Travel destinations in Europe are immensely popular and feature on most people’s travel lists. However, the assumption that it is an expensive venture prevents many people from traveling to the continent. Even though cheap flights to Europe are available from all major countries, the main expenses occur when you start exploring the areas.

But, to make sure your travel bucket list isn’t dictated by expenses alone, here is a list of the cheapest European countries to visit. If you pick these affordable travel destinations in Europe, you can still check things off your bucket list without breaking the bank.

10 Cheapest European Countries to Visit

Mentioned below are ten of the most affordable European countries, ideal for travelers on a tight budget who want to see the beauty of Europe and visit places that meet their interests.

1. Montenegro

Montenegro will astound visitors with pristine beaches, free entry to most of its attractions, and budget hotels on the Adriatic coast. It is one of the cheapest European countries to visit due to its favourable exchange rate. It is also the least visited country in Southern Europe. Despite its tiny size, Montenegro has enough to occupy visitors for at least a few days.

Begin by going to the Bay of Kotor, one of the most beautiful locations in the Balkan Peninsula. High mountains and deep blue waters surround this UNESCO World Heritage site. For vibrant nightlife, head towards the city of Budva. You can also try out street food, which is reasonably priced.

2. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is considered the most affordable country in Eastern Europe. It is also ranked among the safest countries to visit among European destinations due to its low crime rate and excellent transport network to move around.

Bulgaria is one of the most spectacular nations in Europe, with attractive villages, historical sites, beautiful hiking paths, and immaculate Black Sea beaches. There are many tourist activities that you can do, like wandering the Central Balkan National Park, exploring Plovdiv’s old town’s cobbled streets with 200 archaeological sites, and visiting Bansko, a mountain village that has the cheapest ski resorts in Europe.

Major Bulgarian cities, Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Plovdiv, organise free walking tours for tourists. 

3. Italy

Situated in western Europe, Italy can be an affordable European destination if you consider the following:

• The best time to plan your trip is from November to February
• Find lodging discounts and reduced airfares. 

Italy has 59 UNESCO World Heritage sites, which is more than any other European country. It is also home to world-class museums with free days (typically Sundays), so schedule in advance. The Dolomites mountain range in northeastern Italy offers 1300 kilometers of ideal cross-country skiing. You can save money on delicious food by avoiding sit-down restaurants and opting for take-out instead.

One of the cheapest places in the nation is Puglia, especially the sandy beaches of the Gargano peninsula and the town of Leece, famous for its magnificently decorated architecture. Travelers who like the arts should include Urbino on their itinerary as well.

4. Greece

Greece is a stunning country with countless locations that can suit travelers of various interests and budgets. The mainland of Greece has a plethora of historical and cultural attractions.

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is undoubtedly one of Greece’s most enticing and budget-friendly locations. Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are the cheapest European cities. You can explore hotels such as Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, or Laffer, which have a great vibe and are inexpensive.

5. Poland

Poland is among the most popular budget destinations in Eastern Europe due to its abundance of attractions, favourable exchange rates, and affordable street food and hotel alternatives. The gorgeous cities of Kraków and Gdansk have stunning architecture and rich history. Located near Kraków is the Ojcowski National Park, renowned for its magnificent caves and castles.

Warsaw, Poland’s cheapest destination, is less crowded than other cities. You can even try foods from local restaurants called ‘bar mleczny’. Poland has it all if you want to go on a city break, visit attractive small villages, enjoy a nature-filled road trip, or go on a beach vacation.

6 . Hungary

Hungry is a great destination to consider for planning a budget-friendly holiday. Many tourist sites, such as the enthralling old town, Revolution Square, and Stavropoleos Church, are mostly free.

Every year, thousands of tourists visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in the capital city of Budapest. It is situated along the Danube River’s banks, along with many other free attractions for tourists. It is also famous for having the most delicious cuisine in Central Europe.

7. Ireland

This Northern European island is ranked among the best budget destinations in Europe, primarily because of flight rates. Cheapest flights are available to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, from Ryanair and Aer Lingus. This is an option you could explore to tick off your travel bucket list without breaking the bank. 

8. The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a fantastic choice for travelers on a limited budget. You can enjoy the bustling cities, cultural attractions, tasty and affordable beer, and national parks. One must visit the free attractions, like the magnificent Jewish enclave, the old town district’s exquisite architecture, and historic castles.

9. Georgia

This former Soviet country is known for its natural beauty. The capital, Tbilisi, is extremely affordable and is known for its diverse architecture and mazelike, cobbled streets of old town. The activities recommended for people on a budget are skiing in the winter, riding among Javakheti lakes, and hiking in the Caucasus mountains.

10. Spain

Many Spanish cities deserve to be on the list of the most affordable cities to travel to in Europe. Seville and Valencia are the most prominent ones that are less crowded and rich in regional Spanish culture. Since there is so much competition among the hotels in Southern Spain, four and five-star accommodations are far more affordable than elsewhere in Europe.

Conclusion

These countries can be a dream destination for travellers who want to explore Europe on a budget. They can provide a number of unique experiences without you having to worry about money. Visiting these places can give you the opportunity to understand different cultures, interact with people, and try out different cuisines. To minimise travelling prices, travelers should stick to local cuisine and investigate the cheapest destinations before organising a trip to the above countries.

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Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by Kaushiki Mahato