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!
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