Affordable Europe: 10 Cheapest Places to Travel To This Year
Introduction
Travelling in Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many affordable destinations that offer rich culture, stunning sights and unforgettable experiences. This post highlights the 10 cheapest places to travel to in Europe, where you can enjoy incredible adventures without overspending.
From charming towns to vibrant cities, discover budget-friendly options that make exploring this diverse continent easier than ever. Get ready to plan your next trip without worrying about your wallet.
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Cheapest Places To Travel To: Eastern Europe Highlights
Budapest, Hungary
Overview
As I found during my stay there, Budapest is a budget traveller’s dream. The Hungarian capital is full of history, culture, and delicious food. And it’s all at a fraction of the price you’d pay in more western European cities.
The city is famous for its beautiful architecture, unique thermal baths, and vibrant nightlife. What’s more, it offers plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without spending much. Which is why it’s near the top of my list of affordable places to travel to.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
HUF 14,000–HUF 18,000
(€40-€50, £35-£45, $45-$55)
Drinks Prices
A pint of beer costs on average HUF 800
(€2, £1.70, $2)
Food Prices
Budget restaurant meal HUF 3,000–HUF 3,500
(€8-€10, £7-£9, $9-$11)
Public Transport Costs
A single metro ticket costs about HUF 450
(€1.20, £1, $1.30)
Top Tips
More things to do in Budapest
Bucharest, Romania
Overview
Bucharest is often overlooked. But, I can personally confirm it’s one of the most affordable destinations in Eastern Europe. Check out my Bucharest blog post here.
From local Romanian dishes to stunning parks and museums, you can experience the heart of the city without over-spending.
Even visiting its luxurious spa Therme, plus flights and accommodation, can work out less expensive than a UK spa day.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
RON 160–RON 200
(€35-€45, £30-£40, $35-$45)
Drinks Prices
A pint of beer costs on average RON 7 (€1.50, £1.30, $1.60)
Food Prices
Budget restaurant meal RON 30–RON 40 (€6-€8, £5-£7, $6-$9)
Public Transport Costs
A single metro ticket costs about RON 2.5 (€0.60, £0.50, $0.60)
Top Tips
For more on Therme, check out this separate post:
-
A Luxury Spa Day At Therme, Bucharest – Budget Version!
This huge Therme spa has become an Internet sensation due to the impressive array of facilities for visitors of all ages. And it’s easy to see why. Read more…
More things to do in Bucharest
Cheapest Places to Travel To: Southern Europe Gems
Lisbon, Portugal
Overview
Lisbon offers a fantastic mix of culture, history, and great food. All while being a cheap destination in comparison to other Western European capitals.
With its affordable public transport system and beautiful beaches nearby, it’s easy to explore on a budget.
On my recent day trip to Lisbon I didn’t spend a penny on sightseeing. There was so much to see by simply walking around the city. And that’s why I’ve placed it in my list of cheapest places to travel to for 2025.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
€40–€50
(approx £35–£45, $45–$55)
Drinks Prices
A glass of wine is around €2–€3 (£1.80–£2.60, $2.40–$3)
Food Prices
Mid budget restaurant meal €12–€15 (£10.50–£13, $13–$18)
Public Transport Costs
A single public transport journey costs about €1.50 (£1.30, $1.60)
Top Tips
More things to do in Lisbon
Tirana, Albania
Overview
Tirana is an up-and-coming destination in Europe, and it’s surprisingly affordable.
From the colourful streets to the vibrant local culture, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit without breaking the bank.
Even my cocktail in a more upmarket bar was still half the price I usually pay back home (UK). This is definitely one of the cheapest places to travel to – along with Struga, North Macedonia, which we visited in the same trip.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
ALL 3,500–ALL 5,000 (€30–€40, £25–£35, $30–$40)
Drinks Prices
A local beer costs on average ALL 150 (€1.20, £1, $1.50)
Food Prices
Budget restaurant meal ALL 800–ALL 1,000 (€7–€9, £6–£8, $8–$10)
Public Transport Costs
A single bus journey costs ALL 50 (€0.40, £0.35, $0.45)
Top Tips
More things to do in Tirana
Cheapest Places To Travel To: Northern Europe Options
Tallinn, Estonia
Overview
Tallinn is one of the most charming cities in Northern Europe, and it’s a surprisingly affordable place to travel to.
You’ll find plenty of medieval charm mixed with modern cafes and restaurants, all at very reasonable prices.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
€45–€55
(700–900 EEK, £40–£50, $50–$60)
Drinks Prices
A pint of beer in a pub is around €3 (47 EEK, £2.60, $3.20)
Food Prices
Simple budget restaurant meal €8–€10 (125-156 EEK, £7–£9, $9–$12)
Public Transport Costs
Free for residents. For tourists, a single trip costs €2 (31 EEK, £1.70, $2.10)
Top Tips
Thank you goes to Danielle (@discover.withdanielle) for allowing me to use her photos of Tallinn in my list of cheapest places to travel to. Check out her Instagram feed for more content.
More things to do in Tallinn
Riga, Latvia
Overview
Riga offers a mix of impressive architecture, rich culture, and a vibrant arts scene, all at affordable prices.
The city’s blend of modernity and history makes it a fantastic destination for any budget traveller. And its beauty is misleading, as it’s one of the cheapest places to travel to in the Baltic states.
Again, Riga is one destination where you can sightsee on foot for free. It’s flat, compact and bursting with character and there’s no need to spend money to see it.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
€40–€50
around (£35–£45, $40–$50)
Drinks Prices
A beer at a local bar costs on average €2 (approx. £1.70, $2)
Food Prices
A cheap restaurant meal costs from €7–€9 (£6–£8, $8–$10)
Public Transport Costs
A tram or bus ride costs €1.15 (£1, $1.30), and Bolt taxis are reasonable
Top Tips
Dive deeper into sightseeing in Riga with this detailed blog post:
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Riga Instagram Spots – 12 Best Photo Worthy Sights
With its colourful charm, affordable prices, and rich history, Riga is the perfect destination for Instagram enthusiasts. Read more…
More things to do in Riga
Cheapest Places To Travel To: Western Europe Deals
Alicante, Spain
Overview
Alicante, located on Spain’s beautiful Costa Blanca, is an often overlooked gem that offers great value for money.
With its sunny climate, stunning beaches, and charming streets, I loved this laid-back Spanish experience without the hefty price tag.
The city has a rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine—all within reach for the budget-conscious traveller. And research shows it gets over 300 days of sunshine per year. Making it a favourite on my list of cheapest places to travel to.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
€40–€50 (approx. 35–45 EUR, £35–£45, $45–$55)
Drinks Prices
A local beer in a pub is around €2.50 (approx. £2.20, $2.70)
Food Prices
Simple budget restaurant meal €10–€12 (£9–£11, $12–$15)
Public Transport Costs
A single bus ticket costs about €1.45 (approx. £1.30, $1.60)
Top Tips
More things to do in Alicante
Porto, Portugal
Overview
Porto is another fantastic destination amongst Europe’s cheapest places to travel to, offering great value for money.
Perfect for enjoying a low cost glass of port wine by the river or wandering through the narrow streets. Whatever your plan, you’ll find Porto both cheap and charming.
It’s also worth noting, I found Bolt taxis to be surprisingly cheap in Porto. Those journeys were often more cost effective than public transport with two or more people sharing.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
€40–€50
(approx. £35–£45, $45–$55)
Drinks Prices
A glass of port wine costs on average €3 (approx. £2.60, $3)
Food Prices
A budget restaurant meal costs from €10–€12 (£9–£11, $12–$15)
Public Transport Costs
A tram or bus ride costs €1.20 (£1.05, $1.35), and Bolt taxis are reasonable
Top Tips
More things to do in Porto
Cheapest Places To Travel To: Central Europe Finds
Prague, Czech Republic
Overview
Prague is one of the most affordable capitals in Europe. Which makes it perfect for those looking for a European city experience on a budget.
With a mix of historic landmarks, bars, and local cuisine, there’s plenty to see and do at low cost.
As with many cities on my list of cheapest places to travel to, there’s so much to see outdoors. And these sights have no admission fee! You can read more about those and my visit to the Czech Republic capital in my Prague blog post.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
€40–€50
(approx. 35–45 EUR, £35–£45, $45–$55)
Drinks Prices
A local beer in a pub is around €1.50 (xxx)
Food Prices
Simple budget restaurant meal €9–€11 (xxx)
Public Transport Costs
A single bus ticket costs about €1.20 (xxx)
Top Tips
More things to do in Prague
Krakow, Poland
Overview
Krakow is a city filled with history, charm, and affordable prices. From fascinating museums to beautiful parks, you can experience so much for little cost.
As one of the most affordable places to travel to in Europe, visitors flock to Krakow’s food and drink scene.
Accommodation is also reasonably priced, making it ideal for a budget European city break. Especially when its Christmas market is in full swing – you can read about my visit there here.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
150-200 PLN
(approx. €30-€40, £25–£35, $27–$35)
Drinks Prices
A beers costs 8-12 PLN (€1.70-€2.60, £1.50-£2.20, $1.60-$2.60)
Food Prices
A budget restaurant meal costs an average 35 PLN (€7.50, £6.50, $7.50)
Public Transport Costs
A 24-hour pass costs 15 PLN (approx. €3.20, £2.70, $3.25)
Top Tips
More things to do in Krakow
Conclusion
In conclusion, Europe (as the rest of the world) offers many affordable travel spots that cater to different interests. There are so many destinations that are perfect for couples, friends and solo travellers alike.
Each of the cities on my list of cheapest places to travel to offer unique experiences without breaking the bank. From exploring Bucharest’s charming streets to relaxing on Alicante’s beaches, there’s something for every traveller and budget.
Start planning your next adventure today and enjoy the beauty of Europe without overspending. Happy travels!
