I recently set out to plan my own Low Budget Europe Trip for the year 2026. I realized quickly that the travel world is changing fast. International travel is expected to grow by 8 percent in 2026. Many people now focus on a “value-for-money” rule. In fact, 92 percent of travelers say that getting good value is their top priority. I am part of that group. I wanted to see the famous sights but did not want to go broke. I found out that Europe can be both expensive and affordable at the same time. It all depends on how you plan your route and where you choose to sleep.
First of all, I had to look at the new rules for 2026. A new tech system called the Entry/Exit System or EES is coming to the Schengen countries. You will see self-service kiosks at the borders. Later in 2026, you will also need to deal with ETIAS. This is a visa-waiver program that requires you to register and pay a small fee before you fly. I also learned that prices are going up in big cities. Popular spots like Berlin and Amsterdam are raising their tourist taxes. Some places like the Louvre are even charging different prices for people who do not live in the European Union. Therefore, I decided to look for the cheapest countries to visit in europe 2026.
Top 10 cheapest countries to visit in europe
I spent a lot of time looking for the best deals. I discovered that the top 10 cheapest countries to visit in europe are mostly in the East and the Southeast. These places offer amazing castles and beaches for half the cost of places like Paris or Zurich.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is one of the most affordable spots I found. You can find hostel beds for less than $10 a night. It is a great place for solo travelers because the people are so warm. Sarajevo is the capital and it is very easy to walk around. I joined a free walking tour there to learn the history. You can eat a traditional burek for less than five euros.
- Bulgaria. This country is a real winner for value. It consistently ranks as the cheapest in the European Union. You can stay in a nice hotel for about $15 to $20 a night. The capital city, Sofia, has a mix of Roman ruins and old architecture. If you like to ski, the resort in Bansko is very cheap. A day pass there costs about 32 pounds.
- Albania. This country is often called Europe’s best-kept secret. It has a beautiful coastline that looks like Greece but costs much less. I found that Tirana, the capital, is full of history from the Communist era. You can enter a Cold War bunker turned museum for only four pounds. Albania moved from 67th place to 36th place in global popularity since 2010.
- Romania. Romania is perfect for history lovers. It has medieval towns and legends of Dracula. You can spend a whole day here for less than 2,500 rupees or about $30. The city of Brasov is a hidden gem with a beautiful Old Town. Additionally, renting a car here is quite easy and helps you see the mountains.
- Poland. Poland mixes history with a fun modern vibe. I loved the Main Market Square in Krakow. You can stay in a hostel for about $15. Food is very cheap if you eat at “milk bars”. You can get a full meal there for about $5 to $7.
- Lithuania. This is a small but fascinating country. Much of the fun is free. You can walk through the Old Town of Vilnius and see amazing street art for nothing. It is one of the cheapest countries in europe for tourists who want a northern feel.
- Latvia. Riga is the capital and it has beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. It is a very affordable capital city. You can take day trips to the beach for less than 10 euros. I found the hostels here to be well-connected for travelers visiting the Baltics.
- Serbia. Belgrade has a famous nightlife that is very cheap. You can find a hostel for about $10. The city has a grit and energy that is hard to find elsewhere. On top of that, the food is delicious and the locals are friendly.
- Slovakia. This country offers mountain adventures for a low price. The High Tatras mountains are beautiful and affordable for hiking or skiing. I found that you can scales mountains and see ancient castles on a daily budget of about $40.
- Montenegro. Even though it is small, it has a lot of variety. You can see the Bay of Kotor or hike in national parks. The beaches are also very cheap compared to Italy. You can enjoy a Mediterranean vibe for about $40 to $50 a day.
However, the list does not end there. I also looked at the 12 cheapest countries to visit in europe to see even more options. Hungary and North Macedonia joined my list. In Hungary, you can find a bowl of goulash for about 4 to 5 euros. North Macedonia is very cheap for transport and food. A decent apartment there costs only 25 to 30 euros a day.
Cheap destinations in europe with beach
I love the ocean. I went looking for cheap destinations in europe with beach access. I found that the Mediterranean does not have to be expensive.
Albania is the top choice here. The Albanian Riviera has clear water and small coastal towns like Himara and Dhermi. These spots give you an authentic experience without the high price tag of Greece. Similarly, Montenegro has the Budva Riviera. It is spectacular and refreshingly affordable.
On the contrary, some popular spots like Croatia have become more expensive. Dubrovnik is beautiful but the prices are high. However, if you stay a little away from the coast, you can still find good deals. Also, you can visit the island of Vis for fewer crowds and lower prices. Portugal is another great option. The beaches in the Alentejo region are beautiful and more affordable than the Algarve. I found that the Canary Islands in Spain are great for winter sun. You can stay at lesser-known resorts to save money.
Cheapest cities in europe for students
I know that students need to save every penny. I looked for the cheapest cities in europe for students to have a great time. Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina is excellent because you can survive on very little money. Also, Krakow in Poland is a “banger” for nightlife and culture. It is clean, friendly, and very cheap.
Tirana in Albania is another strong choice. The city is vibrant and full of street art. Similarly, Kaunas in Lithuania is underrated but very walkable. You can enjoy craft beer or coffee shops without spending much. Students can also look at Porto in Portugal. I found it to be amazing and very affordable for a western city. Additionally, many museums in Europe offer discounts or free entry for students under 26, though it sometimes only applies to EU students.
Cheapest schengen country to visit
If you want to stay within the Schengen Zone but keep costs low, you have options. I found that Lithuania and Latvia are among the cheapest schengen country to visit. Poland and Slovakia also offer great value within the zone. Portugal is often considered the most affordable country in Western Europe. I could get a coffee for one euro and a beer for two euros there.
Spain can also be a good deal if you avoid the big tourist traps. I found that regions like Andalusia and Galicia have lower prices. In Madrid, you can eat a “menú del día” for about 14 euros. This lunch usually includes a starter, a main course, dessert, and a drink. Finally, Hungary is a great Schengen choice because Budapest is relatively cheap for a major city.
How to travel on a budget
Getting around Europe can eat up your money. I learned that taking the bus is often the cheapest way. FlixBus is a favorite for many travelers because tickets can start as low as 5 euros. Their buses have Wi-Fi and comfy seats. On top of that, budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air have very cheap flights. I have seen flights for as little as 15 euros. However, you must be careful with their fees for bags and boarding passes.
I also love the train. It is more relaxing than a bus. If you plan to travel a lot, a Eurail pass might save you money. You should buy your train tickets at least a week early to save up to 30 percent. For short trips, I found that BlaBlaCar is a great way to save money and meet locals. You just hitch a ride with someone who has extra space in their car.
Eating for less
Food is a big part of any trip. I found some great ways to eat well without spending much. In Spain, the “menú del día” is a lifesaver. It is a set lunch menu offered on weekdays. You get three courses and a drink for a fixed price, usually between 12 and 18 euros. In Portugal, I looked for “tascas”. These are small family-run eateries that offer daily specials for under 12 euros.
I also made a habit of visiting local markets. In Lisbon, the Mercado de Arroios has fresh food for low prices. In Poland, “milk bars” offer traditional food for very little money. Also, carrying a reusable water bottle is a smart move. Tap water is safe in many cities like Barcelona and Lisbon. If you buy water in a restaurant, it can be very expensive.
Free things to do
You do not have to pay for everything. I found many free things to do in the big cities. In Madrid, several world-class museums are free at certain times. The Prado Museum is free from 6 PM to 8 PM on most days. The Reina Sofía is free on Sunday afternoons. I made sure to book my free tickets online in advance because they go fast.
In Barcelona, many municipal museums are free on Sunday afternoons after 3 PM. The Picasso Museum is free on Thursday evenings and the first Sunday of the month. In Lisbon, many viewpoints or “miradouros” offer amazing views for free. I loved the sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Similarly, exploring old neighborhoods like Alfama or the Gothic Quarter costs nothing but your time.
Packing and money tips
I learned that packing light is essential. I never use a bag larger than 45 liters. This helps me avoid bag fees and makes it easier to walk on cobblestones. I follow the rule of “one to wash, one to wear, one to spare”. Additionally, I use rolling techniques or Ziploc bags to save space.
When it comes to money, I avoid traditional banks. They often charge high fees for foreign transactions. I use cards like Wise or Starling instead. These cards give you better exchange rates and do not charge for every purchase. I also make sure to have some coins for bathrooms, as many places in Europe charge for them.
Events to watch for in 2026
I kept an eye on big events that might raise prices. The Winter Olympics will be in Northern Italy in February 2026. I plan to avoid that area then unless I want to pay a lot for a room. Also, Barcelona will celebrate 100 years since Antoni Gaudí died in June 2026. The city will be very crowded around the Sagrada Família.
Finally, there is a solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. It will pass through Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. If you want to see it, you must book your hotel very early. Eclipse hunters plan far ahead and will fill up all the cheap rooms.
Gradually, I realized that a Some Low Budget Europe Trip is all about choice. You can spend 200 euros a day or you can spend 60 euros a day. If you stay in hostels, eat at local tascas, and use public transport, you can see the best of Europe for very little. I hope my experience helps you plan your own adventure. Safe travels!
FAQ
What is the cheapest place in Europe to visit?
I found that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria usually have the lowest overall costs for tourists. Georgia is also a top choice where you can stretch your dollar further than almost anywhere else on the continent.
How to travel Europe in low budget?
You should take FlixBus for cheap intercity rides and book flights with budget airlines like Wizz Air or Ryanair early. Use the sharing economy and hitch a ride with locals through BlaBlaCar to save money and meet new people. Eat at local markets and always look for the menú del día in Spain or tascas in Portugal for the best food value.
Where to go for a 3 day trip to Europe?
Belgrade, Serbia is a brilliant spot for a quick weekend break. Riga, Latvia is also perfect because it is small enough to see on foot during a short visit.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Yes, $100 is plenty for many areas. A shoestring daily budget in a city like Barcelona is about €60 to €80 per person. In Romania, you can often live well on just €30 to €40 per day.
What is the cheapest month to go to Europe?
January and February are the cheapest months to visit cities like Lisbon because hotel prices drop by 40 to 60 percent. The official low season for many spots lasts from October to March.
What is the cheapest and safest country to visit?
Georgia is famous for being both very safe and one of the most affordable countries for travelers. Albania is another great choice that is safe and costs a fraction of the price of nearby Greece.
How much does a 7 day Europe trip cost?
A seven-day stay in a city like Lisbon can cost between €550 and €1,400 depending on your travel style. You can keep costs lower by staying in hostels and eating street food like bifanas.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
Yes, you can manage this if you visit affordable countries like Romania or Bulgaria where daily costs are low. You must avoid the most expensive cities like Paris or Zurich to make this budget work.
Is 7 days in Europe enough?
Seven days is enough for a focused trip to one city or a small region. However, I suggest you stay for at least two weeks so your body can beat jetlag and you can see more.
Where is a cheap city break in Europe?
Sarajevo and Tirana are top-ranked choices for a cheap and fun city break in 2026. Sofia, Bulgaria also offers amazing value and is very friendly for tourists.
Which country is best for 3 days?
Serbia is a brilliant choice for a quick three-day getaway. The capital, Belgrade, has a high density of culture and nightlife for a low price.
What are the top 3 tourist destinations in Europe?
The top three destinations by international arrivals are expected to be France, Spain, and Italy in 2026.
Which country is best for travel in low budget in Europe?
Bulgaria consistently ranks as the most affordable country in the European Union for food, stay, and fun. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also a top pick for travelers who want to save every penny.
Is $5000 enough for a vacation?
Yes, $5000 is a huge amount for a budget trip. A full seven-day luxury experience in a city like Lisbon only costs around €1,800 to €2,500.
Concluding words
Europe is full of great value if you know where to look. I suggest you focus on the Balkan Peninsula and Southeastern Europe to find the best deals on castles and beaches. You should use budget transport like FlixBus and look for local food deals like the menú del día to keep your costs down. Modern tools like AI planners and fee-free bank cards make it easier to manage your money. Go see the world without the high price tag. Simple plans. Big rewards. Low stress.
