cheapest places to visit in Europe
will save you a dime.Is Europe Ideal for Budget Travelers?
One of the most popular continents in the world, Europe is tucked away in the Northern Hemisphere. It is surrounded by the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean on the north and west sides, respectively. This is a timeless destination, steeped in a dramatic history and adorned with varied cultures. But, one of the major concerns of travelers visiting Europe is the cost of the trip. If you are also wondering, “Can I discover Europe on a budget?” – the short answer is yes! Read this guide to the cheap European destinations along with the estimated budget plan. You may not find the most famed names of Europe in this list, but they are beautiful and affordable.
Cheap European Destinations That Must Be on Your Bucket List in 2024
1. Poland
Poland is an amazing destination for budget travelers. Situated in the heart of Central Europe, the country transports you to a historic era. It is like stepping into the glorious, slow-paced past while enjoying the vibrant present. Boasting over 500 castles, national parks, museums, and Christmas markets, it has a diverse range of experiences. Take plenty of pictures of spring-like Warsaw, go for walking tours through the scenic and oldest city, Krakow, and unwind by the sea-facing Gdansk. Foodies love the spirit of Poland; traditional cheeses, pork dishes, sauerkraut dumplings, and poppy seed cake are some of the delectable items to savor.
Best Places to Visit in Poland
- Wawel Castle
- Birkenau Memorial and Museum
- Malbork Castle
- Museum of WWII
- Neptune Fountains
Budget of Poland
Whether you are here for travel or studies, the city treats you well. Accommodations, transport, food, and other facilities are modestly priced. Staying for a week in Poland would cost around $700-$1300. The mid-budget hostels and hotels start around $30. Public transportation, such as train tickets, costs $2. You can have a sumptuous meal at $5-$15 as per your choice.
2. Bulgaria
To stretch your travel budget, visit Bulgaria, a southeastern European country. Discovered in the 7th century, this is one of the oldest provinces in the continent. The country’s picturesque landscape featuring green mountains and seas leaves travelers awestruck. The cobblestoned streets, mythical homes, and preserved monasteries look surreal. Explore the 2000-year-old church in Sofia, sunbathe on Varna beaches, and gaze at the dreamy architecture of Plovdiv. Did you hear it is also famous for yogurt and cheese?
Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria
- Rila Monastery
- St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Boyana Church
- Cape Kaliakra
- Ethno Village Etar
Budget of Bulgaria
A day in Bulgaria would hardly go beyond $100. The average price of cheap hotels in Bulgaria is $25-$35 per person. You must weigh up your transportation costs as buses are not always the cheapest option. You can ride in a taxi, which costs around $15. Here is a tip for budget tourists: instead of opting for sit-down restaurants, go for local and fast food eats. To squeeze the most out of your budget, visit from January to April.
3. Croatia
Why not make every cent count on the road? A mix of sun and shoreline, culture and charm, Croatia is one of the tourists’ favorite destinations in Europe. The grove of olives on the hills, vineyards across the countryside, and beautiful beaches hitting the mountains, this is a postcard-perfect place. It is a haven for art aficionados; the world’s first Naive Art Museum is in Zagreb and is home to 2000 works. Breathe the fresh air by the saltwater lakes, duck into underwater caves, and roam in the medieval towns. This Adriatic gem also invites the sweet tooth, who can try truffles overlooking Motovun.
Best Places to Visit in Croatia
- Krka National Park
- Diocletian’s Palace
- Zagreb
- Split
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
Budget of Croatia
Although Croatia has been reinventing the place with several upscale resorts and hotels, it also offers coastal splendor without breaking the bank. Croatia has a unique concept of staycation called couch surfing. This allows the tourists to live with the local hosts. Other ways to save money are Airbnb and hostels, which would cost around $35-$40. You can travel by bus or ferry, which is as cheap as a song. Food in Croatia can be expensive, but you can go for a shared kitchen in apartments or avoid splurging on random tasting. Avoid the summer season, July and August, the peak months.
4. Moldova
A petite landlocked country located between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. Still, away from the crowd of Instagram travelers, Moldova is raw, unspoiled, and refreshing. Its rugged countryside, archaeological treasures, majestic monasteries, and happening nightlife will keep you glued for a longer time. Wander in the tree-lined boulevards of Chisinau, hike through natural trails, and feast on delicious porridges. Don’t tell the world we shared this secret — it has wine tours in the underground wine barrels via electric trains.
Best Places to Visit in Moldova
- Mimi Castle
- Valea Morilor Park
- National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History
- Stephen the Great Monument
- Soroca Fortress
Budget of Moldova
To get the best value for your budget, Moldova is the perfect destination in Europe. It has the lowest cost of living and extremely reasonable prices. Budget-conscious travelers buckle their belts because spending a day in a hostel with food would cost only $30. All the other factors, such as getting around, sightseeing, and hiking, would come at dirt-cheap rates. Avoid the high season of July and August.
5. Romania
Next to Moldova is another cheap and pocket-friendly destination in Europe, Romania. Its famous city, Bucharest, also called the “Paris of the East,” is beautiful. The country’s history is long and rich. You can evidently hear the echo of past tales in the castles and museums. On the other side, it is packed with lush forests, rustic mountains, and expansive plains. It is also admired for its picture-perfect villages and hospitable locals.
Best Places to Visit in Romania
- Fagaras Mountains
- Wander Bucharest
- Alexandru Borza Botanic Gardens
- Bucharest Patriarchal Cathedral
- Danube Delta
Budget of Romania
Another very cheap destination in Europe, Romania, doesn’t let you ruffle even $100 from your pocket for a day. You would hardly spend a couple of dollars on transportation and food. Alcoholic beverages can cost around $3 to $9. Romania’s budget hotels are quite affordable as well. If you are on a shoestring budget, you can also enjoy free tours of the Carpathian Mountains.
6. Albania
Probably still an underrated gem, Albania is one of the cheapest places to visit in the world. It is a close neighbor to Greece, Kosovo, and Macedonia, letting tourists easily flock between these places. Did you know why Albania is still hidden from the selfie crowd? The country was isolated until 1992, after which the country came under democratic powers. It is an off-beaten destination with cheerful sightseeing tour packages. Be its rapidly evolving Tirana or the UNESCO site Berat, a trip here will give you a dose of therapy.
Best Places to Visit in Albania
- Berat Castle
- Porto Palermo Castle
- Ksamil Beach
- National Museum Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu
- Marubi National Museum
Budget of Albania
Travelers often search if Albania is expensive to visit. Well, compared to other travel destinations in Europe, it is probably cheaper. Accommodations are around $20-$25 per night, which is absolutely a delightful price. For meals, you can expect to spend around $15-$20 per day. It is easy to save money in Albania when it comes to staycations or dining in a local restaurant.
7. Hungary
A country in Central Europe, Hungary is one of the popular European countries amongst all travelers. From stunning architecture to rejuvenating spas, Hungary has a cornucopia of choices. It houses one of the world’s largest Jewish worship places, a colossal church atop a hill, thermal baths, and Japanese gardens. One of the best ways to enjoy sightseeing is on a cruise with welcome drinks.
Best Places to Visit in Hungary
- Hungary’s Parliament
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Heroes’ Square
- Budget of Hungary
Budget of Hungary
An estimated budget for Hungary for a two-day trip is $100-1$120. Prefer hostels, which are priced around merely $20 per night. A room in mid-budget hotels costs $30-$50 per night. While dining in a restaurant costs $20 per person, street food hardly exceeds a dozen. Instead of hopping on buses for every short trip, walk around the streets as most places are easily accessible.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, wandering through Europe is a lifetime journey, promising a blend of history, art, nature, and culinary wonders. Whether it’s strolling through ancient ruins, savoring local delicacies, or simply soaking in the ambiance of a charming European village, everything is possible without breaking the bank.
