cheapest tourist cities europe

Cheapest Nicest: 10 European Cities to Visit on a Budget

By Anna Prendergast

Getting to Europe is expensive these days—by the time you're there, you might feel like you can't afford to do anything. Fear not, some of the cheapest cities in Europe can be just as exciting as a Venice or a London (some of the continent, and the world's, more expensive places to spend time). There's some equally beautiful tourism spots where you can get around much more cheaply. We've broken down some of the latest data to find the cheapest cities in Europe to visit in 2023. A coastal cosmopolis, snow-capped city, and more await without breaking the bank.

Note: you’ll notice some wonderful European cities missing from this list, namely Kiev in Ukraine . It has been tragically affected by the war in Ukraine, and should be avoided until safe to visit – until then, find out how to help the people of Ukraine right now.

Athens, Greece

This year’s Post Office City Costs Barometer ranked Greece’s historical capital as the cheapest location for an autumn city break in Europe, and noted that priced have dropped by 15 per cent since 2021. Hotels in Athens are of particularly good value, with plenty of small, family-run and boutique spots. According to the survey, two nights at a three-star hotel for two guests average $110–but super-central One Three One is steps away from Monastiraki Flea Market and goes as low as $68 per night, while guests will find balcony views of the acropolis at Hotel Adonis, which has a rooftop terrace and costs as low as $102 for a double room (breakfast included).

Lisbon, Portugal

While the pretty Portuguese capital is known for its award-winning restaurants , travelers can still dine out on a dime–after Athens, it’s the cheapest city for a three-course meal (averaging around $50). On the move, you’ll get change from a two-euro coin when buying coffee or a mandatory pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém, a beer costs around $3 (putting London’s £6 pints to shame) and a $0.75 Viva Viagem card can save you up to half off tram journeys. For a place to stay, there are plenty of affordable hotels in Lisbon . We love Hotel 1908 , where smart rooms in one of the city’s most iconic buildings can be booked from $160 per night. Or you can save further by opting for an Airbnb. Some of the city's top trending Airbnbs, like this pretty apartment with a private balcony in Lapa , can be taken over for around $60 per night.

Klagenfurt, Austria

Klagenfurt is one of Austria’s most affordable cities to visit (main courses are around $7; the farmers’ market on Benediktinerplatz is a great place for local bargains), and its spectacular setting on the eastern bank of Lake Wörthersee makes it one of the most scenic, too. June is the cheapest time to go, before the summer crowds and wild swimmers descend on the waterfront.

Kaunas, Lithuania

Vilnius has long been topping lists of the cheapest places to go on holiday, but Kaunas to the west is even less expensive, and earlier this year was named as one of 2022’s European Capitals of Culture for its music, art and theatre. Its yearly CityTelling Festival hosts a wide variety of performances and exhibitions that place the city’s Jewish heritage centre stage, and access to most events is free, while four-star hotel rooms are as little as $75 a night. For the best views of the Baltic city, a funicular up Aleksoto Hill will cost just a couple of euros. The best bargain in town? Spurginė’s $0.92 spurgos (or doughnuts).

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Riga, Latvia

According to the Post Office, Riga is one of the cheapest cities in Europe, coming in a close second after Dublin for culture and Athens for accommodation. Wind your way through the narrow alleyways of the charming Old Town, find €2 samsas for lunch at the central covered market located in converted Zeppelin hangars, watch free live music in Dome Square and see striking architecture such as the House of the Blackheads ($7 entry) and the medieval Swedish Gate. But one of the most underrated ways of seeing Riga is on the water–rent a paddleboard for just $18 on the banks of the Daugava River.

Berat, Albania

Like Puglia’s trulli or Chefchaouen’s all-blue buildings, Berat’s unforgettable white Ottoman houses are totally unique in their collective existence and visual impact. The simple, traditional rooms inside also provide a super-affordable way to stay here, as many are guest-houses or independently-run hotels, such as Hotel Vila Aleksandar or Hotel Mangelemi , both around $43 per night. Head up the steep cobblestoned streets to see the 13th Century Berat Castle (entry is free) and take in the ‘town of a thousand windows’ from the top.

Brașov, Transylvania, Romania

A cheaper alternative to Bucharest (which is still, by European standards, incredibly good value), Brașov is surrounded by the scenic Carpathian Mountains. A cable car up to the top of Mount Tampa costs just 20 lei ($4.20) for aerial views of the brick-red rooftops, whilst local tour operator Walkabout provide a free walking tour every morning at 10.30am, setting off from the fountain in Piata Sfatului. Pick up local delicacy kürtőskalács (a spit-roasted, sugar-covered ‘chimney cake’) to maintain your energy levels from the stall nearby.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Not only did Bulgaria take the lead (side by side with Turkey ) as cheapest all-round destination in Europe in the Post Office’s Holiday Money Report 2022, but the country is also home to some of the world’s cheapest ski resorts. Sofia, the capital, is just over 10km away from the Vitosha Mountains which provide impressive winter conditions for snow bunnies and cost a fraction of the price of resorts in France or Italy. Wine and Bulgarian beers are notoriously cheap, and downtown Sofia is known for its high-energy party atmosphere. Entry to clubs is seldom more than $13, with live DJ sets and late-night events at Maze or Culture Beat (which also has a great summer terrace for cocktails).

Izmir, Turkey

Travelers to Turkey can get great value for money. On Turkey’s Aegean coast, Izmir has resisted the price hikes of Istanbul and tourist traps of Ankara whilst preserving its 8,500-year-old Kemeraltı bazaar and ancient Roman agora. The historic sites and architectural relics coexist with cosmopolitan culture and traditional cuisine–try pide on the pier or baked potatoes with a choice of toppings at Atıştır Café. An hour out of town is Ephesus, an ancient city built by the Greeks and well worth a detour.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Whilst the transcontinental city of Tbilisi is the most expensive place to live in Georgia, by European standards it’s exceptionally affordable for holidaymakers. A cascade of new hotels have opened in the last few years, such as the lovely Guest House Lile with double rooms from $25 per night. Foodies should book a table at Barbarestan, a family-run restaurant with authentic recipes and local ingredients, where you can eat for around £40 each – not bad for somewhere given a nod by the crew behind the World’s 50 Best Restaurants .

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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The 13 Best-value cities in Europe for budget travelers in 2023

This site – PriceofTravel.com – is perhaps known for our annual publication of our Global Backpacker Index , which compares over 130 destinations around the world and ranks them from cheapest to most expensive. The most popular part of that is our Europe Backpacker Index , which ranks 54 destinations from cheapest to most expensive with much greater detail than our Global list.

If you look at the Europe Backpacker Index linked above you’ll see a long list of cities (from cheapest to most expensive) and obviously the majority of them don’t make this list. Having lived in Europe and visited nearly every corner of the continent a few times, I can tell you that many places are not really worth your time, even if they are shockingly cheap. The list below only contains the absolute highlights and fortunately many of them are still amazingly inexpensive.

Updated for 2023

We did a 2022 version of this list as COVID restrictions were easing and almost everywhere seemed like a bargain, but our 2023 update unfortunately has prices way up in literally every city on the list. We rank them using our Backpacker Index as described above and most of these places are still WAY cheaper than cities in the US, Canada, or Australia, but inflation has hit Europe like most of the rest of the world and things are now reflecting that.

13 Best-value destinations in Europe for 2023 (listed cheapest to most expensive)

1 – budapest, hungary (cheapest).

The Castle Hill sights are worth a good chunk of time, as are the highlights in downtown Pest, across the river. You’ve also got the many spas based around hot-water springs that tend to be very affordable and unique. Some may not like the paprika-heavy local cuisine, but for those who do it tends to be filling and cheap. The trick to getting good value here is to stay and eat most of your meals away from the river, which is mostly lined with high-priced touristy places. And the nightlife in the ‘ruin pubs’ will be as unforgettable as it is affordable.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$38.21/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Budapest >>> Budapest prices and travel tips

2 – Krakow, Poland

Kraków also has a great tourist infrastructure with an abundance of affordable quality hostels and budget hotels, along with cheap bars, cafes, and restaurants. Those looking for a place to relax for a while on a hectic tour of the region will find this to be a fun and budget-friendly stop. Beers for under US$2.50 per pint are hard to find in most of Europe’s top cities, but pretty easy to find here. Don’t forget a half-day visit to nearby Auschwitz while you are here.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$41.03/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Krakow >>> Krakow prices and travel tips

3 – Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The unusual attraction in Sarajevo is the pedestrian-only historic Old Town and its large Muslim quarter. It’s one of the friendliest and most interesting mixes of people and customs you’ll find anywhere in the world, which helps make it popular with Arabians and other Muslims that are less visible in Europe. The low prices on food and hotels are just a bonus, and alcohol is also cheap and free-flowing, just steps from the central mosque. There is train service to Sarajevo, but the trains are pretty slow. It’s often easier, cheaper, and just as fast to take the long-distance buses from major cities nearby instead.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$47.95/day

>>> Sarajevo prices and weather

4 – Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

As lovely as it is, it’s the low prices and good quality that you might remember most. This is a town where you can enjoy a filling meal of local favorites for around US$4, while seated at one of the restaurants directly on the main square. A local beer will be around US$2.00 per half liter almost anywhere in town, so bargain hunters don’t have to scour the back alleys for happy hours. Hotels in the town center start at well under US$50 per night for something that would cost double or triple that in major European cities. As of 2023 there are still no hostels open in Český Krumlov, and that makes the city look more expensive on the Backpacker Index than it really is. In other words, this place is about as cheap as Krakow or Budapest as long as you can find a decent hotel deal.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$48.24/day

>>> Český Krumlov prices and weather

5 – Vilnius, Lithuania

The challenge for all three of these cities is that they are hard to reach unless you are on a tour of the area already. If you can find a cheap flight and are looking for a lovely and cheap place to spend a long weekend or even a week, then Vilnuis is worth a look. Great meals for under US$5 and quality local lager for well under US$2 per half pint are pretty much everywhere you look, since there is almost no exploitation of “rich” tourists here, yet.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$55.77/day

>>> Vilnius prices and weather

6 – Istanbul, Turkey

After a few years of minor turmoil, Turkey seems stable again and they’ve just had an election that was deemed to be fair. Not everyone loves what has been happening, but at least you should be able to visit without worrying about large protests and crackdowns, although it is always wise to keep an eye on the news. The rest of the country is also quite nice and cheaper as well. Antalya is a worthwhile Mediterranean city that it usually out of the spotlight with protests and so forth.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$56.35/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Istanbul >>> Istanbul prices and travel tips

7 – Athens, Greece

Also in Athens’ favor is that it’s not difficult to see the main sights in only a few days or even less, and then take the metro down to the port of Piraeus to hop on a ferry to one of its holiday islands. Santorini is the most famous of the nearby Greek islands and the most crowded as well. It’s probably better choosing Rhodes or one of the other islands that doesn’t get overrun with cruiseship crowds. This is a cheap and easy way to inject a bit of culture into a trip that will otherwise be about downing pints on a sunny beach.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$59.30/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Athens >>> Athens prices and weather

8 – Prague, Czech Republic

The beer, as you’ve certainly heard, is excellent, and it’s consumed by the locals in frightening quantities. Usually at under US$2.50 per pint to this day, the fact that it was US$0.50 per pint 12 years ago doesn’t mean that it’s still not a bargain now. Try to steer away from the tourist restaurants with big English signs out front and you’ll be able to get hearty local meals for very little as well. The public transportation system here is quite good so you can save a good chunk of money by staying away from the tourist center and still be able to cheaply go back and forth in a short time.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$62.94/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Prague >>> Prague prices and travel tips

9 – Lisbon, Portugal

Another interesting thing about Lisbon is that it’s loaded with fiercely competitive hostels which somehow all rank very high on the various Best Hostels in the World lists. The fact that Lisbon is hard to combine with other cities on a European tour is the main reason why it’s not far more popular. Hotels and food here are also excellent bargains by European standards, and you’ll be impressed at how lovely and organized things are in that price range. The train service from Spain consists of an overnight train from Madrid, so it’s better for most people to fly, or perhaps look into the long distance buses if you are coming from western Spain.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$71.59/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Lisbon >>> Lisbon prices and travel tips

10 – Berlin, Germany

Except perhaps for the Brandenberg Gate monument, Berlin lacks famous checklist attractions similar to the Eiffel Tower or Roman Colosseum, but first-time visitors generally love the place anyway. Berlin has an edge and a spirit that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s also very English-language-friendly, more so than the rest of Germany, so you can just speak in English to locals (as long as they are under 60 or so) without having to ask if they speak English or not. It’s similar to Amsterdam and the Scandinavian capitals in that way and it makes visiting and getting around much easier.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$75.49/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Berlin >>> Berlin prices and travel tips

11 – Bruges, Belgium

This is another town where all the main sights could be taken in on a 2-day stay, but due to its relative affordability, the relaxed atmosphere, and the large tourist infrastructure, this is a good choice for a chill-out stop on a longer European tour. Bruges looks a lot like Amsterdam because it was also a major trading city during the 17th Century when all of those gorgeous canalside buildings were constructed. Fortunately, Bruges is much cheaper than Amsterdam and much less crowded as well.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$86.99/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Bruges >>> Bruges prices and weather

12 – Edinburgh, Scotland

The center of Edinburgh is compact enough to be able to see most of the sights on food, especially if you are staying near the Royal Mile or nearby in the New Town (which is still very old). This was always a fabulous city, but now that it’s cheaper than it has been in many, many years, it’s also a fabulous bargain within Europe.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$94.93/day

>>> Check hotel deals for Edinburgh >>> Edinburgh prices and travel tips

13 – London, England

Visiting London on a tight budget can be challenging if it’s your first time, but it’s definitely possible if you do a bit of research. Staying in neighborhoods that aren’t packed with other tourists helps because most locals are not rich and the restaurants and pubs have to charge reasonable prices in order to stay open. You can ride the Tube for about £6 per day with an Oyster card as it has a maximum daily charge and the rest of your rides are all free, which helps a lot if you are staying a bit away from the main sights.

• Daily Backpacker Index: US$122.18/day

>>> Check hotel deals for London >>> London prices and travel tips

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The 13 Best-value cities in Europe for budget travelers in 2023 " --> All Comments

I have been doing alot of research and this is one of the best sites so thank you. Im hoping you can assist with itinerary planning for 4 weeks – leaving from athens and finishing in London. I have 4 weeks with my 20 year old daughter who loves art and history and we are on a tight budget. ?would you go to turkey from athens then croatia, slovenia, vienna, prague and krakow. Then fly to London. Or is this too many countries? we are happy to go anywhere really so any suggestions would be great, First time in Europe btw

I’m glad you have found the site helpful. Part of my answer depends on the time of year you’ll be going. Croatia in particular can be really nice in the warmer months, but not all that interesting in the colder months. I think your plan looks quite good and I don’t think it’s too many countries. I find it easier to think in terms of cities rather than countries and I recommend staying 3 nights in most European cities that you’ll visit .

Have you decided where you’d like to go in Turkey? Istanbul is obviously a must, but I also highly recommend Cappadocia for a couple days and Antalya as well. To be honest, I’m not sure I would go to Slovenia or even Vienna on my first trip to Europe, although Vienna is an important capital so if you have specific things you want to see there it’s definitely worthwhile.

Here’s a list of first-time Europe itineraries I put together with a bunch of extra options and you might find some interesting choices there. But again, with 28 days or so I think you should choose 9 or 10 cities to visit and plan on staying 3 days or so in each of them. Prague and Krakow are both great choices for cheaper cities that have a lot to offer. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions I can help with. -Roger

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Cities in Europe: Travel Cost Rankings

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What are the cheapest cities to visit in Europe?

The following travel cost rankings for cities in Europe are calculated based on the travel budgets of real travelers. Also referred to as a Travel Cost Index , or a Backpacker Index , the cities below are in order from least to most expensive by their average daily travel price, per person, per day

• 1 Kiev , Ukraine € 23.83
• 2 Wroclaw , Poland € 30.28
• 3 Gdansk , Poland € 50.50
• 4 Timisoara / Temesvar , Romania € 56.20
• 5 Cesky Krumlov , Czech Republic € 57.75
• 6 Moscow , Russia € 58.23
• 7 Saint Petersburg , Russia € 59.25
• 8 Krakow , Poland € 59.75

• 9 Telc , Czech Republic € 59.99
• 10 Sopron , Hungary € 60.05
• 11 Sofia , Bulgaria € 60.39

• 12 Varna , Bulgaria € 61.20
• 13 Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegowina € 65.15
• 14 Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegowina € 65.78
• 15 Sibiu , Romania € 67.09
• 16 Karlovy Vary , Czech Republic € 75.45

• 17 Maribor , Slovenia € 75.93
• 18 Zagreb , Croatia € 77.61
• 19 Budapest , Hungary € 82.46
• 20 Ljubljana , Slovenia € 86.37
• 21 Warsaw , Poland € 86.55
• 22 Kilkenny , Ireland € 88.24
• 23 San Sebastian , Spain € 89.75
• 24 Zadar , Croatia € 90.01
• 25 Santiago de Compostela , Spain € 90.98
• 26 Gothenburg , Sweden € 92.30
• 27 Palermo , Italy € 92.48
• 28 Alesund , Norway € 92.87
• 29 Vilnius , Lithuania € 94.39
• 30 Tallinn , Estonia € 94.94

• 31 Lillehammer , Norway € 95.36
• 32 Paphos , Cyprus € 97.47
• 33 Lugo , Spain € 97.82
• 34 Dubrovnik , Croatia € 97.95

• 35 Ericeira , Portugal € 99.81
• 36 Cork , Ireland € 101.24
• 37 Bergen , Norway € 101.52
• 38 Prague , Czech Republic € 101.60

• 39 Coimbra , Portugal € 103.02
• 40 Nuremberg , Germany € 103.41
• 41 Hvar , Croatia € 103.42

• 42 Riga , Latvia € 103.55
• 43 Flam , Norway € 103.80
• 44 Bled , Slovenia € 104.35
• 45 Santillana , Spain € 104.67
• 46 Lucca , Italy € 106.15
• 47 Oviedo , Spain € 106.31
• 48 Limerick , Ireland € 107.50
• 49 Saint-Etienne , France € 107.79
• 50 Split , Croatia € 110.25
• 51 Puerto de la Cruz , Spain € 112.06
• 52 Braga , Portugal € 112.32
• 53 Corfu , Greece € 112.89
• 54 Auxerre , France € 112.95

• 55 Sintra , Portugal € 115.43
• 56 Villach , Austria € 116.38
• 57 Hamburg , Germany € 116.51
• 58 Chartres , France € 116.86
• 59 Istanbul , Turkey € 117.23
• 60 Montpellier , France € 117.69
• 61 Connemara , Ireland € 117.91
• 62 Lagos , Portugal € 118.03
• 63 Bordeaux , France € 118.28
• 64 Ghent , Belgium € 118.30
• 65 Delft , Netherlands € 119.48
• 66 Wurzburg , Germany € 119.77
• 67 Dingle , Ireland € 119.83
• 68 Paros , Greece € 121.66
• 69 Bratislava , Slovakia € 121.74
• 70 Granada , Spain € 122.77

• 71 Antwerp , Belgium € 122.91
• 72 Valencia , Spain € 123.04
• 73 Toledo , Spain € 123.34
• 74 Bruges , Belgium € 123.49
• 75 York , United Kingdom € 123.95
• 76 Seville , Spain € 124.56
• 77 Toulouse , France € 125.27
• 78 Lyon , France € 125.45

• 79 Santa Cruz de Tenerife , Spain € 126.20
• 80 Porto , Portugal € 126.38
• 81 Athens , Greece € 127.00
• 82 Oslo , Norway € 127.17

• 83 Innsbruck , Austria € 128.53
• 84 Naples , Italy € 128.95
• 85 Bucharest , Romania € 129.13
• 86 Galway , Ireland € 130.77
• 87 Lisbon , Portugal € 130.92

• 88 Pamplona , Spain € 131.13
• 89 Nice , France € 131.27
• 90 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Spain € 131.34
• 91 Dresden , Germany € 134.91
• 92 Rhodes , Greece € 135.11
• 93 Madrid , Spain € 136.25
• 94 Brussels , Belgium € 136.94
• 95 Cannes , France € 137.10
• 96 Berlin , Germany € 137.32
• 97 Bilbao , Spain € 137.46
• 98 Kiel , Germany € 137.79
• 99 Strasbourg , France € 138.19
• 100 Aix-en-Provence , France € 138.40
• 101 Palma de Mallorca , Spain € 138.53
• 102 Helsinki , Finland € 139.33
• 103 Sorrento , Italy € 139.76
• 104 Malaga , Spain € 139.88
• 105 Aberdeen , United Kingdom € 141.54
• 106 Mainz , Germany € 141.80
• 107 Dublin , Ireland € 143.38
• 108 Marseille , France € 147.79
• 109 Munich , Germany € 147.84
• 110 Saint-Tropez , France € 148.04
• 111 Tampere , Finland € 148.05
• 112 Mykonos , Greece € 148.62

• 113 Pompeii , Italy € 150.66
• 114 Vienna , Austria € 151.26
• 115 Costa de Prata , Portugal € 151.43
• 116 Rotterdam , Netherlands € 151.54
• 117 Newcastle upon Tyne , United Kingdom € 152.44
• 118 Dijon , France € 152.65

• 119 Florence , Italy € 153.76

• 120 Salzburg , Austria € 154.57

• 121 Belfast , United Kingdom € 155.33
• 122 Barcelona , Spain € 155.60

• 123 Stockholm , Sweden € 158.58
• 124 Bath , United Kingdom € 164.67
• 125 Edinburgh , United Kingdom € 166.23

• 126 Milan , Italy € 166.33
• 127 Stratford-upon-Avon , United Kingdom € 168.01
• 128 Glasgow , United Kingdom € 168.87
• 129 Rome , Italy € 169.69

• 130 Amsterdam , Netherlands € 174.54

• 131 Santorini , Greece € 175.05
• 132 Copenhagen , Denmark € 194.21
• 133 Geneva , Switzerland € 196.40
• 134 Lucerne , Switzerland € 200.45
• 135 Interlaken , Switzerland € 216.80
• 136 Basel , Switzerland € 220.91
• 137 London , United Kingdom € 221.56

• 138 Venice , Italy € 229.17

• 139 Reykjavik , Iceland € 230.40
• 140 Paris , France € 232.24

• 141 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc , France € 235.03

• 142 Zurich , Switzerland € 251.22
• 143 Avignon , France € 700.48

The Cheapest Cities for Other Regions

Country rankings for other regions.

The most affordable cities for travel in Europe are currently Kiev (Ukraine), Wroclaw (Poland), Gdansk (Poland), Timisoara / Temesvar (Romania), Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic), Moscow (Russia), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Krakow (Poland), Telc (Czech Republic), and Sopron (Hungary).

Affordable Travel in Europe

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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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The 18 Cheapest European Cities

Europe, with its captivating history, diverse cultures, and scenic landscapes, is a continent that beckons travellers from all corners of the globe. While some European cities are renowned for their luxury and high living costs, there exists a treasure trove of affordable destinations that offer an enriching experience without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, I will explore 18 of the cheapest European cities, providing insights into their affordability, cultural richness, and unique charm.

1. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria, is known as one of the cheapest cities in Europe due to its low cost of living and affordability for tourists. The city offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, including ancient churches and museums, at minimal or no cost. Accommodations, dining, and public transportation are significantly cheaper compared to Western European standards, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Sofia's pricing for essential tourist experiences, like meals in local restaurants and entrance fees for attractions, are lower, which allows visitors to explore the city extensively without spending a lot. Additionally, the city's compact size means that many sites are within walking distance, reducing the need for expensive transport options. This combination of affordable amenities, rich history, and the overall cost-effectiveness of tourism-related expenses contributes to Sofia's reputation as a budget-friendly European city.

• Local Beer: €1.50
• A dorm bed in a hostel: From €8.00

2. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest stands out as one of Europe's most cost-effective cities due to a combination of low living costs, affordable accommodation, and budget-friendly dining options. Its membership in the European Union, without adopting the Euro, further contributes to its status as an economical destination.

The city's unique blend of historical and modern influences, from its architecture to its vibrant cultural scene, offers visitors a rich experience without the high price tag commonly found in more mainstream European capitals. This balance of affordability and cultural richness makes Bucharest an attractive option for travellers seeking value and authenticity.

3. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw's affordability stems from its balanced economy, offering low living and travel expenses without sacrificing quality. The city combines rich historical sites, vibrant cultural experiences, and modern amenities at costs lower than many Western European capitals.

From budget-friendly dining and accommodation to free public attractions, Warsaw provides a cost-effective yet enriching travel experience. Its efficient public transport system further ensures visitors can explore the city's beauty affordably, making Warsaw a preferred destination for travelers seeking value and diverse experiences in Europe.

• Local Beer: €2.00
• A dorm bed in a hostel: From €10.00

4. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is distinguished by its exceptional affordability due to a combination of factors including low cost of living, economical dining, and accommodation options that are significantly cheaper than in many other European cities. Additionally, many of Budapest's attractions, such as its historic thermal baths and public parks, offer inexpensive or even free admission, further enhancing its appeal to budget-conscious travellers.

The city's extensive public transportation network is both efficient and cost-effective, allowing visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife without overspending. This unique blend of affordability, accessibility, and rich cultural experiences positions Budapest as a top destination for travellers seeking value in Europe.

• Local Beer: €2.50

More on Budapest

• Best Ruin Bars in Budapest
• Cheap Hostels in Budapest
• Best Hostels in Budapest
• Best Things to Do in Budapest

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague shines as a budget-friendly European gem due to its lower living and tourism expenses compared to many Western European cities. It boasts affordable accommodations, dining, and a plethora of activities that won't break the bank. The city is peppered with no-cost or inexpensive historical landmarks and lush parks, complemented by an economical and comprehensive public transit system. This blend of cost efficiency, historical richness, and cultural vibrancy positions Prague as an ideal destination for travellers seeking both value and deep cultural immersion.

• Local Beer: €1.80

More on Prague

• Best Hostels in Prague
• Cheap Hostels in Prague
• Best Bars in Prague
• Best Things to Do in Prague
• Best Cheap Restaurants in Prague
• Best Beer Gardens in Prague

6. Krakow, Poland

Krakow distinguishes itself as an economical European destination through its low living expenses, reasonably priced accommodations, and affordable dining choices. The city is rich in cultural and historical sites that often have minimal or no entry fees, offering substantial value to budget-savvy tourists.

Krakow's effective public transit further reduces costs for visitors, allowing easy exploration of its vibrant heritage and scenic beauty. This blend of cost-effectiveness and cultural wealth positions Krakow as a top pick for travellers seeking an enriching yet economical European experience.

• Local Beer: €2.20

7. Riga, Latvia

Riga stands out as an affordable Eastern European city due to its combination of low living costs and economical leisure options. The city offers a rich array of cultural and historical attractions at minimal or no cost, alongside budget-friendly dining and accommodation choices.

Riga's efficient and cost-effective public transportation system further enhances its appeal, making it easy for travellers to explore its architectural marvels and vibrant streets. This blend of low expenses and enriching experiences makes Riga a preferred destination for those seeking value and cultural depth in Eastern Europe.

• Local Beer: €3.00

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon shines as a beacon of affordability in Western Europe, with its relatively low living costs setting it apart. This picturesque city entices travellers with its cost-effective accommodation options, diverse and economical dining experiences, and an array of cultural attractions that often come with little to no expense.

The city's efficient public transportation network allows for affordable exploration of its historic streets and landmarks. Lisbon's unique charm, combined with its budget-friendly offerings, makes it a top destination for those seeking both value and a rich cultural experience in Western Europe. Hostels in Lisbon are very reasonably priced and are among the best hostels in Europe .

• Local Beer: €3.20

9. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade's allure as an economical Eastern European gem stems from its combination of affordable living costs with rich historical and cultural offerings. The city boasts a wealth of reasonably priced accommodations and dining options, enhancing its appeal to budget-conscious explorers.

With numerous attractions that are either free or low-cost, plus an effective public transport network, Belgrade offers an exceptional value proposition for travellers wanting to immerse in its vibrant life without straining their finances. This blend of affordability and cultural depth positions Belgrade as a prime choice for economical yet enriching travel experiences in Eastern Europe.

• Local Beer: €1.60

10. Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava distinguishes itself as a budget-friendly destination in Central Europe due to its lower cost of living compared to neighbouring capitals. The city offers a variety of affordable accommodation options, diverse culinary experiences that won't break the bank, and a plethora of cultural and historical sites with free or low entrance fees.

Its compact size and efficient public transport system further enhance its appeal, making it possible to explore its charming streets and attractions economically. This mix of affordability, accessibility, and rich cultural offerings makes Bratislava an attractive option for travelers seeking value in the heart of Europe.

11. Athens, Greece

Athens is recognized as a budget-friendly Mediterranean destination due to its combination of affordable living costs, diverse accommodation options, and reasonably priced dining experiences. The city is rich in free or low-cost historical and cultural sites, enhancing its appeal to value-seeking travelers.

Athens' efficient public transport system and walkable city center make exploring its ancient wonders and vibrant neighborhoods both easy and economical. This blend of cost efficiency, accessibility, and cultural wealth makes Athens an attractive option for those looking to experience the Mediterranean's charm without overspending.

• Local Beer: €3.50

12. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital, stands out for its affordability within Eastern Europe, thanks to its lower cost of living and an array of budget-friendly accommodations and eateries.

The city's efficient public transportation makes exploring its rich cultural scene and historical sites both easy and economical. Ljubljana's commitment to sustainability also offers numerous free outdoor attractions and green spaces, adding value for visitors seeking a blend of urban and natural experiences without the high costs typically associated with European capitals.

13. Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki distinguishes itself as one of Europe's most budget-friendly cities, attributed to its reasonable living costs, array of affordable accommodations, and plentiful dining options that cater to all budgets. This vibrant city offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences at minimal expense, including many free attractions.

Its excellent public transportation system facilitates affordable exploration of its diverse neighbourhoods and scenic waterfront, making it an appealing destination for travellers looking to experience the rich heritage and lively atmosphere of Europe without the steep price tag commonly found in larger capitals.

14. Valletta, Malta

Valletta, the capital of Malta, distinguishes itself as one of Europe's more affordable cities due to its relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals. This city offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options, along with reasonably priced dining experiences that cater to a range of tastes.

Valletta's rich history and culture can be explored through its numerous free or low-cost museums, historical sites, and public events. Moreover, the city's compact size and efficient public transportation system make it easy to navigate without incurring high costs, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in its charm and beauty affordably.

15. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn emerges as a budget-friendly gem in Europe, thanks to its combination of affordable living costs and a wealth of free or low-cost cultural and historical attractions. This picturesque city offers economical accommodation and dining options, alongside a user-friendly public transportation system.

Tallinn's compact size enables visitors to explore much of the city on foot, further saving on costs. Tallinn's blend of medieval charm, modern amenities, and cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive destination for travelers seeking a rich European experience without the hefty price tag.

• A dorm bed in a hostel: From €12.00

16. Porto, Portugal

Porto stands out in Western Europe for its affordability, offering lower living costs without compromising on cultural richness. This picturesque city is known for its cost-effective accommodation, diverse and reasonably priced culinary scene, and numerous attractions that are either free or low-priced.

This combination of economical living and rich experiences makes Porto a favored destination for those seeking value in the culturally diverse landscape of Western Europe.

• Local Beer: €4.00

17. Seville, Spain

Seville, nestled in Spain's Andalusia region, is celebrated for its affordability amidst the rich tapestry of Spanish culture and history. This vibrant city offers a plethora of cost-effective accommodation and dining options that cater to a wide range of budgets. The abundance of free or inexpensive cultural attractions, including historic sites, public parks, and lively local festivals, adds to its appeal.

Seville's good public transportation system further enhances its status as an economically accessible destination, making it a favored choice for travelers seeking the quintessential Spanish experience without the hefty price tag often found in larger cities.

18. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo, with its rich history and cultural diversity, stands out as one of the most affordable cities in Eastern Europe. Its cost of living is significantly lower than in many other European cities, offering budget-friendly accommodation, dining, and entertainment options.

The city’s abundant historical sites, many of which can be explored for free or at a minimal cost, along with inexpensive public transportation, make Sarajevo an attractive destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in cultural experiences without overspending.

Final Thoughts on the Cheapest European Cities

In conclusion, Europe is a continent that caters to all types of travellers, including those on a tight budget. The 18 cheapest European cities mentioned above provide a rich cultural experience and allow visitors to explore Europe without putting a major dent in their bank account. From historic landmarks to vibrant local scenes, these hidden gems offer a unique perspective on the continent, proving that a memorable European adventure doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.

20 Best Cities to Visit in Europe on the Cheap

Where to go for cheap travel in europe.

Europe can cost a lot of money as a travel destination. Cities like Stockholm, Paris and London are so expensive, even Europeans complain about them. 

But that doesn’t mean cheap travel isn’t possible on the continent. There are plenty of places that offer beauty, history and good food without breaking the bank.

These are the best cities in Europe for surprisingly cheap travel.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

20. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Best budget stay:  ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre

Best cheap attraction: The Dragon Bridge is a free attraction that provides some of the coolest photo ops in the city.

Note: This list comes from U.S. News and World Report's 2023-24 report .

Visiting Ljubljana on a Budget

The Slovenian capital remains an underrated and overlooked gem. With terracotta rooftops, stone bridges that cross the Ljubljanica River and a castle on a hill, this is storybook Europe at its finest. 

Ljubljana’s relative lack of fame works for budget travelers, as prices are much cheaper here than in other places that compare in beauty. A great way to see everything without spending a lot of money is to buy the Ljubljana Card , which provides entrances to several attractions, public transport, bike rental and even a river cruise.

19. Galway, Ireland

Best budget stay: Salthill Hotel  

Best cheap attraction: If you can find transportation to it, there is no entrance to the wild and beautiful Connemara National Park.

How to Visit Galway on a Budget

Ireland’s second city may be relatively small, but it packs a punch and doesn’t ask you to pay much for it. The Galway City Museum, the Galway Cathedral and St. Nicholas’s Collegiate Church are free to enter. This means you’ll have more money to spend at the pub at night.

If you have a car or know someone who does, don’t skip taking a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, which will give you unprecedented views of the Emerald Isle’s coastline.

18. Split, Croatia

Best budget stay:  Central Square Heritage Hotel  

Best cheap attraction: The Fortress of Starigard can be reached by hiking uphill for about an hour. At the top, there are incredible panoramic views, and the experience will only set you back about $4.

Visiting Split on a Budget

Split is one of Croatia’s most popular cities, yet it remains fairly affordable. The best thing to do is visit the Old Town, where cobblestone streets meet the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace. What makes the center so unique is that what’s left of the Roman palace has become a central part of city life, rather than being cordoned off. It’s also free for you to explore and enjoy as much as you want.

Other free and amazing activities include hiking the Marjan Hill and watching the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.

17. Zagreb, Croatia

Best budget stay: Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre

Best cheap attraction: Go on the hunt for amazing street art, which is so noteworthy that the city has started a Street Art Museum project.

How to Visit Zagreb on a Budget

Even though Dubrovnik gets more attention, Zagreb is the perfect place for those looking to beat the crowds. Free attractions include the Dolac Market, a local favorite and a great place to find souvenirs, and the Zagreb Botanical Garden. At the garden, you’ll find numerous native and non-native species as well as a stunning arboretum. 

Luckily, accommodations in the center are far from costly. This also means you won’t have to spend much money on transportation to get to sites like the Stone Gate and the Zagreb Cathedral.

16. Berlin, Germany

Best budget stay: Capri by Fraser Berlin

Best cheap attraction: Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. between September and June, the world-famous Berlin Philharmonic performs free shows that are open to the public.

Visiting Berlin on a Budget

If you needed another reason to think that Berlin is the coolest place in Europe, here it is. The capital city isn’t content to have world-class museums, countless historical attractions, more parks than you could visit, interesting architecture and possibly the continent’s best nightlife. It also has to offer all of this at a great price. 

Several main attractions are free. This includes the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the somber Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The Topography of Terror, a museum housed in former Nazi headquarters, is also free. Another popular place to enjoy without having to pay is the East Side Gallery, where street artists have found a perfect canvas on what’s left of the inner Berlin Wall.

15. Vienna, Austria

Best budget stay: Hotel Schani Wien

Best cheap attraction: For about $6, you can go up the South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and get amazing views of Vienna.

Visiting Vienna on a Budget

Another European capital to make it to the list, Vienna is like Berlin’s less loud, more refined older sister. You won’t get to go to the city’s famed Opera House for cheap, but there are plenty of other activities that travelers with limited budgets can enjoy.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the most popular free attraction. Cultural institutions like the House of Music and the Museum of Applied Arts also have discounted prices for specific dates and times. For food, look for restaurants with a set menu, or mittagsmenu, which typically costs about $12. Those with a sweet tooth will be happy to know that enjoying a famous sachertorte and coffee is an inexpensive local pastime.

14. Reykjavik, Iceland

Best budget stay:  Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel

Best cheap attraction: Take a free walking tour to get the lay of the land with a local guide.

Visiting Reykjavik on a Budget

We're not going to lie to you — Iceland isn't the cheapest destination on this list by a long shot, but there are ways to visit Reykjavik without completely blowing your travel budget. First and foremost, visit during the offseason months of September, October, February and March for cheaper accommodations while still being able to see the northern lights.

We also recommend a hike up Mount Esja for some of the best views in the area or a walk or bike ride along the city's coastline.

13. Granada, Spain

Best budget stay: Hotel Anacapri  

Best cheap attraction: The 19th-century Carmen de los Martires offers free admission. It has six large gardens, all done in different styles, including one imitating Alhambra’s famous Nasrid Gardens.  

Visiting Granada on a Budget

The main reason people visit beautiful Granada is to see the Alhambra. Sadly, the palace is not what we’d call cheap. But at around $36, it’s also not impossible, especially since this is simply the most beautiful Islamic palace in Spain. 

For budget travelers, the good news is that pretty much everything else in the city is cheap. Enjoy drinks and tapas for under $5, walk around the pretty Andalusian city, and visit parks and gardens to see other examples of Moorish architecture.

Best budget stay: Solana Hotel & Spa

Best cheap attraction:  If you're visiting in the summer, hit the beaches and go swimming.

Visiting Malta on a Budget

Like most European destinations, a visit to the island's ornate churches is always worth your time because they're free.

But most museums are also quite inexpensive, and if you plan on visiting a bunch in one trip, you can get the Malta Pass , which offers heavily discounted rates.

11. Corfu, Greece

Best budget stay: Cavalieri Hotel  

Best cheap attraction: Indulge in olives and olive oil. Corfu has around 2 million olive trees, which means that this healthy and nutritious food is abundant and cheap throughout the island.

Visiting Corfu on a Budget

Corfu is located on the Ionian Sea. As such, it is closer to Italy and Albania than it is to the Aegean Greek Isles. With two Venetian fortresses, a grand palace, imposing mountains and a long shoreline, there are plenty of (cheap and free) things to do on the island. 

Most of your time will be spent walking around and sunbathing, so you’ll save money while enjoying the island. There are also several churches and monasteries to visit, most of which are free of charge. Food in all of Greece is deliciously affordable, so you’ll get to relish in the Mediterranean diet while having money left over for all the souvenirs you could want.

10. Tallinn, Estonia

Best budget stay: Palace Hotel Tallinn

Best cheap attraction: The famed Dome Church is free and open to the public whenever services aren't taking place; however, a donation is highly recommended.

Visiting Tallinn on a Budget

Most people would never believe it possible to find a Baltic capital on a ranking of cheap European destinations. But Tallinn likes to surprise. It’s kind of its thing. 

Woefully underrated and under-visited, those in the know can take advantage of the city’s relatively inexpensive prices. Enjoy the Medieval Old Town, visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and spend time at the Kadriorg Park, which dates back about 300 years. 

9. Seville, Spain

Best budget stay: Hotel Baco  

Best cheap attraction: Plaza de España is Seville’s most important attraction. You can tour the semi-circular building and the square for no cost at all.

How to Visit Seville on a Budget

There is no town in Andalusia that isn’t breathtaking. So when people say Seville is the crown jewel of the Spanish region, you know it’s something special. 

The best part about the city is it's accessible to all kinds of travelers, including those who have to mind their budgets. Most of the best things in the city are free, including the Plaza de España, which virtually defines the city. Other free attractions include the Inquisition Museum and the Palacio de los Marqueses de Algaba. At the latter, you’ll see fine examples of Mudejar architecture, the Christian-Islamic mix that defines the region. 

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Best budget stay: Hotel Real Palacio  

Best cheap attraction: Lisbon has more than 30 miradours , or viewpoints that offer beautiful vistas over the city. Most of them are completely free to visit and are a popular spot for locals.

How to Visit Lisbon on a Budget

Hills and coastline define the topography of Lisbon, the cheapest Western European capital. This is a city that really checks all the right boxes. It has amazing food, friendly people, beautiful architecture, unique music, great weather and many parks. And it offers them all at bargain prices. 

The cheapest way to see the city is by foot, but you can get a Lisbon Card if you’re planning on using public transportation a lot. Many of the things to do in the city are free, since attractions mainly involve walking up and down the hills, taking in views and appreciating the Portuguese azulejos that transform the facade of buildings into works of art.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Best budget stay: City Hotel Dubrovnik

Best cheap attraction:  Walk through the Pile Gate to explore Dubrovnik's famous, walled Old Town.

How to Visit Dubrovnik on a Budget

While the architecture within Old Town can't be missed, it's important to get outside and walk along the coastline or to the top of Mount Srd for breathtaking views of the water from above.

Of course, "Game of Thrones" fans will be tempted to spend the typical $50 on a GoT Tour, but there are several self-guided tours available online that won't cost you a thing.

6. Istanbul, Turkey

Best budget stay: Turk Art Hotel  

Best cheap attraction: The Archaeology Museums is a cluster of museums that contains one of the largest collections of classical sculptures and art. The group is made up of the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Museum of Islamic Art. The entrance fee to each museum is about $3.50.

Visiting Istanbul on a Budget

A city famously straddling between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a living museum. Walking around the city will allow you to see incredible landmarks like the Roman Hippodrome and the Egyptian obelisks for completely free. Even better, the emblematic Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Blue Mosque are also free. 

Food is very cheap and very good, so most of your money will probably go towards buying beautiful decorations, clothes and items at the city’s many markets.

5. Athens, Greece

Best budget stay: St George Lycabettus Hotel  

Best cheap attraction: Aristotle’s Lyceum, where the Greek philosopher once held his Peripatetic School, is free and open to the public.

How to Visit Athens on a Budget

Once a center for an empire that continues to define Western culture, Athens is surprisingly inexpensive. The city invites all to rejoice in its numerous ruins, with many metro stations displaying archaeological findings for commuters and travelers. 

Food and accommodations are also affordable, so you don’t have to feel guilty about splurging on Greek food. This also gives you more leeway to visit the Acropolis, whose entrance costs about $25. 

Take advantage of the city’s many hills to wander through neighborhoods, get a glimpse at how locals live and get a bird’s eye view of the city. We recommend Strefi Hill, where you’ll also find one of the best outdoor basketball courts in the world.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Best budget stay: Roombach Hotel Budapest Center  

Best cheap attraction: Walk up the whimsical Fisherman’s Bastions for free and get a panoramic view of the city center, including the astonishing Parliament building.

How to Visit Budapest on a Budget

Budapest’s beauty is free for anyone to gawk at. This is particularly true along the Danube River, where anyone can simply walk about and take in the sight of the Buda Castle and the Parliament Building. It is also a perfect place to catch a sunset. Another cheap but worthy attraction is the Memento Statue Park, where for about $6 you can see all the communist statues that have been taken down and gathered in one place for those interested in seeing them.

The Hungarian capital also has reasonably priced food and drink, so you can try Hungarian wine and goulash without even thinking about the cost. 

3. Valencia, Spain

Best budget stay: Hotel Valencia Center  

Best cheap attraction: Any of the city’s beautiful sandy beaches are worth a visit.

Visiting Valencia on a Budget

Valencia is a thrilling mix of modern and Medieval architecture. While it is certainly a famous destination, it’s not as famous as we think it should be. Not only will you get all the best of Spain, including the delicious jamones, cheap wines and Moorish architecture, but you will also find extensive public beaches.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can spend time at the Central Market, or visit Valencia Cathedral and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Best budget stay: Mosaic House Design Hotel

Best cheap attraction: At the turn of every hour every day, the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall provides a free animated show to anyone in the Old Town Square.

Visiting Prague on a Budget

With storybook beauty, Prague is a city you visit simply to see it with your own eyes. The top things to do include walking on Charles Bridge, going up Petrin Hill and spending time at the Old Town Square. And none of these attractions charge anything. 

Accommodations, drinks and food are also very cheap, so budget travelers can experience the picturesque city just as much as more affluent travelers. We recommend spending most of your time just walking about town, drinking Pilsner Urquell and understanding for yourself why Prague is considered one of the best places to visit in Europe .

1. Porto, Portugal

Best budget stay: HF Ipanema Porto

Best cheap attraction: Porto residents and travelers head to the public Crystal Palace Gardens to get magnificent views of the Douro River and Porto.

Visiting Porto on a Budget

If Porto beats every other city in Europe — even Lisbon — as the best budget destination, it’s because it's beautiful almost to the point of absurdity. Like the rest of Portugal, it’s also very cheap. 

Most of the tourist area centers around the Douro River, where you can stroll about, catching street performers or capoeira groups doing their thing as large crowds gather around to watch. Thank Europe for its open container laws, buy a $3 bottle of wine — we promise it’ll be one of the best you’ve ever tasted — and sit by the edge of the river to take it all in. 

You can also walk about looking for photo ops with azulejos, the country’s famed blue tiles. Or take advantage of the free entrance to the city’s main attractions, like the Porto Cathedral and the Dom Luis I Bridge.

Honorable Mention: Glasgow, Scotland

Best budget stay: Ambassador Hotel

Best cheap attraction: The Gallery of Modern Art is one of Scotland's most popular museums and is free of charge.

Visiting Glasgow on a Budget

While this Scottish city didn't make the list of top 20 cheap travel destinations, we had to include it because it's one of the most affordable in the entire United Kingdom.

Glasgow also provides free admission to some of its most important places of interest, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Honorable Mention: Bucharest, Romania

Best budget stay: Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town

Best cheap attraction: Herastrau Park, Bucharest’s largest park, is a popular spot with locals for picnicking, reading, people-watching, or simply lying on the grass and enjoying the sun.

Visiting Bucharest on a Budget

Another European city that we had to include, Bucharest is beautiful, cheap and free of crowds. You won’t have to pay much to see the confluence of history and modernity that make the city pulse with an exciting energy.

For around $2, you can visit the Curtea Veche Palace, whose former resident, Vlad the Impaler gave rise to the myth of Dracula. The Soviet-era Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world, will only set you back $10. Food, beer and accommodations are also extremely cheap.

Honorable Mention: Belgrade, Serbia

Best budget stay: Hotel City Savoy  

Best cheap attraction: The Belgrade Fortress is the city’s most iconic landmark. The entrance fee is less than $5.

Visiting Belgrade on a Budget

The Serbian capital was once the heart of Yugoslavia and an important city for the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Austrian empires. Like many former Soviet nations, Serbia is relatively cheap compared to Western European countries, yet packs a heavy load of history. 

You’ll find that accommodations, food and transportation are very affordable. U.S. News and World Report points out the Church of Saint Sava as a perfect budget travel attraction. You can see one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world for free.

The 20 best places to visit in Europe on a budget

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• best-places-to-visit-in-europe-on-a-budget

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 .

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

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17 of the cheapest nicest city breaks in Europe to add to your bucket list

By Anna Prendergast and Connor Sturges

City breaks can be one of the most effective ways to tap into a country’s culture. Whether it’s a whirlwind weekend or a fortnight of getting to know a new neighbourhood, city breaks offer a full-bodied, in-at-the-deep-end immersion that beach resorts and remote country hotels seldom can. But that cultural crash course can come with a price tag, and hidden ones at that; flights from London to Venice sell for less than £20, but it’s one of Europe’s most expensive cities for accommodation and food. So we’ve broken down some of the latest data and tapped into editor intel on cheap city breaks in Europe for 2024, from a coastal cosmopolis to a snow-capped ski city.

In 2023, the Post Office released new data ranking affordable city breaks in Europe. You'll find some of the cities from their study below – including Lisbon , Athens and Riga. The full list from the Post Office is as follows:

Lisbon, Portugal

• Vilnius, Lithuania

Krakow, Poland

Athens, greece, riga, latvia.

• Porto, Portugal

Zagreb, Croatia

Budapest, hungary.

• Warsaw, Poland

Lille, France

Below, we've also included some of our favourite affordable European city breaks that might be a little less known, such as Klagenfurt in Austria and Berat, Albania. Going off the beaten track is a wonderful way to make your money go further – while exploring a lesser-trammelled part of the continent.

What is the cheapest European city for a holiday?

In 2023, the Portuguese capital of Lisbon won the title of the cheapest European city break thanks to its affordable food scene, cheap transport and bargain flights. Plus, Lisbon has, on average, the cheapest beer – all the more reason to visit.

What is the most expensive city in Europe?

Post Office data released in 2023 ranked Amsterdam as the most expensive city break in Europe.

Note: you’ll notice some wonderful European cities missing from this list, namely Kyiv. It has been tragically affected by the war in Ukraine, and should be avoided until safe to visit – until then, find out how to help the people of Ukraine right now , and see how you can support through your travel choices .

17 cheap city breaks in Europe

Tirana, Albania

Ten years ago, Albania was rarely on the radar of Brits craving a city break. That’s changing fast. Social media feeds showcasing the beauty of Albania ’s coastal stretches have piqued interest in the destination, and, in turn, many travellers are dipping their toes into the country with a long weekend in the capital. Since emerging from a drowsy communist slumber in the 1990s, the city is alive with colour and curiosity. Learn about Albania’s fascinating past at the National History Museum before boutique-hopping and coffee-sipping in upmarket Blloku. Best of all, Tirana offers some of the cheapest rooms in Europe. Hotel Mondial is the perfect four-star spot after long days exploring the city with its rooftop pool.

Istanbul, Turkey

Europe’s only bi-continental city is a feast for the senses. Gold glistens from shop windows in the Grand Bazaar, piles of saffron and heaps of cinnamon scent the Spice Bazaar, and stomachs rumble on tours of the ancient city’s tastiest, in-the-know spots. Religions and cultures clash at every corner – marvel at the Blue Mosque before a short walk to the gilded Hagia Sophia, originally a 6th-century church. The pound goes a long way here, so ensure there’s space in the suitcase to return with cupboard essentials and fashionable finds. Should you fall in love with the hand-woven carpets and art, shipping may be a necessary expense. The metropolis is home to plenty of opulent hotels , from the Mandarin Oriental to the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus ; however, stay at The Bank Hotel Istanbul for a less costly trip. It’s a member of Design Hotels, so expect all the luxury trimmings and shoulder-season stays for well under £200 a night.

Poland’s second city is rich in culture, has a thriving hospitality scene, and is pleasingly easy on the pursestrings. In the lead-up to Christmas , historic squares house charming markets where traders sell punchy, steaming concoctions and festive trinkets. Over summer, the same corners of the city come alive as visitors drink and dine on the cobbles before itinerary ticking their way around with visits to the imposing St Mary’s Basilica and trips down the Vistula. There are cheap hotels aplenty here, but, for something more characterful, check into Stradom House , a 14th-century church and monastery converted into one of Poland’s smartest places to stay.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cut off from the intricate rail network that has served much of Europe for over 25 years, Bosnia and Herzegovina retains a mystique that draws in-the-know travellers over the border from nearby Croatia in growing numbers. The country is home to one of the continent’s few remaining Indigenous Muslim populations and is a world away, architecturally and culturally, from neighbouring countries known for their beach resorts. Mostar’s highlights can be done in a day, but allow two or three, perhaps incorporating a day trip outside the enchanting city, to get under the skin of a destination so many travellers know such little about. Stay at Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija , set in a heritage-listed limestone house just steps away from the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge.

It might be surprising, but according to a study that came out in May 2023, Lisbon is the cheapest city break in Europe right now . It's the first time the city has topped the Post Office's list of affordable European cities. If you'd like to plan a trip, several budget airlines fly from London to Lisbon (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Tap Air Portugal), and while the pretty Portuguese capital is known for its award-winning restaurants , travellers can still dine out on a dime – a three-course meal averages around £39. On the move, you’ll get change from a two-euro coin when buying coffee or a mandatory pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém. Beer here is the cheapest of any city that came out in the top 10 at around £2.26 (putting London’s £6 pints to shame) and a Viva Viagem card can save you up to half off tram journeys. For a place to stay, there are plenty of affordable hotels in Lisbon . We love Hotel 1908 , where smart rooms in one of the city’s most iconic buildings can be booked from £104 per night. Or you can save further by opting for an Airbnb. Some of the city's top trending Airbnbs, like this pretty apartment with a private balcony in Lapa , can be taken over for around £50 per night.

This year’s Post Office City Costs Barometer ranked Greece’s historical capital as the fourth cheapest city break in Europe . Hotels in Athens are particularly good value, with plenty of small, family-run and boutique bedrooms. According to the survey, two nights at a three-star hotel for two guests average £89 – but super-central One Three One is steps away from Monastiraki Flea Market and goes as low as £52 per night, while guests will find balcony views of the acropolis at Hotel Adonis , which has a rooftop terrace and costs as low as £83 for a double room (breakfast included).

According to the Post Office, Riga is one of the cheapest cities in Europe – it came out fifth in the 2023 rankings. Wind your way through the narrow alleyways of the charming Old Town, find €2 samsas for lunch at the central covered market located in converted Zeppelin hangars, watch free live music in Dome Square and see striking architecture such as the House of the Blackheads (€6 entry) and the medieval Swedish Gate. But one of the most underrated ways of seeing Riga is on the water – rent a paddleboard for just €15 on the banks of the Daugava River.

Culture can be found on every corner of this city. Hop on a flight (a one-way ticket from London to Zagreb can get as low as £13) and spend your days strolling through the city’s (surprisingly pedestrian-friendly) streets, pop by open-air markets (Dolac Market has excellent local food) and sit down at outdoor cafés to watch the world go by.

Stacey Lastoe

Alessia Armenise

Hannah Summers

Sarah James

This French city is accessible via Eurostar in just one and a half hours from London, and flights from London can be as cheap at £43. Once you’re there, knowing the under-the-radar places to book is key. Mama Shelter Lille is a colourful haven very close to both of the city’s main train stations with rooms from £79, and there are a host of locally revered restaurants nearby. Head to Rue des Bouchers for cute bistrot vibes – Chez Brigitte has a lunch menu offering three courses for €29, or visit some of the local markets for stalls and trucks selling mouthwatering dishes and local-inspired cuisine.

Delve deeper beyond the typical tourist traps and you’ll find a host of tucked away spots that are surprisingly affordable. The city has an incredible architectural heritage, so walk through both sides of the city admiring buildings and you may stumble upon some globally revered masterpieces – according to co-founder and former editor-in-chief of WeLoveBudapest.com, Regina Papp . There are some amazing hotels in Budapest too, with plenty of affordable options.

Klagenfurt, Austria

When return flights from the UK to Klagenfurt are cheaper than a one-way train ticket from London to Birmingham , it seems rude not to (and as far as I’m aware, Birmingham doesn’t benefit from an Alpine backdrop and Mediterranean climate). Klagenfurt is one of Austria’s most affordable cities to visit (main courses are around €6; the farmers’ market on Benediktinerplatz is a great place for local bargains), and its spectacular setting on the eastern bank of Lake Wörthersee makes it one of the most scenic, too. June is the cheapest time to go, before the summer crowds and wild swimmers descend on the waterfront.

Kaunas, Lithuania

Vilnius has long been topping lists of the cheapest places to go on holiday , but Kaunas to the west is even less expensive, and earlier this year was named as one of 2022’s European Capitals of Culture for its music, art and theatre. Its yearly CityTelling Festival hosts a wide variety of performances and exhibitions that place the city’s Jewish heritage centre stage, and access to most events is free, while four-star hotel rooms are as little as €60 a night. For the best views of the Baltic city, a funicular up Aleksoto Hill will cost just a couple of euros. The best bargain in town? Spurginė’s €0.75 spurgos (or doughnuts).

Berat, Albania

Like Puglia’s trulli or Chefchaouen’s all-blue buildings, Berat’s unforgettable white Ottoman houses are totally unique in their collective existence and visual impact. The simple, traditional rooms inside also provide a super-affordable way to stay here, as many are guest-houses or independently-run hotels, such as Hotel Vila Aleksandar or Hotel Mangelemi , both around £35 per night. Head up the steep cobblestoned streets to see the 13th Century Berat Castle (entry is free) and take in the ‘town of a thousand windows’ from the top.

Brașov, Transylvania, Romania

A cheaper alternative to Bucharest (which is still, by European standards, incredibly good value), Brașov is surrounded by the scenic Carpathian Mountains. A cable car up to the top of Mount Tampa costs just 20 lei (£3.55) for aerial views of the brick-red rooftops, whilst local tour operator Walkabout provide a free walking tour every morning at 10.30am, setting off from the fountain in Piata Sfatului. Pick up local delicacy kürtőskalács (a spit-roasted, sugar-covered ‘chimney cake’) to maintain your energy levels from the stall nearby.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Not only did Bulgaria take the lead (side by side with Turkey ) as cheapest all-round destination in Europe in the Post Office’s Holiday Money Report 2022, but the country is also home to some of the world’s cheapest ski resorts. Sofia, the capital, is just over 10km away from the Vitosha Mountains which provide impressive winter conditions for snow bunnies and cost a fraction of the price of resorts in France or Italy . Wine and Bulgarian beers are notoriously cheap, and downtown Sofia is known for its high-energy party atmosphere. Entry to clubs is seldom more than €10, with live DJ sets and late-night events at Maze or Culture Beat (which also has a great summer terrace for cocktails).

Izmir, Turkey

Despite the British pound tanking in recent weeks, it has remained strong against the Turkish lira (at time of writing, £1 would buy you ₺21), so travellers to Turkey can get great value for money. On Turkey’s Aegean coast, Izmir has resisted the price hikes of Istanbul and tourist traps of Ankara whilst preserving its 8,500-year-old Kemeraltı bazaar and ancient Roman agora. The historic sites and architectural relics coexist with cosmopolitan culture and traditional cuisine – try pide on the pier or baked potatoes with a choice of toppings at Atıştır Café. An hour out of town is Ephesus, an ancient city built by the Greeks and well worth a detour.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Whilst the transcontinental city of Tbilisi is the most expensive place to live in Georgia, by European standards it’s exceptionally affordable for holidaymakers. A cascade of new hotels have opened in the last few years, such as the lovely Guest House Lile with double rooms from £21 per night (if you book through booking.com , you can even get a free transfer from the airport). Foodies should book a table at Barbarestan, a family-run restaurant with authentic recipes and local ingredients, where you can eat for around £40 each – not bad for somewhere given a nod by the crew behind the World’s 50 Best Restaurants .

Cheapest Cities in Europe | Top 15 European Travel Destinations to Visit

Planning an upcoming trip and looking for some of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit on a budget? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because I spent over three years living around Europe, and am quite experienced as a budget-traveler/ backpacker! 

While Europe is typically known for being a rather expensive continent to explore, there are actually loads of cheap places to travel in Europe without breaking the bank. You can dive into rich cultures, discover historical buildings, eat delicious food, party the night away or relax on the beautiful beaches. And all of this can be done in the most affordable European cities. As well, these destinations are suitable for every kind of traveler, and have so much charm! 

If you are a thrifty traveler that wants to experience the magic of Europe, read on for my list of the cheapest European cities to visit. Europe really doesn’t have to be as expensive as you may think! So if your upcoming holiday is limited to your budget, this shouldn’t stop you from having an amazing time.

1) Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is not only one of the most affordable cities in Europe, but it is also one of the most spectacular! The Hungarian capital has been landing on more and more travelers bucket lists, due to all that the city has to offer. With plenty of beautiful architecture, historical landmarks, and unique culture, Budapest is a worthy destination for any visitor. 

If you are traveling on a budget, then Budapest is always a good choice. The city has many fantastic backpacker’s hostels, and it’s known for its affordable nightlife. There are also lots of great sights to enjoy for free. 

Some highlights of Budapest include the stunning Parliament Building, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and the Danube River that separates the city in two halves. Whether you are looking for history, architecture, parties or museums, Budapest will be a really fun destination. 

Hungary uses the forint as its currency, which is significantly weaker than the euro. This allows you to stretch your money even further in one of the best cheap cities to visit in Europe. 

Average daily cost (on a budget): €34

The best cheap/free things to do in Budapest:  

• Explore the historic Fisherman’s Bastion
• Walk up the Castle Hill for amazing views
• Wander through the interesting Jewish Quarter
• Pay a visit to Heroes Square

2)  Krakow, Poland

Poland is one of the greatest cheap holiday destinations in Europe. And Krakow is arguably the cheapest city in Europe and one of the best to visit in Poland. You could spend a couple of really enjoyable days wandering through the second largest city in Poland, seeing all that there is on offer. 

Not only is Krakow a really cool city to explore, but you can also get exceptional value wherever you go. Krakow has become a pretty popular destination to visit for a weekend, and so it caters well to young, budget-conscious travelers. 

The backpacker hostels offer particularly good value. There is also a brilliant nightlife scene here – thanks to the really cheap alcohol available. 

The best cheap/free things to do in Krakow: 

• Enjoy the many bohemian cafes and bars at Plac Nowy
• Visit Wawel Royal Castle for free
• Walk around the city’s main square
• Visit the Contemporary Art Museum for free

3)  Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius cityscape in a beautiful summer day, Lithuania

Vilnius is a pretty small city and is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe. It may not have the kind of tourism draw of other cheap European destinations, but this shouldn’t stop you from visiting! Vilnius is an absolute hidden gem. Lithuania’s capital is jam-packed full of stunning sights and exciting things to experience. 

You could marvel at the Gediminas Castle Tower, the Vilnius Cathedral, and plenty of beautiful 16th-century architecture. If you are considering a trip to Eastern Europe, then Vilnius will provide an excellent insight into the culture and life of the area. 

Vilnius has plenty of brilliant hotels, backpacker hostels, and self-catering accommodation. If you are planning a very cost-effective trip, buying food from supermarkets is incredibly cheap (restaurants here could raise your budget). 

Nightlife here is also really affordable, so why not give one of Europe’s cheapest cities a try during your visit? 

Average daily cost (on a budget): €39

The best cheap/free things to do in Vilnius:  

• Visit the impressive Cathedral Square
• Admire the magnificent Gediminas Tower
• Explore the Uzupis Constitution old town area
• Enjoy the many affordable cafes

4)  Porto, Portugal

Just because you are traveling through Europe on a budget, it doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on some amazing experiences. Porto is a city that allows you to experience all kinds of wonderful luxuries. 

You can enjoy delicious (but still cheap) food, the famous port wine, and enjoy well-priced accommodation in Porto Portugal. For budget-conscious travelers trying to save money, we would recommend renting an apartment in the city center (the value for money is brilliant) and it is much cheaper than a hotel. 

Porto is a truly spectacular city with loads on offer. You can explore the pretty riverside area, wander through the cities old buildings, visit many fascinating museums, and eat incredible Portuguese cuisine. 

Porto is a romantic place, and it is definitely one of the best cheap European destinations. From the visible history and culture to the stunning scenery and amazing food, this is the kind of place that any kind of traveler can enjoy. 

Average daily cost (on a budget): €35

The best cheap/free things to do in Porto:  

• Walk along the charming Ribeira and the Luis I Bridge
• Indulge in some port wine tasting
• Visit the crystal palace gardens
• Relax on Matosinhos Beach

5)  Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul presents a unique mashup of cultures. This is where east meets west, allowing you to experience all kinds of interesting sights and attractions. Istanbul has always been a top travel destination for all that it has to offer. Luckily, it is also one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe as you are able to keep costs manageable. 

Explore the bustling streets, smelling the piles of spices, and tasting all kinds of wonderful foods . The city is full of markets, historical buildings, and a lovely riverside setting. As Istanbul is a popular tourist destination, some aspects of traveling here can be pretty expensive. 

This includes hotels, upmarket restaurants, and visiting the main, paid attractions. However, if you rent an apartment ( Airbnb is a great option here ), and stick to the amazing street food, your wallet will be very happy.

Istanbul is one of the most exciting and affordable European cities. With all of the sounds, smells and sights to take in here, your visit will be loaded with fun things to experience. 

The best cheap/free things to do in Istanbul:  

• Taste the delicious and cheap street food
• Shop around the Bomonti flea market
• Visit Yildiz Park
• Visit Istanbul Modern for free on Thursdays
• Admire the impressive Suleymaniye Mosque

6)  Warsaw, Poland

Poland’s capital city is more exciting than many people may realize. This is the largest city in Poland and has all kinds of wonderful museums and historic points of interest on offer. Beyond this, you can enjoy a really vibrant nightlife scene, busy shopping, and unique local culture. 

Spending time in Warsaw does not have to set you back much. Food and drinks are really affordable, as is public transport. You can also get some pretty good deals on hotels around the city. 

Not only is Warsaw an amazing city to visit in its own right, but it is also a great base for exploring more of the affordable Poland area. 

The best cheap/free things to do in Warsaw:  

• Visit the Warsaw Rising Museum and all other museums for free on Sunday
• Enjoy the peaceful Vistula River Beaches
• Wander through the old part of town

7)  Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is an iconic European destination, but this doesn’t mean that visiting here has to be expensive. While Prague is definitely more pricey than the rest of the Czech Republic, it still manages to be one of the most affordable European capitals.  

One of the best things to do in Prague is to just wander the old streets and admire the historic architecture. This won’t cost you a thing. While the city has plenty of brilliant attractions, just soaking up the atmosphere and surroundings are the best thing to do here. Prague is also known for its incredibly cheap beers (less than €1 for a pint). Needless to say, the nightlife here is cheap and loads of fun. 

As long as you plan your trip wisely, and avoid possible tourist traps, Prague can be one of the cheapest cities to travel in Europe. Try to avoid hotels in Prague, as these can really inflate the cost of your trip. We would recommend the many brilliant backpacker hostels or staying a short distance outside of the city hub. 

Average daily cost (on a budget): €40

The best cheap/free things to do in Prague: 

• Admire the Old Town Square
• Enjoy the cheap beer and local food
• Visit the impressive Astronomical Clock
• Explore the Jewish Quarter
• Take a free walking tour

8)  Sofia, Bulgaria

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in the center of Sofia, capital of Bulgaria against the blue morning sky with colorful clouds

Exploring the Balkan nation of Bulgaria can be really budget-friendly. If you would like to experience this magnificent country, then staying in the capital city, Sofia, is a great idea. 

Sofia is a completely beautiful city to walk around and explore. The architecture here dates back more than 2000 years – reflecting periods of Roman, Greek, Ottoman, and Soviet occupation. The food here is tasty and cheap, and you can find some really affordable accommodation around the busy parts of the city. 

Sofia may not be the most popular tourist destination – but this doesn’t mean that it is not a magnificent city to visit! With the history, culture, and all-round beauty, any visitor will be sure to have an amazing time in Sofia. 

The best cheap/free things to do in Sofia: 

• Visit Sofia’s Art Gallery (free to enter)
• Enjoy the hot mineral water from the Banya Bashi Springs
• Watch the changing of the guard in front of the president’s office

9)  Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is certainly on the rise as a tourist destination – especially for those that aren’t traveling on a massive budget. Bucharest is one of the most affordable cities in Europe, especially when food and drink are concerned. You can enjoy the rich cafe scene (similar to Paris), and the many awesome bars, without spending much money at all. 

The Old Town of the city has been restored fairly recently. This means that there are all kinds of shops, bars, guided tours, restaurants, and other fun things to do around here. 

Whether you just want to wander around this beautiful city, or indulge in some of the really fun nightlife, you will be pleasantly surprised. Your money can go a long way in Bucharest – something that allows you to have a fairly indulgent holiday here, which makes it one of the best cheap places to visit in Europe. 

Average daily cost (on a budget): €30

The best cheap/free things to do in Bucharest: 

• Check out the graffiti at Garajul Ciclop
• Admire the impressive Palace of Parliament
• Explore the old streets in the city and visit the affordable cafes

10) Riga, Latvia

Even though Riga is one of the most inexpensive European cities, there are still so many reasons to visit this fantastic destination. Riga is a beautiful city, loaded with historic charm and plenty of unique Latvian culture. One of the best things to do in Riga is to just walk between the colorful old buildings, absorbing the one-of-a-kind atmosphere that can be found here. 

One of the big reasons that many people don’t include Riga in their European travel itineraries is that it is a pretty removed city. If you do make the effort to get there though, you will be rewarded with cheap prices and amazing attractions. 

Hostels here are really cheap (and of good quality), food and drink are low priced, and nightlife is plentiful. 

The best cheap/free things to do in Riga: 

• Admire the views from St Peter’s Church
• Visit the Central Market
• Indulge in the cheap nightlife
• Visit the War Museum for free

11) Tallinn, Estonia

If you want to explore the Baltic region, then Tallinn is one of the most spectacular destinations to visit. Sure, this Estonian gem is a little bit more expensive than other cities in the region. However, it is one of the most beautiful and enticing Baltic cities for travelers. 

Compared to other European cities, Tallinn offers exceptional value. Accommodation is cheap (there are many fantastic hostels here), food and drinks are always low priced, and the nightlife is really popular. As Tallinn is so close to Finland, it has become quite a well-known place to go for a cheap weekend away. 

Visiting Estonia is not always so popular, as it is pretty far away from other major destinations. However, when it comes to cheap European cities that are well worth making the effort to find – Tallinn rates very high. 

Average daily cost (on a budget): €45

The best cheap/free things to do in Tallinn: 

• Enjoy the beautiful views from Kohtuotsa viewing platform
• Explore the Balti Jaama Market
• Visit the Town Hall Square
• Take a free walking tour of the city

12) Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade from river Sava with tourist riverboats on a sunny day

Belgrade is a unique city that offers plenty of bang for your buck. The Serbian capital is not so well known for world-famous landmarks and attractions. Rather, this is a destination worth visiting to soak up the authentic character and atmosphere that Serbia has to offer. 

The country uses the dinar as its currency – this is significantly weaker than the euro. This allows you to stretch your money pretty far during a visit. The vibrant character of Belgrade can be experienced through its many bars, nightclubs, and prominent street art.  

Food is very affordable here – even if you are eating at a high-end restaurant. The coffee here is also delicious (and cheap). As Belgrade is known for being quite a party hotspot, there are many really good, fun backpacker hostels to choose from. These all offer excellent value for money. 

Average daily cost (on a budget): €25

The best cheap/free things to do in Belgrade: 

• Explore the bustling area of  Knez Mihailova
• Admire the view from Kalemegdan Fortress
• Visit the bustling markets
• Party the night away in cheap nightclubs

13) Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is an absolute European gem. The Slovakian capital is definitely worth visiting for anyone that wants to soak up some beautiful sights and rich cultural heritage. Bratislava is a stunning destination, and it is also one of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit. 

Bratislava is conveniently located near Vienna, so it is often included in travel itineraries. Those that come to visit will be impressed at how much more affordable everything is here. You can find quality accommodation, really delicious meals, and plenty of great bars without spending loads of money. 

Walk around the beautiful old town, and take in all the amazing sights and landmarks around you. Slovakia is definitely an underrated destination, with Bratislava being the crown jewel and one of the cheapest places to go in Europe. 

The best cheap/free things to do in Bratislava: 

• Walk around the beautiful historic part of town (free walking tours are also available)
• Climb up to Slavin
• Visit one of the brilliant museums for free on the first Sunday of each month
• Wander through the Mileticova open-air market

14) Split, Croatia

Split, Croatia with the Mosor mountains in background.

Croatia is one of the world’s most amazing travel destinations, and Split is a fantastic city to visit here. Located along the coast, Split offers that classic Croatian beach holiday experience. You can swim in the warm sea, explore historic parts of the neighborhood, or take in the unique Croatian culture. 

Most Croatia visitors will head straight to Dubrovnik, but the city of Split also has so much to offer. If you are after cheap places to travel in Europe that still offer a quality experience, then Split should be on your list. You can visit fantastic local restaurants, stay in all kinds of different and affordable accommodation, whilst still being based in a truly marvelous city. 

Split has a pretty busy port, so it is a great city to start your Croatian trip if you are planning on visiting some islands. 

Average daily cost (on a budget): €37

The best cheap/free things to do in Split: 

• Enjoy the great beaches located around the city
• Explore the historic Diocletian’s Palace
• Walk up to the top of the Marjan Hill
• Visit the Starigrad Fortress

15)  Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe, due to its affordability as it is crammed with a lot of the least expensive European cities. If you are traveling to this budget-friendly country, then visiting the capital city of Lisbon is a must. Lisbon offers visitors a spectacular experience without a major price tag. 

You can enjoy the quality of food and wine that Portugal is famous for. Being situated along the coast, there is plenty of natural beauty to soak up while you are here. The city is definitely a European highlight – with its old buildings, prominent architecture, and many famous landmarks. 

Restaurants here are very budget-friendly, as are the many hostels scattered throughout the city. You can also really enjoy your time around Lisbon without spending anything, as so much of your trip will just be spent walking around, taking in your surroundings. 

The best cheap/free things to do in Lisbon: 

• Relax on Carcavelos beach
• Explore the Mercado de Santa Clara
• Enjoy the sunshine in Poetas Park
• Visit the Church of Sao Roque

What Are Your Favorites Among the Cheapest European Cities?

I hope by now you’ve found some travel inspiration for your next budget trip to Europe, but this list really could have gone on for much longer! There are so many cheap cities in Europe to visit, and with some travel-hacking/ being wise with your money, it’s actually pretty easy to explore Europe!

Planning a Trip to the Cheapest Cities to Visit in Europe….?

My site is filled with helpful travel articles, destination guides, and detailed itineraries to help you explore this beautiful continent! I’ve for you to take a look through a few of my favorites below, and let me know what you think! As always, if you ever have any questions about traveling Europe on a budget, feel free to reach out to me on social media or shoot me an email and I’d be happy to assist any way I can!

• The 20 Best Techno Festivals in Europe to Experience This Summer
• 4 Days in Paris | The Ultimate 4-Day Paris Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Tuscany | Top 20 Resorts, Villas & Hotels
• 80 Fun, Fascinating, and Interesting Facts About Italy
• The Best 10-Day Italy Itinerary For First-Timers
• The 13 Best Places to Visit in Europe in February
• 2 Days in London Itinerary | How to Spend 48 Hours in London
• Top 18 Music Festivals in Scotland to Experience Before You Die
• The 23 Best Music Festivals in Ireland To Experience Before You Die
• 2 Days in Madrid | How to Explore Madrid in 48 Hours 
• 2 Days in Copenhagen | The Best 48 Hours/ Weekend Guide to Copenhagen
• Flashpacking Finland | My Northern Lights Bucket List Adventure
• 2 Days in Budapest | The Ultimate 48 Hour Weekend Guide to Budapest
• 2 Days In Berlin itinerary | How to Explore Berlin in 48 Hours
• 2 Days in Prague | What to See & Do in Prague in 48 Hours’
• 2 Days in Athens | The Best 48 Hours Guide to Athens

Final Thoughts on the Cheapest European Cities to Visit

If you are after the cheapest destination in Europe, this doesn’t mean that you will have to compromise the quality of your trip. Although it is generally an expensive continent, Europe actually has plenty of amazing cities to visit that are wallet-friendly. 

You can still witness the remarkable historic architecture, landscapes, and unique culture that makes Europe so desirable, without spending loads of money. As long as you are smart with your spending, your money can go a long way. 

There is no reason to avoid visiting Europe based on your finances. This is a continent that everyone can actually enjoy, as long as you visit the right destination.

Thanks for reading my guide on Cheap Cities in Europe!

Share your favorite cheapest city in europe with your backpacker friends.

You left out the one that is cheaper than 90% of those Chistinau, Moldiva check my post on Moldova. https://www.caribbeansolotraveller.com/why-not-visit-moldova/

For regular traveler they know which European city is cheaper in price and which is not although you need to do research before going if you don’t know moreover you can also hire travel agency for arrangement works.

Oh, I’ve been in Split 4 years ago, nice town I should admit. If you will go there try istrian stew. “One of the most popular national dishes of Croatia is istrian stew”

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The 16 Cheapest Cities in Europe to Visit for Frugal Travelers!

Steve Cummings

September 30, 2023

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Traveling to Europe is usually more expensive for frugal travelers. The cities have higher costs than those countries in South East Asia in which you can live on pennies. Europe does have a variety of affordable cities to visit. Here are the 16 cheapest cities in Europe to visit for frugal travelers.

1. Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is known for being one of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit. The food is much more affordable, and a pint of beer is about 2 Euros. It is hard to beat. Prague is the capital, and all bring tourists from far and wide. It is not as cheap as it once was, but compared to many European cities, it still beats them in price. Budget travelers would love to visit Prague and enjoy one of the best cities in Europe.

Related: From Castles to Cafes: A Tour of the 16 Best Things to do in Prague

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is by far one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has castles, a tremendous parliamentary building, massive churches and synagogues, and a whole host of Austrian Hungarian Empire architecture that delight you. 

One of the most incredible things about Budapest is the affordability of the city. Food can be dirt cheap, the accommodation has low prices, and transport is efficient and affordable. It is hard to beat Budapest as a great destination to travel to. 

3. Kotor Montenegro

About a three-hour drive from Dubrovnik, Croatia, sits the small town of Kotor, Montenegro. For tourists and frugal travelers looking for a much cheaper place than Croatia, Kotor comes to mind. It is a walled city sitting off the port and entrance to the sea. They use Euros, and the food and accommodations there are super cheap. It is a small town that can be used for relaxing for a day or two or even a day visit from Croatia, but it is one of the best budget cities for frugal travelers . 

4. Krakow, Poland

Krakow should be on your list of must-see places in Europe or your bucket list. It is not only known for being affordable but also for having a beautiful old Town surrounded by colorful buildings. The city is full of museums and galleries. Krakow can be a hopping-off point to see other sights in Poland, such as the infamous Auschwitz. So adventure to Poland and visit one of the best budget European cities. 

5. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

If you thought Prague was cheap, you must check out Cesky Krumlov. Cesky Krumlov is a little town southwest of Prague. Most people may do a day visit here from Prague, but spending a couple of days here could be a significant part of a trip.

They have some super affordable bed and breakfast places, and the activities can make a relaxing visit to the Czech Republic . If you are there for the summer, you can take a trip down the river in a kayak and enjoy the fantastic weather. Save some money and head to Cesky Krumlov.

6. Porto, Portugal

Portugal is full of amazing things to do and see. It is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. So where should you go? Most people would go to Lisbon, but a much more affordable destination is Porto. Porto is located in the northern part of Portugal near the sea and offers port wine, beautiful houses, and steep alleyways. 

It is full of things to do, like going on a Port wine tour, tasting a delicious Pastel De Nata, or taking a free walking tour. It has one of the lowest costs of living in all of Europe and is an amazing place to visit. 

Related: 16 Fantastic Things to do in Portugal

7. Belgrade, Serbia

Traveling to Belgrade, Serbia, offers many travelers affordability through activities that do not cost much. Belgrade offers many sights to see, such as Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, and if you want, go to Ada Ciganlija lake for a day of watersports. Belgrade offers many travelers a taste of Balkan culture at an affordable price.

8. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Most people have probably yet to hear of Ljubljana, Slovenia. That could be a good thing. You will notice this beautiful town sitting on a river if you visit. It has beautiful Baroque architecture and a charming river walk full of cafes, restaurants, and scenery.

The castle overlooks it and provides a great place to visit if you are looking for a budget-friendly city. The food is very cheap, and the price of wine is around 2 Euros a glass at many restaurants. This charming city in Slovenia is a place not to be missed. So come and check it out. 

9. Athens, Greece

As the capital of Greece, you wouldn't think that Athens would be on the list of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit, but the city is full of many things that make it affordable. Most ancient ruins you may want to see are free to enter, like the Acropolis. Then you visit many of the streets near the Acropolis for some genuine Greek Cuisine, and much of the food is very affordable for many frugal travelers. 

10. Valencia, Spain

Valencia is the third largest city in Span and offers a quieter and more relaxed pace of life. That being said, Valencia is not a boring place. It has beautiful beaches, festivals, food, and sports parks and is has the City of Arts and Sciences that you can explore. Spain is a very cheap place compared to the rest of Europe, making Valencia one of Europe's most affordable cities to visit. Compared to Barcelona, the prices can be lower by 15-20%, and food and transportation costs are much cheaper. 

11. Palermo, Italy

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe . It is full of attractions that can bring joy to many different people. It has beautiful cobblestones in the streets, beaches to see, and places to hike. The magnificent churches and famous palaces offer culture and architectural delight to your eyes. There is something for everyone in this affordable city in Italy. 

12. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia could be one of the cheapest European cities on this list to visit. The food and drinks are some of the cheapest in all of Europe, and that makes people traveling on tight budgets to be able to travel longer. It also offers excellent views from Mount Vitosha and makes sure to visit historical sites like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or Boyana Church. There are many things to see and do in Sofia, and it is such an affordable place to visit. 

13. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn has something for everything and at an affordable price, which allows budget travelers to continue to travel even longer. There are museums, a view of the Baltic sea, cobblestones, an old town, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. So many things can be done, and Tallinn will offer a frugal traveler a great vacation at a low price.

14. Bucharest, Romania

Romania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to visit, and visiting the capital city Bucharest, should be on your list. Bucharest, unlike many other famous places in Romania, is relatively cheap. It is also full of fantastic things to see, like Stavropoleos Church and the People's Palace. 

You can also walk through the old town, explore the streets of Bucharest and explore some of the cafes and restaurants. The accommodations and attractions are affordable, offering tourists and visitors a budget-friendly place in Romania. 

15. Bratislava, Slovakia

Just an hour east of Vienna sits the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava is a destination few people talk about. If you visit, you will notice many different cafes, little restaurants, and many places to visit. This tiny town is a place where many Viennanes may visit for a nice dinner because the costs are super cheap and affordable compared to Vienna. The beautiful castle overlooks the city, and you will have a chance to enjoy their different types of food and have a good beer for less than 2 Euros. 

16. Zagreb, Croatia

Many people visit Croatia for the beaches, island hopping, and wine sipping off the Adriatic sea. Zagreb is an overlooked city in Croatia, but it offers so much at a lower price than Dubrovnik or Hvar. Zagreb has fantastic restaurants, museums, galleries, and iconic landmarks. Ban Jelacic Square is a must-see for visitors. It is in the center of Zagreb, an iconic landmark. Escape the tourist-infested coastline for a more tranquil visit to Zagreb.

Related: 15 Epic Things to do in Croatia

These 15 Countries Are So Safe, You Can Leave Your Doors Unlocked

A safer world is a priority for many people, such as travelers, those with families, and all sorts of others. Many countries are safe to travel to and to live in, with strong economies, laws that prevent gun deaths, and political stability. So let's look at a list of some of the safest countries in the world to live in or to travel to.

Discover the Top 15 Safest Countries in the World

These 15 European Summer Destinations Will Make You Want to Pack Your Bags Today 

Many people flock to Europe over the summer to take advantage of the incredible scenery, the delicious food, and the classic architecture and culture. There are plenty of places to see, discover, and adventure as you embark on your European vacation. Here are 15 top destinations to see in Europe. 

15 Top Destinations to See in Europe During The Summer 

See Europe Without Breaking the Bank: 19 Cheapest Countries to Fly into

As summer is coming, plans need to be made about where to travel next. Europe is a great destination to embark on an incredible journey by seeing many famous spots, eating fantastic food, and enjoying a coffee at a local shop. However, choosing the cheapest flying destination can take time and effort.

Check out These 19 Cheapest Countries to Fly into Europe!

Discover The 18 Secret Gems of Europe That You’ve Never Heard Of

Europe is known for many wonderful places, such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and the beautiful Santorini. There are also many unknown beautiful places that people should visit. Here are a few of the best unknown places in Europe to consider for your next trip:

I’m Steve. I’m an English Teacher, traveler, and an avid outdoorsman. If you’d like to comment, ask a question, or simply say hi, leave me a message here, on Twitter (@thefrugalexpat1). Many of my posts have been written to help those in their journey to financial independence. I am on my journey, and as I learn more I hope to share more.  And as always, thanks for reading The Frugal Expat.

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City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Cheapest cities in europe | the best budget-friendly travel destinations.

We rank Europe's best cities from cheapest to the most expensive to find which destinations offer the best value.

Traveling to Europe doesn’t mean having to shell out the big bucks because there are still some great budget-friendly cities. So we crunched the numbers to find the cheapest cities in Europe.

But we believe that just because a destination is “cheap” doesn’t mean it is necessarily worth visiting. That’s why in this list we’ve focused on finding which European cities offer the best value for your money and that offer enough of a draw to warrant a visit.

The Best Cheap Cities in Europe

In this list we’ve focused on factors such as food costs, accommodation costs, attraction prices, transportation prices, and a few other data-points in an attempt to paint a holistic picture of the costs to visit each city.

The cities on this list start with the cheapest and then get more expensive as it goes on.

1. Krakow, Poland

Krakow is one of the best bang-for-your-buck cities in Europe because prices are affordable and it’s actually a cool city to spend a few days exploring. Thanks to the cheap alcohol prices, Krakow has become a very popular nightlife destination for weekend trips. There is also a large number of excellent hostels that are much nicer and much cheaper than their Western Europe counterparts.

Krakow Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $10-$15/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $40-$120/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $2
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $4-$12
• In-Depth Krakow City Price Guide

2. Riga, Latvia

Riga is a beautiful city that doesn’t get as much love as it deserves. It has multiple excellent and cheap hostels. Food and drink is affordable and there is plenty of quality nightlife options. The main problem with Riga is how far away it is from everything else — so getting there isn’t always cheap/convenient .

Riga Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $6-$15/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $40-$150/night (see on Booking.com)
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $2.5-$4
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $5-$15
• In-Depth Riga City Cost Guide

3. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw was nearly wiped off the map during WWII but much of it was rebuilt to look as it did before the war. And then it spent years under Soviet control so there are some interesting Communist architecture. These days it’s a vibrant capital city that is largely overlooked by most travelers. Hearty Polish food is very affordable and the vodka is cheaper than water.

Warsaw Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $5-$14/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $40-$150/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $1.5-$3.50
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $4.50-$12

4. Istanbul, Turkey

Once you get past the cost of getting there, Istanbul ends up being be a very budget-friendly city with a ton of interesting things to check out. Rental apartments and hostels are cheap and even some upscale hotels are affordable — so you can snag a 5-star hotel for the price of a 2-star hotel in Paris or London. And you can also find plenty of cheap eats without too much trouble.

Istanbul Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $12-$18/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel (3-Star) and Rental Apartment Prices: $40-$100/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $1.50-$4.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $3.50-$7.00

5. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is another city that tops our list of the best value cities in Europe. Budapest has become famous for its nightlife but it’s a legit city that offers plenty of sights and things to do. You can find plenty of cheap restaurants serving up excellent local dishes and cheap beer. In addition, hostels and hotels are very affordable and the quality is great.

Budapest Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $15-$25/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $1.80-$4
• In-Depth Budapest City Price Guide
• The Best Hostels in Budapest
• Best Things To Do In Budapest

6. Tallinn, Estonia

Of all the cities in the Baltic region, Tallinn is the most expensive but it’s still very budget-friendly destination. It’s also the most beautiful city in the region. Tallinn’s proximity to Finland has made it a place where they come to party on the cheap. Hostels are nice and cheap and a good meal won’t set you back much. The main trouble is getting there since it is located away from a lot of other major European cities.

Tallinn Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $15-$20/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $40-$80/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $3-$6
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $7.00-$14.00

7. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Just about everyone has heard of Prague (which is still fairly affordable destination) but the nearby beautiful town of Český Krumlov has long been a favorite of the budget travel crowd. There are plenty of affordable bars and restaurants, and the hostels and hotels are reasonably priced. Český Krumlov also offers plenty of nice hiking and outdoors activities.

Český Krumlov Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $15-$21/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $50-$150/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $1.2-$2.50

8. Split, Croatia

Croatia is quickly becoming one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe And while Dubrovnik gets a bulk of the travelers, the beautiful city of Split has flown under the radar a bit — which also means it is a cheaper destination. But Split is still a great place to spend a few days and it makes a nice jumping off point for exploring Croatia’s islands.

Split Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $17-$28/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $45-$125/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $2.50-$3.50
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $5-$16

9. Prague, Czech Republic

There’s a reason that Prague is one of the most popular European destinations — it’s absolutely beautiful, it has a ton of great nightlife, and it’s been a relatively cheap place to visit. And while prices have gone up quite a bit over the past few years, you can still find affordable places to sleep, cheap beer, and hearty meals that won’t break the bank (but you’ll need to seek out the deals).

Prague Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $20-$28/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $55-$130/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $1.50-$3.50
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $6-$18
• Best Hostels in Prague
• In-Depth Prague City Price Guide
• Things To Do in Prague

10. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is one of those little gems that rarely makes it on most people’s travel checklist but it’s a solid budget-friendly spot to spend a few days. It’s an extremely livable city and it is home to more than 50,000 university students — which means plenty of budget-friendly bars and restaurants. Ljubljana is also surrounded by natural beauty — most notably the picturesque Lake Bled.

Ljubljana Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $18-$29/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $50-$125/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $2.50-3.50
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $5.50-$16.50

11. Naples, Italy

The gritty port city of Naples may not have the charm or must-see sights found in other major Italian cities but the city does offer some nice bargains. On the plus side, Naples is the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza and accommodation can be a downright bargain. The city is also a decent gateway to Southern Italy and to Pompeii. So if you’ve already seen Italy’s highlights you might want to check out Naples.

Naples Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €8-€21/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €45-€135/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €1.50-€3.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €7.50-€18.00
• Naples City Price Guide

12. Porto, Portugal

While Lisbon is currently one of Europe’s “it” budget-friendly destinations, slightly gritty city of Porto offers some nice sights and experiences at slightly cheaper prices. There is beautiful Medieval architecture everywhere you look and there are plenty of places to enjoy cheap, delicious, and authentic Portuguese food. Porto also has a surprisingly high number of really nice hostels.

Porto Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €18-€28/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €45-€110/night (see on Booking.com)
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €1.50-€2.50
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €5.50-€10.00

13. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the best value cities in Western Europe and it’s just finally starting to get on the tourism radar. There are numerous sights and attractions to check out and the city itself is very shabby chic. You can still find plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and there are a surprising number of great hostels. The beer is cheap and Portugal produces great cheese and wine — which is also affordable. As an added bonus, the budget airline TAP Air offers cheap flights and you can often add up to a weeklong stopover in Lisbon for free/cheap.

Lisbon Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €14-€26/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €40-€110/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €2.00-€5.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €6.50-€17.00
• Lisbon City Price Guide
• Best Things To Do in Lisbon

14. Seville, Spain

Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and it also offers some great deals for visitors. Accommodation is very affordable, the beer and wine is cheap, and you can fill yourself on cheap tapas when you go out drinking. As a side note, summers get extremely hot so you might be able to find some deals if you visit in the dead of summer.

Seville Prices:

• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €65-€120/night (see on Booking.com )
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €7.50-€1.00

15. Berlin, Germany

Berlin might not be as cheap as it was but it’s still very affordable. There is a ton to keep you busy for days and the nightlife is epic. Berlin has a large stock of hostels and rental apartments so that helps keep accommodation prices down. There are also lots of good deals on food and beer to be found. There are sometimes cheap transatlantic flights to Berlin but you can often find cheap flights to Berlin from other European countries.

Berlin Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €18-€36/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €45-€115/night (see on Booking.com)
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €2.0-€3.50
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €8.00-€16.00
• Best Hostels in Berlin
• Daily Costs to Visit Berlin
• Best Things To Do In Berlin
• Berlin Pass Review

16. Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a cultural powerhouse and a very popular destination, but there are still some good bargains to be found. Accommodation is affordable and there are some quality budget places to eat. And, unlike Barcelona, you can easily fill up on free tapas when you order a drink. Additionally, we’ve found quite a few cheap transatlantic flights to Madrid and there are tons of cheap flights from other European cities — which helps bring down the travel costs quite a bit.

Madrid Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €18-€34/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €75-€165/night (see on Booking.com )
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €10.00-€18.00
• Best Hostels in Madrid
• Daily Costs To Visit Madrid
• Best Things To Do in Madrid

17. Athens, Greece

Greece was hit hard by the economic recession and it is still struggling to climb back. That’s why Athens still fairly affordable. You’ll still pay a premium if you stay near the Acropolis but accommodation that’s located away from tourists sights is cheap — especially rental apartments. Food and drink can also be very affordable. The main issue with Athens is how far away it is from other European cities — so that will add quite a bit to your overall travel costs.

Athens Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €10-€28/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €40-€165/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.0-€5.50
• Daily Costs to Visit Athens

18. Nice, France

The French Rivera isn’t exactly cheap but Nice is the cheapest place to stay if you want to explore this beautiful part of France. Accommodation prices can get a little expensive in the summer but you food costs aren’t too bad. You can also hang out of the beach if you go broke. Furthermore, there are a handful of super cute coastal towns nearby as well as Monaco.

Nice Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €20-€41/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €70-€165/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.0-€4.50
• Daily Costs to Visit Nice, France
• Best Things to Do in Nice, France

19. Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is often called Belgium’s hidden gem that very few visitors know about but it’s a nice place to spend a night or two. It’s a cute university town that’s full of culture, food,, beer, and a youthful creative energy. Hostels are a little more expensive than you’d expect since there are only two or three in town but rental apartments are cheap.

Ghent Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €23-€28/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €35-€80/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.00-€5.00

20. Hamburg, Germany

Berlin may get lots of love for being a cheap and sexy but Hamburg gives it a run for its money. This port city only has a handful of attractions/museums but there are lots of cool bars, affordable restaurants, hip shopping and some solid street art. Hamburg doesn’t have a ton of hostels so the cheap beds in the good hostels get snatched up quickly.

Hamburg Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €27-€39/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €55-€160/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.50-€5.50
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €8.00-€17.00
• Daily Costs to Visit Hamburg
• Best Things To Do in Hamburg

21. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a magically beautiful medieval city that has recently become very hot with visitors — so the prices are rising very quickly and it can feel ultra-touristy in the summer. Food and drink can be a bit on the expensive side but there are some deals if you seek them out. Accommodation skews toward the expensive side as well — especially in the Old Town. Dubrovnik is also a little difficult to reach so getting there can be a little costly.

Dubrovnik Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $ 25-$43/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $80-$170/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $4.50-$6.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $9.00-$18.00
• Daily Costs to Visit Dubrovnik

22. Dublin, Ireland

No visit to Ireland is complete without a couples days spent in Dublin. Unfortunately, Dublin might be a small city but it still has big city prices — especially for hotels and food/drink. But you can often find decently prices hostels and rental apartments. Luckily, Dublin is home to Ryanair so there are tons of cheap flights to the rest of Europe and there are often cheap transatlantic flights.

Dublin Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €20-€40/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €75-€200/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €5.00-€7.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €12.00-€20.00
• Best Hostels in Dublin
• Daily Costs to Visit Dublin
• Best Things to Do in Dublin
• Dublin Pass Review

23. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a lovely city that isn’t exactly cheap and it can be a bit pricy to get to, but the hostels and rental apartments are fairly affordable. Food and alcohol can get a little expensive but after a whisky or two you won’t care about the prices. That said, prices during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (basically all of August) skyrocket so beware of that.

Edinburgh Prices:

• Hostel Prices: £12-£32/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: £60-£200/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around £3.75-£5.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: £10.00-£18.00
• Daily Costs To Visit Edinburgh
• Best Hostels in Edinburgh

24. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is an incredibly cute medieval town that’s totally worth a visit if you’re in the area. Bruges’ only industry is tourism so food and drink is a little expensive but you’ll only visit for about two days so it’s not that big a deal. There aren’t a ton of accommodation options (especially hostels) so you’ll have to book early if you want to snag the best deals. On the plus side, you can score some excellent Belgian beer for cheap.

Bruges Prices:

• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €90-€120/night (see on Booking.com )
• Daily Costs to Visit Bruges

25. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of our favorite cities in Europe and luckily its prices are reasonable. The city offers multiple sights and it has some of the best nightlife in the world. Accommodation can get a bit expensive if you want to stay in the center of town. Food and drink are about average for a major European city but there are some deal here and there. Barcelona is well-connected to most European cities so getting there shouldn’t cost too much.

Barcelona Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €28-€50/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €80-€170/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.50-€5.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €10.00-€20.00
• Best Hostels in Barcelona
• Daily Costs to Visit Barcelona
• Best Things To Do In Barcelona
• Barcelona Pass Review

26. Florence, Italy

Florence is a major tourist draw so it’s easy to end up spending a lot of money when you visit — but it’s also one of those cities where you can visit on a budget if you do a little research. Cheap hostels do fill up quickly so we suggest booking early. Luckily, you can still get a solid meal and nice wine for affordable prices. Florence is also well-connected to the rest of Italy via rail so train tickets are also affordable if you book ahead.

Florence Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €24-€40/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €65-€170/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €4.00-€6.00
• Best Hostels in Florence
• Daily Costs to Visit Florence
• Things to do in Florence

27. Rome, Italy

While Rome certainly isn’t cheap, it does offer a lot of bang-for-your-buck because there is so much to see and do. There are also a ton of flights into Rome so you can often score a reasonably-priced ticket. Hotels are fairly expensive but surprisingly hostels and rental apartments can be relatively affordable. We also love that you can eat fairly cheaply if you stick with classic pasta dishes — but you can quickly run up a big bill if you’re not careful.

Rome Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €22-€38/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €60-€170/night (see on Booking.com )
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €11.00-€20.00
• Best Hostels in Rome
• Daily Costs to Visit Rome
• Rome Pass Review
• Best Things To Do Rome

28. Vienna, Austria

It shouldn’t be too much of a shock that one of Europe’s most livable cities is also a tad expensive place to visit. But budget hotels aren’t too terribly expensive and hostels and rental apartments are very reasonable. Food can set you back if you’re not careful but beer is usually pretty cheap. Vienna’s attractions can be a little expensive depending on what you want to see. There aren’t many affordable transatlantic flights to Vienna but it’s well-connected to most European cities.

Vienna Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €22-€34/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €50-€150/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.50-€4.50
• Best Hostels in Vienna
• Daily Costs to Visit Vienna

29. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is another picturesque town in Austria that’s worth a visit — whether it’s over night or just a day trip. There aren’t a ton of hostels so prices can be a bit high if you don’t score one of the cheap beds. Food and alcohol can be on the expensive side since Salzburg is such a large tourist draw.

Salzburg Prices:

• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €50-€140/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.00-€4.50
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €9.00-€16.00

30. Marseille, France

While Marseille might not be one of our top five French cities, this gritty Mediterranean port city gives a unique view of France that you won’t find anywhere else. Accommodation prices are cheaper than Paris or Nice but they’re not exactly cheap either. However, Marseille does have a rich gastronomic culture (especially seafood) so you can find some solid meals for affordable prices and there are a handful of cool attractions and beaches to check out.

Marseilles Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €26-€30/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €50-€120/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.50-€6.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €10.00-€15.00

31. Lyon, France

Lyon may be France’s “second city” but its France’s gastronomic capitol. It’s also a lively city and a great place to soak in the good life for a couple of days. Accommodation is very reasonable and this is a good place to spring for a nice meal or two without breaking the bank. Lyon isn’t much of a beer city but you’ll find excellent and affordable wine everywhere.

Lyon Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €25-€31/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €55-€130/night (see on Booking.com )

32. Milan, Italy

Italy’s fashion and business capital can be expensive to budget travelers but you can often find very affordable transatlantic flights to Milan. Hotels and hostels tend to be on the expensive side but rental apartments are reasonable. Food is also reasonable with a little planning. Milan doesn’t have a huge number if must-see sights but it’s a nice place to spend a couple days — and there are a handful of nice day trips from Milan.

Milan Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €24-€42/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €70-€150/night (see on Booking.com )
• Best Hostels in Milan
• Daily Costs To Visit Milan

33. Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre is a series of five tiny fishing villages on the Italian coast. These five beautiful villages are a very popular destination that end up being fairly pricy since its such a tourist hotspot. You can find solid meals but it’s hard to find many budget options. Another main draw to Cinque Terre is hiking between all five of the villages. You can save some money by staying in the nearby big cities and taking the train in.

Cinque Terre Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €26-€46/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €90-€160/night (see on Booking.com )
• Best Things To Do In Cinque Terre

34. Brussels, Belgium

In our opinion, Brussels is one of Europe’s most overpriced cities. It does have some nice highlights but there aren’t really enough to justify the prices — we’d rather spend our travel budget in in the nearby cities of Paris or Amsterdam. So what makes it so expensive? Mainly, it’s a large business hub and it is the capital to the European Union so the hotels and restaurants cater to these well-paid visitors. But there are some nice hostels and excellent beer so maybe it’s not all bad.

Brussels Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €25-€35/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Daily Costs To Visit Brussels
• Best Things To Do in Brussels

35. Munich, Germany

The capitol of Bavaria makes a great and relaxing place to visit for a few days. And while it isn’t a cheap destination, there are still some deals to be found and some fun things to check out. However, if you visit during Octoberfest the accommodation prices become absurdly expensive.

Munich Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €29-€35/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.50-€4.00
• Best Hostels in Munich
• Daily Costs to Visit Munich
• Best Things To Do In Munich

36. Paris, France

No one would say that Paris is cheap but it’s a world-class city that deserves a multi-day visit. The real budget-killer is going to be accommodation so even hostels and rental apartments will set you back a pretty penny. Food isn’t cheap either but luckily you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat or drink (wine) well. Additionally, if you travel during the off-season you can often score cheap flights into Paris.

Paris Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €36-€54/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €85-€165/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): €5.00-€8.00
• Daily Costs To Visit Paris
• Best Hostels in Paris
• Best Cheap Restaurants in Paris
• Best Things To Do in Paris
• Paris Pass Review

37. Amsterdam, Netherland

Amsterdam is another city that we love but it can be an expensive place to visit. It has plenty of hostels, hotels, and rental apartments but they’re nearly all universally pricy. And while Amsterdam is a relatively small city, you’re still paying food prices similar to London or Paris. Amsterdam does have a large airport so you can sometimes find affordable flights into the city.

Amsterdam Prices:

• Hostel Prices: €42-€58/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €150-€200/night (see on Booking.com )
• Best Hostels in Amsterdam
• Daily Costs to Visit Amsterdam
• Best Things To Do In Amsterdam

38. London, England

London is another world-class city that isn’t exactly cheap. Hotels tend to be expensive but hostels and rental apartments aren’t too crazy (but they’re still pricy). Food and alcohol are on the expensive side as well as transportation. On the bright side, a lot of the museums are free, but the paid sights are expensive… so yeah. Even so, London is an excellent city that really shouldn’t be skipped. Luckily, London is a huge air hub so there are a lot of cheap flights to/from there (transatlantic and within Europe).

London Prices:

• Hostel Prices: £20-£40/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: £88-£200/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around £4.00-£7.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: £10.00-£20.00
• Best Hostels in London
• Daily Costs To Visit London
• Best Things To Do In London
• London Pass Review

39. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik has gone from a sleepy city to a tourism hotbed over the past few years so prices are constantly rising in his already expensive city. Alcohol is expensive. Food is expensive. Accommodation is fairly expensive so its best to book early. Most people come to Iceland to explore its natural beauty so taking a tour or renting a car/4×4 is also expensive. That said, there are quite a few cheap flights to Reykjavik so actually getting there shouldn’t set you back very much.

Reykjavik Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $40-$110/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $90-$225/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $10-$12
• Average/Good Meal Prices: $15.00-$25.00
• Daily Costs to Visit Reykjavik

40. Venice, Italy

Venice justifiably has a reputation for being a very expensive city since its economy is almost 100% reliant on tourism. Your biggest cost is going to be accommodation since there aren’t many hostels and hotels charge a premium. That said, if you stay a little outside the dead center of Venice prices are actually quasi-reasonable. The affordable places are all off the island but try to stay on the island if you can since Venice is magical at night. Venice has a ton of tourist trap restaurants so you have to be very careful about not getting ripped off so do your research.

Venice Prices:

• Hostel Prices (On The Island): €40-€55/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Hostel Prices (Off The Island): €25-€30/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: €90-€200/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around €3.00-€7.00
• Average/Good Meal Prices: €12.00-€22.00
• Daily Costs To Visit Venice
• Best Things To Do In Venice

41. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen has an understated cool that visitors are finally discovering. Visitors are also starting to discover how expensive Copenhagen is. Then again, all of Scandinavia is expensive. Copenhagen has a handful of cool sights but it’s really become a destination for foodies, coffee junkies, and craft beer lovers. Accommodation can also get pricy so get your wallets ready. On the plus side, a lot of budget airlines are starting to fly to Copenhagen so you can sometimes find cheap transatlantic flights there.

Copenhagen Prices:

• Hostel Prices: $35-$60/night (see hostels on Hostelworld )
• Budget Hotel and Rental Apartment Prices: $120-$200/night (see on Booking.com )
• Beer Prices (Pint of Local Beer): Around $6.00-$10.00
• Best Hostels in Copenhagen
• Best Things To Do In Copenhagen

42. The Rest of Scandinavia

Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen. Gothenburg, Helsinki… they’re all expensive. Prices in these cities are very similar to Copenhagen so use that as a guide. Furthermore, a big draw to visiting Scandinavia is experiencing nature and the fjords, Northern Lights, mountains, lakes, etc. so taking guided tours of these sights will also cost quite a bit. On the positive side, the budget air carrier Norwegian Air offers many cheap flights to Scandinavia so that’s one of the few ways to save money.

43. Switzerland

Yes, we know Switzerland isn’t a city but every Swiss city is universally expensive — especially Geneva and Zurich (both of which aren’t really that interesting). We prefer the smaller towns and cities like Lucerne, Bern, Zermatt, Gimmelwald, Interlaken, etc. Regardless of where you visit, expect to pay $40-$55+/night for a hostel and even a meal at McDonald’s will set you back $12-$15.

Tips For Making Any European City More Budget Friendly

Let’s face it… many of Europe’s best cities aren’t cheap but there are ways to make them as affordable as possible. Let’s take a look at some of our best tips for lowering your travel costs.

Score A Cheap Flight To Europe

Most people assume they’ll have to pay well over $1,000 for a plane ticket to Europe but that’s often not the case. There are a number of budget airlines that fly from the US to Europe for some crazy low prices ($280-$450 r/t).

Icelandair , Level , Norwegian , Primera Air , WOW Air , TAP Air Portugal , and XL Airways are all budget airlines that offer cheap flights between the the US and Europe.

We use Google Flights to search out the cheapest deals — we simply plug in our local airport and then type in “Europe” as the destination and it gives you flight costs for multiple destinations.

We also subscribe to Scott’s Cheap Flights email list as they’re always finding cheap flights so this can be a good way to score a great deal.

Flexibility is also the key for finding cheap flights so you’re probably going to end up paying more if you have a very narrow travel window. Even a single day can make a $100-$300 price difference.

Expensive Cities Have The Cheapest Airfare

The most expensive cities tend to be the cheapest to get to. Let’s take Paris vs Bucharest for example — we’ve seen multiple flights from NYC to Paris for $300-$350 roundtrip but flights to a cheaper city like Bucharest might cost well over $1,100. So be sure to factor in these different costs to find each destination’s value.

Spend More Time In Fewer Locations

I know we’re guilty of wanting to visit a ton of cities when we travel to Europe but you’ll end up saving money if you visit fewer places. First of all, you save on transportation costs and you’ll have more time to explore each location.

Second, you can often get a discount on accommodation if you book longer stays. For example, most Airbnb hosts give a discount if you book for a week. I know we’ve negotiated discounts of 10%-15% for longer stays.

Book Transportation and Accommodation Early

The best deals on the most desirable accommodation tend to get booked up early in the summer so don’t wait until last minute if you’re traveling on a. budget.

Furthermore, long distance train tickets are cheapest around 2-3 months before departure and slowly rise as the departure date nears. The same goes for flights within Europe. So, if you can, try to book early.

Try Couchsurfing Or Renting A Room

While it’s not for everyone, you can save a ton of money if you add a few nights of Couchsurfing into your travel plans.

Or you can simply rent a room (as opposed to renting an entire apartment) via Airbnb . Sure, it’s not free, but it’s a much more reliable way to secure a room than Couchsurfing.

Limit Restaurant Meals & Do Your Research

Eating out will kill your budget if you’re not careful. So if you have the ability (i.e. you’re renting an apartment or staying in a hostel with a kitchen) you can save quite a bit if you make a few of your own meals.

We love throwing together a quick picnic and eating it in a park.

Furthermore, we highly recommend that you spend a little time researching restaurants for when you do eat out. This will help you avoid tourist traps or just subpar restaurants.

Seek Out Free Museum Days

Most European cities have one day a month where museums are free or sometimes individual museums have a free day/night once a week.

Research City Sightseeing Passes

Depending on your travel style, you might be able to save some money by picking up a museum pass — but that’s not always the case. We’ve written up reviews for some of the most popular city passes:

• Rome & Vatican Pass Review 
• Vienna Pass Review
• Stockholm Pass Review
• Barcelona  Pass Review

Travel During The Off Season

You can score some big discounts on airfare and accommodation if you travel during the off season.

Travel in Groups

Traveling with a group of friends can save you quite a bit on things like accommodation if you stay in a rental apartment or book an entire private hostel room. And if you all cook your own meals then you’ll save even more because for cooking for two people is just about the same as cooking for five people.

And while we love train travel, you can often save on travel costs by renting a car and spitting it between multiple people.

Time Is Money

Remember that your time is valuable so we wouldn’t recommend traveling halfway across Europe to visit one country that’s far away from all the other places on your travel itinerary.

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Cheapest Cities in Europe – 7 Top Picks for Travellers!

Europe is often overlooked as a budget destination. But savvy travellers can spend months in the continent for little more than you’d spend in Southeast Asia or South America – you just need to know where to go! 

Predictably, most of the cheapest European cities are found in the east. They offer a fascinating blend of rich culture, intriguing history and budget-friendly prices. But if Eastern Europe isn’t for you, there are plenty of penny-pincher-friendly cities waiting to be explored in the West too! 

This list of the cheapest cities in Europe has been put together using extensive research, first-hand experience and the help of our Facebook community who are travelling in Europe right now! 

Related: (links open in a new tab)

• The Cheapest Countries in Europe
• Non-Schengen Countries to Reset Your Visa
• Europe Travel Budget – How Much Does It Cost to Backpack Europe?

Europe’s Cheapest Cities – The 7 Most Budget-Friendly Backpacking Destinations!

If you’re reading through this article thinking to yourself, “Where my Nan lives in [insert quirky town here] is cheaper than that place!”, you are probably right! For the purposes of this article, we’ve decided to focus on only the cheapest tourist destinations in Europe. After all, why bother heading somewhere cheap if there is nothing to do?! 

Each spot on this list has plenty of facilities for travellers, including cheap accommodation options, things to do and places to eat and drink!

To get the most accurate prices for these budget-friendly European cities, we’ve used a combination of our own knowledge, the views of our fellow travellers and the official ‘ Europe Backpacker Index’ ! 

So, whether you’re looking for a cheap city break or a longer adventure, we’ve got you covered with our collection of the cheapest places in Europe! Grab your bank card , book a cheap flight and hit up any of these budget-friendly destinations in Europe! 

Budapest, Hungary

Currency – Hungarian Forint ($1USD is approx. 350HUF)

Budapest Costs:

• Dorm Bed – 4500-13,500HUF (approx. $12-40USD)
• Hotel Room – From 13,500HUF (approx. $40USD)
• Street Food/Fast Food – Approx 2,000HUF ($4.50USD)
• Meal and Drink in A Budget Restaurant – Approx. 3,500HUF ($10USD)
• Beer – Approx. 700HUF ($2USD)
• Recommended Daily Backpacker Budget – 11,000-18,000HUF ($30-$50USD)

Arguably the cheapest city for tourists in Europe, Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is known for historic architecture, a fascinating past and is perhaps most popular with backpackers for its jumping nightlife! The city plays host to one of Europe’s best music festivals – Sziget – so time your visit with that for a true blowout!

In years gone by, Budapest was two cities split by the Danube, Buda and Pest – I wonder how long they discussed calling it Pestbuda before settling on Budapest?!

While super popular with tourists, Budapest hasn’t yet fallen into the trap of inflated prices and tacky attractions. It retains its local charm, keeps prices low and offers everything a seasoned backpacker could want! 

Ruin bars are a unique and budget-friendly place to party in Europe while parks peppering the city provide a wonderful free place to relax and recharge after a heavy night. Head to Karavan , where a variety of food trucks serve tasty treats at low prices! Plus, don’t miss the tip-based free walking tours for an overview of the city’s history. 

If you fancy more walking, take a leisurely stroll along the Danube and watch the city do its thing. Or, for something a little more strenuous, head into the hills of Buda for a scenic hike! 

Our top tip for saving money in Budapest is to download the Budapest Go app and use it to purchase a 15-day transport pass. For around $20USD you’ll get unfettered* access to Budapest’s public transport systems including the metro, buses and trams. 

*Bear in mind that it’s not totally unfettered access as some buses, like the airport bus, aren’t included on the pass. 

Best Budget Accommodation in Budapest:

• Shantee House
• Maverick City Lodge
• Flow Spaces

Bucharest, Romania

Currency – Romanian Leu ($1USD is approx. 5RON)

Bucharest Costs:

• Dorm Bed – 55-110RON (approx. $12-$24USD)
• Hotel Room – From 140RON (approx. $30USD)
• Street Food/Fast Food – Approx. 20RON ($4.50USD)
• Meal and Drink in A Budget Restaurant – 30-60RON (approx. $6-$12USD)
• Beer – 10RON (approx. $2USD)
• Recommended Daily Backpacker Budget – 180-220RON (approx. $40-$50USD)

Romania’s capital city, Bucharest, is one of the largest and cheapest cities in Europe. It’s home to one of the world’s largest buildings, The Palace of Parliament, and offers an exceptional experience for travellers wanting to get a little off the beaten track. Bucharest, while growing in popularity, is still under-visited when compared to other capital cities in Western Europe. 

The city is a vibrant mix of neighbourhoods, with the old town being favoured by most travellers. It’s the only part of the city that remained mostly intact after heaving bombing during WW2, so offers more history than the newer districts. Don’t let the modernity-hunting millennial within you be put off though, new developments mean the old town is the beating heart of Bucharest’s social scene! 

Fun nightlife, an interesting but depressing history, and excellent prices characterise the city. You’ll find old-timey sweet shops, incredible wine stores and plenty of eateries to keep you satiated without blowing your budget. 

Visit Food Hood for tasty meals prepared in food trucks – there’s seating too, so you won’t need to eat standing up! Free walking tours allow you to get to know the city for minimal cost and exploring the streets makes for an entertaining free afternoon even without a guide – assuming you don’t combine this with an accidental pub crawl of course! 

Best Budget Accommodation in Bucharest:

• Friends Hostel Bucharest 

Sofia, Bulgaria

Currency – Bulgarian Lev ($1USD is approx. 1.7BGN)

Sofia Costs

• Dorm Bed – 18-45BGN (approx. $10-$25USD)
• Hotel Room – From 55BGN (approx. $30USD)
• Street Food/Fast Food – Approx. 5BGN ($2.50USD)
• Meal and Drink in A Budget Restaurant – Approx. 20BGN ($11USD)
• Beer – 4BGN (approx. $2USD)
• Recommended Daily Backpacker Budget – 90-100BGN ($50-$55USD)

Another capital on our list of cheapest cities in Europe, Sofia in Bulgaria is the perfect introduction to the Balkans. Bulgaria is often considered the cheapest country in Europe and while Sofia is pricier than other parts of the country, it’s tourist-friendly and offers plenty of free and cheap activities to keep you entertained without needing to dust off your credit card!

Sofia is an old city. It’s been constantly inhabited for over 1600 years and the oldest building dates back to the fourth century! Today it’s used as a church but its original purpose was less about washing the soul and more about washing the body! The Roman baths aren’t the only evidence of the ancients either. Ruins dot the city and exploring them is a great cost-free day out – especially if you walk between them all!

There are plenty of museums and galleries with free or cheap entry. History buffs will love tramping between them – you could spend a lifetime trying to understand the historical importance of Sofia!

If you’re looking for an escape from city life, head towards Vitosha Mountain for a bunch of hiking trails and incredible views back over Sofia. Getting to the mountain is easy, just take a bus to the Simeonovo ski lift. 

As with most of the Balkans, food is cheap and filling in Sofia, so you can fill your stomach without draining your bank account! Tap water is also perfectly safe to drink. Ensure you have a reusable water bottle to save a few dollars a day! 

Best Budget Accommodation in Sofia:

• Hostel Mostel

Kraków, Poland

Currency – Polish Zloty ($1USD is approx. 4PLN)

Kraków Costs:

• Dorm Bed – 50-130PLN (approx. $12-$30USD)
• Hotel Room – From 130PLN (approx. $30USD)
• Street Food/Fast Food – 6-10PLN (approx. $1.50-$2.50USD)
• Meal and Drink in A Budget Restaurant – 40PLN (approx. $10USD)
• Beer – 15PLN (approx. $3.50USD)
• Recommended Daily Backpacker Budget – 200-250PLN (approx. $50-$60USD)

Kraków, Poland is the most popular tourist haunt on our list so far but don’t let that put you off. Medieval Castles, Gothic churches and towering statues butt up against modernity in one of Eastern Europe’s most accessible cities. There’s a thriving student population, meaning prices are low, there’s a party every night and an energetic, artistic vibe oozes from every crack in the pavement. 

Kraków is easy to get to, English is commonly spoken and day trips to some of Poland’s most iconic locations are cheap and easy to arrange. 

The Old Town was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can lose an afternoon ambling along the streets, soaking up the atmosphere and marvelling at the wide open squares and beautiful buildings. 

No trip to Kraków is complete without a visit to Oskar Schindler’s factory, which offers a certain number of free tickets per day. But even once these are used, the entry fee is nominal. For those who don’t know, Schindler was instrumental in saving more than a thousand Jews during the holocaust. The film Schindler’s List portrays the events powerfully and is recommended watching for anyone visiting Kraków! 

While you’re on a sobering history kick, arrange a day trip to Auschwitz. Entry to the former concentration camp is free but it’s worth paying for a tour to better comprehend the horrors behind the buildings.  

If you need something to clear your head after visiting Auschwitz, aim for the park surrounding the Old Town. It used to be a moat but now offers a great place to sit with your thoughts for a while. 

Best Budget Accommodation in Kraków:

• Greg and Tom Hostel
• Ginger Hostel
• Let’s Rock Party Hostel

Athens, Greece 

Currency – Euro ($1USD is approx. €0.90)

Athens Costs:

• Dorm Bed – €12-€25 (approx. $13-$27USD)
• Hotel Room – From €30 (approx. $32USD)
• Street Food/Fast Food – €3-€6 (approx. $3.20-$6.50USD)
• Meal and Drink in A Budget Restaurant – €15-20 (approx. $16-$22USD)
• Beer – €5 (approx. $5.50USD)
• Recommended Daily Backpacker Budget – €50-€60 (approx. $55-$65USD)

While you could make an argument that geographically Greece is in Eastern Europe, the cradle of civilisation is often classified as Western. And as such, Athens is the first time we venture towards the setting sun on our journey through the cheapest cities in Europe. 

The birthplace of democracy isn’t the first city that springs to mind when considering budget-friendly European getaways but you don’t need to spend much to immerse yourself in the stomping grounds of Socrates and Plato. 

Eating in Athens is affordable, especially if you stick to local specialities like Gyros and avoid the more popular tourist restaurants. Getting around can be cheap too. Consider getting a multi-day transport pass if you’re going to use the buses, trams and trains a lot during your stay. 

For history buffs, there are few cities as appealing as Athens and while the main sites (Acropolis, Parthenon, etc) can cost a pretty penny, there’s plenty of saving to be done with an Athens City Pass. This gives you access to several popular sites, museums and some include a self-guided audio tour of the city. It’s also worth noting that during low season, museums in Athens often have free entry days – make the most of these if you can! 

Head up to one of the city’s many hills for excellent views – take a snack or a bottle of wine to enjoy a cheap afternoon. Lycabettus offers the best views but the lung-busting climb can be off-putting – the funicular is an option but will set you back around €7 (approx. $7.70USD) per person. For smaller peaks, check out Filopappou or Mars Hill. Both offer beautiful views, although less expansive than those atop Lycabettus! 

Best Budget Accommodation in Athens: 

• When In Athens Hostel
• Pagration Youth Hostel
• Athens Backpackers

Granada, Spain

Granada costs:.

• Dorm Bed – €15-€30 (approx. $16-$32USD)
• Hotel Room – From €35 (approx. $38USD)
• Street Food/Fast Food – Free with drinks! 
• Meal and Drink in A Budget Restaurant – €20 (approx. $21USD) – unless you opt for the free tapas… 
• Beer – €3 (approx. $3.20USD)
• Recommended Daily Backpacker Budget – €40-€60 ($43-$65USD)

Granada, Spain, is one of the most surprising cities to make our list of cheap European destinations. Located in Southern Spain, Granada is a true collision of European and North African Arab cultures. 

From the uber-popular Alhambra and its Moorish design to the imposing Granada Cathedral, you’ll find influences from the many waves of migration and domination that characterise the city’s history.

Today, Granda is a buzzing student city, offering a vibrant mix of parties, nature and relaxing. The vibe is friendly and energetic, with many visitors – including our very own editor-in-chief – never wanting to leave! For those looking to make friends with locals or other travellers, you’ll find language exchanges, free dance classes and meet-ups taking place all year – check out Yuzin , the local events magazine, to stay on top of what is going on in the city.  

Nestled next to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada offers plenty of hiking opportunities if you want to spend a day immersed in nature – which let’s face it, is one of the best budget-friendly activities you can do!

And, the best thing about Granada for budget-conscious travellers? Free tapas! Honestly, you can get away without ever ordering food in Granada! Almost every good bar offers free tapas with a drink. So, all you need to do is order a beer (or soft drink) and you’ll get a free plate of nibbles. When that’s done, just order another drink!

Best Budget Accommodation in Granada:

• Oripandó Hostel 
• Old Town Hostel Granada
• ECO Hostel 

Porto, Portugal

Porto costs:.

• Dorm Bed – €17-€35 (approx. $18.50-$38USD)
• Hotel Room – From €40 (approx. $44USD)
• Street Food/Fast Food – €5-€10 (approx. $5.50-$11USD)
• Meal and Drink in A Budget Restaurant – €15 (approx. $16USD)
• Recommended Daily Backpacker Budget – €50-€60 (approx. $55-66USD)

For our second stop on the Iberian Peninsular, we arrive at Porto, Portugal – another surprisingly cheap European city. Portugal’s gritty second city is home to plenty of cheap bars, cafés and restaurants, not to mention great value hostels and plenty of cheap or free activities to keep you entertained!

Most famous for being the home of European drink Port (the fortified wine, not the concept of a place ships come to unload their cargo), Porto offers much more than relatively strong booze – although, if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of it!

Don’t miss Palácio de Cristal. Entry to both the Crystal Palace and the 24-acre manicured garden is free! If that hasn’t delivered your fill of gardens, head over to Passeio das Virtudes. These terraced gardens are often touted as the best place to catch sunset over Porto. There are plenty of food and drink vendors around the gardens but they can be overpriced – and don’t expect the gardens to be quiet!

For shopping, skip over the supermarkets and instead head to Mercado do Bolhāo. You’ll find everything from novelty gifts to well-priced local produce and snacks!

As well as offering low prices, Porto is a small city which is eminently walkable, saving you money on taxis or public transport. Just prepare yourself for some steep streets!

Best Budget Accommodation in Porto

• Onefam Riberia by Hostel One
• Urban Garden Porto Central Hostel
• Gallery Hostel Porto

Cheapest European Cities to Visit – A Round-Up

Sure, there are cities in Europe cheaper to visit than some of those we’ve listed but travel isn’t just about sitting in a soulless budget hotel and counting down the days (and pennies) until you move on. The budget-friendly cities on our list all offer an amazing backpacking experience. Each has plenty of activities on offer, a great social scene and some amazing accommodation options.

The cities themselves vary but they all have one thing in common – a visit to them is within every shoestring traveller’s price range!  Have we missed your favourite cheap city in Europe from our list? Let us know in the comments!

Tim Ashdown | Writer and Gear Specialist

After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Tim decided life was too short to stay cooped up in his home county of Norfolk, UK. Since then, he has travelled Southeast Asia, walked the Camino de Santiago and backpacked South America. His first book,  From Paralysis to Santiago,  chronicles his struggle to recover from the motorcycle accident and will be released later this year.

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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

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.

22 Cheapest Cities in Europe to travel

Updated: March 8, 2024

These are the most affordable cities in Europe, with details on what to see, along with flight, hotel, food, and drink prices.

If you're looking to have affordable vacations in Europe, you've come to the right place.

In this article, I'll share information about Europe's most economical cities, where cheap hotel rooms range from 15 to 54 euros in central areas if you travel in spring or fall.

Moreover, these are all cities where you can dine for little money, with inexpensive restaurants starting from 6 euros or beer pitchers from 1.80 euros.

The order of the places is simply alphabetical by the name of the city, and I've highlighted three of them as TOP, which are the most affordable, and all of them are marked on the map at the end of the article.

Table of Content

22 Affordable European Cities

1. belgrade, serbia.

Belgrade might not have the obvious beauty of Prague; however, it has a special charm, making it, in my opinion, highly underrated.

The city boasts historical sites such as the Belgrade Fortress, the most emblematic monument that served as a strategic point for the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and later, the Serbs and Austrians.

One of the best things to do in Belgrade is to visit Skadarlija, formerly known as the "Gypsy Quarter."

Today, it's a bohemian neighborhood reminiscent of Montmartre in Paris, with beautiful cobbled streets filled with cafes and restaurants.

Belgrade has many interesting corners, excellent cuisine, good wine, and a vibrant nightlife.

• Flights : There are cheap flights to Belgrade from 42 euros round trip with Wizz Air from London. There are also direct flights from other European cities with several low-cost airlines. Additionally, there are direct flights from Chicago and New York.
• Accommodation starting from : 3 stars 32 euros and 4 stars 48 euros (check availability and prices in the link)
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 8.50 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 19.20 euros
• Pint of beer : 2.20 euros
• Cappuccino : 2 euros

To find cheap flights in Europe I recommend Skyscanner, which is the search engine I've used to discover the deals mentioned throughout the article.

👍 Friend's advice: never travel without travel insurance . Health emergencies, theft, and cancellations can ruin your vacation, something easily solved with international insurance. I always travel and I recommend Heymondo (formerly Mondo) which has the best coverage, at the best price, and with this link you get a 5% discount .

2. Bratislava, Slovakia

The historic center of Batislava is one of the most beautiful in Eastern Europe, a budget-friendly European destination that you shouldn't miss.

Some of its most stunning sites include the 9th-century castle, the UFO Bridge, which is undoubtedly the city's most iconic postcard, and St. Martin's Cathedral.

Simply strolling through Bratislava's picturesque old town is a delight. I recommend joining this free tour to learn about its fabulous history.

While Bratislava's interesting area is relatively small compared to other European cities, it's common to combine a visit with nearby cities like Vienna or Budapest.

• Flights : Bratislava has direct flights from several European and Middle Eastern cities. The main low cost airline that serves Bratislava is Ryanair, with flights from 40 euros from London .
• Accommodation starting from : 3 stars 37 euros and 4 stars 67 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 9 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 22.50 euros
• Pint of beer : 2.40 euros
• Cappuccino : 2.40 euros

3. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is one of the most fascinating European cheap cities that at the beginning of the 20th century earned the name "Little Paris" for its glorious tree-lined boulevards and buildings of the Belle Époque .

The city's Parliament, the Arc de Triomphe and the Roman Athenaeum stand out, among other visits that you can do with a free tour like this one is with guide in Spanish .

If you decide to visit Bucharest, don't miss taking a tour of the castles in Transylvania , including Bran Castle, a fascinating site that inspired the legend of Count Dracula.

• Flights Another advantage of traveling to Romania is the availability of several low-cost airlines with direct flights from the UK, Germany, Italy, and other European countries, primarily with Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Tarom, a Romanian airline. Flights from London start at 47 euros.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 33 euros and 4 stars 54 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 10 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 22.30 euros
• Cappuccino : 2.60 euros

4. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of the most beautiful and budget-friendly destinations in Europe, though calling the city beautiful is an understatement.

The capital of Hungary is a monumental and historic city with dazzling buildings that will leave you in awe.

One of the most photographed spots in the city is Fisherman's Bastion, next to the Danube, which served as the defense of Buda Castle.

If you've seen pictures of Budapest, you've surely come across the iconic Széchenyi Baths, the largest thermal baths in Europe.

In this city, it's not all about history and culture; you can also explore its 'ruin pubs', meaning bars located in buildings that were left in ruins due to bombings or abandonment.

This is a completely safe and interesting experience to enjoy some drinks.

If you want to have an affordable trip to Budapest, I recommend this free city tour and an inexpensive evening cruise on the Danube .

• Flights : Budapest is another destination on the list with plenty of direct flight options from London, Paris, Berlin, and other cities with Ryanair and WizzAir. Prices start at 57 euros round trip .
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 42 euros and 4 stars 48 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 10.30 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 25.90 euros
• Pint of beer : 2.10 euros

5. Krakow, Poland

Poland is generally budget-friendly, and Krakow is a charming city with a good mix of culture, history, and plenty of magnetism.

Its Old Town was once a significant trading hub with its impressive market square, which is the largest in Europe.

The historic center was declared World Heritage Site in 1978 where you'll find synagogues, the Kings' Pantheon, remnants of the wall, and the Gothic cathedral.

Moreover, a visit to Krakow is incomplete without a guided tour of Auschwitz , where you'll learn about the horror of these concentration camps, or a tour to Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines , which are quite unique.

Keep in mind that Auschwitz concentration camps cannot be visited independently; you need to go with a guide.

• Flights : Another advantage of this destination is that you'll find affordable flights to Krakow directly from most European cities, some from the Middle East, and from New York and Chicago. Low-cost flights from Europe start at 52 euros with Ryanair and Wizz Air. .
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 37 euros and 4 stars 68 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 17.90 euros
• Pint of beer : 3.10 euros
• Cappuccino : 2.80 euros

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6. Istanbul, Türkiye

During 2022, Türkiye experienced significant inflation, and prices have surged; nevertheless, it remains one of the cheapest cities in Europe.

Additionally, being situated on two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul's cultural blend results in a fascinating city filled with iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia.

Another must-see in the Turkish capital is admiring the city at night from a boat during a Bosphorus dinner cruise , like this affordable one from the link.

This city is meant to be explored through its colorful neighborhoods, enjoying its mosques, and navigating its bazaars, which you can do by joining this free tour .

• Flights : Istanbul has one of the largest airports in Europe, with flights from major European cities and capitals, as well as from Asia, Africa, and America with Turkish Airlines. Additionally, several low-cost airlines operate, such as Wizz Air and Pegasus, the Turkish low-cost airline, with prices starting from 74 euros from London.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 35 euros and 4 stars 35 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 6.10 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 13.60 euros
• Pint of beer : 2.70 euros

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about Tips for traveling to Türkiye , covering safety, money, shopping, and more.

7. Karpathos, Greece

Karpathos is currently the cheapest Greek island, and even though I discuss places to visit in spring or autumn in this article, this island is an excellent choice for an affordable summer vacation.

This gem in the Aegean has preserved its own traditions and dialect, different from other places in Greece.

It's one of the affordable beach destinations in Europe that has it all – crystal-clear waters inviting you for a swim, charming mountain villages, and mouthwatering cuisine.

Another advantage of visiting Karpathos is that you can take the opportunity to see other nearby islands, including Crete, which is a short distance away, because the ferries are inexpensive.

In this website you can check all the ferries in Greece with their schedules, prices, and make reservations right there.

• Flights : Karpathos has direct flights from a few European cities, such as Amsterdam, Naples, Munich and Vienna.
• Budget alternative : You can fly to Athens with low-cost airlines such as Vueling, Volotea or Aegean Airlines, starting from 75 euros . Additionally, it has direct flights to other destinations like the USA and Canada.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 32 euros and 4 stars 64 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 12 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 20 euros
• Pint of beer : 4 euros
• Cappuccino : 2.90 euros

⭐ You may also be interested in this article 10 Cheapest Greek Islands (and somewhat unknown) , including Karpathos, for an affordable summer vacation, and this one on When to Travel to the Greek islands.

8. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is the most charming medieval city on the Montenegrin coast and, at the same time, one of the most affordable European places on this list.

This small town was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a place where getting lost in its labyrinthine streets, visiting its Romanesque churches, and enjoying its cozy cafes is a pure delight.

A visit to Kotor is a great opportunity to relax in nature, whether on its beaches, hiking trails, or a boat trip through the Bay of Kotor , like this one from the link, where you'll find the beautiful Blue Cave.

• Flights : The nearest airport to Kotor is Tivat, which flies directly to various English, German, and other cities with several low-cost airlines, such as Jet2 and EasyJet, with flights starting from 93 euros round trip .
• Budget alternative : You can fly to Podgorica which is 88 km from Kotor where Ryanair and Wizz Air fly.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 27 euros and 4 stars 37 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 27.50 euros
• Pint of beer : 3.30 euros

9. Larnaca, Cyprus

The coastal city of Larnaca is one of the affordable beach destinations in Europe, with beautiful sandy beaches, an interesting promenade, and historical buildings such as the medieval palace and the Kamares Aqueduct.

Nearby, there is an attractive salt lake, a protected reserve that is home to various water birds, including flamingos, who spend their winter there.

You can visit Hala Sultan Tekke, the beautiful mosque reflected in the lake.

Larnaca is a more budget-friendly city than Limassol and serves as a base to explore the island of Cyprus, including the Cape Greco National Park.

This forest park features natural pools, cliffs, and sea caves that will leave you in awe, and you can book an affordable boat tour here.

• Flights : you can get direct flights to Larnaca with EasyJet or Wizz Air starting from 74 euros round trip .
• Budget alternative : In case there are no affordable flights to Larnaca from the airport you depart from, as an alternative, you can check flights to Paphos, which is only 130 km from Larnaca and easily accessible by bus for around 10 euros.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 36 euros and 4 stars 51 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 15 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 26.30 euros
• Cappuccino : 3.80 euros

10. Maribor, Slovenia

Maribor is a small city in Slovenia located in a wine region of the country.

There stands out its medieval historic center of beautiful cobblestone streets and a rich history, featuring the 15th-century baroque castle.

While Maribor might be smaller and perhaps not as captivating as Ljubljana, it is much more budget-friendly since the capital has become more expensive.

The advantage of this city is that you can visit the castles in the area and go on wine tours to taste fabulous wines; some vineyards are within walking distance.

• Flights : to go to Maribor the most practical way is to fly to Ljubljana, with flights starting from 129 euros with EasyJet, Wizz Air and Transavia, from London, Paris and Amsterdam. Then, from Ljubljana you have buses and trains to Maribor for just over 10 euros.
• Flight + bus alternative : You can also find reasonably priced flights to Zagreb in Croatia from various European cities with Ryanair and other airlines. There are also direct flights from Toronto. Then, to travel from Zagreb to Maribor, there are buses for 13 euros.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 46 euros and 4 stars 100 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 8 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 17.50 euros
• Pint of beer : 2.80 euros
• Cappuccino : 1.70 euros

11. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina – TOP

If you're looking for budget travel in Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very affordable country.

In this case, I recommend visiting Mostar, which, although not as lively as the capital, Sarajevo, is the most attractive destination in the country due to its landscapes, sometimes chosen by couples for romantic getaways.

The charm of this town lies in its streets and old Turkish stone houses, along the Neretva River, which looks like something out of a fairy tale. To crown its splendor, there is the imposing Old Bridge, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

• Flights : Mostar airport only has flights from Croatia. Therefore, it is best to fly to Sarajevo, which has flights from several European cities and Middle Eastern. The most economical flights start from 43 euros round trip with Ryanair and Wizz Air.
• Alternative trip : The cheapest option is to combine a visit to Mostar with a trip to Croatia because the city is well-connected by bus and train from Dubrovnik and especially from Split.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 15 euros and 4 stars 26 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 4.80 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 13.50 euros
• Pint of beer : 1.70 euros
• Cappuccino : 1.50 euros

12. Naples, Italy

When we talk about cheap countries in Europe we don't usually think of Italy, but as in Spain, France and other European countries, there is a lot of difference in prices between cities.

Southern Italy, especially Naples, stands out as a budget-friendly destination in Europe. However, Naples is a unique Italian city that doesn't appeal to everyone, at least not right away.

It's undeniably a city that requires a bit of time to discover its charm—a place of contrasts with a palace, ancient churches, and a fascinating underground area.

Of course, a visit to Naples wouldn't be complete without a excursion to Pompeii , like this one with a guide who will share many interesting details.

• Flights : One of the significant perks of traveling to Naples is that you'll find many incredibly cheap flights. There are flights from London and major European cities with various airlines, including several low-cost ones like EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Ryanair, starting from 41 euros round trip. Additionally, there are direct flights from New York and Philadelphia.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 48 euros and 4 stars 71 euros
• Cappuccino : 1.80 euros

13. Porto, Portugal

Portugal is a perfect destination for budget-friendly European vacations, and in particular, the charming city of Porto has gained prominence in recent years, especially after winning the World Travel Award in 2022 for the best European destination.

Porto boasts a lively atmosphere with great restaurants, concerts, live music, and excellent wines like its famous Port wine. You can learn more about them and even visit its cellars for a wine tasting .

Moreover, the city features unique historical buildings such as the Clérigos Tower, the baroque-style cathedral, or the Chapel of Souls adorned with beautiful white and blue tiles.

Not to be forgotten is the Lello Bookstore, recognized as the most beautiful bookstore in the world by Lonely Planet and well-known among Harry Potter fans.

To save even more money, you can take this free tour of Porto .

• Flights : There are cheap direct flights to Porto with Ryanair, EasyJet, and WizzAir starting from 41 euros . Additionally, there are direct flights from Brazil, and the East Coast of Canada and the USA.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 50 euros and 4 stars 64 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 21.30 euros
• Pint of beer : 2 euros
• Cappuccino : 1.30 euros

14. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of Europe's budget-friendly gems, and the charming city of Plovdiv is its best-kept secret.

Plovdiv is just starting to make a name for itself among tourists due to its rich history, offering a beautiful old town where you can wander through its streets.

Grab a coffee in the bohemian Kapana neighborhood, which today attracts artists but once had a rather tumultuous past.

The city boasts a Roman theater from the 2nd century and stunning religious buildings, with the most notable being the Orthodox Church of Santa Marina – the oldest and most important, featuring a beautiful bell tower in traditional Bulgarian style.

Here's the link to a free tour of Plovdiv where they'll delve into the city's fascinating history.

Plovdiv is also a great base for visits to nearby monasteries with exquisite frescoes and nature excursions.

• Flights : Plovdiv has a small airport with direct flights from London and Manchester starting at 100 euros with Ryanair and Wizz Air.
• Budget alternative : If you're looking for affordable flights to Bulgaria, your best bet is to fly to Sofia, with prices starting at 41 euros. Sofia is only 150 km from Plovdiv, and there are buses and trains from as low as 5 euros.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 28 euros and 4 stars 31 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 7.60 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 16 euros
• Pint of beer : 1.90 euros
• Cappuccino : 1.60 euros

15. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a city that has it all – a vibrant nightlife, rich cultural offerings, and excellent gastronomy, all set against the backdrop of Europe's most beautiful architecture.

The historic center of Prague is a World Heritage Site since 1992 featuring buildings constructed between the 11th and 18th centuries, including iconic landmarks like Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Hradcani Castle, considered the largest ancient castle in the world.

While the city is dotted with emblematic spots like the Astronomical Clock and the Powder Tower, a fabulous Gothic tower, there's something to marvel at around every corner.

If you're looking to travel on a budget in Europe, Prague is a must-visit – it's like the crown jewel of affordable destinations.

For exploring the city, I highly recommend taking this free tour of Prague because there's so much to see that it's easy to overlook the details. Also, don't miss out on this affordable night cruise – it's totally worth it! 😍

• Flights : Another good news about traveling to Prague is that there are many cheap airlines from Europe with Ryanair, Jet2, EasyJet, Wizz Air, among others, with prices starting from 50 euros . There are also direct flights from New York, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 54 euros and 4 stars 58 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 10.40 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 25 euros
• Cappuccino : 3 euros

16. Riga, Latvia

Riga is the capital of Latvia, and since the Middle Ages, it has been an important cultural and economic center, boasting museums, lively concert halls, and vibrant nightlife.

In its wonderful old town, which is UNESCO World Heritage Site , you'll find classic-style wooden buildings and other Art Nouveau gems that will leave you speechless.

Some of the most interesting places to visit include St. Peter's Church, where the tower offers beautiful views of the city and the river.

And, of course, don't miss The Corner House, which used to be the headquarters of the KGB.

Riga is one of the fascinating and budget-friendly places to travel in Europe. Here, you can book a free tour or a gastronomic tour of Riga because Latvia is the Baltic country with the most delicious food.

• Flights : To travel to Riga, you'll find direct flights from many European cities with various airlines, including low-cost carriers Air Baltic and Ryanair, starting from 83 euros .
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 44 euros and 4 stars 47 euros

17. Skopje, Macedonia

Skopje is probably one of the lesser-known destinations on this list. It's the capital of North Macedonia, one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Europe.

The city has a rich culture and history thanks to the passage of the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, making it well worth a visit.

Some notable places in Skopje include the historic 12th-century Old Bazaar, the Stone Bridge, and its fortress.

Macedonia is a small country, so if you visit Skopje, I recommend taking the opportunity to tour to lake ohrid , with a visit to the area's churches and the ancient Roman theater.

• Flights : When planning a trip to Skopje, you can find direct flights from Italy, Germany, England, and various other European countries, with affordable options starting at 107 euros for a round trip. Alternatively, flights with layovers begin at 69 euros.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 30 euros and 4 stars 38 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 12.20 euros

18. Split, Croatia

Croatia has become increasingly popular in recent years, attracting tourists with its stunning landscapes while remaining one of the budget-friendly places in Europe.

Split, a coastal city with a rich cultural heritage, with the highlight being the Diocletian's Palace built by the Roman emperor between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

While Dubrovnik remains a popular destination and perhaps even more charming than Split, the latter is strategically located for exploring other parts of the country.

For a spectacular excursion, consider this tour to Plitvice Lakes National Park , also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , known for its lakes, waterfalls, and stunning caves.

• Flights : There are direct, affordable flights to Split from 88 euros , with the low cost airlines Ryanair, EasyJet and Volotea.
• Flight + Bus or Ferry alternative : If you can't find cheap flights to Split from your city, you can fly to Dubrovnik. Then from Dubrovnik to Split you have two transportation alternatives, the cheapest is the bus which costs about 9 euros, the other is by ferry, an option to enjoy the views. In this search engine From the link, you can see all the ferry options, with schedules, prices and book.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 30 euros and 4 stars 41 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 23.70 euros

19. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is an affordable European destination and a gem of a city with its incredible well-preserved medieval town, despite Soviet bombings during World War II.

One of the city's iconic spots is the Town Hall Square or Raekoja plats, adorned with colorful Gothic buildings.

Tallinn is a city meant for strolling through its alleys, such as Katarina Passage or Pikk Street, and being captivated by landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

While in Tallinn, you can take advantage of a day trip to the capital of Finland, just across the way.

Additionally, it's quite economical if you opt for a round-trip ferry package from Tallinn to Helsinki like this one.

• Flights : Several airports offer direct flights to Tallinn, including London, Paris, Milan, Berlin, and more, with prices starting at 61 euros with Ryanair and WizzAir.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 47 euros and 4 stars 57 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 30 euros
• Pint of beer : 5 euros
• Cappuccino : 3.10 euros

20. Tbilisi, Georgia – TOP

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, was declared one of the cheapest cities to live in back in 2017.

Since then, with the influx of digital nomads and, later, the Ukraine war, prices have risen, but it still stands out as one of the most economical cities in Europe.

Travelers are often pleasantly surprised by Tbilisi because it holds its own against the more famous European capitals. It showcases modern areas, a vibrant nightlife, and a good selection of restaurants.

On the other hand, it features a beautiful old town full of history where cultures have intertwined, offering a mosque, a synagogue, Georgian Orthodox, Armenian, and Christian churches.

Another fascinating part of its historic center is the sulfur baths.

However, my top recommendation is to explore the country itself, which has breathtaking landscapes and a fascinating history. A must-visit is the tour to Kazbegi , a mountain region of overwhelming beauty.

• Flights : Tbilisi has direct flights from some European cities like Berlin, Paris, and Rome, as well as other European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cities.
• Budget alternative : You can fly to Kutaisi Airport, which is 250 km from Tbilisi and well-connected by train. Kutaisi Airport receives low-cost flights from Wizz Air and Pegasus. For example, from London, there are no direct flights, but with 1 layover, you can find them from 164 euros.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 15 euros and 4 stars 23 euros
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant : 10.50 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 19.30 euros
• Pint of beer : 1.80 euros
• Cappuccino : 2.70 euros

⭐ You may also be interested in this article on How to get from Kutaisi Airport to the city and other areas of Georgia or this one Georgia Travel with the key articles I wrote for independent travel in a country where I lived for a year. 😉

21. Tirana, Albania – TOP

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is one of the three cheapest cities in Europe on this list, alongside Mostar and Tbilisi. The advantage of Tirana is that there are much cheaper direct flights.

One of the most interesting things about this city is its lively nightlife, offering varied activities, including good nightclubs.

On the more cultural side, you can't miss visiting Bunker Art 1 and 2 – gigantic bunkers turned into museums that are well worth the visit.

The bunkers were the product of the paranoia of a dictator who was waiting for a bombing that never came, one of the many remains of the city's communist past, which you can see with this interesting tour of communist Tirana with guide in Spanish.

Another attraction in the city is the Dajti Express, a cable car that takes you to Mount Dajti, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city or take a ride on the zipline.

This mountain is also very popular for its hiking routes.

• Flights : To get to Tirana, you can find affordable direct flights from London and various other European cities with low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair, starting at just 31 euros.
• Accommodatio starting from: 3 stars 22 euros and 4 stars 26 euros
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant : 19 euros

22. Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is a true gem for travelers seeking budget-friendly destinations in Europe. It surprises visitors with its historic charm, featuring attractive medieval and Baroque buildings, among other architectural styles.

Some of the city's iconic places include:

• Cathedral Square home to the distinctive classical cathedral, which seems small next to the imposing bell tower by its side.
• The beautiful Pilies pedestrian street , with fascinating buildings of various styles, from Gothic to Renaissance.
• Tower of Gediminas which is the only standing tower that defended the castle.

For exploring the city, I recommend this guided free tour .

In addition, a trip to Vilnius wouldn't be complete without taking this tour to Trakai with audio guide.

Trakai is a Gothic castle situated on a tiny island in Lake Galvé, giving it a fairy-tale appearance.

• Flights : to Vilnius there are direct flights from major European cities with several airlines including Ryanair and Wizz Air, starting at 71 euros.
• Accommodation starting from: 3 stars 44 euros and 4 stars 53 euros
• Pint of beer : 4.50 euros

Notes about Prices in this Article

• Flights : These are the prices for direct flights from London, round trip, during mid-season (spring or autumn).
• Accommodation : These are hotels with good traveler ratings, centrally located or nearby, during the mid-season, and the price is per night based on double occupancy (for 2 people). You may find better prices in lower-category hotels or hostels, farther from the center, or with lower ratings. 😉
• Restaurants : These are average prices for each meal and beverage.
• The prices are from September 2023 , except for flights that I updated in February 2024 .
• Remember that prices are indicative , giving you an idea of what you might spend. However, prices near tourist attractions can be higher, and for various reasons, they may increase rapidly (increased tourism, inflation, etc.).

⭐ You may also be interested in this other article about 31 Tips for Traveling Cheaply through Europe covering transportation, food, accommodation, tickets, and recommendations that no one tells you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, all the destinations I've talked about in this article are safe for travelers, including us female travelers. 😉 Many are actually safer than larger European cities. However, as is the case with any journey, I advise exercising caution with your belongings to prevent pickpocketing. Then, in Macedonia and Serbia avoid visiting areas close to Kosovo, where there may be armed conflicts.

No, but it's always advisable to have travel insurance whenever you travel. I recommend using Heymondo (formerly Mondo) that with this link you get a 5% discount . Heymondo is a well-known international insurer specialized in travel insurance, with excellent coverage and 24-hour assistance.

To find the cheapest flights in Europe, I suggest using Skyscanner , it is a search engine which compares all possible flights. The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the better chance you have of finding affordable flights. Keep in mind that flying on weekdays is typically more budget-friendly with regular airlines, whereas low-cost carriers may sometimes operate on weekends.

Map of the Cheapest Cities in Europe

* To see the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

Final Thoughts

These are the best cheap destinations in Europe in 2024, to discover new and interesting places at a good price.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below, save the article for future adventures and share it with other travel lovers. Enjoy the trip! ❤✈

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Hello, my name is Andrea, I am the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I am a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler, I am passionate about good food, and I am always looking for new adventures.

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Cheap Travel Trail

12 Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe: Frugal Traveler’s Guide

Embarking on a European adventure? Now, you do not need to worry because I‘m giving you a list of places with cities and towns that won’t feel heavy on your purse.

This blog unfolds budget-friendly gems of Europe amidst its historic cobblestone streets and gorgeous landscape.  Even if you dream of living in an affordable & safest country in Europe , I have got a blog for that too, go on read it!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.

I’m sure you’ll find your sweet solace in a tapestry of towns and cities. So, let’s embark on low-cost European trips!

I will provide you with affordable countries, along with cities and towns to explore, as not every place within a country is budget-friendly.

Note: Here, not all the places may be the cheapest, but they are certainly some of the most affordable European travel destinations.

Table of Contents

Factors affecting travel costs in europe.

• Opting for luxury hotels instead of hostels or Airbnb
• Opting for renting vehicles instead of using public transportation
• Not cooking your own food at the hostel, but dining out at touristy or Instagrammable places
• Not having sufficient knowledge of travel credit cards and using cards from your home country to make purchases
• Not purchasing travel insurance , thinking it’s a waste of money
• Not selecting affordable destinations or conducting thorough research, and consequently ending up in expensive cities
• Not choosing to engage with locals and discover hidden gems that are nearly free to explore
• Not planning adequately beforehand and rushing into decisions. Always travel during shoulder season
• Not choosing to explore one place but rather traveling to different destinations within a short period and incurring transportation expenses

Also Read: Affordable USA Escapes Without Breaking Your Bank

Top Cheapest European Destination

Cheapest Places to Visit in North Eastern Europe

• Mid-range budget: 300 € (14 days)
• Shoulder season: late spring and early autumn

From the news of the legalization of same-sex marriage to Estonia, a land adorned with medieval castles, a verdant coastline, delectable food establishments, and progressive ideals, it stands out as one of the most affordable destinations to explore in Europe.

Nestled at the crossroads of Central Europe and Scandinavia, this somewhat lesser-known gem is flanked by Latvia and Russia. Its enchanting capital, Tallinn, is just a short boat journey away from Stockholm and Helsinki. And, without a doubt, shopping for Kopli Culture vintage clothes is a must!

Affordable things to do in Tallinn:

• You’ll definitely fall in love with cobblestone streets, antique stores
• See the jaw-dropping Toompea Hill, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral historic attractions, and Estonian Historic Museum

Affordable things to do in Lahemaa National Park & Vicinity

• To hike head to Viru Bog passing through lush forest, marshy wetlands, observation tower, and varied fauna
• Click the picture in front of Palmse Manor

Affordable things to do in Estonia’s Countryside

• With 60 € per person, you can book an expert at Soomaa National Park to hike and experience collecting mushrooms and berries
• After hiking dip into the water of Kakerdaja Bog

Cons : Public transport facilities are not reliable

2. Lithuania

• Mid-range budget: 380 € (14 days)
• Shoulder season: April – May and September – October

A destination that has recently opened up to foreign travelers is Lithuania, a cornucopia of buildings and stunning landscapes. To truly savor its essence, it’s advisable to spend at least a week here. If you have the means to hire a campervan, that would be the icing on the cake. 

This economical European vacation spot boasts numerous sites waiting to be explored by you. The capital city, Vilnius, is not only rich in history but also holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation

Affordable things to do in Vilnius:

• But the tickets for € 1 for bus/trolley to reach the Old Town of Vilnius and book a  free tour of Vilnius  to explore the street art, charming roads, know hidden stories, and more
• Get your passport stamped and cross the border to enjoy and watch art installations by the walls of the main road
• Make your heart’s deepest secret wish at the Miracle Tile
• Click your picture at the Jewish Quarter and at Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn

Affordable things to do in Kaunas:

• Attend any event the city is celebrating. Kaunas is known as the European Capital of Culture
• Walk around the lovely tree-lined pedestrian street of Kaunas
• Watch the 53-meter-tall tower in Kaunas called City Hall
• Come to The Ninth Fort, a World War site

Affordable things to do in Siauliai:

• Watch the impressive religious architecture at the Hill of Crosses
• Shopping at Vilniaus Gatve. You can also purchase great art pieces
• Take a tour of Ruta Chocolate Factory, to learn about the production

Cheapest Places to Visit in South Eastern Europe

3. Montenegro

• Mid-range budget: € 510 (14 days)
• Shoulder season: winters

Montenegro is an affordable European holiday destination that boasts jaw-dropping landscapes, towering mountains, and a rich history. It’s so small that many North Americans still struggle to locate it on the map. 

The standout feature of this place is its picturesque towns surrounded by natural wonders and bordered by Croatia and the Adriatic Sea. Podgorica, the capital, undoubtedly steals the spotlight as it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Affordable things to do in Podgorica:

• Wander through Podgorica’s Old Town and witness 15th-century houses and fortresses that bear the marks of war. You can enjoy a city tour for just €1.
• Come to see the colourful eclectic interiors of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Walk through the Millennium Bridge passing Old Town with the New Town
• Watch rare birds at Lake Skadar

Affordable things to do in Kotor

• Walk the Old Town of Kotor watching the white stone walls, and hidden courtyards
• Hike 1,300 steep steps of St. John Fortress to enjoy the city view from up! If you’re  taking this route , you’ll come across more beautiful trails free of cost
• Come to the seafront Kotor Food Market, for an authentic Montenegro experience

Tip:  Enjoy the rustic and natural Montenegro at Sveti Stefan, and Perast, the two amazing coastal town

Also Read: Hidden Gems of California: Budget-Friendly Travel

• Mid-range budget: € 655 (14 days)
• Shoulder season: May

Romania is one of the best-value European destinations, but tourists often struggle to find the ideal starting point. Romania is renowned for its castles, local culture, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture.

I would also consider it one of the most beautiful countries for budget travelers seeking cross-border road trips, as Romania is bordered by Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, and Serbia. Although you can commence your journey from Bucharest, the capital, I recommend something different.

Affordable things to do in Brasov (the best budget-friendly place in Romania):

• Go for the amazing trip to “ Dracula’s Castle”
• Take a free 10 am to 6 pm walking tour starting from the fountain in Piata Sfatului
• Click a picture in front of Catherine’s Gate
• Walk along the smallest alleyway in the country

Affordable things to do in Târgu Mures:

• Watch the architect around the city it’s from the Art Nouveau period
• Look at the 192 feet high spire – Prefecture Building
• Step inside the beautiful church – Big Orthodox Cathedral

Affordable things to do in Transylvania:

• Watch the fortified villages and churches at Saxon Village
• You can explore small villages like – Alma Vii, Richis, Cisnadioara, and Copsa Mare
• Watch the gothic structure of Transylvania – Corvin Castle
• Know what’s the difference between salt mines and others at Turda Salt Mine

Cheapest Places to Visit in Central Europe

• Mid-range budget: € 1,000 (14 days)
• Shoulder season: September- October

Croatia, a former Yugoslavian country, is one of the most affordable romantic getaways in Europe, offering spectacular beaches and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. If you’re a food lover, then I’m certain you’ll fall in love with this place. 

However, in recent years, it has gained popularity through movies, leading to an increase in costs. The primary reason I came here was to visit Diocletian’s Palace in Split. If you’re more interested in café hopping and enjoying green parks, then Zagreb is the place for you.

Tip:  Try out home-made pasta with  Crni Rizot

Experience the Dalmatian Coast:

• Come to the coastline of Zadar to experience a unique Sea Organ that is influenced by waves and wind creating beautiful tunes in the air
• See the huge Diocletian’s Palace
• Swim with the view of the waterfall at Plitvice National Park

Affordable   things to do in Trogir:

• Join the Skrapa Facebook page to attend some student party
• See the historic Medieval fortress
• Come to Drvenik Mali, and enjoy soaking in the sun among the olive groves

Off-the-Beaten Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe

6. slovakia.

• Mid-range budget: € 800 (14 days)
• Shoulder season: February

Slovakia is all about quaint charm, romantic pastoral mountain meadows adorned with castles, and breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. Whether you’re sitting by the Danube River, soaking in the culture of Bratislava, or climbing the Tatras, Slovakia is a pure delight for backpackers!

Affordable   things to do in Bratislava:

• Explore the oldest stone buildings and Castles around the Old town of the Bratislava City Museum
• Learn about the history of the bridge and click some photos with it
• See the home of the President – Grassalkovich Palace
• Take a walking tour and watch the beautiful murals on the wall
• Check the pretty The Little Blue Church
• Bratislava is one of the must-visit European cities on a budget. If you’re a lover of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, from here you need to check Spis Castles and Kosice
• If you’re in search of affordable winter vacations in Europe, check out Bratislava as the town is free from crowds and covered in snow. In the month of January attend the Ice Hockey Match

7. Bosnia–Herzegovina

• Mid-range budget: €  630 (14 days)
• Shoulder season: Summer

Backpackers, are you in search of great winter holiday festivals? Welcome to Sarajevo, an affordable European city for solo travelers. Every year, hikers and water sports enthusiasts come to Bosnia and Herzegovina to explore the central Dinaric Alps and go water rafting in the deepest river canyon.

Affordable   things to do in Sarajevo:

• Take a stroll along the Miljacka River, looking at the skyrise buildings, Austro-Hungarian grandeur, and Ottoman-era shops
• Take a foodie walking tour tasting the Bosnian-style brunch
• Go for free morning with cooking classes. You’ll learn how to prepare Bosnian coffee and typical meals
• Visit the old Jewish cemetery to explore the Tunnel of Hope
• Come to Lukomir, the oldest village to spend a day

Affordable   things to do in Mostar:

• Take selfies with the Old Bridge which I call a fairy-tale bridge and come to the bridge and see the Old Town
• Walk the entire Old Town and shop from the street cafes and souvenir shops. For shopping, you can also come to Old Bazar Kujundziluk 
• Spend a small fee to take a tour of the Kosi Mehmed Pasha mosque

Note:  I recommend coming to Mostar in the month of September. It is the most budget-friendly European destination for families as the environment is much more peaceful and easy to explore

Tip:  Restaurants can be expensive on your pocket, but you should try regional cafes that serve Cevapi, Pljeskavica, and Duvec

Also Read: Beautiful Cheapest Beach Towns in Florida

Affordable European Weekend Breaks Destinations

• Mid-range budget: €  670 (14 days)
• Shoulder season: Late July

Albania is one of the cheapest European getaways for shoestring travelers looking for Mediterranean sun and sand. However, a lot of people do not know that it is a melting pot with Turkish, Italian, and Greek culture. You’ll be amazed to see the stunning mosques and cathedrals around the city. 

Affordable   things to do in Albania:

• Come to Tirana to see the angular communist era Opera House and National History Museum
• Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Albania’s Alps
• Come to Shkoder to explore the hidden flea market and some beautiful photography spots
• Explore the UNESCO-protected cobblestone streets of Gijrokaster
• Did you hear about  the Photography Museum – “Gjon Mili” that gives you a vivid idea of life in the 20th century
• Go for a stunning manageable hike from Theth to Valbones

Tip:  Taste the traditional spinach-and-cheese-filled- Byrek  if you’re in Albania

9. Czech Republic

• Mid-range budget: €  940 (14 days)
• Shoulder season: March-May

I’m completely in awe of Český Krumlov, one of the fairytale towns in the Czech Republic. You won’t believe just how gorgeous this little town can be, with its cobblestone streets, minimal car traffic, and numerous castles. However, it does attract a lot of tourists. Also, you can visit Prague, the capital city during Christmas to take part in its Christmas celebration.

Affordable   things to do in Český Krumlov:

• You should try out coffee at Non Solo Caffe . You can try some other places but here the coffee is really different
• Visit the museums around Old Town like the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, the Regional Museums, the Castle Museum, and Cesky Krumlov Monastery
• Come to see the Cesky Krumlov Castle to climb the top of the castle and enjoy the sweeping views
• Put “Křížová hora” on your Google Map to enjoy the walk watching the small chapel, monasteries, and best views of the town

Affordable   things to do in Prague:

• Beer lovers, you need to try dark Kozel from the corner stores
• Strike a pose in front of The John Lennon Wall, the graffiti wall
• Enjoy the city view while paddle boating
• If you want to see the mini Eiffel Tower, look for Petrin

Cheapest European Countries to Visit in Summer

• Mid-range budget: € 1,088 (14 days)
• Shoulder season: April – May

Watching the wind shake the shrubs and rosemary, gazing at the blue Aegean Sea, and savoring the salt-filled air, Marmaris in Turkey is one of the best-value European cities to visit. The location is naturally gorgeous with a natural harbour by the bay surrounded by the mountains. 

Affordable   things to do in Marmaris:

• Just spend time doing “nothing” on this “Paradise Island” looking at the green Cennet Adasi. The environs are truly magical
• Check the Marmaris Castle built in the 16th century
• Hike along the subtropical forest of red pine at Marmaris National Park
• Go for a day trip to Yildiz Island
• If you love shopping, enjoy barraging at Marmaris Bazar
• Walk along the coastal path to reach Icemeler Old Village

• Mid-range budget: € 1,264 (14 days)
• Shoulder season:   May and June

If you want to chill by the beach or hike in the Troodos Mountains in the summer come to– Cyprus, the most economical European backpacking place. The temperature here is nearly always warm and you’re going to love Paphos, the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Affordable   things to do in Paphos:

• Anyone wanting to experience the cultural whilst and want to cherish archaeological ideas of Cyprus come to Tomb of the Kings
• You can go on a date by the harbor and enjoy a romantic walk
• Explore Pafos Castle. If you’re lucky you can watch festivals or functions performed here
• Stop to admire the Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, Roman Catholic Church
• Walk a little way down to reach Paphos Old Town

Interesting fact : It is said that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love was born in Paphos

• Mid-range budget: € 550 (14 days)
• Shoulder season:  March

Greece is indeed one of the gorgeous budget-friendly European spots that you should include in your itineraries. However, spots around Santorini and Athens is a hell lot more expensive as compared to exotic island like Zakynthos which is very affordable.

Affordable things to do in Zakynthos :

• Get a tan and explore the white sand and blue water at Navagio Beach
• Soak yourself in sulfur hot springs at Xigia Beach
• Look at the old ruins of the Venetian Castle
• Park your car just next to the cliffs to enjoy the gorgeous view from The Cliffs of Keri 

Accommodation Tips for Budget Travellers

• Find volunteering opportunities in hostels , homestays, or hotels. You offer them a service that can be as basic as helping in the kitchen or as good as making cinematic videos in exchange for free accommodation and free food
• Use apps like Couchsurfing and BeWelcome, where you can choose your host from the place you’re staying, in exchange for your love of traveling and any service you’re good at.
• Stay at hostel rooms in dormitory style. You need to share your room with other 4-6 fellow travelers but with all the amenities like Wi-Fi, curtains, lockers, big bathrooms, toiletries, and a lot more
• Exchange your home with some other fellow travelers in exchange for your living in their home. However, if you’re sure that there is no worry about valuable things at your place. Apps you can use are – Mind My House and House Carers
• Stay in a Monestry, live a life like a monk

Travel Hacks and Money-Saving Tips

• Check flights in incognito mode
• Buy flight tickets by using airport hub pricing
• Choose a free walking tour
• Start saving credit card points to buy flight tickets
• Talk more to locals
• Buy local tourist cards and transportation cards 
• Carry your own water bottle and a lot of snacks and dry fruits
• Always bargain
• Keep your travel stories flexible. Do not rush
• Learn from your mistakes and try to come up with new solutions next time 
• Places To Try Switzerland Chocolates

FAQ: Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe

1. when is the best time to travel to europe to get the cheapest deals.

A. To find affordable accommodation in Europe and secure other cheap deals, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which typically spans from October to early November and from March to April. It’s a transitional period between the off-season and peak season.

2. Which European cities offer the best value for money in terms of sightseeing and experiences?

A. Although I’ve provided a list of the cheapest places to visit in Europe above, you can also consider traveling to Warsaw in Poland and Lille in France.

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figures are based on exchange rates as of early May 2023

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Statistics on " Vacation travel behavior in Europe "

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• Share of Europeans planning trips in Europe 2023, by purpose
• Europeans planning leisure domestic or European trips 2023, by trip type
• Share of Europeans planning to take a summer vacation 2022-2023, by country
• Accommodation type preferred by Europeans for summer vacations 2023
• Factors playing a role when choosing a summer holiday destination for Europeans 2023
• Share of Europeans planning to take a domestic summer trip 2023, by country
• Leading outbound travel destinations in EU-27 countries 2019-2022
• Most affordable cities for backpacking in Europe 2024

Other statistics that may interest you Vacation travel behavior in Europe

• Premium Statistic Travel and tourism revenue in Europe 2018-2028, by segment
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• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in Europe 2019-2022, by type
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism spending share in European countries 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Average summer vacation budget in Europe 2022-2023, by country
• Premium Statistic Spending on vacation and leisure trips made by EU residents 2019-2021, by country
• Premium Statistic Spending on domestic and outbound vacations made by EU residents 2021, by country

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• Premium Statistic Share of Europeans planning to travel domestically or in Europe 2023
• Premium Statistic Share of Europeans planning trips in Europe 2023, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Europeans planning leisure domestic or European trips 2023, by trip type
• Basic Statistic Share of Europeans planning to take a summer vacation 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Share of Europeans planning to take a summer vacation 2022-2023, by country
• Basic Statistic Accommodation type preferred by Europeans for summer vacations 2023
• Premium Statistic Factors playing a role when choosing a summer holiday destination for Europeans 2023

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• Premium Statistic Travel intentions of Europeans in the next six months 2023, by destination
• Premium Statistic European travelers' favorite destinations for their next European trip 2023
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11 Cheapest Places To Visit In Europe

We all deserve a cheeky getaway, right? whether that is for a little escapism, a special treat or just an excuse to hop over to the cheapest places to visit in Europe. That being said, price and how much things cost can actually have a big impact on your time away. 

Thankfully, travelling across Europe doesn’t need to involve those nose-bleed, eye-watering, prices that make us fearful to check your bank balance. There are a whole heap of amazing and some of the cheapest places to visit in Europe all across the continent. 

Now, let’s be totally real, r egardless of the amount of money you have EVERYONE one of us has a budget! Even the richest billionaire will have a budget, though, it’s just much bigger than mine. 🤣

To be honest, each person’s budget is totally and completely relevant to their unique situation. This is especially true when it comes to planning a trip.

  For instance, that low-cost flight to Europe might seem reasonable to some, but I’m pretty certain there is some snazzy person that considers hiring a Lear jet, encrusted in diamonds and powered by unicorns (as a budget-friendly trip).

Honestly, whatever your budget is, there is totally no shame in knowing your limit and maximising it to the fullest potential.

This is one of the main reasons I wanted to share some of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. Some are gorgeous Italian cities , others are beautiful Greek islands .  Whatever the case, there’s a whole heap of places to explore.

Take a look at some of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. 

1.) Budapest, Hungary 

Easily up there as one of the most beautiful cities in Hungary , Budapest is a great place to visit. 

Honestly, the city is not only one of the grandest cities, but it’s also one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.

From its ornate buildings, gothic architecture and beautiful baths, there really is a whole heap of amazing things to do at a fraction of the cost of global cities.

Now, there are loads of things to do in Budapest , so I’ve decided to create our own guide on what to see while you’re here. Take a look at our post, here.

Read more: Best things to do in Budapest

2.) Nimes, France

Nimes is a gorgeous (relatively small) city in the south of France that is well worth exploring. Better still, it’s one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe, especially when you compare it to other cities in the South of France (like; Cannes). 

Around 30 minutes from the Mediterranean coast, this gorgeous Roman town is steeped in history, culture and charm that is a fraction of the cost of many other cities in the region.

Once you’re here, make sure to; visit the old town, check out the city’s famous amber jewels  and take a day trip to the spa town of Sopot (about 20-minutes away).

For a great place to stay, check into the  Appart City Hotel that’s near the Nimes Arena.

Read more: What to see in Gdansk

4.) Graz, Austria

The second largest city in Austria , Graz sometimes gets overshadowed by some of the other bigger cities in the country.

Yes, Vienna is totally beautiful but there are so many more amazing and beautiful places in Austria to see, too. 

Graz is steeped in history and has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status and it’s easy to see why. The city is rammed with amazing places like the Rathaus, which is totally gorgeous.

Also, once you’re here, take a short trip to Schloss Eggenberg. You’ll love it.

The city is also home to quite a few universities so you’re almost always guaranteed some reasonably-priced dining experiences and places to eat. Not to mention the partying after! 

Read more: Itinerary for exploring Austria

5.) Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and one place that’s well worth a visit, especially if you’re wanting to save a few pennies. It’s easily much cheaper than cities like Geneva or Olso, but no less beautiful or amazing. 

For me, Bratislava is certainly one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe, especially for a long weekend. 

Once here, make sure to visit Devin Castle, explore the historic centre and enjoy a Laskonky (a nutty and creamy pastry). Though be warned, you’ll want more than one.

Read more: Things you must see in Bratislava

6.) Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city in Greece and a place that often gets overshadowed by Athens.

That being said, there’s a whole heap to see and do for a fraction of the price of the capital city. 

Typically, unlike Capital cities, regional cities are that bit cheaper and a little more accessible when budgets are tight. This is what makes Thessaloniki a great city to explore.

Once you’re here, indulge in some of that rich Greek heritage and visit the historic White Tower, too. Oh, and don’t forget to grab your fill of Ouzo and Tiropita.

Read more: Best Greek food to eat

7.)   Bergamo, Italy

Bergamo is one of the most underrated Italian cities I’ve ever visited.

Perched in the north of the country, it’s relatively cheaper than other surrounding destinations like,  Milan and Lake Como  (that are just a stone’s throw away).

Make sure to visit the historic old town and discover a little piece of Italian charm that can be easily overlooked in the region.

You might even notice that you fly into Bergamo if you’re travelling to the region on a low-cost airline, this makes it a perfect stopping point for a much cheaper visit to one of the best Italian cities . 

Read more: Best Italian cities to visit

8.) Split. Croatia

Split is one of my favourite places in Croatia , it’s a place crammed full of historic charm, gorgeous buildings and some of Europe’s most idyllic shores. 

The city itself is a great place to visit the likes of  Diocletian’s Palace , some gorgeous must-see Croatian islands and the dramatic  national parks  that tower over the region.

Split can be much cheaper than other Mediterranean towns and well-worth a visit.

It’s especially great if you’re wanting a Mediterranean shore trip that’s twinned with lots of history, too.

Read more: Best cities and towns in Croatia to visit

9.) Sofia, Bulgaria

Nestled in the west of Bulgaria, Sofia is probably one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. With eating out being much cheaper than western European cities, and the cost of transport and accommodation being much less, it’s a great place to explore.

Now, Sofia itself has a heap of international influences that have shaped its long history. With Ottoman, Roman, Greek and Soviet buildings and culture, Sofia is a melting pot of historic sites that you’ll just love.

Make sure to also visit the Rila Monastery and gorge on some hearty Bulgarian food. 

10.) Samos, Greece 

Okay, so Samos isn’t a big or bustling city but a beautiful Greek island that sits a few miles off the coast of Turkey.

The island itself has a mountain of history and the historic home of Pythagoras, the famous Mathematician, too.

Now, Samos is much more reasonably priced than other Greek islands like Santorini that can costs quite a pretty penny in summer. 

It really is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe if you’re wanting to experience the Greek islands. 

Read more: Best things to do in Samos

11.) Ronda, Spain 

If you’re looking for a city break that’s filled with history, delicious Spanish food and dramatic scenery, then Ronda is a spot for you. Ronda is easily up there as one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. 

Steeped in history, Ronda is one of my favourite places in Spain and is much cheaper, and far less crowded than some other cities in Spain.

Plus, accommodation costs are lower than the coastal towns, making it a perfect city break that won’t break the bank.

Read more: What to see in Ronda

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18 Cheapest Countries To Visit in Europe All Year Round

Posted: March 14, 2024 | Last updated: March 14, 2024

International travel does not have to break the bank. There are many options for affordable vacations within Europe without compromising the quality of your stay. Whether you’re after a lazy beach holiday or an adventure vacation hiking through a vast wilderness, many less-traveled European nations offer a cheaper alternative to the usual tourist hotspots.

Sitting quietly on the border between Europe and Asia, Georgia has something for everyone. Whether you are after a city break in the bustling city of Tbilisi or a quiet vacation among the vast wilderness and mountains, Georgia offers it at an affordable price. Excluding flights, a trip to Georgia can cost as little as $30 a day.

Serbia has become increasingly popular as a holiday destination over the last few years, hosting over five and a half million foreign visitors in 2023. Belgrade’s capital city is a gastronomic hub with many restaurants, cafes, and bars. With prices lower than most in Western Europe, fine dining can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. You can pay anywhere from $5 to $12 for a standard meal.

Poland boasts two cities well worth a visit: Krakow and Warsaw. Krakow was voted the European Capital of Culture in 2000 , while Warsaw is steeped in the history of World War Two. Warsaw is the more expensive of the two but is still affordable by European standards. 

4. Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital city, is very affordable, with an average two-person vacation costing $916 . Sunny Beach is a must-visit for those after a good party, offering water sports , paintball , and an incredibly lively nightlife . Bulgaria is home to many affordable resorts catering to all tastes.

Hungary is one of many Eastern European countries that can be visited on a tight budget. Budapest is its bustling capital, though many other towns and cities are well worth seeing. The cost of a typical meal at a restaurant in Budapest is less than half the price you would pay in New York. A typical lunch in Budapest can cost as little as $9.

The number of visitors to Albania almost doubled between 2022 and 2023, which is expected to keep growing . Lovingly named the Albanian Riviera, Albania has some of the best beaches in Europe in the summer. It is an excellent alternative to some of the more expensive Mediterranean countries. Tirana is incredibly affordable, with accommodation available for less than $25 a night.

7. Lithuania

As one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe, Lithuania is an excellent place for a budget-friendly vacation. Like its neighbor Latvia, much of Lithuania is covered in forests . Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is famed for its Baroque architecture and is home to many clubs, restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, and bars.

Romania is ideal for someone after an enjoyable cultural holiday. There are many cultural sites worth visiting, such as ancient churches, monasteries, and castles. The country is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bucharest, the capital of Romania, remains a low-cost destination. If you’re willing to share, a room can cost as little as 70 Romanian Leu , or $15 .

9. Slovenia

As the 8th most peaceful nation in the world and one of the cheapest nations to visit in Europe, Slovenia is an ideal place for a reasonably priced European vacation. The old town of Ljubljana is picturesque, while the city comes alive at night. Ljubljana offers numerous day trip options conveniently accessible through the city’s efficient railway and bus networks.

10. Montenegro

Lying on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, This quiet Balkan nation saw its tourist arrivals almost double between 2011 and 2021. Montenegro is an excellent choice for an affordable sunny getaway. If you enjoy blue seas and soft white sand, the Budva Riviera or the beaches of the Bay of Kotor are not to be missed. Accommodation in the Bay of Kotor can be found reasonably priced, from as little as $170 for seven nights .

11. Croatia

Croatia has it all, from Zagreb’s modern, urban nightlife to the history-steeped city of Dubrovnik. While prices have steadily increased, Croatia remains an affordable destination compared to Western Europe. A 15-day public transit pass for less than $30 can give you free rein in the city.

12. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, known as Czechia, is renowned for its stunning castles, interesting culture, and delicious beer. Prague may not be a budget-friendly destination, but it offers a more affordable option than many Western European cities . A traveler on a budget can expect to spend between $50 and $70 a night for food, accommodation, travel, and activities. The extensive public transportation networks mean travel within the country is easy and efficient.  

Cyprus has been a top-rated tourist destination for years , but it remains cheaper for tourists. There are plenty of options for accommodation under $50 a day, and food and drink remain affordable. The small city of Nicosia has plenty to keep you occupied, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants. 

A country of two continents, Turkey is split down the middle by the Bosphorus River , with Europe on one side and Asia on the other. Despite its popularity among tourists, it is still very affordable. A restaurant meal for two can cost as little as ₺200, just under $7 . A cup of Turkish coffee or tea tends to cost less than 50¢.

Latvia is a solid choice for someone wanting an affordable stay amidst beautiful landscapes. Over half of the country is covered in forest, perfect for an outdoor adventure holiday . It is also great for architecture lovers, as the city of Riga has the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture.

Lying just off the tip of North Africa between Italy and Tunisia , Malta is perfect for an affordable vacation in a sunny climate. Malta is a proven tourist destination, hosting over five times as many tourists as its entire population . Being such a small country, booking a room in Valletta’s city center is unnecessary. The town of Floriana is only a short walking distance from Valletta and offers better prices .

17. Estonia

Estonia may be a good alternative if you can’t reasonably afford a Norwegian or Finnish getaway. Estonia is the northernmost non-Arctic member of the European Union and a very affordable tourist destination. If you’re working on a budget, you can comfortably stay in the capital city of Tallinn for around $50 a day .

18. Slovakia

If you like wine, you’ll love Slovakia. With its age-old wine industry and affordable prices, Slovakia offers an opportunity for a budget-friendly wine-tasting tour . There are also many UNESCO Heritage sites , such as the Dobšiná Ice Cave or Spiš Castle. The capital city, Bratislava, is affordable by European standards and is only a 90-minute train ride from the Austrian city of Vienna.

All Tastes Catered For

If you want to make your money go further, sometimes it’s necessary to take the road less traveled. You don’t have to jet off to Paris or Rome for a taste of Europe’s culture and cuisine. Lesser-known European countries boast hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re drawn to Ljubljana’s medieval charm or the vibrant modernity of cities like Belgrade and Vilnius, these budget-friendly destinations offer something for every traveler.

14 Coastal Towns That Offer Affordable Retirement and Quality

Retirement is not just about taking a long-deserved break; it’s about embracing a new adventure in life’s next chapter. What better way to start this journey than in a coastal town, where the sea meets the sky in a harmony of tranquil living? This post sails through the 14 most enchanting seaside towns, handpicked for retirees who dream of quality living without breaking the bank. We’ve anchored downtowns that tick all the boxes for an ideal retirement haven – affordability, rich quality of life, top-notch healthcare, and delightful weather. So, let’s dive in and explore these seaside gems where your golden years can truly shine.

16 Affordable Retirement Destinations Abroad

Retirement can be exciting for people who have worked hard and are ready to enjoy the good life. Many retirees want to make the most of their money and enjoy the rest of their life the best they can. For some, retiring abroad sounds like a fun adventure. Luckily, in some foreign locations, retirees can keep some of their hard-earned money in their bank accounts. Below are some of the best places for new retirees to settle down and enjoy their lives.

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Revealed: the European cities with the cheapest (and most expensive) pints

With the summer season fast approaching, these are all the best (and worst) places for a budget beer

Picture the scene. It’s a summer’s day, you’ve arrived on your mini break, ditched your luggage at the Airbnb, and are absolutely gasping for a sit-down in the sun with a pint. For those of us who love a beer, there are few things more glorious than that.

But when it comes to the cost of a pint, there’s a huge discrepancy across Europe . Some destinations will make you gasp with joy when you’re offered the card machine, while others will simply make you sweat (a pint is more than €10 in one particular European capital). So, where are the cheapest – and the most expensive – places for a beer this summer?

Well, according to travel booking website OMIO , the most budget-friendly place to buy beer is Minsk . In the Belarusian capital, a pint will set you back just 90p (€1.05) – that’s less than even a large Coca-Cola from McDonalds at a local branch. 

Chisinau in Moldova comes in second place with a pint costing just £1.11 (€1.30), and Baku in Azerbaijan comes in third at £1.16 (€1.35). 

But it’s not pennies for pints all round. In Helsinki , a pint will cost you £6.84 (€7.98); in Oslo , a whopping £8.13 (€9.49), and in Reykjavik , an eye-watering £8.61 (€10.05). So, if you’re planning a boozy getaway, you might want to consider one of the former destinations. 

The European cities with the cheapest pints

• Minsk, Belarus (£0.90 / €1.05)
• Chisinau, Moldova (£1.11 / €1.30)
• Baku, Azerbaijan (£1.16 / €1.35)
• Tbilisi, Georgia (£1.45 / €1.69)
• Yerevan, Armenia (£1.57 / €1.83)
• Sofia, Bulgaria (£1.66 / €1.94)
• Skopje, Macedonia (£1.66 / €1.94)
• Pristina, Kosovo (£1.71 / €2)
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (£1.75 / €2.04)
• Prague , Czech Republic  (£1.86 / €2.17)

The European cities with the most expensive pints

• Reykjavik, Iceland (£8.61 / €10.05)
• Oslo, Norway (£8.13 / €9.49)
• Helsinki, Finland (£6.84 / €7.98)
• London , UK  (£6.50 / €7.58)
• Monaco (£6.41 / €7.48)
• Copenhagen , Denmark (£6.31 / €7.36)
• Paris , France (£5.98 / €6.98)
• Bern , Switzerland  (£5.75 / €6.71)
• Stockholm , Sweden (£5.65 / €6.59)
• Dublin , Ireland (£5.56 / €6.49)

Budget-friendly travel

From these not-too-pricey ski resorts to these super-affordable destinations , there’s plenty of info on Time Out Travel about the best places to go on a budget. 

Did you see that this city has been named the most liveable in Europe ?

Plus: These are Europe’s best beaches for summer 2024 . 

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Map shows Europe’s cheapest pints where a beer costs less than Coca-Cola

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The air is warmer, the days are longer and our trips to the beer garden are fast approaching.

You may be booking your summer getaways or planning a trip to the pub with friends.

Aside from the cheapest flights and best hotel deals , you might also be considering which pints of beer will put the smallest dent in your pocket after a long hard day of sightseeing.

That’s particularly the case for London dwellers who find themselves living among some of the most expensive pints in Europe.

It my surprise you though to find out it’s not actually the most expensive capital city on the list, even if you do frequently fork out more than £7 for a glass of the gold stuff.

Travel booking website  OMIO has dug into the data to find the cheapest and most expensive cities to buy a pint in Europe, using cost-of-living database Numbeo .

Where is the cheapest pint of beer in Europe?

You won’t even spend £1 for a pint in the country often branded ‘the last dictatorship in Europe’.

At just £0.90, Minsk in Belarus is the cheapest capital city in Europe for a pint of draught beer.

That’s cheaper than a Coca-Cola from McDonald’s here in the UK.

European capitals with the cheapest pints of beer

• Minsk, Belarus – £0.90
• Chișinău, Moldova – £1.11
• Baku, Azerbaijan – £1.16
• Tbilisi, Georgia – £1.45
• Yerevan, Armenia – £1.57
• Sofia, Bulgaria – £1.66
• Skopje, Macedonia – £1.66
• Pristina, Kosovo – £1.71
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – £1.75
• Prague, Czech Republic – £1.86

If you can stomach the political repression, you can definitely down a few pints in the far east of Europe.

Although, if you find yourself heading a bit further south, the landlocked country of Moldova is second on the list at just £1.11 per pint in its capital Chișinău.

There you can find the Arcul De Triumf that rivals Paris’ own triumphal arch, the city’s 19th century cathedral, and the seven-hectare ‘park of the lovers’ called Stefan the Great Park.

Where is the most expensive pint in Europe?

Iceland already has a reputation for being pricey and freezing cold, but the volcanic landscape and Northern Lights might just make £8.61 per pint worth it.

Much the same is true for the next two on the list – Oslo, Norway and Helsinki, Finland – where beautiful nature and historic cities come with a hefty price tag.

European capitals with the most expensive pints of beer

• Reykjavik, Iceland – £8.61
• Oslo, Norway – £8.13
• Helsinki, Finland – £6.84
• London, United Kingdom – £6.50
• Monaco – £6.41
• Copenhagen, Denmark – £6.31
• Paris, France – £5.98
• Bern, Switzerland – £5.75
• Stockholm, Sweden – £5.65
• Dublin, Ireland – £5.56

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But people fly from all over the world to explore London and its pricey pints, so why not there?

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