Traveling through Europe doesn’t have to drain your wallet. While cities like Paris, London, or Zurich are expensive, there are plenty of affordable European cities and countries where you can enjoy history, culture, and adventure on a budget. Here’s a list of 20 cheap European destinations, including average daily budgets for budget-conscious travelers.
1. Budapest, Hungary ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º – €40–€60/day
Budapest is one of the most affordable capitals in Europe. Explore the famous thermal baths, Buda Castle, and ruin bars without overspending. Meals in local restaurants cost around €5–€10, and budget hostels are around €15–€25 per night.
2. Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱 – €35–€55/day
Kraków is rich in history and culture. Visit the Old Town, Wawel Castle, or take a day trip to Auschwitz. Affordable guesthouses and hostels, combined with cheap meals and public transport, make it one of the best budget destinations in Europe.
3. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿 – €40–€60/day
Prague’s fairy-tale charm and low prices attract travelers from all over the world. You can enjoy walking tours, local pubs, and historical sites while staying within a budget. Hostels cost €15–€30 per night, and meals can be under €10.
4. Sofia, Bulgaria 🇧🇬 – €30–€50/day
Sofia is one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities. Explore Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and nearby mountains for very low prices. Public transport is around €1 per trip, and meals in local restaurants average €3–€7.
5. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹 – €45–€65/day
Lisbon is sunny, historic, and affordable. Tram rides through historic neighborhoods, fresh seafood, and local pastries won’t break the bank. Budget hotels or hostels cost €20–€35 per night.
6. Warsaw, Poland 🇵🇱 – €35–€55/day
Warsaw combines modern energy with affordability. Explore museums, parks, and cultural sites, all while keeping daily expenses low. Street food costs €3–€6, and hostels range from €15–€25 per night.
7. Bucharest, Romania 🇷🇴 – €30–€50/day
Bucharest offers wide boulevards, lively nightlife, and attractions like the Palace of Parliament at very low prices. Meals average €4–€8, and accommodation in budget hotels or hostels costs €10–€25 per night.
8. Belgrade, Serbia 🇷🇸 – €35–€55/day
Belgrade is full of history, street art, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Affordable meals, public transport, and low-cost accommodation make it ideal for budget travelers.
9. Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻 – €35–€55/day
Riga’s medieval charm, free walking tours, and low-cost dining make it perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Hostels cost €15–€25/night, while meals are around €5–€10.
10. Vilnius, Lithuania 🇱🇹 – €30–€50/day
Vilnius offers Baroque architecture, artistic streets, and affordable experiences. Daily costs remain low, with meals averaging €5–€10 and hostels around €15–€25/night.
11. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦 – €25–€45/day
Sarajevo is an affordable city with Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history. Street food, coffee, and public transport are very cheap, making it a perfect spot for backpackers.
12. Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹 – €40–€60/day
Porto offers riverside views, wine tours, and affordable accommodations. Meals cost €5–€12, and budget hotels are around €20–€35/night.
13. Valencia, Spain 🇪🇸 – €40–€60/day
Valencia provides beaches, futuristic architecture, and paella without the high prices of Barcelona. Daily expenses include €5–€12 for meals and €20–€35 for budget accommodation.
14. Athens, Greece 🇬🇷 – €45–€65/day
Athens allows visitors to explore ancient ruins, museums, and street food on a budget. Meals cost €5–€10, and hostels range €15–€30/night.
15. Thessaloniki, Greece 🇬🇷 – €40–€60/day
Thessaloniki is a vibrant city with cheap local food, cultural attractions, and affordable lodging. Budget travelers can enjoy €4–€10 meals and €15–€25 hostels.
16. Bratislava, Slovakia 🇸🇰 – €35–€55/day
Bratislava offers charming streets, riverside walks, and historical sites at low prices. Meals average €5–€10, and budget accommodations are €15–€25/night.
17. Saranda, Albania 🇦🇱 – €30–€50/day
Saranda and the Albanian Riviera are perfect for cheap beach vacations. Affordable hotels and meals make it an excellent choice for Mediterranean travelers on a budget.
18. Tirana, Albania 🇦🇱 – €25–€45/day
The colorful capital of Albania offers cheap dining, attractions, and accommodations. Daily costs for travelers remain low, making it perfect for budget backpackers.
19. Skopje, North Macedonia 🇲🇰 – €25–€45/day
Skopje provides unique architecture, low-cost food, and affordable lodging. Explore the city and nearby Lake Ohrid without spending much.
20. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦 – €25–€45/day
Mostar is famous for its Old Bridge and Ottoman-style architecture. Meals, public transport, and accommodations are very cheap, making it one of Europe’s best budget destinations.
✅ Budget Travel Tips for Europe
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Use budget airlines and buses for cheap travel between cities.
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Book hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb for affordable lodging.
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Eat like a local: street food and small cafés save money.
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Explore free attractions and museums on discount days.
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Travel off-season to reduce costs on flights and hotels.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Europe can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to go. From Eastern Europe’s historic capitals to Southern Europe’s sunny coastal towns, budget travelers can enjoy a rich cultural experience without overspending.
At EasyWay, we make budget travel in Europe easy and enjoyable. These 20 destinations in 2025 prove that exploring Europe on a tight budget is not only possible—it can also be an unforgettable adventure.