Budget-Friendly European Destinations to Explore: 21 Top Picks
Europe, a continent brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty, is often associated with high travel costs. However, there are numerous affordable destinations that offer a rich and diverse travel experience without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly European countries that are worth exploring:
Georgia, one of the cheapest countries to visit, boasts intercity buses costing between €0.50 to €5 and restaurant meals for two costing around €15. This country, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is popular among expats and digital nomads, making it a haven for those seeking a cost-effective yet beautiful destination.
Slovenia, another affordable choice, offers budget-friendly cities like Ljubljana, and lower-priced ski resorts compared to their French and Austrian counterparts.
Croatia is another budget-friendly destination, with lower prices in lesser-known areas like the Istria region and the sleepy island of Vis.
Slovakia, recommended by Diana, Travels in Poland, is a budget-friendly destination with affordable accommodations, food, and travel costs. A recent one-night stay in Bratislava cost under €140 for 2 adults and 2 children.
Bulgaria is a budget-friendly destination, with many affordable ski resorts and most attractions being free.
Lithuania is a budget-friendly destination, with many attractions being free and food prices being a fraction of prices in many other European capitals.
Cyprus is a mid-range European destination, but Northern Cyprus, a de facto state administered by Turkey, is more affordable due to the devaluation of the Turkish Lira.
The Czech Republic, recommended by Adriana, Czech the World, is a budget-friendly destination with cheap beer, wine, and travel costs. Prague is an exception, but accommodations outside of the city centre can be affordable.
Latvia is recommended by Coni, Experiencing the Globe, as a budget-friendly destination for a holiday. Riga offers affordable accommodations and food, and day trips to Jurmala, Gauja National Park, or Salaspils Memorial are less than €10 each.
Greece is recommended by Elena, Passion for Greece for budget-friendly destinations outside of popular islands like Mykonos and Zante. Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are particularly affordable, and the largest Greek island, Crete, offers low prices in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, or Lasithi.
Albania, recommended by Arabela, Spicy Travel Girl, is a budget-friendly destination with affordable accommodation, intercity buses, and food. A full BBQ feast can cost less than £10.
North Macedonia is recommended by Anuradha, Country Hopping Couple, as a budget-friendly destination with affordable accommodations, food, and transport. A decent holiday apartment costs between €25 and €30 per day.
Romania is recommended by Jade, the Migrant Yogi, as an affordable destination with a budget of €30-40 per person per day. Smaller cities like Sibiu, Brasov, and Timisoara are usually cheaper and more beautiful than larger cities.
Malta, known for its history, architecture, beaches, and delicious cuisine, offers travel costs that are quite reasonable.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is recommended by Ellis, Backpack Adventures, as an affordable destination with cheap dining and car rentals. A double room in a mid-range hotel costs between €30 and €40.
Serbia is recommended by Chrysoula, Historic European Castles, for a weekend break or summer getaway. Meals in a restaurant can cost as little as €10 per person, and beers cost €1.5-2.
Some additional budget-friendly European countries to visit, beyond the common lists of the 21 cheapest countries, include Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey, Latvia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, which offer rich cultural experiences and natural beauty at budget-friendly prices.
The Canary Islands are recommended by Milene, Surf and Unwind, as a budget-friendly winter sun destination. Lesser-known resorts offer reasonable prices, and public transport is cheap.
Spain is a reasonably affordable country, with budget flights and fierce competition between hotels helping to keep costs down.
Hungary is a budget-friendly destination, with food and transportation prices being very affordable.
Poland is recommended by Or, My Path in the World, as a budget-friendly country for city breaks, nature trips, or beach vacations. Prices in big cities are lower than £25 per night for a central private double room or a fully equipped apartment.
Portugal offers natural beauty and budget-friendly travel costs, especially during the off-season.
These countries are often overlooked compared to popular Western European spots but offer rich cultural experiences and natural beauty at budget-friendly prices, making them excellent alternatives for cost-conscious travellers seeking diversity across Europe.
- Georgia, despite being a budget-friendly destination, offers intercity buses that cost between €0.50 to €5 and restaurant meals for two that are around €15, making it a popular choice among those seeking a beautiful destination without high travel costs.
- Slovenia, another budget-friendly country, provides budget-friendly cities like Ljubljana, along with lower-priced ski resorts compared to their French and Austrian counterparts.
- Croatia is another budget-friendly destination, with lower prices in lesser-known areas like the Istria region and the sleepy island of Vis.
- Slovakia, according to Diana from Travels in Poland, is a budget-friendly destination with affordable accommodations, food, and travel costs.
- Bulgaria is a budget-friendly destination, particularly known for its many affordable ski resorts and most attractions being free.
