I always look for the next big adventure. You know that feeling. The smell of fresh coffee in a sunny square. The sound of old bells ringing from a church tower. Europe is a place I adore with all my heart. However, I noticed that the prices for a holiday have gone up lately. Many of us wonder if we can still afford to see the world without spending every cent we have. I have spent years on the road. I have found the best ways to save money while still having a grand time. This is my personal guide for Affordable Summer Vacations Europe in 2026.
The New Reality of Travel Costs
First of all, you must know about the new fees. Travel is more expensive now because of tourist taxes. More than 100 major European cities now charge a fee for overnight stays. The money helps to protect the environment and fix old buildings. Venice, Italy will charge you €5 to €10 just to visit for the day on busy dates to stop the crowds. Santorini and Mykonos in Greece will charge cruise guests up to €20 in the peak of summer.
Digital paperwork costs more now as well. The UK ETA cost rose to £16. The US ESTA fee doubled to $40 at the end of 2025. Planners expect the EU ETIAS fee to be between €7 and €20 by late 2026. These small costs add up fast. Therefore, you must plan your budget with care. A small fee might seem like a hassle, but it helps preserve these amazing places for the future.
On top of that, total visitor spending is expected to grow by 9.9% in 2025. People are spending about 3.1% of their household budgets on holidays. This is more than the average from 2010 to 2019. Though prices for services are high, the rate of increase is finally slowing down. To find a budget summer vacation europe, you need to look at Central and Eastern Europe. These areas offer great quality for much less money.
Strategic Timing for Your Trip
To save money, you must pick the right time to go. I suggest you avoid the peak summer months of July and August. Western Europe is very expensive then. Additionally, the heatwaves can be very hard to handle. I prefer the shoulder seasons. These are the months of April to June and September to October. The weather is mild. The prices are much lower.
About 28% of travelers now plan to shift their trips to different months to avoid crowds and save money. I am one of those people. It is much nicer to walk through a city when you do not have to push through thousands of people. Similarly, you will find that hotel owners are more willing to give you a deal when it is not the busy season.
Later, I will talk about how technology helps. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for travel planning doubled recently. About 18% of travelers now use AI to find better deals and less crowded spots. You can use these tools to find cheap summer destinations europe 2026.
Tirana, Albania: The Budget King
I will start with my favorite secret. Tirana, Albania is a dream for your wallet. It is up to 60% more affordable than Western Europe. You can find a meal for about €3 to €6. I stayed at the Palace Tirana Hotel for around €60 a night, which was very modern and central. If you want to spend even less, the Hotel Vila Alba is about €45 a night.
A visit to the Bunk’Art 1 museum is a must. It is a former Cold War bunker that is now a museum. The entry fee is only about €4. You can also take a day trip to Dürres Beach to see the coast. For food, you must try Byrek. It is a savory pastry that is very filling and very cheap. I also loved the coffee culture. You can get a quality cocktail at Radio Bar for under €5. Albania is truly one of the best affordable summer destinations europe.
Sofia, Bulgaria: History and Value
Next on my list is Sofia, Bulgaria. This city is about 50% cheaper than major Western capitals. I found the public transport and pubs to be very low cost. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a beautiful sight that you cannot miss. I also enjoyed the Mineral Baths. It is a modern spa inside a 19th-century building.
The food in Sofia is hearty and delicious. I recommend the banitsa, which is a cheese pastry, and the shopska salad. You can get a pint of craft beer at The Apartment for less than €3. A glass of local Bulgarian wine is only about €5. I stayed at Hotel Anel for about €50 a night. It was elegant and near a park. First of all, it is a city that feels very old and very new at the same time.
Vilnius, Lithuania: The Green Choice
I often think Vilnius, Lithuania is overlooked. It has a beautiful UNESCO-listed Old Town. People call it one of the greenest cities in Europe because it has so many parks. A reasonable budget for a day here is about £43 for food, stay, and transport. However, you can spend even less if you are careful.
I enjoyed the Užupis Republic. It is an alternative neighborhood with a fun vibe. For food, try the cepelinai. These are meat-filled dumplings that are very famous. Local craft beers are only about €2 to €3 a pint. I stayed at the Comfort Hotel LT for around €60 a night. It was very modern and comfortable. Plus, the coffee culture is great with many local roasteries like Vero Café.
Kraków, Poland: Medieval Magic
Poland is one of the top three cheapest nations in the European Union. Kraków is the star of the country. It has a massive main square called Rynek Główny. You can find a meal for less than £10 easily. I found sandwiches for £2.50 and beer for less than £1 in some spots.
The Wawel Castle is a site you must visit to see the royal history. For food, pierogi dumplings are the best choice. You can find them with sweet or savory fillings. I also liked the street food trucks that sell zapiekanki, which are like long French bread pizzas. I stayed at Hotel Unicus for about €60 a night. It is very central and easy to reach. Therefore, it is a perfect spot for affordable summer holidays europe.
Budapest, Hungary: Baths and Ruin Bars
I have been to Budapest many times. It is famous for high quality and low prices. The thermal spas are a big draw. I suggest the Széchenyi Baths for a long soak. You can walk along the Danube Promenade for free and see the Parliament building. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Additionally, the “ruin bars” are very cool. These are bars in old, empty buildings. Szimpla Kert is the most famous one, and you can get drinks for under €4. For food, you must try goulash or lángos, which is fried dough with toppings. I stayed at Hotel Rum Budapest for about €70 a night. It was very stylish. Hungary is a place where you get a lot of value for your money.
Bucharest, Romania: The City of Contrasts
Bucharest is a city with a low cost of living. It has very grand architecture from the 19th century. The Parliament Palace is the second-largest building in the world. You can take a tour of it for a small fee. I also liked the Village Museum to see old folk traditions.
The food in Romania is very filling. I loved the sarmale, which are cabbage rolls. You can get a fresh pastry and coffee for under €2 in most cafes. For a drink, try țuică, which is a plum brandy. I stayed at Hotel Christina for only €50 a night. It was very central and modern. Romania is one of the best cheap summer destinations europe.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina: A Historical Gem
Sarajevo is one of the most affordable capitals in Europe. It has a very rich history. You can visit the Baščaršija bazaar to see the old market. The Latin Bridge is the site where World War I began. It is a very moving place to visit.
I found the beer and food to be very cheap. You can get a meal for €3 to €5. Try the ćevapi, which are small meat sausages on flatbread. The Bosnian coffee is strong and sweet. I stayed at the City Center Hotel for about €45 a night. On top of that, the people are very friendly and welcoming.
Belgrade, Serbia: Life on the River
Serbia is not in the EU, so the prices are lower. Belgrade has amazing nightlife and history. I enjoyed the Kalemegdan Fortress because it looks over the rivers. You can also visit Skadarlija, which is the bohemian part of town with many old restaurants.
I liked the river clubbing on barges along the Danube. The food is very hearty. Try the pljeskavica, which is like a Serbian burger. You can get local beers for less than €2. I stayed at the Envoy Hotel for about €50 a night. Gradually, you will see why people love this city so much. It is lively and full of energy.
Zagreb, Croatia: Value Away from the Coast
Coastal Croatia can be very expensive. However, the capital city of Zagreb offers great value. It has many parks and museums. I enjoyed the Museum of Broken Relationships. It is very unique. You can also walk through the Upper Town to see the old architecture.
The food is excellent. I recommend the strukli, which is a cheese pastry. You can find good Croatian wines for a fair price. I stayed at Hotel Dubrovnik for about €80 a night. It is a classic hotel in the center of the city. Zagreb is one of the top cheap summer trips europe if you want to see a different side of Croatia.
Podgorica, Montenegro: A Quiet Balkan Gem
Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro. It is very budget-friendly in 2026. The meal and hotel costs are quite low. I took a day trip to Lake Skadar, which was beautiful. You can also see the Millennium Bridge and the old Turkish quarter.
I found the local beer to be very cheap at around €1.50. The food is a mix of meat grills and seafood. I stayed at Hotel Ziya for about €50 a night. Montenegro is a hidden gem for those who want a quiet and affordable holiday. Finally, it is a great place to end a Balkan tour.
The Best Beach Destinations for Less
If you want a cheap summer destinations europe beach, you have several great options. Budva, Montenegro is a seaside resort with golden sand and clear water. Local beer will only cost you about £2 to £3. Alicante, Costa Blanca in Spain is another budget-friendly choice. You can find a meal for between £6 and £9 there.
I also recommend Cadiz in southern Spain. It is one of the warmest spots and was ranked as the cheapest city break in Spain recently. A hotel room costs about £103 a night on average. Similarly, the Karpas Peninsula in Cyprus has stunning deserted beaches. It is one of the most unspoiled regions in the Mediterranean. Antalya in Turkey is known as the “Turkish Riviera” and offers great resorts for a low price.
How to Find Cheap Places to Stay
Finding a good place to stay is key. I have used Booking.com many times. I suggest you install the app on your phone. They have mobile-only deals that can save you a lot of money. A user named ri89rc20 on Reddit said they liked the map function on the app because it shows the exact building and all costs.
Another traveler, elt0p0, said they choose places with a kitchen to save money on food. They even found a place in Macedonia for only $500 for a month. If you stay for a week, you might get a better deal than a short stay. Some people still use Airbnb, but it is important to be careful. dsiegel2275 suggests only picking places with a 4.9 rating or higher and at least 10 reviews.
If you want something different, you can try a house swap. A user named Beneficial_Revenue56 uses HomeExchange. You pay a yearly fee and can stay in other people’s homes for free. There are also sites like Fairbnb.coop and Flatio.com that offer alternatives to standard hotels. On the contrary, some people find that hotels are easier and sometimes even cheaper than Airbnbs in big cities now.
The Joy of Rail Travel
I believe the train is the best way to see Europe. It is the greenest way to travel. Trains emit far less CO2 per person than cars or planes. Additionally, many trains now use low-carbon electricity. It is a very relaxing way to see the landscape. The journey becomes part of the holiday.
The Interrail Pass is a wonderful tool. It lets you travel in 33 European countries with one ticket. In 2023, people bought one million of these passes. Some trains even go through UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the Bernina line in Switzerland. Therefore, you can see amazing views while you move between cities. Plus, trains usually take you right into the city center. You do not have to pay for expensive taxis from the airport.
Touring for Free
You do not have to spend a lot of money on guided tours. I use the Rick Steves Audio Europe App. It is 100% free. It gives you rich and detailed walking tours for many major cities. I have used it in Munich and Milan. You just put in your headphones and follow the map on the app.
The tours usually start in a main square or a well-known spot. You can start, stop, or pause the tour whenever you want. Also, the app has interesting talks about things like “Finding Love in Italy” or “Rome After Dark”. It is a great way to learn about the culture without paying for a guide. Gradually, you will feel like an expert on the city.
Grocery and Food Costs
To save money, you should know where food is cheap. I looked at the Groceries Index for 2025. Switzerland has the highest index at 103.1. The United Kingdom is at 54.8. Poland is much lower at 34.7. Romania is even lower at 33.9. Bosnia and Herzegovina is only 32.9.
This data shows that your money will go much further in Eastern Europe. You can buy fresh food at local markets for a very low price. Additionally, eating street food is a great way to save. I have found that a meal of pierogi in Poland or byrek in Albania is just as good as a fancy dinner. Therefore, do not be afraid to eat like a local. It is better for your wallet and your taste buds.
A Final Word of Advice
A trip to Europe does not have to be a dream that you cannot reach. If you pick the right cities and time your visit well, you can see the world on a budget. Affordable Summer Vacations Europe are possible for everyone. I have seen so many beautiful things without breaking the bank. You can too.
I hope this guide helps you plan your next big trip. The world is waiting for you. Go see the medieval squares of Kraków. Soak in the baths of Budapest. Walk the old streets of Sarajevo. You will create memories that last a lifetime. Finally, remember to enjoy every moment of the journey. Happy travels!
FAQ
What is the most budget friendly European vacation? Tirana, Albania is the top choice for your wallet. It is up to 60% more affordable than Western Europe. You will find that food, stay, and transport costs are very low there. On top of that, Bosnia and Herzegovina has the lowest grocery prices in Europe with a very low index score of 32.9.
Where is hot in June and cheap in Europe? Cadiz, Spain is one of the warmest spots. It is a coastal city where you can find a bottle of wine for just £3.63. Similarly, Antalya in Turkey offers a balmy climate and great value for money. These spots are perfect for early summer sun. A true bargain.
Which country in Europe is best to visit in summer? Poland and Hungary are excellent choices for the summer. These nations are very competitive with their prices. Additionally, you get high quality and rich culture without the high costs of the West. Lithuania is also a great pick for festivals during the summer months.
Where to go for a cheap holiday in Europe? You should look at the Balkans. Cities like Sarajevo and Sofia are very affordable. First of all, these places have incredible history. On top of that, your daily budget will go much further than in Paris or Rome.
Which part of Europe is the cheapest to visit? Central and Eastern Europe are the cheapest regions. Countries like Poland, Romania, and Hungary offer the best value. You can find high-quality meals and stays for a fraction of the price found in the North or West.
What is the cheapest month to go to Europe? The shoulder months are the best for your budget. Pick April, May, June, September, or October. However, avoid July and August. Prices soar during the peak of summer. Off-season travel helps you save on airfare and hotels.
What is the cheapest European city to fly to in June? Kraków, Poland is one of the cheapest cities to reach with flights starting at £26. Alicante in Spain is another great deal with flights from £27. Plus, Wroclaw in Poland has flights for about £29. Affordable and easy.
Is Greece or Croatia hotter in June? The sources do not give a direct heat comparison for June. Nevertheless, both are very popular and see a lot of sun. Additionally, both places now use tourist fees in the peak summer to manage the huge crowds. Therefore, you should expect warm weather and some extra costs in both spots.
Where is the cheapest place to vacation in July? Poland is a very affordable choice even in the high season. Budva, Montenegro also offers great value with local beers costing only £2 to £3. Romania remains very low cost for food and stay as well. A smart pick for July.
Where to go in Europe in July to avoid crowds? Go to Northern Europe to find cooler weather and fewer people. Norway and Iceland are attracting more visitors who want to escape the heat. Additionally, you can use AI tools to find less crowded spots away from the main tourist paths.
What are the top 3 European countries to visit? Poland, Hungary, and Slovenia are the top three for travelers who want value. These countries provide a great mix of quality and low prices. They are becoming very popular for savvy travelers.
How much does a summer trip to Europe cost? A budget of €50 to €100 each day is enough for many affordable cities. This money covers your room, meals, and local transport. Gradually, you will see that you do not need a fortune to have a grand time.
Where is the cheapest sun holiday in Europe? Alicante on the Costa Blanca in Spain is a top choice for a sun holiday on a budget. Similarly, Antalya in Turkey offers beautiful beaches and low resort prices. These spots are famous for being kind to your wallet.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe? Yes, it is more than enough for many cities. You can enjoy a comfortable stay in places like Sarajevo or Sofia for that amount. In fact, you might even have money left over for a nice dinner or a tour.
What is the cheapest and safest country to visit? Poland is one of the most affordable and high-quality nations in the EU. Lithuania is also very cheap for young travelers and offers a safe, green environment. Finally, Romania offers a low cost of living and a very rich culture.
Concluding words
Europe remains a top destination for those who want adventure without high costs. You can find amazing value in Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Cities like Tirana, Sofia, and Kraków offer rich history and low prices.
Use the shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and save money. Plus, take the train and use free apps to keep your costs down. Travel is possible for everyone. Plan your budget with care and enjoy the journey.
