From sandy beaches along blue coasts to meandering mountain roads and more than a thousand-year-old historical site, Europe offers a variety of vacation destinations to suit all tastes and interests.
Unfortunately, many of these places, especially those in popular tourist destinations like France, Germany, and the Netherlands, can strain your financial situation.
Top 20 Cheapest places to travel in Europe
From our list of the most affordable European nations, pick the top 20 cheapest places to travel in Europe.
1. Hungary: Cheapest Country to Save Money
Despite being one of the most costly nations in Eastern Europe, Hungary is still much less expensive than most of the Western half of the continent’s top tourist hotspots.
In addition to being one of the greatest cities in Europe, Budapest is also among the cheapest cities to visit.
The Chain Bridge walk across the Danube and a tour of the Castle Hill neighborhood are just two of the many free things to do in Budapest, the capital cheap city of Hungary.
The underground Castle Labyrinth and Buda Castle are only two of the tourist attractions in the Castle region that aren’t free to visit, but they’re still extremely reasonably priced.
The nation’s favorite fast meal is lángos, a type of deep-fried pizza topped with cheese, tomato sauce, or sour cream. Street food is another excellent option to save money when traveling there.
Things get considerably cheaper outside of the metropolis. Prices are significantly lower year-round in Tihany, a lakeside resort town, and in the Bükk Mountains, a popular destination for outdoor adventure.
You can visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, which has stunning architecture. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
2. The Czech Republic
Although the Czech Republic is no longer as inexpensive as it once was, you can still get great deals if you travel outside of Prague, the country’s capital city. During the winter, this is especially true.
Be careful where you dine in the tourist-trapped Prague city centre; it can be one of the far less expensive countries to explore the suburbs.
Main attractions include strolling across Charles Bridge, pausing by the Astronomical Clock, and exploring the historic structures and cobblestone alleyways of Old Town Square.
You’ll also enjoy visiting Brno, the surrounding Moravian wine region, and the spa resort of Karlovy Vary. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
3. Slovakia: One of the cheapest European countries
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is undoubtedly the most costly city in the nation, but even here, you can keep your vacation affordable by utilizing the many free amenities the city has to offer.
Along with numerous tiny galleries dispersed across the city, Bratislava is also home to a large number of street sculptures, ranging from life-size Napoleon soldiers reclining against benches to bronze workers emerging from sewage holes.
The majority of the best sights and activities to do are concentrated in and around the Old Town centre region of Bratislava, the country’s capital, which is a tiny city that is easy to explore on foot ( Free walking tour ).
If you’re traveling outside the city, trains and buses are inexpensive and pleasant. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
However, Slovakia has a lot of outdoor activities available, and most of them are free. Many of them transform into fantastic locations for cross-country and downhill skiing, as well as snowshoeing, throughout the winter.
In Slovakia, all national parks are completely free of cost. Numerous castles, memorials, monuments, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites can all be visited for free or at a very low cost in Slovakia.
4. Bulgaria
You couldn’t leave Bulgaria off this list of cheap destinations because it is rumored to be the cheapest country in Europe.
To begin with, Bulgaria is still mainly unknown to tourists, with the exception of those who come during the summer for a travel budget-friendly getaway by the Black Sea.
While Sofia is frequently the first stop for tourists, smaller cities with more than 200 archaeological monuments, like Plovdiv, are even more affordable to explore.
Outside of the summer, hotels in Bulgaria are especially affordable, and many offer free shuttle service in addition to free breakfast. Even then, you’ll only have to pay a fraction of what you would in Western Europe for lodging, cheap flights, and entertainment.
It’s a terrific destination to explore because eating out the delicious food is considerably more affordable than in western cheap European cities, and because transportation and lodging are far less expensive. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
5. Slovenia
Three enormous nations, Hungary, Italy, and Austria, encircle the tiny nation of Slovenia. Mountainous and densely forested describe the country.
However, the bulk of visitors come for Slovenia’s coastline since it boasts several fairly priced, breathtaking sandy beaches and lots of sunshine. Slovenia is located along the Adriatic Sea.
Koper beach and the neighbouring Mestna beach, Moon Bay, and the well-known coastal town of Portoroz are all very affordable to visit in late April when the weather is already summerlike but the tourists haven’t yet arrived.
The most well-known destination distant from the shore may be Lake Bled. The lake, which is approximately 35 kilometres from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is one of the country’s most magnificent vistas. Additionally, the cost of the attraction is fair.
Other budget-friendly vacation destinations include Triglav National Park, where you may hike to Mount Triglav’s top in two days while spending the night in a mountain hut, the walled village of Tanjel, the mediaeval town of Piran, and other such locations. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
6. Graz, Austria
Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, is occasionally overshadowed by some of the country’s other larger cities.
Yes, Vienna is incredibly gorgeous, but there is also a tonne of other breathtaking locations throughout Austria.
It’s understandable why Graz, which is rich in history, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The affordable city is filled with absolutely beautiful locations, such as the absolutely stunning Rathaus.
Once you’re here, you should also make a quick journey to Schloss Eggenberg. You will adore it. You can nearly always find some affordable dining options and cheap places to dine in the city because it is home to several universities. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
7. Romania
If you’re planning to go trekking in the Carpathian Mountains or are just interested in enjoying the countryside, Romania is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.
Even a trip to Brasov, where Dracula’s Bran Castle is located, may be extremely reasonably priced if you sign up for a sightseeing day tour or don’t mind taking a sluggish train out of Bucharest.
You might take one of the many free walking tours that leave from the town center, or you can rent a bike in the warmer months to explore smaller cities.
Most of the time, grocery shopping here is not worthwhile because eating out is affordable and filling in Romania. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina is not the least expensive country on this list, but it does have one significant benefit over other places to visit: the cheapest flights and lodging doesn’t change significantly throughout the year.
This means that you may travel there in the summer to go rafting on the Neretva River or in the winter to enjoy pretty cheap skiing and some Christmas market shopping.
Just a short drive from Sarajevo, the country’s main city, are a number of ski resorts that are relatively average price, including Jahorina and Babin Do.
Add Bosnia and Herzegovina to your travel itinerary right away because of its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty. It is also quite economical.
Although dining out isn’t exceptionally expensive in this area, sticking to regional and local cuisine will allow you to save even more money because they can be found in more intimate cafés or on street vendors. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
9. Poland
If at all possible, stay away from visiting Krakow and Warsaw in the summer because they are not always cheap.
The greatest time to travel to metropolitan Poland is during the shoulder season when the weather is warming, the cost of living is still reasonable, and the castles and palaces that were closed for the winter are now reopening, often at discounted prices.
The most popular tourist destinations in Poland, including the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and Schindler’s factory, are substantially less crowded during the off-season, so you won’t waste time waiting in line.
For instance, on Wednesdays, both the Chopin Museum and the Royal Castle in Warsaw provide free entrance. Larger cities often have one free day per week for museums.
Poland boasts excellent meals, incredibly affordable beer, and vodka. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
Buses in Poland can carry you almost anywhere for relatively little money, despite the fact that railways are typically not very inexpensive. On luxury long-distance buses from companies like Flixbus, which come with free Wi-Fi, you can travel to even the smallest villages in Poland.
10. Montenegro: One of the Beautiful Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe
Fresh seafood, limitless crystal-clear lakes, lovely hiking… This little nation has a lot to offer! Weekend farmers markets are held in most cities and are a terrific place to get a cheap snack or quick meal.
Many people couldn’t even locate Montenegro on a map because it only achieved independence in 2006. Expect very low food prices in Montenegro because it is a country that is still trying to figure itself out, provided that you stick to the hearty, meat-heavy regional cuisine.
The shore of Montenegro is thronged with tourists in July and August, many of them are Russian nationals who can enter the country without a visa.
Ada Bojana, a tiny island away from the expensive coastal towns, is a popular spot for kiteboarding and a great summer vacation location with extremely reasonable pricing. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
11. Portugal
The most alluring places in Portugal are those where visitors may enjoy the outdoors, the sun, and nature for free. For its soft golden sands, cliffs, and lighthouses, the Faro District in southern Europe is a well-liked vacation spot.
In contrast, tourists flock to Madeira for its untamed volcanic hiking trails, stunning harbor, and excellent scuba diving.
Traveling to Portugal outside of the height of the tourist season (June to August) will result in significant cost savings on lodging and food.
With the exception of the cost of transportation, some of Portugal’s most interesting locations are free to explore.
These include the historic town of Evora, a World Heritage Site, and the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ in the popular city of Tomar, both of which date back to the 12th century. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
12. Italy
Italy is one of the more economical Western European nations to travel to. The public transportation system in Italy is so fantastic that there is absolutely no reason to ever employ a taxi.
Use the slower, local trains if you absolutely must visit Rome and Venice in one trip. They will take three times as long but will only cost you a quarter of the price.
The Colosseum and the Vatican are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and they all have reasonable admission fees.
The easiest method to save money when travelling to Italy is to avoid going there during the summer when everything is more expensive, lines for attractions are hours long, and the humid weather makes everything a little more uncomfortable. Any season is a great time to visit Italy because most of it never sees true cold.
Because most cafés and restaurants in large cities charge you to sit down, you should order your coffee to go or drink it standing up. It pays to drink coffee because the savings add up. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
13. Ronda, Spain
Ronda is the place for you if you’re seeking a city break that’s rich in history, has delectable Spanish cuisine, and has stunning views. One of the most reasonably priced travel destinations in Europe is without a doubt, Ronda.
One of my favourite spots in Spain is Ronda, which is rich in history and is also far less expensive and busy than other Spanish cities.
It’s the ideal city getaway that won’t break the budget because lodging costs are cheaper than in seaside cities. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
14. Ireland: One of the Beautiful Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe
One of the cheapest countries across Europe to fly into is Ireland. Getting to and from Dublin, Ireland’s capital city doesn’t have to break the bank thanks to affordable flights from Ryanair and AerLingus.
Take a couple of days to tour Dublin. Then gather your belongings and journey across the nation to locations like Galway, Cork, and Killarney. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
15. Albania
Albania continues to be one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. In addition to a wealth of historical monuments, spectacular natural beauty, and great summer weather, Albania features a beautiful coastline known as the Albanian Riviera with perfect beaches and azure waters without the sticker-shock prices of other European locales.
Even the more well-known beach resort destinations, such Dhrmi and Ksamil, see only modest numbers of foreign tourists and offer year-round access to reasonably priced hotel and food alternatives.
To save even more money, schedule your trip to the coast during April, May, or early June rather than during the high season. Since it will still be warm, you can still visit the beach, but you’ll avoid the crowds and spend less money.
Sit-down restaurants in Albania are fairly inexpensive, while fast food restaurants and cafés are even more so. Buying regional pastries from nearby bakeries is a fantastic way to save money. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
16. Estonia
It is not unexpected that costs are higher in Tallinn than they are elsewhere in the country given that the city has become a magnet for entrepreneurs and the self-employed during the past 10 years.
Fortunately, most visitors to Estonia spend little time in the capital and instead travel to some of the country’s top tourist destinations.
Estonia offers a wide selection of reasonably priced hotel and dining options outside of the capital. This is particularly true in Tartu, the second-largest city in the nation, which has a thriving cultural scene with free festivals all year long.
It doesn’t get much better than this if you’re looking for an outdoor vacation that won’t break the bank because over half of Estonia is covered in forests or other natural surroundings. National parks in Estonia are free to visit.
March through May and September through October are the finest periods to travel because there are up to 12 hours of daylight each day, making it easy to spend time outside exploring.
In addition, prices are substantially lower than they are in the summer, even if it is still pleasant and beautiful in May and September. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
17. Nimes, France: One of the Beautiful Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe
Beautiful Nimes is a city in southern France that is well worth seeing. Even better, compared to other cities in the South of France, it’s one of the least expensive destinations to visit in all of Europe.
This beautiful Roman village, which is only 30 minutes from the coast of the Mediterranean, offers history, culture, and beauty at a fraction of the price of other nearby cities.
Visit the old town while you’re here, look at the city’s renowned amber jewelry, and take a day trip to the spa resort of Sopot.
Visit the Appart City Hotel, which is close to the Nimes Arena, for a fantastic location to stay. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
18. Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, is frequently forgotten about in favor of Athens. However, there is a tonne to see and do for a lot less money than in the capital city.
Regional cities are typically slightly more affordable and reachable when money is scarce than capital cities. Thessaloniki is a wonderful city to explore because of this.
When you get here, take advantage of the rich Greek heritage and pay a visit to the White Tower. Oh, and make sure to drink enough ouzo and tiropita. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
19. Split, Croatia
One of my favorite Croatian cities is Split, which is home to some of the most picturesque coastlines in all of Europe as well as charming old architecture.
The city itself is an excellent starting point for excursions to places like Diocletian’s Palace, some stunning Croatian islands that are a must-see, and the imposing national parks that dominate the area.
It can be far less expensive to visit Split than other Mediterranean cities. It’s particularly excellent if you desire a Mediterranean shore vacation that is also rich in history. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
20. Ukraine: One of the Beautiful Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe
Ukraine is the ideal destination for daring explorers because it is one of Europe’s least visited nations and may also be the cheapest. Over the past few years, there has been significant tourism growth in the nation’s capital, Kyiv.
Visit the open-air museums, explore the Main Astronomical Observatory, take in the more than 150 street paintings, or climb St. Vladimir Hill for sweeping views of the city are just a few of the numerous free activities available in Kyiv.
Then on to Lviv, one of the region’s most scenic cities famed for its wealth of open spaces and Soviet architecture. Odesa, a coastal city, is another popular destination where folks go to spend their summer vacation days.
One of the world’s most affordable nations is Ukraine. Dorm beds in hostels start at $4, while a hotel room for two people costs $30 per night.
Expect to spend between $3 and $7 on lunch at a nearby restaurant if you choose to eat out. In a bar, beer and wine cost $1 to $2. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
Final Remark
In conclusion, Europe is a great continent to explore on a budget. With a little planning, you can visit amazing places without spending a lot of money.
Some of the best cheapest places to travel in Europe on a budget include Prague, Barcelona, Budapest, and many more which are included in the above list.
Also check out, Famous Italian Ski Resorts.
