Recently updated on October 15th, 2025 at 05:02 pm
Travelling to the continent of Europe is like no other and is a must for any travel bucket list. From the diverse scenery, immense history and delicious cuisine, there is a country in Europe to satisfy any travel bug. Travelling through Europe can be costly but depending on the destination, it doesn’t have to be. Today, we’re sharing some secret insider’s tips on some of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, where you can really stretch your hard-earned money.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Hungary is an incredible European country that is also extremely cost friendly. From the relaxing spas, to cute towns and villages along with local cuisine, this is a budget traveller’s dream location. Although the capital of Hungary, Budapest, is often the most popular choice, there are so many surrounding cities that are reasonably priced too such as Debrecen, Eger and Pécs.
We always recommend beginning in Budapest. This walkable urban core is filled with public transport options which keep costs low while you explore. Street food, like the delicious langos, only costs a few forint. As an added bonus, bus and train tickets to nearby Vienna, Austria, and Bratislava, Slovakia, make it effortless to see more low-cost European destinations.
Spend less while seeing Prague, Vienna, and Budapest on our 10-day tour.
2. Bucharest, Romania
Romania is hands down one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe. This hidden gem of a country is the perfect destination to take in charming towns and castles, and as it’s a fairly off the beaten track destination, prices are still extremely affordable. When travelling to Romania, it’s good to know that that you will need to use their local currency, the Romanian leu. Head here before the rest of the world gets in on the secret!
GET INSPIRED: Balkan Adventure
Too many people arrive in Bucharest and make like a bat up to Bran, but that means missing out on one of Europe’s most interesting (and affordable cities). Save money by opting for a free walking tour — but tip your guide, of course! — and skip the pricier Dracula-focused tours in favor of cheaper day trips to places like Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
3. Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia is much more popular than it once was, thanks in great part to the Game of Thrones impact. Yes, Dubrovnik is stunning and well-worth the journey, but there’s so much more to discover in Croatia and you can do so with such a small budget.
Zagreb is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe when you take into account that the country has now embraced the Euro. Inland cities like Zagreb, however, are better for your budget than coastal cities. Cheap yet cool attractions like watching the changing of the guard on St. Marks Square and touring museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Zagreb 80’s Museum make for fiscally-approved fun.
4. Riga, Latvia
Latvia is ready to wow you, especially its capital city of Riga. Its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though most of the buildings are from the 13th through 15th centuries, as much of medieval Riga was lost to fires. Stroll around the center and you’ll feel the comforting familiarity of a European capital with the exciting promise of uncovering gems like free walking tours, the National Library of Latvia, and the Latvian War Museum.
5. Vilnius, Lithuania
It’s the 2025 European Green Capital, it’s home to four new Michelin stars, and it’s the Baltic city that you’ll fall in love with…without falling into the red. Vilnius, Lithuania, is the charming capital city that you’ve yearned for ever since you fell for places like Prague. Gazing at the sunset from The Gediminas’ Tower. Strolling the colourful Open Gallery’s murals. A trip to Vilnius is as affordable as it is amazing.
Plan your trip to Vilnius for April 1st and it’ll be worth the slight increase in hotel prices. Every year, a small neighborhood called Užupis celebrates its independence day. The self-proclaimed Republic of Vilnius embraces the day in jest: when the Lithuanian charter was signed, Užupis was mistakenly left out, thus encouraging the locals to lean into the error and proclaim themselves a sovereign nation.
6. Budva, Montenegro
While Kotor, Montenegro, enjoys its focus as an increasingly popular tourist destination for cruisers and backpackers alike, you can find the next “it” Montenegro city a few kilometers south in Budva. Summertime is party time in this coastal hub where nightclubs and bars let you indulge all night without emptying your pockets.
For the traditional backpacker who wants to check off the essentials, you’ll find a dazzling old town dating back to the 5th century BCE and the sundrenched islands of Stefan and Nikola that’ll make you believe you’ve arrived in paradise.
7. Skopje, North Macedonia
Last but not least, another budget friendly European country that is yours for the taking is North Macedonia. This magnificent country already has a reputation for being cost friendly, but there are many other ways to help stretch your budget further. Be sure to check out locally run restaurants when trying out traditional North Macedonian food. Also, when purchasing souvenirs for loved ones back home, stop in and support local shops along the way.
Skopje is one of the most budget-friendly capital cities on the continent. The area’s been occupied since 7,000 BCE and its landmark Kale Fortress was constructed in the 6th century. Dozens of statues and monuments act as eye-candy while you take advantage of low-priced tours. For a day spent outdoors on the cheap, consider hiking Mount Vodno.
8. Warsaw, Poland
We know that Warsaw is no new word in your travel dictionary. And we also will admit that it’s not the cheapest city to travel to in Europe when comparing it to neighboring countries farther east. However, what we love about Warsaw is that it does give you a break on your budget if you’re visiting from neighbors to the west like Germany or Czechia.
How can you have a good time on a dime in Warsaw? Start with planning your visit around free activities like Jazz in the Old Town during July and August or Museum Night in mid-May that grants access to 200 cultural sites. Relax on the free public beaches in the summer or skate on free public ice rinks in the winter.
9. Tbilisi, Georgia
You don’t need to stop in Budapest for a soak. Head farther east and enjoy the thermal baths at a relaxed rate in Tbilisi, Georgia. These sulfur baths near Abanotubani have public per-hour rates that are much cheaper than the private rooms. A cheap Tbilisi travel card lets you explore the bus and subway lines for a few lari. While the country has upped its costs in recent years, Tbilisi, Georgia, is still alluring for its budget-minded options, especially considering it’s a part of Europe many international travellers still have yet to explore.
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10. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Let a local show you around Sarajevo, a now peaceful city once ravaged by years of war, and you’ll consider every Bosnian Convertible Mark money well-spent. Known as the Jerusalem of Europe, Sarajevo’s architecture is accented with gorgeous synagogues, churches, and mosques. Simply wandering Ferhadija Street with a local is a cultural and historical lesson in itself. The Sarajevo War Tunnel, Yellow Fortress, and Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide are the attractions worthy of your budget to compliment your free walking tour.
11. Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania, is an affordable European destination that is just now starting to get the recognition it deserves. Of the many capital cities worthy of your summer, Tirana is one of the cheapest places to travel to in Europe. Riding the Dajti Ekspres cable car, picnicking at Parku i Madh, and getting the lowdown on the Museum of Secret Surveillance won’t leave you without an Albanian Lek to spend on souvenirs.
FAQs
What is the cheapest country to visit in Europe?
You can spend riches and you can scrape by with pennies in most European countries, though the experience will differ substantially. For example, the Balkans are often the cheapest countries in Europe. Romania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Bosnia-Herzegovina treat your wallet right while offering opportunities to learn about the history and culture of the region.
What is the cheapest time of year to visit Europe?
Shoulder seasons are usually the cheapest time of the year to visit Europe, though shoulder season changes from region to region. Generally speaking, March and April or September and October have reduced rates in most countries. Exceptions would be Germany, which hosts Oktoberfest in the fall and the Netherlands during spring tulip season.
How much cash do I need to bring to Europe?
Most European countries have widespread credit card acceptance, so don’t pack your pockets too heavy with cash. That said, having around $100 of the local currency is helpful should you find a street vendor who only accepts cash. Remember, you can always exchange your currency back into your local cash at the airport but you won’t always find a convenient cambio while exploring the country itself.
Do I need to tip in Europe?
Usually, no, tipping is not a custom in European countries. Many locals will leave their change from the bill as a tip and some visitors will put an extra 5-10% down for exceptional service. Service charges are included in the final check in places like Italy, Ireland, and Spain. Remember, though, that many tour guides are well-deserving of tips, especially those who take you on a multi-day journey.
Explore many cheap European cities on our Best of Romania, Transylvania, and Hungary tour.