I have traveled to more than half of the countries in this beautiful region, and I can tell you that shockingly affordable places exist for those who know where to look. I know that tourist hotspots like Paris, London, or Zurich can cost you more than $400 every single day, but I want to share my secrets for destinations that cost less than $100 per day. Most people think that a trip across the ocean will drain their bank account. I found that this is not true if you pick the right spots. Budget Friendly Places to Visit in Europe are everywhere if you step away from the crowds. I wrote this guide to help mature travelers like you see the world without sacrifice.
First of all, I must tell you about the country of Georgia. Many people do not even realize that this is a country in Europe. It is located in the Caucasus region and offers a blend of ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes. I recommend that you explore the historic streets of Tbilisi or go to the mountains to ski. I spent an entire day at Okatse Canyon and Kinchkha Canyon for just $25 total, and that price even included a generous tip. For budget travel here, you should plan for a daily cost between $45 and $70. Additionally, the cuisine is unforgettable and the hospitality is legendary. I wish that I had more time there because the value is unmatched.
Albania: The Hidden Jewel of the Adriatic
I think that Albania is one of the most budget friendly places to visit in Europe today. It has a stunning coastline that people call the Albanian Riviera, and it rivals Greece for beauty but costs a fraction of the price. I suggest that you visit the town of Ksamil for its white sands and crystal-clear water. However, you should not overlook the capital city, Tirana, because it is full of color and history. I visited a museum inside a former Cold War bunker called Bunk’Art, and the entry fee was only about £4.
I found that the average daily spend in Albania is around $44, which covers your meals, a place to sleep, and local transport. If you want more comfort, you might spend up to $105 each day. On top of that, the people are very welcoming. I recommend that you stay in an Airbnb, like a beach house, instead of a large resort to save money. Later, you can take a local bus, which people call a furgon, for just a few euros. You must be patient because schedules are flexible.
Bulgaria: Ancient History on a Shoestring
Bulgaria is another one of the best budget friendly countries to visit in Europe. I love the city of Sofia because it sits right next to nature. You can hike the Vitosha Mountain for a panoramic view of the city for free. Also, you must visit Plovdiv, which is one of the oldest cities in the world. I saw a Roman amphitheater there that people still use for shows today.
I noticed that a traveler can get by on $35 to $95 per day depending on their style. In Sofia, a coffee and a piece of cake might only cost you £2. Gradually, I realized that the mountain resorts are great bargains too. I recommend Bansko for winter fun because you can hire boots for £15 a day and find beers for just £1. Additionally, the Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is surrounded by beautiful forests. I believe that Bulgaria offers history and adventure without the heavy weight of tourism.
Romania: Castles and Carpathian Wonders
I think that Romania is one of the true bargains in the European Union. It is famous for the region of Transylvania, where you can find legends of Dracula and stunning medieval towns. I visited Bran Castle, and it looks exactly like a fairy tale. On top of that, the Carpathian Mountains offer views that will take your breath away. I suggest that you drive the Transfăgărășan Road, which many people call the most scenic drive in the world.
I found that I could live well on roughly $46 to $115 per day. Bucharest, the capital, has massive landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament, which is the second-largest building on earth. It took me 45 minutes just to walk around the outside of it. Similarly, the prices in rural areas are even lower than in the cities. I recommend that you try the grilled pork and sauerkraut at the legendary Caru’ cu Bere restaurant.
Serbia: The Heart of the Balkans
Serbia is often underrated, but I found it to be a captivating destination. Most of my journey began in Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava rivers meet. I walked through the Kalemegdan Fortress at sunset for free, and it was a highlight of my trip. First of all, the cafe culture there is strong, and locals spend hours talking and enjoying the day. It feels authentic and lived-in rather than touristy.
I suggest a budget of $48 to $85 per day for most travelers. However, you can head north to Novi Sad for a slower pace and colorful architecture. Nature lovers should go to Tara National Park to see deep forests and the winding Drina River. I found that street food and local bakeries sell filling snacks for less than $2. Therefore, Serbia is ideal if you want culture and nature without the crowds.
Poland: Medieval Charm and Modern Value
Poland is a country that makes me very excited to talk about. It is bursting with history and natural beauty. I believe that Krakow is even nicer and cheaper than the capital, Warsaw. The Main Market Square is one of the prettiest in the world, and it is ringed by a beautiful green park. Additionally, I visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is an underground city carved entirely out of salt.
I spent around $50 to $95 each day in Poland. Milk Bars are a local secret where you can get a hearty, traditional meal for about $5. On top of that, you can find good hotels for two people starting at around $40 per night. I also enjoyed my time in Wroclaw, which people call the “Venice of Poland” because of its many bridges. I stayed at Grampa’s Hostel, where a dorm bed was only about €7. Therefore, Poland is one of the most budget friendly places to visit in Europe for any traveler.
Hungary: Spas and Secret Cities
Most people know Budapest for its grand buildings and thermal baths. I love the Széchenyi Baths, where you can soak in warm mineral pools for about $27 for the full day. However, there is a smaller gem called Miskolc that I want to tell you about. It has thermal baths located inside natural limestone caves. It feels way more intimate and is much cheaper than the capital.
I found that a daily budget of $54 to $110 is perfect for Hungary. Additionally, you must visit the ruin bars in Budapest, which are funky spaces built into old courtyards. Drinks are very cheap there. Plus, return flights from the UK to Budapest are often less than £50. I think that Hungary delivers classic European beauty at very reasonable prices.
Montenegro: Fjords and Medieval Walls
Montenegro is one of the most visually dramatic places I have ever seen. The Bay of Kotor looks like a giant fjord surrounded by steep mountains. I hiked the fortress trail above the city, and the view was the best in the Balkans. First of all, walking through the Old Town feels like you have stepped back in time.
I suggest that you budget between $85 and $140 per day. However, you can save money by staying in smaller towns outside of Kotor. I visited Long Beach in Ulcinj, where the sand stretches for miles and the prices are low. Additionally, a hotel room in some coastal areas can be found for under $90 per night. I believe that Montenegro offers old-world charm without the prices or crowds of its neighbors.
North Macedonia: A Paradise for Foodies
I discovered that North Macedonia is a hidden gem for anyone who loves nature and food. Ohrid is a lakeside town that feels like a slice of paradise. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. On top of that, the town has 365 churches, which is one for every day of the year.
I found that I could travel comfortably on around $46 per day. A proper meal in the capital, Skopje, rarely costs more than £5. Additionally, you should try ajvar, which is a delicious spread made of red peppers and aubergine. I took a boat ride on the lake and explored the Old Bazaar for very little money. Gradually, I realized that this is one of the cheap nice places to visit in Europe that most people miss.
Slovenia: Nature Lover’s Dream
Slovenia often surprises people because it looks expensive, but it really is not. The most famous spot is Lake Bled, which has a tiny island with a church in the middle. I walked around the lake and hiked to the viewpoints for free. Additionally, the capital city, Ljubljana, is small, green, and extremely walkable. I loved sitting by the river and exploring the local markets.
I recommend a daily budget of $90 to $130. However, you can find even more peace at Lake Bohinj, which is quieter and surrounded by high alpine peaks. I visited Triglav National Park and saw the turquoise rivers and waterfalls. Therefore, Slovenia feels like a nature lover’s dream without the crowds of the Alps in France or Switzerland.
Portugal: Tiles, Wine, and Sunny Shores
I found that Portugal proves Western Europe can still be affordable if you are smart. Porto is a gorgeous city in the north with blue-tiled buildings and a vibrant waterfront. I saw the azulejos at the São Bento station, and they are stunning. Additionally, you can visit the wine caves in Gaia for tours and tastings.
I spent an average of $65 per day in Portugal. On top of that, I visited the beaches in the Algarve, where the sun shines year-round. I found that a meal at a local restaurant can be very cheap if you avoid the tourist traps. Gradually, I learned that Fado music is an important tradition that you can hear in many restaurants during dinner. I believe that Portugal is one of the best budget friendly countries to travel in Europe.
Greece: Ancient Ruins and Quiet Islands
Greece is one of the most popular destinations for a good reason. I think that Athens is an absolute must-see with its majestic Acropolis and charming streets. However, I recommend that you avoid the most expensive islands like Mykonos or Santorini. I visited the island of Karpathos and found crystal-clear water and far fewer tourists.
I suggest a budget of $120 to $170 per day if you stay away from the major hotspots. Additionally, I explored the Peloponnese Peninsula, which is home to some of the oldest cities in Europe. I stayed at Kalamaki Beach on the island of Crete, where hotels average under $100 per night. Therefore, Greece can be a budget friendly place to travel in Europe if you pick the right locations.
Czechia: Fairy Tales Beyond Prague
Many people visit Prague, and it is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. I walked across the Charles Bridge at dawn, and it was completely free. However, I want to suggest Český Krumlov, which is a small town with a gorgeous castle overlooking a river. It is one of the smallest proper tourist towns in Europe, with only 13,000 residents.
I found that hotels in Český Krumlov start at around $60 per night for two people. Additionally, you can get a large local beer for only about $2. On top of that, if you go just two or three blocks away from the main squares in Prague, you can find meals for half the price. I believe that Czechia offers a world-class cultural experience at a fraction of the cost of Vienna.
Italy: Southern Value in Bari and Sicily
I know that most people dream of the Amalfi Coast, but it is super expensive and packed with tourists. Instead, I recommend that you visit Bari in the Puglia region. I stayed there for four nights for the same price as one night on the Amalfi Coast. Additionally, I saw old grandmas making ear-shaped pasta by hand in the streets.
I also loved Sicily, where you can find history and the sea for much less money. I stayed in Syracuse at the LoL Hostel, where a bed was only about €18. However, you should explore the island of Ortigia on foot and get lost in the winding streets. Finally, you can find an amazing three-course meal in many parts of southern Italy for a very reasonable price. I think that Italy still has budget friendly cities to visit if you head south.
Expert Tips for Your Budget Europe Trip
I want to share some practical advice to make your money go even further. First of all, you should consider the time of your visit. I found that the shoulder season, which includes April to May and September to October, is the best. The weather is still warm, but the crowds are smaller and the prices are much lower. Additionally, you should use public transportation like trains or buses instead of taxis. I saved hundreds of dollars by using a Eurail Pass for long distances.
I also recommend that you picnic often. I bought fresh bread, cheese, and fruit from local supermarkets and ate in beautiful parks. On top of that, many cities offer free walking tours, which are a great way to learn about history. You should always remember to tip your guide at the end. Gradually, I learned that staying just outside of the city center can save you 30% to 50% on your hotel costs.
I hope that this guide inspires you to book your next adventure. Finally, remember that “Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”. I know that you will have many amazing stories to tell after visiting these budget friendly places to go in Europe. Pack your bags and get ready to see the world!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country in Europe is the cheapest to visit?
Bulgaria is a true leader for your wallet. A daily spend there can be as low as $35. Bosnia and Herzegovina also stays very affordable at roughly $40 each day.
Where to visit Europe on a budget?
I suggest that you look at Eastern Europe. This region is much cheaper than countries like France or Germany. The Balkans are also a perfect choice for affordable summer travel.
What is the most affordable place in Europe?
I found that Lviv, Ukraine is a well-kept secret that is very easy on your wallet. Tirana, Albania and Sarajevo are also top-tier affordable spots with a lot of character.
Where to go for 3 days in Europe?
A short city break in Krakow is perfect. The main square is beautiful and the city is very easy to walk. Bratislava is another great choice for a four to five day city trip.
How to travel Europe in low budget?
You should use public transportation like buses and subways to save a lot of money. You must stay outside the city center to lower your hotel costs by 30% to 50%.
What is the cheapest month to go to Europe?
The shoulder season in April, May, September, and October offers the best value. Much of the winter is also a low season with cheap rooms, but you should avoid the busy holidays.
Which country is best for travel in low budget?
Bulgaria is excellent because it has mountains, history, and beaches for half the price of Italy. Romania is another true bargain in the European Union.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
Yes, that amount is plenty for Eastern Europe. A backpacker there only needs about €50 a day. It even covers a midrange trip in Central Europe at €70 a day.
Where is a cheap holiday in Europe?
You can have a wonderful time on the Albanian Riviera for a fraction of the price of Greece. Long Beach in Montenegro is also very cheap for a sunny summer stay.
How can I plan a budget-friendly itinerary?
You must plan way ahead and book your flights at least six months early. You should travel in a straight line or a loop to avoid expensive transport.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
I know that you can live very well on less than $100 a day in many spots like Poland or Serbia. It is much harder in cities like Paris or London where daily costs can hit $400.
What are the top 3 tourist destinations in Europe?
Most people flock to Paris, London, and Zurich, though they are very expensive. France is currently the world’s most popular destination.
Who are the big 3 in Europe?
For music lovers, the big three festivals are Roskilde, Sziget, and Glastonbury.
What is the cheapest city break in Europe?
Hull in the UK is a surprise choice because it is much cheaper than London or Bristol. Miskolc in Hungary is also a great spa town that costs far less than the capital city.
Concluding words
I hope you see that a trip to this continent does not have to be a financial burden. From the historic streets of Georgia to the stunning beaches of Albania, Europe has gems for everyone. You can enjoy Bulgaria’s mountains, Poland’s medieval charm, or Romania’s spooky castles without spending a fortune. I also loved the great values found in Serbia, Hungary, and Montenegro.
Do not forget that North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Portugal offer high beauty for low prices. Even in popular spots like Greece, Czechia, and Italy, you can find a bargain if you head south or stay off the main track. Use my tips to plan a trip that leaves you with rich memories and a full wallet!.
