Dubai residents, are you looking for a change in scenery? Need a break from the modern city vibes, the gleaming towers that pierce the clouds, and the scorching desert sun? Head to Europe, where you can explore a medley of destinations with dramatic scenery so different from that of the UAE. Dubai’s strategic position on the world map gives its residents the advantage of easily accessing Europe. But touring a European country can be heavy on your pocket. So, where in Europe should you go as a Dubai local without breaking the bank? We’ve got some ideas. Check out these top 5 cheapest European countries to visit from Dubai.
Best Cheap European Countries to Visit from Dubai
Albania
This Balkan nation is stunningly captivating to its visitors with its charming countryside, stunning Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, and many UNESCO-listed attractions. Whether you explore Tirana’s lively cafes or escape to find serenity on mountain trails in Theth and the Albanian Riviera’s pristine shores, each experience here feels like a priceless luxury in a budget-friendly way.
Average Flight Cost from Dubai: Around AED 600-800 per person for one-way flights from Dubai to Tirana in Albania. Opt for layover flights rather than direct flights to reduce costs.
Daily Budget: Around AED 170-200 per person per day for basic stays, meals, and transportation. Take advantage of the UAE dirhams being stronger than the local currency, the Albanian Lek. Since you would be using the local currency for local transportation and eating out in food stalls, cafes, and restaurants, you can wisely use your dirhams here to save up more out of your holiday budget.
Top Cheap Attractions
Skanderbeg Square: Visit this vibrant central square adorned with statues, historical buildings, and quaint modern cafes.
Et’hem Bey Mosque: Admire the intricate frescos and beautiful architecture of this 18th-century mosque located in Tirana.
Albanian Riviera Beaches: Unwind on pristine public beaches like Himare and Sarande as you watch the azure waves and golden sands while basking in the salty sea breeze and the sun’s warmth.
Berat: Stroll through the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site with bright white Ottoman houses perched along the shores of the Osum River.
Best Time to Visit: April, May, September, and October.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a picturesque southeastern European destination that features a fusion of Balkan essence, Roman-era relics, stellar Black Sea shorelines, and mountains perfect for outdoor adventures. Bulgaria is quite budget-friendly, and its affordability, paired with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, makes it a top pick for Dubai travellers.
Average Flight Cost from Dubai: Your flight to Bulgaria from Dubai will cost about AED 400 to AED 1000 in the shoulder season. You can try to further lower this price range by checking for low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and Fly Dubai.
Daily Budget: You would spend roughly AED 130 per person per day to cover accommodation, meals, transport, and sightseeing. You can further slash this price by planning smartly and frugally, choosing guesthouses or dorm rooms for your stay. Stay on the outskirts for better rates in boutique hotels, as cities like Sofia are more highly priced and touristy than their inner suburbs.
Top Cheap Attractions
Sofia: Wander around and enjoy the striking mix of vibrant streets lined by trendy cafes and framed by the golden domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
St. George Rotunda: Tucked behind modern buildings is this beautiful 4th-century church, one of Sofia’s oldest churches.
Plovdiv Old Town: Visit the picturesque township of Plovdiv to roam around the prettiest medieval-era houses painted in striking colours lining the quaint streets.
Sunny Beach: Soak up the sun at Bulgaria’s Black Sea beaches. The most prominent one is the golden shores of Sunny Beach.
Vitosha Mountain Trails: One of Bulgaria’s best nature spots, this is a hiker’s paradise, offering stunning vistas with a pine-scented breeze.
Best Time to Visit: April, May and September
Turkey
One of the countries that comes to mind, despite not being as cheap as some others, is Turkey, due to its proximity to the UAE. It is located in the northwest of the UAE. In Turkey, you can step into the vibrant bazaars of Istanbul, visit Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, visit the beach towns peppered with Roman ruins in Kusadası, and view the otherworldly sights of Pamukkale.
Average Flight Cost from Dubai: One-way flights from Dubai to Istanbul cost around AED 200 to 400 per person. Low-cost airlines to consider are Fly Dubai and Pegasus Airlines.
Daily Budget: A daily budget of around AED 150 to 200 per day is recommended. The UAE’s dirham is stronger than the Turkish lira, which plays well in your favour when enjoying local meals and shopping sprees where you pay in Turkish lira. However, many places use euros as currency where the tourist footfall is higher.
Top Cheap Attractions
Istanbul’s Mosques: Marvel at iconic mosques, many of which have no entrance fee, such as the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Eyup Sultan Mosque. Add these to your Istanbul tour packages.
Grand Bazaar: Go window-shopping for Turkish treasures in this vibrant market.
Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia: Explore these surreal rock formations.
Antalya’s Beaches: Soak up the sun on pristine Mediterranean beaches.
Best Time to Visit: April, May, September, and October
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Featured Georgia
Another destination that’s transcontinental rather than entirely credited as a European country, bringing the essence of Asia and Europe together, is Georgia. Plan a quick weekend getaway to this destination, just a three-hour flight from Dubai. You will instantly fall in love with Georgia’s dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and Black Sea beach shores.
Average Flight Cost from Dubai:
The cheapest flight tickets you can get are in August and would cost approximately AED 670 one-way from Dubai to Tbilisi. Rather than flying out from Dubai, opt for Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights as the tickets are considered the lowest fare for Georgia from the UAE.
Daily Budget:
On average, AED 60 to 120 per person per day. Since the UAE’s currency is stronger than Georgia’s, you can stretch your cash further compared to other European countries.
Top Cheap Attractions
Tbilisi Old Town: Wander through the cobblestone streets lined with colourful balconies, admiring ancient churches and landmarks.
Mtskheta: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also home to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Caucasus Mountains: Hike trails around Kazbegi or Svaneti for stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
Best Time to Visit: May, June and September
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Featured Lithuania
Lastly, check out our last cheapest European country to visit from Dubai in this list for those on a shoestring budget. Lithuania is a hidden gem and is one of the most understated destinations of Europe, but its baroque charms can outshine many popular European cities. What makes it stand out further is its high rate of Schengen visa approval and incredibly low flight costs!
Average Flight Cost from Dubai: Flights start as low as AED 400, which is way cheaper than popular European destinations.
Daily Budget: You can budget around AED 200 per person per day for your food, accommodation, and transportation in Lithuania. With low living costs and budget-friendly flights, Lithuania is a steal compared to expensive European hotspots. However, Lithuania switched over to the Euro as their preferred currency, so the UAE Dirham isn’t as strong as in Lithuania compared to other destinations listed in this post. Still, a coffee here would cost AED 6, whereas in Dubai, it would easily lighten your wallet by AED 10 or more.
Top Cheap Attractions
Vilnius Old Town: Discover one of Europe’s largest old towns on foot, where baroque churches and medieval courtyards create the perfect background for Instagram-worthy snaps.
Uzupis District: As an interesting independent republic within Vilnius, soak in the bohemian charms and the epic scenery of street art, murals, and fascinating sculptures.
Curonian Spit: Go on a refreshing hike where the gorgeous panorama of verdant pine forests covered crescent-shaped sandy shores tapering down into the azure Baltic waters will take your breath away!
Best Time to Visit: May, June, September, October.
Cheapest Time to Travel to Europe from Dubai
The cheapest time to explore these European destinations is during the low seasons. However, during the off-peak seasons, the weather is often not on your side for a blissful or adventure-filled holiday. That’s why you should search for a middle ground and choose the shoulder seasons as your best time to visit these European destinations. For all these five destinations, May and September are ideal months to visit.
Budget Tips for Dubai Travellers in Europe
Book your flights and accommodations in advance. Opt for budget airlines for cheaper prices.
- Â Using public transportation, shopping from local stores, having your meals where locals love to eat, and staying in guesthouses or hostels can drastically reduce your spending. Public transport, local shops, and eateries often prefer local currencies, and the dirham’s stronger value can really let you make the most out of your holiday budget if you spend in local currency.
- Look for free experiences and don’t fall for tourist traps. You will be amazed to know there are so many hidden gems in these places that are simply overlooked or not known to tourists. These spots can provide much better experiences than the popular European destinations.
- While planning a holiday to the cheapest country to visit from Dubai, we recommend not keeping a very tight budget and leaving some buffer funds. Just because you get to explore this destination for a steal does not mean that you end up compromising on the scenery and quality of your tours. Having a stringent budget that drastically reduces the comforts of your holiday isn’t worth all the effort, and you will also end up not enjoying the holiday.
Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
For all destinations, except Lithuania, Emiratis can skip the visa process as they do not need one, making travel planning easier. To explore Lithuania, a Schengen visa must be applied for and acquired before arriving in the country.
However, if you are an expat residing in Dubai with a valid Dubai resident visa, the situation is different. You will not get the perks of visa-free travel unless you hold a passport from a country that’s on the visa-exempt list of these European countries. Hence, you will need to check your nationality to see if you require a visa to visit them. A Lithuania visa is often considered easier to get than others, and allows you to easily plan a combined trip to Bulgaria and Albania if you can stretch your holiday budget.
Conclusion
Turkey, Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Lithuania are five fabulous destinations in Europe that provide a perfect combination of affordable costs, breathtaking scenery, and rich history for Dubai travellers. Thanks to Dubai’s prime location and excellent flight connectivity, you can hop on a quick flight and enjoy unforgettable memories in these European countries without spending a fortune! So, now that you know where to head for a European vacation on a budget, are you ready to pack your bags for a new adventure?
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