11 Cheap Travel Destinations In Europe | Budget Travel (2024)

Travel Tips

BySamantha King

There is no doubt that Europe is one expensive continent! It’s home to irresistible and exotic countries, such as places like Paris, Rome, Iceland, Amsterdam and so on. The reason for it’s pricey nature is of course because the Euro is so strong.

For this reason, it might seem difficult for a budget traveller to enjoy Europe. However, if you go at the right time and avoid the expensive places, you can get the European experience you’ve always wanted.

So, grab your luggage and check out the cheapest places to travel to in Europe!

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Table of Contents

Bansko, Bulgaria

Even though Bansko is located in one of the most expensive countries within Europe, it is still quite affordable for tourists and travellers that want to have a great time. The country has a ski resort for all levels; master, intermediate, and beginner.

The towns has a great countryside charm, and has so much traditional detailing in its buildings. You are guaranteed a great time, even with a budget of about €50 a day!

Things to do in Bansko:

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London, England

This may come as a surprise, as London and budgeting do not exactly go in the same sentence. However, with the current situation of the currency, now is the perfect time to explore the world-class city.

You could check out the museums, and have a great time enjoying the stupendous views of the city.

Things to do in London:

Areas to stay in London

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Belgrade, Serbia

Although the country has experienced its fair share of unrest and trouble in the nineties, it still remains a beautiful and affordable place to travel to.

Despite whatever happenings it had in the past, the country still attracts tourists especially because it is super affordable and provides a nice and pleasant urban life. A typical day here can cost you less than €30.

Things to do in Belgrade:

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Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a fabulous destination that won’t make your wallet catch fire! The spas in Budapest are quite relaxing and can be the perfect destination for newly weds.

You can either lounge by the poolside or chill by the bars. A day in this beautiful city would cost you about €45.

Things to do in Budapest:

Areas to stay in Budapest

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Tatras, Slovakia

This exotic mountain range is actually not as popular as other places in Europe. This magnificent structure remains one of Slovakia’s pride.

It stands as high as over 8,711 ft. It has a whole number of chalets built there for tourists and travellers to stay over. It’s great for hiking or biking.

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Gdansk, Poland

This beautiful place is a historic one in the Baltic riviera. As ancient and vintage as it is, it looks modern enough for a twenty-first century city.

Moments spent here are usually unforgettable, as there are a whole lot of things you can do in the city. Just take as little as €40 and you can have an amazing fun-filled time.

Things to do in Gdansk:

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Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia is mostly known for its numerous and exotic beach resorts, but out of all its beaches, Zagreb still remains the most attractive and the most visited place in Croatia.

Compared to its Italian counterparts just next door, Zagreb is an affordable resort where you can have all the fun you intend to have in any other place in the world. If you have €35, you are good to go, as you can have the best time of your life.

Things to do in Zagreb:

Areas to stay in Zagreb

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Santorini, Greece

There is no doubt that Santorini is the most popular holiday island in Greece. It’s known as a perfect relaxation spot in Europe. However, some places here are quite pricey.

Despite this, basic hotels here are quite affordable, except during summer when the prices are slightly higher. The sights on this island are extremely beautiful, especially if you love watching the sunset.

Things to do in Santorini:

Areas to stay in Santorini

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Tenerife, Spain

There are a number of islands in Spain, but Tenerife island is the most popular. Asides from it being the largest island, it is also home to thousands of English speaking people which always makes travel for us English based people easier!

The town gives great bargains for a lot of things. The ambience of Tenerife is perfect for any form of relaxation you can think of. A day there shouldn’t cost you more than €45.

Things to do in Tenerife:

Areas to stay in Tenerife

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Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is not located in a very prominent place, as it is outside the city, but it is a charming and affordable city to visit in Europe.

Once you set your foot there, you would definitely want to return again. It is a quiet city with so much to do in it. If you visit Lisbon, a great walk around the city would satisfy you in ways you would never forget.

Things to do in Lisbon:

Areas to stay in Lisbon

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Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey is the perfect example of the east-meets-west city. Everywhere in Istanbul is cheap; their markets, resorts, and anything you can think of.

The only thing here is that the accommodation might be a little expensive, but are options that are still very much affordable.

Even with the decline of the currency, Turkey still remains one of the perfect cities to visit if you’re travelling on a budget.

Things to do in Istanbul:

Areas to stay in Istanbul

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Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to leave a dent in your bank account. If you do your research properly, you’ll find out that there are many cheap locations you can visit. Why not pack your bags and get going! You will definitely have a great time without going broke!

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11 Cheap Travel Destinations In Europe | Budget Travel (2024)

FAQs

Which part of Europe is the cheapest to visit? ›

12 of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe
  1. Bulgaria. Bulgaria is often at the top of the list when it comes to the most cost-effective countries to visit in Europe, and it's not difficult to see why. ...
  2. Poland. ...
  3. Romania. ...
  4. The Czech Republic. ...
  5. Montenegro. ...
  6. Hungary. ...
  7. Portugal. ...
  8. Estonia.
Jul 22, 2024

How do I travel to Europe on a tight budget? ›

How to Travel in Europe on a Budget?
  1. Choose Your Destination Wisely (Eastern Europe – for example!)
  2. Plan Your Trip in Advance.
  3. Use Public Transportation.
  4. Stay in Budget Accommodation.
  5. Eat Like a Local.
  6. Take Free or Low-Cost Tours and Activities.
  7. Use Discount Cards and Coupons.
  8. Be Smart With Your Money.
Jun 27, 2024

Which European country should I visit first? ›

England and Scotland, with their centuries of intertwined history, offer a perfect introduction to Europe for first-time visitors.

What is the cheapest period to travel to Europe? ›

Key Takeaways
  • The late fall and winter months—from mid to late October through mid-to-late March—are generally the cheapest time to fly to Europe, although fares can spike for the year-end holiday season.
  • It's often cheaper to fly to Europe mid-week, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Mar 19, 2024

Which country in Europe is the cheapest to fly into? ›

Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway reign supreme, with super-cheap flights from the United States on Norwegian Air, WOW, and Icelandair bringing prices down. If you're on the East Coast, you can expect to pay as little as $530 to these countries! Just time your flight right for a midweek-to-midweek journey.

What is the cheapest city to stay in Europe? ›

Cheapest cities to visit in Europe
  • Budapest, Hungary.
  • Valencia, Spain.
  • Porto, Portugal.
  • Thessaloniki, Greece.
  • Krakow, Poland.
  • Riga, Latvia.
  • Bologna, Italy.
  • Glasgow, Scotland.

What is the first safest country in Europe? ›

Safest Countries in Europe for 2024. In the list of safe countries in Europe, Iceland has come in first place for more than 10 continuous years. Iceland has a strong sense of community and social support networks. Almost 98% of Icelanders say they have someone they can count on in need.

What are the 5 most visited countries in Europe? ›

The Top 10 Most Visited Countries in Europe
  1. France – 100 million visitors. ...
  2. Spain – 85.1 million visitors. ...
  3. Italy – 57.3 million visitors. ...
  4. Turkiye – 55.1 million visitors. ...
  5. United Kingdom – 37.2 million visitors. ...
  6. Germany – 34.8 million visitors. ...
  7. Greece – 32.7 million visitors. ...
  8. Austria – 30.9 million visitors.

Is it cheap to travel between countries in Europe? ›

As a whole, Europe is one of the more expensive continents to travel around. South America or Asia would be much cheaper. But it is possible to explore Europe on a budget. And it is important to note that every traveler is different, so the average cost of a trip to Europe could vary greatly from person to person.

What is the cheapest day to fly? ›

Tuesday and Wednesday are often less in demand and, therefore, are considered the cheapest time to fly. Sunday is the most expensive day to fly. This applies equally to economy, business class, and first-class travelers. If Tuesday and Wednesday aren't viable travel days, try Saturday and Monday.

What is the most expensive month to fly to Europe? ›

June, July and early August will be expensive. Use our helpful calendar to quickly highlight the least and most expensive days to fly.

What is the cheapest country to stay in in Europe? ›

Check out the opportunities in each of the countries in this list and get ready for the best Eurotrip of your life.
  1. Hungary. No need to fret, you'll never go hungry in Hungary. ...
  2. Portugal. It's no hidden secret that Portugal is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. ...
  3. Italy. ...
  4. Slovenia. ...
  5. Bulgaria.

Is Portugal or Spain cheaper? ›

Generally speaking, Portugal is cheaper than Spain, although the flight there will likely be the most expensive part of your Portugal vacation. A standard flight from North America to Lisbon in May will cost around $1,200 to $1,300CAD for a round trip.

What is the most expensive country to visit in Europe? ›

Iceland, Monaco, the UK, Greece, and Spain are Europe's most expensive countries for vacation rentals. The cheapest countries to visit in Europe are Eastern European destinations like Kosovo, Belarus, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Is Italy cheap or expensive? ›

Is Italy considered cheap? Italy is generally seen as an economical destination compared to other European countries. Prices vary widely depending on the region and type of accommodation you choose, but overall Italy offers good value for money.

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