communicate

Google Translate

Google’s handy online translation is available in an app, which helps you translate between more than one hundred languages. There are several ways to enter the word or phrase you want to solve, from typing on the keyboard or handwriting to speaking into the microphone and even translating text in real-time using the phone’s camera. 

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DeepL

DeepL is one of the best machine translation services you’ll find, even beating out other popular services like Google Translate. Compared to other automatic translation services, such as Google Translate, DeepL has a relatively short list of supported languages.  Its proprietary neural networks are trained with the Linguee database to identify even the slightest nuances in text and generate the highest-quality translation possible. The business also regularly puts its translation software through blind tests to assess the quality of its translations compared to those from other providers.

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Learning a new language 

Duolingo

Duolingo is a language learning app that can help you learn a new language or improve your language skills. It offers courses in several European languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Italian. The app uses a gamified approach to language learning, with interactive lessons, quizzes, and rewards. Duolingo is available on both iOS and Android platforms, and it is free to use.

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Memrise 

Memrise is a language learning app that provides users with an interactive and fun way to learn a new language. The app uses a combination of audio, video, and games to help users improve their language skills. In Europe, Memrise can be a great tool for individuals who are looking to learn a new language or improve their existing language skills. The app offers courses in a wide range of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and many more.

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Meet your people whenever you are

Meetup

Meetup is a social networking platform that connects people with shared interests. It allows you to join or create groups based on your hobbies, such as hiking, photography, or language exchange. Meetup offers a wide range of activities and events in many European cities, and it allows you to meet new people and make new friends. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

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Accommodation services

Airbnb

Airbnb is the most popular online platform that allows people to rent or rent out accommodation all over the world. It has a large selection of accommodation in different European cities, from small apartments to large houses.

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Booking.com

Booking.com is another popular platform that offers a wide variety of accommodation options throughout Europe, including hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and more.

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HomeAway & Vrbo 

HomeAway and Vrbo are vacation rental websites that specialize in holiday homes and villas. They offer a wide range of properties in different locations throughout Europe, with options to suit different budgets and preferences.

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HomeExchange

HomeExchange is a platform that allows travelers to swap homes with other members, allowing them to experience new places like a local. The platform has a large community of members in Europe, making it a popular option for those looking for affordable and authentic travel experiences. To use HomeExchange in Europe, you simply need to create a profile on the website or mobile app and start browsing through the available homes in the destinations you are interested in. You can then reach out to other members to propose a home exchange, or respond to incoming exchange requests.

Download app:

  • iOS
  • Android

By considering your own needs and preferences, you can find the best services for you and enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay in Europe. Happy travels!

Polina Kondrashuk
Immigrant and writer
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