Places to Travel in Europe for Cheap

Introduction: Why Cheap Travel in Europe is Possible

For decades, travelers assumed Europe was an expensive destination. London, Paris, and Zurich built reputations as glamorous capitals where costs soared, discouraging budget-conscious visitors. Yet the truth is far more encouraging: there are countless places to travel in Europe for cheap that provide rich cultural experiences, world-class food, and unforgettable history without emptying your bank account. Europe is a patchwork of diversity, and while some corners command high prices, others welcome visitors with open arms and astonishing affordability.

What makes cheap travel possible in Europe is the continent’s infrastructure and interconnectedness. Affordable flights on budget airlines, inexpensive buses like FlixBus, and train passes make transportation between countries both simple and economical. Secondary cities and smaller capitals, often less crowded than tourist hubs, provide authentic experiences at a fraction of the cost. Meals in local markets, free walking tours, and guesthouses enrich the journey without straining finances.

The secret lies in choosing wisely. Instead of expensive hubs, selecting affordable alternatives opens doors to deeper cultural immersion. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best places to travel in Europe for cheap, offering insights, real-world examples, and strategies to enjoy a full European adventure without overspending. For a broader overview of destinations beyond budget, see the Best Places to Travel in Europe, where both iconic and hidden gems are explored in detail.

Eastern Europe: Affordable Destinations with Historic Charm

Kraków, Poland

Kraków is a perennial favorite for budget travelers. This city combines medieval charm, artistic heritage, and remarkably low prices. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is free to explore, with its Rynek Główny (Main Square) alive with performers, markets, and centuries-old architecture. Landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica or Wawel Castle are inexpensive to visit, and many museums have discounted entry days.

Meals in Kraków are famously cheap. Milk bars (bar mleczny), simple eateries rooted in Poland’s communist era, serve traditional dishes like pierogi, borscht, and cabbage rolls for just a few euros. Accommodation is equally affordable, with hostels starting at €10 and budget hotels around €30–40 per night. Nightlife in the Kazimierz district is legendary, with low-cost drinks and vibrant music scenes.

Kraków also provides budget-friendly access to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, enriching the trip with powerful cultural and historical insights. Few cities in Europe match Kraków’s ability to blend affordability with depth, making it an essential stop for anyone searching for places to travel in Europe for cheap.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is often called the “Paris of the East,” but it comes without the Parisian price tag. Divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest, the city offers stunning architecture, historical grandeur, and a dynamic nightlife — all on a budget. Many highlights, such as Fisherman’s Bastion and panoramic river views, are free.

Budapest is also famous for its thermal baths, a luxury experience at a low price. A day ticket to Széchenyi or Gellért Baths costs less than €20, offering relaxation in mineral-rich waters. Street food like lángos (fried dough with toppings) or chimney cakes adds affordable culinary flair. Accommodation is widely available, from hostels to boutique guesthouses averaging half the cost of Western capitals.

Ruin bars — quirky pubs inside abandoned buildings — offer lively nightlife at modest prices, making Budapest popular with young travelers. Combined with efficient and affordable transport, Budapest represents one of the best-value cities in Europe. No wonder it consistently features on lists of Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe.

Bucharest, Romania

Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is another hidden gem among places to travel in Europe for cheap. Nicknamed “Little Paris” for its Belle Époque architecture, the city blends grand boulevards, communist blocks, and vibrant modern energy. The Palace of the Parliament — one of the largest buildings in the world — offers guided tours at low entry fees.

The Old Town is full of lively cafés, bars, and traditional restaurants where a full meal costs under €10. Accommodation is significantly cheaper than in Western Europe, with private rooms starting at €20–30 per night. Bucharest also serves as a gateway to Transylvania. Affordable day trips bring travelers to Bran Castle (linked to the Dracula legend), Brașov, and Sighișoara — destinations rich in history and beauty.

Romania’s affordability extends to transport and attractions, ensuring that even extended stays remain budget-friendly. Bucharest proves that European capitals can be both exciting and accessible, reinforcing its place among the continent’s cheapest travel options.

Southern Europe: Sunshine, Culture, and Savings

Porto, Portugal

Porto charms with its riverside beauty, colorful houses, and famous port wine. The Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is free to explore, with its cobblestone alleys and lively waterfront cafés offering endless character. The Dom Luís I Bridge provides sweeping views of the Douro River, at no cost.

Port wine cellars offer tours and tastings starting under €15, making indulgence affordable. Meals in Porto, like the hearty francesinha sandwich or fresh seafood, rarely exceed €10–12 in local eateries. Accommodation is less expensive than in Lisbon, with budget hotels from €30–40 per night.

Porto also serves as the gateway to the Douro Valley, where day trips to vineyards are surprisingly affordable. With its mix of culture, food, and affordability, Porto is one of the top places to travel in Europe for cheap for travelers seeking both authenticity and savings.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is Spain’s underrated gem, delivering sun-soaked beaches, cultural landmarks, and affordable prices. The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is impressive even from the outside, while the historic center showcases Gothic cathedrals and bustling plazas. Most attractions are free to admire, and many museums charge modest entry fees.

Food is central to Valencia’s identity as the birthplace of paella. Authentic meals are reasonably priced, and tapas culture ensures travelers can sample multiple dishes without overspending. Valencia’s beaches are public and free, making it easy to blend urban exploration with seaside relaxation.

Accommodation in Valencia is far cheaper than in Barcelona or Madrid, with many budget hotels and hostels in the €20–40 range. Festivals like Las Fallas, featuring parades and fireworks, are open to the public, adding further value. Valencia represents Spain’s balance of vibrancy and affordability, making it an ideal stop on any budget-friendly itinerary.

Athens, Greece

Athens combines millennia of history with affordability, offering a remarkable return on investment for travelers. The Acropolis and Parthenon, symbols of Western civilization, are accessible at modest ticket prices, with discounts for students and EU residents. Museums like the Acropolis Museum provide world-class exhibits at far lower costs than in Western capitals.

Neighborhoods such as Plaka and Monastiraki are filled with affordable tavernas where dishes like souvlaki or moussaka cost less than €8–10. Athens also has a vibrant café culture, where lingering over coffee is both cheap and enjoyable. Accommodation options range from budget hostels at €15 per night to hotels at €30–40.

As a bonus, Athens offers access to nearby islands like Aegina or Hydra via inexpensive ferries. These day trips expand the experience without adding excessive costs, cementing Athens as one of the most rewarding places to travel in Europe for cheap.

Central and Northern Europe: Budget-Friendly Surprises

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, often described as a fairy-tale city, is also a budget traveler’s paradise. Its Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge are free to explore, while many of the city’s churches host low-cost concerts.

Food in Prague is hearty and inexpensive, with dishes like goulash and svíčková costing €6–8 in local pubs. Czech beer, considered among the best in the world, is remarkably cheap, often under €2 a pint. Accommodation, though rising in cost, remains affordable compared to Western Europe.

The combination of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture, along with vibrant culture, ensures Prague remains among the best-value destinations for budget-conscious travelers.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn offers medieval charm at a fraction of the price of nearby Scandinavia. Its Old Town, with cobblestone streets and colorful merchant houses, is free to explore and incredibly photogenic.

Meals in Tallinn are affordable, with local specialties like rye bread or elk soup available at modest prices. Hostels and guesthouses offer great value, while public transportation is efficient and inexpensive. Tallinn’s growing reputation as a digital hub also attracts young travelers and nomads looking for affordability and modern infrastructure.

Tallinn’s ability to combine history, affordability, and innovation makes it one of the best places to travel in Europe for cheap, particularly for travelers wanting both culture and community.

Riga, Latvia

Riga’s blend of Art Nouveau architecture, historic Old Town, and affordable prices makes it another Northern European gem. The Central Market, housed in former zeppelin hangars, is perfect for sampling cheap, fresh food. Many attractions in Riga are low-cost or free, from Gothic churches to riverside promenades.

Accommodation is inexpensive, and Riga’s nightlife — fueled by affordable bars and clubs — is a highlight for younger travelers. The city’s compact size also means visitors can explore extensively without high transport costs. Riga exemplifies how Northern Europe, often assumed to be expensive, can also deliver excellent value.

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Value

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, combines affordability with culture and nature. Highlights include Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Roman ruins, and Ottoman mosques, many of which are free to visit. Meals are incredibly cheap, with traditional dishes like banitsa costing just a couple of euros.

The city’s proximity to Vitosha Mountain provides opportunities for affordable hiking or skiing. Hostels and hotels are very inexpensive, making Sofia a great base for budget travel in the Balkans.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade’s energy is unmatched, with its mix of history, culture, and nightlife offered at low prices. The Kalemegdan Fortress and riverside promenades are free, while Skadarlija provides affordable traditional meals in a bohemian setting.

Belgrade’s nightlife is famous, with floating clubs on the Danube offering vibrant entertainment for a fraction of the cost of Western Europe. Accommodation and food are also very affordable, confirming Belgrade’s position on any list of places to travel in Europe for cheap.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo is both historic and affordable. The Old Bazaar, Baščaršija, offers Ottoman charm and cheap eats like ćevapi. Museums recount the city’s complex history at low entry fees, while the surrounding mountains provide budget-friendly outdoor activities.

Sarajevo’s blend of cultures, affordability, and authenticity make it an increasingly popular destination for adventurous travelers seeking cheap European experiences.

Cheap Natural Escapes: Outdoors Without the High Price Tag

Hiking in the Balkans

Montenegro, Bosnia, and Albania offer rugged landscapes at very low costs. Guesthouses along hiking routes provide affordable lodging and meals, making multi-day treks possible without high expenses.

Baltic Coast Adventures

Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have long stretches of quiet coastline. Towns like Klaipėda or Liepāja provide inexpensive access to sandy beaches, forests, and fresh seafood, making them ideal for budget travelers seeking relaxation.

Alpine Alternatives in Slovakia and Slovenia

The Slovakian Tatras and Slovenia’s Julian Alps rival Switzerland in beauty but cost significantly less. Towns like Zakopane or Lake Bled offer hiking, skiing, and lakeside escapes at budget-friendly prices.

Practical Tips for Finding Places to Travel in Europe for Cheap

• Travel Off-Season: Prices drop in spring and autumn.
• Use Budget Transport: FlixBus, Wizz Air, and Ryanair connect cities cheaply.
• Free Walking Tours: Many cities offer them, based on tips only.
• Stay in Guesthouses: Local stays are cheaper than hotels.
• Eat Local: Street food and markets provide authentic, low-cost meals.

For more in-depth strategies, guides like Nomadic Matt and Lonely Planet offer budget travel expertise.

Connecting Budget Travel with Broader European Exploration

Cheap travel isn’t just about saving money; it’s about deeper experiences. Budget-friendly destinations often provide authenticity, fewer tourists, and stronger connections with locals. These cities also make great complements to more iconic destinations. For example, pair Kraków with Prague, Porto with Lisbon, or Athens with the Greek islands.

By blending cheap destinations with famous ones, you can design an itinerary that balances cost with unforgettable experiences. For broader inspiration beyond budget, explore the Best Places to Travel in Europe, where both affordable and iconic destinations are highlighted together.

Conclusion: Affordable Journeys Across Europe

Europe’s diversity ensures that travelers can always find places to travel in Europe for cheap without sacrificing quality. From Eastern Europe’s cultural capitals like Kraków and Budapest to Southern Europe’s sunny escapes in Porto and Athens, affordability is everywhere. Central and Northern gems like Tallinn and Riga, along with Balkan cities like Sofia and Sarajevo, further prove that budget travel equals rich experiences.

By traveling strategically — choosing destinations, timing, and transport wisely — anyone can craft an affordable European journey. Whether you seek history, food, beaches, or nightlife, Europe’s cheap destinations provide value, authenticity, and memories that last a lifetime.

For more tips and destination ideas, don’t miss the Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe guide, which complements this article perfectly. Together, these resources help travelers unlock Europe affordably and confidently.