Katie and Pierce
Planning a European adventure but worried about breaking the bank? Good news! Europe doesn’t have to drain your savings account. While some countries like Switzerland and Norway can be expensive, there are plenty of amazing destinations where your money goes much further.
The cheapest places to visit in Europe are mostly found in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. These countries give you all the charm, history, and culture of Europe at a fraction of the cost. You can enjoy beautiful cities, delicious food, and incredible sights without spending a fortune.
Here are budget-friendly European destinations that will let you travel like a local without the premium price tag.
1. Serbia
Serbia consistently ranks as one of the cheapest places to travel to in Europe. Many travelers skip this country completely, which is a huge mistake. Belgrade is a vibrant city that surprises visitors with its lively nightlife, historic sites, and friendly locals. The capital sits at the meeting point of two rivers and has a rich history that spans centuries.
If you visit in July, head to Novi Sad for the famous Exit Festival. This music festival happens inside an old fortress and costs half the price of similar events in Western Europe. Food is incredibly affordable here, and you can get a hearty meal for just a few euros. Public transportation is also very cheap, making it easy to get around without spending much.
2. Montenegro
This small Balkan country packs a big punch. Montenegro sits along the Adriatic Sea and has stunning coastlines, dramatic mountains, and charming medieval towns. The orange-roofed houses against the blue water create picture-perfect scenes that rival much more expensive destinations.
While popular spots like Kotor and Budva have seen price increases due to tourism, smaller towns like Herceg Novi near the Croatian border remain very affordable. You can find great accommodation, eat well, and enjoy beautiful beaches without the crowds or high prices of other Mediterranean destinations.
3. Albania
Albania is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and definitely qualifies as a cheap Europe destination. This country has Mediterranean beaches, rolling mountains, and sunny weather that rivals the French Riviera at a fraction of the cost. The Albanian Riviera, particularly around Saranda and Ksamil, has crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.
The country is still developing its tourism infrastructure, which means fewer crowds and lower prices. You can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Balkan cuisine, and beautiful coastal towns without the expense of neighboring Greece or Italy. Albania is perfect for travelers who want a Mediterranean experience on a tight budget.
4. Romania
Romania gives you authentic Eastern European charm at unbeatable prices. Every city has a beautiful old town with stunning architecture, and most buildings showcase traditional Romanian styles. The country is famous for the Transylvania region, where you can visit Dracula’s castle and other medieval attractions.
Bucharest, the capital, has a fascinating mix of Communist-era buildings and historic neighborhoods. Food is very affordable, and you can enjoy traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled meat) for very little money. Romania also has beautiful countryside, mountain regions, and charming villages that are perfect for budget travelers.
5. Macedonia
Macedonia blends Orthodox Christian traditions with Islamic heritage, creating a unique cultural experience. The country has ancient fortresses, medieval churches, and Roman ruins scattered throughout. Lake Ohrid is the main attraction, with its crystal-clear waters and historic monasteries perched on cliffsides.
This off-the-beaten-path destination has friendly locals, excellent wine, and a relaxed atmosphere. The food combines Mediterranean and Balkan influences, and meals are very reasonably priced. Macedonia is perfect for travelers who want to experience something different while keeping costs low.
6. Poland
Poland has become increasingly popular with budget travelers, and for good reason. The country has a rich history, beautiful cities, and some of Europe’s most affordable prices. Many of the top tourist attractions are free or very cheap to visit, and government museums have free entrance days at least once a week.
Warsaw is the bustling capital, but smaller cities like Gdansk can be even cheaper and less crowded. The food scene is excellent, with hearty traditional dishes and very affordable beer. Poland has survived difficult periods in history, and this resilience shows in the welcoming spirit of its people and the country’s determination to preserve its cultural heritage.
7. Lithuania
Lithuania has grown into a fun and affordable destination that punches above its weight. The capital city of Vilnius has a UNESCO World Heritage old town with cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene that’s popular with young travelers.
Beyond Vilnius, you can visit the Hill of Crosses, a unique pilgrimage site with thousands of crosses, or head to the coast to see the Curonian Spit. Lithuanian food is hearty and filling, with dishes like kugelis (potato pudding) and cepelinai (potato dumplings). The country has transformed from its Soviet past into a modern, welcoming destination.
8. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is more touristy than some other countries on this list, but it’s still very affordable. Prague attracts millions of visitors each year, but smaller cities like Cesky Krumlov give you the same medieval charm at lower prices and with fewer crowds.
The country is famous for its beer, which is excellent and incredibly cheap. You can often get a beer for less than a bottle of water! Czech food is hearty and perfect for colder weather, with dishes like goulash and schnitzel. The architecture throughout the country is stunning, with Gothic churches, baroque buildings, and fairy-tale castles.
9. Bulgaria
Bulgaria might be the cheapest country in all of Europe for getting around and eating out. This Balkan nation has beautiful Black Sea beaches, excellent ski resorts in the mountains, and cities full of history and culture. The country feels like an undiscovered gem where tourism is just beginning to develop.
Sofia, the capital, has a mix of Soviet-era architecture and ancient Roman ruins. The food is hearty and delicious, with influences from Greece, Turkey, and other Balkan countries. Bulgaria also has some of Europe’s most affordable ski resorts, making it perfect for winter sports on a budget.
10. Latvia
Latvia sits along the Baltic Sea and has beautiful architecture, medieval castles, and dense forests that feel like fairy tales. Riga, the capital, is compact and walkable, so you can see most of the city in just a few days without spending much on transportation.
The country is much cheaper than its Scandinavian neighbors, making it a great budget alternative for travelers who want to experience Northern European culture. The old town in Riga is particularly beautiful, with art nouveau buildings and medieval structures. Latvia also has excellent craft beer and traditional foods that are very affordable.
11. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is often overlooked because of its more famous neighbor Croatia, but this makes it one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. The country has incredible diversity, with different regions showing influences from both Eastern and Western cultures.
Sarajevo, the capital, has a fascinating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture. The city has a complex history, and you can learn about it while enjoying very affordable food and accommodation. Mostar is famous for its iconic bridge and has a charming old town with traditional crafts and delicious Bosnian coffee.
12. Italy
Italy can be expensive in major tourist cities like Rome and Venice, but it’s still possible to visit on a budget. The key is timing and location. Visit during the off-season (November to March) or head to lesser-known regions like Puglia in the south.
Sicily has beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and incredible food at much lower prices than mainland Italy. Bologna is a university town with excellent food and fewer tourists than Florence or Rome. Italian food is obviously amazing, and you can find great pizza and pasta at reasonable prices if you eat where the locals eat.
13. Hungary
Hungary has surprisingly low prices for such a popular tourist destination. Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with stunning architecture along the Danube River and famous thermal baths. The city has a great nightlife scene and lots of free activities.
Hungarian food is hearty and filling, with dishes like goulash and chimney cake. A full meal with drinks often costs less than 10 euros. The public transportation system is affordable and efficient, making it easy to get around the city. Budapest also has many free attractions, including beautiful parks and historic neighborhoods.
14. Slovenia
Slovenia is small but packed with natural beauty and charming cities. The country has the Julian Alps, beautiful lakes like Lake Bled, and a small stretch of Adriatic coastline. Ljubljana, the capital, is a university town with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful architecture.
Because Slovenia is compact, you can see much of the country without spending a lot on transportation. The food combines influences from Italy, Austria, and the Balkans, creating unique and delicious dishes. Slovenia is perfect for travelers who want to experience Alpine beauty without the high prices of Switzerland or Austria.
15. Portugal
Portugal has become increasingly popular in recent years, but it’s still much cheaper than other Western European countries. The country has beautiful beaches, historic cities, and excellent food and wine. The Atlantic coast has dramatic cliffs and charming fishing villages.
Lisbon and Porto are both fascinating cities with rich histories and vibrant cultures. Portuguese food is delicious and affordable, especially the fresh seafood. The country also has excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around without renting a car. Portugal is definitely one of the cheapest places to travel to in Europe if you want Western European culture at Eastern European prices.
16. Slovakia
Slovakia is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbor, the Czech Republic, but this makes it a great budget destination. The country has nine national parks, hundreds of castles, and beautiful mountain regions. Bratislava, the capital, sits on the Danube River and has a charming old town.
Slovak food is hearty and perfect for cold weather, with lots of meat, potatoes, and dumplings. Beer and wine are incredibly cheap, and you can easily have a great meal with drinks for under 10 euros. The country has excellent hiking and outdoor activities, many of which are completely free.
17. Spain
Spain can be expensive in popular destinations like Barcelona and Ibiza, but many parts of the country are still very affordable. Southern Spain, particularly Andalusia, has beautiful cities, great weather, and reasonable prices. Cities like Malaga, Seville, and Granada have stunning architecture and delicious food.
Spanish food is excellent and affordable, especially the tapas culture where you can sample many different dishes. The country has great public transportation, and many cities are very walkable. Spain is perfect for travelers who want warm weather, beautiful beaches, and rich culture without breaking the bank.
Making the Most of Your Budget European Adventure
These destinations prove that traveling to Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. From the ultra-affordable Balkans to the reasonably priced Mediterranean countries, you can experience incredible history, culture, and natural beauty without spending a fortune.
The cheapest places to visit in Europe are often the most authentic, with fewer crowds and more opportunities to interact with locals. Whether you’re interested in medieval castles, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, or mountain adventures, these budget-friendly destinations have something for everyone.
When planning your trip, remember that traveling during shoulder seasons, staying in hostels or budget accommodations, eating local food, and using public transportation can help stretch your budget even further. Many of these countries also have excellent free attractions, so you can see amazing sights without spending extra money.
Europe’s budget destinations offer the perfect combination of affordability and adventure. Start planning your cheap Europe destination trip today and get ready to experience the best of Europe without the premium price tag!
