If you’ve read our post about how to use your phone in Europe, then you already know how convenient it is to have a working phone while traveling. If you haven’t read it, we’ll summarize: it makes your life a whole lot easier! So now that you have your phone while you’re abroad, what are the most helpful apps to have?

Sidenote: the apps suggested here are intended for trips to Europe. Some of them aren’t ideal in other countries (Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, for example). These apps are perfect for our programs in Europe which are:

• Spain
• Italy
• France

In this post we’ll cover apps (all free by the way!) to help you with tours, language barriers, transportation, bookings, and more.

Note: some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Here are our favorite apps before a trip to Europe!

• Duolingo
  • Practice your Italian and learn basic phrases before you go!
  • Our suggestion: do a small amount (5-15 minutes) every day before you leave.
• Rick Steve’s Audio Europe 
  • It has tons of walking tours, podcast episodes on specific subjects. It’s awesome because Steve gives you just enough information to be really interesting without getting too detailed (aka boring).
  • It’s really fun to listen to a relevant topic before you go to a place.
  • Knowing info before you go can really help you make the most of your trip.
  • Our suggestion: download the tours you want while you have WiFi, then listen when you’re out and about.
• Google Translate 
  • This is sooo helpful when you’re trying to communicate!
  • Our suggestion: use it when you’re really stuck or need to know what a printed sign/menu says.
• Airbnb
  • In our opinion, it’s the best way to book accommodations for traveling on the weekend — you can read more details in this post
  • Our suggestion: use our link to save $$$ on your first trip!
• Google Maps
  • Really helpful for finding routes, reading reviews, and exploring by foot.
  • Our suggestion: save data by mapping routes on WiFi before you go out.
• Rome 2 Rio 
  • We love this app for figuring out how to get from A to B.
  • Our suggestion: Book directly with the mode of transportation you choose, but use this to see all the options. 
• FlixBus
  • If you’re trying to save money or can’t find a good train time, FlixBus has affordable buses.
  • Our suggestion: consider the time it takes as well as the price if you book a bus. Sometimes it’s worth it and sometimes it’s not!
• Apps for booking trains 
  • Rail Europe
  • TrenItalia 
  • Italo Treno
  • Our suggestion: check out train times at least a few days (or more) before you plan a trip. Buying on the app saves lots of time! If you can’t get tickets on the app, use an automated kiosk at the station.