15 Cheap Cities to Travel to in Europe

Travel Destinations in Europe to Visit on a Budget

Visiting Europe is the ultimate rite of passage for all travelers around the world.

But, as much as we love it, a trip to Europe can quickly empty out our pockets before we know. It doesn’t always have to be a pocket-burning experience, though.

Across the continent, there are many little gems of cities that are massively inexpensive compared to the usual London, Paris, Rome. Below are 15 cheap cities to travel to in Europe, and adding these to your next visit can be enormously rewarding for you as well as your wallet.

HOW TO VISIT EUROPE ON A BUDGET

You can get crafty and save a lot more on your visit to Europe, if you know the right hacks.

Broadly speaking, Eastern Europe is your go-to for a cheaper trip to the continent. While there are some places in the West that can be affordable (as you’ll see on this list) , the Eastern countries, especially which aren’t on the Euro, can make your overall visit much less costly.

[You Might Like: 15 Hacks to Travel Europe for Cheap]

15 CHEAP EUROPEAN CITIES TO VISIT

These cities promise the same amount of charm as the more expensive ones.

1. Budapest, Hungary

While Hungary is largely a much cheaper travel destination in Europe, its capital Budapest packs in so much surprise.

From food to accommodation, the city is extremely affordable. It is a great alternative for shopping too, if retail therapy is on your itinerary.

The currency Hungarian Florint is much weaker to the Euro, hence more bang for your buck. I remember staying right in the city center at Friends Hostel and I got a whole room for a pretty decent price, compared to the cost of an equivalent place in London, for example.

A unique concept in Budapest is that of ‘ruin bars’ – old, dilapidated buildings converted into bars and clubs. Don’t miss a visit to one of these, oh and don’t miss going to a thermal bath — another unique Hungarian experience!

[Related: 6 Unique Things to Do in Budapest]

Currency: Hungarian Florint
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 60

2. Prague, Czech Republic

The idea of Prague rakes up fairytale images of a city from another time, a bygone era. And it truly is the incredibly charming city it is touted to be.

Although Prague is not really the dirt-cheap travel destination it used to be earlier, visitors can still save a bunch here. Of course Prague draws in millions of tourists year after year, and is by no means a secret in the travel sphere. It is nonetheless an absolute delight to visit.

What’s even more exciting about Prague is that, despite already being fairly cheap, you can do a whole lot of stuff for free, such as such as exploring its historic Old Town, strolling across the iconic Charles Bridge, and enjoying the beauty of its many parks and gardens.

[Related: 46 FREE things to do in Prague without spending a Koruna]

Currency: Czech Koruna
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 70

3. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

While Prague is a considerably obvious choice for cheap cities to travel to in Europe, its southern neighbor merits a lot more hype.

The quaint city of Český Krumlov is a day-trip from Prague, but also has enough to keep you busy for a whole weekend. The city escaped the WW II bombings unscathed, and so it has a very well preserved city center which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Český Krumlov has a dreamy castle, winding cobblestoned alleyways, VERY good Czech beer, and the whole fairytale vibe we all need in our lives.

It is indeed one of the cheapest and most gorgeous cities to visit in Europe, and EVERY bit worth its weight in gold.

Currency: Czech Koruna
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 40

[You Might Like: 10 Unbelievably Stunning European Cities You Won’t Believe Exist]

4. Valetta, Malta

Want the Mediterranean experience but your travel budget can’t accommodate Capri? Enter Malta.

the island country’s capital, Valetta, is the smallest capital city in the EU, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Valetta is rich in architecture, history, has warm climate and plenty of things to do.

Explore stunning landmarks such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace, stroll along the scenic waterfront, and enjoy the vibrant local markets and festivals. The city’s well-preserved fortifications and narrow, cobblestone streets offer a glimpse into its storied past.

Valetta also boasts numerous museums, charming cafes, and excellent seafood restaurants.

To be honest, Malta by itself is a pretty inexpensive destination to visit in Europe. It’s an unconventional travel choice but will really exceed your expectations.

[Related: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Malta]

Currency: Euro
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 70

5. Warsaw, Poland

Poland, undoubtedly, had one of the biggest parts to play in WW II, second only to Germany. The country is a goldmine for history enthusiasts, but is so often overlooked as a potential Europe travel destination.

Warsaw, especially, weathered the impact of the war and 90% of the city was destroyed during the Nazi bombings. Warsaw was rebuilt ENTIRELY from the ground up. I feel it sets a kind of a metaphor for perseverance and faith, don’t you? 🙂

For budget travelers, Warsaw offers affordable accommodations, cheap and efficient public transportation, and many free or low-cost attractions, such as the Warsaw Rising Museum and Lazienki Park. Local cuisine, like pierogi and zapiekanka, can be enjoyed for just a few euros at traditional milk bars (bar mleczny), hole-in-the-wall eateries where locals get a bite on the cheap.

The city center of Warsaw is a delight. There is also a version (apparently the twin sister) of the Little Mermaid of Copenhagen, in the Old Town Square.

Currency: Polish Zloty
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 55

6. Krakow, Poland

Segueing from Warsaw, another remarkable albeit underrated city to visit in Europe is Krakow.

Not only is Krakow a historical gem, it also has brilliant nightlife, great bars and restaurants, cosy cafes, and tons of visual wealth to keep you marveling endlessly.

Even though the city is very walkable, public transport is also fairly inexpensive. A cherry on the cake are the affordable hostels and guesthouses, as well as reasonably priced dining options offering hearty Polish cuisine.

Many top attractions, such as Wawel Castle and the historic Old Town, can be explored for free or at a really low cost.

Currency: Polish Zloty
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 50

7. Porto, Portugal

Not the cheapest destination in Europe, but Porto offers an excellent alternative to its more celebrated and costlier neighbor, Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. The average costs in Porto are at least 10% lower than Lisbon, and the city provides copious amounts of that special Portugal feel (think Fado, beaches, abounding sunshine, and the wine, of course).

Try out Pastel de nata and Francesinha, local eats to grab on the go. Listen to brilliant Fado music at a corner cafe in a street off of the Old Town Square (Ribiera). And indulge in port wine tasting at the many wine cellars (we did the Cálem tour and loved it).

[Related: 4 Days in Portugal Itinerary]

Even if you don’t do a wine tour, make sure to bring a drinkable souvenir home.

Currency: Euro
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 70

8. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia has been such a radiant surprise for me; it has seized a little piece of my heart and will keep it for eternity. But I’m not complaining.

Think of Slovenia as Switzerland at one-third the cost.

Really, you should definitely consider adding the country to your Europe bucket list.

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana is a charming European city with a long, captivating history and yet a very contemporary way of life. I remember having unbelievably good coffee everywhere in the city.

The city also has many brilliant restaurants, cafes expanding into aesthetic outdoor spaces, and thriving nightlife. For budget travelers, Ljubljana offers affordable accommodations, free walking tours, and plenty of low-cost or free attractions, like exploring Tivoli Park or the iconic Dragon Bridge.

Ljubljana is one of the cheapest cities to travel to in Europe, and unarguably one of the best.

Currency: Euro
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 60

9. Bratislava, Slovakia

Scoot a bit towards the North East of Slovenia, and you’ll arrive at yet another European wildcard, Slovakia.

It’s capital, Bratislava, has all the makings of a delightful city, albeit noticeably different from its European neighbors. The city has a unique kind of grunge; what makes Bratislava worth visiting is how edgy its construct is.

The remains of a communist past lend the city a distinctive identity, which perfectly contrasts with some really good pieces of modern architecture.

Besides the charming Old Town, a stroll along the Danube River is mandatory, as is a visit to the iconic Bratislava Castle for stunning views of the city.

Despite being on the Euro, Bratislava is extremely affordable and in fact one of the cheapest vacation spots in Europe. From low-cost public transport, tons of wallet-friendly street food options like Bryndzové pirohy (potato dumplings) or kofola (local cola), and free walking tours that dive into the city’s layered history and culture.

Currency: Euro
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 60

10. Bucharest, Romania

Central/Eastern Europe largely turns out to be cheaper, but certain destinations offer an unsuspecting visitor the combined experience of inexpensiveness and historical abundance.

Bucharest is another such exceptional city to visit in Europe.

Did you know that Bucharest is often dubbed as “Little Paris of the East”?

It’s no surprise, honestly, as Bucharest’s Old Town has a very conspicuous air of Paris around it — cute cafes, people bringing their fashion A-game to the streets, cobble pavements, beautifully restored buildings with grand facades.

The vividly Stalinistic architecture everywhere else in the city serves as a reminder of its history. Bucharest has, of late, become a party destination for European tourists but the city has SO much more heart and soul to offer.

At roughly 5 Leu to a Euro, Bucharest is one of the cheapest cities to travel in Europe.

Currency: Romanian Leu
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 40

11. Split, Croatia

This might seem like a given – Croatia is definitely one of the least expensive destinations in Europe to visit.

Of course, the country has picked up a lot of steam since the show “Game of Thrones” put it on the European tourism map in a big way.

Split offers even better prices compared to other Croatian cities, not to mention terrific nightlife, party boat experiences and cruises to nearby islands.

The city is home to the stunning Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the vibrant Riva promenade, which is a treat and essentially free to explore.

However, even aside from the touristy things to do in Split, there are a bunch of activities like heading on some great hikes, witnessing centuries-old ruins, or just unwinding on a beach.

Split is an excellent destination if you’re looking to be on the Adriatic coast on a budget.

Currency: Croatian Kuna
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 75

12. Riga, Latvia

Charming, walkable, lots of green space, impressive buildings with tall facades and peculiar windows – all the things that are characteristic to a European city.

And Riga has them all + affordable prices.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a place to immerse in a plenitude of Soviet history, Riga provides a brilliant alternative – especially if you’re looking for cheap travel destinations in Europe.

The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, art galleries, and a lively nightlife. Be sure to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the striking Art Nouveau architecture, and the scenic Daugava River promenade for a taste of local life.

Currency: EUR
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 50

13. Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia isn’t just the fountainhead of the internet giant called Skype, it is also an affordable country to visit.

Just a ferry ride away from Helsinki, Tallinn is a small city with a large heart. There is an unmissable charm as you walk through the Upper and Lower parts of the Old Town.

Often hailed as a day trip destination, you can venture outside of the city center and explore more of suburban Tallinn, should you have time up your sleeve.

Veer one street away from the Old Town and you’ll find splendid beer and food at half the price.

One standout feature for me was the cheap public transport (which incidentally is affordable in all Baltic states). Day passes cost just a few euros, making it easy to explore areas like the hip Telliskivi Creative City or the seaside district of Pirita.

If you spend a night or more in Tallinn, make sure to book accommodation outside of the Old Town for better tariff. Staying in districts like Kalamaja offers great value with lots to keep you busy.

Currency: EUR
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 65

14. Zagreb, Croatia

What I love about Zagreb is that it gives you a different flavor of Croatia, a country that is widely considered a beach destination.

As the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb enjoys direct flight connections from most European cities. So if you’re already in Europe, Zagreb can make for a great weekend getaway.

Enjoy long walks on winding cobbled streets, explore the Old Town, admire the Astro-Hungarian architecture.

Immerse in Croatia’s cultural scene – which is, in a big way, centered in Zagreb.

Rent a car and drive to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, hands down a Europe bucket list item. You can also do a day trip from Zagreb to Ljubljana – thereby covering two of the cheapest cities on this list!

Currency: Croatian Kuna
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 50

15. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city offers rich cultural experiences, history, and stunning natural beauty – all at an unbelievably low price.

Low-cost accommodation is easy to find, and food (especially traditional dishes like Cevapi and Burek) comes cheap, for the most part. Small kiosks dotted all over the city offer inexpensive packaged food and drinks.

Many of the city’s key attractions, such as the historic Baščaršija, the Latin Bridge, and various museums, are either free or come with minimal entry fees. With cheap public transport and walkable distances between major sites, getting around isn’t costly or difficuly.

Sarajevo is surrounded by mountains and has parks which give you a chance to get close to nature. Vrelo Bosne, a stunning park with natural springs, is a low-cost outing perfect for an afternon.

The best part – Sarajevo’s people are warm, friendly, welcoming, and can really enrich your travel experience.

Currency: Convertible Mark
Average cost per day for a budget visit: EUR 40