Discover the 10 cheapest places to travel in Europe for an unforgettable trip abroad that won’t break the bank!
From Albania to Croatia, there are some incredibly affordable European destinations that probably weren’t on your radar – ’til now! Check them out to start planning your budget-friendly trip below.
The 10 Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe
If you’re planning your European getaway with budget as a priority, you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your trip when you head to one of the 10 cheapest places to travel in Europe.
Eastern European countries are known for being ultra-affordable to visit, saving you money on everything from food to hotels and attraction tickets.
Get a closer look at the 10 cheapest places to travel in Europe below! We share ideas for cool things to do, places to visit, and daily budgets for each one below.
1. Albania
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Albania is totally underrated, but that’s okay – it makes it one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe! Albania is brimming with natural beauty, historic castles and villages, and a gorgeous coastline with great beaches.
From mountain peaks and valleys to relaxing sandy shores and picturesque villages that feel frozen in time, Albania will amaze you and make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old-timey fairytale.
Tirana, the capital city, is excellent to check out for the food, impressive mosques and museums, Tirana Castle, Skanderbeg Square, and lush green city parks.
If lazing on the shore is more your speed, head to the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil Islands to soak up the sunshine. The Albanian Alps are perfect for outdoor adventurers!
- Daily budget: $30-$50/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $15-$100/night, depending on your choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: November-February, but June-August is still cheap and better for beaches
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
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You’ll be welcomed with open arms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the cost to visit is incredibly low and the scenery is impeccable. National parks, scenic train routes, and history museums make it worth visiting.
Most people head to Sarajevo, the capital, for historic tours, great food, and plenty of options for hostels and hotels. Take the scenic 2-hour train ride over to nearby Mostar – it’ll be one of the highlights of your trip!
Kravice Falls is stunning to see in person, while Una National Park offers natural beauty with great hiking trails along the rushing Una River. Ride the cable car up Trebevic Mountain for unmatched views!
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a fascinating history and you’ll find attractions, memorials, and monuments throughout the country if you’re interested in learning while you’re here.
- Daily budget: $45-$65/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $15-$45/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: October-March, when it’s chilly and hotel rates reach their annual low
3. Bulgaria
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Charming Bulgaria offers travelers a budget-friendly option packed with history, sprawling national parks, surprisingly great beaches, mountain scenery, and thriving nightlife.
Situated on the Black Sea, Bulgarian beaches like Sozopol Central Beach, Sunny Beach, and Varna Beach are a great place to spend your trip splashing and lounging on the sand.
Don’t skip Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Pirin Mountains boasting waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and crystal-clear alpine lakes with great hiking trails.
You’ll find the best nightlife in Bulgaria’s beach towns on the Black Sea, but Sofia (the capital) is the hub for historic architecture like the 4th-century Boyana Church, museums, great food, and nice parks.
- Daily budget: $30-$50/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $15-$45/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: November and January-February during the low season
4. Croatia
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Situated on the Adriatic Sea, the up-and-coming destination of Croatia happens to be one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe overall and there’s a lot to see and do here.
Croatia is known for its beautiful beaches and islands with wide stretches of soft, white sand and unbelievably blue water that makes you feel transported to a tropical destination.
Here for an adventure? You’ll feel right at home in Croatia’s stunning national parks, including Brijuni National Park on an island archipelago and Krka National Park on the river by the same name with a series of 7 cascading waterfalls.
The most popular coastal cities, like Dubrovnik and Split, are still budget-friendly but more expensive to visit than other stellar locations like Zagreb (the capital), Pula, Zadar, and Tisno.
- Daily budget: $50-$70/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $20-$50/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: September-April with lower cost on flights, hotels, and attractions
5. Hungary
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Hungry for an epic, historic European trip that won’t break the bank? Head to Hungary, where you’ll be among world-famous cities, historic architecture, beautiful scenery, thermal baths, and national parks.
Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is a favorite spot for travelers who want to connect with Hungary’s past and see stunning relics of history in castles, cathedrals, old bridges, and ancient ruins in the UNESCO site of Buda Old Town.
Just outside Budapest, you’ll find Eastern Europe’s largest lake at Lake Balaton. Head North to Aggtelek National Park to check out amazing dripstone caves and cool rock formations.
Travelers love Eger, which boasts a medieval military fortress/castle and the unique City Under the City, a network of underground archbishop cellars that feature huge cement arches and offer guided tours.
- Daily budget: $40-$60/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $20-$50/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: January-February after the holiday rush
6. Montenegro
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Montenegro is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, sharing borders with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia (all excellent, affordable destinations).
Montenegro is as beautiful and scenic as it is historic. You’ll find UNESCO World Heritage Sites, gorgeous scenery, mountains, canyons, beaches, medieval monasteries, and more.
Here, you can have outdoor adventures among glaciers, mountains, and beaches, take walking tours through the capital Podgorica (check out the impressive Clock Tower) or the cultural capital of Cetinje.
Hike through the great national parks, like Lovcen National Park in Cetinje, and head to coastal Kotor (2,000 years old) or the small islet of Sveti Stefan to soak up the sun on a golden beach.
- Daily budget: $40-$60/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $10-$40/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: Shoulder season months of May and September for cheaper hotels
7. North Macedonia
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You probably haven’t considered traveling to North Macedonia before, but it’s actually a stunning and affordable European destination!
North Macedonia is surrounded by majestic mountains and canyons, dotted with clear alpine lakes, packed with charming villages, and home to a bustling capital (Skopje) with nightlife and good food.
Skopje’s Old Town is where most travelers start their trip, visiting the Old Bazaar market, sightseeing, exploring archaeological sites, and visiting cathedrals and museums.
Don’t skip Pelister National Park, one of the country’s biggest attractions with hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and tons of outdoor activities.
Pelister’s Eyes are 2 tranquil alpine lakes sitting high up with gorgeous views of the mountainous scenery. You’ll also appreciate the beauty of Lake Ohrid, which North Macedonia shares with Albania.
- Daily budget: $30-$50/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $15-$45/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: September-December and April-June see the lowest hotel prices
8. Poland
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With a somber past and painful history, Poland isn’t always a destination travelers think of when planning a budget-friendly trip to Europe. That’s a shame, because this affordable country is well worth visiting!
Come for its historic cities, museums, beautiful national parks, lakes, and forests, great beaches, and delicious Polish cuisine. History buffs will especially appreciate a trip to Poland.
You can tour the solemn Auschwitz-Berkenau Memorial and Museum and countless museums like the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the National Museum in Warsaw to study the country’s history.
Warsaw (the capital) and Krakow are typically the most popular cities to visit with great nightlife, but if you wander off to the Baltic Sea coast, you’ll find nice beaches in Gdansk and Sopot.
Get a sense of the country’s natural beauty with mountainous, coastal, and sprawling plains scenery in the center of Europe. Tatra National Park, Ojcowski National Park, and the Bialowieza Forest Reserve are stunning.
- Daily budget: $35-$55/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $15-$45/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: February has the cheapest flights and hotel rates
9. Romania
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Picture small, time-forgotten villages juxtaposed with bustling cities packed with history and attractions in a beautiful natural setting among the rugged Carpathian Mountains – that’s Romania.
Romania is very cheap to visit, but it’s also genuinely gorgeous and full of adventures, history, and sightseeing. Where else can you see the castle (Bran Castle) that inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”?
Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is famous for its preserved Old Town with centuries-old architecture, cathedrals, and museums. Grab a bite to eat and a cheap room before heading out to see the rest of the country!
Peles Castle, the Salina Turda salt mines, the medieval Transylvanian, stone-paved cities of Brașov and Sibiu, and nice beaches like Plaja Corbu and Plaja Mamaia on the Black Sea.
- Daily budget: $40-$60/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $15-$45/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: January is cheap and perfect sleigh rides through Transylvania
10. Serbia
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Another unexpected travel destination on the cheap is Serbia, a fascinating country with mountains, mighty rivers, famous national parks, and an amazing capital city to explore.
Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, is home to the ancient Belgrade Fortress that first began construction in the 2nd century. This enduring fortress is impressive and the first thing you’ll want to see in the city!
Foodies will appreciate Serbia’s melting pot cuisine with influences from the Mediterranean and the Middle East in its flavors. Belgrade is packed with restaurants, but Novi Sad and Nis are other great options.
Tara National Park and Fruska Gora National Park will get you up-close and personal with Serbia’s magnificent mountainous scenery, rivers, and hills.
Đavolja Varoš, or Devil’s Town, is a must-see natural rock formation in Serbia’s Radan Mountains with lots of rocky pyramids rising up next to acid mineral springs.
- Daily budget: $40-$60/day for food, tours, attractions, and shopping
- Accommodations: $15-$100/night, depending on choice of hostel/hotel
- Cheapest time to visit: November-March during ski season is very affordable
Things to Consider
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What should you think about before you decide to visit one of the cheapest countries in Europe? Here are some helpful travel tips to keep in mind as you start the research and planning process.
- Mind the language barrier. There are 100+ languages spoken in Eastern Europe, from Polish to Hungarian. You’ll find that many younger people commonly speak English in these countries, but it’s a good idea to learn some token words and phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting.
- Check for travel advisories. The current Russia-Ukraine conflict, heightened crime rates in some areas, and recent instances of terrorism that can affect traveler safety. Before you decide to visit one of these European countries, check with the U.S. Department of State online to see if there are any current travel advisories issued.
- Pack for the season. The cheapest places to travel in Europe are affordable year-round, but you’ll often find that the lowest prices fall during the low season (which may be warm or cool, depending on the location). Pack accordingly, bringing layers and cold weather gear if you’re visiting in fall or winter and bringing bathing suits and lightweight fabrics for spring and summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Still have a few questions about the cheapest places to travel in Europe and how much you’ll need to spend per day? Check out the FAQs below to learn more!
Which country in Europe is cheapest to visit?
Bulgaria is the cheapest country in Europe to visit with an average traveler daily budget around $30-$50 and hostels/hotels as cheap as $15/night.
North Macedonia ($30-$50/day and $15-$45/night) and Albania ($30-$50/day and $15-$100/night) are the next 2 cheapest countries to visit in Europe, helping stretch your travel budget further.
What is the best way to travel Europe on a budget?
The best way to travel Europe on a budget is visiting countries with the most affordable hotels, attractions, and food. Staying in budget accommodations like hostels and rented rooms saves a lot of money!
Finding accommodations with free breakfast helps cut costs, as does using public transportation and enjoying free activities and tours whenever possible.
Where to go on holiday in Europe for cheap?
Croatia’s beaches are one of the best places to go on holiday in Europe for cheap, costing just $20-$50/night for hotels with an average daily budget around $50-$70.
The Albanian Riviera has great beaches and is another nice place to go on holiday in Europe on a budget. You’ll spend around $100/night or less and $30-$50 will cover each day’s expenses.
Is it possible to travel Europe on a budget?
Yes! It’s very possible to travel Europe on a budget, though you may want to skip over some of the most popular and expensive cities to keep costs low. The 10 places on this list are a great place to start!
Traveling Europe via trains, by bus, or even flights when you can score them cheaply is a great way to cover more countries without renting a car and driving.
Research the cheapest time to visit each country you’re interested in to save even more.
Can you do Europe on $100 a day?
You can visit some countries in Europe for $100/day or less, with most of them being in Eastern Europe.
Albania, Bosnia and Herzogovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Montenegro are all examples of European countries you can visit under $100/day.
North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, and Serbia will also cost less than $100/day. In Western Europe, you’ll spend closer to $130-$250/day, depending on the country.
So, Ready to Visit the Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe?
If you think the best places to visit in Europe are expensive, think again! The cheapest places to travel in Europe offer stunning scenery from mountains to sandy beaches, historic architecture, bustling cities and charming time-forgotten villages, and attractions from museums to outdoor activities.
You can choose to visit any of these fascinating, affordable destinations during any time of year, but we think the spring and fall are the best. So which European destination will be your next stop?