What Are the Best Cheap Places to Go in Europe for Budget Travelers

Introduction

Europe is often seen as a dream destination, but for budget travelers, it can feel like an expensive one. With sky-high prices in cities like Paris, London, and Zurich, many assume that a European trip is out of reach unless they’re willing to drain their savings.

But what if I told you that there are plenty of cheap places to go in Europe where you can enjoy stunning landscapes, rich history, and incredible food—all without breaking the bank?

When I first started traveling around Europe on a budget, I made a classic mistake: I focused only on the big-name cities. Sure, I had an amazing time in Rome and Amsterdam, but my wallet? Not so much.

Then I discovered cheaper, underrated destinations where my money lasted longer. Instead of paying €15 for a single cocktail in Paris, I was sipping local wine for €3 in Portugal.

Instead of booking an overpriced hotel in Vienna, I found a cozy guesthouse in Poland for less than a hostel bed in Western Europe. That’s when I realized: Europe doesn’t have to be expensive—you just need to know where to go.

This guide will help you discover the best cheap places to go in Europe, from breathtaking cities with affordable accommodations to stunning beach towns where meals cost less than a coffee back home.

We’ll explore:

The most affordable places to visit in Europe, where your money lasts longer.
How to save on food, accommodations, and transport while still enjoying the best experiences.
The cheapest way to visit Europe without sacrificing comfort or adventure.

These cheap travel destinations in Europe will show you that traveling here doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Albania – The Cheapest Hidden Gem in the Balkans

When I first considered traveling to Albania, I had zero expectations. All I knew was that it wasn’t as famous as Greece or Italy, and flights were cheap. But when I arrived, I was blown away.

Imagine crystal-clear beaches that rival the Greek Islands, charming Ottoman-style towns, delicious Mediterranean food, and all at half the price of more famous destinations.

Albania is hands down one of the best cheap places to go in Europe if you want beautiful scenery, rich history, and an affordable adventure. Unlike Western Europe, where your daily budget can disappear after a few meals, Albania lets you live well on as little as €30–€40 a day.

Why Albania Is One of the Best Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe

Budget-friendly accommodations – Hostels start at €10, and guesthouses cost around €20–€30 per night.
Low-cost food – A full meal with grilled meat, salad, and bread costs €5–€7 at local restaurants.
Affordable transport – Buses between cities are €3–€8, and taxis are significantly cheaper than in Western Europe.
Stunning beaches without the high prices – Ksamil has turquoise waters like Greece but at a fraction of the cost.

Best Places to Visit in Albania on a Budget

Tirana – The capital is a fun, walkable city full of history, quirky cafes, and cheap eats. Visit Bunk’Art, a Cold War-era bunker turned museum, for €5.

Ksamil & the Albanian Riviera – If you’ve dreamed of visiting Greece but can’t afford Santorini prices, Ksamil is the answer. Beaches are free, and sunbeds cost as little as €5 per day.

Berat & Gjirokastër – These UNESCO-listed towns are filled with Ottoman-era houses, cobbled streets, and ancient castles. Entry fees for top attractions are rarely over €2–€4.

How to Travel Albania Cheaply

Use furgons (shared minibuses) instead of taxis for long distances—fares are €5–€10 for multi-hour rides.

Eat at local bakeries where fresh byrek (savory pastries) cost €0.50–€1.

Stay in guesthouses instead of hotels—they’re cheaper and often include breakfast.

Poland – Medieval Charm Without the High Costs

Before I visited Poland, I assumed it would be just another cheap country to visit in Europe—affordable, yes, but maybe not that exciting. I was completely wrong. Poland isn’t just budget-friendly—it’s packed with history, stunning architecture, and some of the best food in Europe. And the best part? You can enjoy all of it without spending a fortune.

Poland is one of the most affordable places to visit in Europe, especially compared to its pricier neighbors like Germany or Austria.

Why Poland Is One of the Best Cheap Countries to Visit in Europe

Low-cost accommodation – Hostel dorms start at €8–€12, and private rooms in budget hotels cost around €25–€40.
Inexpensive food – Traditional Polish dishes like pierogi, bigos (hunter’s stew), and zapiekanka (Polish-style pizza) cost €3–€6 per meal at local restaurants.
Cheap transport – Public transport in major cities costs as little as €0.80 per ride, and intercity buses/trains are budget-friendly.
Tons of free attractions – Most cities offer free walking tours, historic squares, and affordable museum entries (€2–€5).

Best Places to Visit in Poland on a Budget

Kraków – One of the most beautiful and cheap cities to visit in Europe. Explore Wawel Castle (€4–€6) and the medieval Old Town (free). Take a free walking tour to learn about its fascinating history.

Gdańsk – A stunning port city with affordable Baltic Sea beach towns nearby. Walk along the colorful Dlugi Targ and visit the European Solidarity Centre (€5).

Warsaw – Poland’s capital is a mix of history and modern energy, with cheap eats, budget-friendly nightlife, and stunning palaces. Visit Łazienki Park (free) and explore the Old Town without spending a dime.

How to Travel Poland Cheaply

Eat at milk bars (bar mleczny)—these Soviet-era canteens serve huge portions of homemade food for under €5.

Use FlixBus or PolskiBus for intercity travel—fares can be as low as €5–€10.

Visit museums on free entry days—many major museums offer one free day per week.

Portugal – Europe’s Most Affordable Coastal Destination

Portugal is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, but you wouldn’t guess that from the experience. The country offers historic cities, incredible landscapes, and some of the best food in Europe—without the price tags you’d find in neighboring Spain or France.

While Lisbon has become more popular (and pricier) in recent years, Portugal as a whole remains one of the most affordable places to travel in Europe.

When I traveled through Portugal, I was surprised at how far my budget stretched. A full meal at a local tasca cost me less than a fast-food combo back home, and I stayed in a charming guesthouse for what I’d paid for a hostel bunk in Paris.

Even in major cities, a glass of wine rarely costs more than €2, and public transport is incredibly cheap. The best part? Some of Portugal’s most beautiful attractions—its cliffs, beaches, and historic streets—are completely free.

Why Portugal Is One of the Best Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe

Budget-friendly accommodation – Hostels start at €10–€15, while budget hotels cost around €30–€50 per night.
Affordable food and drinks – A traditional Portuguese meal costs €5–€10, and a pastel de nata (custard tart) is about €1.50.
Cheap public transport – A metro ride in Lisbon costs €1.50, and a full-day transport pass is around €6.
Free attractions – Many of Portugal’s best sights—historic districts, beaches, and viewpoints—don’t cost anything.

Best Places to Visit in Portugal on a Budget

Lisbon – Despite rising prices, the capital is still affordable compared to other Western European cities. Visit the Alfama district, Belém Tower, and scenic miradouros (viewpoints) for free. A ride on the famous Tram 28 costs only €3.

Porto – Known for its historic streets, riverside views, and cheap port wine tastings. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for some of the best free views in the city.

Algarve – One of the cheapest holiday destinations in Europe for sun-seekers. The region has breathtaking beaches, budget-friendly guesthouses, and fresh seafood for a fraction of the price you’d pay in Spain.

How to Travel Portugal Cheaply

Eat at pastelarias (local bakeries) where a fresh pastry and coffee cost under €3.
Use Rede Expressos buses for long-distance travel instead of trains—fares start at €5–€15.
Visit museums on free-entry days, which many offer once a month.

Hungary – A Budget-Friendly Capital and Spa Haven

Hungary is one of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe, but you wouldn’t know it from the experience. The country is rich in history, architecture, and culture while being far more affordable than neighboring Austria or Germany.

Budapest, often called the Paris of the East, offers grand architecture, relaxing thermal baths, and some of the best nightlife in Europe—without the Western European price tags. Beyond the capital, Hungary’s countryside and small towns provide even better value for travelers looking to stretch their budget.

I spent a week in Budapest and quickly realized why it’s one of the most affordable places to visit in Europe. A meal at a traditional Hungarian restaurant cost me €5, a pint of local beer was under €2, and I soaked in the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths for less than €15.

Even in the city center, I found a private room in a boutique hostel for €25 per night, which would have been impossible in most other European capitals.

Why Hungary Is One of the Best Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe

Affordable accommodation – Hostel dorms start at €8–€12, while budget hotels cost around €25–€40 per night.
Cheap and filling food – A full meal at a local eatery costs €5–€8, and you can try street food like lángos (fried dough with toppings) for €2.
Low-cost public transport – A single metro ride in Budapest costs €1, and a 24-hour pass is around €5.
Free and cheap attractions – The Fisherman’s Bastion and Parliament views are free, while thermal baths and ruin bars offer budget-friendly experiences.

Best Places to Visit in Hungary on a Budget

Budapest – The capital is one of the Europe cheapest cities to visit and is full of affordable experiences. Walk across the Chain Bridge for free, take a sunset cruise on the Danube for €10, and explore the ruin bars for cheap drinks.

Lake Balaton – Known as the Hungarian Sea, this is a perfect summer destination for those looking for an affordable place to relax near the water without the high costs of Mediterranean resorts.

Eger – A charming historic town famous for its thermal baths, Baroque architecture, and wine cellars. Tastings of the famous Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood wine) are cheap and often include generous pours.

How to Travel Hungary Cheaply

Take advantage of the Budapest Card for discounts on attractions and unlimited public transport.
Eat at market halls like the Great Market Hall in Budapest, where fresh, local food is much cheaper than in restaurants.
Visit thermal baths during off-peak hours for discounted entry fees.

Greece – Affordable Paradise Beyond the Tourist Hotspots

Most people think of Greece and picture Santorini’s blue domes or Mykonos’ luxury resorts, but those come with sky-high prices. What many don’t realize is that Greece has plenty of cheap places to go in Europe—especially if you avoid the most touristy islands.

Mainland Greece, lesser-known islands, and smaller towns offer stunning scenery, historic sites, and amazing food for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe.

When I first visited Greece, I made the rookie mistake of staying in Oia, Santorini, where even a basic hotel cost over €150 per night. After that expensive experience, I started exploring Thessaloniki, Crete, and the Peloponnese, where I found guesthouses for €30 per night, tavernas serving full meals for €7, and beautiful, uncrowded beaches that were completely free.

That’s when I realized Greece is one of the most affordable places to travel in Europe—if you know where to go.

Why Greece Is One of the Best Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe

Budget-friendly accommodation – Hostels start at €10–€15, and guesthouses range from €30–€50 per night.
Cheap but incredible food – A meal at a local taverna costs €7–€12, and a gyros pita is often under €3.
Low-cost transport – Public buses cost €1–€2 per ride, and ferries between islands can be affordable if booked in advance.
Many free attractions – From ancient ruins to hiking trails and beaches, much of Greece’s beauty doesn’t cost anything.

Best Places to Visit in Greece on a Budget

Thessaloniki – Greece’s second-largest city is less touristy than Athens but full of history, waterfront views, and cheap local eateries. Visit Ano Poli for panoramic views and explore free Byzantine ruins.

Crete – One of the most affordable places to visit in Europe for sun-seekers. The beaches, hiking trails, and stunning gorges make it a great cheap holiday destination in Europe.

Peloponnese – This mainland region is packed with ancient ruins, castles, and breathtaking coastline but without the high prices of the Greek islands. It’s also home to some of the best traditional food at budget-friendly prices.

How to Travel Greece Cheaply

Avoid peak season (July–August) when prices double. Visit in May, June, or September for the best deals.
Use overnight ferries instead of flights to save on accommodation.
Eat where the locals eat—skip restaurants with English menus and find traditional tavernas where a full meal costs half the price.

Romania – Europe’s Most Underrated Budget Destination

Romania is one of the least expensive places to visit in Europe, yet it remains massively underrated. While tourists flock to Western Europe, Romania offers medieval castles, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and vibrant cities—all for a fraction of the price.

The first time I visited Romania, I was shocked at how affordable everything was. A hearty meal with soup, meat, and dessert cost me €5, a train ride across the country was under €10, and I stayed in a private guesthouse for €20 per night.

Compared to the prices I had just paid in Austria and Italy, it felt like I had discovered one of Europe’s best-kept budget travel secrets.

Why Romania Is One of the Best Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe

Low-cost accommodation – Hostels cost €8–€12 per night, while guesthouses and budget hotels start at €20–€30.
Cheap and delicious food – A traditional meal at a local restaurant costs €5–€7, and bakeries sell fresh pastries for €1.
Affordable transport – Train rides between cities cost €5–€15, and local transport is €0.50 per ride.
Lots of free activities – Many of Romania’s best attractions, like mountain hikes and medieval towns, are free to visit.

Best Places to Visit in Romania on a Budget

Bucharest – Romania’s capital is one of the most affordable places to visit in Europe. Walk through the Old Town, visit the massive Palace of Parliament (€8 entry), and take advantage of the city’s cheap nightlife.

Brasov – A charming medieval city in Transylvania with fairy-tale architecture, cheap accommodation, and easy access to Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle).

Sibiu – A picture-perfect town filled with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and some of the best food in the country.

The Carpathian Mountains – If you love nature, Romania offers some of the best and cheapest hiking trails in Europe. Entry to national parks is usually free or costs less than €5.

How to Travel Romania Cheaply

Use CFR trains instead of buses for cheaper and more scenic journeys between cities.
Eat at local market halls where you can get a full meal for under €5.
Visit castles and museums on free entry days, which many attractions offer once a month.

Final Budget Travel Tips for Europe

Traveling on a budget in Europe isn’t just about picking the cheapest countries to travel in Europe—it’s about knowing how to stretch every euro no matter where you go. After years of making every budget travel mistake possible, I’ve learned exactly where people overspend and how to avoid unnecessary costs.

When I first started backpacking through Europe, I thought booking cheap flights was the key to saving money. I was wrong. I’d score a €20 flight, only to realize I had to pay €50 in baggage fees or that the airport was two hours outside the city, requiring an expensive transfer.

Then, I learned the real tricks—like traveling by bus or train instead of flying, staying just outside tourist areas, and eating where the locals eat. These are the kinds of budget hacks that make the difference between a trip that drains your savings and one that lets you travel longer for less.

The Cheapest Way to Visit Europe Without Overspending

Book flights wisely – Budget airlines look cheap, but extra fees can add up fast. Sometimes, taking a bus or train is the cheapest way to visit Europe if you factor in baggage costs and airport transfers.
Stay in guesthouses instead of hostels in some countries – In places like Romania, Poland, and Portugal, guesthouses are often cheaper than hostel dorms.
Cook your own meals sometimes – While eating out is part of the experience, a few grocery-store meals can save €50–€100 per week.
Avoid currency exchange scams – ATMs often offer a “conversion” at a bad rate. Always choose to be charged in local currency.
Use overnight transport – Taking a night bus or train saves you money on accommodation and is one of the cheapest ways to travel Europe.

Free and Cheap Activities in Europe’s Most Affordable Cities

One of the best things about picking cheap places to go in Europe is that many of them offer amazing experiences for free. Some of the most memorable moments of my travels didn’t cost me anything.

Walking tours – Many cities offer free walking tours, where you just tip the guide. I’ve done these in Kraków, Budapest, and Porto, and they were better than paid tours.
Museum free days – Many European cities have one day a month where major museums are free.
Hiking and nature spots – Some of the most affordable places to travel in Europe have stunning outdoor attractions, from hiking in Romania’s Carpathians to coastal walks in Portugal.
Avoiding overpriced attractions – Some cities charge €20+ for an observation deck view, but there’s almost always a free viewpoint nearby that locals use.

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Europe

Even in cheap travel destinations in Europe, accommodation costs can add up. These are my go-to strategies for saving money on places to stay.

Stay outside the city center – In places like Lisbon or Budapest, staying just 10 minutes outside the center can cut your costs in half.
Use budget hotel chains or guesthouses – In some cities, budget hotels are cheaper than hostels—especially if you’re traveling with a friend and can split the cost.
Consider work exchanges – Websites like Workaway and Worldpackers allow you to stay for free in exchange for a few hours of work per day.
Check for long-stay discounts – Some hostels and guesthouses offer major discounts for week-long stays.

Conclusion

Europe has a reputation for being expensive, but if you know where to go, it’s possible to travel comfortably without spending a fortune. There are plenty of cheap places to go in Europe that offer just as much history, culture, and natural beauty as their pricier counterparts—without the overpriced meals and sky-high accommodation costs.

When I first started traveling on a budget, I assumed I had to skip Europe or only visit it for a few days. I thought the entire continent was as expensive as London and Paris. But after exploring places like Albania, Poland, and Romania, I realized there are many cheap travel destinations in Europe that are just as breathtaking as the big-name cities, but with a fraction of the price tag.

The trick isn’t just choosing affordable places to visit in Europe—it’s about knowing how to travel smart. Simple choices, like eating at local markets instead of touristy restaurants, staying just outside major city centers, and taking buses or trains instead of expensive flights, can stretch your budget even further.

Have you been to any of these cheap places in Europe? Do you have your own money-saving tips for traveling the continent? Let’s hear them in the comments!