Travelling in Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve spent years exploring Central Europe and the Balkans for less than €50 a day, and sometimes even less when travelling at a slower pace with a companion.
Despite recent inflation making budget travel more of a challenge, with some planning and insider knowledge, it’s still possible to stretch your euros to cover enjoyable activities and tasty meals.
This guide lists the cheapest places to visit in Europe for travellers looking to save money.
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Cheapest Countries to Visit
I’ve selected 16 cities in 8 countries in Europe known for their affordability. Use this list as a starting point for your research into budget-friendly destinations.
1. Albania
Best Cities: Korca and Gjirokastra
The Albanian Riviera is one of the most popular Balkan destinations, but it can be pricey, even in the off-season.
However, Albania is home to many affordable cities rich in culture and natural beauty.
In Korca, I stayed in a beautifully renovated apartment of exceptional value. It offered stylish accommodation for two at a minimal cost.
At certain times of the year, hotels and guest houses can be found for as low as €20-25 per night.
Check prices: This is the apartment where I stayed in Korca.
Korca’s affordability is partly due to its location away from the usual tourist routes, making it a relatively hidden gem.
The presence of a university infuses Korca with a youthful energy, making it one of Albania’s most dynamic and forward-thinking cities.
This energy is reflected in Korca’s dynamic cafe and bar scene, which appeals to locals and visitors and is complemented by fascinating architecture and superb dining options.
I really love Korca; give it a chance!
My experience: Read more about my experience in Korca.
Gjirokastra is quite different from Korca. It’s notable as the birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha and novelist Ismail Kadare.
The city has an interesting history and, along with Berat, is recognised by UNESCO for its stunning Ottoman architecture.
Here, visitors can discover the remains of a shot-down US spy plane, a relic that some consider to be evidence of communist propaganda, alongside breathtaking views of the snow-capped Gjere Mountains.
Check prices: Accommodation options, including highly rated rooms with private bathrooms, are remarkably affordable, offering great value to visitors.
Recently, Gjirokastra has undergone significant rejuvenation, making now an ideal time to visit.
Monthly expenses: Tirana: €1,875. Korca and Gjirokastra: Much less.
2. Lithuania
Best Cities: Vilnius and Kaunas
Lithuania is the most affordable of the three Baltic States, with Estonia being the priciest and Latvia in the middle.
Some of the smaller, more remote towns can be extraordinarily cheap, but to have a balance of affordability and activities, the capital Vilnius and Lithuania’s second city, Kaunas, are your best options.
Vilnius is a great walking city with many free sights, such as Cathedral Square, the Gates of Dawn shrine and the restored Bernardine Gardens in the old town.
My experience: Things to do in Vilnius.
Cafes in Vilnius are lively and cheap, and the riverfront precinct has many cheap bars.
Check prices: Basic hotels in Vilnius start at €35 per night (I stayed here) or you can get something quite fancy for only a little more.
I also spent a month in an apartment in Vilnius. It was a great way to experience the city, and it was particularly affordable as I was visiting in August, one of the quietest times of the year.
Kaunus, being smaller, is perfect for a weekend break or a stopover on the way to somewhere else.
My experience: Arriving in Lithuania for the first time and Kaunas at sunset.
There are a few things to keep you busy in the old town and some interesting day trips to the Hill of Crosses, Pazaislis Monastery, and the nearby national park and lagoon.
Check prices: This historic hotel in the very centre of Kaunas is a relatively cheap place to stay and budget-friendly.
As with Vilnius, the real bargains are with apartments. However, it’s important to consider the broader impact of short-term rentals on local housing markets when making responsible travel decisions.
Monthly expenses: Vilnius: €2,515. Kaunus: €2,210
3. Hungary
Best Cities: Szeged & Pecs
Hungary is one of the cheapest countries in Europe thanks to free attractions, budget-friendly set menu lunches, ridiculously cheap ruin bars and an abundance of budget apartments.
While Budapest is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and remains a budget-friendly option, the smaller cities like Szeged and Pecs offer remarkable value with their stunning architecture, charming old towns, and an overall lower cost of living.
Szeged has interesting cultural attractions, beautiful riverside walks, and some of the country’s most remarkable Art Nouveau architectural sights.
Read more: A visit to Szeged in winter.
It’s a great place to enjoy Hungary’s famous thermal baths without the crowds you’d find in Budapest.
Travel tip: For an overview of what to expect price-wise, including accommodations, check out my guide to boutique hotels in Szeged.
This will give you a good benchmark for the kind of value you can find throughout Hungary.
With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful old town and Mediterranean vibe, Pecs provides a quieter but equally rewarding experience.
The city’s unique blend of Roman, Early Christian, and Ottoman influences makes it a fascinating destination for history buffs and casual explorers.
My experience: The unexpected style and beauty of Pecs, Hungary.
In general, I recommend visiting Szeged and Pecs for stunning architecture and old towns and Gyor and Debrecen for offbeat character and lower prices.
Monthly expenses: Budapest: €2,140. Szeged and Pecs: Much less.
4. Croatia
Best Cities: Zagreb & Split
With its stunning coastline, historic towns, and beautiful islands, Croatia is affordable for a wide range of budgets.
While it’s often perceived as pricier due to its popularity, particularly along the Dalmatian Coast, cities like Zagreb and Split blend affordability and rich cultural experiences.
Zagreb stands apart with its vibrant street life, eclectic architecture, and numerous parks.
It’s a city where history meets modernity, offering museums with free admission days, affordable dining options in bustling markets, and a lively cafe culture.
I’ve stayed at many excellent hotels and apartments in Zagreb. They’re almost always incredibly clean and comfortable, and there are plenty of options under €100 per night.
Check prices: Hotel Magdalena is exceptional value, although a little out of the city centre. Allegra House is even cheaper.
Zagreb’s charm lies in its accessibility, allowing for exploration of its Austro-Hungarian architecture and contemporary art scenes without the high costs associated with coastal destinations.
On the other hand, Split is the heart of the Dalmatian Coast, famous for its ancient Roman Palace of Diocletian, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its vibrant Riva waterfront.
Despite its historical significance and stunning seaside location, Split offers a range of budget accommodations, from hostels to affordable apartments, particularly if you venture a little from the city centre.
The local markets and eateries provide a taste of Dalmatian cuisine without a hefty price tag, and the city’s beaches offer free, sun-soaked relaxation.
Check prices: Hotel Elu Iris is located directly on the waterfront and is a great option for a group.
Both cities serve as excellent bases for exploring the surrounding regions.
Zagreb is a gateway to the rolling hills and medieval towns of Zagorje, while from Split, you can easily access the islands of Hvar, Brac, and Korcula, each offering their own unique experiences.
These cities exemplify how Croatia can be both a luxurious and a budget-friendly destination, depending on how you choose to experience it.
Monthly expenses: Zagreb: €1,460. Split: €1,770.
5. Poland
Best Cities: Wroclaw & Gdansk
Poland is not as cheap as it used to be, and I’m sure the locals don’t feel like it’s cheap at all. But Poland is still decently priced away from the most popular tourist cities like Warsaw and Krakow.
The best places to visit in Poland are Wroclaw, Gdansk, Warsaw and Krakow. But you could try smaller cities like Lublin for something different.
Read more:
Wroclaw: Another Gorgeous Polish City
and
A Weekend Break in Gdansk
I’ve never had a bad experience in Poland; the people are welcoming, the food is hearty and delicious, the drinks are cheap, and every city I step foot in is beautiful.
My list of boutique hotels in Wroclaw shows just how affordable this city is, even when staying at higher-end places.
As for Poland’s Baltic city, here is where to stay in Gdansk.
Monthly expenses: Wroclaw: €2,050. Gdansk: €2,210.
6. North Macedonia
Best Cities: Skopje & Ohrid
Easily the cheapest country in the Balkans, North Macedonia is budget-friendly no matter where you go.
Skopje is weird and wonderful, but definitely not for everyone. Its unique architecture is quirky, but the historic bazaar is more traditional.
Expect to pay €30 for a budget apartment and €5-10 for an excellent meal.
Ohrid is stunning and peaceful at times, rowdy and expensive at others. I completely fell in love with Ohrid on my first visit. Calm and quiet, with beautiful landscapes around the lake.
Read more: Lake Ohrid: The Most Peaceful Place in the Balkans
Away from the centre of Ohrid, food is cheap, coffee is cheap, and the apartments are cheap. In fact, apartments on the water start from only €25 per night in the off-season.
Travel tip: Where to stay in Ohrid.
My only tip for Ohrid is to avoid visiting in the summer when it’s crowded and noisy with parties and nightlight—unless that’s what you’re looking for.
Monthly expenses: Skopje: €1,250.
7. Slovakia
Best Cities: Bratislava & Kosice
While Slovakia sits on the higher end of budget destinations, it remains one of the cheapest countries in Central Europe.
In Bratislava, the experience can vary widely in terms of cost. The city caters to luxury with its upscale hotels and trendy cafes, yet more economical choices are plentiful.
Getting there: Vienna to Bratislava by Train.
If you don’t mind staying slightly out of the city centre and are happy to eat in budget restaurants or track down street food, Bratislava is considerably cheaper than its neighbours Vienna and Prague.
The true value, however, lies in Eastern Slovakia. Košice, as the region’s focal city, offers a more affordable experience than Bratislava.
Check prices: Find out where to stay in Kosice.
For those looking to stretch their budget even further, smaller cities like Prešov or Spišská Nová Ves are worth considering.
Though these places may offer fewer tourist attractions, the surrounding area has plenty of activities.
Adventures abound with the ruins of Spiš Castle, the landscapes of Slovak Paradise National Park, the medieval town of Levoca, and the renowned sweet wines of the Tokaj wine region.
Monthly expenses: Bratislava: €2,215. Kosice: €2,060.
8. Bulgaria
Best Cities: Sofia & Plovdiv
I regret not spending more time in Bulgaria. I basically just drove through it, staying one night in Ruse and another in Sofia.
I didn’t even properly visit Sofia because I was tired after driving all day. I figured I would go back not long after, but unfortunately, I never did.
There are many places on my travel wish list in Bulgaria; Plovdiv, Rila Monastery, Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia. They are all easy to get to and relatively cheap to visit, as most Balkan countries are.
Check prices: Here’s an example of a highly-rated, cheap hotel. The Central Point is amazing value, considering the quality of the rooms and amenities.
When I visited, entire apartments in Sofia were going for €15 per night and we’re talking about really nice apartments. It’s not quite so cheap now, but it’s still more affordable than almost everywhere else.
Monthly expenses: Sofia: €2,060. Plovdiv: €1,870.
My guide to the best places to visit in Europe is a good starting point if you’re looking for other inexpensive destinations.
Budget Travel Tips
- To maximise savings, travel during the off-season. Booking accommodations well in advance can offer significant discounts, though sometimes last-minute deals are equally beneficial.
- When choosing where to stay, remember that budget-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean a hostel dorm. Apartments and basic hotel rooms in these cities can be surprisingly affordable, often costing less than €30 a night.
- Booking accommodation with kitchen facilities and preparing meals can significantly reduce food expenses.
- For extended visits, negotiating for a longer-term stay can reduce your lodging costs further.
- Economise on transport and local travel by staying just outside the city centre.
- Use local buses and regional trains, rent a bike, or simply explore on foot.
- Lastly, immerse yourself in the local culture without overspending by attending free or low-cost festivals and community events.
Responsible Travel Tips
Transport: Flying is often the quickest and cheapest way to explore Europe, with cities like Budapest, Riga, and Gdansk being popular, budget-friendly entry points. However, considering the environmental impact, opting for train travel is a greener alternative. Europe’s extensive rail network offers a scenic travel experience, even if it sometimes comes at a higher cost. Where possible, choosing the train over a plane can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Accommodation: While short-stay apartments provide a unique way to experience a city, they can also affect local housing markets, especially in larger cities where they can drive up rental prices. On the other hand, renting out such properties can be crucial for local livelihoods in tourist-dependent areas. As travellers, considering hotels or guesthouses, especially those locally owned, can be a way to balance comfort with a positive impact on the local economy and housing situation.
Final Thoughts
While Western Europe has its affordable spots, such as Porto in Portugal, it’s worth noting that Portugal is not as cheap as it once was.
However, smaller towns in Spain, especially in the north, or cities in northwest France remain budget-friendly options.
Southern Italy, including regions like Puglia and Sicily, offers great value outside the peak season, similar to Mediterranean resort towns.
For summer travel, consider venturing east to explore lesser-known cities that promise an intriguing mix of experiences without the hefty price tag of Western Europe.
+ Sources
- Nomad List gives an excellent overview of costs for visitors.
- I spent a lot of time in these European regions!
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
