Planning a trip to Europe in 2025? Make sure to download our best travel apps for Europe before you go!
As seasoned travellers who’ve explored hundreds of cities globally, we value the right digital tools for a hassle-free journey. Living in London and extensively exploring Europe for over 17 years, these apps have become our go-to for navigating city streets, communicating with locals, finding amazing food, booking accommodations, and more.
You can download all these apps for both iPhone and Android.
So, here are the 11 best travel apps for exploring cities in Europe in 2025. Don’t forget to download them before travelling abroad!
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11 Best Travel Apps That Will Make Your 2025 Europe Trip Better
Navigating through the sea of travel apps for Europe can be a bit overwhelming. With so many choices for food, accommodation, and activities, making a decision becomes a puzzle.
That’s where seeking advice and reviews from fellow travellers can be a lifesaver! Here, we’ve gathered our top picks for Europe travel apps that’ll steer you in the right direction in any city, regardless of whether you’re heading to Spain, Italy, or any other destination in Europe.
Google Maps
Best travel app for navigation and exploring unfamiliar European cities
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free
When it comes to getting around an unfamiliar city, having a reliable navigation app is a game-changer. Google Maps is hands-down the best free travel map app for navigating your way through Europe. Offering maps of over 220 countries and territories, it ensures you won’t encounter any difficulties getting around your chosen destination.
Its user-friendly interface and robust features have proven indispensable for seamless city exploration. Google Maps provides real-time navigation updates and offers offline maps, which save data roaming charges and ensure you have navigation even without internet access during your trip to Europe.
Whether exploring on foot or navigating through a complex subway/metro/underground system, Google Maps has got you covered.
One of our favourite aspects of Google Maps is its versatile My Maps feature, where you can create custom lists and maps. Here’s an example of a map we created using My Maps, outlining the best things to do in London. With My Maps, you can curate the ultimate itinerary by bookmarking popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and more.
AccuWeather
Best travel app for accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free
AccuWeather, our preferred choice for weather forecasts, is one of the best travel apps for exploring cities in Europe in 2025. Being prepared for the weather conditions in your destination city is crucial, and AccuWeather ensures you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
Why AccuWeather instead of other weather apps? Well, in a comprehensive statistical analysis conducted by an independent forecast tracker in 2020, AccuWeather was confirmed to be the world’s most accurate source of weather forecasts. The study analysed forecasts from over 1,000 locations globally and concluded that AccuWeather consistently outperformed other sources in all categories examined. This made it the clear winner for weather forecasts within a 1-5 day period – and for a must-have city travel app!
The app’s user-friendly interface allows for easy access to detailed forecasts. It provides essential information such as temperature, precipitation, UV index, pollen level, air quality, and more. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions based on the weather conditions.
Other apps in this category to consider: The Weather Channel, Apple Weather
Ubigi
Best travel app for eSIM mobile data services and seamless connectivity on the go
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free (in-app purchases required for data plans)
Maintaining connectivity on the go has become essential for most travellers, and relying solely on Wi-Fi isn’t always feasible. In our case, ensuring continuous access to maps, transportation updates, and search engines is paramount.
Ubigi, an eSIM management app, offers a convenient solution for us travellers. It’s a must-have city exploration app in 2025 that ensures you stay connected without the hassle of switching SIM cards or searching for local ones on your travels.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is embedded directly into a device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards that need to be inserted and removed, an eSIM is built into the device’s hardware and can be programmed with multiple mobile network profiles.
In other words, an eSIM is like a digital ID card for your phone that helps it connect to the internet and make calls. It’s already inside your phone, so you don’t need to put in a little chip like before. You can switch between different phone plans without changing any cards.
With Ubigi, we can easily purchase and activate an eSIM plan directly through the app before the trip. Ubigi’s eSIM data plans cover more than 190 destinations in the world.
Admittedly, Ubigi’s user interface may not be the most visually appealing, but its user-friendliness more than makes up for it. Once you give it a try, we’re confident that it will quickly become one of your go-to travel apps as well!
Get 10% off your first data plan with our code AWAY10.
Before purchasing a plan, make sure to check online whether your phone is eSIM compatible to ensure seamless connectivity with Ubigi.
Other apps in this category to consider: Holafly, Airalo
Read more: Comprehensive Ubigi Guide & Honest Review
Booking.com
Best travel app for finding accommodations in Europe’s cities
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free
After a long day of city exploration, having a comfortable and convenient place to rest and rejuvenate is crucial. With its wide range of options to suit every budget and preference, Booking.com is one of the best travel apps for exploring cities in Europe in 2025 that should undoubtedly have a spot on your smartphone.
With your booking information consolidated in one app, Booking.com simplifies your travel arrangements. What sets the company apart for us is its commitment to transparent pricing, ensuring no hidden fees. The prices displayed are the prices you pay.
The two most important reasons we use Booking.com are its straightforward booking cancellation process and price match guarantee. We have experienced the inconvenience of booking directly with a hotel, only to encounter a cumbersome and time-consuming cancellation process, even when the hotel claimed to offer free cancellations.
Another standout feature is Booking.com’s price match guarantee. If you discover a cheaper rate for a booking you’ve already made, Booking.com will match that rate, ensuring you always get the best deal available.
During our five-month non-stop journey across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, we tested various accommodation booking apps, but Booking.com remained our go-to app for booking hotels. Their extensive selection of hotels and the simplicity of booking rooms on the go make it unbeatable.
Other apps in this category to consider: Expedia
Uber
Best travel app for convenient and reliable rides
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free
Uber, the reliable and convenient city ride-hailing service, is a valuable app for navigating local transportation systems in cities. We rely on Uber when public transport options are limited or unavailable during late hours or when public transport routes are time-consuming or involve multiple transfers. It’s one of the best apps for exploring cities, offering a hassle-free way to get around.
Yes, Uber has undergone scrutiny over the years. But today, it’s one of the best ways to get around in Europe if you plan to use taxis. With Uber, you can book a taxi and see the price upfront, along with the estimated time of arrival (ETA). And Uber operates in more than 10,000 cities around the world.
Other apps in this category to consider: Bolt (e.g Hungary, where Uber doesn’t exist)
Happy Cow
Best travel app for discovering vegetarian and vegan eateries
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free with in-app purchases for Android, £3.99/$3.99 for iOS
Happy Cow is the ultimate food discovery app highlighting vegan and vegetarian food options at restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores in 180+ countries. This makes Happy Cow a valuable tool for those having special dietary restrictions or simply for healthier eating choices in unfamiliar cities in Europe.
The app allows you to read reviews, check out menus, and compare prices. It offers convenient filters to search for specific dietary preferences, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and various cuisine types.
This handy travel app became our lifesaver during one of our trips to Japan. Exploring Tokyo’s vibrant food scene, with one of us being a vegetarian, posed a challenge. But Happy Cow came to our rescue, providing a comprehensive database of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in the city. The app’s user-generated reviews and ratings gave us confidence in our choices.
Xe Currency & Money Transfers
Best travel app for currency conversion
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free
Xe Currency & Money Transfers (previously ‘XE Currency Converter’) is an essential app for every traveller in 2025, providing reliable and up-to-date currency conversion for various currencies on your city trips. It offers the convenience of saving and organising multiple currencies, making it simple and fast to check prices when you’re buying something.
What sets the app apart is its offline functionality, allowing you to get a price estimate even when you don’t have internet access.
Using XE’s currency converter is straightforward. Simply enter an amount in one currency, and the app displays the results in as many other currencies as needed. Adding another currency is a breeze, as you can tap the editing icon and easily search for the specific currency corresponding to your destination.
One standout feature we particularly appreciate is the XE widget on Android. You can conveniently pin the widget to your home screen so you can quickly access the currency converter while on the move.
Google Translate
Best travel app for language translation on the go
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free
One of the most exciting aspects of exploring cities is immersing yourself in different cultures and interacting with locals. However, language barriers can sometimes pose a challenge. That’s where Google Translate comes to the rescue.
This versatile and accurate city travel app breaks down language barriers and makes communication a breeze. It’s one of the best apps for exploring cities in 2025, allowing you to immerse yourself in different cultures and interact with locals effortlessly, even if you can’t speak the language.
Google Translate currently supports 133 languages. And with the ability to download languages offline, you can access translations without the need for mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Over the years, Google Translate has become an indispensable tool in our travels. For example, during our travels in Japan, we often found ourselves faced with menus written entirely in Japanese. Thanks to Google Translate, we simply pointed our phone’s camera at the menu, and voilà! Instant translations appeared on the screen, helping us decipher the menu. And when in South Korea, we captured photos of text for translation to read ingredients while shopping. What a game-changer!
Google Translate is definitely one of the best free travel apps for any city in Europe. Make sure to download it for travelling Europe to break communication barriers and embrace local interactions.
Other apps in this category to consider: Microsoft Translator
Skyscanner
Best travel app for finding affordable flights
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free
Skyscanner is our go-to website and app for finding cheap flights. Its mobile app uses the power of millions of flights from thousands of sources to present you with the best options.
The app offers a range of useful filters, enabling you to sort by price, duration, number of stops, airline, and more. Additionally, Skyscanner provides a convenient ‘everywhere’ option, where you can enter your departure airport and explore the cheapest flights to various destinations.
However, it’s important to note that you’ll be redirected to a third-party website when booking through Skyscanner. For our bookings, we typically use Skyscanner for the initial search and then proceed to book directly with the airline.
If you’re seeking to save money on flights, Skyscanner is an absolute must-have travel app to help you find the cheapest flights.
Other apps in this category to consider: Kayak, Hopper
Microsoft Defender (MS Defender)
Best travel app for cybersecurity and device protection (VPN)
Device: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Requires a Microsoft 365 Personal of Family subscription
When it comes to protecting your online privacy and security during your travels, an essential tool in your arsenal is a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) app.
One VPN app that we particularly appreciate for its simplicity and effectiveness is Microsoft’s security app called Microsoft Defender. It enables you to browse the internet securely.
Why is using a VPN so important?
When connected to a public Wi-Fi network, your personal information and online activities can be vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals.
VPNs establish a secure connection between your device and the internet, preventing unauthorised access to your data. Your internet connection is encrypted, adding an extra layer of security. This is crucial when accessing sensitive information like online banking or entering login credentials.
As avid travellers, we typically carry multiple mobile devices with us, such as smartphones and tablets, and we frequently rely on the Wi-Fi provided by hotels. To ensure the privacy and security of our online activities, Microsoft Defender’s VPN app safeguards our data, whether we are accessing our banking apps or connecting to social media platforms.
One of the key advantages of Microsoft Defender is its multi-platform compatibility. It can be utilised across a wide range of devices, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.
While Microsoft Defender is not available for free, it’s accessible to all users with a subscription to Microsoft 365, the online productivity suite that includes popular applications like Word, Excel, and more. So if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, why not give Microsoft Defender a try? It’s one of the best travel apps for Europe out there, and our top choice when it comes to VPN management.
Other apps in this category to consider: Norton 360, NordVPN
GetYourGuide
Best travel app for booking tours and experiences in Europe
Devices: Download on Play Store (Android) and Download on App Store (iOS)
Cost: Free (In-app purchases for tours and activities)
GetYourGuide is one of Europe’s best travel apps for city exploration for booking tours, attractions, and excursions. The app enables you to make the most of your city exploration. From walking tours to dune bashing and city passes, it offers an impressive array of options that span the globe.
The app’s user-friendly interface allows you to easily compare prices, read reviews, and access detailed information about each activity. Whether you’re at the early stages of trip planning or seeking last-minute adventures upon arrival, the GetYourGuide app serves as a valuable resource on your city trips.
What we appreciate most is the app’s flexible, free cancellation policy and GetYourGuide’s exceptional customer support. One particular incident stands out when our local tour guide in Dubai unexpectedly changed the time for a day tour on short notice, leaving us unable to participate. Despite the local guide’s reluctance to refund our tour fee, we contacted GetYourGuide’s customer support via WhatsApp. They swiftly resolved the issue and refunded us the full tour fee without any hassle or inconvenience.
For these reasons, GetYourGuide has become our go-to platform for exploring the extensive range of experiences and tours available in our chosen destinations.
Other apps in this category to consider: Tripadvisor, Viator
FAQ: Best Travel Apps in Europe
What is the #1 travel app?
There isn’t just one #1 travel app, as it depends on your needs. For booking: Skyscanner dominates flight deals, while Booking.com shines for accommodation. For on-the-go guidance: Google Maps reigns urban navigation. Consider your travel style and prioritise based on what matters most!
What is the best map to use in Europe?
For offline accessibility and detailed coverage, download Google Maps before your trip. Its offline maps work well in most European countries and include public transport schedules. A great alternative is Citymapper; it’s strong for real-time transit updates and live traffic info.
What is the best flight ticket booking app in Europe?
Skyscanner remains a top choice for finding the cheapest flights across Europe. Its extensive search options, price alerts, and multi-city booking tools make it user-friendly. Consider Hopper or Kayak for alternative comparison interfaces, and keep an eye on airline apps for direct deals and loyalty program perks.
What app do I need to download to travel?
At least download Google Maps for offline navigation and Google Translate for basic communication. Skyscanner helps find flight deals, while Booking.com assists with accommodation. Remember, the “best” app depends on your travel style and specific needs.
Can I use Google Maps without data roaming charges?
Yes, you can use Google Maps offline! Download maps of the areas you’ll be visiting before your trip. This saves data roaming charges and ensures you have navigation even without internet access. Remember, offline maps may not update real-time traffic information, so plan accordingly. Alternatively, consider buying an eSIM like Ubigi or a local SIM card for internet access during your trip.
What is the best free travel map app?
Google Maps is hands-down the best free travel map app. It offers offline maps, detailed navigation, real-time traffic updates, public transport schedules, and points of interest information. Citymapper shines in major cities for live transit updates and alternative routes. For hiking or remote areas, maps.me’s offline terrain maps are valuable. Ultimately, Google Maps caters to most travel needs for free.
Does Google Maps cover Europe?
Yes, Google Maps covers Europe extensively. Most European countries have detailed offline maps available for download. Remember, offline maps may not reflect the latest changes, so keep that in mind while navigating. For real-time traffic updates and public transport information, you may need an internet connection.
Wrap-Up: 11 Best Travel Apps That Will Make Your 2025 Europe Trip Better
As avid city explorers ourselves, we understand the value of having the right digital tools to enhance your travel experiences. From navigating bustling streets to communicating with locals, finding the best food and accommodations, and staying connected while on the go, these essential travel apps have become our trusted companions when exploring cities in Europe.
Make use of these must-have travel apps for Europe in 2025 to seamlessly navigate, communicate, and discover the best of every city. So, before setting off on your European adventure, be sure to these best apps for travelling abroad.
… and if you’re seeking inspiration for your next destination, why not explore our article highlighting the 20 BEST European cities that you simply must visit at least once in your lifetime?
Accommodation: 
Flights: We never book a flight without checking 
Mobile Internet: We love 
Tours, Activities & Attractions: To find cheap deals for tickets to attractions or book city tours, we have three go-to platforms. 
Trains: When we travel by train, we conveniently book our tickets on 
Car Rental: We recommend 
Spending Money Abroad: If we're travelling to a country with a different currency, we use our 
1 comment
I’m moving from Brazil to Europe soon and am super excited to start exploring. Your blog is so cool and really helpa me to know where to go. I’m gonna try out some of your apps and destinations. Thanks a bunch for the awesome tips.