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13 Affordable Places to Visit in Europe — From Country Escapes to Stunning Cities

You can visit Europe on a budget — here's how.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

If you have big dreams of jetting off to Europe, but worry that your bank account isn't quite ready, don't worry. For every expensive city, there are dozens of charming — and surprisingly affordable — places that offer all the European charm for a fraction of the price. Ljubljana, Porto, Budapest, even Berlin — these cities have all the rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food that you'd find in pricey European capitals, but they're perfect for budget travelers.

You can even travel to some of Europe's best (and famously expensive) destinations without breaking the bank — you just have to know how to save money without sacrificing on experiences. Travelers can often score deals on flights from the United States to major cities like Paris or London, and upon arriving, transportation within Europe can be much more affordable (hello, budget airlines). Those large cities also offer a wide range of accommodations, so you can certainly find something in your budget. You can even save money on food by hitting the local markets. After all, a bottle of wine, fresh bread, and cheese from a Parisian market make for an unforgettable meal when picnicking under the Eiffel Tower.

And you might be surprised by how many museums, churches, and other attractions are free or inexpensive to visit, too. Be sure to keep an eye out for free entry days (often one day a month) or tourist cards that offer entry to multiple attractions for one flat fee. (Do the math ahead of time by calculating the cost of every included attraction that you want to visit to make sure it's really worth the money.)

Trimming your budget doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your trip. Sometimes, the less you spend, the more you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Staying in a thatched Irish farmhouse, perusing old masters in Rome, or snacking your way through Spanish specialties aren't just tricks of the frugal traveler — they're the stuff dream vacations are made of.

Here are some of the top destinations for an affordable European vacation (and tips for saving money once you arrive).

Bavaria, Germany

For a storybook-worthy vacation in Europe, head straight to Bavaria. Book a room at Burg Colmberg , a 14th-century castle rising from a rocky crag above a tiny village. It offers an eclectic collection of rooms tucked throughout a warren of crooked hallways, hidden staircases, and cozy sitting nooks. Be sure to visit the postcard-perfect Neuschwanstein Castle , resplendently perched atop a mountain, and take the time to tour Hohenschwangau, the castle in which "Mad King" Ludwig II actually lived. The latter is a more modest pile of battlements on a smaller nub of a hill in the valley below. What it lacks in the carefully crafted pomp and circumstance of Neuschwanstein — which Ludwig II never lived to see completed — it more than makes up for in homeyness and history.

Puglia, Italy

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

The iconic architecture of Puglia — the "heel" of Italy's boot — is the prehistoric trullo, a cylindrical whitewashed house with a cone-shaped roof of stacked gray stones. There's no greater concentration of trulli than in the UNESCO-protected town of Alberobello, where whole neighborhoods are made of the structures, and the local entrepreneur behind Trullidea has fixed up dozens of the abandoned ones and rents them to visitors. Cool in the baking summers and with cozy indoor heating for wintertime, a rental trullo lets you live like a local for less than the cost of a tourist-class hotel in town. Want to sample what the Amalfi Coast was like before the hotshots and high prices moved in? Puglia's forested Gargano Peninsula is popular with sun-loving Italians, but is otherwise refreshingly off the tourist map.

Budapest, Hungary

Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Hungary, Budapest offers all the charm of more popular European destinations for a fraction of the price. The Hungarian Parliament Building and Fisherman's Bastion are just a couple of the picture-perfect attractions you'll spot in the city, and you'll find lots of affordable accommodations, meals, and nightlife, too. Even the city's famous thermal baths — some of which are over a century old and feature beautiful architecture — can be affordable to visit.

Andalusia, Spain

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Take a break from sizzling on the crowded Costa del Sol beaches for a self-guided driving tour along the route of the Pueblos Blancos. This string of clifftop, whitewashed villages stretches from the Moorish town of Arcos de la Frontera through the Sierra de Grazalema to Ronda, a maze of medieval streets perched above a 500-foot gorge. Opt for a stay in nearby Seville — the capital of Andalusia — to take in the beautiful architecture, watch some flamenco dancing, and indulge in classic tapas.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin has Cold War mystique, contemporary architecture, and booming gallery and restaurant scenes. With its cosmopolitan, East-meets-West edginess, it's no wonder the city has become a cultural capital of central Europe. It's a destination that continues to attract creative types and in-the-know travelers. Begin your trip to Berlin in the fashionable Mitte (or "middle") district, as it's convenient to major sites such as the Reichstag and Potsdamer Platz.

Bath and the Cotswolds, England

The charming villages of the Cotswolds look like they're straight out of a fairy tale — Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water are among the prettiest. There are inns and pubs sprinkled throughout the little towns, but we'd suggest staying in Bath, a quaint city dating back to the Roman era, for its variety of accommodations. While there, check out the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and of course, the historic Roman baths. Best of all, Bath is under two hours from London by train, making it an easy weekend trip from the city.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul's major state-run museums may charge hefty admissions, but the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, just behind the Blue Mosque adjacent to the Arasta Bazaar, costs only 60 Turkish lira (that's about $4). These delightful mosaic scenes of hunts, myths, animal battles, and everyday life in antiquity — boys riding a camel, a man milking his goat — once covered the floor of a large courtyard of the Palatium Magnum, the Great Palace built between the time of Constantine the Great himself and Justinian I (fourth to early sixth centuries). You can even cruise between the continents for an affordable price when taking the ferry.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Take a tour of the architectural masterworks of prodigious local talent Jože Plecnik, who took the Secessionist Art Nouveau style he learned in Vienna back home (via Prague) to remake his native city along his own, idiosyncratic lines. Like Gaudí in Barcelona, Plecnik designed his buildings right down to the smallest fittings, like the Pegasus door handles on the entrance to the National and University Library. Plecnik designed a bit of everything around town, from the central market to the two flanking spans of Ljubljana's iconic Triple Bridge to the café-lined embankments of the Ljubljanica River. The city also has a number of incredible, affordable restaurants, and you can take a public bus (for a small fee) to nearby Lake Bled for a day trip.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Skip the overexposed island of Hvar for the walled medieval village on the Adriatic island of Korcula, purported home to Marco Polo. Korcula is more of a day-trip destination, and that means the tourist crowds thin considerably by sundown, leaving those who remain to relax in the cafés and stroll the narrow alleys. While every old city in Europe has an Old City historic district, Split has the only downtown actually carved from the carcass of an ancient Roman palace. When the emperor Diocletian left his throne in A.D. 305, he built a lavish palace on the Croatian coast to live out his days as head of the empire's eastern half. In the 1,700 years since, the ruins of his enormous structure have been colonized by the locals, the buildings turned into medieval town houses, and the emperor's tomb transformed into the cathedral.

Paris, France

Want to experience fabulous French cuisine on a budget? Opt for a midday splurge — many cafés and restaurants offer less expensive menus at lunch. And a picnic is always a good idea in Paris. Stop by a market to peruse the (typically) extensive options for cheese and wine, or pick up a simple yet delicious crepe from a stand. If you plan to visit the City of Light's top museums and attractions, you might want to invest in a Paris Museum Pass . For one fee (priced depending on the number of days you purchase), you can gain admission to top tourist spots like the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, Panthéon, Louvre, Musée Rodin, and more, and you get to skip the ticket line. Talk about a win-win.

County Clare, Ireland

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Avoid the tour bus-clogged Ring of Kerry for its neighbor to the north, County Clare, home to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher rising more than 700 feet from the crashing Atlantic waves; the weirdly eroded limestone landscape of the Burren, where prehistoric slab tombs perch on the rocky flatlands like miniature houses of cards; and Doolin, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it village that has become a popular destination for traditional Celtic music. Local pubs are the perfect evening stop for hearty (and usually affordable) Irish fare and — if you're lucky — live music.

Rome, Italy

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Rome has more than 900 churches, all of them free, displaying great works of art and architecture by the likes of Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Bramante, and Pinturicchio. And that's just the short list of artists contained in one church — the little-visited Santa Maria del Popolo. Other iconic landmarks, like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Rome's famous piazzas are all free to visit, too, and some museums offer free entry days, so check their websites for details.

Porto, Portugal

Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure

Portugal's northern city of Porto is among Travel + Leisure readers' favorite European cities, and once you visit, you'll see why. In Porto, visitors can admire the Art Deco architecture, sip port wine, and explore the walkable city on foot without going over budget. Plus, a day trip to the Douro Valley, a picturesque vineyard region along the Douro River, is worth the trek.

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Travel Europe Cheaply: Get Around on a Budget in 2024

How to Travel Europe Cheaply: Get Around on a Budget in 2024

The most important step to becoming a badass broke budgeteer: learn the wicked ways of the low-cost lifestyle. Meaning, HOW exactly to travel on the cheap-o. 

And there’s no better way to get used to budget backpacking than learning how to travel Europe cheaply .

Europe is a great teacher in the ways of penny-pinching. Compared to other popular backpacker digs like Southeast Asia and South America, Europe is expensive as hell. You’re usually only one careless “treat yo’ self” away from backpacker bankruptcy. Everything has a cost: even using a public bathroom!

That means you have to be wise and wily with the way you spend your dollars.

Luckily, there are many ways to slash your astronomical Europe budget down to shreds and have a grand old time traipsing across the old continent, while spending relative pennies!

Transport is easily one of the biggest expenses on your trip. So, today I’m teaching you, dear young padawans, the ins and outs of travelling around Europe on the cheap.

On the cheap – and even, believe it or not, FOR FREE.

10 Ways to Get Around Europe on the Cheap

No money no problem.

Learning how to travel Europe on a budget comes down to a few tricks: cook your own food, stay in hostels or couchsurf, and take advantage of free things to do (each European country has heaps!).

However, when you’re trying not to break the bank, transportation may often be your Achilles’ heel, your downfall, and your sweetest enemy. Here are the best ways to travel Europe on a budget.

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1. Catch a Cheap Bus

Taking the bus is probably the cheapest way to travel around Europe. It’s easy to find budget options all over Europe – even for long distances.

One of the most popular options for cheap bus travel is Flixbus . It’s an operator so efficient, it is quickly swallowing up other smaller national low-cost bus operators all over Europe. 

Flixbus has probably the most extensive options: over 2,500 destinations across 35 countries (even Turkey!).

And my dude, just wait till you see their prices. They’re staggeringly low! I once took a 14-hour bus ride across the entire northern Spain to France for just $30.

Other great options are Eurolines (everywhere), Megabus (the UK), and Lux Express (the Baltics). Many countries also have their own low-cost buses mostly operating nationally, like Polskibus in Poland and Onnibus in Finland.

You can always find deals, but your best bet on dirt-cheap tickets is to book early. There is a limited amount of the cheapest discount tickets for each route.

Bonus tip: Take the word of a seasoned backpacker when I say that night buses SUCK. However, they save you a night’s accommodation cost. Plus, they make sure you’re not wasting precious daylight hours on travel time if you’re only travelling for a short time.

EDITOR’S NOTE!!!

Bookaway is another supreme service that we strongly recommend for booking routes and rides across Europe. HOWEVER, their service isn’t available in  all European nations. Your best bet is to check out both services, compare prices and services available, and choose the best (and cheapest) for you!

2. Get Railed with a Train Pass

Travel around Europe by train , also known as interrailing, is a super popular way of backpacking across Europe. 

Few other places have a similar opportunity for train travel. Europe has very extensive rail networks, and usually, its trains are clean, fast, and comfortable. (At least in Western Europe – who the hell knows what’s up with the Communist-era clunks clanking around post-Iron Curtain countries.)

In Western Europe though, rail travel gets EXPENSIVE. It’s not out of the question to have to splash $60 for a simple cross-country ticket. That’s why a lot of broke train travellers get a rail pass that lets them get serious discounts on their journeys.

Using a rail pass does come with a bit of planning. Usually, they’re restricted to a certain region or cluster of countries, and their prices depend on which countries you want to check out. (More expensive countries have more expensive rail passes.)

They also come with conditions. You can only have a certain amount of travel days within a time frame. (E.g. 10 travel days in two months.) That means that you can use the pass for unlimited free travel for 10 days over a period of two months.

Getting a rail pass is not worth it everywhere in Europe. If you mainly plan to hop to countries that are not covered by the rail pass, or that don’t have great rail networks, you can get by fine without one. 

Also when you’re adventuring somewhere like Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the few train options you have are already cheap. That might mean overspending by getting a pass.

However, if you plan to check out places like France, Germany, and Austria, a rail pass is a great addition to your Europe packing list . And it saves you a lot!

3. Catch Flights, Not Feelings

Listen, no other place does low-cost flying quite as well as Europe. The prices for low-budget airlines can be absolutely RIDICULOUS. Route prices start at around $8 – no kidding. When I still lived in Finland, a return flight between my city and London was half the price of a one-way train to my hometown!

So, low-cost airlines are definitely worth checking out if your plans include hopping between countries on different sides of Europe.

Some of the most popular low-budget airlines in Europe are:

There is an art to finding cheap flights . But you’ll get a hang of it quickly. My favourite sites for finding and comparing flight prices are Skyscanner and Momondo.

I highly recommend checking airlines’ own websites around holidays as well. Around Christmas and Black Friday, you can find huge discounts.

Sadly, there is no such thing as an almost-free lunch. Low-fare airlines make their money through extortionate extra fees. Everything costs – from meals onboard to even printing your boarding pass at the airport. Checked baggage can cost $30+, and some charge extra for “big” cabin luggage as well.

4. Share a Ride with a Merry Stranger

Travelling solo? So are many others! Cut costs and maybe make a friend on your intercity travels.

When you think of rideshare apps, you probably think of Uber. Taxi apps are dope for getting around cities in Europe on the cheap for sure.

Mostly getting a cab through an app is cheaper than on the street. Uber operates in many European countries, plus there are tons of smaller operators in different countries and regions.

So, rideshare apps are cool beans in cities. What about between cities? 

Europe also has platforms that allow private people to publicly post their upcoming trips. They post that they’re going to Marseille, you get in touch, and ka-ching ! You’ve got a cheap-ass ride to another town. Note that this is not digital hitchhiking; you’ll have to split travel costs with the driver and other passengers.

The absolute best platform for long-distance rideshares is BlaBlaCar . I found it the best cheap way to travel around Spain and France, but it’s also available in 16 other countries in Europe. BlaBlaCar doesn’t actually have any of its own cars; it’s just a platform connecting drivers and passengers.

If BlaBlaCar doesn’t tickle your fancy, it’s always possible to find rideshares and carpooling through other ways as well. Try posting a note on your hostel’s info board, or find a rideshare group on Facebook for the country that you’re in.

5. Go Drive Yourself

Living the vanlife in Europe is many backpackers’ dream. And it can easily be one of the cheapest ways to travel Europe if you’re exploring countries like Switzerland or Norway.

My motorbike-loving friends won’t stop raving about how great it is to ride your bike down the wide-open highways across Europe. (Somewhere in the distance, Born to Be Wild starts playing…)

Plus, driving yourself gives you the greatest flexibility to stop at cute roadside towns. You can come and go as you please without being held behind by such measly human inventions as – pssht – bus schedules. Bonus points if you camp along the way to cut costs even more.

If you’re planning on a self-directed adventure, there are a few things to consider before launching off:

• You’ll either need an international driver’s licence or an EU licence
• Taking rental cars over the country border is usually not allowed . So they’re best for single-country stretches. You also have to return them to the same office where you picked them up or pay an abysmal extra fee.
• Toll fees stack up! Set up your GPS to avoid toll roads. (But make sure that it doesn’t direct you to completely stupid roads – speaking from experience…)

In the end, you might do campervanning or motorbiking more for the experience than the price. You’re not only paying for the car; petrol, parking, and insurance fees rack up.

While rentals can be very cheap, they can also be very, very expensive. $20 a day in Greece is not too bad if you can split that with a travel buddy. But paying $50 a day in Madeira by yourself is gonna make even the toughest traveller cry bitter tears. So if you’re gonna live the vanlife across Europe, find a smart purchase or rental (not cheap – cheap cars don’t last), and get good at the van-bum life: it’s a good life. 🙂

6. Thumbs up, Everybody

You might’ve thought you dreamed it but there IS a legit way to travel Europe for free. That way is called hitchhiking ! Is this the cheapest way to see Europe? Potentially definitely.

Hitchhiking has long been one of my favourite ways of adventuring. And the scene is especially boomin’ and bloomin’ in Europe.

It’s not for everybody: you gotta be at least a bit of a social butterfly to keep your gracious rides entertained with small talk (and big talk, if it comes to that). 

This becomes especially fun when you don’t speak the same language. But let me tell you, it’s surprising how much you can find out about someone’s family, hobbies, and life just through a few universal words and body language.

And sure, hitchhiking is not completely without its risks, either. I’ve done lots of kilometres in strangers’ cars as a solo female traveller . While 95% of the people who pick you up are just simply kind human beans, I’ve had a few creepy encounters as well.

The best countries to pick up lifts are in Central and Eastern Europe. The worst luck I’ve ever had has been in Spain and Germany – basically Western countries with a lot of motorways that are unsuitable for stopping for thumb-riders.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

7. Compare, Compare, Compare!

No one ever said budget travel in Europe was easy. Counting pennies comes with a lot of time spent crouching over your phone screen, figuring out the routes that are going to save you the maximum amount of time and money. Trip planning takes effort.

Sometimes booking through the airline’s or railway’s own website is the cheapest option; sometimes the best deals are found on third-party websites. Occasionally, a train can actually be a lot cheaper than a bus.

Sometimes – and this is a secret most hardcore shoestring sailors won’t tell you – it’s just simply better to choose the more expensive option, for the sake of pure convenience and your sanity.

Rome2Rio is a great planning tool when you’re trying to find routes from city to city and can give you approximate prices on both buses and trains. But you have to book tickets on the sites of the operators themselves. Omio (former GoEuro) shows you comparisons between train, bus, and air travel, but doesn’t actually show all available tickets from low-cost operators.

8. Take a Hike, Buddy

When you’re thinking about how to travel around Europe cheaply, long-distance hiking is actually a very viable option. If you can find a free camping spot, all you end up paying for is your food.

Obviously, it’s hard to cover long distances on foot. It IS slow as hell, but it is one of the most rewarding ways to travel I’ve ever tried.

Europe is a hikers’ wonderland. Long, well-established trails can be found almost in all countries, and many long-distance trails stretch over borders as well. Long-distance hiking might be an option for you if you’re already reasonably fit, you’re prepped for hiking abroad , and can carry all your stuff in one bag.

I’ve walked the famous Camino de Santiago across Northern Spain. While it did take over a month, it was a fantastic way to get a more detailed look into the life on the Spanish Northern Coast.

I’ve also hiked long stretches of Via Dinarica, a long-distance hiking trail going from Slovenia to Kosovo, and can vouch for it being one of the BEST ways to experience the Balkans .

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

9. Wheels Away

Are you a fan of the Queen song Bicycle Race? Then you’re probably a biking enthusiast.

Travelling long distances on a bicycle, AKA bikepacking, is becoming more and more popular in Europe. In general, Europeans LOVE biking which means that most cities are pretty bicycle-friendly.

Covering large-ish distances on a bike is not a superhuman feat either. You’ll likely encounter other adventurous cyclists around Europe too.

Some of the best destinations for bikepackers in Europe include Denmark, the Netherlands, France, and the UK. You can combine your biking adventures with camping to cut costs even more. Just make sure all your stuff fits in the bike bags, that you have a good bike for long-distance biking , and that you bring heaps of happy vibes with you.

10. Travel Eastern Europe

Okay, technically this isn’t a method of getting around… But it is possible to travel around Europe really damn cheaply if you head to the right side of the map. I’m talking about backpacking Eastern Europe , of course.

Most first-time backpackers head to Europe’s most touristed capitals to see the Colosseums and Mona Lisas that they know so well from other people’s stories. Eastern Europe might not have as many famous attractions as the most popular destinations but it has a LOT going for it.

Delicious food, fairytale towns, lack of hordes of tourists, excellent mountainage, and fascinating history? Sign me the fuck up.

Oh yeah, it’s also super cheap to travel. In some of the cheapest countries in Europe like Bulgaria, North Macedonia, or Georgia, you can spend as little as $20 per day!

Lastly… Travel Insurance is Very Much Recommended

It might seem counterintuitive to spend more money to save money. But trust me, travel insurance is the one thing that’s going to save you HEAPS if you ever end up needing it.

A savvy budget traveller should always consider getting a good travel insurance policy before leaving home. Health care in Europe is not usually full-bankruptcy-expensive (looking at you, USA…) but you never know what can happen on your adventures. Hospitalised by dodgy booze? Fell out of your top bunk? Bitten by a manic street dog?

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Travelling Europe really doesn’t have to feel like highway robbery. When you get the basics of budget travel in Europe down, spending the most minimal amount of money possible becomes second nature!

One thing that’ll surprise you about pro-level budgeting is that it’s hard work. 

It takes a lot of time and effort to compare different route options and read through hostel reviews to make sure that booking cheap doesn’t mean that you’ll also book shitty. 

When you’re hitchhiking and couchsurfing, you have to always be socially ON. (An introvert’s nightmare that can even terrify some real social butterflies like myself.) If you start noticing symptoms of a traveller’s burnout – it’s time to take a break.

Even when you’re travelling Europe on a shoestring budget, I always recommend having what I like to call “the fuck-it fund”, for days when you just gotta say, “ fuck it, I’m booking into a hotel” . A few days of stress-free spending makes for one happy budget backpacker and means that you get to keep going at your low-cost adventures all refreshed.

Travelling on a budget in Europe is not always the easiest feat. But as you’ve seen now, there are a lot of infrastructures that helps heaps if you’re trying to watch your spending.

And the best part? Everyone else is on a budget too! Bonding over shared cheapskating is a truly unique way to make friends on the road.

So gather up your pennies, book a budget bus, and get travelling!

Elina Mattila

Share or save this post

i found it super hard to travel cheap in europe, everthing is just expensive 😀 i also start using this app ” ATM Fee saver” and i can highly recommend it to you! its briliant you will save some money on those ATM over there… check it out for further travels

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11 of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe on a budget

These are the cheapest places to visit in Europe, and we’ve included the cost of a pint

Travel is well and truly back, people. Covid testing for tourists is increasingly being scrapped across the board, and travellers are practically being ushered into the once-bustling cities of   Europe . But the thing is, lots of us are still strapped for cash after two years of uncertainty. 

The good news is this: there are   plenty  of interesting and affordable locations on the Continent that you can visit without breaking the bank. Plus, a load of them are off the beaten track, meaning you won’t have to fight your way through crowds to find the best bits. We found out the average price of an Airbnb in each place, and cross-referenced that with data from  financial comparison site  Finder  to work out where you can get a discount pint, too. From the ruin-filled city of Argos in   Greece   to the foodie-heaven of Graz in   Austria , here are 11 of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.

RECOMMENDED:   The 16 best city breaks in Europe for 2022

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Cheapest cities to visit in Europe

1.  Kraków, Poland

Festival vibes meet olde-worlde history in Kraków . We recommend packing in as many medieval sites as possible, and then getting stuck into a great night out. Try to plan your trip to coincide with one of the city’s many, many festivals, which range from the typical (think  Summer Jazz Festival  and the  Kraków Film Festival ) to the more obscure, like the International Soup Festival . Yum.

Average one-bed Airbnb: £59 ($77) Average pint: £2.15 ($2.82)

2.  Riga, Latvia

In Riga, it’s all about the art nouveau. The architecture is seriously beautiful, and there’s a huge, buzzy creative scene. Check out Putti , a modern gallery and events space, or Rīgas Birža for something more traditional. Looking for something less refined? The booze here is really cheap – so if you’re looking to let loose, head to the Old Town for all the most established bars. 

Average one-bed Airbnb: £49 ($64) Average pint: £2.76 ($3.66)

3.  Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov is a lot like  Prague , but without the stag dos. Its labyrinthine, baroque streets all lead you, eventually, to the huge castle complex at the centre. It’s beautiful in summer, but for the really  picturesque views go in winter, when it’s blanketed in snow. Keep warm in one of the many cosy cafés, or try traditional food in one of the live music parlours. Not a rowdy bunch of blokes to be seen.  Average one-bed Airbnb: £76 ($99) Average pint: £1.44 ($1.89)

4.  Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is great  if you’re looking for a good time. Don’t sleep on the nightlife, just make sure to avoid the overhyped bars near the centre and head for one of the sky bars instead. You can try (delicious, hearty) traditional food for bargain prices, too. Our reccomedation is the legendary Caru’ cu Bere  – order the grilled pork and a side of sauerkraut. Average one-bed Airbnb: £45 ($59) Average pint: £1.48 ($1.94)

5.  Belgrade, Serbia

Chaotic, gritty, packed and super cheap – Belgrade is anything but a quiet getaway location. Smokey dive bars and gig venues nestle in  old socialist architecture, competing for space in the once-desolate Savamala area, which is now home to a thriving culture scene. Head to Ada Ciganlija, a reclaimed island on the Sava river, if you’re looking to find a tiny, tranquil slice of nature.

Average one-bed Airbnb:  £39 ($51) Average pint: £1.53 ($2.01)

6.  Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas is going to be big this year. It’s one of the  European Capitals of Culture  for 2022, and an incredible 1,000 events are being planned to celebrate it. If you can’t make it to any of them, there are plenty of seriously impressive exhibition spaces open all year round, like the Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery . And if you want something a bit weirder, head to the seriously strange Devil’s Museum .  Average one-bed Airbnb: £58 ($76) Average pint: £2.90 ($3.81)

7.  Zagreb, Croatia

This city is made for walking – we recommend that you wander from the beautiful, sprawling main square to basically every sight. That’ll keep costs low, and your exposure to amazing sights high. If you do want to get your transport fix, though, jump on the funicular and head up the hill for unbeatable views. Or just hang out in one of the many, many cool cafés.

Average one-bed Airbnb: £51 ($66) Average pint: £1.82 ($2.39)

8.  Argos, Greece

Argos is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Right in the heart of the Peloponnese, this is Greece as you imagine it: balmy  Mediterranean weather with archaelogical beauty sprawling as far as the eye can see. According to legend, it was literally ruled by the son of Zeus at one point, too. It’s largely off the tourist path too, so you can explore the ancient theatre ruins, the prehistoric castle and sixth-century BC Roman Agora in peace.

Average one-bed Airbnb: £38 ($49) Average pint: £3.66 ($4.80)

9.  Marsalforn, Malta

Head to this quaint fishing village  if you’re looking for a properly quiet break. Marshalforn isn’t a porthole-windows and artfully-placed-lobster-crate situation, it’s the real deal. The restaurants have lots of fresh fish and great ocean views, so we recommend you take a book, put on your sunglasses, and enjoy the sea breeze.

Average one-bed Airbnb: £57 ($74) Average pint: £2.09 ($2.74)

10.  Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is properly, properly gorgeous. The domed churches dotted around the city will be a guaranteed hit on your Insta, as will the elaborate mosques, Soviet statues and grand galleries. As most people overlook it in favour of Bulgaria’s ski slopes and coastline, you won’t feel crowded while you wander.  Average one-bed Airbnb: £46 ($60) Average pint: £1.37 ($1.80)

11.  Graz, Austria

Graz is one of Austria ’s unsung heroes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as being annointed 2003's Capital of Culture and the 2008 City of Culinary Delights. For futuristic art, head to Kunsthaus Graz . The gallery is housed in a building known as the ‘friendly alien’ – you can’t miss its undulating, scaley form on the waterfront. 

Average one-bed Airbnb: £64 ($84) Average pint: £3.25 ($4.27)

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Cheapest Ways to Travel Europe, According to a Cheapo Who Loves Traveling Europe

Last Updated: October 27, 2023

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What’s the cheapest way to travel Europe?

After 7 years of bouncing around Europe as a) a backpacker, b) a broke student and now c) a restless expat, this is a question I’ve relentlessly sought the answer to.

My first taste of European budget travel was during my first ever backpacking trip around Western Europe. I had travelled from Paris to London, two major bucket list cities of mine, for less than the price of 6 Chicken Nuggets.

It was exhilarating. My mind was blown… and I suppose you could say, that’s when a monster was born.

Save these cheap ways to travel Europe for later!

You’ll be very, very glad you did. (Your wallet will be too!)

When I returned a year later as an exchange student, I took advantage of budget travel options to go absolutely insane and indulge in weekend trips anytime I could.

Along the way I discovered wild deals like 5 euro bus tickets to Paris, 20 euro roundtrip tickets to London, 40 euro roundtrip tickets to MOROCCO.

Not to be dramatic: but a whole new world – nay, a whole new ME – emerged. Since moving back to Europe, I’ve continued to take advantage of the countless cheap options out there – after all, why spend extra when you don’t need to?

That’s why I want to share with you my top tips today, lifting the veil on the cheapest way(s) to travel Europe.

You can also click here to download a free checklist that breaks down my process for finding the cheapest ways to travel from Point A to Point B every time. Enjoy!

PRO TIP: I always use Omio to quickly compare the prices of flights, trains and buses. It sorts everything by cheapest, recommended, shortest, etc. and is totally free!

My Cheapest Ways to Travel Europe Video

One of the most important things to do before travelling internationally is figuring out how you’ll get around. Want a video version of all the info below? Here you go:

1. Taking Buses to Travel Europe Cheaply

If affordability is what you’re after, I highly recommend traveling around Europe by bus.

While it’s not as comfortable, convenient or scenic as train travel, it comes at a fraction of the cost (which means more euros in your pocket for croissant hoarding and wine guzzling).

These days, the main contender in European bus travel is FlixBus .  

For me, Flixbus wins in terms of price, flexibility and convenience. With fares as cheap as 5 euros one way, the price simply can’t be beat.

Plus, you can easily download an app where you can check different bus times/purchase tickets up to the day of.

They even have the most chilled out cancellation policy ever – you can cancel/change your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure for only a euro (note: in the good old days, this was even free!)

That’s why I think Flixbus is the perfect choice for a spontaneous budget traveler.

They even have an awesome pass called Interflix that allows you to book 5 journeys for only 99 euros. That means you can ride from one European hotspot to another for only 20 euros… an absolute steal.

Click here to scope out the best Flixbus deals

NOTE: As with all things in life, you get what you pay for. Flixbus isn’t world-renowned for amazing service or punctuality, but they do get you from Point A to Point B eventually. I’d recommend them if budget is your #1 priority.

Other bus options to check out in Europe:

Eurolines: I’ve only used Eurolines a handful of times because Flixbus is so convenient to book, but they offer a lot of routes around Europe and in my experience, tend to be more punctual than Flixbus.

However, they’re a lot less flexible when it comes to modifications/cancellations, with a zero refund policy within 48 hours of the trip date, and a 25-50% deduction of the total fare if you cancel earlier. In other words, if you want to be flexible, Flixbus is a better choice!

RegioJet, AKA Student Agency Bus:  I took this one from Prague to Budapest 2 years ago and it’s still (to date) the most luxurious bus trip I’ve ever had!

It was super affordable, there were movies available on board and even a “bus attendant” who gave us free hot chocolate and tea. Most of their routes seem to be in/out of the Czech Republic, but they’re an amazing deal if you’re travelling in that area.

Megabus: Megabus used to be my go-to bus company (they’re how I got from Paris to London for two pounds in 2014 – like I said, for less than the price of 6 nuggets!) but their European routes have since been acquired by Flixbus.

That said, they’re still active in the UK, and have some crazy deals if you book early enough (the first to buy tickets on certain routes can score them for only 1 pound)

Another cost-effective option in the UK is  National Express.  I’ve used them many times and they’re always very professional and punctual. The key with them is to book as early as possible to score the best deals!

Local bus lines: While travelling around the Balkans, I relied on a number of local coach companies to get around. If you happen to be travelling around the Balkans, your best bet is to inquiry at the local bus station for tickets – they’re usually very affordable even the day-of.

2. Hopping around Europe Cheaply with budget airlines

One of the most popular (and cheapest) ways to travel Europe is through budget airlines.

Unlike North America, Europe is crawling with budget airlines that can take you from Point A to Point B at ludicrously low costs.

… Sometimes even cheaper than the bus!

With Ryanair for example, I can get from Munich to London for only 10 euros if I book early enough. That’s cheaper than the cost of actually getting to the airport!

How to find them: I always use Skyscanner  to check out the best flight deals. A few big names to look out for include RyanAir , EasyJet, WizzAir , Volotea,  EuroWings, and Vueling.

You can also use Omio (for free!) to search up flights, buses and trains at the same time so you can see which out of all these options is cheapest.

Lastly, you can double check deals from various locations using a VPN like Private Internet Access to see if you can find better deals.

Download my free checklist: I actually wrote an entire post on how to find the cheapest flights TO Europe, and the tips/systems I introduce definitely work for flights within Europe as well. Click here to read it, and click here to download the free checklists I made that will help you find the cheapest flight every time.

One note with budget airlines: you absolutely, 1000% get what you pay for.

This means limited legroom, ‘meh’ service and additional costs for everything (including extra bags, in-flight meals and even printing your ticket at the airport).

But hey, for the price, you really can’t beat it. So long as you familiarize yourself with each airline’s rules and hidden costs, you’ll be fine.

If you want a preview of what the experience is like, click here to read my honest RyanAir review, and click here to read my honest Wizz Air review.

I wouldn’t stress too much about having the most luxurious and wonderful experience though… instead, it’s much easier to accept a mildly uncomfortable 1-3 hours.

After all guys, you are paying 10 euros to fly in a hover-box through the sky. Chill out, and enjoy the (dis)comfort of your legroom-less seat.

Click here to scope out the best flight deals on Skyscanner

3. Cruise around Europe on a budget with BlaBaCar

Those in search of the cheapest way to travel Europe should definitely look into BlaBlaCar.

BlaBlaCar is a carpool service that matches up drivers/passengers who are going to the same places. You’re essentially pitching in for gas/other expenses in exchange for a seat in someone’s car.

I know it sounds slightly sketch, but it operates on a good review system much like Couchsurfing and AirBNB . Many of my friends use it regularly with great results.

HELPFUL HINT: In some areas, Google Maps has even begun syncing up with BlaBlaCar , so when you search up how to get from Point A to Point B, BlaBlaCar rides will show up as an additional option below driving, public transport, etc.

Click here to check out BlaBlaCar

4. Save Money on Your Europe Trip by Hitchhiking

If you’re looking for (truly) the cheapest way to travel Europe, hitchhiking would be it. Is it glamorous? No. But it’s like, 50 shades of free, soooo…

Now here’s the thing: hitchhiking is better suited for some areas than others.

For example, while in the Balkans, I hitchhiked once in Bosnia and the guy turned out to be a lovely lavender farmer who (seemed to) own a monopoly over lavender fields in the area.

He barely spoke English and could only keep pointing at his fields like a boss while hollering “LAVANDA LAVANDA”.

That was a fun experience.

On the other hand, it might not be as easy to do in Western Europe… I’ve never tried it myself in this area, but I do have friends who once hitchhiked from Amsterdam to Munich to visit me for Oktoberfest.

It took 16 hours. SO, know that this is the ultimate cheap way to travel Europe, but it can be very unpredictable, tough and kill a lot of your exploration time.

It’s also true that hitchhiking isn’t for everyone. While it’s not as dangerous or uncommon as many people think, it still carries some risk and disadvantages.

You should probably NOT hitchhike if:

• You are paranoid about safety (and travelling alone)
• You are limited in time
• You have strict plans on where you need to be and when

5. See Europe in Style (and on a budget) with train deals

There are few travel experiences as epic as taking the train across Europe… that said, while train travel is incredible , it can wreak some serious havoc on your budget.

Cheap train travel in Europe can be possible though. Here are some tips!

How to travel Europe by train (on a budget): 

Book as early as you possibly can:

European train tickets are usually sold in batches, with a select number of really cheap (inflexible booking) tickets available first, then moving into higher price ranges as they sell out.

If you know where you’re going and are okay with a lack of flexibility, then buying as early as possible is probably your best bet.

Look into group/regional tickets:  

Many areas in Europe will have special deals for those travelling in groups or in particular areas. In Bavaria for example (where I currently live), there’s a group deal called a Bayern Ticket that gives you unlimited travel for the day for 5 people on the same ticket .

It costs 26 euros for the first person, then 5 additional for each extra person you add on, which is an insanely good deal if you get several people together.

Often, these deals will be cheaper than buying regular tickets, so do some research to see if these specials exist where you’re headed 🙂 For more info, you can click here for my full Bayern ticket guide.

Check if you’re eligible for discounts:

European train companies love rewarding people for being young, so often if you’re under the age of 26, you’re eligible for additional discounts, especially if you’re a student.

In Belgium for example, those 26 and under can buy a GoPass 1, which allows you to travel one-way anywhere in the country for only €6.60.

Get a train pass:

For my fellow North Americans, Eurail offers a lot of different passes for different countries, time periods, etc. These can be much cheaper than buying tickets individually, and they also offer a lot more flexibility.

It’s good value for money, despite not being the cheapest option out there. I would recommend doing a lot of research prior to buying a pass to see how much tickets cost for your intended travel routes because you might be able to plan a cheaper trip if you buy non-flex tickets far in advance.

Click here to browse the best deals on Eurail Passes

6. Travel Europe Cheaply by Renting a Car

Travelling through Europe by car might sound like a wonderful bucket list dream, but it’s a lot more complicated than just getting an old Volkswagen and decking it out in fairy lights.

The issue with renting a car in Europe is that it’s riddled with hidden costs, including extra fees for crossing multiple countries, dropping off at different points, highway vignettes (required for many countries in Central Europe, etc. etc.)

The truth is, it is highly unlikely that renting a car will be the cheapest way to travel Europe for you.

Is it worth it though? Well, the freedom to pull over whenever, go wherever and take off at a moment’s notice  is  pretty sweet.

If you choose to go this route, here are some tips to help you get the best deal on travelling through Europe by car:

Use a comparison website:

A good start is using a comparison website to find the most competitive prices for a car rental.  Expedia is my go-to.

That said, looking at these listed prices is simply not enough. It’s also important to…

Consider the hidden costs:

The prices you see on these comparison sites will most likely not be what you end up paying. There are MANY extras to consider, like insurance, GPS, multiple country fees, one-way drop off fees, tolls, vignettes, etc.

Sadly, the companies are not consistent in what they include in their listed price, so be sure to do your research and read the fine print so you can fully understand which is the best deal.

Click here to read my post full of hidden costs you should be mindful of!

Find coupon codes automatically :

I highly recommend the free Google Chrome extension, Honey , which looks up free coupon codes for you automatically. It takes a click to install and is awesome for saving a little extra on all travel bookings and any other online purchases.

Any more questions about the cheapest ways to travel around Europe?

I hope you enjoyed that guide on the cheapest way to travel Europe and that it gave you some good insight into the different options for cheap transportation in Europe.

If you have any questions though, feel free to ask below!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

75 thoughts on “The Cheapest Ways to Travel Europe, According to a Cheapo Who Loves Traveling Europe”

BlaBlaCar sounds interesting, I’ll definitely take note of it. Hitchhiking is just for me though. I’m too scared, haha! – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

haha BlaBaCar is almost like a more regulated version of hitchhiking. Definitely a good middle ground or starting point if hitchhiking scares you 😉

Great tips! I took Flixbus and it was perfectly fine and actually on time, which was a pleasant surprise! Also, I think the best website for looking up quite a bit of European train travel is bahn.de. It’s the German train website but it has train times and routes for many more countries. And it’s really easy to use. Always search the number of people you’re looking to book for. Sometimes we forget and just keep the number at 1, but I travel with my husband and we’re always 2 and 2 is always cheaper than 1 + 1! There are great deals in Germany for a group of people traveling together too. Found this on Easy Jet as well – prices are better for 2 people.

Awesome info – thank you! I use bahn.de all the time since I live in Germany but I never realized it had such helpful info for other countries too. And I had no clue that booking for 2 is cheaper. SO good to know – thanks! <3

Great tips! I currently live in Europe and have the flexibility of owning a car, but I might use one of these cheap buses one day. Another thing about those cheap airlines…if you’re flying in Europe the flight time is usually no more than 2 hours, so it’s really not a big deal to not be able to recline your seat for 2 hours. As soon as you’re up, you’re already back down! Worth the cheap price in my opinion. And I think the hitchhiking is totally dependent on where you are. I went to the Isle of Skye in Scotland earlier this year and it’s extremely common for backpackers to hitchhike around the isle to get to the different sites. We gave a ride to some people and didn’t feel unsafe at all. Go with your gut!

Awesome – thanks so much for this thoughtful comment, Kristin! Always good to get some input from others and their experiences <3 Scotland does seem like an amazing place to hitchhike. The people there are so lovely! Thanks for chiming in 🙂

Love your tips, I think I tried most of them. No bad experience so far. 🙂

haha good to hear I’m not steering anybody wrong 😉 thanks for reading!

It is really not easy to keep it cheap in Europe, but you have some great suggestions. In Denmark, they use GoMore, a great carpooling service. I used it a lot because train tickets are ridiculously expensive! Else, the trick is to book in advance, then you can get them almost cheaper than doing the carpooling.

Ooh good to know about GoMore! I love that there’s so many new services popping up these days for budget travellers. Makes lives so much easier!

A very handy piece, if only travel in Canada was that easy…lol…I will be keeping this for future reference as I had never heard of Flix Bus they sound great and if you can get used to flying Ryanair you can get used to anything…

Hope this comes in handy for your future travels, Faith! Flixbus is definitely a great budget option. They’re by no means mega-comfortable and there’s often delays, but it does get you to where you need to go eventually haha. Can’t really argue with prices like theirs!

I love this one! 🙂 I live in Europe so I have used almost all from the list but I really like it how you combined them. P. S. Your pins has amaaazing design, love it so much. <3

aw thank you so much for the kind words!!! <3

I was just in the Balkans and had to hitchhike out of desperation in Albania . Lol. Love that you met a lavender farmer!

haha I hope your experience was as fun as mine! Hitch hiking in the Balkans is a lot easier (I’ve heard) than in other parts of Europe 🙂 definitely a neat way to meet locals!

This is really useful for me! I am currently an exchange student in Italy untile Feb 2018 so I’ve been wanting to go out the country and roam around Europe. I most definitely am shocked with RyanAir prices! Thanks for this post!

What an exciting time for you! I travelled so much during my exchange in Munich and decided to move here 😉 You never know what a crazy impact this experience will have on your life. Hope you have an amazing time in Italy!

Love this post! Good timing too, I was just trying to decide about taking a FlixBus for an upcoming trip. Sounds like it is the way to go!

We are also all about the budget airlines (Volotea is my current fav) but I swear my biggest annoyance isn’t the baggage fees or incessant selling, it is the lack of seat back pockets. Sounds ridiculous but for some reason that annoys me ENDLESSLY. #highmaintenance

omg so true – no seat pockets kills me every time because then I’m left scrambling, with my passport, phone, boarding pass, etc. scattered all across my lap hahah. Flixbus is fine if you don’t mind meh service/delays. They’re definitely super budget friendly!

This post is so timely ! Planning a trip to Europe next summer . Thx for sharing ! Fab as always Christina ! Xo Valerie

Yay! Hope you picked up loads of great tips from this post. Safe travels 🙂

Great post with really good advice. Busses are a great way to go and often overlooked by North Americans. But I find them to be really useful in certain areas. I’m still a fan of trains though!

I think buses are tougher in North America since major cities are so much further apart! In Europe though they are amazing since everything is so close 🙂 I’m a big fan of trains now too. They’re just so comfortable and convenient. Thanks for reading, Lynne!

This is all seriously so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to put it together. I’m definitely saving for my upcoming trip, since I’ll be an extra tight budget!

so so happy you found it helpful!! Safe travels, girl <3

I don’t live in Europe but every time I go to The Netherlands I take adventage of those cheap trips in Europe itswlf. I’ve tried bus travels and by plain. Next I want to try train traveling. All in all Europe living is in a travelers best interest.

Absolutely – living in Europe makes us travellers so spoiled 🙂 I can’t recommend train travel enough. It’s so relaxing and beautiful. Hope you get to see for yourself sometime soon!

Cheap travel is one of the things I love most about living in Europe! If I ever stopped travelling around Europe, Ryanair might go bust ;-). This was a great and really informative post!

hahaha yes – I feel so spoiled living here. Thanks for reading, and keep travelling please because I rely on RyanAir way too much for them to go bust 😉 lol

Another cheap way to travel Europe to grab one of the multi festival/trip passes that Stoke Travel have. I picked up one of their Passports and it got me a free festival, and I got to visit Oktoberfest, surf in Spain, La tomatina and Ibiza with all my accommodation, meals and ridiculous parties sorted. They even have unlimited beer and sangria haha.

Hey Christiana, Awesome post loved it. Never know it was possible to travel Europe so cheaply. I will definitely make a point following these tips while a trip to europe this summer.

Awesome! I hope you have an amazing (budget-friendly) trip!

Transportation is one of the things that contribute to a major portion of your entire travel budget. That’s why people search for some cheapest travel option around Europe and your blog presents a very good information about that. It was certainly a good read. Thanks for posting.

Loved your tips. Its great to find such informative article. Will try some of your tips on my next visit for sure.

The tutorial is very detailed, thank you for sharing, wish you always good health to go more places. I’m planning to go to Europe and it’s great to read your post

Hi Chris! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!!

Budget airlines were my best friend when I lived in London! It felt like such an accomplishment to grab an awesome deal and be able to go away for the weekend wherever I wanted in Europe!

Absolutely love this, I have lived in Europe most my life but even I learned something from these amazing tips. Will definitely pin this for later. Thanks for sharing!

I think there’s a lot to be said for different transport being good for different places! There are so many European trips I want to do and all in different ways (road trip through northern Italy? Train through Switzerland?) – there’s so much to consider! This post is really helpful in laying it all out though. 🙂

What a great and helpful post! I’m going to be traveling around Europe for a few months later this year so I’m saving it for later. I’ve heard of a few of these companies, but since I haven’t used them before, I tend to forget about them. So thanks for jogging the memory, too.

Great tips, shame Europes not on the cards for me in the near future. Love the lavanda story!

Great post! I for one wouldn’t really like to spend most of my budget just to get to the place I really want to go to. Sometimes the cheapest mode of travel makes you experience the best story to tell if time isn’t much of a factor 🙂

Oh I love Megabus. I use it all the time to travel from Toronto to Montreal. I didn’t know it exists in Europe too. These are some great info Christina! One day, when I’m less of a chicken, I would like to try hitchhiking in Europe 😛

Thanks for the tips, Christina! I love FlixBus and hitchhiking hehehe. When my mom backpacked Europe in the ’80s she just got a train pass but that seemed so spendy the last time I was there, and ended up going with FlixBus practically everywhere. I do love trains, though.

FlixBus and trains were my favorite ways to get around Europe. I wanted to try BlaBla car, but the timing didn’t work out.

Thanks for the tips.

Personally, I always prefer to use cheap airlines in Europe over buses or trains. They cost almost identical, but you get to your destination much faster and without back pain.

If you book two or three months in advance, you can usually fly between most European Capitals for 30-60 USD. Some good choices are Rynair, Wizz Air, and Norwegian airlines.

hahaha yes – I feel so spoiled living here. Thanks for reading, and keep travelling please because I rely on RyanAir way too much for them to go bust lol

While travelling around the Balkans, I relied on a number of local coach companies to get around. If you happen to be travelling around the Balkans, your best bet is to inquiry at the local bus station for tickets – they’re usually very affordable even the day-of

I don’t live in Europe but every time I go to The Netherlands I take adventage of those cheap trips in Europe itswlf. I’ve tried bus travels and by plain. Next I want to try train traveling. All in all Europe living is in a travelers best interest.

Transportation is one of the things that contribute to a major portion of your entire travel budget. That’s why people search for some cheapest travel option around Europe and your blog presents a very good information about that. It was certainly a good read. Thanks for posting.

Amazing post, so detailed! Very useful as a quick go-to guide, definitely fueled our wanderlust!

Thanks for all the info! I live in Europe, but I want to do more spontaneous weekend trips for cheap more often (I’m writing that as if I’ve ever done it before…) Grew up with travelling through Europe by car, and I dream of doing it again. To visit smaller villages overlooked by tourists, either by free will or because the car breaks down, makes great memories (it is handy being a member of one of these road help companies, especially when travelling with a 15-20 year old car). Oops, mind flew off there… but yeah, recommend people to go by car if they can afford it and don’t want to stay at the big cities most of the time

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work.

thanks for reading!

This is very really unique helpful information. keep it up. Thank you so much!

When you visit to another country, one of the important things that you must concern is budget. You need to prepare carefully everything for your trip. Especially, you should find out the cheapest way, it will help you save money better.

Do you love traveling? Do you want to discover Europe? It’s a wonderful place for people, you can visit many beautiful countries and enjoy some delicious food.

Interesting writing! Europe is very beautiful, I think that most people will choose this place to relax and enjoy.

Useful article for visitors! If you have a decision to travel to Europe, let’s read this writing and discover it.

Very good info. I needed this, Thank you very much for your advice

Exciting article!

Europe is very famous for its architecture and beverage. Let’s discover this country when you have a chance!

Hello Christina!! Wow it is an interesting and amazing article and it is very beneficial for all readers especially for all those who travel through it first time. I really like this article and I hope all the readers will be very thankful for it. It is very beneficial for me as I am going through my first flight and this flight will be very useful for me. Thanks for sharing this article with all of us

Thank you for providing such a useful and attractive blog, with very useful details and stuff I never expected, and I would suggest that you write more blogs and blog posts like that for us. Once again, thank you.

Europe is very famous for its architecture and beverage. Let’s discover this country when you have a chance!

Thank you for sharing this truly awesome intel! I’ve already bookmarked this page for my upcoming European travels, and that pretzel looks too good to be true 🙂

Wonderful post about travel to Europe! Keep up the wonderful work and thanks for providing the information.

Fantastic post! Please keep up the fantastic work and thanks for sharing your information.

This blog gives tips and application references that could be useful to save money while traveling in Europe on a tight budget.

i like your videos a lot 🙂 thanks for all the infos, i am also on low budget and need every tip on saving money haha. i start using this app called ” ATM Fee saver” it shows me atm around me with the lowest fees for withdrawing money. its super useful i can recommend to you using it 🙂

great Post.. really helpful

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11 tips for traveling Europe on a budget

Traveling Europe — in Normal Times — can be an expensive splurge or an affordable adventure depending on where you go, how you plan to arrive and what you plan to do at your destination. Although the continent seems small, a quick hop to Ireland is a world away from a five-hour flight to the Canary Islands or an Interrail adventure to the Swiss Alps. With so many diverse countries to choose from, it can often be overwhelming to plan a trip -- especially if you're tight on funds. But if you follow the below tips, you can have a fantastic vacation that won't blow your budget.

1. Get creative with points and miles

Having a stash of points and miles is great, but if you don't really know how to use them , they won't get you very far. So get creative with your points and miles and remember to think outside the box when using them.

For example, if you can't find award availability on British Airways using your Avios, you can transfer them to Iberia or Aer Lingus for a whole slew of other redemption options.

Remember that partner airlines are always an opportunity and that your credit card points are transferrable to airlines that maybe aren't as common. For example, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to airlines like Aer Lingus and Air France-KLM.

Read more: The ultimate guide to Amex Membership Rewards

2. Fly low-cost

With many spots in Europe just two-hours or less away by plane, flying a low-cost carrier isn't so bad -- as long as you know the rules. Remember that you'll be charged extra for pretty much everything, so plan ahead if you want to check a bag, board first or reserve your seat. If you are country hopping, consider choosing a home base and planning weekend trips so you don't have to check all your luggage. And when you snag a deal for $50, $25 or even$10, just grab your under-the-seat backpack and go -- you won't regret it.

3. Travel in the off-season

Traveling in off-season or shoulder-season will save you money on flights, hotels and award redemptions. Plus, you'll deal with fewer crowds and avoid long lines, especially when visiting major tourist attractions.

Flights and hotels may offer cash deals in the off-season and remember that most airlines have peak and off-peak calendars when it comes to award redemptions, charging fewer miles/points during off-peak dates.

And consider that some hotel loyalty programs, such as Bonvoy, now have both peak and off-peak points redemptions , so if you choose to redeem during off-peak dates, your points will extend even further.

Generally speaking, most European countries' off/shoulder-seasons are October to November and January to June. Of course, avoiding major celebrations like Christmas and Easter, as well as busy bank holiday weekends, will also ensure you get the best rates.

4. Visit affordable destinations

Visiting Paris and Amsterdam (even if you do get an affordable flight deal and are able to use points for a hotel stay) won't run cheap. Instead, consider some cheaper cities in Europe, such as Krakow, Porto, Bucharest, Kiev, Budapest and beyond. A good rule of thumb is to decide what type of vacation you hope to have and then look for alternative options.

For lazy beach days, skip the French Riviera and head to Sicily or the Albanian Riviera instead. Ditch Santorini for a lesser-visited Greek Island like Paxos, Sifnos or Symi. Wine taste in Estonia, not Bordeaux, admire art in Madrid, not Vienna, or ski in Spain's Sierra Nevada instead of the Swiss Alps. Whatever style of European vacation you'd like to have, you can do on a budget -- just pull out a map and think outside of the traditional hotspots.

Read more : Long layover in Madrid? Here's all you need to know

5. Stay in a home rental or hostel

Home rentals can actually save travelers a lot of money -- and not just on the actual rate of the rental, but also on dining out or doing laundry . Since home rentals often come with amenities like a full kitchen or washing machine, you can cook your meals and wash your clothes at home, which is a huge money saver -- especially for a lengthy stay. And living like a local has cultural benefits, too, like getting a real feel for a city and how its residents go about their daily routines.

Hostels are another cost-effective alternative to hotels. And it's not what you think: these types of lodgings aren't all bunk beds and backpackers. In fact, many European hostels come with private bathrooms and bedrooms, more like small hotels than anything else. Plus, Europe is seeing an uptick of trendy boutique hostels such as the Generator brand, meaning you can still have a comfortable accommodation experience while not overspending.

6. Use the right card for purchases abroad

Unfortunately, some points-earning credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee (about 3%). However, depending on the value of the points you can earn, you may (or may not) come out on top when using it abroad. To find out, check out the TPG's monthly points valuations to see how valuable certain point currencies are.

While we almost never recommend using a debit card, but it may make sense in many instances when spending abroad. For the best cards to use, check out this guide on best cards to use abroad .

7. Know the tipping rules

Whether it's 10% or nothing at all, understanding the tipping culture can help you avoid a faux pas post-meal or after a taxi ride, as well as ensuring you don't spend money unnecessarily. Apps like Gratitude Tipping can help, showing you the rules by country for tipping drivers, guides, restaurant waiting staff, bartenders and hotel staff.

8. Don't discount trains

Although trains aren't always super cheap, sometimes they can be affordable and easy -- especially when booked in advance. Trains will help you avoid airport delays, turbulence and are generally more comfortable than a teeny airplane seat. If you need to travel with a lot of baggage or extras, trains can also be an ideal choice. And some European train journeys are incredibly scenic, making the train ride a vacation in itself. For those heading off on a backpacking adventure, Interrail passes are a valid option.

9. Travel light

Almost all European airlines charge for checked baggage -- and many taxi drivers around Europe will also add on fees for luggage, too. You can avoid this by packing light and right, using things like packing cubes or wearing travel clothing .

10. Do a free walking tour

Most European cities offer free walking tours. Check online before traveling, sign up in advance if necessary and enjoy your free tour. Although tipping is suggested, it's likely you'll still spend a lot less, even after generously tipping your guide. You may also meet other like-minded travelers, which can be welcome if you're traveling alone or looking to make new friends.

11. Check on your mobile data

While some mobile networks offer free roaming in Europe, it's a good idea to confirm to ensure you won't see any added roaming charges. There's nothing worse than receiving a hefty mobile bill upon return when you're already dealing with post-vacation blues. If your network doesn't offer free-roaming, see how much roaming rates cost before traveling, or consider buying a local SIM card upon arrival to your destination.

The 20 best places to visit in Europe on a budget

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written by Lottie Gross

updated 11.07.2023

Europe presents an irresistible challenge to the budget traveller. A potent mix of culture, landscape and history on the one hand and a cash-gobbling monster on the other, sticking to your daily allowance can prove tricky.

1. The Albanian coast

2. sarajevo, bosnia-herzegovina, 3. bansko, bulgaria, 4. czechia (czech republic), 5. estonia’s baltic coast, 6. leipzig, germany, 7. london, england, 8. the peloponnese, greece, 9. budapest, hungary, 10. palermo, sicily, italy, 11. lake ohrid, macedonia, 12. kotor, montenegro, 13. gdánsk, poland, 14. porto, portugal, 15. transylvania, romania, 16. novi sad, serbia, 17. the high tatras, slovakia, 18. northwest slovenia, 19. andalucía, spain, 20. lviv, ukraine.

But learn to zone out the “Spend! Spend! Spend!” siren song of its myriad restaurants, bars and shops and you’ll find that this compact little continent is simply the world’s greatest labyrinth.

There's an abundance of beautiful places in Europe which don't require much of a budget to see; and some experiences, like the infamous Budapest nightlife, combines both entertainment with local booze.

When exactly is the best time to visit Europe? Well, it depends on what you're after. Thankfully there's a year-round roster of things to do and see. We've picked out the cheapest places to travel on the continent this year (note that the "Rough Costs" below reflect per person or per night). From low budget tourist places in the world to the cheapest country to travel to, where do you think will make the list?

Want to find out more about budget travel in Europe? Check out our Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget .

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Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

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A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

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Spanish Honeymoon

Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

Looking for Mediterranean sun and sand, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Capri or the Côte d’Azur? Simply head further east and you’ll find sun-drenched beaches untouched by modern development. Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, and as yet under-explored by the tourist hordes. On its southern Ionian coast, steep grey mountains frame azure seas and golden sands.

Also take note - the Albanian capital Tirana will certainly surprise you with the number of interesting things you can do there .

Sarande is almost in touching distance of Corfu and is a handy entry point from Greece. From here you can aim for the beaches of Ksamil and nearby islands. Cheap seafood, warm seas and a smattering of isolated Greek ruins and Ottoman towns: the perfect recipe for a classic European sojourn.

Where to stay

Best for being on the beach: Vila E Bardhe

Best for great views of the harbour: Hotel Real

From Saranda: Visit the archaeological park of Butrint on a private tour

From Durrës: Wine tasting and history tour in Berat

Find more ideas for visiting Albania with our guide to the best things to do in Albania .

Rough costs:

Daily budget: Basic €30, occasional treat €45

Drink: Bottle of red wine €6

Food: Qoftë (minced meat rissoles) €2, seafood €6

Hostel/budget hotel: €15/€35

Travel: Bus: Tirana–Saranda €10.50; train: Tirana–Shkodra €3.30

Buy the guide >

Though the scars of Sarajevo ’s past as a city under siege are still evident. There are remnants of mortar shell explosions, filled with red resin to form “Sarajevo Roses”, and the museums document the horrors of Sniper Alley. Today, the city buzzes with life and is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. If you don't want to miss any of the key historic sites, book ahead and join a guided tour.

One of the most welcoming capitals in Europe, its central district of Baščaršija is a delight to wander through. Browse in the Ottoman-era bazaar or linger over a Bosnian coffee. The after-hours scene is quirky and cool, with tucked-away drinking holes and an ever-evolving club scene.

Best hostel for city location: Hostel Franz Ferdinand

Best for location to tourist attractions: Hotel Europe

Best for first time visitors: A guided walking tour in Sarajevo

Best for getting out of the city: A day tour to Jajce and Travnik

Rough costs

Daily budget: Basic €28, occasional treat €45

Drink: Bosnian coffee €0.70–1

Food: Cevapcici (meat rissoles) €3–4

Hostel/budget: €10/€28

Travel: Bus: Sarajevo–Bihać €17–25; train: Sarajevo–Mostar €5–7

Read our destination guide to Bosnia-Herzegovina >

Hitting the slopes without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Especially when the main Alpine resorts are located in some of the most expensive countries in Europe! However, eastern Europe has a few intriguing ski destinations, including Bulgaria ’s Bansko on the Pirin mountain range.

The country’s main ski resort has good beginner and intermediate runs. There's a decent range of shared or private accommodation to choose from, easily making Bansko one of the best places to visit in Europe with friends. The town itself has considerable charm, with numerous traditional old pubs hidden down its cobbled alleyways.

Best for guest house experience: Zigen House

Best for great location: Kap House Hotel

Best for the adventurers: River rafting on the Kresna Gorge

Best to get to know the culture: Experience local traditions, dishes, crafts and stories

Also while planning your visit, read our guide to the best things to do in Bulgaria .

Drink: Beer (0.5l) €1.25

Food: Shopska salad €4

Hostel/budget hotel: €12/€60

Travel: Train: Sofia–Plovdiv €4–6; bus: €5

Find out more about Bansko >

Though ever-popular Prague is not quite the dirt-cheap city break destination it once was, you’ll still find Czechia (Czech Republic ) to be a good-value country for independent travel. The country that invented Pilsner is justifiably famous for producing some of the best beers – at pretty good prices.

But there's plenty of other reasons as to why it's one of the best places to visit in Europe. In Prague , the choice of watering holes ranges from traditional beer halls and monastery taverns to a new generation of microbreweries. Continue the Czech beer trail with a visit to the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň, before striking out to the country’s lesser-known spots, such as charming Olomouc , a pint-sized Prague without the tourists.

If you're heading to Prague, where you're based can make all the difference to your experience, so make the right start with our guide to the best places to stay in the city.

Best location for hostel: Safestay Prague

Best for shopping and city centre: K+K Hotel Central

Best for history buffs: Small group tour to the Prague Castle

Best for a magical evening: Dinner cruise on an Open-Top Glass Boat

Daily budget: Basic €45, occasional treat €55

Drink: Pilsner Urquell (0.5l) €1.60

Food: Pork and dumplings €8

Hostel/budget hotel: €20/€45

Travel: Train: Prague–Karlovy Vary €12; bus: €14

Explore the best of Czech Republic >

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Known for the popular city break destination of Tallinn , small and beautiful Estonia also provides swathes of wilderness, with beautiful stretches of coastline, a scattering of islands and forested national parks along its long Baltic coastline. With so much centered on the outdoors, it's arguably the cheapest country in Europe.

An hour from Tallinn, 725-square-kilometre Lahemaa National Park is best explored by bike. You can cycle its coastal paths, discover rugged coves, windswept beaches and fishing villages and even sleep on hay bales at a farm. Venture further west, and the summertime resort of Pärnu has fantastic beaches, The island of Saaremaa offers soft-carpeted pine forest countryside and very affordable spas.

Best for boutique hotel in Tallinn: Hotel Meltzer Apartments

Best for boutique spa in Saaremaa: Grand Rose SPA Hotel

Best for historical, Soviet heritage: Day tour from Tallinn to Naissaar, also known as Women's Island

Best for urban exploration: The Industrial Stalker Bike Tour in Kalamaja District

Daily budget: Basic €40, occasional treat €60

Drink: Le Coq beer €2.60

Food: Blood sausage and sauerkraut €7

Travel: Bus: Tallinn–Saaremaa €9; Tartu–Tallinn €13

As far as Europe travel goes, Berlin is an anomaly. It’s one of the few capitals where the cost of living is lower than the national average. It's a legacy of the country’s former divide, which still means former East Germany is notably cheaper than western centres like Frankfurt and Munich . But as prices gradually rise in gentrifying Berlin, there are other eastern cities to venture to, including buzzing Leipzig .

The city that kick-started the 1989 protests that led to the country’s reunification has long had a fierce, independent spirit. Over the past few years, it’s also developed quite a reputation for its thriving artist enclaves and offbeat nightlife. Its culture scene is in constant flux, with old industrial buildings, such as former cotton mill the Spinnerei, converted into cutting-edge spaces.

Best for city location: IntercityHotel Leipzig

Best for little luxury: Pentahotel Leipzig

Best for family exploration: 3hr canoe tour through the city

Best for first-time visitors: Hop-on Hop-off bus tour including walking tour

• Daily: Budget Basic €57, occasional treat €73
• Drink: Beer (0.5ml) €3.35
• Food: Schnitzel €8
• Hostel/budget hotel: €20/€35
• Travel: Munich–Berlin: train €55–142; bus €22

Fall in love with the rest of Germany >

London and budget aren’t words that usually go together. However, London has more free world-class attractions than any other European city. There's the British Museum , home to enough treasures to satisfy the most curious of history hunters; the vast Tate Modern , with stupendous views from its terrace and ever-changing art collections; the Natural History Museum with its magnificent dinosaurs; and beautiful Victoria & Albert Museum – all free, all of the time.

And don’t forget the open spaces: spend a day tramping across Hampstead Heath, another meandering along the South Bank or perusing East End markets and you’ll get more of a sense of city life than if you’re stuck in a queue at an overpriced attraction. For food, opt for the popular street-food markets and your budget will stretch further – you might even have enough left for an overpriced pint.

Best for being in the centre of London: The Z Hotel Piccadilly

Best for location to Southbank: Park Plaza London Waterloo

Best for stunning views: The London Eye (make sure to book your ticket ahead of time to skip the lines)

Best for the adventurers: Climb the O2 Arena

• Daily budget: Basic €70, occasional treat €90
• Drink: Lager €6
• Food: Fish and chips €10
• Hostel/budget hotel: €13/20 (dorm/private)/€70
• Travel: Train: London–Brighton €20; bus: London–Manchester €40

Get the London low-down >

Think of budget travel in Greece , and the image is still one of island-hopping, sleeping on the deck of a ferry or camping on the beach. However, the slow pace of island travel and the popularity of the main resorts all adds to the cost.

Instead, consider the many-fingered peninsula of Greece . It has some fine beaches – less developed than those on the main islands – and it is home to the ancient sights of Epidaurus and Olympia . Medieval villages, spectacular rack-railway journeys and appealing Byzantine towns all await those who explore beyond the package holiday destinations.

Best for beaches in Finikounta: Hotel Golden Sun

Best for location in Nafplion: Pension Eleni

Best for day tours from Athens: Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus

Best for explorers: Self-guided virtual reality tour of Olympia

• Daily budget: Basic €31, occasional treat €42
• Drink: Ouzo €3
• Food: Souvláki (shish kebab) €3
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€31
• Travel: Bus: Athens–Delphi €19; ferry: Athens–Crete €38

Straddling the Danube, the twin enclaves of Buda and Pest together make one of the most beguiling capitals in Europe . Their main pleasures won’t break the bank, making it one of the top cheap places to travel to.

Spend the day lounging by the pools in the spa, taking the occasional dip, cooling off under the fountains, and watching the old men play chess at the waterside tables. Come evening, the “r uin-bars” of District VII beckon – idiosyncratic bars tucked away in the neighbourhood’s courtyards. The tipple of choice is the cheap local white or rosé drunk long as a spritzer, perfect in the baking heat of summer.

Budapest is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the Spring (March to May) or Autumn (Sept to Nov) as the climate is at its most pleasant – ideal for those outdoor spa days and pounding the pavements.

Best for location to city centre: Arcadia Hotel Budapest

Best for a little luxury: Hotel Palazzo Zichy Budapest

Best to relax: Soak up the atmosphere at the Thermal Margaret Island Spa

Best for wine connoisseurs: Taste 7 Hungarian wines from boutique wineries

• Daily budget: Basic €42, occasional treat €62
• Drink: Beer (large) €2–2.60
• Food: Goulash €3–4
• Hostel/pension: €16–31
• Travel: Train: Budapest–Eger €8.30

Find out more about Budapest >

Any grand tour of Europe includes a string of beautiful Italian cities: refined Florence , alluring Rome and glamorous Venice . While there’s no doubting their charms, they are well and truly on the tourist trail, which pushes up prices, particularly in high season.

Escape from the mainland to Sicily and you’ll find in its capital Palermo a city both redolent of the Italy of yesteryear and – if you ask a Sicilian – a country apart. Undoubtedly run down in places, the city unfolds many surprises . There are churches covered in exquisite mosaics and cluttered neighbourhood markets, where you can snack on local street foods, like arancini (rice balls) and panelle (chick pea fritters), as you wander.

Best for popular attractions: Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini

Best hostel for location to the city: Balarm Hostel

Best for foodies: 3hr street food and history walking tour

Best for day trips: Explore Western Sicily with Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans

• Daily budget: Basic €36, occasional treat €52
• Drink: Wine €2.60/glass
• Food: Local pasta dish €5–8; pizza slice €2
• Hostel/budget hotel: €16–31/€47–62
• Travel: Train: Rome–Naples €21; bus: €12

Get inspired for Sicily >

Vast, deep, Lake Ohrid is the jewel of North Macedonia . The quiet streets of its namesake town reveal frescoed medieval churches, a Roman amphitheatre and a fortress worth climbing for the views. But as you explore the old town, the clear lake waters draw you back time and time again, inviting you to swim, dive or take to the waters by boat.

If you are tempted landwards it might be to hike in the nearby Galičica National Park. With cheap private rooms to rent and several waterside camping spots, the area is perfect for travellers on a budget to kick back and relax.

Best for a cosy guest house: Villa & Winery Mal Sveti Kliment

Best for views of Lake Ohrid: Villa Kale

Best for those with limited time: Day tour from Skopje to Ohrid

Best for history buffs: Private half-day city tour

• Daily budget: Basic €26, occasional treat €36
• Drink: Wine from €2.60 per bottle
• Food: Tavče gravče (bean casserole) €1.50
• Hostel/budget hotel: €10/€26
• Travel: Bus: Skopje–Ohrid €7; train: Skopje–Bitola €4

Travelling cheap? Montenegro won't disappoint. The beautiful walled town of Kotor sits at the end of a fjord-like bay, ringed by dramatic peaks. Just follow your nose in the Old Town. Getting lost in the labyrinth of streets is half the fun, discovering summertime cafés that spill out on the squares before clambering along the old fortress walls.

For a view over the whole gorgeous scene, hike up to St Ivan’s castle, overlooking the town. Kotor’s annual highlight is August’s exuberant Boka Nights festival , when the whole town celebrates as a lavish display of decorated boats parade in the bay and fireworks fill the sky.

Where to stay:

Best for boutique hotel: Boutique Hotel Astoria

Best for location to the city centre and the beach: Muo Apartments

Best to get away from the crowds: 2.5h Kayak Tour in the Bay of Kotor

Best for a day trip: Boat Tour to the Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks

• Daily budget: Basic €31, occasional treat €52
• Drink: Nikšičko Tamno beer €1 (bottle from shop)
• Food: Sarma €2.60–4
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€52
• Travel: Bus: Budva–Kotor €3; train: Podgorica–Virpazar €1

For more ideas for visiting Montenegro read our guide to the best things to do in Montenegro .

Part beautiful Hanseatic city, part gritty port town and part Baltic riviera, the northern Polish city of Gdánsk offers a winning combination of coastal appeal. Though the core of this picturesque, colourful city, with its narrow merchant houses, looks ancient, it’s actually a postwar reconstruction – but the history is genuine. It's one of many cheap travel destinations to visit in Poland!

The shipyard crane dates back to the 15th century, and the city was the birthplace of the Solidarity anti-communist movement. Come summer, the action moves to the hip, coastal resort of Sopot , with its golden sand beach, lively party scene and attractive pier (the longest in Europe).

Best for location to the city centre: PURO Gdansk Stare Miasto

Best for great views and location to the city: Mercure Gdansk Stare Miasto

Best for nightlife: Pub Crawl with free drinks

Best for first-time visitors: Electric Scooter guided tour of the Old Town

• Daily budget: Basic €52, occasional treat €73
• Drink: Vodka (50ml shot) €1
• Food: Żurek soup €2–3
• Hostel/budget hotel: €12/€36
• Travel: Train: Warsaw–Kraków €34; bus: €16

Explore the WW2 Liberation Route with the help of a local expert >

Portugal travel doesn't get more exciting than in Porto. Portugal’s second city is appealingly set on the banks of the river Duoro. The riverside district of Portugal is crammed with no-frills good, local restaurants – pick somewhere a street or so back from the waterfront and you’ll be spoilt with local dishes and wines at excellent prices. With the city set on either side of the river, check our guide to the best places to stay in Porto to find accommodation that suits you best.

Other highlights include the vast Portugal park, with a superb art museum set within. However, it is port that the city is famous for. Vinologia is a great bar for an introduction to the varieties of fortified wine, and you can visit the port lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, where for a few euros you can sample their wares.

Make the most of your time in Porto and book ahead to explore some of the unknown wine cellars in the city .

Best for walks along the waterfront: 1872 River House

Best for value with style: MyStay Porto Batalha

Best for day tours: Small group tour to the Douro Valley, Wine Tasting and a River Cruise

Best for iconic views: Torre dos Clérigos (skip-the-line tickets)

• Daily budget: Basic €47, occasional treat €68
• Drink: Bottle of vinho verde in shop €3.60
• Food: Grilled sardines €8
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€47
• Travel: Train: Lisbon–Faro €23; bus: Porto–Lisbon €21

Delve into Porto >

Think Transylvania , and you’ll probably imagine Dracula and his castle – and you can certainly go in search of Dracula (aka Vlad the Impaler) connections here. If you're interested in finding Dracula, book your tour here . As Vlad’s birthplace, the attractive town of Sighisoara has the best claim to fame, and it also has a suitably imposing citadel.

But the region is not all fortifications and fangs – make time to venture out into the wilds of the Carpathian mountains , where you can track the Transylvanian wolf, along with bears, red deer and lynx in the Piatra Craiului National Park.

Best for visiting Vlad the Impaler: Casa Richter

Best for visiting Piatra Craiului National Park: Vila Hora cu Brazi

Best for explorers: Medieval City Exploration Game and Tour in Sighisoara

Best for those travelling in high season: Fast track tickets to Bran Castle (Dracula's castle - Romania's number one attraction)

• Daily budget: Basic €26, occasional treat €42
• Drink: Beer €1.90; bottle of Romanian wine €5
• Food: Tochitura moldoveneasca (Moldavian stew) €2.10
• Hostel/budget hotel: €10/€31
• Travel: Bus/train: Bucharest–Braşov €10

Discover more affordable places in Romania >

Also check our best things to do in Romania to make your trip here even more exciting.

Serbia abounds with sights to suit all tastes. Fancy a low-cost summer music festival? Serbia ’s famous EXIT Festival held in July might be just the ticket, and it’s less than half the price of Glastonbury. The line-up is always eclectic, with past acts including David Guetta and Ziggy Marley.

A trip here is about more than the music, however, with a setting that leaves other festivals in the shade. The Petrovaradin fortress stands majestically above the lively city of Novi Sad , a couple of hours from Belgrade. Stages and festival spaces fill every corner of the fortress, and you can spend your days lounging on the river beaches on the banks of the Danube.

If you don't have the time to stay longer, consider taking a day tour from Belgrade to explore Novi Sad and taste the local wines in Sremski Karlovci.

Best for rooftop views of the city: Hotel Leopold I Novi Sad

Best hostel for city location: Hostel Sova

• Drink: Beer (0.5l) €1
• Food: Pljeskavica (hamburger) €1–2
• Hostel/budget hotel: €13/€37
• Travel: Bus: Belgrade–Novi Sad €6; train: Belgrade–Niš €7

Get the low-down on Serbia >

Slovakia's pride and joy , the Tatras mountain range is a magnificent series of peaks – culminating in the pyramid-shaped Gerlach at 2,655m. Start at one of the village resorts like Nový Smokovec or Ždiar, then make for the mountains, where you can rest your weary heads at cheap hikers’ chalets.

This is serious mountain terrain, so be prepared and heed local advice. The mountains are also an inviting playground for climbers and cavers, and you’ll find mountain bike paths, tubing and rafting, plus a full winter season of skiing and snowboarding.

Best for the location to popular attractions: Penzion Reitmayer

Best for families: Apartmanovy Dom TatraTravel Smokovec

• Daily budget: Basic €37, occasional treat €47
• Drink: Beer €1.80
• Food: Gnocchi with bacon €4
• Hostel/budget hotel: €16/€31
• Travel: Bratislava–Košice (train) €20

Sandwiched between Italy, Austria and Croatia, compact Slovenia is an appealing destination on any journey through Europe. There's its charming capital, Ljubljana , as well as easy travel, a burgeoning wine industry and tempting pocket of coastline. For the adventure-minded, or for those who just want to camp in a beautiful lakeside setting, the northwest region is perfect.

Nestled below the stunning Julian Alps are the very different twin lakes of Bled and Bohinj . From here you can carry on to the Soča Valley, right by the Italian border, for hiking, kayaking and rafting adventures.

Best guest house for views of Lake Bled: Penzion Vila Prešeren

Best for lake views: Grand Hotel Toplice

Best for adventurers: 3hr Rafting Experience

Best for wine experiences: Taste 7 top Slovenian wines in a 100-year old wine cellar in Bled

• Drink: Pivo (beer' 0.5ml) €2.60
• Food: Pizza €5–7
• Hostel/budget hotel: €19/€62
• Travel: Train: Ljubljana–Maribor €9; bus: Ljubljana–Bled €7

Find out more about Slovenia >

The southernmost province of Spain, Andalucía travel is a tempting budget destination. This perennially popular region boasts showpiece cities such as Seville , Granada and Córdoba , with their exquisite monuments highlighting the area's Moorish past. Even here prices are competitive compared with Madrid and Barcelona.

You only need to head a little further afield, to the underrated city of Málaga with its Picasso connection and authentic tapas scene, or the atmospheric ancient port city of Cádiz, and you’ll enjoy that alluring southern Spanish vibe for budget-friendly prices. Cheap tapas (the tradition of free tapas originates in Granada) means you can sample Iberian flavours for a couple of euros a plate, and to continue your budget adventure, simply hop on the ferry to Morocco, tantalisingly close by.

Best guest house location to city centre: El Riad Andaluz

Best for style on a budget: Hotel Boutique Villa Lorena Malaga

Best for exploring arts: Guided tour through the Picasso Museum

Best for short hikes: Caminito del Rey - 3hr guided hike

• Daily budget: Basic €68; occasional treat €88
• Drink: €1.80–2.60 per caña (small beer)
• Food: Menú del día €10–12
• Hostel/budget hotel: €17/€36–83
• Travel: Madrid–Barcelona: bus €33–45; train €62–130

Book onto the best things to do in Andalucía

Situated in the west of this vast country, within easy travelling distance of Central European cities such as Kraków and Budapest, Lviv is the city to head for if you want a taste of Ukraine.

It revels in a mixture of Central European influences: Habsburg and Polish, Catholic, Orthodox and Armenian, with its architecture and magnificent churches reflecting this eclecticism. Ukraine regularly features on the list of cheapest destinations in Europe, and with a growing supply of backpacker hostels, appealing coffee houses and quirky bars, this is an extremely budget-friendly city with a refined edge.

Best for location to the city centre: Lviv Central Jam Hotel

Best for style on a budget: Taurus Hotel

Best for first time visitors: Lviv Old Town Walking Tour

Best for foodies with an interest in history: Communist-style Food and Bar Tour

• Drink: Horilka (vodka; 50ml shot) €1
• Food: Ukrainian borshch €0.80
• Hostel/budget hotel: €8/€31
• Travel: Train: Kyiv–Odesa €10; bus: €19

Top image © Patteran/Shutterstock

This feature contains affiliate links; all recommendations are editorially independent.

Top image: Malaga, Spain, Old Town Skyline © S Pavone / Shutterstock

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15 Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe in 2024

Home | Travel | Europe | 15 Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe in 2024

If you are looking for the cheapest places to visit in Europe , you’ll be pleased to know that you have numerous options. The best thing about traveling through Europe is the diversity of countries to choose from. Plus, many European cities can be thoroughly enjoyed in just three or four days without straining your budget.

However, regardless of what country you choose for your next vacation, I strongly recommend getting good travel insurance for Europe . I especially like the Heymondo insurance plans , and you can even get a HeyMondo discount when booking through this link .

5% OFF your travel insurance

The good news is that their plans are not very expensive and offer you essential coverage in case of theft or trip cancellations. If you want to save money, use one of our travel discounts or one of these tips to travel cheaply . But remember that traveling without insurance is a risk you don’t want to take.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the cheapest countries to travel to in Europe :

1. Portugal, one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe

Portugal is one of the cheapest countries to fly to in Europe where you’ll find tons of affordable hotels and fine restaurants to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

More specifically, Lisbon is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe . I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Lisbon three times. While I once stayed there an entire week, I can assure you that even a three- or four-day trip is enough to enjoy its beauty. In addition, you can take this free tour that will allow you to discover some of the best things to do in Lisbon with a guide who will explain interesting information about each attraction. You can also get the Lisbon Card at an affordable price which gives you access to 30 attractions in Lisbon and unlimited use of public transportation.

I recommend that you do not confine your exploration to the city center; the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery of Belém , both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are two places that you cannot miss. In fact, you can take this free tour of Belém to get to know them in depth along with other attractions, or this tour , which includes a boat ride for breathtaking views of the 25 de Abril bridge and the Christ the King statue . To find out about the location of these tourist attractions, you can consult our Lisbon tourist maps .

If you are going to spend several days in the city, you can also opt for this excursion to Sintra , where you’ll find the enchanting Pena National Palace , one of Portugal’s most beautiful and famous palaces.

Portugal is undoubtedly one of the cheapest places to stay in Europe since there are also many well-located hotels in Lisbon with great amenities and reasonable prices. While Lisbon is both budget-friendly and beautiful, if you’re seeking even more cost-effective options, you can head to Porto , Portugal’s second-largest city, or visit Madeira , where you can enjoy an affordable vacation on dreamy beaches.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit : Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira Island
• Estimated accommodation price: €35/night in Lisbon Destination , Lisbon; €60/night in OportoHouse , Porto; €50/night in Hotel Sirius , Funchal, Madeira.
• Daily spending on meals from: €25/day per person

2. Croatia, one of the cheapest countries to fly into in Europe

Croatia is one of the cheapest countries to fly into in Europe , and it promises to captivate you with its unique charm more than any other European destination. With more than 3,700 miles of captivating coastline featuring beautiful beaches and turquoise-blue waters, towns steeped in tradition, and a delectable gastronomic scene, Croatia has it all.

While the capital city, Zagreb , may not be coastal, it’s one of the most stunning cities in the country, and you simply can’t afford to miss it. Here, you’ll discover the exquisite Church of Saint Mark and the Zagreb Cathedral , two architectural wonders. Don’t forget to explore Kaptol and Gradec , two areas that form the medieval heart of the city. I recommend taking this free tour for an introduction, as it will allow you to learn about its historical and cultural significance. And make sure to take this food tour and try some Croatian delicacies. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

While you’re in Zagreb, take the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s most stunning natural landscapes: the Plitvice Lakes . You can easily book this excursion to get there.

Many travelers also choose the lake excursion from Split , which is one of the most picturesque cities on the Dalmatian coast. In Split, you’ll find sites with significant historical importance, such as Diocletian’s Palace , a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Temple of Jupiter ; and the Mausoleum of Diocletian , which was transformed into the Cathedral of San Diomo , among other treasures. Here, too, you can book this free tour to explore its attractions.

If you are looking for a memorable beach experience, you can go to Dubrovnik , a city known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful city is surrounded by a large wall that dates back to the 10 th century, although some sections were restored in the 17 th century. What’s fascinating is that you can enter the city through a northern gateway, and it feels like stepping back in time. You can take this free tour to visit the attractions of the city, such as the churches of San Salvador and San Blas , the Franciscan Monastery , and the Cathedral of the Assumption .

And don’t forget that Dubrovnik was transformed into King’s Landing in Game of Thrones , so if you’re a fan, you can even take a Game of Thrones tour to explore the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

Despite ranking among the least expensive places to visit in Europe , Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik are indeed three cities that offer many attractions.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit: Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik
• Estimated accommodation price: €60/night in FLOK Tkalciceva , Zagreb; €30/night in Backpackers Fairytale Hostel , Split; and €50/night in Hotel Lero , Dubrovnik
• Daily spending on meals from: €35/day per person

3. Albania, one of the cheapest flight destinations in Europe with a rich history

Albania is also one of the cheapest countries in Europe to travel to in summer and the perfect holiday destination due to its stunning landscapes, stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and great architectural and cultural heritage.

Berat , despite not being the capital (that’s Tirana ), is one of Albania’s most captivating cities and a top tourist destination. Its historic center with over 2,000 years of history is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means you’ll encounter numerous monuments, buildings, and places with exceptional historical significance.

Berat is known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” because it’s built on a hillside, allowing you to view houses at varying heights, each adorned with windows that seem to gaze out onto the world.

The city comprises three historic neighborhoods: the Christian Gorica neighborhood, the Muslim Mangalem neighborhood, and the Kajala neighborhood, built on the highest point of the hill. I recommend exploring all three neighborhoods, as each has its unique attractions. You can choose to do it on your own or join this free tour . And if you have some extra time, consider a visit to the Osum Canyon , a natural wonder that’s truly worth exploring. You can explore it solo or book this guided excursion .

If you are looking for more beach tourism, the Albanian Riviera , with its exquisite Ionian Sea beaches, is the best option. My recommendation is to start your journey in Berat and then spend a few days enjoying this coastal paradise, particularly in Sarandë . From Sarandë, you can take an excursion to the Butrint Archaeological Park , often referred to as the “Pompeii of Albania.”

Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Tirana , Albania’s capital. It’s a city with a lot of history and significant Communist influence. To gain deeper insights into the city, consider taking this free tour . Alternatively, you can join this “ Communism tour ” if you’re interested in uncovering its unique historical narrative.

Albania, in general, is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe , offering an incredible blend of natural beauty and a rich historical legacy. If you have the chance, don’t hesitate to explore this unique gem.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit: Berat, Sarandë and Tirana
• Estimated accommodation price: €35/night in White City Hotel , Berat; €30/night in Hotel Chicago , Saranda; and €30/night in Studio Apartments 365 , Tirana.

4. Montenegro, one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe with dreamy landscapes

Montenegro is among the cheapest places to fly to in Europe . Although it’s a relatively undiscovered gem, it has been gaining popularity among travelers in recent years, especially those who love beach and mountain experiences. Despite being one of Europe’s smallest countries, its towns have a lot of history and tradition.

Kotor , one of Montenegro’s most enchanting towns, is well worth a visit, especially due to its location, nestled between the sea and majestic mountains.

The town is home to St. John’s Castle , a place of significant historical value that also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kotor. I also recommend walking through the town center, where you’ll find the Plaza de Armas , the Orthodox Church of Saint Luke , and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon . If you have spare time, consider taking this cruise to explore the Bay of Kotor , declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the island of Our Lady of the Rocks , the Blue Cave , and the underwater tunnels of the former Yugoslavia.

Budva is another coastal city well worth a visit and one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe located within Montenegro. While it might not be as famous as Kotor, it has a rich history as one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. In the Old City, you can still find the fortified walls. You’ll also discover beautiful churches such as the Church of San Juan Bautista , the Church of Santa María de Punta , and the Church of Santísima Trinidad . On the other hand, in the New Town, you’ll find modern amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and a vibrant atmosphere.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit: Kotor and Budva
• Estimated accommodation price: €60/night in Hotel Rendez Vous , Kotor; and €30/night in Villa Rihter , Budva.
• Daily spending on meals from: €20/day per person

5. Bulgaria, one of the cheapest places to go in Europe with a diverse natural landscape

Bulgaria is another one of the cheapest destinations in Europe and is home to one of the most beautiful cities on the continent – Sofia .

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and its most populous city. This city is relatively small, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Additionally, if your goal as a traveler is to visit the main attractions, you’ll have an easy job because they are located close to each other.

You can start by taking this free tour that will allow you to have a first contact with the city and learn about its fascinating history. Furthermore, this tour will allow you to see the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral , which is one of the most exquisite cathedrals and one of the largest Orthodox temples in the world.

In this city, you will find other important churches and temples as well, such as the Sveta-Nedelya Cathedral , the Church of St. Nicholas , also known as the Russian Church, and the Banya Bashi Mosque . For a deeper dive into history and architecture, I highly recommend this excursion to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church , two essential monuments near Sofia.

I also recommend walking along Vitosha Boulevard , where you will find some of the city’s finest restaurants, shops, cafes, and plenty of entertainment options.

The best thing about Sofia, in addition to being one of the cheapest cities in Europe , is that you can easily explore the city in just two or three days, making it an excellent choice for a quick getaway, whether you’re traveling as a couple or with friends. So, if you are looking for cheap places to travel , Sofia is undoubtedly a very good option.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit: Sofia
• Estimated accommodation price: €40/night in Favorit Hotel , Sofia

6. Slovakia, and one of the cheapest cities in Europe: Bratislava

If you are looking for the cheapest places to fly into Europe , a very good option could be Bratislava , in Slovakia . This charming city is small enough to explore in just a couple of days, making it a perfect choice for a weekend escape. Many travelers even seize the opportunity to visit Bratislava while journeying through Vienna, Budapest, or Prague.

One of the places you should visit is the Bratislavský Hrad or Bratislava Castle . You won’t have any trouble finding it, as it sits on top of a hill and can be seen from practically anywhere in the city. However, if you want to know it in depth, I recommend this guided tour , which also includes a visit to the Bratislava Cathedral .

I also recommend exploring the Blue Church , which is characterized by its striking blue exterior. Other interesting sites are St. Martin’s Cathedral , St. Michael’s Gate , Slovak National Uprising Square , and Safarik Square . Additionally, I encourage you to take leisurely walks and lose yourself in the city’s streets while searching for the statues of Bratislava . Over the years, some may have vanished, but a few still remain, like Čumil, commonly known as the “working man,” the Napoleonic Soldier, or the Witch.

To get to know the city in more depth, you can take this free walking tour , which will allow you to acquaint yourself with one of the most charming and cheapest destinations in Europe .

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit: Bratislava
• Estimated accommodation price: €40/night in Safestay Bratislava Presidential Palace , Bratislava
• Daily spending on meals from: €30/day per person

7. Hungary, a beautiful, cheap place to go in Europe

Hungary is not only a beautiful country, but also one of the cheapest destinations in Europe . I recommend you visit Budapest , the capital of Hungary, and one of the most beautiful cities on the continent.

You can start your trip through Budapest by taking this free tour , which will allow you to discover some of the city’s attractions along with some interesting historical facts. If you decide to explore the city on your own, you should visit the Budapest Parliament . You can get tickets on-site or through their official website. However, for a skip-the-line experience with the guidance of a local expert, consider booking this tour .

I also recommend visiting Liberty Square , home to a monument dedicated to the victims of World War II. Other must-visit attractions are St. Stephen’s Basilica , which has become one of the most important religious buildings in the country; the Budapest Opera , a Neo-Renaissance gem; and Buda Castle , an ideal spot for enjoying the sunset.

For couples looking for a romantic experience, I definitely recommend a boat ride on the Danube at dusk. You can book this romantic excursion through this link , which will take you past the city’s most iconic bridges, including the famous Chain Bridge .

Budapest is undoubtedly one of the cheapest cities in Europe for a holiday . So, even if you’re on a tight budget, you can have a memorable experience.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit: Budapest
• Estimated accommodation price: €45/night in Benczur Hotel , Budapest

8. Poland, one of the most historical and cheapest places to travel in Europe

Poland is a captivating country, brimming with historical significance and renowned as one of Europe’s most stunning destinations. What makes it even more interesting is that it is one of the cheapest places to go in Europe .

When visiting Poland, you can’t miss Warsaw , the country’s vibrant capital. A noteworthy historical fact: Warsaw was one of the cities most ravaged during World War II. Fortunately, it was able to rise from the ashes and regain its former glory as a lively and splendid city.

You can start your visit to the city by taking this free tour which will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and provide insights into the significant historical events that occurred here. Afterward, I recommend visiting the Old City , which is the oldest neighborhood in the city. This area too, had to be reconstructed after being left in ruins during the Warsaw Uprising, just like the Royal Castle .

You can also visit the Palace of Culture and Science , a somewhat controversial building that was constructed on Stalin’s orders. It is currently one of the tallest buildings in Poland, making it one of the best viewpoints in Warsaw. You can take this guided tour to learn more about this building, which also includes access to the POLIN Museum . I also recommend that you visit the Royal Łazienki Park , which is home to the Lazienki Palace, another significant building in the city. You can take this walking tour that includes a tour of the city and the park.

Krakow is another cheap place to go in Europe . Here you can take a free tour to see the city’s top tourist attractions. If you decide to travel to Krakow, I recommend visiting Market Square , which is one of the most popular and important places in the city. In addition, it is surrounded by iconic landmarks, such as the Basilica of Santa María , Cloth Hall , the Church of St. Adalbert , and the Tower of the Old Town Hall .

Other important places you should visit are the Krakow Cathedral and Wawel Hill , both included in this guided tour . I assure you that these sites will captivate you with their beauty and rich historical narratives.

And if you are traveling as a couple and want to enjoy a romantic moment, you can take a boat ride at sunset . As the last rays of the sun illuminate the city, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking display of colors.

From both cities, you can take an excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau , an experience I highly recommend to gain insight into a significant period in Poland’s history.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit: Warsaw and Krakow
• Estimated accommodation price: €15/night in Chillout Hostel , Warsaw; €15/night in Dream Hostel & Apartments , Krakow
• Daily spending on meals from: €15/day per person

9. Romania, a cheap place to visit in Europe with exciting attractions

Romania is a country filled with pleasant surprises, and if you’re planning a trip here, don’t miss Bucharest , the capital of the country, and one of the cheapest cities in Europe .

Bucharest is a city with a lot of charm that transports you to past centuries through its architectural treasures and castles. You can start your trip by taking a free tour in which an expert guide will introduce you to the city. Afterward, I recommend taking your time to explore and discover the city’s main attractions. One of them is the Patriarchal Cathedral of Bucharest which is surrounded by chapels and the patriarchal palace, forming a religious complex. Don’t forget to wander through the Old Town , the city’s historic center, where you’ll encounter the Stavropoleos Monastery .

Additional sites well worth your visit include Unirii Square in the heart of the city; Revolution Square , with its incredible historical significance; the Athenaeum , and the Arc de Triomphe . Furthermore, if you want to delve into a chapter of the country’s history you can take a tour of Communist Bucharest , a period that left a lasting mark on the city.

If you have time, I also recommend visiting the castles of Bran and Peles to enjoy the exceptional landscapes of Transylvania and Wallachia. Given that Bucharest is among the cheapest places to travel to in Europe , you can consider setting aside some of your budget for this excursion.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit: Bucharest
• Estimated accommodation price: €25/night in Casa Romana , Bucharest

10. Latvia, one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe for a holiday

Latvia is another very good option if you are looking for cheap places to travel to in Europe , whether it’s with friends, family, or as a couple. In this case, I recommend visiting Riga , the captivating capital of Latvia and one of the country’s most beautiful cities.

A must-see in Riga is the House of the Blackheads , which was built in the early 14 th century. During World War II, however, the building was destroyed, so it had to be rebuilt at the beginning of the 21 st century. To visit, you’ll need a ticket, which you can get in advance through this link . You can also take the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of St. James of Riga , just a short stroll away.

Other places you should visit are Plaza Livu , a lively and colorful hub; and the House of Cats , which is located next to the square and is easily recognizable by its yellow façade and the black cats that crown the building. I also recommend wandering through Riga’s streets, many of which are lined with charming pastel-colored houses.

I also recommend setting aside an evening to visit the 26 th floor of the Radisson Blue Latvija hotel , where you’ll find a public bar offering stunning city views, including the Orthodox Nativity of Christ Cathedral .

Depending on your schedule, you can book this free tour to explore Riga’s essential landmarks. I suggest exploring the city on your own and allocating time for an excursion to the Kemeri and Jürmala National Park , especially if you’re a nature enthusiast who likes outdoor activities. Latvia is undeniably one of those cheap countries to travel to in Europe where you can enjoy unforgettable experiences.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit : Riga
• Estimated accommodation price : €25/night at ApartHotel Riga , in Riga
• Daily spending on meals from : €30/day per person

11. Georgia, one of the cheapest countries in Europe with a traditional culture

Georgia is one of the cheapest flight destinations in Europe and is home to one of the most beautiful cities. Furthermore, the capital of Tbilisi ranks among the cheapest cities in Europe .

Tbilisi can be divided into two distinct parts: the older, more traditional area linked to the famed Silk Road, and the modern section bearing a significant Russian influence. If you want to explore the city with a guide, you can take this tour which covers essential sites such as the Narikala Fortress , the Metekhi , Sioni , and Anchiskhati churches, and the Legvtakhevi Waterfall , among other attractions. However, if you want to focus exclusively on the older part of town, I recommend taking this guided walking tour .

Depending on the duration of your stay, you can consider this excursion that departs from Tbilisi and takes you to small yet captivating Georgian towns, such as the ancient Mtskheta , the cave city of Uplistsikhe, and the historic Gori .

Another city you can visit in Georgia is Kutaisi . This is one of the oldest cities in the country, and although it is still recovering from the conflict with Russia in 2008, it offers a wealth of attractions. I encourage you to visit the enchanting historic center, shop for local products at the Green Bazaar , and explore the Bagrati Cathedral . And if you like outdoor activities and nature, you should definitely visit the Prometheus Cave and the Martvili Canyons . I assure you that Kutaisi is one of the best cheap places to travel to in Europe and will leave you amazed by its rich history and breathtaking natural wonders.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit : Tbilisi and Kutaisi
• Estimated accommodation price : €14/night in Alex’s Cosy Guesthouse , Tbilisi; and €15/night in Guest House Lviv , Kutaisi
• Daily spending on meals from : €15/day per person

12. Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of the cheapest places in Europe to travel

Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be at the top of many travelers’ lists, but it’s a hidden gem and one of the cheapest destinations in Europe . So, if you are looking for a place to travel on a tight budget, this country is an excellent choice, especially the charming city of Sarajevo .

Sarajevo can be explored in about three days, though I recommend extending your stay to visit the surrounding areas, including the enchanting city of Mostar , which appears to be straight out of a fairy tale.

You can start your visit by taking this free tour , which introduces you to the most important places in the capital of Bosnia. Alternatively, explore the old town on your own, where you’ll find the magnificent Sarajevo City Hall and the bustling Turkish Quarter, Bascarsija , full of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

In addition to these landmarks, make sure to visit the Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque , the Cathedral of the Heart of Jesus , and the Synagogue , all of which hold significant architectural and historical importance. I also recommend walking along Ferhadija Street , a pedestrian street that is the main artery of the city leading to the Eternal Flame , a monument with a perpetual flame lit in memory of World War II victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Another very interesting place to visit is the Sarajevo Tunnel , especially if you want to learn about the city’s wartime history. To delve even further into the impact of these events on the city and the nation, you can join this tour .

I have to admit that Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of those nice, cheap places in Europe that I have yet to visit. However, it’s one of Europe’s most affordable and charming destinations that still preserves its authenticity and essence, so it’s on our list!

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit : Sarajevo
• Estimated accommodation price : €20/night at Pansion Sebilj , Sarajevo

13. Slovenia, another cheap flight destination in Europe

Slovenia is one of those countries that you should visit at least once in your life, as it offers many beautiful cities and dreamlike natural landscapes. It is undoubtedly one of the best cheap places to travel in Europe that you cannot miss.

Ljubljana , the capital of Slovenia, is a unique and charming city, not only because of the mountains that surround it but also because of its lush urban environment. Plus, you can fully explore the whole city in about three days, making it an ideal cheap holiday destination in Europe .

I recommend you visit Ljubljana Castle , located on a hill over 1,100 ft high. You can reach it by foot or take the glass funicular for a scenic ride. Don’t forget to stroll across the iconic Dragon Bridge , known for its four dragon statues.

You should also explore Metelkova , a former military barracks transformed into a vibrant hipster hub adorned with street art, clubs, and a youthful atmosphere. Additionally, you can visit Tivoli Park , the city’s largest park that includes a beautiful greenhouse, open-air library, Tivoli Castle, Leopoldsruhe Mansion, and various sports facilities. And if you’re looking for authentic Slovenian products, make a stop at Ljubljana’s Central Market .

Depending on the duration of your stay, I recommend going to the Predjama Castle and the Postojna Cave . The castle is one of the most emblematic and cherished landmarks in Slovenia. In Postojna Cave, you’ll find not only unique geological formations but also the elusive olm, or “human fish.” These excursions are undoubtedly worthwhile, as they represent significant places in the country, so I recommend booking them in advance through this link . Alternatively, you’ll love visiting the stunning Lake Bled .

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit : Ljubljana
• Estimated accommodation price : €25/night in Only 5 beds GreenSLO , Ljubljana
• Daily spending on meals from : €25/day per person

14. Czech Republic, one of the cheapest places to go in Europe for a romantic getaway

Czech Republic can also be a good option if you are looking for cheap countries to travel to in Europe . In addition, its picturesque capital, Prague , is a city renowned for its beauty and tourist attractions.

You can start your trip by taking this free tour , which is an excellent way to get a first impression of the city and explore some of its most fascinating sites. But don’t miss out on discovering some of the city’s landmarks on your own, such as Prague Castle , where you’ll find the Saint Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, Saint George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane.

I also recommend visiting the Old Town Square , which is surrounded by elegant buildings and some important structures, such as the Church of Our Lady of Týn , the Goltz-Kinskych Palace , the House of the Stone Bell , the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Town Hall , which is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Considering all the captivating places to explore, you can save on admission fees by investing in the Prague Card , which will give you access to most of these attractions, including Prague Castle , the five synagogues , the Jewish Cemetery , and the Lobkowicz Palace .

Depending on the time you are going to spend in Prague, you can reserve a day to go on an excursion and visit the Terezín concentration camp . However, if you’d prefer to avoid such emotionally intense places, consider a visit to Karlovy Vary , a world-class city known for its healing hot springs. In fact, Karlovy Vary ranks among the cheapest places to travel in Europe , so you can easily split your trip between Prague and this charming city.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit : Prague and Karlovy Vary
• Estimated accommodation price : €30/night at A&O Prague Rhea , Prague; and €35/night at Sport Hotel Gejzirpark , Karlovy Vary
• Daily spending on meals from : €20/day per person

15. Armenia, another cheap flight destination in Europe

Armenia is another hidden gem within Europe that is often overlooked by travelers. Nevertheless, it is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for a holiday , especially its beautiful capital, Yerevan .

Yerevan is a charming city that can be easily explored in about two or three days. You can take this free tour to visit the main attractions of the city and learn some interesting information about them. After the tour, take time to visit Republic Square and appreciate the surrounding buildings, which include the Government Palace, various ministries, the National Gallery, and the History Museum.

While in Yerevan, you should also explore the Yerevan Opera , the intriguing Cascade Complex , the Kasfejian Museum , and Vernissage , known as the most famous flea market in the city. And make sure to include a visit to the Tsitsernakaberd , which is the Monument to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Yerevan is a small city, so you can get to know it in just a few days. If you have spare time, you can take this day trip to Echmiadzin , Khor Virap , and Zvartnots which are some of the country’s most important and iconic historical sites.

Armenia is an excellent choice if you’re looking for cheap places to stay in Europe , as it remains relatively unexplored by tourists, ensuring a more peaceful and serene experience.

• Beautiful and cheap cities to visit : Yerevan
• Estimated accommodation price : €20/night at Bonvenon capsule Hostel , Yerevan

Now that you know all the cheapest places to visit in Europe , I hope that money will no longer stop you from exploring the world. Traveling doesn’t always mean going far from home; you can discover beautiful cities filled with charm and history near you. Furthermore, if you decide to rent a cheap car , you can visit multiple cities within the same country or even cross borders on a single journey to make the most out of your trip.

Keep in mind that while lots of European countries use the euro, there are other places that use different currencies, specifically Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. To ensure you’re getting the most value for your money, I recommend using one of the best travel credit cards . You should also remember that SIM cards for Europe do not cover roaming in Albania, Montenegro, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Armenia. So, if you need internet while traveling in these countries, I recommend taking a look at services like Holafly .

5% OFF your international eSIM card

While I’ve provided recommendations for accommodation in each of the mentioned countries, if you’re looking for something different, check out our guide on how to find cheap hotels . Additionally, I suggest reading our guide on how to find cheap flights . In general, I recommend avoiding high season, weekends, or specific peak dates when prices tend to be higher.

I hope this guide has helped you find cheap places in Europe to travel to . If you have any questions, want to share your experiences in any of these countries, or wish to suggest other affordable destinations you’ve discovered, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Enjoy your trip to Europe!

Ascen Aynat

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18 of the best affordable summer destinations in Europe

From eastern european resorts to destinations in spain, italy and portugal, these are the places to visit if you’re on a budget.

P eak season equals peak prices, right? Well, yes. But here’s the thing: not all August rates are created equal. What will barely buy you a night in mid-January in Monaco might still be within the upper limit for a hotel of good standing in the Algarve. And not just there: whether you’re looking to slumber on the beaches of Corfu or Marmaris, take city breaks in Sarajevo and Prague, tell everyone about Porec in Croatia, or enjoy some fabulous French countryside, there are plenty of great-value options for cash-conscious travellers across the Continent. Here are some of the best affordable summer destinations in Europe.

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue

1. Marmaris, Turkey

Each year, the Post Office’s Travel Money department ranks various resorts according to the total cost of things like three-course evening meals for two adults and two children with wine and soft drinks; ice cream; sunscreen; and insect repellent. According to 2023’s Family Holiday Report, all of these cost less in Marmaris, on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, than anywhere else in Europe. That has much to do with the lira’s ongoing struggles, making Turkey one of the best countries in Europe for those keen on saving money. The soft sand of family-friendly beaches beckons along the coast, and local providers offer scuba or snorkelling trips.

Don’t miss Boat tours to Dalyan’s mud baths and Iztuzu beach — a prime nesting habitat for turtles

• Best all-inclusive hotels in Turkey • Best luxury villas in Turkey

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2. algarve, portugal.

This Portuguese favourite was ranked as second-cheapest in 2023 on the Post Office list — not bad for a region so renowned for on-tap sunshine and sandy shores. Other Algarve highlights are affordable surfing outings at Albufeira and rice terraces in the Monchique Mountains. Cash-conscious travellers should aim to stay in Faro or Portimao. Look out for the €10 (around £8.50) prato do dia set meals (often lunch-only) and, with car hire costs spiralling, consider travelling around by Uber, train or the reliable Vamus Algarve bus network. All offer bang for your buck.

Don’t miss Photographing Sagres’ red-hatted Lighthouse of Cabo de Sao Vicente

• Best villas in the Algarve • Best things to do in the Algarve

3. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

A long-standing favourite among budget travellers, this Black Sea base regularly features among Europe’s top three cheapest destinations in the Post Office’s annual Family Holiday Report. Though well known for nightclubs, Sunny Beach also excels at child-friendly resort hotels full of facilities. Activities — from catamaran cruises and mud baths to go-karting and jet-skiing — are readily available; there are also Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains for history hounds to inspect in the ancient city of Nessebar, two miles south. Most people jet into nearby Burgas, but you can also fly via the capital city, Sofia, for a dose of street food and onion-domed churches.

Don’t miss Encountering German U-boats and unique Black Sea fish on scuba dives

• Best affordable city breaks in Europe

4. Prague, Czech Republic

While the stag-do days of heart-stoppingly low prices are behind us, the Czech capital remains a potential BFF for your bank account. Happily cheap are accommodation options in neighbourhoods beyond the cobbled Old Town (try cool Karlin or Holešovice), pints of pilsner, the reliable public transport network — not least bus-metro transfers from the airport to the centre for under £2 — and short denní (daily) menus offered at lunchtime by many restaurants. Cheaper still is strolling around Prague ’s honeycomb medieval centre and gasping at all the grandeur, gardens and street art — that’s because it’s free.

Don’t miss Crossing the famous, romantic Charles Bridge, ideally at dawn or dusk to dodge the crowds

• Best things to do in Prague • Best hotels in Prague

5. Porec, Croatia

We’ve all heard of Dubrovnik and Split, and everyone knows someone who has holidayed in Hvar, Korcula or Brac or recently. But Porec? Located on the Istrian peninsula, in sight of Italy, this attractive seaside resort combines a red-roofed old town and gold-flecked, 6th-century basilica complex with close-by beaches and stalactite-topped caves. More pertinently for this article, two domestic groups — Valamar and Laguna Porec — operate a number of hotels and resorts, keeping prices low, as do a cornucopia of apartment rentals. With lots of coastal cycling paths negating the need for taxis, Porec almost made its debut in top 20 of the Post Office’s Holiday Money Report 2024.

Don’t miss Trying hand-rolled Istrian macaroni-like pljukanci pasta with seafood sauces or local truffle and prosciutto at L’insolito on Porec’s main square

• Best places to visit in Croatia • Best cruises in Croatia

6. Sarajevo, Bosnia

In a valley below tree-clogged mountains, the small Bosnian capital has been named as a brilliant budget bet for 2024 by Eurochange. The currency firm reckons you can enjoy three-course meals for barely a tenner per person, while accommodation averages at £112 per night. Factor in bargain beers and direct, low-cost flights and you really won’t spend much while exploring multicultural Sarajevo’s vibrant pubs, tea houses, hookah-perfumed bazaars and Latin Bridge — where the assassination of a certain Franz Ferdinand triggered the First World War.

Don’t miss Learning about the more recent Siege of Sarajevo — crucial to understanding this city — on an educational tour

7. Costa del Sol, Spain

Spain ’s best-known costa can offer good value for money, especially as all Spanish beaches are free by law. Resorts vary wildly, though: Torremolinos suits cash-strapped holidaymakers, but glamorous Marbella and Estepona are more expensive. Emphatically ticking the beach, nightlife and LGBT tolerance boxes, “Torre” is also near Malaga — usually the lowest-cost airport to fly into — and an economical city to explore itself. Tickets to its hilltop Alcazaba palace are just £3 or free on Sundays after 2pm.

Don’t miss Free walking tours and art in Malaga’s rejuvenated city centre

• Best hotels in Malaga

8. Paphos, Cyprus

Mostly concentrated around its elegant harbour and ancient defensive castle, this resort lines the southwestern coast of Cyprus : a part of a country that’s nearly always warm. Paphos’s biggest plus point over rival Limassol is that visitors can make do without a car. Most all-inclusive resorts provide airport transfers, taxis are affordable and the sprawling Paphos Archaeological Park, containing Roman ruins with superbly preserved mosaics, is nearby and a reasonable £4 to enter.

Don’t miss Boat excursions to the Blue Lagoon bay

• Best hotels in Cyprus • Best things to do in Paphos

9. Madeira, Portugal

Five airlines fly from Britain to this far-flung Portuguese island’s capital, Funchal — helping to keep fares down — while restaurant prices are similar to those in Lisbon. Transport tends to be the biggest cost as buses are unreliable and Ubers non-existent. Aim to stay in or near Funchal and book cruises and chartered day trips — which can include hotel pick-up for under £40 per person — for levada hikes or swimmable volcanic pools. Return ferries to the smaller island of Porto Santo and its sandy beaches cost from £25.

Don’t miss A dolphin-watching cruise — these are done responsibly and sighting of pods are virtually guaranteed

• Best hotels in Madeira • Best things to do in Madeira

10. Sliema, Malta

Avoid the capital Valletta (although even that is hardly exorbitant) and you’ll find that few hotels or all-inclusives in Malta will break the bank. Plenty of bedrooms around this small Mediterranean archipelago cost under £100 a night, even in July or August. Spring and autumn, when it remains hot, are even better; the latter season also delivers warmed-up seas. It’s free to sunbathe on most beaches, and happy-hour specials are common at bars. The main isle’s resort town of Sliema, just north of Valletta’s castles and cathedrals, is a good bet.

Don’t miss A day on the dive-mad island of Gozo

• Best hotels in Malta • Best things to do in Malta

11. Mallorca, Spain

It’s easy enough to splash out in Mallorca — palatial villas in the mountains and exclusive hotels further inland offer just the sort of privacy that celebrities love. And yet, if you find a self-catering apartment along the coast, away from the main city of Palma de Mallorca, there can be fantastic savings — especially when you book as part of a package holiday. Even eating out can be cheap. As in the rest of Spain, the menu del dia can offer great value, with a couple of courses plus a drink often costing around £12-14. Most people come for the beaches, but just as worthy are the hiking trails in the Tramuntana mountain range and tiny fishing villages by the coast.

Don’t miss A ride on the vintage train from Palma de Mallorca to Soller, which takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the island

• Best hotels in Mallorca • Best things to do in Mallorca

12. Corfu, Greece

Corfu remains the cheapest Greek island, according to the Post Office’s 2024 Holiday Money index — a sister publication to its family-focused report. You can reduce restaurant costs (which aren’t that high anyway) by purchasing streetside gyros (rotisserie meat swathed in flatbread alongside salad and lashings of tzatziki), and save on car hire or taxis by braving the bus system or hiring a scooter from about £13 per day. Hotels are affordable if booked in advance (or, if you dare, at the very last minute), especially in the south, while return flights from London typically cost around £175 during peak or shoulder season, but as little as £80 in October. With fridges usually included in rooms here, it’s easy to shop in supermarkets and pack picnics for days out.

Don’t miss Walking along a pier to the island-like Vlacherna Monastery — actually a small church that tourists can enter. Ramping up the cuteness, the tiny Mouse Island floats out at sea just beyond

• Best all-inclusive hotels in Corfu • Best things to do in Corfu

13. Basilicata, Italy

Bordering Puglia on the ankle of boot-shaped Italy , Basilicata is dominated by mountains named for their resemblance to those crags further north. In the Lucan Dolomites you can hike, ride one of the world’s fastest zip lines — the 75mph “Angel’s Flight” (May-November) — and stay at bargain-priced agriturismos serving good nosh. Or you could just make for the coast: sandy coves tempt either side of Maratea, where cool hotels and tinkling churches tumble down to sea.

Don’t miss Inland city Matera, around whose ancient cave houses James Bond was chased in No Time to Die

• Best places to visit in Italy • Best things to do in Italy

14. Gran Canaria, Spain

Along with those other large Canary Islands with direct UK flights — Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma and Lanzarote — Gran Canaria suits anyone travelling on a budget. All-inclusive stays frequently cost less than £100 here; the trick is to avoid central Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles and stay nearby in the likes of Bahia Feliz, San Agustin and Arguineguin. Modestly priced and reliable public transport makes it easy to reach the beach; you can catch a bus up to the beachside capital, Las Palmas, for still more modest prices.

Don’t miss Maspalomas’ caramel-hued sand dunes, which rise up to 10m high

• Best hotels in Gran Canaria • Best things to do in Gran Canaria

15. Athens, Greece

The Greek islands may be the main draw for the summer but capital Athens has plenty to offer too. In August, most Athenians will have fled for their own holidays, making it a much less crowded city, but restaurants, bars and museums will remain open. Speaking of museums, the Acropolis will be your biggest expense at around £13 in summer, with most other galleries costing under £10. If the city heat gets too much, there’s also the Athens Riviera for beach time.

Don’t miss The Monastiraki flea market rivals any in Paris so save your pennies and buy your souvenirs here

• Best things to do in Athens • Best hotels in Athens

16. Krakow, Poland

The Post Office also compares the costs of city breaks in Europe, and Krakow — Poland’s second city — ranked among 2023’s most affordable in terms of day-to-day costs. There’s plenty to delight kids in this cultural powerhouse, starting with Wawel Royal Castle and its fire-breathing dragon sculpture and armoury. Nine miles southwest and easily visited on tours, the vast ​​Wieliczka Salt Mine contains an underground lake and ornate, rock-carved chapels — but, be warned, plenty of walking is involved. Then there are sightseeing cruises, nearby thermal baths (try Bialka Tatrzanska) and the Pinball Museum’s retro ready-to-play machines.

Don’t miss Meet Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales in the Wax Museum — a cheaper, queue-free version of Madame Tussauds

• Best things to do in Krakow • Best hotels in Krakow

17. Auvergne, France

One of the most inexpensive regions in France , unsung Auvergne sits west of Lyons. Here you’ll find the Chaîne des Puys — a line of extinct volcanoes amid two giant natural parks full of forests, quaint villages and Romanesque churches. Even the ski resorts here are low-key. Biking (from mountain to electric) and hiking are popular pursuits thanks to waymarked trails. And, this being France, you’ll eat well: Auvergne produces five protected-status cheeses for starters, with weekly markets an economical place to pick them up.

Don’t miss Pilgrimage town Le Puy-en-Velay, below plumes of petrified lava

• Best villas in France • Best things to do in France

18. Crete, Greece

Crete , Greece’s largest island, has plenty going for it, from blue-flag beaches to superb cuisine. It’s also budget-friendly compared to the likes of Mykonos or Santorini : direct flights mitigate costs while hotel rates tend to outdo smaller, more remote islands where a dearth of rooms pushes up prices. Sea-facing religious sites such as Paleokastritsa Monastery and ​​Rethymnon’s Church of Saint Spyridon are free to visit, as is hiking through the ten-mile Samaria Gorge.

Don’t miss All that saving leaves money for snorkelling expeditions to the sunken Messerschmitt fighter plane

• Best hotels in Crete • Best things to do in Crete

Additional reporting by Qin Xie

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Budget Tours & Trips to Europe

Explore a varied offer of budget Europe adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Rome and Paris. Each affordable tour will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Explore the best  budget trips  and budget tour operators around the world with TourRadar!

250+ Budget Europe tour packages with 15,512 reviews

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5 Day - Snaefellsnes, South Coast and Northern Lights

Overall the guides and drivers were excellent - in their knowledge, driving safety, preparing the group for activities that were next on the list. The only down time during the day was some of the distances between stops. But not an issue as we were well aware of that before hand. A good value for the cost!!

• Coach / Bus

European Delight

Overall I, and my companions, enjoyed the trip however there were some significant elements which we were not happy with. On the TWO itineraries we received for Rome the following was noted: "08.30hrs- In the morning, we have a scenic tour of the city, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We enter the tinystate of the Vatican. The Vatican City is a principal centre of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. And wehave also included admission to the Roman Coliseum, the principal symbol of Rome.’ Day 2: Rome TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Rome. Roman Coliseum (admission price included). It’s clear from the above two notes that we would visit the Coliseum – admission included! Yet, we did NOT visit the Colosseum but walked through the less interesting and impressive Forum. We were very disappointed as the Colosseum was one of the sites we were looking forward to visiting. We were not aware of Europamundo's 'circuit' format which required we frequently changed coaches, drivers and tour directors. This was somewhat disconcerting as we were required to remember which bus we were on and who our director was at a time when we were on holidays and looking for something of a stress free vacation. Most of the tour directors were excellent, though we found the second director, who travelled with us from Innsbruk to Prague, was at times brusque and seemed to prioritise Spanish-speaking travellers when they joined us. We were disappointed that most of the options were not raised with us - except the option to Moulin Rouge because tickets had not been pre-booked. Similarly, we waited hours to access the Eiffel Tower because tickets had not been pre-purchased despite the fact that it was part of the trip rather than an option. We had pre-paid for a canal trip in Amsterdam, however it wasn't mentioned by the director and so we missed out on that. We were reimbursed. Though we enjoyed the trip and cities we visited, for the reasons above I wouldn’t choose Europamundo for future vacations,.

• In-depth Cultural

Enchanted Landscapes

I want to thank and shoutout to all of the amazing tour guides especially Gabriella from Rome-Italy and Patricia from France to Switzerland. Despite how tight the schedule is, and the limited time given to experience and explore different destinations. It was exhausting and I feel like you are always on the go, and it felt rushed, but I understand because of a lot of factors that may affect it by the traffic and how other passengers are prompt with time that is why there are adjustments. I have met a lot of wonderful people on the tour, and I will for sure come back to Europe and explore what is out there.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

The hotels are good and Mat is funny and knowledgably. The whole travel is well organized and interested.

Rome to Berlin: Piazzas, Prague & the Past

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

Great experience, got to see a lot in a small durarion. Remi was very knowledgeable on different countries and provided a fun experience.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

All of the places we visited were amazing, but by and large the success of this tour was due to our incredible guide Voisin Munchan. To keep everyone together with patience and kindness, to enlighten us with history and humor, to always have a positive outlook, all of these abilities and so much more really my made the tour an amazing and emotionally moving experience.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights of Scandinavia (12 Days)

Overall very good. We saw the places we wanted to. Sitting back and enjoying the scenery was the highlight. Accomodations were reasonable and breakfasts were very good. Friendly fellow travellers with good camaderie.

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

A great fast-paced tour that was well led by our wonderful guide Ivan!

Explore the Balkans

First ever tour. Well planned and well priced

Croatia Sailing Adventure

This was tour was lots of fun!! The crew were helpful and attentive. The facilities were clean at all times. Ivan, our tour guide, went above and beyond to help everyone to ensure they had a great trip! Thanks Ivan for all your help :)

• Sightseeing

The Best of The Baltics + Helsinki in 10 days (Guaranteed departure)

Wonderful staff running tours and at hotels. The sites and explanations were historical (good) but could use some variety, even showmanship.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Was disappointed we did not go into castle in Edinburg a couple of the hotels were below par and Scottish experience was a disappointment

London To Vienna Trail (Summer, Start London, 8 Days)

Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

A little disappointed in the Glasgow hotel and the Holiday Inn in York, both were not up to standard with cleanliness issues and a bed which sagged into the middle at York. I also think the tour started an hour too early and finished an hour too early each day.

What people love about Budget Tours in Europe

So honestly when we were assigned to this company through Tour Radar and looked at the reviews we were a little worried. I tried to hope for the best and assume that people who DO NOT have great experiences write more reviews. I was absolutely correct. We had AMAZING tour guides. Knowledgeable, kind, helpful. I think this company does an amazing job of moving people from one destination to another especially when it seems that itineraries overlap offering everyone the trip they desire. The hotels far outweighed our expectations. Of course there were small hiccups with time losses and changes in plans for the day but for the price and to get a brief view of Europe I would call it an outstanding tour.

The tour is generally good. I wish though that more time are given to explore major places. Some places can be skipped already since there was nothing much to see.

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15 cheapest european countries to visit in 2024.

This article looks at the 15 cheapest European countries to visit in 2024. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis of Tourism in Europe and ways to budget your vacation, you may skip ahead to 5 Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2024 .

Tourism in Europe

Europe is by far the most popular tourist destination among all continents. According to UNWTO , in 2023, 54% of the world's international tourist arrivals were in Europe, with the southern/Mediterranean region being the most visited destination. Europe is extremely appealing for tourists due to its friendly visa policies, a diverse range of destinations, and the fact that it is considered safer than other global destinations.

Like most of the world, tourism in Europe has still not managed to recover to pre-pandemic volumes. In 2023, Europe had 700 million tourist arrivals across the continent, which was 94% of the arrivals witnessed in 2019. This is despite the fact that many southern European and Mediterranean destinations have surpassed pre-COVID levels of tourism. The European Travel Commission reports that countries such as Serbia, Portugal, and Montenegro all hosted 10% more tourists in 2023 than they had in 2019. In comparison, 65% of destinations in Europe are still falling short of pre-pandemic volumes. The most sluggish recovery has been witnessed in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, each of which has failed to attain even 75% of pre-COVID tourist arrivals. This stark disparity in the recovery of tourism across the continent poses a challenge.  Despite the enormous volume of tourists that fly over to Europe each year, many of its most exquisite locations continue to be dejected in favor of hotspots such as the beaches of Ibiza, the bustling streets of Paris, or the canals of Venice. Owing to such a rapid inflow of tourists into only a handful of destinations, the sustainability of tourism in Europe falls under threat. Recently, more and more vacationers are becoming critical of tourist hotspots, criticizing them for being “tourist traps” and are instead looking to venture towards less crowded destinations. Another factor that unsettles tourists is the rate of inflation witnessed in post-pandemic tourism. According to Allianz Research , the daily rate for a hotel room (global median) jumped to $212 in the first quarter of 2023, up from $156 in Q1 2022 and $129 in Q1 2021. Moreover, a recent survey by Travel Weekly showed that 87% of European travelers are taking measures to reduce costs in their vacations. This includes opting for cheaper accommodations, reducing the budget used on excursions, and switching towards more affordable destinations.

As more and more tourists become irked by the overcrowded and inflated vacation experiences in particular hotspots, it is possible that tourists in 2024 will set their sights on destinations offering budget-friendly vacations with similar itineraries. With websites such as Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB ), Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG ), and Sun Life Financial, Inc. (NYSE: SLF ), tourists have the opportunity to map out their entire vacations at the most affordable prices, exploring new and exciting destinations in the process.

Budgeting your trip

Some would argue that the true beauty of Europe lies in destinations that have been spared from the tirade of excessive tourist inflows. In the past, there were either no avenues for the common tourist to arrange a vacation to such areas, or they would be considered as being unreliable, unsafe, and unfit for tourists. However, over the last decade, this perception has shifted as people have access to more and more avenues to plan trips to some of the most remote recesses of the world.

Websites like Booking, property of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), and Budget Your  Trip provide data for locations, resorts, and excursions. This enables previously unknown tourist spots all over Europe to market themselves without investing the same level of resources as world-renowned hoteling brands. Tourists can use Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) and similar services to break down each leg of their trips into exact monetary terms, without being beguiled by the fame of prominent destinations.

Similarly, Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB) is the world's largest platform for alternative accommodation. Alternative accommodation is a relatively new manner of lodging that involves living in rented apartments, hostels, or even a spare guestroom. In comparison to hotels, such accommodation is cheaper and can be found in rural travel destinations as well. In providing this service, Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB) has diverted a large number of tourists away from saturated hot-spots towards less crowded communities.

If you’re looking to visit a cheap European country in 2024, you may also consider obtaining travel insurance such as the packages offered by Sun Life Financial, Inc. (NYSE: SLF). These cover medical treatment and hospitalization bills in the unfortunate circumstance that you or a family member fall ill. Obtaining insurance from companies such as Sun Life Financial, Inc. (NYSE: SLF) allows you to venture into the wild and vivaciously enjoy your vacation.

Methodology

To develop our list of 15 cheapest European countries to visit in 2024, we traversed through similarly recommended lists on the web to develop a shortlist of budget-friendly countries. For these countries, we used Google Flights to obtain data on the cheapest available flight from the US (using JFK as the reference point for departures). Moreover, we used Budgetyourtrip to obtain the average amount required to spend a week-long couple’s vacation in each country. Accumulating these data points allowed us to calculate the total expected amount required on a trip to each country. Each country was ranked in ascending order with respect to this metric, and the top 15 countries were selected as the cheapest European countries to visit in 2024.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years ( see the details here ). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

Here are 15 Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2024.

Cheapest Return Ticket: $1011

Average expense during stay: $1722

Total cost: $2733

Latvia has a number of beautiful beaches along the Baltic sea, while the capital city of Riga features prominent Art Nouveau architecture. There are many historical castles present in towns across the country. Thus, there is plenty to enjoy in a week-long trip, all for the low price of $2,733.

14. Estonia

Cheapest Return Ticket: $941

Average expense during stay: $1544

Total cost: $2485

Another Baltic state, Estonia is one of the cheapest European countries to visit . It offers a blend of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and Soviet era landmarks. The Lennusadam Museum in the capital city of Tallinn is an excellent starting point if you wish to be accustomed to the rich Estonian culture.

13. North Macedonia

Cheapest Return Ticket: $1083

Average expense during stay: $1388

Total cost: $2471

If you’re looking for a location that offers picturesque scenery whilst not requiring you to take on a second mortgage on your house, forget the shores of Madeira and journey east to the country of North Macedonia. You’ll get the chance to explore one of Europe’s deepest lakes and some of its most stunning peaks, along with the historically rich city of Ohrid.

12. Croatia

Cheapest Return Ticket: $868

Average expense during stay: $1436

Total cost: $2304

Croatia makes for a very cheap vacation that also offers the chance to explore roman heritage, mesmerizing coasts, and modern attractions. Zagreb is becoming an increasingly popular tourist spot; however, it is still a very affordable destination where you can enjoy museums, festivals, and vibrant street life. The city of Split offers a chance to visit the iconic Diocletian Palace and venture off to one of the country’s various islands within the Adriatic Sea.

11. Czech Republic

Cheapest Return Ticket: $741

Average expense during stay: $1548

Total cost: $2289

Whilst the capital city of Prague is famous for its State Opera theater and other orchestras, the rest of the country sees far and few tourists. Czech Republic is an amazing destination for adventure travel, with places like the Bohemian Switzerland National Park and the caverns of Moravian Karst. Moreover, if you steer clear of certain excursions in the capital, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the local culture at an affordable cost.

10. Lithuania

Cheapest Return Ticket: $872

Average expense during stay: $1393

Total cost: $2265

Lithuania is the cheapest European country to visit in the Baltics. In just $2,265, you and your partner can entertain yourself to a comprehensive getaway. Your itinerary can include museums, Baroque monuments, serene national parks, and pristine beaches.

Cheapest Return Ticket: $1765

Average expense during stay: $461

Total cost: $2226

If you have managed to rack up some airline miles, Georgia is one of the cheapest European countries to visit in 2024 . With an average expense on transport, accommodation, and food of just $461 a week for 2 people, the foothills of the Caucasus mountains are the perfect place to enjoy a budget friendly European vacation.

Cheapest Return Ticket: $1018

Average expense during stay: $1170

Total cost: $2188

Budapest is regarded as being one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Sprawling on either side of the Danube River, it features a sea of Gothic, Romanesque, and Art Nouveau architecture. One of the country’s unique features is that it contains over 1,300 thermal springs, many of which are now used to operate year-round spas and baths all over the nation.

Cheapest Return Ticket: $1727

Average expense during stay: $398

Total cost: $2125

Until mid-2023, the US Travel Advisory had classified a visit to Armenia under the Level 4 category. However, barring a few locations bordering Azerbaijan, the country has been deescalated to Level 2. Since tourists are still acclimatizing to this change, Armenia happens to be one of the cheapest European countries to visit in 2024.

6. Bosnia & Herzegovina

Cheapest Return Ticket: $1079

Average expense during stay: $1040

Total cost: $2119

If you’re looking for a destination with historical significance, Bosnia & Herzegovina happens to be the most underrated destinations in the world. Featuring monuments and shrines from the second world war, the cold war, and the Bosnian war, it is one of the most insightful vacation spots in the world. In terms of scenery, a day trip to the Kravice Falls is a common part of any traveler’s itinerary.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2024 .

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Disclosure: none.  15 Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey.

• Travel Tips

Here's the Cheapest Time to Travel to These Popular European Cities

Want to visit europe but don’t want to go into multi-year debt to do so here’s your chance..

Visiting Europe is a top goal for a lot of Americans this summer. I mean, for 20 states in the US, Italy is the most searched summer vacation destination . Plus, with the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics taking place in July and August, the urge to get over there and take some vacation pictures next to some European icons can be overwhelming.

But, even though 20% of Americans are willing to go into debt to afford their trips this summer—putting your vacation on credit isn't ideal. So how can you make it across the Atlantic to a charming Euro city for cheap? Well, the tips to save money on travel are numerous. There are timetables for the best time to buy international flights and travel deals you can keep an eye on. Travel hacks are an endless well of good and bad advice.

One of the most important ways to plan that cheap trip comes down to timing: you might just have to sacrifice that summer vacation in exchange for a shoulder season vacation. Shoulder seasons are the periods between peak and off-peak seasons, like late spring and late summer. According to a new study from Radical Storage , the best time to book travel for Europe is for this shoulder season—and two cities come out on top for where you'll save the most money during this period.

By analyzing over 12,000 hotel prices and data from Google Flights, Radical Storage determined that Paris, France has had the best shoulder season discounts on hotels; you can save an average of 60.3% during shoulder season compared to peak season. Budapest, Hungary, has the largest average savings on flights during shoulder season. Travelers can expect to save 56.6% on shoulder season flights to Budapest.

The cheapest time to travel to any international destination is during shoulder seasons—the study found that on average, a traveler can save $28 per night on hotels and $122 on return flights.

"Shoulder season is the period before or after peak season but not yet the off-season. For example, many European destinations have a very busy summer (July/August) but May, June, September, and October may be considered shoulder season (it varies per destination), while January could be considered the off-season or low season," the study states. "Visiting destinations in shoulder season usually means lower costs and lower crowds, while still keeping good enough weather for tourism."

The study also determined the timeframe for popular destinations' shoulder seasons—which can help you plan future trips. For example, Athens, Greece peak month is August, while the best shoulder season month is April. Alternatively, Kyoto, Japan's peak tourism month is October, while the best shoulder season month is June. Here's the detailed list of popular destination's shoulder season months:

• Shenzhen - February
• Shanghai - March
• Athens - April
• Barcelona - April
• Brussels - April
• Copenhagen - April
• Florence - April
• Frankfurt - April
• Hong Kong - April
• Istanbul - April
• Milan - April
• Munich - April
• Prague - April
• Sapporo - April
• Singapore - April
• Sydney - April
• Toronto - April
• Venice - April
• Vienna - April
• Abu Dhabi - May
• Bangkok - May
• Berlin - May
• Dubai - May
• Edinburgh - May
• Guangzhou - May
• Fukuoka - June
• Kyoto - June
• Seoul - July
• Antalya - September
• Madrid - September
• Nice - September
• Osaka - September
• Palma de Mallorca - September
• Warsaw - September
• Amsterdam - October
• Beijing - October
• Budapest - October
• Dublin - October
• Lisbon - October
• London - October
• Melbourne - October
• Paris - October
• Rhodes - October
• Stockholm - October
• Tokyo - October
• Zurich - October
• Rome - November
• Taipei - November

For more information on the best cities to visit during shoulder seasons all over the world, head to the RadicalStorarge website.

Looking for more travel tips?

Whether you need help sneaking weed onto a plane , finding an airport where you can sign up for PreCheck without an appointment , or making sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to when your flight is canceled , we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for up-to-date travel hacks and all the travel news you need to help you plan your next big adventure.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram , TikTok , Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , and YouTube .

World Wild Schooling

12 Cheapest Countries in the World To Travel More and Spend Less

Posted: April 29, 2024 | Last updated: April 29, 2024

Expensive destinations do not always translate to the best travel experiences; any avid traveler knows this. If well-planned, traveling on a small budget can offer memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

The first step to traveling on a budget is choosing a cheap destination. It isn’t easy to pull off a budget trip in some countries, and that is just it. Luckily, even when most parts of the world are grappling with inflation, some countries remain cheap and manage to offer unique experiences to tourists for very little money.

If you want to get value for every coin you spend on travel, add these cheap countries to your travel bucket list. From accommodation, food, moving around, tours, and entrance fees to tourist spots, these destinations ensure your money stretches far. 

Known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, Vietnam is a country of great diversity and many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

It is a great budget travel destination, especially because accommodation is cheap even in larger cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

There is so much to experience in Vietnam, including ancient temples, historic sites, traditional villages, the lush rice terraces of Sapa, and the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc Island.

What stands out even more is how budget-friendly luxurious experiences are. Consider exploring Halong Bay, kayaking at Phong Nha & Paradise Cave, visiting the Mekong Delta or exploring Lan Ha-Ha Bay. These activities would have cost an arm and a leg in another country but remain pocket-friendly in Vietnam.

Read also:  Iconic Places

While flying to Thailand can be expensive, other services such as accommodation, dining, and activities will cover up the cost. To maximize your experience, fly into Thailand but combine your trip with Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam, all of which are also cheap countries that you can travel to by train from Thailand.

Once you get transportation out of the way, the experience of exploring Thailand can be unforgettable. 

 From tropical beaches to lush jungles and bustling cities like Bangkok, Thailand is a heaven every traveler should experience. There is so much to see and experience in the country at no or low cost; it is no wonder it is the most visited country in Southeast Asia and is now very popular among digital nomads and backpackers. 

While the country offers many tourist attractions, some unmissable sites include the Grand Palace, the Big Buddha temple in Phuket, and the Mo Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Read also:  UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Accommodation is among the highest traveling expenses, but Sri Lanka has many choices, including budget options. Besides, you will like the fact that many of the activities in Sri Lanka have modest entrance fees. From the ancient city of Anuradhapura to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, you have a high chance of saving money exploring Sri Lanka. 

Take advantage of Sri Lankan natural beauty, which includes popular attractions like Ella, Yala National Park, and the beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna. If you are into active adventure, go hiking in the hills, surfing on the coastlines , whale watching in Mirissa, or on a safari in the country’s national parks.

Read also:  Small Towns Out of a Fairy Tale

India is truly a land of many offerings, with rich cultural diversity, warm hospitality, and a diverse landscape. As if the diversity were not good enough, your money will go far when traveling in India. 

There are many budget accommodations you can choose from when visiting India. Besides, the culinary scene is rich but incredibly affordable. Whether you choose to go with classic favorites like curry and biryani or street foods like samosas and chaat, you can enjoy a hearty meal for close to nothing. 

There are so many experiences to enjoy without breaking the bank, including exploring the stunning forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal, and the ancient city of Varanasi.

India is also a destination where you can go on a wildlife safari without spending a fortune. If a safari is on your bucket list, make sure you add Ranthambore National Park to your Indian itinerary.

Read also:  Must-Visit Cities in the World

When you think of visiting Indonesia, you are likely thinking of Bali, which almost always features on lists of the best places to visit in the world. However, there is more to see and experience in Indonesia, thanks to the over 17,000 Indonesian islands. 

Stunning beaches , giant komodo dragons, volcanoes , and vast mountain ranges—Indonesia offers so many experiences at very pocket-friendly prices. 

Some of the most Instagrammable experiences are super affordable. From swinging on the Ubud swings to visiting Waterbom in Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Borobudur Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Prambanan Temples, and Ijen Crater, there are endless things to enjoy in Indonesia.

Read also:  Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime

Bulgaria is a great destination to consider if you are looking for a budget European escape . The country offers gorgeous beaches, historic towns, lively cities, and ancient ruins , all for far less money than most European countries. 

Beyond the history-steeped Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, there is so much you can do, such as lounging on the gorgeous sandy beaches of Varna, hitting the trails of the Vitosha Mountains, or exploring the Ancient Temple of Philippopolis. 

You may also want to skip the expensive ski towns in the rest of Europe and head to Bansko, a picturesque ski town in Bulgaria that offers ski runs for both beginners and experts.

Read also:  Visa-Free Countries

Situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Turkey is a melting pot of cultures and an excellent choice for any traveler looking to get value for their money. With stunning architecture , a next-level culinary scene , bustling markets, and pristine beaches, Turkey has much you can experience without breaking the bank.

For starters, food is incredibly cheap in Turkey, whether you stick to street food, eat at restaurants, or get groceries from open markets. 

When it comes to exploration, you can choose to soak in the colorful and bustling Istanbul, go window shopping at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest markets in Europe, tour the Blue Mosque, or head to dreamy Cappadocia.

Read also:  Secret Romantic Getaways

Jamaica should be your top choice if you are looking for a cheap destination in the Caribbean. Whether sunbathing at the famous Seven Miles Beach, hiking the Blue Mountains, river rafting on the Martha Brae River, or exploring Dunn’s River Falls, there are diverse ways to enjoy Jamaica’s beautiful nature. 

Jamaican cuisine is a top draw for travelers, and luckily, it is very affordable. Whether you eat in local eateries, from street food vendors, or roadside stalls, traditional Jamaican foods like jerk chicken, ackee saltfish, and patties are almost always reasonably priced.

Read also: Incredible Hidden Gems Across the World

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the most visited countries by American tourists, and it’s pretty obvious why. With white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and pleasant all-year-round beaches, the country is a little paradise for nature lovers .

If you want to save on food, prioritize local delicacies such as mangu, sancocho, and empanadas, which are typically affordable, especially in local eateries. 

Many of the Dominican Republic’s top attractions are affordable. Whether you go to public beaches in Punta Cana or Los Haitises National Park, the Dominican Republic offers a wealth of nature experiences for cheap. 

Read also: Incredible Natural Wonders Across the Globe

Jungle lodges, volcanoes, thick-canopy forests, and a coastline on both the Caribbean and the Pacific make Costa Rica a serious catch when it comes to budget-friendly destinations that have so much to offer tourists.  

Costa Rica is home to stunning national parks like Manuel Antonio, Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. These parks typically charge entrance fees ranging from $10-20, a worthwhile investment considering their stunning biodiversity and natural beauty.

Furthermore, Costa Rica is constantly being rated as one of the best places to retire, thanks to its breathtaking nature and stress-free, slow-down lifestyles—all at low prices. 

Read also: Amazing Wildlife Sanctuaries

If you are a budget traveler, there are so many things you can do and experience in Egypt. History buffs will especially have a memorable experience touring the Pyramids of Giza and the many other historical sites in the country. 

Luckily, you will not have to worry about accommodation as there are many budget and mid-rage options to consider. 

The cost of food is also very low in Egypt, especially if you stick with vegetarian meals, street foods, and local options. 

Traveling by train across Egypt is filthy cheap. If you are on a budget, skip flights and travel by train from Cairo to Aswan or Cairo to Luxor, which are the country’s most sought-after cities. 

Some unmissable spots, especially for history buffs, include Abu Simbel Temples, the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, Luxor Temple, Valley of Kings, and Giza Necropolis. All are breathtaking but cheap to explore. 

Read also: Rediscovered Ancient Cities

Philippines

The Philippines has something for every type of traveler, but what stands out is that the budget experience can still be comfortable enough. And yes, it is easy to score hotel deals in luxury hotels, especially during the low season. 

If you are into island life and coastal escapes, you do not want to miss out on Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. These tropical paradises offer public access to beaches, waterfalls , caves , and lush landscapes waiting to be explored. 

While Palawan is truly a scene out of a fairytale, it remains reasonably priced. When in Palawan, visit Kayangan Lake, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Barracuda Lake, Las Cabanas Beach, and Twin Lagoon.

Read also: Awesome Paradise Islands

Must-Visit European Cities

Turn your wanderlust into reality with our list of  must-visit European cities .

• Read more:  Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Visa-Free Countries

Explore these  countries visa-free  with your American passport.

• Read more:  Visa-Free Countries

Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime

Add these charming European small towns to your bucket list.

• Read more: Small Towns in Europe

Tropical Destinations To Add to Your Bucket List

Dreaming of paradise? Discover tropical destinations to add to your bucket list.

• Read more: Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime

Caribbean Destinations Where No Visa Is Needed for Americans

Discover passport-free paradise with our guide to Caribbean destinations for US citizens .

• Read more: Caribbean Destinations Without Visa

Read the original thread on 12 Cheapest Countries To Travel To in the World .

This article was produced and syndicated by World Wild Schooling .

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Flights to Krasnodar - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to krasnodar to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., how long is the flight to krasnodar, the duration of your flight to krasnodar depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to krasnodar on kayak are from new york , which takes 17h 20m, miami , which takes 18h 35m, los angeles , which takes 23h 10m, and newark , which takes 43h 15m., when to book flights to krasnodar, faqs - booking krasnodar flights, how far is krasnodar from central krasnodar.

There are 8 miles between Krasnodar city center and Krasnodar.

What is the name of Krasnodar’s airport?

All flights to Krasnodar land at Krasnodar. The airport code is KRR,and it can also be referred to as Krasnodar, Krasnodar Intl, or Pashkovsky.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Krasnodar?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Krasnodar.

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KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Krasnodar is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Krasnodar?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Krasnodar with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Krasnodar?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Krasnodar up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Krasnodar?

Of the 2 airlines that fly to Krasnodar, Pobeda offers the most flights, with around 35 per week, followed by Smartavia with 16 flights per week.

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6 Cheapest Business Class Airlines for an Affordable Upgrade

By Jessica Puckett

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With the ever-shrinking seats in coach class, the allure of those spacious front-of-plane cabins has never been stronger. Flying business class can feel reminiscent of the golden era of travel, when glamour and comfort ruled the skies. Perks like lie-flat beds, privacy doors that encapsulate seats, airport lounge access, and even chauffeur services can entice even the most austere travelers among us to contemplate splurging on an upgrade every now and then.

Of course, those amenities all come at a price. Business class fares can be prohibitively expensive for the average traveler, with one-way tickets soaring as high as several thousands dollars. But did you know that the cheapest business class airlines offer many of the best perks for less money? If you know the right carriers, an affordable but luxurious business class ticket could be within reach. Here’s everything you need to know about the cheapest business class airlines .

What perks and amenities do the cheapest business class airlines give you?

On board a cheap business class airline that still offers good value, you can expect a spacious seat—one that lies flat on longer routes—better in-flight meals, complimentary alcohol, and reserved overhead bin space.

Other perks on the ground will vary from airline to airline. Some carriers “unbundle” their cheapest business class fares, meaning amenities like airport lounge access , seat selection, and over-the-top perks like chauffeur services aren’t offered to keep prices lower. Other airlines simply do not offer any customers amenities like lounges at all.

To get the cheapest business class fares, you’ll have to decide what perks are most important to you. Would you prefer to relax in a lounge during a long layover? Or is an affordable bed in the sky with fully closing doors of more importance? The airlines below all offer luxury, but the emphasis is put on different stages of the travel experience.

What prices are considered affordable for business class?

The price for that premium seat can get quite steep: Flights in top business class cabins can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Like other airline tickets , the price of cheap business class fares can depend on the destination, time of year, when you book, and the airline itself. The longer the flight and the plusher the cabin, the higher the fare will climb.

However, according to recent data from aviation statistics firm Cirium , The average business class fare in 2023 was $1,845. So anything near or below that price point can be considered a pretty good deal for one-way in business class—keeping in mind the factors like the length of the flight and the amenities your ticket includes.

6 of the cheapest business class airlines

TAP Air Portugal business class tickets can occasionally be found for under $2,000 roundtrip.

TAP Air Portugal

Generally known as a budget carrier, TAP Air Portugal actually offers a solid—and affordable—business class product as well. According to Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going.com , TAP Air Portugal routinely prices its business class seats to Europe for less than $3,000 roundtrip—sometimes even slipping below $2,000 roundtrip. For that price, you’ll get lie-flat seats with bedding that includes wrap-around duvets and large pillows, as well as meal service that features Portuguese dishes and wines. The seats and finishes might not feel as plush as other business classes, but you’ll have space to stretch your legs and lie flat at an attainable price point.

Turkish Airlines

Offering a few more amenities but still cheaper rates in business is Turkish Airlines, a carrier that Nastro says also consistently offers seats in business class on flights to Turkey and other destinations in Europe for under $3,000 roundtrip. You’ll be well cared for in Turkish business class, which offers a lie-flat seat that’s more than six feet long and up to two feet wide, with an 18-inch entertainment screen. When it comes to dining, you’ll have access to the airline’s iconic flying chefs, who prepare a litany of Turkish dishes and other cuisines mid-flight and essentially transform the business class cabin into a flying, top-tier restaurant. Plus, business class passengers also have access to Turkish lounges when they arrive at the airport.

Emirates' most affordable business class option doesn't include perks like lounge access or seat selection.

Emirates “Special” business class fares

In order to give customers access to the cheapest business class seats, Emirates unbundles its business class fares. If you book one of these tickets, called “Special" business class fares by the airline, you won’t have access to Emirates lounges , chauffeur service, seat selection, or upgrades to first class. But once onboard the plane, you get all those bells and whistles Emirates business class is known for: ultra-comfy beds, gourmet food, premium cocktails, and even the A380’s onboard cocktail lounge.

Using the unbundled booking method can potentially save travelers thousands of dollars. A quick check of business class fares on Emirates’ New York to Dubai route for June 2024 showed the airline’s Special business class price at $2,787 one-way, while its Flex Plus business class ticket, which offers the most perks and rebooking options, clocked in at $6,229—a difference of more than $3,400. The Special fares are only available on certain routes and certain times of year, so if you see one that works for you, it could be worth locking in.

This little-known German carrier flies from 13 major US gateways to Europe, and is one of the best cheapest business class airlines out there. Condor’s sharp-looking business class cabins with striped accents offer seats that transform into a 6.5-foot lie-flat bed, 4K entertainment screens, and direct-aisle access for every passenger. Plus, each business class passenger gets access to Condor’s lounges. Fares start at about $1,100 on flights from New York to Berlin.

Qatar Airways’ Business Class Lite option is a more affordable way to book one of the best seats in the sky.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lite

Much like Emirates’ unbundled tickets, Qatar Airways’ Business Class Lite and Business Class Classic fares offer the same opulent seats to fliers who’d like to shave off a few amenities in order to save money. You won’t have lounge access or seat selection before check-in included in your ticket. But you can book into the revered Qsuites product, which offers fully closing doors around a spacious lie-flat seat (79 inches long and 21 inches wide) and impeccable in-flight service. While the price tag can’t be considered “cheap” compared to some carriers, the unbundled fares can be a more affordable way to book one of the best seats in the sky. The unbundled fares aren’t offered on all routes, but a search of Qatar’s flights from New York to Doha for August 2024 shows Business Class Classic fares for $6,268, while Business Elite is $8,810—a difference of more than $2,500.

JetBlue Mint

Although it’s not offered on every plane or every route, JetBlue’s Mint business class is among the best premium products in terms of value for the money. Mint offers a mix of standard lie-flat seats and more private suites with doors, depending on the aircraft layout. Each seat offers adjustable firmness, a massage function, and turns into a bed that’s six feet, eight inches long outfitted with blankets and pillows from Tuft and Needle. You can also expect some seriously scrumptious food and drink options, as JetBlue has partnered with New York restaurant group Delicious Hospitality, the collective behind Manhattan restaurants Pasquale Jones, Charlie Bird, and Legacy Records, to design the rotating menus in Mint. One-way tickets start at about $700 and range up to $2,000 to fly between New York and Los Angeles, but expect to pay more on JetBlue’s international routes.

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Cheapest destinations to see Taylor Swift concerts from 'Eras Tour' abroad

Are you a Florida Swiftie with “Eras Tour” FOMO?

It’s definitely too late to find a ticket to Taylor Swift’s October concerts in Miami for less than $2,000. 

But you can see an “Eras Tour” show in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 1, 2024, for about $500 cheaper than the cheapest concert ticket for a Miami show in October (including a roundtrip plane ticket to Poland, from Miami ).

Travel website Islands.com just released a study on the cheapest overseas destinations for seeing Miss Americana on the European leg of her tour. 

To calculate the cheapest overseas shows on Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” this summer, Islands.com aggregated data on each city to find the average most affordable concert tickets, the average cost for two days of spending on hotel rooms, meals, drinks and transportation in each city and each city's safety score.

Here’s the Islands.com list of the cheapest shows on the next leg of Taylor Swift’s tour and how much the cheapest plane tickets from Florida to the cheapest European concert are.

Does “The Eras Tour” come to Europe?

Yes! After a wildly successful first run of “The Eras Tour” in the U.S. in 2023, Taylor Swift extended her tour to an international one and will start performing in Europe this summer before returning for more U.S. shows in the fall.

Here’s Islands.com’s list of the Top 10 cheapest places to see Taylor Swift in Europe this summer, including two days’ worth of hotel, food, drink and transportation costs for each city:

• Warsaw, Poland: $443 cheapest concert ticket price, $712 total lowest average cost
• Gelsenkirchen, Germany: $387 cheapest concert ticket price, $749 total lowest average cost
• Hamburg, Germany: $411 cheapest concert ticket price, $903 total lowest average cost
• Stockholm, Sweden: $406 cheapest concert ticket price, $935 total lowest average cost
• Paris, France: $313 cheapest concert ticket price, $971 total lowest average cost
• Munich, Germany: $472 cheapest concert ticket price, $1,000 total lowest average cost
• Lisbon, Portugal: $507 cheapest concert ticket price, $1,028 total lowest average cost
• Lyon, France: $582 cheapest concert ticket price, $1,047 total lowest average cost
• Cardiff, UK: $679 cheapest concert ticket price, $1,061 total lowest average cost
• Vienna , Austria: $496 cheapest concert ticket price, $1,089 total lowest average cost

Does Taylor Swift perform in Poland?

Yes! Taylor Swift will be performing for three nights in Warsaw, from Thursday, Aug. 1, through Saturday, Aug. 3.

The cheapest ticket to see Taylor Swift perform in Warsaw, Poland in August is about $1,500 cheaper than the cheapest ticket to catch one of her Miami shows in October.

As of April, via Google Flights, you can buy a roundtrip plane ticket from Miami to Warsaw (with two layovers) for around $800 .

Add that $800 plane ticket to the around $500 it will cost for a concert ticket and the extra $200 to $300 you’ll spend in two days of visiting Warsaw, and the grand total comes out to a maximum of around $1,600, which is still $400 cheaper than the cheapest ticket to a Miami show.

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Find Your Flights to Krasnodar KRR

Cheap flights to Krasnodar ( KRR)

Get started finding a cheap flight to Krasnodar on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Krasnodar.

Roundtrip prices range from - , and one-ways to Krasnodar start as low as .

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Krasnodar ( KRR)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Krasnodar. There are airlines flying into KRR: . 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Krasnodar (KRR) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to KRR in and in for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• Wherever you’re traveling, flying can be a great experience if you’re well prepared. First, pack your passport (or a valid ID), travel documents and medications. Next, throw in a little extra in-flight entertainment to help make the time fly by. The latest bestseller and a tablet filled with the latest movies are good options. If you’re hoping to catch some z’s, a memory-foam neck pillow and earplugs are also worth bringing along.
• There’s a lengthy list of items you should not pack in your carry-on bag too. Flammables, explosives and sharps are strictly prohibited in the cabin — they often include knives, razor blades, flares and aerosol cans. Some sporting equipment, like baseball bats and martial arts weapons, also generally can’t go in your hand luggage. Your airline’s website will have a full list of what you can and can’t take on board.
• Opt for comfort rather than fashion when flying. Dress in layers and wear natural materials since they allow air and moisture to pass through and keep you cool. Cabin temperatures typically get cooler on long-haul flights, so pack a pullover and always wear sneakers or enclosed shoes.
• Reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition which can be caused by sitting for extended periods, by regularly walking around the cabin. You can also do some gentle lower limb exercises in your seat. If you’re at higher risk of developing DVT, consider wearing compression socks.

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The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. Philanthropist. Legal weed champion. The real Rick Steves is so much more complex than who you see on TV.

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion-dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: This would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe, but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues such as car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has probably missed this side of him. On TV, they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year, Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he has built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist, but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he sits in only economy, claiming that he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should have only one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes that they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment, and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She has appreciated his regular presence in the community, which has entailed hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She has used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than in previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems such as finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue that the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If it doesn’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints. ... They’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but also to Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduating, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and there were few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved; his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries. (People forget that Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door.”)

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties. … It’s the racism. … Everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking, and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

The coronavirus was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then shutdowns happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember whether he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous-chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

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