I have always loved the idea of wandering through the old streets of Europe. The history. The food. The magic. However, the cost often stops people from going. I decided to find a way to see the world without losing all my money. I found that Cheap Group Travel Europe is the best secret for a budget traveler. You can see the Eiffel Tower or the Roman Colosseum with your friends and still have money in your pocket. This guide is my way of sharing what I learned about the 10 Best Cheap Group Travel Europe options.
First of all, I must tell you that group travel makes things much easier. You split the cost of a place to stay. You share the cost of a car. You even get lower prices for tours. Additionally, you have people to share the memories with. I remember my first trip to Poland. I felt nervous. Then, I joined a group and felt safe. It is the best way to travel if you love tours but want to save money.
Why Group Travel Saves You Money
You might wonder how a group saves cash. It is simple math. A private apartment for four people is often cheaper than four separate hotel rooms. A large apartment in a city center can cost between €60 and €80 total. If you split that four ways, you pay only €15 to €20 per person. Similarly, you can find hostels under €20 per bed.
I also found that many places offer group discounts. A tour guide might charge a flat fee of $50. If you are alone, you pay $50. If you have five friends, you pay only $10 each. On top of that, some airlines and train companies give you a lower price if you book together. For example, the GroupSave program in the UK lets a group of three to nine people save up to 1/3 on rail fares.
Gradually, I realized that companies like cosmos travels & tours are built for this. They know how to get the best deals because they bring many people. I read many cosmos travel reviews and people love the value. If you look at cosmos tours europe 2026, you will see they plan everything for you. They handle the bus. They handle the hotels. You just enjoy the ride.
The 10 Best Cheap Group Travel Europe Destinations
I have walked many miles across the continent. These are the places where your money goes the furthest. These are the gems of Europe.
Sofia, Bulgaria: The Secret Budget King
I was shocked when I went to Sofia. It is perhaps the cheapest capital in Europe. You can find a hostel for only €8 to €12 per night. A full restaurant meal costs about €6 to €10. Plus, the beer is only €1.50.
The city is full of history. You can see the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for free. I suggest the Free Sofia Tour which works on tips. If you have time, take a day trip to the Rila Monastery for about €20. At that time, I felt like a rich person because everything was so cheap.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina: East Meets West
I love Sarajevo because it feels like a different world. It is where East meets West. You can walk through the Baščaršija bazaar and feel the history. A daily budget of €25 to €35 is all you need.
The food is amazing. I ate cevapi for only $3. Additionally, there are no extra taxes or service charges on your bill. What you see is what you pay. It is a very moving place with a heavy history, so you must be ready for some big emotions.
Kraków, Poland: Living History
Kraków is one of my favorite places. It is the cultural capital of Poland. The Wawel Castle is beautiful and mostly free to walk around. You can stay in a hostel for €10 to €15.
The portions of food are huge. Sharing a meal saves even more money. I found that a daily budget of €30 to €40 covers a lot. Do not miss the Jewish Quarter for a pub crawl that costs only €15 and includes drinks.
Budapest, Hungary: The Pearl of the Danube
People call this the “Paris of the East”. It has stunning buildings and famous thermal baths. The Széchenyi Thermal Baths cost about €20 and are a great group experience.
You can find a large apartment in the center for €60 to €80 total. Ruin bar hopping in the Jewish Quarter is a must-do. Similarly, a Danube river cruise at night is only €15 and looks like a dream.
Prague, Czech Republic: The Fairytale City
Prague is like a storybook. It has cobblestone streets and a massive castle. The Prague Castle complex is free to wander. However, you must pay to go inside the buildings.
The beer culture here is world-class. You can get a half-liter of beer for €2 to €3. Plus, the city center is very walkable, which saves on transport. I suggest you wake up early to see the Charles Bridge without the crowds.
Riga, Latvia: Art Nouveau Elegance
I found Riga to be a hidden beauty. It was named the most budget-friendly city for 2025. You can eat traditional dishes for $8 to $12. Hostels are about $10 to $15 per night.
The architecture is amazing. You can see UNESCO World Heritage sites for free. At that time, I walked for hours just looking at the buildings. It is a great place for photos.
Lisbon, Portugal: Sun and History
Lisbon is full of color and hills. It is a capital city that does not need a huge budget. You can ride Tram 28 through the old neighborhoods for a low price.
The seafood is fresh and great for sharing. I suggest you try a pastel de nata for a cheap sweet treat. Lisbon is very walkable, and the weather is good almost all year.
Athens, Greece: Ancient Lessons
Every history book comes to life in Athens. Standing at the foot of the Acropolis is a feeling I cannot describe. Entry is €20, which is worth every cent.
You can eat gyros for only €3 to €4. Similarly, you can watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill for free. It is a great hub for traveling to the islands nearby.
Valencia, Spain: Beach and Culture
Valencia is cheaper than Barcelona or Madrid. It is the birthplace of paella. You can find a lunch menu for €12.
The City of Arts and Sciences is a great place for group photos. Plus, the beaches are free and very lively. I found the public transport to be excellent and only €1.50 per ride.
Chisinau, Moldova: The Wine Wonderland
Moldova is one of the least visited countries, but it has the best value. It has incredible wine culture. You can go on a world-class wine tour for under $20.
A daily budget of $20 to $25 is usually enough here. The local culture is unique and very surprising. It is a great choice for groups who want something different.
Tour Companies for Budget Travelers
If you do not want to plan every detail, look at tour companies. globus cosmos tours in europe are a very popular choice. They have decades of experience. Their cosmos european tours are designed to give you the most for your money. You get a bus and a guide. You get your hotels booked.
top deck travel is another great option. It is often for younger people, but anyone with energy will love it. Plus, you can find cheap european tours with airfare if you book at the right time. Most of these european bus tours 2026 will save you the headache of driving in a foreign country.
Therefore, I recommend looking into these packages. They often include breakfast and some dinners. You do not have to worry about luggage or entry fees. It is a stress-free way to see the continent.
Transportation: How to Get Around Cheaply
You have many choices for transport in Europe. Each one has pros and cons.
The Power of the Bus
Flixbus is the lime green king of the road. I have used it dozens of times. You can find tickets for as low as 5 euros if you book early. However, you must be ready for some delays.
I found that the boarding process is like the Hunger Games. Everyone wants the best seat. You must get there early. Plus, do not count on the WiFi working. But for the price of a coffee, you can travel to a new country. It is a fair trade.
The Magic of the Train
Trains are faster and more comfortable than buses. If you travel between countries, the Eurail pass is a great tool. It lets you hop on and off trains with one ticket.
However, you must watch out for reservations. Some high-speed trains require an extra fee of about $10. I always use an app to see if the pass is cheaper than individual tickets. In the UK, remember the GroupSave discount for groups of three to nine. You can save 1/3 on your fare.
Budget Airlines
Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air are very cheap. I have seen flights for $20. But be careful! They charge for everything. Do not bring a big bag or you will pay more than the flight cost. I recommend traveling with only a small personal item.
Where to Sleep: Hostels, Apartments, and More
Accommodation is a big cost. But you have ways to save.
Hostels for Everyone
Hostels are not just for kids. I have seen people of all ages in them. They are great for groups because you can book a whole dorm room for yourselves. This is often cheaper than an Airbnb.
I recommend chains like Generator Hostels or MEININGER Hotels. They are clean and social. They often have a bar and a kitchen. Wombat’s Hostels are also very good and offer a travel community vibe.
Apartments and Homes
Staying in a home like an Airbnb or VRBO lets you live like a local. You get a kitchen, which is a huge money saver. You can go to a local grocery store and cook your own meals.
However, some homes have hidden fees. Also, you might have to meet a person at a specific time to get the key. This is hard if your train is late. Plus, some towels in Europe can be scratchy. I call that a “princess problem,” but it is true!
Eating and Drinking on a Budget
Food is one of the best parts of travel. I found that you can eat well without spending a fortune.
The Supermarket Strategy
Instead of eating out every meal, go to the supermarket. Look for names like Aldi, Lidl, Migros, or Coop. I bought fresh bread, cheese, and fruit for only a few euros.
I also recommend making your own lunches. Bread is your new best friend. You can make a sandwich in the morning and eat it while you explore. This saved me so much money on my last trip.
Street Food and Lunch Menus
Every city has street food. In Athens, it is gyros. In Germany, it is döner kebab. These are delicious and very cheap.
Additionally, many restaurants have a lunch menu or menú del día. This is often half the price of the dinner menu. You get multiple courses for a low price. I like to have a big lunch and a small, cheap dinner.
Water and Toilets
This is a deep tip. Public toilets in Europe often cost money, sometimes up to one euro. If you are desperate, buy a coffee at a cafe and use their bathroom. You get a drink and a toilet for the price of one.
Similarly, do not buy water at tourist spots. Bring a reusable bottle. In many cities, the tap water is safe and free.
Managing Group Money
Money can cause fights between friends. I found some tools to help.
Use Wise for Spending
The Wise debit card is great for travel. You get the real exchange rate without extra fees. You can spend in over 160 countries. It also makes it easy to split bills with your friends.
Splitwise is a Lifesaver
I always use the Splitwise app. You create a group for your trip. Every time someone pays for a meal or a taxi, you put it in the app. At the end of the trip, the app tells you who owes who. It stops all the awkward talk about money.
Pay in Local Currency
When you use a credit card, it will ask if you want to pay in your home currency or the local one. Always choose the local currency. If you choose your home currency, the bank uses a bad rate and charges you more. This is a simple trick that saves a lot of money over a long trip.
Planning and Timing
When you go is as important as where you go.
The Shoulder Season
Do not go in July or August if you want to save money. It is crowded and very expensive. I recommend the shoulder season. This is late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October).
The weather is still good. The crowds are gone. Plus, hotels and flights are 20% to 30% cheaper. I went to Paris in early May and it was perfect. The locals were out, and the lines were short.
Group Leadership
If you are the one planning the trip, you might even travel for free. Some companies like Indus Travels give a free spot if you bring a large group. For example, if you bring 19 people, you might get your trip for free.
You must plan early. I suggest starting at least 11 months before you want to leave. This gives everyone time to save money and plan their work schedules.
Final Tips for Your Adventure
First of all, do not try to “do Europe” in one week. You will spend all your time on a train and all your money on tickets. Pick two or three sights per week. Travel slow. You will see more and spend less.
Additionally, always get travel insurance. If you get sick or your bag is stolen, you will be happy you have it. Similarly, if you are a student, bring your student card. Many museums and parks give huge discounts to students.
Gradually, I learned that the best experiences are not the most expensive ones. Watching the sunset in Lisbon or walking through a park in Prague costs nothing. Europe is for everyone, no matter your budget.
Therefore, I hope you take this guide and start your plan. Grab your friends. Pick a city. Start your own story. Europe is waiting for you. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is best for travel in low budget in Europe?
Moldova is considered a top choice for value, with daily budgets rarely exceeding $20 to $25 covering accommodation and meals. Bulgaria is also a primary contender, with its capital, Sofia, often cited as one of the cheapest cities on the continent.
Is it cheaper to travel with a group?
Yes, group travel is significantly more affordable because you can split the costs of private apartments, transportation, and communal meals. Additionally, larger groups often qualify for negotiated discounts on tours and activities.
What is the cheapest way to travel throughout Europe?
FlixBus is often the most budget-friendly method, offering fares as low as 5 euros between major cities. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air are also highly cost-effective if you book in advance and travel with only a personal item.
Where in Europe is it cheapest to travel?
The most affordable regions are generally in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, specifically cities like Sofia, Sarajevo, Kraków, and Budapest. These locations offer rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost found in Western European capitals.
Where to go for a 3 day trip to Europe?
Berlin is a top choice for a 48-hour or weekend itinerary due to its dense concentration of history and efficient transport. Prague is also ideal for a short stay because its historic center is highly walkable and packed with iconic sights like the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
In most budget-friendly destinations, $100 a day is more than enough, as many cities like Kraków or Sofia require only $30 to $50 per day for comfortable travel. Even in moderate cities like Valencia or Athens, a budget of $100 easily covers a hostel bed, restaurant meals, and entry fees.
How to budget a group trip?
Use dedicated apps like Trip Tonic or Splitwise to track shared expenses and ensure everyone is on the same financial page. It is essential to establish cost-splitting rules before the trip begins, such as dividing bills evenly or designating one person to pay upfront for major items.
Is $5000 enough for a vacation?
Yes, $5,000 is a substantial budget that can support an extended multi-country tour, especially considering a 10-day trip through Central Europe can cost as little as €500 per person. For the price of one week in a luxury capital, you can often spend a full month in Europe’s hidden gems.
Is 27 too old to solo travel?
No, 27 is a common age for solo travelers, and many hostel chains like Generator and Selina offer a “hostel-hotel hybrid” experience that appeals to both young adults and more mature travelers. While some hostels like Hostel One focus on a younger social scene, others cater to a wide range of ages and professional types.
What is the 3 month rule in Europe?
Non-EU visa-free visitors are generally permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This count begins the moment you enter any country in the zone and does not reset by leaving and re-entering.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
In budget-friendly regions like the Balkans or Central Europe, €1,000 is plenty, as daily costs often range between €35 and €50. This budget would comfortably cover accommodation, local food, and transport for a 14-day adventure.
How much is a 7 day Eurail pass?
While specific current rates for a 7-day pass vary, a 15-day Global Pass for youth under 26 was approximately $370. The pass offers significant savings compared to buying individual tickets for multiple long-distance train journeys.
What’s the cheapest month to fly to Europe?
The low season, which runs from November to February (excluding the Christmas and New Year holidays), typically offers the lowest airfares and hotel prices. Shoulder seasons in early spring and late fall also provide a good balance of lower prices and pleasant weather.
Where is still cheap in Europe?
Countries like Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania remain very affordable for tourists. Cities in these nations provide “luxury experiences” like traditional meals and scenic drives without the high price tags of Western Europe.
Which European country is most affordable for tourists?
Moldova is currently identified as Europe’s most affordable destination for travelers. Other highly affordable options include Bulgaria and Bosnia & Herzegovina, where your money stretches significantly further on basic travel needs.
Concluding words
Planning a successful group adventure in Europe involves choosing cities that balance iconic history with affordable logistics, such as Prague, Budapest, and Lisbon. Groups can maximize their budgets by splitting the costs of apartments, using budget bus lines like FlixBus, and traveling during the shoulder or low seasons. By leveraging group discounts and using collaborative planning tools, travelers can experience the continent’s rich culture and vibrant atmosphere without financial strain.
