I have spent many years wandering across this beautiful continent. My travels have taken me through more than seventy countries by bike, car, and on foot. I have seen the famous capitals and the tiny villages where time stands still.
Many people believe that a trip across the Atlantic will empty their bank accounts. However, I am here to tell you that is not true. You can see incredible history and stunning nature without breaking the bank. I have found that the best budget countries to visit in europe often offer more authentic experiences than the crowded tourist traps.
You should know that Eastern Europe and the Balkans are where your money stretches the furthest. I have personally explored every single country on this list multiple times between 2016 and 2024. Everything I share is based on my own real experiences on the road. First of all, you must realize that affordable travel is about choosing the right spots. A daily budget of $50 to $70 is very realistic if you stay in smart regions.
The Unbelievable Value of the Balkans
The Balkans are a gold mine for anyone who loves culture but hates high prices. I often tell my friends that this region has the best cheap countries to visit in europe.
Albania: The Rising Star
I first visited Albania in 2022 and it was a massive surprise. It is one of the sunniest spots in Europe, which makes it perfect for a summer escape. Additionally, it is incredibly cheap. You can get by on a recommended budget of $30 to $50 per day.
I spent a lot of time in the capital, Tirana. The city is full of history, like the National History Museum and the Pyramid of Tirana. Later, I drove down to the Albanian Riviera. The blue seas there are just as beautiful as those in Greece or Italy, but the prices are a fraction of the cost.
Street food only costs about $1 to $2, and a nice meal at a restaurant is usually between $5 and $15. On top of that, it is legal to camp anywhere in Albania. This is a great way to save on accommodation if you have a tent or a van. One of my favorite hidden gems is Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows”. I highly suggest hiking up to the castle for a view that will take your breath away.
North Macedonia: A Hidden Gem
I simply cannot believe more people do not talk about North Macedonia. In my humble opinion, it is the biggest hidden gem in Europe. It is one of the best value countries to visit in europe because it has not been hit by crowds of tourists yet.
My favorite spot in the whole world might be Lake Ohrid. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The town of Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is simply beautiful. Your daily budget here can be as low as $30 to $50. Similarly to Albania, street food is only $1 to $2. I once took a three-hour walking tour in the capital, Skopje, where I learned about the complex history of the nation. It was one of the most fascinating tours I have ever joined. Plus, many cities offer these walking tours for free.
Montenegro and Bosnia: Mountains and Waterfalls
Montenegro is becoming popular because it sits right next to Croatia. However, it is still much cheaper than its neighbor. A daily budget of $40 to $60 is usually enough. I recommend spending at least a week here to see more than just the coastal town of Kotor. The views of the fjord and the mountains from the city walls in Kotor are incredible.
Gradually, you should make your way into Bosnia & Herzegovina. This country offers so much for travelers who want to go off the beaten track. I have traveled through here twice, and the Mostar bridge jump is always a highlight.
The capital, Sarajevo, is a bustling city with a deep history. You can find the Museum of Genocide and the war tunnel there. One of the best budget cities to visit in europe is definitely Sarajevo because an average one-bed Airbnb costs only about €40. Additionally, the train ride between Sarajevo and Mostar is one of the most beautiful in the world, and tickets start at just $6.
Eastern European Gems You Cannot Miss
If you are looking for the best budget places to visit in europe, you must look toward the east.
Poland: History and Modern Vibes
Poland holds a special place in my heart. I have visited in all seasons and found it to be a modern and exciting place to be. However, it does not have the high price tags you find in Germany. You can explore Poland on a budget of $35 to $55 per day.
Warsaw and Krakow are must-visit cities. I spent a week exploring Krakow as my first solo trip, and I felt very safe the entire time. Also, a visit to Auschwitz is essential to learn about the past, even though it is a very sad experience. Therefore, you should plan your time carefully. Food is very affordable here, with restaurant meals costing between $6 and $18.
Romania: Castles and Road Trips
I spent three weeks road-tripping through Romania in a camper van, and it was unforgettable. It is easily one of the best cheapest countries to visit in europe. Your money goes very far here. For example, it was cheaper for my friend to fly a whole group to Bucharest for a birthday than to stay one night in the UK.
The medieval town of Sighișoara is a favorite of mine. It is said to be the birthplace of Dracula. The cobbled streets and colorful houses are perfect for a slow walk. Your daily budget in Romania will likely be around $40 to $60. Additionally, you can use a ridesharing app called BlaBlaCar to save money on transport between cities.
Bulgaria: The Cheapest Schengen Option
Bulgaria is one of the most beautiful countries I have seen, especially in the autumn. It is also one of the best value places to visit in europe because it works for both summer beach trips and winter skiing. I stayed there for a few weeks in October and loved the autumn colors.
The capital, Sofia, has incredible architecture and culture. Therefore, it is a great starting point. If you want a unique experience, head to the Belogradchik Fortress to see rock formations that look like they belong on another planet. You can survive on $30 to $50 per day in Bulgaria. Plus, the country often hosts free festivals throughout the year.
The Surprise of the Baltic States
Many people overlook Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. That is a mistake. These are some of the best cheapest places to visit in europe for nature lovers.
Lithuania: Eco-Friendly and Affordable
Lithuania is a very scenic country with a rich history. I once spent five nights in the capital, Vilnius, and then went on a road trip to see more. It has everything from pristine beaches to bustling cities. It is one of the best cheap cities to visit in europe because flight prices have dropped significantly lately.
Kaunas is another great spot that is very walkable and full of street art. Your daily budget here will be around $40 to $60. On top of that, wild camping is legal in Lithuania, which can save you a lot of cash.
Latvia and Estonia: Castles and Cobblestones
Latvia is much cheaper than countries like Switzerland or Denmark but offers similar beauty. Riga, the capital, has stunning architecture and a quaint old town. You can find many free parks to enjoy.
Finally, you reach Estonia. I spent about two weeks here before taking a ferry to Finland. Tallinn is a fairy-tale city with cobblestone streets and a lot of history. I recommend staying near the Old Town. While Estonia is starting to get the recognition it deserves, it is still affordable at $35 to $55 per day. Additionally, the Tallinn Card is a great deal because it includes free transport and entry to over fifty attractions.
Value in Southern Europe
You might think Spain, Portugal, and Greece are too expensive. However, if you avoid the biggest tourist hotspots, they are still very affordable.
Portugal: Beyond the Cities
Portugal is astoundingly beautiful. While the main cities like Lisbon and Porto can be pricey, the rest of the country is a bargain. I was shocked by how cheap a road trip through Portugal can be. Amarante is a dreamy town in the North that I love. It is famous for local wine and cheese.
If you avoid the touristy areas, you can live on $45 to $65 per day. First of all, try to visit museums on Sundays when many are free. Additionally, renting a car is very cheap and allows you to see the Douro Valley without paying for expensive tours.
Spain: Tapas and Hidden Beaches
Spain is a developed economy, but it remains incredibly cheap in many areas. I spent three weeks road-tripping the coast and averaged less than €5 per night for accommodation by using cheap campsites.
The city of Salamanca has seen huge growth because it is a quieter alternative to Madrid. Similarly, Murcia is a great secret for sun-seekers who want to avoid the crowds and high prices of the Costa del Sol. You can find a “Menu del Día” in places like Santiago de Compostela, which is a huge three-course meal with wine for very little money. Your daily budget for Spain should be about $50 to $70.
Greece: Island Hopping on a Budget
Greece is still extremely affordable, especially if you are coming from the UK or the US. While Santorini and Mykonos are expensive, there are hundreds of other islands. I found apartments for $30 to $35 per night on islands like Lefkada and Ikaria.
Plus, eating street food like gyros is a sure way to save money. Mainland Greece is also very affordable because it is not as famous as the islands. Expect to spend about $45 to $65 per day.
Important Tips for Your 2026 Trip
Travel is changing, and you need to be ready.
The New ETIAS Fee
Starting in late 2026, visitors from visa-exempt countries like the US and UK will have to pay a new fee. The ETIAS fee is climbing from €7 to €20. This is part of a plan to boost security across the EU. It will affect over 1.4 billion travelers. Therefore, you should budget for this extra cost if you are planning a trip for late next year.
Transport: Fly or Train?
Interestingly, flying within Europe is often still cheaper than taking the train. A study found that flying is cheaper in 54% of cross-border cases. For example, a flight from Barcelona to London can be as low as €15, while the train can cost €389. However, trains are much better for the planet. Additionally, rail fares are more competitive in Central and Eastern Europe. In Poland, trains were cheaper on 89% of the routes studied.
Saving on Food and Sleep
A great way to save is to self-cater at least half of your meals. Shopping at supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi can keep your food costs to $15 to $20 per day. Also, hostels are not just for kids. Many offer private rooms that are much cheaper than hotels. In cities like Prague, you can find a bed for $10 to $15 per night.
FAQ
Which country in Europe is most affordable to visit?
Based on my research and the best cheap countries to visit in europe reddit threads, North Macedonia and Serbia are at the top, with an average daily budget of just €30.
Which country is best for travel in low budget?
Albania is excellent for low budgets because of its free beaches and low food costs, usually around $30 to $50 per day.
Where to go for a cheap holiday in Europe?
I recommend the Balkans or Eastern Europe. Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland offer the best value for your money.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Yes, it is more than enough for most of the continent. In Southern Europe, you can live well on $55 to $75, and in Eastern Europe, you only need $45 to $60.
What is the best city to spend 3 days in Europe?
Cologne, Germany is a top choice for 2026 because flight prices have dropped by 44%. Kaunas, Lithuania is also great for a quick, cheap culture trip.
How to travel Europe in low budget?
You should stay in hostels, cook your own meals, use buses like FlixBus, and focus your time in affordable regions like the Balkans.
What is the top 10 cheapest country?
The top ten cheapest countries according to the “Cheapometer” are North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, and Croatia.
Which country is no. 1 for tourism?
France remains the most visited country, with Paris attracting over 50 million visitors annually.
Concluding Words
Traveling through the best budget countries to visit in europe is a rewarding way to see the world without spending a fortune. By focusing on the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Baltic states, you can enjoy rich history and beautiful scenery for as little as $30 to $60 per day. Remember to book your transport in advance, eat like a local, and prepare for the new ETIAS fee in late 2026. Europe is waiting for you, and it is more affordable than you think.
