11 Best Cheap Places to Visit in Europe in 2024
By Welcome to our guide on the cheap places to visit in Europe, where we have handpicked some of the top budget-friendly destinations that guarantee worthwhile experiences without exploiting your budget. Here, we’ll discover the cheapest places to travel in Europe for those who want to explore lively street markets and mouth-watering cuisine. Let us guide you to your next European getaway without burdening your wallet.
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Contents
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a great city to visit on a budget. It’s much more affordable than other European capitals like Vienna or Prague but still has several things to offer tourists. Bratislava features the historic city center, Bratislava Castle, and the delicious local cuisine.
How to Approach:
The rest of the European countries are connected to Bratislava by air and trains to other European cities. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, traveling by bus or ferry will be the perfect means of transport.
Accommodation:
Bratislava tops the list of cheap places to visit in Europe and has several cheap accommodation options like hostels and guesthouses. These lodgings are not only well-equipped but also quite affordable.
Top Things to Do:
If you are planning a cheap trip to Bratislava, that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise your experiences. This place has a lot to offer when it comes to budget-friendly traveling. Here you can visit the Bratislava Castle, which offers stunning views of the city.
You can also wander through the charming Old Town and admire St. Michael’s Gate or take a free walking tour to learn about Bratislava’s history and culture.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a stunning city famous for its rich history and culture. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly capital cities in Europe. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all very affordable. There are many free things to see and do in the city, such as visiting the Buda Castle, Parliament Building, and Szechenyi Baths.
How to Approach:
Budapest has a major international airport and is well-connected by train to other European cities.
Accommodation:
Budapest offers its visitors many cheap accommodation options like budget-friendly hostels and luxurious hotels.
Top Things to Do:
Some of the most affordable things you can experience here to make the most out of your trip include visiting the Buda Castle. It is a historic palace complex with beautiful views of the Danube River.
You can also tour the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most remarkable buildings in Budapest. Relaxing in the Szechenyi Baths, the largest thermal bath complex in Europe is also one of the tourist’s favorite activities.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is not only a charming city with a well-preserved medieval old town but also one the cheapest places to travel in Europe. It’s a famous destination for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. Here, you can visit the Wawel Royal Castle, Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and the Oskar Schindler Factory.
How to Approach:
Krakow has its international airport and is well-connected by train and bus to other cities of Poland.
Accommodation:
Krakow has several budget-friendly options for hostels and guesthouses, making it a great choice for people who are searching for cheap places to visit in Europe.
Top Things to Do:
Traveling to Krakow on a budget is a perfect idea as you can experience several exciting things without paying a heavy amount. You can visit the Wawel Royal Castle, a former royal residence that now has a museum.
You should also pay your respects at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a former concentration camp. Seeing the Oskar Schindler Factory, a museum honoring the German businessman who rescued 1,000 Jews, is also a worthwhile experience.
Porto, Portugal
Porto, the capital of the northern Douro Valley, is also considered one of the cheap places to visit in Europe. It is a famous wine region and the second-largest city in Portugal. It is renowned for its historic Ribeira district, port wine cellars, and yummy Francesinha sandwiches.
How to Approach:
Porto has its international airport and can be easily traveled by train and bus from other Portuguese cities.
Accommodation:
Porto features several budget-friendly accommodation options, including hostels, guesthouses, and apartments.
Top Things to Do:
Here, you can visit the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-built residential area. You can also take a boat tour on the Douro River and praise the city’s waterfront. Visiting a port wine cellar and tasting some of Porto’s most famous drinks are also activities enjoyed by many.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is located on the east coast of Spain and is a must-visit destination for those who want to travel on a budget. It’s famous for its beaches, the City of Arts and Sciences, and the famous paella. Valencia is a perfect place to visit if you’re searching for a blend of city break and beach vacation. In comparison to Barcelona or Madrid, the prices are quite reasonable.
How to Approach:
Valencia has its international airport and is well-connected by train to other important Spanish cities.
Accommodation:
Valencia has several budget-friendly accommodation options, including cheap hostels and guesthouses, as well as moderately priced hotels.
Top Things to Do:
Among several free-of-cost activities that you can experience in Valencia, relaxing on the beach under the Mediterranean sun tops the list. You can also visit the City of Arts and Sciences. It houses some museums, an aquarium, and an IMAX theater. Don’t skip trying the mouth-watering paella, Valencia’s signature dish.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Macedonia. It’s a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Thessaloniki is a great place to visit if you’re interested in Byzantine and Ottoman history. Food is very affordable here, with lots of delicious street food options.
How to Approach:
Thessaloniki has its international airport, which can be easily traveled by train and bus to other famous Greek cities.
Accommodation:
Thessaloniki has several cheap accommodation options, including hostels, guesthouses, and apartments.
Top Things to Do:
The top things to do in Thessaloniki that won’t cost you a fortune include the White Tower, a famous monument from the Ottoman era. You can also tour the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. It features a collection of artifacts from Macedonia’s royal history. Walking along the picturesque waterfront and sampling delicious street food are also worthwhile experiences.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a beautiful city with a walkable center. This budget-friendly city is bordered by mountains and grants a variety of exciting activities for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hiking and biking. Ljubljana is an ideal destination for those who are looking for a relaxing and affordable city escape.
How to Approach:
You can travel here easily via a flight as Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is the major airport of Ljubljana. The city can also be approached by train and bus to other Slovenian cities and surrounding countries.
Accommodation:
Ljubljana has several options for budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, making it a perfect place for budget travelers.
Top Things to Do:
Visiting the Ljubljana Castle, a middle-aged fortress, is one of several activities you can experience while touring cheap places in Europe, such as Ljubljana. You can also walk along the Ljubljanica River and praise the beautiful architecture while refreshing your mind. Visiting the Central Market, a lively marketplace selling fresh produce and local crafts, is also a worthwhile experience.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a city famous for its lavish history and culture. The city is not only famous for its nightlife, friendly natives, and yummy food but is also among the cheap places to visit in Europe. Belgrade is a perfect place to travel to for those who are looking for a pleasing destination that’s still affordable.
How to Approach:
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is the major international airport operating in Belgrade. The city can also be accessed by train and bus to other Balkan countries.
Accommodation:
Belgrade features several cheap accommodation options like budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, and apartments.
Top Things to Do:
Top budget-friendly things to do include exploring the Belgrade Fortress. It is a historic citadel near the Sava and Danube rivers. Don’t skip visiting the Church of Saint Sava. It is the largest Orthodox church located in Serbia. Here, you will also get a chance to enjoy Belgrade’s nightlife scene, with lively bars and clubs.
Albania
Albania is a Balkan country located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It’s famous for its stunning beaches, noticeable mountains, and its Ottoman-era towns. Albania is a perfect place to travel to if you’re in search of a cheap and picturesque destination.
How to Approach:
Albania is easily approachable via plane as Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza is the main airport. Ferries are also a reasonable mode of transportation, and it connects Albania to Italy and Greece. Buses are another budget-friendly option for entering Albania from neighboring countries.
Accommodation:
Albania has several budget-friendly accommodation options like cheap hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.
Top Things to Do:
Things that are worth experiencing in Albania for those who want to travel on a budget include catching a breath near the Albanian Riviera. It is a beautiful coastline with stunning beaches. You can also visit the historic city of Berat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Ottoman-inspired architecture. Exploring the Albanian Alps, a mountain range with picturesque scenery and hiking trails, is also worth experiencing.
Romania
Romania, a famous country located in Eastern Europe, features a rich history and culture. It’s famous for its stunning Carpathian Mountains, charming castles, and lovely cities. Romania is an ideal place for those who travel without crashing their bank.
How to Approach:
Henri Coandă International Airport is the major airport in Bucharest, and you can easily fly to Romania and its major cities. Trains and buses link Romania to other European countries.
Accommodation:
Romania serves its tourists with a variety of cheap accommodation options that cater to all budgets. The options you can consider include hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.
Top Things to Do:
Top things to do in Romania that are light on your pockets include hiking in the Carpathian Mountains. It is a mountain range with beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. You can also visit Bran Castle, which is also famous as Dracula’s Castle. Exploring the beautiful city of Brasov is also a must-do activity.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, a country in Southeast Europe, is located on the Black Sea. It’s famous for its incredible beaches, rich history, and its cheap prices. Bulgaria is an ideal place to travel to for those who want a budget-friendly beach getaway.
How to Approach:
You can travel to Bulgaria easily by plane, as Sofia Airport is the major airport located here. Buses and trains also link Bulgaria to surrounding countries. Ferries bridge Bulgaria to Romania and Ukraine.
Accommodation:
Bulgaria features several budget-friendly accommodation options, from hostels and guesthouses to hotels and holiday rentals.
Top Things to Do:
You can meditate on the pristine beaches of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, a popular summer spot. Explore the historic city of Veliko Tarnovo. It is the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. You can also visit the Rila Monastery, the largest abbey in Bulgaria.
Summing Up the Hunt for Cheap Places to Visit in Europe
As we conclude our quest, we have come to know that Europe features several affordable destinations for people who want to travel on a budget. From the vibrant streets of Bratislava to the beautiful scenery of Romania, there are plenty of cheap places to visit in Europe that offer incredible value for money.
Whether you’re in search of the ultimate city charm, refreshing countryside, or seaside getaway, discovering the cheapest places to travel in Europe, as per our expert advice, allows you to create everlasting memories without spending excessively.
FAQs
What are the top low-cost flights to Europe?
The top low-cost flights to Europe for you to consider when flying to the cheapest places to travel in Europe include Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air.
Where can we find cheap breakfast and coffee in Europe?
The cheapest places to travel in Europe, like Hungary, Poland, and Bulgaria, offer affordable options for dining, and here you can find reasonable breakfast and coffee at local cafes, bakeries, and markets.
Which city is considered one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe?
One of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe is Budapest, Hungary. As one of the cheapest European countries to visit, Budapest offers visitors amazing value for budget-conscious travelers with amazing accommodations, dining, and attractions options.
