While Europe is known as a luxurious getaway destination, many cities appeal to travelers on a budget.
Mainstream European vacation spots like Paris and London are famous for their elegant cityscapes. Budget-conscious visitors may struggle to find affordable food, lodging, and activities in these tourist hotspots. Instead, consider planning a trip to one of Europe’s more cost-effective destinations.
These must-visit European cities have much to offer tourists and won’t break the bank.
Athens, Greece
Budget-minded lovers of the past will enjoy visiting Athens. Athens is Greece’s capital city and a cultural hub for ancient Greek mythology and history. The town has seven districts home to world-famous monuments such as the Parthenon and Acropolis.
Athens’s relatively low travel costs make it ideal for tourists seeking affordability. The city is pedestrian-friendly, and many iconic landmarks and museums are free to enjoy. Numerous cheap and delicious dining options can also be found throughout Athens.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is an affordable place to learn about authentic Portuguese culture. The local cuisine, attractions, and cityscape are vibrant and diverse, attracting worldwide visitors. Many famous sights in the city are cheap or free, keeping vacation costs low.
Lisbon’s coastal setting is scenic and relaxing, though the city offers much excitement. Budget travelers can tour medieval castles and religious complexes for a reasonable price. Public parks, ruins, and outdoor markets throughout Lisbon are also free for visitors.
To save extra on dining, check out happy hours at rooftop bars in Lisbon, which often have deals on drinking and small plates.
Turin, Italy
Turin is a fantastic alternative to expensive Italian cities such as Milan and Rome. Its charming cityscape contrasts against the backdrop of the Alps in northern Italy. Turin’s impressive streets and city squares showcase classic Italian architecture. Despite the elegant atmosphere, Turin is a moderately priced hub for European adventures.
Turin offers visitors many wallet-friendly activities. The city has a unique blend of historic landmarks and modern attractions that are low-cost or free. Tourists on a budget can venture off the beaten path by wandering through Turin’s sprawling plazas and museums.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and a can’t-miss European destination. Located along the Danube River, Budapest is separated into two distinct areas: Buda and Pest. Buda is a relatively hilly district, while Pest is much flatter. This historic city boasts ancient ruins, expansive museums, and intricate architecture.
Budapest offers excellent value for your money compared to other major European cities. Tourists can easily sightsee Budapest’s centuries-old landmarks, thermal baths, and government buildings on a budget.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Experience over 2,000 years of history by visiting Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. Situated at the base of Vitosha Mountain, Sofia is a charming city with Greek, Turkish, and Persian influences. Sofia’s cheap activities, food, and lodging make it popular among affordable European cities.
Expect reasonable prices for most of Sofia’s top things to see and do. Visit the ancient churches, picturesque parks, and informative local museums throughout the city. Tourists can explore numerous Sofia landmarks without spending a dime.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is an underrated European city that is ideal for those seeking an affordable vacation spot. Its location on the Danube and Sava Rivers made it strategically important for ancient empires. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Belgrade has a rich history that is evident on every street corner.
Belgrade is significantly cheaper than other major European cities. The city has many budget-friendly museums, restaurants, and cultural centers. After dark, Belgrade’s lively nightlife scene allows visitors to enjoy the town’s bars and live music venues without breaking the bank.
Brasov, Romania
One of the top affordable destinations in Europe is Brasov, Romania. The Carpathian Mountains surround this medieval city in Romania’s Transylvania region. Brasov features a distinct combination of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles throughout its city center and historic district.
Dramatic churches, castles, and monuments provide cheap entertainment for tourists. Brasov’s forests and mountains also offer free year-round recreation opportunities. Travelers won’t need to splurge to enjoy a memorable trip to Brasov.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is among the best and most affordable European cities. Sometimes called The City of a Hundred Spires, Prague is a colorful, bustling city on the Vltava River. Famous Prague attractions include the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge.
Since many activities in Prague are cheap or free, it’s ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Free walking tours and museum days are excellent ways to experience the city’s top sights. There are also many riverside parks and landmarks that don’t require spending money.
Riga, Latvia
Latvia’s capital, Riga, is a unique port city with a flourishing artistic community. In 1997, due to its concentration of centuries-old buildings, central Riga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga combines traditional Latvian heritage with contemporary influences for a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Riga’s walkable city squares and Old Town district help tourists save on transportation. Various markets, monuments, and historic sites are also free to explore. Riga is famous for its museums, most of which have cheap entry fees to encourage visitors.
Krakow, Poland
Tourists traveling to Europe on a budget should consider the Polish city of Krakow. Krakow is located in southern Poland, near the Czech Republic’s border. The city’s well-preserved Renaissance-era architecture and quirky Jewish Quarter draw many global visitors.
Krakow brings history to life with its numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and medieval ruins. Visitors looking for something cheap to do in Krakow can explore the intricately designed city plazas, churches, and political offices. The Old Town neighborhood is popular among travelers who want a no-spend afternoon activity.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a fascinating city in Turkey that combines European and Asian influences. Ancient temples, ruins, and towers dominate Istanbul’s skyline overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Because of its affordable attractions, Istanbul is a top budget-friendly destination in Europe.
Millions of people flock to Istanbul’s vibrant streets annually, where centuries-old mosques and outdoor markets unite the past and present. On a free walking tour of the Old City area, visitors can discover many awe-inspiring landmarks. Most Istanbul activities are reasonably priced, giving tourists options for how to spend their trip.
Berlin, Germany
The 13th-century city of Berlin, Germany’s capital, is a fantastic destination for art and history lovers. Berlin was pivotal during significant conflicts such as World War II and the Cold War. As a result, the large city allows visitors to learn about its tumultuous past while enjoying its distinct local culture.
Berlin is ideal for affordable-minded tourists who want to maximize their vacation budget. Awe-inspiring monuments, museums, and religious buildings costing little to nothing adorn Berlin’s streets and historic districts. The cityscape is a striking display of old-world charm and modern innovation—catch it from above at one of the many rooftop bars in Berlin.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a serene and affordable escape on Croatia’s coast. Established around the 13th century, Dubrovnik overlooks the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. The city’s scenic beauty and well-preserved buildings are worth seeing during a European trip.
Hidden behind medieval walls is Dubrovnik’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area of Dubrovnik features ancient landmarks, traditional eateries, and artisanal shops. Tourists can save money while visiting Dubrovnik by skipping the fancy restaurants and fashion stores in favor of local cafes and stores selling handmade goods.
Bratislava, Slovakia
European tourists traveling on a budget will be charmed by Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. This underrated town lies on the Danube River, near the Austria and Hungary borders. Bratislava lies in the shadow of Bratislava Castle, which offers excellent views from its hilltop location.
The Bratislava landscape consists of lush rolling hills and small vineyards, ideal for visitors eager to engage with nature. Bratislava’s pedestrian-only Old Town is a lively area to walk around and admire 18th-century architecture. Bratislava has much to enjoy without blowing your travel budget.
Planning an affordable international vacation is possible with these low-cost European cities.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
