I have spent years exploring every corner of the European continent. I found that a dream trip does not have to cost all your savings. Many people believe that places like Paris or London are the only way to see Europe. However, I have discovered that the real magic often hides in the East. I have personally traveled through every country on this list between 2016 and 2024. I can tell you that these spots offer the 16 Best Cheap Places To Stay When Traveling Europe.
The world changed recently. I must be honest with you. Prices have risen across the whole continent. You will not find places where a dollar gets you a room anymore. But you can still find the best bang for your buck. I focus on places with good public transport and many free sites. These are the cheapest countries to visit in europe 2026 if you plan with a smart strategy.
Albania: The Coastal Hidden Gem
I first visited Albania in 2022. It was a huge surprise. This country is one of the sunniest spots in Europe. It is a perfect cheap destination in europe with beach. The Albanian Riviera is my favorite spot. You can see pristine blue seas and epic mountain ranges.
The costs here are very low. I recommend a daily budget of $30 to $50. You can find a bed in a hostel for $10 to $20. A hotel room usually costs $20 to $40 per night. Additionally, street food is a bargain. I often paid only $1 to $2 for a quick meal.
I have a great tip for you. It is legal to camp anywhere in Albania. You can save so much money on housing if you bring a tent or a campervan. I drove from the north to the south. The roads are not the best. The drivers are a bit wild too. But the scenery is pure magic. High mountains. Blue water. Total peace.
North Macedonia: The Inland Treasure
I simply could not believe I had heard so little about this place before I went. It is perhaps the biggest hidden gem in Europe. It is not hit by crowds of tourists yet. This makes it one of the top 10 cheapest cities in europe for travelers who want peace.
The capital city is Skopje. I spent five days there. I learned about their recent history on a walking tour. Some cities offer these tours for FREE. I also visited Lake Ohrid. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The town of Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your money goes a long way here. A daily budget of $30 to $50 is plenty. I found restaurant meals for $4 to $12. I suggest you hike in Pelister National Park or kayak through Matka Canyon. Towering mountains. Idyllic villages. Deep blue lakes. It is a bucket list must.
Montenegro: Rugged Beauty and Low Costs
I highly recommend you spend at least a week or two here. Montenegro borders Croatia but it is much cheaper. I entered through a remote border near Tara Canyon. I had to cross a rickety old bridge with nails sticking out of it. It was a strange start but the rugged countryside was beautiful.
I found that the coast is the most popular part. The city of Kotor is over 2,000 years old. It has a stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea. If you visit in May or September, the housing prices are much lower. You should expect to spend $40 to $60 per day.
Hostels cost around $10 to $20. Hotels are $20 to $40. I loved the national parks like Durmitor and Lovcen. Each park has amazing hiking trails and wildlife. Clear air. High peaks. Historic walls. Montenegro offers so much more than just a quick day trip.
Serbia: Culture and Nightlife
I can 100% recommend Serbia as a top choice. It is one of the cheap countries in europe for tourists who want to avoid crowds. The history here is very long. You will see Ottoman and Mediterranean influences in the food. It is very tasty.
Belgrade is the bustling capital. I used it as my starting point. I took a guided walking tour to see the historical buildings. You can even take a dip in the river. I suggest a budget of $40 to $60 per day.
I found that Serbian sim cards are extremely cheap. They have great data packages for your phone. You should also visit the national parks. Fruška Gora and Tara National Park are stunning. Just be aware that there are many stray dogs. It is a diverse land. Busy cities. Quiet mountains. Rich culture.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: History and Hidden Gems
I have traveled through this country twice. It is one of the best cheap europe trips for students and backpackers. Sarajevo is the capital. You can visit the Museum of Genocide and the war tunnels there.
I also visited Mostar. I even did the famous bridge jump. You can take a train between Sarajevo and Mostar for just $6. It is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. I recommend a budget of $45 to $65 per day.
I suggest you visit the local markets. They are great for fresh produce and cheap food. You should also see Kravice Falls and Una National Park. Deep history. Brave people. Emerald rivers. Bosnia is truly off-the-beaten-track.
Bulgaria: Beaches and Autumn Colors
Bulgaria is one of the top 10 cheapest countries to visit in europe. You can visit any time of the year. I was there in October. The autumn colors were incredible. I still use the photos as my laptop screensaver.
In the summer, Sunny Beach is a popular spot. It has a great nightlife reputation. It is one of the cheap destinations in europe with beach options. If you prefer nature, go to Belogradchik Fortress. The rock formations are unique.
I found that a daily budget of $30 to $50 is perfect. Hostels are $15 to $25. Restaurant meals are roughly $7 to $22. I suggest you check for free festivals during your stay. They happen all year long. Golden sands. Historic forts. Low prices.
Romania: Castles and Spas
I road-tripped through Romania for three weeks. It is easily one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. I even flew my friends to Bucharest for a birthday. It was cheaper to fly them there and stay in an apartment for two days than to stay one night in the UK.
The Therme Spa in Bucharest is incredible. You should also see Bran Castle. People associate it with Count Dracula. I recommend a budget of $40 to $60 per day.
You can use a ridesharing app called BlaBlaCar to save on transport. I suggest you hire a car or campervan for flexibility. You can see the Salina Turda salt mine or the Liberty Bear Sanctuary. Tall castles. Thick forests. Friendly faces.
Hungary: Thermal Baths and Ruin Pubs
Hungary is a fantastic choice for a cheap getaway. I have visited several times. Budapest is the capital. It is the “Pearl of the Danube”. It feels grand but it is not overwhelming.
You must visit the thermal baths. Széchenyi or Gellért are my favorites. They cost about €20 to €25. This is a bargain compared to Western Europe. I suggest a budget of $40 to $60 per day.
I found that a 24-hour transit pass costs only €5. You can use the Hungarian Forint to get the best value. I enjoyed eating goulash in the Great Market Hall for under €10. Ruin pubs. Grand bridges. Hot springs.
Poland: Medieval Markets and Resilience
Poland should be at the top of your list for 12 cheapest countries to visit in europe. I developed a soft spot for it after a visit to Warsaw in 2019. It is an exciting and modern place now. It does not have the high prices of its neighbor, Germany.
Krakow has the largest medieval market square in Europe. I also visited Auschwitz. It is a sad but eye-opening experience. I recommend a budget of $35 to $55 per day.
You can find boutique hotels for €100 to €130 per night. Many museums offer free entry on certain days. I suggest you try pierogi or potato pancakes. They usually cost less than €8. Gothic churches. Hearty food. Strong spirit.
Lithuania: Scenic Castles and Baltic Shores
Lithuania is one of the most scenic countries on the continent. I went there for a short visit but stayed for a road trip. It has a rich history with ancient tales and castles. It is one of the cheapest cities in europe for students who love history.
Vilnius is the capital. You can wander around old castles and eat delicious food there. I recommend a budget of $40 to $60 per day.
I found that wild camping is legal here. This can save you a lot of money. You should also visit the Curonian Spit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient forests. Sandy dunes. Deep history.
Latvia: Art Nouveau and Green Spaces
I traveled north from Lithuania to Latvia. It is a lesser-known destination. You will often have the sites to yourself. The prices are much cheaper than in places like Switzerland or Denmark.
Riga has stunning Art Nouveau architecture. About a third of the Old Town features this style. I recommend a budget of $40 to $60 per day.
You can find many free parks throughout the country. I suggest you visit Gauja National Park or the beach at Jurmala. You can also see the spectacular Rundale Castle. Wide parks. Blue sea. Quiet charm.
Estonia: Fairy Tales and Modern Life
Estonia is finally getting the recognition it deserves. I loved my two weeks there. It has cheap housing and great food. It is well-connected to Finland by ferry.
Tallinn has a beautiful Old Town with cobblestone streets. I recommend a budget of $35 to $55 per day.
The Tallinn Card is a great deal. It gives you free transit and entry into over 50 sites. I suggest you stay near the Old Town to find small, hidden restaurants. Medieval walls. Tech-savvy cities. Pure magic.
Czech Republic: Beyond the Capital
The Czech Republic is still very affordable. However, prices in Prague have started to rise. Prague is about 50% more expensive than the rest of the country. But it is still cheaper than Paris or Zurich.
I have visited many times since 2016. I found the selection of bars to be some of the best in the world. I recommend a budget of $35 to $55 per day.
I suggest you buy train or bus tickets in advance for discounts. You should also visit Bohemian Switzerland National Park. It has the largest rock arch in Europe. Old bridges. Famous beer. Hidden caves.
Greece: Corfu and the Mainland
Greece is extremely affordable if you are coming from the UK or US. I found that it is not just the mainland that is cheap. Many stunning islands offer great deals too.
Corfu is a fantastic choice. I stayed in a hotel with a sea view for only €24 per night. I recommend a budget of $45 to $65 per day.
I suggest you eat gyros or souvlaki from street stands. It usually costs less than €5. You can also find apartments on islands like Lefkada for $30 to $35 per night. Ancient ruins. Blue water. Tasty olives.
Italy: Sicily and Monastery Stays
Italy can be pricey. But I found a secret way to save money. I stayed in monasteries in Rome and Florence. It cost me about a third of what a hotel would cost.
Sicily is another great option. It is one of the cheapest regions in Europe. I paid just €30 a night for a room in Palermo. I recommend a budget of $40 to $60 for a smart stay.
I suggest you look for street food in Palermo. Arancini rice balls cost only €3 and are very filling. You can also attend a theater performance for just €20. Sun-soaked islands. Holy rooms. Local vibes.
Portugal: The Second City Charm
Portugal is a surprising addition to the list. It is not the cheapest but you can still find great deals. I found that avoiding touristy areas gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Porto is smaller and more manageable than Lisbon. It is the birthplace of port wine. I recommend a budget of $45 to $65 per day.
I suggest you rent a car to see the Douro Valley. Car rentals are often very cheap here. You can also find museums that are free on Sundays. Tiled houses. Ocean breezes. Sweet wine.
Smart Accommodation Strategies
First of all, you need to know where to stay. A hotel is not your only choice. Europe has a huge network of hostels. I have used them many times to save money.
The Power of Hostels
A hostel is a shared lodging. You rent a bed in a room with 4 to 20 people. It is very social. I found that it is the best way to meet new people. Some hostels even offer private rooms.
There are several great chains in Europe.
- Generator Hostels: These are like a mix of a hotel and a hostel. I liked Generator Rome.
- a&o Hostels: This is the biggest chain in the world. It is a no-frills design but very affordable.
- Wombat’s Hostels: I love the Wombat’s in Munich. It is a great place for solo travelers.
Monastery Stays in Italy
I found that staying with nuns is a unique experience. You do not have to be Catholic. The rooms are basic but very clean.
- Villino Noel in Rome: It is a 10-minute walk from the Vatican.
- Borgo Pinti Sanctuary in Florence: It is a former palace with a rose garden. Be aware that there might be a curfew. In Florence, I had to be back by 11:30 pm.
Alternative Stays
I have heard of many cool new trends.
- Champing: This is “church camping.” You can stay in old rural churches in England for £60.
- University Rooms: You can stay in college rooms during the holidays. Prices start from £10 in Europe.
- Nightswapping: You list your guest room and earn free nights to stay elsewhere.
Getting Around on a Budget
Transportation can swallow your budget. I have found ways to keep these costs low too.
European Night Trains
I love traveling while I sleep. It saves you the cost of a hotel for one night. You wake up in a new city ready to explore.
- The Night Riviera: This runs from London to Cornwall.
- InterCityNotte: This quirky train goes from Milan to Sicily. It even gets loaded onto a ferry to cross the sea.
- ÖBB Nightjet: This connects Paris to Vienna in 14 hours.
Flights and Buses
I suggest you use low-cost airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet. For buses, Flixbus is an efficient and affordable way to get around. Always try to buy your tickets in advance to get the best discounts.
My Top Tips for Saving Cash
I want to share some secrets I have learned over the years.
- Travel Off-Season: I avoid July and August. They are too crowded and expensive. January to March is the cheapest time.
- Eat Like a Local: I look for street food like gyros in Greece or arancini in Sicily. I also use local supermarkets for snacks.
- Use Good Deal Apps: I use KAYAK or Skyscanner to compare prices.
- Walk Everywhere: Many European cities are very walkable. This is a great way to save on transit.
- Drink Local: I pick up a bottle of local wine or beer. It is much cheaper than drinking in a hotel bar.
Traveling Europe on a budget is an exciting challenge. I have seen that you can have extraordinary adventures without breaking the bank. You just need a plan. Accessible Europe is waiting for you. It is full of surprising discoveries and authentic moments. I hope my research helps you plan your next big trip. Do you have more questions? Let me know. I am happy to help you achieve your travel dreams. Safe travels. Enjoy the journey. See more and spend less..
FAQ
Where is the cheapest place to vacation in Europe?
North Macedonia and Serbia are the top choices for travelers on a tight budget. These countries offer a daily average cost of about €30. Bratislava in Slovakia is also a fantastic spot for affordable meals and friendly locals.
Which country has the cheapest accommodation in Europe?
Albania and Montenegro offer some of the lowest prices for a bed. You can find hostel rooms starting at only $10 per night in these locations. Additionally, Romania is a great place to find bang for your buck with low-cost housing and apartments.
How to find the cheapest places to stay in Europe?
First of all, you should use aggregator websites like Booking.com or Hostelworld to compare prices. You can also look for alternative options like university rooms which are available during holidays. Monastery stays in Italy are another secret hack for quiet and affordable rooms.
Where to go for a 3 day trip to Europe?
Budapest and Krakow are ideal for a short three-day getaway. You can see the highlights of these historic cities without a massive spend. Sarajevo is another captivating capital that is perfect for a quick cultural experience.
What is the cheapest month to go to Europe?
January to March is the most economical time for a visit. Tourist demand drops after the holidays. However, this leads to a massive 20% to 40% discount on accommodation rates.
How to travel Europe on a low budget?
You should focus on Eastern European countries where the cost of living is much lower. Use low-cost carriers for flights and stay in hostels or luxury design hostels. Eat street food like gyros or pierogi to save on restaurant bills.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Yes, it is more than enough for many regions. In Albania or North Macedonia, a daily budget of $30 to $50 covers your basic needs. A couple can enjoy five days in many affordable cities for a total of $1,500 to $2,000 including mid-range hotels.
Where is the best affordable city break in Europe?
Krakow stands out as a top choice for a budget-friendly city break. It features a large medieval market square and Gothic churches. Gdansk is another beautiful alternative that is much cheaper than places like Lisbon.
Which country in Europe is the least expensive?
North Macedonia holds the title of Europe’s biggest hidden gem for budget travelers. It is ultra-cheap and yet to be hit by crowds. Serbia also ranks very high for its inexpensive food and nightlife.
Where to go on holiday cheaply?
Bulgaria is a prime destination for cheap beach and ski resorts. You can enjoy the Black Sea coast or the beautiful autumn colors for very little money. Albania is also a sunny spot that remains a bargain for tourists.
Which Schengen country is the cheapest to visit?
Bulgaria is officially one of the cheapest countries in the Schengen area. It offers high-quality experiences for a fraction of Western prices. Lithuania and Latvia are also affordable Schengen options with rich history.
Where to go for a 3 day city break?
Oradea in Romania is a stunning Art Nouveau city that works well for a three-day trip. It is relaxed and remains mostly under the radar. Girona in Spain is another great choice if you want to avoid the high prices of Barcelona.
What are the top 3 tourist destinations in Europe?
Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam are the classic marquee cities that attract most travelers. However, these places are often much more expensive than the “second cities”.
Which country is best for 3 days?
Hungary is excellent for a three-day visit. You can spend time in the famous thermal baths and explore the grand architecture of Budapest. Poland is also perfect for a quick trip to see history and enjoy hearty food.
Where to go for 4 days in Europe?
You should visit second cities like Porto in Portugal or Glasgow in Scotland for a four-day adventure. These cities are manageable and offer a more authentic cultural experience for a lower price. Liverpool is another great option with hilarious people and many free museums.
Concluding words
Traveling across the European continent remains possible even on a modest budget. You should target the Eastern European gems like Albania, North Macedonia, and Romania for the best value. These 16 destinations prove that you can enjoy high culture and beautiful scenery without high costs. Focus on smart accommodation such as hostels or monasteries and travel during the off-season to save your cash. Accessible Europe is waiting for you. Safe travels.
