Tag Archive for: Affordable European destinations

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10 Cheapest Countries in Europe for Budget Travelers (2025)

Europe is a dream destination; however, it doesn’t have to break the bank! From medieval towns to stunning coastlines, these cheapest countries in Europe offer incredible experiences for budget travelers.

Moreover, whether you’re a backpacker or a mid-range traveler, you can explore these destinations for as little as $30 per day. Let’s dive into the most affordable countries in Europe for an unforgettable yet budget-friendly adventure.

📺 Watch our video for more insights:


How We Calculated Travel Costs for the Cheapest Countries in Europe

We’ve estimated daily travel costs based on two common travel styles:

✔ Backpackers: Budget hostels or 1-star hotels, street food, public transport, and free attractions.
✔ Average Budget Travelers: 2-3 star hotels, local restaurants, limited taxis, and a mix of free & paid attractions.

As a result, these budget estimates help travelers plan their expenses efficiently.

Now, let’s explore the cheapest destinations in Europe!

Top 10 Cheapest Countries in Europe for Budget Travelers

10. Portugal 🇵🇹 – A Top Pick for Budget Travel in Europe

💰 Daily Budget: $35 – $50

Portugal offers a Mediterranean experience at a fraction of the cost compared to Spain or Italy. In addition, Lisbon’s historic trams, Porto’s wine cellars, and Algarve’s beaches make it an unbeatable destination.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Porto, Lisbon, Sintra, Algarve
💡 Budget Tip: For example, opt for local “tascas” for cheap, delicious Portuguese meals.

9. Czech Republic 🇨🇿 – History Without the High Prices

💰 Daily Budget: $30 – $45

Prague might be pricier; however, the rest of the Czech Republic is an affordable paradise for travelers. Moreover, medieval towns, stunning castles, and vibrant nightlife await you.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Český Krumlov, Brno, Karlovy Vary
💡 Budget Tip: On the other hand, avoiding tourist-heavy restaurants in Prague will help you save money.

8. Poland 🇵🇱 – One of the Cheapest Countries in Europe

💰 Daily Budget: $25 – $40

Poland is one of the best value-for-money countries in Europe. Furthermore, you can enjoy hearty meals, stunning castles, and low-cost accommodations in vibrant cities.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Krakow, Wroclaw, Zakopane
💡 Budget Tip: In particular, take advantage of Poland’s free walking tours in major cities.

7. Hungary 🇭🇺 – Affordable Culture & Nightlife

💰 Daily Budget: $30 – $45

With its famous thermal baths, historic sites, and lively nightlife, Hungary remains a budget-friendly gem in Eastern Europe. Additionally, the country offers excellent public transport, making it easy to explore on a budget.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Budapest, Eger, Lake Balaton
💡 Budget Tip: Public thermal baths offer an authentic Hungarian experience at low prices.

6. Slovakia 🇸🇰 – A Hidden Gem for Budget Travel in Europe

💰 Daily Budget: $25 – $40

Slovakia is a less-traveled yet beautiful country with medieval castles, fairytale towns, and scenic nature spots. In contrast to its neighbors, Slovakia remains significantly more affordable.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Bratislava, High Tatras, Košice
💡 Budget Tip: Trains are affordable and scenic—use them for intercity travel.

5. Albania 🇦🇱 – Mediterranean Beauty on a Budget

💰 Daily Budget: $20 – $35

Albania offers stunning beaches. As a result, it’s a fantastic alternative to Greece and Italy without the high prices.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Tirana, Berat, Ksamil, Gjirokastër
💡 Budget Tip: The Albanian Riviera is a must-visit for Mediterranean vibes without the high costs.

4. Bulgaria 🇧🇬 – Budget Skiing & Beach Getaways

💰 Daily Budget: $20 – $35

Bulgaria is one of the cheapest European countries, offering affordable ski resorts, Black Sea beaches, and historic towns. In comparison to Western Europe, prices here are significantly lower.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Sofia, Plovdiv, Bansko
💡 Budget Tip: Try traditional Bulgarian food at local taverns—delicious and super cheap!

3. Romania 🇷🇴 – Castles & Scenic Landscapes for Less

💰 Daily Budget: $25 – $40

Romania boasts medieval castles, scenic countryside, and lively cities—all at a fraction of Western European prices. Furthermore, the country offers a unique mix of rich history and breathtaking landscapes.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Transylvania, Bucharest, Sibiu
💡 Budget Tip: Use BlaBlaCar (ride-sharing) for cheap intercity travel.

2. Georgia 🇬🇪 – A Budget-Friendly Treasure in Europe

💰 Daily Budget: $20 – $35

Georgia is one of the cheapest and most underrated countries in Europe, with breathtaking landscapes, ancient cities, and delicious food. Surprisingly, it remains highly affordable despite offering world-class experiences.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kazbegi
💡 Budget Tip: Try local wines—often cheaper than water!

1. Serbia 🇷🇸 – The Best Cheap Travel Destination in Europe

💰 Daily Budget: $20 – $35

Serbia is an Eastern European bargain. In addition, it offers lively cities, natural wonders, and low-cost living, making it perfect for budget travelers.

📍 Budget-Friendly Spots: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Tara National Park
💡 Budget Tip: Serbia’s nightlife is affordable and vibrant—a must-experience!

Final Thoughts – Exploring the Cheapest Countries in Europe on a Budget!

Traveling through Europe on a budget is more than possible! Moreover, these 10 cheap countries let you experience Europe for as little as $20 per day.

💬 Which of these budget-friendly destinations interests you the most? Let us know in the comments!

📺 Watch our full YouTube video:


🔔 Subscribe for more budget travel tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlobalStroll

🔗 Looking for more affordable destinations? Check out our Best Budget Travel Tips.

💬 Have questions about budget travel in Europe? Want personalized recommendations or collaborations? Contact us here, and we’ll be happy to help!

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Travel Europe on a Budget: 5 Cities Under $100/Day!

Europe is a dream destination; however, traveling here doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re searching for cheap European cities that offer rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious food at a fraction of the cost, this guide has you covered.

In this guide, we’ll reveal five of the cheapest European destinations where you can travel for under $100 a day, including budget-friendly places to stay, eat, and explore.

📺 Watch our full video on these affordable destinations!

How We Chose These Cheap European Cities

We selected these affordable European destinations based on:

✔ Daily travel costs – Budget stays, cheap eats, and transport costs.
✔ Free or low-cost attractions – Museums, historic sites, and scenic spots.
✔ Authentic experiences – Cultural activities and local food that won’t break the bank.

Now that we’ve covered how we selected these destinations, let’s dive into the cheapest European cities to visit in 2025!

1. Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱 – One of the Best Cheap European Cities for History Lovers

💰 Daily Budget: $40 – $70

Kraków is one of the cheapest European cities, where history meets affordability. Moreover, it offers stunning medieval architecture, rich culture, and delicious food—all at budget prices.

📍 Where to Stay: Bubble Hostel – $24 per night
🍽 Cheap Eats: Bar Mleczny (Polish milk bar) – Hearty meals for $5-$7
🚆 Getting Around: 24-hour tram and bus pass for just $3

Top Budget Attractions

✅ Walk through Wawel Castle and the Old Town (Free!). Additionally, the area is perfect for budget-friendly sightseeing.
✅ Visit Auschwitz Museum (Book directly for lower ticket prices). For an even better experience, opt for an early morning slot to avoid crowds.
✅ Enjoy free museum entries on Sundays (Check the local schedule!). This is an excellent way to experience Kraków’s history without extra costs.

📌 Why Visit? Not only is Kraków beautiful, but it also offers an amazing experience for budget travelers. Furthermore, it is easy to navigate, safe, and filled with unique attractions.prices.

2. Tirana, Albania 🇦🇱 – Europe’s Most Affordable Hidden Gem

💰 Daily Budget: $30 – $60

Tirana is not only one of the cheapest European cities but also one of the most colorful. Surprisingly, its affordability does not come at the cost of excitement. Instead, it is a city bursting with culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

📍 Where to Stay: Mosaic Home Hostel – $16 per night
🍽 Cheap Eats: Tavë Kosi at Oda Restaurant – Traditional meal for $8-$10
🚌 Getting Around: Bus rides for just $0.40 per trip!

Top Budget Attractions

✅ Take a free walking tour to explore Tirana’s communist history. This is one of the best ways to learn about the city while saving money.
✅ Ride the Dajti Express Cable Car for city views ($6). Even better, visit at sunset for stunning panoramic scenery.
✅ Use the EcoGo app instead of taxis to avoid overcharging. As a result, you’ll save money and travel more efficiently.

📌 Why Visit? Tirana is an exciting, budget-friendly city. Moreover, it provides a unique cultural experience at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.

3. Sofia, Bulgaria 🇧🇬 – A Culture-Rich, Budget-Friendly European City

💰 Daily Budget: $35 – $65

Sofia is one of the best budget-friendly European capitals. In addition, it offers stunning architecture, natural hot springs, and rich cultural history—all without the expensive price tag.

📍 Where to Stay: Hostel Mostel – $18 per night (includes breakfast!)
🍽 Cheap Eats: Shopska Salad + grilled meats at Moma Bulgarian Food – $8-$10
🚇 Getting Around: Full-day metro & bus pass for just $2

Top Budget Attractions

✅ Hike Vitosha Mountain (Completely free!). On top of that, the trails are easy to navigate and great for all skill levels.
✅ Visit natural mineral springs—locals fill their bottles for free! In addition, you can find these springs in many areas of the city.
✅ Explore Sofia’s historic churches and markets. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also some of the most affordable attractions.

📌 Why Visit? Sofia is not just cheap; it’s also packed with culture, nature, and authentic experiences. Even better, it remains one of the least crowded European capitals.

4. Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹 – A Cheap European City with Scenic Views

💰 Daily Budget: $50 – $90

💰 Daily Budget: $50 – $90

Porto is a beautiful European city that remains budget-friendly. Moreover, it offers rich history, scenic river views, and incredible food—all at a lower price than Lisbon.

📍 Where to Stay: Onefam Ribeira Hostel – $30 per night
🍽 Cheap Eats: Francesinha sandwich at Café Santiago – $7
🚇 Getting Around: 24-hour metro pass for $6.60

Top Budget Attractions

✅ Visit port wine cellars—tours start at just $10! Plus, some offer free tastings.
✅ Explore Livraria Lello, a stunning bookstore. Best of all, if you buy a book, the entry fee is refunded!
✅ Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge for breathtaking sunset views. Since it’s free, this is a must-do!

📌 Why Visit? Porto isn’t just affordable—it’s stunningly beautiful. Additionally, its low-cost food and cultural sites make it one of the best cheap European cities.

5. Valencia, Spain 🇪🇸 – A Cheap European City with Mediterranean Charm

💰 Daily Budget: $50 – $95

Valencia is cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid yet still offers Mediterranean beaches, historic landmarks, and mouthwatering food at affordable prices. As a result, it’s a great alternative for travelers looking for a Spanish experience without the high costs.

📍 Where to Stay: The River Hostel – $30 per night
🍽 Cheap Eats: Paella Valenciana – $8-$10 near Albufera
🚇 Getting Around: SUMA 10 Card (10 rides for $8)

Top Budget Attractions

✅ Stroll through Turia Gardens, a massive free park built on a former riverbed. It’s perfect for relaxing or biking.
✅ Enjoy free museum entries on Sundays. (Be sure to check local schedules!)
✅ Visit the City of Arts and Sciences—even the exterior is stunning. Plus, simply walking around the complex costs nothing!

📌 Why Visit? Valencia is a budget-friendly Mediterranean city that combines sunshine, history, and affordability. Furthermore, it’s an excellent destination for travelers who want culture and beach time without the high price tag.

Final Thoughts – The Cheapest Cities in Europe for 2025

Traveling to Europe on a budget is absolutely possible. By choosing these affordable cities, you can enjoy world-class history, food, and culture—all for less than $100 per day.

💬 Which of these budget-friendly European cities is on your list? Let us know in the comments!

📺 Watch our full YouTube video for more cheap European destinations!

🔔 Subscribe for more budget travel tips!
https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlobalStroll

🔗 Looking for more affordable destinations? Check out our Best Budget Travel Tips.

💬 Have questions about budget travel in Europe? Want personalized recommendations or collaborations? Contact us here, and we’ll be happy to help!

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