Budget-Friendly European Escapes: Discover the Cheapest Countries to Travel in Europe

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The romantic streets of Paris in France, the beaches on the Adriatic Sea in Split, the ancient ruins of Rome in Italy, and the vibrant nightlife of Barcelona in Spain are all European treasures.

You might think enjoying Europe’s natural beauty comes with a hefty price tag. But guess what? There are also many budget-friendly destinations in Europe.

The truth is that Europe is a continent of unparalleled diversity, offering a variety of cultures, histories, landscapes and prices. And for the cheap places in Europe, you just need to find some of its lesser-known corners.

Uncovering Europe’s Most Affordable Destinations

As a European from Croatia, let me help you find those budget-friendly options. Here’s my guide on budget-friendly destinations in Europe.

Romania

Can you guess what the most popular tourist attraction in Romania is? I’ll give you a hint: He’s the most famous vampire in the world.

Yes, Dracula’s castle, Bran, and its spooky atmosphere are definitely one of those travel experiences you should have in Romania, if you are willing to pay 23 euros.

You will also enjoy the scenery of the Carpathian Mountains, Bucharest, the colorful Sibiu and Transylvania.

I assume Transylvania is where you’ll want to spend the most time because it has so many charming sites, such as the colorful Sighisoara, which is also a UNESCO Site.

A standard lunch costs roughly 10 euros; a daily public transit ticket is around 2 euros; and a cup of coffee in a cafe is about 3 euros. You can book accommodation in Bucharest for 20–30 euros a night.

Also, Romania is a great destination if you are considering a divorce. Yes, you read that right. There is a church in Biertan, a famous tourist attraction, where the local priest was imprisoning spouses who wanted to divorce.

He would lock them in a small room with one bed, one spoon, one chair, bread and water. They had to share everything until they gave up on getting divorced.

The strategy appears to have succeeded, as no one has ever divorced.

Anyway, I would say Romania is much more than Dracula’s Castle, isn’t it?

Bulgaria

Everyone who has visited Bulgaria agrees that Bulgarians are very friendly. They enjoy having fun, and if you want to join them, Sofia, the capital city, is a great choice for a night out.

Following are some travel tips for one of Europe’s cheapest places.

Don’t be surprised when you see people dancing on the table; that’s normal. Just join them.

A one-way public transportation ticket costs around 1 euro, a cup of coffee costs approximately 2 euros, and lunch in an ordinary restaurant costs about 12 euros. You can book accommodation in Sofia for 20–30 euros a night.

Also, you can visit many sights for free.

I suggest that you visit the stunning Pirin National Park and take a day trip to the charming town of Plovdiv, where you may tour the Roman amphitheater and colorful old town.

Furthermore, I also recommend joining a wine-tasting tour in the Melnik region. Also, take a picture in front of the mystical rock formations of the Belogradchik Rocks. I’m sure it’ll be for your grandchildren someday.

Also, in Bulgaria, you will notice cheese, cheese, cheese and some more cheese. So, enjoy traditional dishes like banitsa (cheesy-filled pastry) and shopska salad.

That sounds like a nice budget-friendly vacation, doesn’t it?

Montenegro

If you don’t decide to spend 10 nights in luxury hotels in Budva, Montenegro offers some budget-friendly options too.

You can explore the country’s stunning landscapes, such as the picturesque Bay of Kotor and Pristine beaches.

With low-cost public transportation, Mediterranean vibes, and activities such as hiking in national parks and swimming in the Adriatic Sea, I would say that Montenegro certainly shines as one of the best budget-friendly ideas for this summer.

You can eat street food and food from a bakery for 2-4 dollars; eat a meal in a restaurant for 10 dollars; and drink a coffee in a cafe for about 1.5–2 dollars.

You can book accommodation for 50 euros a night. There may be cheaper countries when it comes to accommodation, but in Montenegro, you will enjoy the Adriatic Sea, so I’d say it’s worth it. You are free to disagree, of course.

Also, I can guarantee that Montenegro is a very friendly and safe country. Not to mention that Montenegrins are some of the most charming men in the Balkans.

More than fair enough for a budget-friendly option, I would say.

North Macedonia

“Where the sun shines eternally, there is Macedonia,” goes the line of a popular song in our Balkan regions.

In North Macedonia, you can explore the capital city of Skopje, cross the Stone Bridge to one of the Balkans’ oldest bazaars, and sample local food like kebabs and baklava.

You can also go to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the famed Ohrid Lake.

Plus, keep in mind that North Macedonia is not a member of the European Union and I would say that it is not as developed in terms of tourism as some other European countries.

The standard is not so high, but the prices are acceptable.

A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $8–12 per person; a one-way public transportation ticket is around $0.70–1, and a cup of coffee at a cafe costs between $1.50 and $2.50. In Ohrid, you might find a double room for about €25.

North Macedonia is one of those countries that you visit for the aromas of markets, rich flavors, nice views and smiling people.

Greece

Yes, Greece can be quite pricey, but there are also some nice low-cost options for travelers seeking a balance of affordability and authenticity.

In Greece, you can find some great budget-friendly places to explore. Even in Athens, you can find accommodation for about 30 euros.

A gyro from a street seller or a traditional Greek souvlaki at a local taverna can cost between $3 and $5.

Also, going to islands like Crete or Corfu during the off-season can result in cheaper hotel rates and lower charges for activities like hiking, swimming or exploring sites.

A frappe (iced coffee) at a local cafe for about $2 can keep you cool on a hot day while you enjoy the Mediterranean views.

Not bad, huh?

Poland

I consider Poland a really great budget-friendly destination that is charming, safe and colorful.

Explore not only the historic city of Krakow but also the capital city, Warsaw, and its beautiful skyscrapers. Also, don’t forget charming Gdansk, which will remind you of Amsterdam (but cheaper).

You can book a room for 30 euros. A bus or tram ticket can cost $0.75–1.25, a cup of coffee in a cafe can cost around $2.5 and a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between $10 and $15.

Unsure what to order? Consider pierogi, żurek (sour rye soup), and Szarlotka (Polish apple pie) as dessert options.

Slovakia

In Slovakia, you will be welcomed by friendly hosts who love tradition, weekend getaways to the countryside and good (heavy but tasty) cuisine.

Keep in mind that Czechoslovakia is no longer a single country but two: Czechia (formerly known as the Czech Republic) and Slovakia.

Despite being a cheap place in financial terms, you’ll still have royal vibes. How? Slovakia is said to be the country with the highest number of castles per capita.

I suggest that you visit Slovak Paradise National Park, walk along the Danube River, explore the rocky peaks of the High Tatras and visit the vineyards of the Small Carpathians.

Of course, you can’t miss the capital city, Bratislava (it’s only an hour from Vienna), and if you visit during the winter, take advantage of the city’s Christmas markets.

And last but not least, Slovakia is also one of Europe’s safest countries.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

As a proud neighbor from Croatia, I would say that Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most underrated European countries.

The territory of ćevapi and burek is associated with friendly people, a rich history and breathtaking natural beauty.

Simply look up the cute city of Mostar and its most famous tourist attraction, the iconic bridge, or just look at the fairytale village of Jajce and its epic waterfalls.

Furthermore, Una (also with amazing waterfalls) and Sutjeska National Parks offer opportunities to explore, swim and enjoy natural beauty without breaking the bank.

You will be able to book accommodation in the capital city, Sarajevo, for about 30 euros.

Just keep in mind that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism industry is not as established as in some other European destinations. It is not a member of the European Union, and the standard is not so high, but the level of security is so you will feel very safe.

It shares borders with some other beautiful countries, such as Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, all of which provide excellent travel opportunities.

So, if you want to step into those kinds of movies in which you enjoy the natural beauty, buy spices at bustling bazaars and where people nod to each other in passing, consider this country.

In other words, if you are a hunter of beauty and not hype, Bosnia and Herzegovina will have your heart.

Albania

Albania is becoming increasingly attractive to tourists. I recently heard that some term it “affordable Maldives.” That is something, right?

In Albania, you can explore the ancient city of Butrint, hike in the Accursed Mountains, visit the historic town of Berat, relax on the beaches of the Albanian Riviera and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Tirana’s Blloku district.

And all that in a really budget-friendly way. You can spend the night in Tirana for 30 euros.

However, challenges such as poor infrastructure in some areas and the fact that Albania is not yet, I would say, touristically developed can be obstacles for travelers seeking an ideal vacation experience. I would also say that it does not have the same level of security as some of the other countries mentioned.

But if you think Albania’s charm is in its untouched landscapes, vibrant culture and the sense of adventure it evokes, it can be a nice and cheap place for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Hungary

Did you know that in Hungary you can enjoy a unique spa attraction by soaking in natural caves? Miskolctapolca Barlangfürdő offers swimming in stone corridors and pools that are thousands of years old.

The contrast between blue water and white caves is really nice. You can experience something similar only here and in Slovakia.

So, after resettlement, enjoy the Hungarian capital city of Budapest and its iconic Chain Bridge. But to stay more budget-friendly, spend some time outside of this European city. If you decide to stay, you can book accommodation in Budapest for 40 euros.

I suggest experiencing the fairy-tale scenery of the Tokaj wine region, eating traditional langos (deep-fried flatbread) and discovering Szentendre’s medieval charm.

Furthermore, you can enjoy Hungary’s unique folk culture at lively festivals, walk and bike on the Danube Bend and explore the untamed grandeur of Hortobágy National Park.

Who would claim it’s affordable?

Gateway to Savings: Cheapest Entry Points into Europe

Lisbon and Porto, Portugal are good entrance points into Western Europe due to their affordability and direct low-cost flights.

In Lisbon, you can explore historic neighborhoods like Alfama, enjoy pastel de nata pastries and soak up views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Porto offers charming riverside views, wine tastings at local cellars and tours of historic places such as Livraria Lello.

Great entry points are also Budapest in Hungary and Krakow in Poland.

Embracing Budget Transportation

Yes, Eastern Europe has budget-friendly public transportation systems.

In the Balkans, buses are a cost-effective way to travel between cities and countries. Companies like FlixBus and local providers offer routes connecting major cities.

Also, low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air, Ryanair and EasyJet offer budget-friendly flights.

Or, if you prefer trains, check out the InterRail Global Pass and EuroDomino Pass options.

Choose your budget travel option based on your preferences for cost, comfort, and flexibility.

Accommodation Hacks for the Thrifty Traveler

In cities like Sofia (Bulgaria), you can consider staying in budget-friendly hostels such as Hostel Mostel. In Prague, consider Airbnb options in neighborhoods like Vinohrady or Žižkov.

Also, for significant savings, book your accommodations during off-peak seasons when prices are cheaper.

In Sofia, that would be late autumn or early spring. Prague’s off-peak season is in winter, and in Tallinn (Estonia), late fall or early spring will provide reduced hotel prices while still allowing you to enjoy the city’s beauty.

Hostelworld, Booking.com and Tripadvisor are our favorite booking sites for finding budget-friendly accommodations.

Read More: How to Survive and Thrive in Hostels

Planning Your Budget European Adventure

To arrange a low-cost European holiday, book your flights and accommodations ahead of time. “Early birds” will receive lower prices.

Also, you can earn travel points by signing up for loyalty programs with airlines and hotels. For example, Booking.com has a loyalty program called Genius.

Time flies, but so does money, so to stay budget-friendly, I recommend using applications like Trail Wallet to manage everyday costs.

Furthermore, focus on less-visited European areas, like the Alentejo in Portugal or Puglia in Italy. Less-known destinations are often even more beautiful than the hyped ones. And you will have unique photos for sure.

Smart Spending: Experiencing Europe Without Breaking the Bank

While traveling in Europe, look for free or low-cost options near you. I know it sounds like a fairytale, but you never know.

For example, in Prague, you may take free walking tours of historic locations with firms like Sandemans.

Barcelona offers free public beaches, such as Barceloneta Beach. In Lisbon, the Mercado da Ribeira offers a range of traditional foods at cheap prices.

You ask, and Europe delivers. So, I hope to see you here this summer!

Read More:

• 5 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in the United States
• Discover the Allure of Slovakia: A Gem in the Heart of Europe
• Following the Western Danube River Through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia
• The Most Interesting Museum Tours in Central Europe
• Discover the Top 10 Things to Do in Montenegro