I have spent years exploring the roads of Europe and I can tell you that a dream holiday does not have to empty your bank account. I found that I could often travel for less than €50 a day in Central Europe and the Balkans. Even with prices going up lately, you can still find amazing deals if you know where to look. This is my personal guide to the cheapest countries to visit in Europe 2026.
First of all, I want to talk about the places that give you the most “bang for your buck.” You do not need to settle for a crowded resort when you can have a medieval castle or a pristine beach for half the price.
Albania: The Best Value for 2026
I honestly believe that Albania is the hottest spot for travelers right now. It was closed off from the world until 1992, but now it is exploding with visitors. In the first half of 2024, 4.5 million people went there, which is a 34% increase from the year before.
Why I Love Albania
I found that I could spend 40% to 60% less here than in Greece. While a hotel in Greece might cost €100, I found a similar quality in Albania for just €35 or €40.
Korca and Gjirokastra are two of my favorite inland cities. In Korca, I stayed in a beautiful apartment for a very low price. Sometimes you can find guest houses there for only €30 a night. I really love the youthful energy in Korca because it has a big university and great cafes.
Gjirokastra is different because it has stunning Ottoman architecture and is a UNESCO site. I saw the remains of a US spy plane there and took in the views of the snow-capped mountains. You can find rooms there starting at €25.
The Albanian Riviera
The beaches here are amazing. Ksamil is called the “crown jewel” because it has turquoise water and three small islands you can swim to.
- Beach chairs only cost about €2 to €5 a day.
- Borsh Beach is the longest one and it feels like a magic carpet of white pebbles for 7km.
On top of that, the food is incredible. I ate fresh prawns at a beach bar for less than $11 USD. I also recommend the Tavë Kosi, which is baked lamb with rice and yogurt. It usually costs about €6 to €8.
What it Costs
- Budget Traveler: I spent about $43 to $83 a day.
- Mid-Range: Expect to spend $105 to $200 a day.
- Luxury: You can have a five-star experience for $330 to $650 a day.
However, you must remember that Albania is a cash culture. I had to pay for almost everything in cash, even my hotels. Additionally, transport can be a bit wild. They use minivans called furgons, and the schedules are not always clear. Therefore, I suggest you stay flexible.
North Macedonia: A Peaceful Hidden Gem
If you want to avoid the crowds, North Macedonia is your best bet. It is easily the cheapest country in the Balkans. I found that a budget apartment here costs about €35, and a great meal is only €5 to €10.
Skopje and Ohrid
Skopje is the capital and it is very quirky. It has more statues than I could count. But my favorite spot is Lake Ohrid. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. I fell in love with it because it is so calm and the landscapes are beautiful.
I stayed in an apartment on the water for only €25 a night during the off-season. Also, I found that you can go paragliding over the lake for just 49 EUR, which is the cheapest price I have seen in Europe.
Gradually, more people are finding out about this place. Therefore, I recommend you visit as soon as you can. It is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe from UK because flights are often very low.
Bulgaria: The Lowest Prices in the EU
Bulgaria is officially the most affordable country in the European Union for 2026. I think it is perfect for people who want both mountains and sea.
Sofia and Plovdiv
Sofia is the capital and it is very cheap to live there. A monthly pass for public transport is less than $20. I stayed in nice apartments for €15 a night in the past, though prices are a little higher now.
Plovdiv is another must-see. It has a Mediterranean vibe and incredible history. I found that you can get a good meal for about €6 and a beer for €2.
Budget Tips for Bulgaria
- Bansko is the cheapest ski resort in Europe.
- Sunny Beach is a famous party spot with very low prices.
- Daily Budget: You can easily get by on €30 to €50 a day.
First of all, check for free festivals. Bulgaria has many free events throughout the year that can save you money on entertainment.
Romania: Fairytales on a Budget
I spent three weeks road-tripping through Romania in a camper and it was magical. This country feels like a storybook that forgot to raise its prices.
Transylvania and Beyond
I explored medieval castles and forests for less than $50 a day. Everyone knows Bran Castle because of Dracula, but I also liked Peles Castle and the town of Brasov.
I found that transport is very cheap. A train ticket for a short trip under 100km costs between $5 and $12. If you are looking for a real deal, try a student canteen. They are open to the public and serve very hearty meals for a low cost.
Later, I went to Bucharest and found a massive spa called Therme Bucuresti. It was cheaper for me to fly my friends there and stay for two days than it would have been to have one night out in the UK. Therefore, Romania is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe 2026.
Poland: Cultural Value and Hearty Food
Poland is not as cheap as it used to be, but it is still a great deal compared to Germany or France. I found the people to be very welcoming and the food to be delicious.
Krakow and Warsaw
Krakow is the cultural heart. I spent about €30 to €40 a day there. I recommend eating at a “Milk Bar” (Bar Mleczny). These are left over from the socialist days and serve traditional food for very low prices.
Warsaw is also great because it has many free museum days.
- On Sundays, you can visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum for free.
- On Thursdays, the POLIN Museum is free.
I also liked Wroclaw and Gdansk. In Wroclaw, I stayed at boutique hotels that were very affordable. Plus, the public transport day pass is only about €4.
Hungary: Thermal Baths and Hidden Cities
Most people only go to Budapest, which is still affordable. However, I found much better value in the smaller cities.
Budapest vs. Miskolc
Budapest is famous for its ruin bars and thermal baths. You can get into a bath for about €20, which is a great experience for a group. But on the contrary, Miskolc is even cheaper.
Miskolc is about a two-hour drive from Budapest. I found the cost of living there is 13.3% lower than in the capital. It has amazing cave baths set inside natural caves. I also saw that a casual meal there costs about $9, while it is $12 in Budapest.
Similarly, the cities of Szeged and Pecs offer beautiful architecture and a lower cost of living. I found Pecs to have a very cool Mediterranean vibe.
The Baltics: Lithuania is the Best Choice
I have visited all three Baltic states, and Lithuania is definitely the cheapest.
Vilnius and Kaunas
Vilnius is a great city for walking. I saw many free sights like the Bernardine Gardens and the Gates of Dawn shrine. I stayed in a basic hotel for €45 a night, but apartments are even better for long stays.
Kaunas is the second city and it is perfect for a weekend break. I found the cafes to be lively and cheap. Lithuania is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe in march because the winter crowds are gone but the spring prices have not yet arrived.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Most Underrated
I think Bosnia might be the most moving place I have visited. It has a very complex history, but the people are so warm.
Sarajevo and Mostar
In Sarajevo, you can get a traditional burek (meat pastry) for less than €5. I joined a free walking tour to learn about the war and the history of the city.
Mostar is famous for its bridge. I found that a hostel bed can cost as little as $8 to $10, and a meal is only $3 to $5. Bosnia is a top spot for backpackers because your money goes so far.
Southern Europe: Portugal and Spain Exceptions
Usually, Western Europe is expensive. However, Portugal and parts of Spain are still affordable.
Portugal
I found that you can stay in Portugal for $45 to $65 a day. Porto is often cheaper than Lisbon. I loved the local wine, which you can get for €2 or €3 a glass. Additionally, many museums are free on Sundays.
Spain
I found that the south of Spain is much cheaper than the north. If you go to a local bar, they often give you free tapas when you order a drink. I also suggest looking for the “Menú del Día” (menu of the day) for lunch. It is usually much cheaper than ordering separate dishes.
Practical Tips for Budget Travel in 2026
I have learned many tricks over the years to keep costs down. Here are my best suggestions for your next trip.
Timing Your Visit
I always suggest traveling during the shoulder season.
- Cheapest countries to visit in Europe in April and May: These months have great weather and lower prices than the summer.
- Cheapest countries to visit in Europe in September and October: I found the seawater is still warm in places like Albania, but the crowds are gone.
- Cheapest countries to visit in Europe in November and December: If you like Christmas markets, Poland and Hungary are magical and much cheaper than Austria or Germany.
Transport Secrets
First of all, do not just look at flights.
- The Balkan Flexi Pass: This is a rail pass for unlimited travel in places like Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. I recommend buying it locally at a train station to get the best price.
- Night Trains and Buses: I found that taking a night bus from Krakow to Budapest saved me the cost of one night in a hotel.
- Budget Airlines: Ryanair and Wizz Air have flights for as little as €20 to €40 if you book a few months early.
Accommodation Hacks
I found that apartments are often better than hotels for groups or long stays. If you split a €60 apartment four ways, it is only €15 per person. Plus, having a kitchen means you can cook your own breakfast and save more money.
Similarly, I sometimes look at housesitting. I saw that sites like Trusted Housesitters have options in Albania where you can stay for free if you look after someone’s pet.
Saving on Food
I never eat right next to the big tourist sites. If you walk just ten minutes away, the prices often drop by half. I also look for local markets. I bought fresh bread, cheese, and tomatoes for a beach picnic in Albania for just a few euros.
Therefore, if you follow these steps, you can see the best of Europe without spending a fortune. Whether you are looking for the cheapest countries to visit in Europe from India or just a quick getaway from the UK, these destinations are ready for you in 2026.
“Traveling in Europe does not have to be expensive,” I always say. I have found that the best stories do not happen in fancy resorts, but in the small cafes and hidden streets of these affordable nations.
Are you ready to plan your trip? I suggest you start with Albania or North Macedonia. You will find that these countries offer a Mediterranean feel and rich history for a fraction of the usual cost.
Gradually, you will see that Europe is a place where you can live big on small numbers. Finally, the only hard part is deciding which country to visit first!.
FAQ
Below are some common questions about finding the cheapest countries to visit in Europe 2026. I have answered them based on my own travels and research.
What is the cheapest country in Europe to visit?
North Macedonia is widely considered the overall most affordable country for travelers. I have found that you can live comfortably there on a very small daily budget, often around €30.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Yes, it is more than enough for many regions. I have explored many countries for less than $35 to $50 a day. This amount covers a bed in a hostel or budget room, local meals, and transport.
Where to go for a cheap holiday in Europe?
You should look at the Balkans and Central Europe. Albania, Romania, and Poland offer the best combination of culture and low prices.
What is the cheapest and safest country to visit?
Albania is exceptionally safe for families and solo tourists. I also recommend Poland or Lithuania, as they are both very safe and provide great value for your money.
How to travel Europe in low budget?
I suggest you take night buses to save on housing costs. You should also travel during the shoulder season and seek out free museum days to save on tickets.
Where to go for 3 days in Europe?
Krakow and Budapest are ideal for short trips because they are compact and affordable. Kaunas in Lithuania is another great spot for a weekend tour.
How much does a 7 day Europe trip cost?
A budget-friendly trip for a week can cost roughly €500 per person. This total includes basic accommodation, food, and transport between cities.
What month is the cheapest to fly to Europe?
The off-season months from November to March generally have the lowest airfares. However, you can also find good deals in the cheapest countries to visit in Europe in April or October.
What is the cheapest way to travel around Europe?
Buses are almost always the cheapest way to get from one city to another. I recommend using FlixBus or the Balkan Flexi Pass for travel in Southeastern Europe.
What is the cheapest city break in Europe?
Sarajevo and Sofia are very affordable capital cities. I also think Miskolc in Hungary is a perfect low-cost destination for a city break.
Where is the cheapest sun holiday in Europe?
The Albanian Riviera provides amazing beaches for a fraction of the cost of Italy or Greece. Bulgaria is another great choice for a cheap beach holiday.
What is the cheapest European city to fly into?
Budapest, Riga, and Gdansk are popular cities that often serve as low-cost entry points into the continent.
Which is the most budget-friendly country to visit?
North Macedonia is the leader for budget-conscious travelers. It is a true hidden gem for those who want to avoid crowds.
What is the no. 1 safest country?
European countries are generally safer than many major cities in North America. Almost any country on this list is safe as long as you use common sense.
Is $5000 enough for a vacation?
Yes, that is a very large budget. You can easily have a luxury vacation for several weeks in the cheapest countries to visit in Europe from India or the US with that amount.
Concluding words
I have found that Europe is full of affordable treasures if you look beyond the famous capitals. Albania, North Macedonia, and Poland provide incredible culture and beauty for very little money. You do not need a fortune to see medieval castles or clear blue seas. These cheapest countries to visit in Europe in March, May, or December offer something special for every season. Therefore, I hope you use these tips to plan a trip that fits your budget. Your next big adventure is waiting for you in the heart of the Balkans or the Baltic states.
