Low-Priced European Travel Destinations: Europe has a wide range of budget-friendly tourist attractions. These destinations range from the cities to the country retreats, and they have low-cost accommodation, good but cheap food, and economical transportation. Below, we rounded up the best European countries where you can get the most memorable trip without breaking the bank.
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1. Poland
Poland is a land of history, landscapes and cities, and it’s the best cheap European vacation destination for you. You can start from Kraków, where free walking tours lead through the medieval Old Town and Wawel Castle. Nearby the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial offers an emotional moment in history, which you can get inside for a modest price. Warsaw’s synthesis of the modern and the past can be best appreciated in the rebuilt Old Town, with museums having free or discounted entry tickets on specific days. Gdansk is a Baltic Sea port of brightly painted buildings and cheap holiday destinations.
Poland’s natural beauty is equally accessible, from the Tatra Mountains near Zakopane (great for affordable hiking) to the serene Masurian Lakes region, ideal for budget-friendly water activities. The country’s affordable public transportation and inexpensive, hearty Polish cuisine make travel easy and cost-effective. Overall, Poland provides a wide range of experiences for travelers looking for a European getaway that won’t break the bank.
2. Hungary
Hungary is a beautiful, cheap and affordable European country. Budapest, the capital, is well known for thermal baths (such as Széchenyi), which are not expensive and an amazing cultural experience. Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion offer breathtaking views at no charge or nominal fees, while guided walks will take you deep into Budapest’s history and art.
Out of Budapest, Lake Balaton offers inexpensive beach and water activities. Hungary’s cheap and fast public transport makes travel convenient and local food such as goulash is easily available. Hungary offers history, natural scenery, and inexpensive accommodations that make it an ideal destination for low-budget travelers looking for a cultural getaway.
3. Romania
Romania is a wonderland of history, nature and culture on a budget. Let’s start from Bucharest, where the Palace of the Parliament provides a glimpse into magnificent times, and wandering through the medieval Old Town is superb. You can explore Bran Castle (home of Dracula) and the medieval city of Brașov in Transylvania, all within walking distance and with no entry costs.
For those interested in the wild, it is cheaper than in many places to hike through the Carpathian Mountains or discover Europe’s biggest wetland – the UNESCO-protected Danube Delta. Public transport and cheap domestic flights make traveling affordable in Romania, and the local cuisine is traditional and cheap. In general, Romania is packed with a diverse range of experiences that don’t blow your budget.
4. Bulgaria
Bulgaria, which provides many attractions at affordable cost, is one of the lesser known places in Europe. You can take a walk through Sofia’s historical places, such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or Vitosha Boulevard, and eat and shop at low prices. Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is famous for its Ancient Theatre and its Old Town ideal for history enthusiasts.
It offers budget trips to Rila Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site in the mountains, or trekking to Seven Rila Lakes. The Black Sea Coast and resorts such as Sunny Beach and Sozopol are great places to enjoy low-cost relaxation by the sea.
Affordable hotel accommodation, cheap public transport and good Bulgarian food (banitsa, kebab) make Bulgaria the perfect destination for anyone who wants quality at an affordable price.
5. Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful but cheap place to explore. Lisbon’s Tram 28 takes you on a panoramic and cheap sightseeing trip, with free or cheap entry to attractions such as the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Porto, with its port wine, is well known for its cheap tastings and scenic views of the river Douro.
Those who love the outdoors can visit Sintra’s castles and sunbathe on the Algarve’s white beaches (both are easily reached through cheap transportation). Hiking in the Douro Valley or on the Rota Vicentina will offer you beautiful landscapes for virtually no cost. Portugal’s hotels, local food and public transport are so cheap, which makes it the perfect destination for budget travelers.
6. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of the cheap European gems. The capital, Prague, is famous for its reasonable sights, such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and Old Town Square, home to the Astronomical Clock. There are many such places that are either free to enter or minimally expensive to visit.
You can go for a walk in the fairytale town of Český Krumlov, which has a beautiful castle and narrow streets that are suitable for a budget visitor. Nature explorers might head for Bohemian Switzerland or the Adršpach Rocks, which are both within easy reach through transportation.
Czech meals, such as rich goulash or trdelník, are good and cheap, and the country’s famous beer is also not expensive. The Czech Republic is a good place to travel for a calculated trip.
7. Slovakia
Slovakia is the perfect choice for travelers who want some experience at an affordable price. Start in Bratislava, the Old Town, Bratislava Castle and the Blue Church are all accessible easily. Take a walk on the Danube River for sightseeing.
Trekking or skiing on a budget in the High Tatras Mountains or the gorges and waterfalls of Slovak Paradise National Park are all worth exploring. Spiš Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an affordable but fantastic historical journey.
Public transportation is cheap, connecting major cities and parks. The delicious local cuisine such as bryndzové halušky (cheese dumplings) and low-cost hotels ensure that your Slovakian trip will not break the bank.
8. Croatia (Off-season)
There is so much to offer in Croatia, both in the form of beautiful coastline, history, and natural scenery. Visit Dubrovnik’s Old Town, referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, and wander the city walls. In Split, check out Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll along the lively Riva promenade.
You can also visit Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park for its majestic waterfalls and hiking paths. The islands of Hvar and Korčula boast wonderful beaches and cities, and Zagreb’s museums and markets offer urban beauty. Croatia is accessible to everyone because of its cheap ferries, regional food, and cheap accommodation. You don’t need to break your budget to enjoy Croatia.
9. Greece (Mainland)
Mainland Greece has an array of amazing experiences for tourists. In Athens, you can visit the Acropolis to admire ancient monuments such as the Parthenon and explore the vibrant Plaka neighborhood. Learn about Delphi, Apollo’s ancient temple, with its beautiful mountain setting.
If you love the great natural scenery, then Meteora is worth a visit, with its mountains and monasteries. Visit Thessaloniki for Byzantine culture and nightlife. The Peloponnese has Mycenae and Epidaurus, ruined villages, and idyllic beaches and olive trees.
Cheap Greek food, good public transport and affordable accommodations are a few of the things that make a tour around Greece’s mainland possible and enjoyable.
10. Serbia
Serbia has something to offer everyone. In Belgrade, check out the old Belgrade Fortress, which stands over the meeting point of the Sava and Danube Rivers, and stroll through the buzzing Skadarlija district. Novi Sad, with the Petrovaradin Fortress, is the place for history enthusiasts and home to the EXIT music festival.
Nature enthusiasts can hike in Tara National Park, explore Đerdap Gorge (Iron Gates) or visit Uvac Canyon, which is a fork of the river and home to griffon vultures. The small town of Niš, with its Roman ruins and café scene, is beautiful.
Serbia’s low-cost public transportation, low-cost accommodations and great local cuisine make it the perfect budget option for everyone.
They are great destinations that can help you save money on your trip. It’s also helpful to travel during off-peak periods and take the public transport or travel cards.
