12 Cheapest Places To Travel Europe on a Shoestring

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Europe is a fascinating continent home to some of the world’s iconic tourist attractions. As such, many of Europe’s most famous places are some of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. However, with the continent’s popularity comes increased accommodation costs, more expensive food and drink, and inflated attraction tickets.

As a result, Europe isn’t always a suitable place to visit on a budget. Having said that, there are lesser-traveled European destinations that offer a more affordable getaway. To learn more, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of Europe’s cheapest places to visit. We selected these entries based on affordability and many things to see and do.

Budapest, Hungary

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Let’s kick things off with an affordable capital city that offers tourists an exciting city break without the exorbitant prices. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a beautiful city famed for its remarkable architecture, delicious cuisine, and thermal baths. The average daily travel cost in the city is only $91.

For context, the average daily travel cost in Paris is $250. In Budapest, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the city’s most iconic sights, tucking into funnel cakes, and strolling along the River Danube. Of course, you’ll also want to relax in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Notable attractions in the city include Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Great Market Hall.

Varna, Bulgaria

Europe is home to countless seaside resorts and beach towns that offer long sunny days, luxurious resorts, and scenic coastal walks. Unfortunately, though, not all of them are affordable. Luckily, Bulgaria has a selection of affordable beach destinations, our favorite being Varna.

Varna is a gorgeous port city and seaside resort in East Bulgaria. It’s best known for its lovely beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and wide range of things to do. The average price for a hotel for one week in Varna is just $320. Regarding things to do, soak up the sun on the soft sands at Rappongi Beach, explore the Archaeological Museum, and stroll around the Sea Garden. Don’t miss Varna Zoo and Evksinograd Palace, either.

Paphos, Cyprus

Another affordable European beach destination is Paphos, a famous Mediterranean seaside city on Cyprus’s southwest coast. Paphos is famed for its picturesque golden-sand beaches, tranquil turquoise waters, and affordable vacation resorts. It’s also the island’s history and culture hub, featuring many ancient ruins and significant monuments.

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Paphos has something to offer every kind of traveler. History buffs can explore Paphos Archaeological Park. Families with children can have fun at Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark, and beachgoers can relax at SODAP Beach. Meanwhile, partygoers can dance the night away on Agiou Antoniou Street. You can book a one-week vacation in Paphos for approximately $734, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki is a fantastic destination for budget travelers. The city offers affordable accommodation and has many exciting things to see and do. On Airbnb, you can find beautiful flats in a central location for only $250 a week. What’s not to like about that?

Thessaloniki is a picture-perfect Greek city on a bay overlooking the Thermaic Gulf. It’s best known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture, vibrant nightlife, and world-class street food. History lovers should visit the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, and the Archaeological Museum. Conversely, foodies can surround themselves with local cuisine at Martiou Market. Meanwhile, shopaholics can shop until they drop at Tsimiski Mitropoleos. Beachgoers can relax at Perea Beach.

Vilnius, Lithuania

According to the UK’s Post Office, Vilnius, Lithuania’s vibrant capital, was the cheapest European city for a city break in 2024, making it the go-to destination for budget travelers. Aside from being affordable, Vilnius is a fascinating city to explore. For starters, it has a 700-year history that can be admired in its historic landmarks and architecture.

You should spend most of your time exploring the Old Town. This part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it’s one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Keep your eyes peeled for Vilnius Cathedral, the Gate of Dawn, and St. Anne’s Church. In the evening, head to Gediminas Hill to enjoy impressive sunset views of the city.

Athens, Greece

The same Post Office report also found that Athens is one of Europe’s cheapest cities. The Greek capital is a breathtaking city visited by millions of tourists yearly. It is famed for its iconic historic landmarks, rich cultural heritage, and impressive architecture. The city’s crowning glory is the Acropolis.

Standing proudly on an enormous rock above the city, this fascinating ancient citadel houses the ruins of several buildings of immense historical and architectural significance, the most iconic being the Parthenon. The Acropolis also contains the Temples of Athena, the Erechtheum, and the Propylaea. Significant points of interest in the city below include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Roman Forum of Athens, and the National Archaeological Museum.

Lisbon, Portugal

Despite being an extremely popular destination, Lisbon, Portugal, is one of Europe’s cheapest significant capitals. The average daily travel cost in the city is $141, almost $100 less than in London. This picturesque city is loved most for its stunning scenery, beautiful architecture, and Mediterranean climate.

When you’re not exploring the city’s main sights, you’ll find yourself sitting outside a restaurant with a glass of wine or admiring the scenic views from one of the many viewpoints. You’ll also have easy access to the beaches along Portugal’s south coast. Noteworthy points of interest in Lisbon include Belém Tower, São Jorge Castle, Tagus Estuary, and the Elevador de Santa Justa.

Sarandë, Albania

Until recently, Albania was rarely on the radar of travelers seeking a beach vacation. However, places like Sarandë are starting to grow in popularity. Luckily, though, you can still enjoy this beautiful Albanian seaside resort without breaking the bank. The average daily cost for a vacation along the Albanian Riviera is only $91.

In Sarandë, you’ll find beautiful beaches, a charming waterfront, scenic viewpoints, and plenty of places to enjoy traditional Albanian food. Most beachgoers spend their vacation strolling along the Saranda Embankment or swimming in the emerald waters at Saranda Beach. However, you can also visit the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle, go on a boat tour, and relax at a beach bar.

Riga, Latvia

The next budget-friendly European destination on our list is Riga, the capital of Latvia. Found at the mouth of the River Daugava on the Baltic Sea, this charming city is best known for its vibrant architecture, scenic walks, and traditional cuisine. Riga’s average daily travel cost is $111.

A big hit with history buffs, backpackers, and couples, most people spend their time in Riga exploring the most famous sights, one being the city’s medieval Old Town. You’ll find iconic landmarks like Riga Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, and Livu Square here. You must also visit the House of the Black Heads and the Freedom Monument. Meanwhile, big foodies don’t want to miss Riga Central Market.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków is a fairytale-esque city in Southern Poland recognized worldwide for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic Jewish quarter. The city’s Old Town is jam-packed with beautiful sights, but most of the action is in Rynek Glówny. Dating back to the 13th century, this market square is a great place to start.

Famous attractions, such as St. Mary’s Basilica, the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków, and Rynek Underground Museum, can be found here. Other attractions worth visiting in the city include Planty, the National Museum, and the Kraków Barbican. We also highly recommend visiting Dworek Street Food Park. Regarding prices, the average daily travel cost in Kraków is just $66.

Prague, Czech Republic

Another European city that belongs in a storybook is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. This budget-friendly destination is well known for its beautiful castles, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a big hit with friends looking for a party, history buffs wanting to learn more, and couples seeking a romantic city break.

On Airbnb, you can find rooms and flats in Prague for less than $200 a week. You can also expect affordable transport, food, and beverages. During your visit, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Vltava River, get lost in the city’s Old Town, and grab a traditional bite to eat in Republic Square. Popular attractions include Prague Castle, the Prague Astronomical Clock, and St. Vitus Cathedral.

Tartu, Estonia

The final budget-friendly European destination on our list is Tartu, a vibrant city in Eastern Estonia. This marvelous city is renowned for its prestigious 17th-century university. However, it’s also known for being one of the 2024 European Capitals of Culture. Its historic Old Town, open green spaces, and the Emajõgi River define the city.

Spend your time in Tartu searching for landmarks in the Old Town, experiencing one of the many summer festivals, and strolling along the river. The University of Tartu Museum, Town Hall Square, the Kissing Students Fountain, and the Leaning House are things to look out for. A weekend break in Tartu will only cost you approximately $226.