Affordable Europe: 10 Cheapest Places to Travel To This Year
Travelling in Europe doesnโt 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.
Cheapest Places To Travel To: Eastern Europe Highlights
Budapest, Hungary
Overview
As I found during my stay there, Budapest is a budget travellerโs dream. The Hungarian capital is full of history, culture, and delicious food. And it’s all at a fraction of the price youโd 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 too much. Which is why it’s near the top of my list of affordable places to travel to.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
HUF 14,000โHUF 18,000
(โฌ40-โฌ50, ยฃ35-ยฃ45, $45-$55)
Drinks Prices
A pint of beer costs on average HUF 800
(โฌ2, ยฃ1.70, $2)
Food Prices
Budget restaurant meal HUF 3,000โHUF 3,500
(โฌ8-โฌ10, ยฃ7-ยฃ9, $9-$11)
Public Transport Costs
A single metro ticket costs about HUF 450
(โฌ1.20, ยฃ1, $1.30)
Top Tips
More things to do in Budapest
Bucharest, Romania
Overview
Bucharest is often overlooked. But, I can personally confirm itโs one of the most affordable destinations in Eastern Europe. Check out my Bucharest itinerary 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 160โRON 200
(โฌ35-โฌ45, ยฃ30-ยฃ40, $35-$45)
Drinks Prices
A pint of beer costs on average RON 7 (โฌ1.50, ยฃ1.30, $1.60)
Food Prices
Budget restaurant meal RON 30โRON 40 (โฌ6-โฌ8, ยฃ5-ยฃ7, $6-$9)
Public Transport Costs
A single metro ticket costs about RON 2.5 (โฌ0.60, ยฃ0.50, $0.60)
Top Tips
For more on Therme, check out this separate post:
-
1 Day in Bucharest: Donโt Miss The Best Of Romaniaโs Capital
Make the most of 1 day in Bucharest with this time-saving guide that mixes culture, coffee and cool spots without the overwhelm. 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. Which also makes it the ideal destination if you’re planning a day trip.
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
โฌ40โโฌ50
(approx ยฃ35โยฃ45, $45โ$55)
Drinks Prices
A glass of wine is around โฌ2โโฌ3 (ยฃ1.80โยฃ2.60, $2.40โ$3)
Food Prices
Mid budget restaurant meal โฌ12โโฌ15 (ยฃ10.50โยฃ13, $13โ$18)
Public Transport Costs
A single public transport journey costs about โฌ1.50 (ยฃ1.30, $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 walking the colourful streets, which you can read about in this post, to the vibrant local culture, youโll 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 3,500โALL 5,000 (โฌ30โโฌ40, ยฃ25โยฃ35, $30โ$40)
Drinks Prices
A local beer costs on average ALL 150 (โฌ1.20, ยฃ1, $1.50)
Food Prices
Budget restaurant meal ALL 800โALL 1,000 (โฌ7โโฌ9, ยฃ6โยฃ8, $8โ$10)
Public Transport Costs
A single bus journey costs ALL 50 (โฌ0.40, ยฃ0.35, $0.45)
Top Tips
๐ Not covered for mobile data outside the EU? Check out my aloSIM review and avoid feeling disconnected
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 itโs a surprisingly affordable place to travel to.
Youโll find plenty of medieval charm mixed with modern cafes and restaurants, all at very reasonable prices.
Prices
Approx. Daily Budget
โฌ45โโฌ55
(700โ900 EEK, ยฃ40โยฃ50, $50โ$60)
Drinks Prices
A pint of beer in a pub is around โฌ3 (47 EEK, ยฃ2.60, $3.20)
Food Prices
Simple budget restaurant meal โฌ8โโฌ10 (125-156 EEK, ยฃ7โยฃ9, $9โ$12)
Public Transport Costs
Free for residents. For tourists, a single trip costs โฌ2 (31 EEK, ยฃ1.70, $2.10)
Top Tips
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 cityโs 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
โฌ40โโฌ50
around (ยฃ35โยฃ45, $40โ$50)
Drinks Prices
A beer at a local bar costs on average โฌ2 (approx. ยฃ1.70, $2)
Food Prices
A cheap restaurant meal costs from โฌ7โโฌ9 (ยฃ6โยฃ8, $8โ$10)
Public Transport Costs
A tram or bus ride costs โฌ1.15 (ยฃ1, $1.30), and Bolt taxis are reasonable
Top Tips
Dive deeper into sightseeing in Riga with this detailed blog post:
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More things to do in Riga
Cheapest Places To Travel To: Western Europe Deals
Alicante, Spain
Overview
Alicante, located on Spainโs 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 cuisineโall 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
โฌ40โโฌ50 (approx. 35โ45 EUR, ยฃ35โยฃ45, $45โ$55)
Drinks Prices
A local beer in a pub is around โฌ2.50 (approx. ยฃ2.20, $2.70)
Food Prices
Simple budget restaurant meal โฌ10โโฌ12 (ยฃ9โยฃ11, $12โ$15)
Public Transport Costs
A single bus ticket costs about โฌ1.45 (approx. ยฃ1.30, $1.60)
Top Tips
For Alicante transport and sightseeing tips, check out my detailed blog post here:
-
How To Get To Alicante: Your Awesome Travel Guide
This guide to Alicante makes planning your journey easy, whether you’re travelling by air, train, sea or road. Plus must-see sights to explore during your trip. Read more…
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, youโll 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
โฌ40โโฌ50
(approx. ยฃ35โยฃ45, $45โ$55)
Drinks Prices
A glass of port wine costs on average โฌ3 (approx. ยฃ2.60, $3)
Food Prices
A budget restaurant meal costs from โฌ10โโฌ12 (ยฃ9โยฃ11, $12โ$15)
Public Transport Costs
A tram or bus ride costs โฌ1.20 (ยฃ1.05, $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, thereโs 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
โฌ40โโฌ50
(approx. 35โ45 EUR, ยฃ35โยฃ45, $45โ$55)
Drinks Prices
A local beer in a pub is around โฌ1.50 (xxx)
Food Prices
Simple budget restaurant meal โฌ9โโฌ11 (xxx)
Public Transport Costs
A single bus ticket costs about โฌ1.20 (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. โฌ30-โฌ40, ยฃ25โยฃ35, $27โ$35)
Drinks Prices
A beers costs 8-12 PLN (โฌ1.70-โฌ2.60, ยฃ1.50-ยฃ2.20, $1.60-$2.60)
Food Prices
A budget restaurant meal costs an average 35 PLN (โฌ7.50, ยฃ6.50, $7.50)
Public Transport Costs
A 24-hour pass costs 15 PLN (approx. โฌ3.20, ยฃ2.70, $3.25)
Top Tips
More things to do in Krakow
As you can see, Europe offers many affordable travel spots that cater to different interests. There are so many long weekend break 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 with my easy hacks for finding cheap flights or finding safe accommodation as a female solo traveller. Then go enjoy the beauty of Europe without overspending.
Happy travels!
