Are you eager to visit Europe in 2024 but don’t want to blow all of your money? Then you must choose cheap travel places in Europe. These places offer the perfect blend of culture and affordability.
Basically, Europe is considered an expensive destination. But it can be surprisingly affordable if you know where and when to go. In this blog post, you can Discover hidden gems that provide unique experiences at affordable prices.
Discover cheap travel places in Europe for 2024. You can enjoy cheap accommodations and local cuisines from picturesque Krakow, Poland, to stunning Porto, Portugal. You can explore Europe’s best places and things on a limited budget.
Prepare yourself to set off on a budget-friendly, yet truly amazing, European journey. Let’s discover the hidden gems of Europe and crack the secret to budget travel.
List of Budget-Friendly European Destinations
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Europe is enriched with extensive history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery. However, budgeting can be an issue when traveling to Europe’s attractions. But there is no reason to fear. This curated list will showcase budget-friendly destinations across Europe. It also covers from bustling cities to serene countryside retreats.
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- Porto, Portugal: Porto is known for its breathtaking architecture. It also offers affordable accommodations, port wine tastings, and delicious local cuisine. Indulgent travelers can visit the Doura River or the historic Riberia district. These are the cheap places in Europe to travel.
- Budapest, Hungary: This city is enriched with grand architecture and vibrant nightlife. Hungary is a cheap place to visit in Europe. Budapest is the capital of Hungary. Accommodation, food, and public transport are all extremely affordable in Hungary.
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- Krakow, Poland: Poland is rich in history and culture. Krakow boasts cheap accommodation and wonderful Polish food. It also provides cheap beer and great food. Poland is the cheapest place to travel to in Europe 2024.
- Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is Portugal’s capital city. This city provides affordable public transportation. Portugal offers cheap but flavourful local cuisine. Portugal is one of the best places to travel cheaply in Europe.
- Prague, Czech Republic: The Czech Republic is well known for its fairytale-like charm. Prague has great architecture and affordable beer. Czechia is extremely affordable, even though costs have increased recently.
- Bucharest, Romania: Bucharest is located in eastern Europe. Travelers can easily make a budget trip to Romania. Bucharest is the affordable capital of Romania. Romania boasts castles, mountains, forests, and the largest population.
- Sofia, Bulgaria: This vibrant city offers mouthwatering cuisine and gorgeous architecture. Bulgaria boasts a fascinating history. Accommodations and activities are usually inexpensive compared to other European capitals.
- Valencia, Spain: Valencia is the futuristic city of Arts and Sciences. It provides affordable local markets for fresh produce and traditional cuisine. This is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Europe for tapas, churros, paella, decent wine, and lots of sunshine.
- Riga, Latvia: This charming city features wonderful Baltic food and vibrant nightlife. This city offers a blend of medieval and Art Nouveau architecture. Latvia is a city of affordable accommodation and free attractions.
- Split, Croatia: This Adriatic coastal gem offers stunning beaches and a historic old town housed inside Diocletian’s Palace. You can also find affordable seafood here.
- Cinque Terre, Italy: Cinque Terre is a scenic trail. It connects five colorful cliffside villages overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Cinque Terre is a great budget-friendly option for travelers. It offers cheap lodging options, delicious local food, and free public transportation.
- Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany: Saxon Switzerland National Park is a stunning national park. It provides dramatic sandstone rock formations. Inexpensive campsites and free hiking trails make it a budget-friendly choice.
- Vienna, Austria
- Lviv, Ukraine
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Berlin, Germany
Deep Dive into Each Destination of Cheap Travel Places In Europe
Prague, Czech Republic
Accommodation is relatively cheap in the Czech Republic. Prague has numerous hostels. It offers dormitory-style or private rooms at very reasonable prices. You can find these affordable hostels in Hostelbookers and Hostelworld.
Guesthouses and pension houses can be more affordable than hotels. Airbnb and Booking.com often offer affordable apartments. It can be cost-effective for longer stays. This info is very helpful to budget travelers.
Local eateries offer traditional Czech cuisine at lower prices. You can find this cuisine by exploring side streets. You can also find traditional Czech dishes in pubs and beer halls. Here, prices can be more budget-friendly.
Trdelník (chimney cake), sausages, and pastries are some street foods. These foods can be found at cheap prices in popular tourist areas.
Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are the iconic spots. These best places don’t cost anything. Letná Park and Petřín Hill in Prague are two locations that provide scenic walks and lovely views for free.
Some places require tickets. But you can roam around the fort grounds and enjoy the view of the city for free. You can learn about the city’s history and see the tourist attractions on foot. You can do this without spending any money.
Local beer is more affordable than other drinks in Prague. Some galleries and museums grant free entry on specific days or during designated hours. Český Krumlov or Kutná Hora are smaller towns in Czech Republic. Accommodations and meal prices are lower here.
Krakow, Poland
Poland is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. There are numerous ways to make inexpensive hotel bookings.
- Accommodation: You can find budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses near the Old Town. Hostels cost 15 euros per night. Guesthouses cost 25 euros per night.
- Cheap Eateries: Milk Bars provide inexpensive Polish meals for under 5 euros. You can also find affordable options in food markets like Stary Kleparz market.
- Free Attraction: Wawel Royal Castle grounds, Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, and Planty Park are free attractions around the old town.
- Budget Travel Tips: The Krakow Tourist Card makes public transport and museum entry free.
Lisbon, Portugal
- Accommodations: Baixa or Alfama districts offer affordable hostels.
- Cheap Eateries: You can find cheap prices food at local taverns or food markets. Petiscos(Portuguese tapas) is a fresh, inexpensive food in Mercado da Ribeira.
- Free attractions: Alfama’s narrow streets and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte are the free attractions in Portugal. These are the best places. On Sunday, tourists can enjoy free entry to some museums.
- Budget Travel Tips: You can purchase a Lisboa Card. You can enjoy free transportation and discounted entry to attractions by using this card.
Athens, Greece
- Accommodations: Budget hotels can be found in areas like Monastiraki or Psiri. These hotels cost under 20 euros per night.
- Cheap Eateries: Souvlaki or gyros are some of the affordable street foods in Greece. You can also find fresh food and products from central markets.
- Free Attractions: Acropolis Hill and Ancient Agora are some of the free attractions. These sites offer free entry on specific days or times.
- Budget Travel Tips: To save costs, consider purchasing a combination ticket for all the important archaeological sites.
Riga, Latvia
- Accommodation: Latvia is one of the cheapest places to travel to in Europe right now. Accommodations in Latvia are so affordable. Hostels and guesthouses cost under 20 euros per night.
- Cheap Eateries: Central markets offer budget groceries in Riga. Tourists can find cafeteria-style local dishes in Lido restaurants. Local dishes are affordable here.
- Free Attractions: Old Town squares, Riga Cathedral grounds, and the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum are the free attractions in Latvia.
- Budget Travel Tips: Get the Riga Card to save money on public transportation and attraction entry. Come during the summer months to engage in outdoor activities.
Budapest, Hungary
- Accommodations: Budget hotels in District VII (Jewish Quarter) or hostels along the Danube are more affordable.
- Cheap Eateries: If you’re looking for inexpensive meals, choose “menu del dia” from local markets or restaurants. Langos, or chimney cake, is affordable street food.
- Free Attractions: You can explore Buda Castle, Heroes Square, and Fisherman’s Bastion without any charge.
- Budget Travel Tips: Get a Budapest Card for free entry to certain attractions. You can also get discounted transportation.
Bucharest, Romania
- Accommodation: In Romania, hostels and guesthouses are much cheaper compared to other places in Europe. Budget hotels cost 20 euros per night.
- Cheap Eateries: Street vendors provide inexpensive snacks like sarmale (stuffed cabbage leaves) for €2 and ciorba (sour soup) for €3.
- Free Attractions: The Village Museum, Stavropoleos Church, Cismigiu Gardens, and the Parliament Palace.
- Budget Travel Tips: purchase a Bucharest Card for discounts on attractions and public transport. Make use of the extensive metro system.
Florence, Italy
- Accommodation: San Lorenzo or Santo Spirito provides budget-friendly stays in Italy. Italy is one of the cheapest European countries.
- Cheap Eateries: Look for reasonably priced Tuscan food at nearby trattorias.
- Free Attractions: Tourists can explore the Oltrarno district and Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoints.
- Budget Travel Tips: Purchase a Firenze Card to save money on transportation and attractions.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Accommodations: Accommodations are budget-friendly in the Jordaan or De Pijp area. Prices are so cheap for budget travelers here.
- Cheap Eateries: Stroopwafels and Fries are cheap local foods in the Netherlands. You can find more cheap and fresh products near Amsterdam.
- Free Attractions: Tourists can explore the Jordaan district by visiting Vondelpark. This will cost no money. Some galleries and museum entries are free on specific days.
- Budget Travel Tips: Get discounts on transportation and activities by getting an I Amsterdam City Card.
Berlin, Germany
- Accommodation: Visit Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain for inexpensive guesthouses and hostels.
- Cheap Eateries: Currywurst stands, and street food markets offer affordable meals.
- Free Attractions: the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, and cruising around Prenzlauer Berg and other areas.
- Budget Travel Tips: Purchase a Berlin Welcome Card for discounts on tourist attractions and public transportation.
Lviv, Ukraine
- Accommodations: Airbnbs and guesthouses provide cozy lodging for less than €30 per night. Hostels charge only €10 per night.
- Cheap Eateries: Local cafes serve traditional Ukrainian cuisine such as “varenyky” and “borscht” for under €5. Street food such as “chebureki” (fried pastries) is a delicious and inexpensive snack.
- Free Attractions: Rynko Square is a UNESCO-listed travel place in Ukraine. You can see the breathtaking views from the Lviv High Castle. You can also stroll among the ornately designed tombstones of the Lychakiv Cemetery.
- Budget Travel Tips: Tourists can get discounted entry to museums and public transportation by using a Lviv City Card.
Barcelona, Spain
- Accommodation: Spain is a cheap travel place among other countries in Europe. The El Raval and Gracia areas offer inexpensive lodging.
- Cheap Eateries: Opt for inexpensive cuisine at the markets and tapas bars.
- Free Attractions: Barceloneta Beach, La Rambla, and portions of Park Güell.
- Budget Travel Tips: Use T-10 passes for cost-effective public transportation
North Macedonia
- Accommodation: Hotels are very cheap for budget travelers. The cost starts from 8 euros per night. Guesthouses offer private and comfortable stays. Apartments are ideal for families or groups. The prices start at around 30 euros.
- Cheap Eateries: North Macedonia has very inexpensive food. It is ideal for trying different dishes. tavče gravče (roasted beans with spices), ajvar (a roasted red pepper dip), and sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat) are some standout dishes.
- Free Attractions: Old Bazar, Stone Bridge, and Skopje City Park are some of the free attractions in North Macedonia.
- Budget Travel Tips: Try to visit during the shoulder season. Always try to bargain at markets. You can save money by not purchasing bottled water in North Macedonia because tap water is safe to drink.
Vienna, Austria
- Accommodation: The cost of hostels starts from 15 euros per night. Generator Hostel Vienna and Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna – The Naschmarkt are the popular hostel choices. You can also enjoy the outdoors by doing camp.
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- Cheap Eateries: Käsekrainer (cheese sausages) and Bratwürstel (grilled sausages) are affordable local foods. You can find fresh and delicious pastries in Naschmarkt. Langos (deep-fried dough) or a schnitzel sandwich is a budget-friendly snack. The price of these snacks is around 5 euros.
- Free Attractions: Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, Prater amusement park, St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
- Budget Travel Tips: Vienna City Card offers free entry to museums and tourist attractions. Try to pack some snacks and drinks during travel. This can help you to save some cash.
Bratislava, Slovakia
- Accommodation: Budget hotels and hostels provide rooms for just €10–20 per night.
- Cheap Eateries: If you want cheap Slovakian food, check out the “Lokál” pubs nearby. Affordable food can be found in street markets.
- Free Attractions: You can explore the Blue Church, Old Town, and Bratislava Castle without spending money.
- Budget Travel Tips: Get cheap transportation and free entry to certain spots by using the Bratislava Card.
Sofia, Bulgaria
- Accommodation: Sofia is a cheap place to travel to Europe. Dormitory beds are available at Hostel Mostel and Art Hostel for €8–15 per night. Budget hotels and guesthouses are available for around €15 and €25 per night.
- Cheap Eateries: Bantisa stands are famous for their traditional Bulgarian pastry. The pastry is filled with cheese or other ingredients.
- Free Attractions: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an iconic cathedral in Bulgaria. This cathedral is free to enter. Vitosha Mountain Offers stunning natural scenery. National Palace of Culture Park often hosts free events and concerts.
- Budget Travel Tips: Take the busses, trams, and subway to move around. A day pass is about €4, and a single ticket is about €0.80. Sofia City Card provides discounted entry to certain attractions.
Travel Tips for Budget-Friendly European Trips
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Europe is one of the world’s most popular and expensive travel destinations. A good way to start saving money on your European trip is to find a cheap flight. Europe is very expensive, but there are many ways to save money. So if you are a budget traveler, you must visit this great country. Here are some tips for traveling to Europe on a budget. It will be very helpful to visit the cheapest places in Europe.
Accommodation in Europe
Hostels
Staying in hostels is one of the best ways to save money in Europe. Hostel options are best for all types of travelers. The cheapest hostel rooms in Europe are known as dorms. A dorm is a large room where you get your own bed in a shared room that usually houses 4-10 people. Most hostels also offer private rooms. Some rooms are as nice as a hotel but much cheaper.
Camping
Camping is cheaper than hostels. It can be a great option. Europe provides an excellent amount of campgrounds. These campgrounds have amazing and excellent facilities. There are shuttle buses that take you to the nearest town or city.
Hotels-Last minute deals
There are plenty of ways to save money by staying in hotels. Often hotels will give a great discount. Hotels will offer plenty of hotels if they have plenty of rooms available. Some hostels offer discounts if you book well in advance. It’s a good idea to check out what’s available on hotel websites.
Food
Cook your own
If you are staying in a hostel, camping, or renting an apartment, you will definitely get kitchen facilities there. Buying food from the supermarket and cooking it yourself will save a lot of money.
Eat Local
Eating where the locals eat can be much cheaper than eating where the tourists eat. The food will be a lot better, too. Restaurants that are located near tourist attractions will leave you with a hefty bill. But you will find cheaper food if you walk a few blocks further.
Transport
Traveling by Train is one of the best ways to travel in Europe. The train journey is usually pretty comfortable and can be affordable. Second-class tickets are about 50% cheaper. It will be cheaper if you buy a pass or individual ticket from the train station.
Bus travel is very affordable if you have enough time. Because buses aren’t as quick as trains. Buses are the most affordable option for longer trips. Flixbus and Blablabus are excellent options. These buses offer comfortable seats and Wi-Fi at cheap prices.
Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling offer incredibly affordable flights across Europe. For the best discounts, make your reservation at least one month in advance. Flying into smaller airports can be significantly cheaper than major hubs.
FAQ Section
What is the cheapest place in Europe to travel to?
Lisbon is the cheapest place in Europe to travel to.
What is the cheapest city in Europe right now?
Portugal is the cheapest city in Europe Right now.
Is it cheap to vacation in Europe?
Europe is expensive, but it is possible to explore on a budget.
What is the cheapest holiday in Europe in 2024?
Turkey’s Marmaris is the cheapest holiday destination in Europe for 2024.
Is Croatia a cheap holiday destination?
Yes. Croatia is a relatively cheap holiday destination.
Conclusion
There are many budget-friendly and cheap travel places in Europe. If you are interested in culture, nature, history, or delicious food, there are some cheap and beautiful cities to visit. The cheap destinations in Europe can be affordable and enriching.
Each destination offers a unique charm and many experiences without breaking the bank. So be ready for your next trip around Europe—pack your bags, schedule your flight, and start planning. Please ensure to share your experiences and extra low-cost travel tips with fellow travelers.
