I want to share my personal secrets for a European getaway that does not drain your savings. I have spent years exploring the continent. Many people believe that a trip to Europe must be expensive. I have found that this is not true. Europe is full of incredible spots where you can enjoy historic cities and amazing food without paying high prices. I have visited many low budget europe destinations that offer excellent value for travelers like us. You do not need to settle for crowded, overpriced tourist traps. There are so many least expensive places to visit in europe that are just as beautiful.
First of all, I want to talk about the places that really surprised me. The Balkans and Eastern Europe are the kings of budget travel. These regions prove that you can have a luxury experience on a shoestring budget. Additionally, these spots are often less crowded. You get more space. You get more peace. You get more authentic culture. It is a win for everyone.
The Hidden Gems of the Balkans
I must start with Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This city is truly at the crossroads between East and West. I walked through the Ottoman-built Old Town, which locals call Baščaršija. It is a maze of stone lanes and Turkish-style bazaars. I felt like I had stepped back in time. On top of that, it is one of the best low budget travel destinations europe has to offer.
History is everywhere in Sarajevo. I visited the Latin Bridge. This is where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914. This event started World War I. I also saw the Tunnel of Hope. This underground passage helped people survive the siege in the 1990s. It is an eerie but necessary visit.
The prices in Sarajevo are unbelievable. A meal in a cheap restaurant costs only about $6.67 USD. A three-course dinner for two people at a mid-range place is around $33.33 USD. If you enjoy a drink, the average pint of beer is only €2.30. You can find hostels for as low as $5, though the average is about $18.
Later, I traveled to Tirana, Albania. This city is young and full of life. The average person living there is only 32 years old. It has a pulse that you can feel. It is definitely a low cost europe country that you should not miss. I climbed the landmark pyramid that dominates the skyline. I also explored communist bunkers that have been turned into art galleries. Bunk’art 1 is a must-see, and it only costs about £4 to enter.
Tirana is incredibly affordable. A meal is roughly $10.87 USD. You can find a decent 3-star hotel for about $45.65 USD a night. Public transport is almost free at $0.43 for a one-way ticket. If you are a backpacker, you can find the cheapest hostels starting at just $3. On the contrary, some travelers think Tirana is boring, but I found the cafe culture and vibrant street art to be very exciting.
Central European Favorites
I also spent time in Zagreb, Croatia. Many people rush to the coast to see Split or Dubrovnik. However, the capital city is a total hidden gem. It feels like a mix of Austria and Hungary with its wide streets and lush parks. I loved the Old Town. It is packed with medieval towers and churches with colorful roofs.
One of my favorite things in Zagreb was the Museum of Broken Relationships. It is a very niche museum that shows items from failed romances. Plus, the city is very walkable. I barely used public transport, but a 30-minute tram ride is only 44p.
The costs in Zagreb are very reasonable for a capital city. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant is about $14.00 USD. You can find a 3-star hotel for around $72.29 USD. If you want to splurge, even a 5-star hotel is often under $100 USD a night. Similarly, Bratislava, Slovakia is another cheap capital nearby. It has a walkable Old Town and very affordable dining. Hostels there start at $7.
Finally, I discovered Miskolc, Hungary. This is the fourth-largest city in Hungary. It is much smaller and quieter than Budapest. The highlight for me was the Miskolctapolca Cave Baths. These are thermal waters that wind through a natural limestone labyrinth. It feels much more intimate than the crowded baths in Budapest.
Prices in Miskolc are great for those who want to know where to travel in europe on a budget. A meal is only $7.80 USD. A night in a 3-star hotel costs about $64.48 USD. Public transport is a bargain at $0.55.
Unexpected Budget Breaks
I never expected a city in the United Kingdom to be on a budget list. However, Kingston upon Hull is a wonderful surprise. It is much cheaper than London or Manchester. I enjoyed the Museum Quarter and the lively marina. I noticed that the telephone boxes there are cream instead of red.
The oldest pub in town, Ye Olde White Harte, is a great place for a drink. I found that an Airbnb costs about €80, which is much less than other British cities. A meal is around $18.41 USD. It is a great low budget travel destinations in europe option if you want to visit the UK.
Similarly, I found Sofia, Bulgaria to be very friendly to my wallet. I joined a free food tour and got to taste many local dishes. The city has a cool mix of Roman ruins and communist architecture. You can get a beer for as little as €2.20. Hostel prices in Sofia are also low, with some starting at $6.
The Beauty of the Baltic States
I have a soft spot for the Baltics. These countries are often overlooked. Therefore, they remain very affordable. Vilnius, Lithuania is an underrated gem. It has charming streets and great value dining. On top of that, Kaunas is another fantastic choice. It is full of modernist architecture and has a very cool craft beer scene.
In Kaunas, an average Airbnb is about €70. A pint of beer is €3.50. It is relatively free from large crowds of tourists. Riga, Latvia is also stylish and affordable. It is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. I walked down Alberta Street, which is one of the most beautiful streets in Europe. Public transport and dining in Riga are very easy on the budget. Average hostel prices in Riga are about $29, but you can find them for $7.
Wine Lovers on a Budget
I know many of you love a good glass of wine. You do not have to go to expensive regions like Bordeaux. I found some amazing low budget destinations for wine lovers.
Croatia has been making wine for over 3,000 years. I visited Istria, which is the heartbeat of their wine production. They make a fresh white wine called Malvazija Istarska. I also went to the Dalmatian Coast for bold red wines. I learned that the grape Crljenak Kaštelanski is the original version of Zinfandel.
Portugal is another favorite of mine. Porto is famous for port wine and river views. It is one of the best value cities in Western Europe. I took a short drive to the Douro Valley, which is a beautiful protected heritage site. In Porto, you can find food that is very budget-friendly. Hostels in Porto start at $7.
Greece also offers great wine value. While the islands can be pricey, the mainland is very affordable. Athens has cheap street food and endless history. I also visited the Peloponnese region. It is the heartbeat of Greek wine production. I tasted Agiorgitiko, which produces elegant red wines. A pint in some parts of Greece, like Argos, can be about €4.50, but the history you see for free is priceless.
How to Save Money on Accommodation
I have found that hostels are the best way to save money. They are not just for kids. Many offer private rooms and social spaces. They are far cheaper than hotels. In Europe, prices change based on the season and the city.
First of all, I check the Hostel Price Index. Tirana and Pristina have some of the cheapest options, starting at just $3. In Kraków, Poland, you can find a bed for $6. Budapest also has hostels starting at $5. On the contrary, cities like Zurich or Venice are much more expensive.
I use websites like Hostelz.com to compare prices. They show you the same room on different sites so you can get the lowest price. Additionally, booking early can help you secure a better deal. I also try to travel during the shoulder season. This means visiting in the spring or fall instead of the busy summer.
Smart Ways to Travel Between Cities
I love traveling by train in Europe. It is often the most affordable way to get around. I have learned a few tricks to keep costs down. First of all, the earlier you book, the cheaper it is. Some operators release tickets 180 days in advance.
I use Rail Europe to set up booking alerts. They email me the moment tickets for my route go on sale. I also choose non-flexible fares. These are usually the cheapest tickets available, even if you cannot change them later.
Another great tip is to ride slower trains. High-speed trains are sleek, but they cost more. Slower trains let you see the beautiful countryside. Plus, I sometimes take night trains. This saves me the cost of a hotel for one night. A reclining seat on a night train can cost as little as 25€.
If I am doing a lot of travel, I look into a Rail Pass. The Eurail Global Mobile Pass covers 33 countries. It is great value if you plan to take three or more long journeys. Also, I look for special fares like the “Super Sparpreis” in Germany. In Italy, families can use the Bimbi Gratis offer to let children under 15 travel for free.
Flying Cheap Across the Continent
I also use budget airlines to jump between low cost cities europe. Europe has many low-cost carriers that offer very cheap flights. Ryanair is the largest one. It has fares as low as $5–$10 USD during sales. However, you must be careful. They charge for everything, including seat selection and checked bags.
easyJet is another good choice. They fly to main airports, which saves money on transport to the city center. Wizz Air is great for Eastern Europe. They even have an “All You Can Fly” membership for a fixed annual fee. I also like Vueling for travel in Spain and France.
I follow a few rules when booking flights. I try to book 2–3 months before I leave. This is the “Goldilocks Window” where prices are lowest. I also stay flexible. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is much cheaper than the weekend. I always use comparison sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best deal.
Living Like a Local
I found that being a digital nomad or staying longer in one place can save money. Many people look for non-schengen countries to stay outside the main visa area. Albania, Bosnia, and Serbia are excellent for this. They are very affordable for long stays.
I heard a traveler named rocketwikkit say that Tirana has great cafes and grocery stores. Another person, enlguy, mentioned that Serbs are incredibly welcoming and kind to foreigners. I agree with them. Staying in these places allows you to really get to know the culture without spending a fortune.
Summary of My Favorite Budget Spots
I want to recap the best value cities I have found for 2026. These are the low budget europe destinations you should consider:
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Amazing history and very low costs.
- Tirana, Albania: Energetic, young, and extremely cheap.
- Miskolc, Hungary: Incredible cave baths and a peaceful vibe.
- Zagreb, Croatia: A beautiful Central European capital that is very walkable.
- Kraków, Poland: A mix of medieval history and great nightlife at good prices.
- Sofia, Bulgaria: One of the cheapest capitals with great free tours.
- Hull, UK: A hidden gem in the north of England with a great marina.
Additionally, do not forget the smaller towns. Brașov, Romania is a charming medieval town in the mountains. Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic is like a fairy-tale town that is very affordable for a short trip. Valletta, Malta is sunny and compact, making it great for a budget weekend in the off-season.
Practical Advice for Your Trip
I want to give you a few final tips. First of all, always check the hidden fees on budget airlines. A $30 ticket can become $80 very quickly if you have a big bag. Second, use public transport. Most of these cities have cheap buses or trams.
I also recommend eating where the locals eat. Avoid the restaurants right on the main square. Walk a few blocks away. You will find better food for half the price. Similarly, look for free attractions. Many cities have beautiful parks, cathedrals, and historic streets that cost nothing to explore.
Finally, do not be afraid to go off the beaten path. The most famous cities are often the most expensive. By visiting places like Kaunas, Belgrade, or Sarajevo, you get a more unique experience. You will come home with stories that your friends do not have. Plus, you will have more money in your pocket for your next adventure.
I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip. Europe is waiting for you. You just need to know where to look. Safe travels!
FAQ
What is the cheapest place in Europe to visit?
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria often have the lowest daily costs for travelers. Sofia is perhaps the most affordable capital city on the continent. North Macedonia is also one of the cheapest countries in the world to explore.
Where to go for 3 nights in Europe?
You should visit Kaunas in Lithuania for a perfect weekend getaway. Three days is enough time to see the main sights in beautiful Budapest. Kraków is another great choice because it is very compact and easy to walk.
Which country is best for tourism with a low budget?
North Macedonia is ultra-cheap and often underrated by tourists. Albania provides amazing beaches and mountains for very low prices. Bulgaria has the lowest overall price levels in the European Union.
Where is the best affordable city break in Europe?
Sarajevo is a top city break because it remains remarkably affordable for visitors. Kraków is an excellent choice for a budget trip because it offers rich history at low prices. Sofia provides cheap housing and plenty of free things to see.
Where to go for 5 days in Europe?
You can spend five days in Skopje to learn about its complex history and culture. Many budget-friendly cities like Kraków or Budapest offer a full experience over a five-day stay.
Which country is best for 3 days?
Hungary is a fantastic choice for a three-day trip to see the highlights of Budapest. Poland and Romania also have cities like Kraków and Oradea that you can fully see in just three days.
What are the top 3 tourist destinations in Europe?
Paris, London, and Amsterdam are the most famous destinations that usually attract the most visitors. These cities are often at the top of every travel list.
How to visit Europe cheaply?
You should travel during the shoulder seasons like April or October to save money. Local buses and trains will keep your transport costs very low. You can save a lot when you book apartments with kitchens to cook your own meals.
What are the top 5 most visited cities in Europe?
London and Paris are two of the most popular cities that people visit in Europe. Amsterdam, Rome, and Florence also see huge numbers of tourists every year.
Concluding words
You do not have to pay a lot of money to see the best parts of the European continent. Many countries in the Balkans and Central Europe provide rich culture and beauty for a low daily budget. You should plan your trip for the shoulder season to get the best prices on hotels and flights.
Albania, Poland, and Hungary are just a few places where you can have a luxury experience for a minimal cost. You will find that travel is possible for everyone when you choose the right destinations.
