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If you’re dreaming of exploring Europe without going broke, you’re in the right place! Europe is full of stunning destinations that won’t break the bank, you just have to do a bit of research (and as your resident type A blogger, I got you covered). From impressive cities to wild nature, there are plenty of budget-friendly spots where you can have a great trip without spending a fortune.
In this article, I’ll dive into some of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, highlighting accommodation and food prices to help you plan your holiday. Whether you’re looking for a old style architecture or a relaxing getaway, the below countries offer amazing experiences at wallet-friendly prices. So pack your bags and get ready to discover how far your travel budget can take you in lessor visited Europe!
Romania
Romania is a fantastic choice for budget travelers in Europe. You can find budget hotels and guesthouses across the country, with prices often ranging from 20 to 40 euros per night. This makes it easy to explore the country without spending a fortune. Whether you’re visiting a big city or a small town, you wont have to fork out a load for accommodation.
When it comes to dining, Romania is equally affordable. A meal at a local restaurant typically costs between 5 and 10 euros, and street food is even cheaper, often under 5 euros. Romania also has a ton of beautiful and historic sites to explore, so its not like you’re missing out by trying to save money. Many of these attractions, like medieval castles and historic towns, are either free or have very low entry fees. With such low costs for food, lodging, and sightseeing, Romania is an excellent destination for those looking to experience Europe without overspending.
Albania
Albania is another top pick for travelers on a tight budget, or those simply wanting their dollar to go further. Affordable accommodation options are easier to find than in Western Europe, with budget hotels and guesthouses typically costing between €15 and €30 per night.
Eating out in Albania is also very cheap compared to other European destinations. A meal at a local restaurant usually costs between €5 and €10, and street food is even less, often around €3 to €5.
Attractions in Albania are lesser known, but there is a lot to see here, from coastal cities to small mountain towns. Many stunning sites, like ancient ruins and beautiful beaches, are either free or have a small entry fee. With such low prices for accommodations, food, and sightseeing, Albania is an excellent choice for those looking to explore Europe on a budget.
Hungary
Hungary is a fantastic destination with its bustling capital, Budapest, offering interesting attractions like the historic Buda Castle and the relaxing Széchenyi Thermal Bath. The country has a nice blend of history, beautiful architecture, and affordable prices, which makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking both culture and value.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, budget hotels and hostels in Hungary are considerably cheaper than in France and Switzerland, with rates typically ranging from €20 to €40 per night. This makes it easy to find comfortable accommodation without spending a lot of money.
Dining in Hungary is also easy on the wallet. You can enjoy a decent meal at a local restaurant for about €6 to €12, and cheaper for street food. There are also many free attractions in the country, and those with price tags are often on the lower end of the scale.
Slovenia
Slovenia is probably more of a mid visited country in Europe, not quite as popular as France, but it’s a place quite often on travellers’ itineraries. Still, it is relatively cheap to travel to, especially if you don’t mind cheaper accommodations. There are definitely some bargains out there for backpackers.
Ljubljana, the capital city, is famous for its old town, markets, and the stunning Ljubljana Castle perched above the city. Just a short drive away, Lake Bled offers breathtaking views with its calm waters and a tiny island featuring a beautiful church.
For getting out in nature, the Triglav National Park provides a range of hiking trails and stunning landscapes. And don’t miss the Postojna Cave, an incredible underground wonder with impressive rock formations and a train ride through the cave system. Slovenia’s mix of natural beauty and city life makes it a must-visit destination.
Despite Slovenia’s growing popularity, you can still find affordable hostel and hotel options, with costs normally costing between €20 and €40 per night. Mid-range hotels generally range from €50 to €80 per night, so prices in this range are getting closer to Western Europe costs. Cheap restaurant meals usually costs around €10 to €15, but you may be able to save even more money by eating street food.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria combines history, stunning landscapes, and low costs, making it a great value for travelers. One of the best places to visit in Bulgaria is Sofia, the capital city, which is pretty and flanked by mountains. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a prominent landmark with its impressive architecture. The Roman ruins of Serdica, located in the city center, offer a glimpse into Bulgaria’s ancient past.
Another must-visit is Plovdiv, known for its well-preserved Roman Theatre and Old Town. Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and features beautiful architecture ready and waiting for you to take photos of it. Additionally, the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a significant cultural and historical landmark set in the Rila Mountains. Its frescoes and calm setting make it a popular destination to visit for travelers.
Accommodation prices in Bulgaria will make your wallet happy, with hostels and guesthouses typically costing between €10 and €25 per night. More expensive hotels are available for around €30 to €60 per night. Dining out is also really affordable, with meals at casual restaurants usually costing about €8 to €15. A nicer restaurant generally costs between €20 and €30.
Slovakia
Slovakia is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking an affordable European adventure. The country offers budget-friendly accommodation, with hostels and guesthouses typically costing between €15 and €30 per night. Middle range hotels are also reasonably priced, ranging from €35 to €60 per night. Food is affordable too, with meals at cheaper restaurants generally costing around €8 to €12, and a mid-range restaurant costing between €20 and €30.
Now that the basics are out of the way, what is there to actually see in Slovakia? Lets start with the capital, Bratislava. Key attractions include the Bratislava Castle, which offers beautiful views of the city and the Danube River, and the city’s Old Town, known for its narrow streets and colorful buildings. Another highlight is the Michael’s Gate, a notable tower that provides a glimpse into the city’s past and has great views from its top.
Another must-visit is the High Tatras, a mountain range ideal for hiking, skiing, and enjoying the alpine scenery. The region is a must see if you love exploring the natural attractions of a country. Additionally, the medieval town of Košice is a highlight with its beautifully preserved historic buildings, including the impressive St. Elisabeth Cathedral, which is the largest church in Slovakia. Košice’s lively main street, Hlavná ulica, is lined with cafes, shops, and classic European architecture, making it a great spot to explore on foot.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a cool but cheap place to visit in Europe. Accommodation here is quite frifty, with budget options like hostels and guesthouses available for around €10 to €25 per night. Mid-range hotels typically range from €30 to €60 per night, so still much better priced than the more visited countries in Europe. For food, a meal at a low-cost restaurant usually costs about €7 to €12, while prices at a mid-range restaurant will be closer to €20 to €35.
Sarajevo, the capital city, is a highlight for visitors. The Old Bazaar, or Baščaršija, is a busy area full of traditional shops and eateries. Another key attraction is the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, which offers insights into the city’s history during the Bosnian War. Also, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, one of the most significant Ottoman structures in the city, is worth viewing.
Mostar is famous for Stari Most, or Old Bridge, which arches over the Neretva River. The bridge is an iconic symbol of the city and offers stunning views. Technically you can jump off this bridge, but it’s a long drop. There is a dive school nearby which will supervise your jump and this seems to be the only way you should do it.
Additionally, the town of Mostar has a charming old town area with cobblestone streets and traditional Ottoman architecture.
Kosovo
Kosovo is another good option for traveling on a budget. One of the key places to visit in Kosovo is the capital city, Pristina, which offers a mix of modern and historical attractions. The Mother Teresa Square is a central landmark, honoring the famous humanitarian. Another notable site is the UNESCO-listed medieval monastery of Visoki Dečani, known for its impressive frescoes and historical significance.
Lodging prices are quite low in Kosovo, with budget hostels and guesthouses typically costing between €15 and €30 per night. For a more impressive hotel, you’re looking at €35 to €60 per night. Dining is also affordable, with a meal at a low-cost restaurant generally costing €5 to €15.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia is a fantastic destination for people visiting Europe on the cheap, providing an affordable European experience without spending your life savings. One of the country’s most famous attractions is Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site which is well known for its crystal-clear waters.
The town of Ohrid, situated on the lake’s shores, is dotted with ancient churches and monasteries, giving you plenty to explore. Another highlight is the capital city, Skopje, where you can check out the Old Bazaar, admire the striking architecture of the Stone Bridge, and visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.
The city of Bitola offers visitors a glimpse into Macedonia’s Ottoman past with its well-preserved architecture. The nearby ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis provide a fascinating look at Roman history with its impressive mosaics and remnants of a once-thriving city.
Accommodation in North Macedonia is good value, with budget hotels and guesthouses costing €15 – €30 per night. For those looking to save on food, a meal at a cheap restaurant usually costs around €7 to €12, while a meal at a nicer restaurant is about €15 – €25.
Montenegro
Montenegro is an excellent destination for budget travelers, and being lesser known, you wont get buried in tourists there. One of Montenegro’s main attractions is the striking Bay of Kotor, where you can explore the historic town of Kotor with its medieval walls, narrow streets, and picturesque harbor. The bay offers incredible views and plenty of opportunities for long meandering walks and boat trips.
Another great place to visit is the coastal town of Budva, known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and old town with ancient city walls.
Additionally, Durmitor National Park is a must-visit for a dose of wild natural scenery, featuring dramatic mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and brilliant hiking opportunities. The park is perfect for trekking and rafting, depending on the time of the year.
For accommodation, you can expect to pay around 20-40 euros a night for a cheap guest house, with prices doubling for something middle of the range. Mid range hotels here can get close to western Europe prices so you may need to look around if you’re determined not to lower your standards. You can get a cheap meal from 8-15 euros and prices can jump towards 20-30 euros at a nice restaurant.
Estonia
Estonia is an affordable destination in Europe, offering you heaps of chances to save compared to Western Europe. Accommodation prices in Estonia vary widely, but you can generally find budget options like hostels or guesthouses for around €15 to €30 per night. Mid-range hotels typically cost between €40 and €80 per night. For dining, a meal at an budget restaurant usually costs about €10 to €15, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can be around €25 to €40. So if you want to splurge on a fancy restaurant at some point in your trip, you’ll get more value for you money in Estonia.
Tallinn, the capital city, is a top attraction with its well-preserved medieval architecture and a quaint Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Tallinn Town Hall and its surrounding square are central to the city’s history. Another must-see is the Kadriorg Palace, built by Gaetano Chiaveri and Mikhail Zemtsov (at the order of Peter the Great). Side note: loved the netflix show, ‘The Great’, hated the ending.
If you like nature, Lahemaa National Park is a great place to visit while in the country. It’s Estonia’s largest national park and offers a pretty backdrop, hiking trails, and a rustic walkway making it feel not so touristy. The park is easily accessible from Tallinn and provides a escape into the country’s natural beauty after taking in all the architecture. Overall, Estonia is a great place to visit in Europe on a budget for a mix of architecture and nature.
So as you can see there are tons of countries that are relatively affordable in Europe. Sure, you wont get similar prices to Asia, but you can definitely lower your travel budget by choosing to spend more time in one of these cheaper countries.
Some of these countries don’t immediately jump to mind when you think of famous European destinations, but others like Slovenia are firmly on the tourist trail. So enjoy planning your trip and I hope you’re able to save some of your travel budget while planning a trip of a lifetime.
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