Europe is infinitely attractive for all types of travelers. On one hand, it is a concentration of a vast number of cultural, historical monuments and picturesque landscapes, and on the other, it can lead to endless spending. Of course, it is possible to travel on almost any budget, but if you want “cheap but comfortable,” this list is for you.
1. Albanian Coast
Albania is a country bordered by two seas — the Adriatic and the Ionian. The coastline has a mild Mediterranean climate, with dry and hot summers and cool and wet winters.
Tourists often choose popular coastal resorts like Durres, Fier, Saranda, Vlora, and Shkodra.
Culture enthusiasts can visit the archaeological museum-reserve Butrint and the historical centers of Berat and Gjirokastra, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Several Albanian cities have preserved medieval castles, such as Petrela Castle in the suburbs of Tirana and Skanderbeg Castle in Kruja.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: a bottle of red wine — €6.
- Food: meat pies €2, seafood — €5.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €10/€30.
2. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of around 400,000. On one hand, it is a modern western city, and on the other, it has a strict eastern feel, with nearly half the population practicing Islam.
The main historical landmarks are concentrated in the old town: Morica Han caravanserai, the Imperial Mosque, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (16th century), the Barčaršija tower, the Kuršumli madrasa with a collection of medieval manuscripts and books, and the Ottoman Svraž family house-museum.
During the day, you can stroll through the central Baščaršija district, explore the market dating back to Ottoman times, try Bosnian coffee, and in the evening, head to the clubs.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: coffee — €0.5.
- Food: cevapcici (meat sausages) — €2-4.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €5/€25.
3. Bansko, Bulgaria
Skiing in Europe can be expensive, especially since major ski resorts are located in the most expensive European countries. Fortunately, Eastern Europe has several ski spots like Bulgarian Bansko, located on the slopes of Pirin.
The main ski resort in the country, Bansko, offers excellent slopes for beginners and experienced skiers. Besides skiing, you can explore the town’s traditional old pubs along cobblestone streets.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: beer (0.5) — €1.
- Food: Shopska salad — €3.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €10/€20.
4. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic remains one of the most popular European destinations for tourists. Besides its stunning old and modern architecture, the country is renowned for its brewing traditions.
In Prague, the variety of drinking establishments is vast — from various pubs and monastery taverns to modern microbreweries. Over 100 types of beer are brewed in the city.
After sampling some of them, continue your tour of the Czech Republic by visiting the birthplace of Pilsner Urquell in Plzeň and lesser-known places like Olomouc, which resembles an open-air museum with its concentration of castles, fortresses, old churches, cathedrals, and gardens.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: Pilsner Urquell beer — €1.5.
- Food: pork dumplings — €5.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €6/€40.
5. Baltic Coast of Estonia
During their first trip to Estonia, tourists usually stay in Tallinn and spend most of their time there. However, there are many interesting places in Estonia beyond the capital. The whole country is like a large resort with many lakes, mineral springs, wide beaches, and high levels of service.
An hour’s drive from Tallinn is Lahemaa National Park, one of the largest in the country. Most of it is covered by swamps, with small lakes in several parts. You can explore the park by bike or on foot, with a wooden boardwalk.
A bit further west, you will find the resort town of Pärnu with its luxurious beaches or the island of Saaremaa, known for its pine forests and very affordable spas.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: Le Coq beer — €2.5.
- Food: blood sausages and sauerkraut — €5.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €10/€45.
6. Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig is the largest city in Saxony. It was once home to Bach, Wagner, Mendelssohn, and Goethe. Besides its talented residents, the city is known for its fairs, hosting about 25 annually.
The city also has many cultural and historical landmarks: the Old Town Hall, built in the 16th century in just 9 months, the Royal House where Peter the Great stayed during his travels in Europe, the church of St. Thomas where Johann Sebastian Bach is buried, and a museum named after him next to the cathedral.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: gose beer — €2.9.
- Food: schnitzel — €8.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €13/€35.
7. London, England
“London” and “cheap” are rarely seen together. However, London offers many free attractions, more than any other European city. The British Museum, with treasures for the most discerning taste, the Tate Gallery with stunning views and constantly changing collections, and the Natural History Museum with dinosaur skeletons are all free.
Don’t forget about the streets: you can spend an entire day walking around Hampstead Heath and another day exploring South Bank or East End and its markets: this way, you can experience the city’s vibe much more than by waiting in line for an overpriced attraction.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: lager — €5.
- Food: fish and chips — €11.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €12/€80-100.
8. Peloponnese, Greece
The Peloponnese is not the most popular destination in Greece, making it quite affordable. It boasts many beaches, clean seas, and beautiful nature.
Besides natural attractions, the peninsula also has historical ones, such as the Statue of Zeus in Olympia — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the remains of the temples of Hera and Zeus. Another interesting place is the ghost town of Mystras, built from the ruins of ancient Sparta nearby.
Few people know that you can ski and snowboard in the Peloponnese from December to mid-April. The slopes range from green to black.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: ouzo — €3.
- Food: souvlaki (kebab) — €3.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €20/€30.
9. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a beautiful and modern city with very pleasant prices for tourists. For example, a day at the famous baroque Széchenyi Baths costs about €16, making them one of the city’s most expensive baths. To avoid queues and crowds, visit during the weekdays or early on weekends. The thermal baths open at 6 AM.
Another great spot for budget travelers is establishments with the sign borozó — wine bars where you can drink wine for pennies. Don’t worry about your health — locals frequent these places before or after work to chat and relax. They serve Hungarian wines: red, white, or rosé. If you see the sign Söröző, go in, as these places are similar but serve beer instead of wine.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: bottle of wine — from €1.
- Food: goulash — €3-4.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €5/€30.
10. Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Few European tours bypass the charming Italian cities of refined Florence, ancient Rome, and stunning Venice. Their attractiveness is undeniable, but they lie on well-worn tourist paths, significantly raising prices, especially in peak season.
If you leave the continent for Sicily and its capital Palermo, you’ll find a city reminiscent of Italy from bygone years and, according to locals, a completely different country. The city has many old churches with exquisite mosaics or chaotic small markets where you can enjoy street food like arancini rice balls or panelle.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: bottle of wine — €2.5.
- Food: pasta — €5-8, slice of pizza — €2.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €15-30/€45-60.
11. Lake Ohrid, Macedonia
The wide and deep Lake Ohrid is a true gem of Macedonia. The quiet streets of the eponymous town hide medieval fresco-covered churches, a Roman amphitheater, and a fortress that you must visit. But walks around the town will constantly bring you back to the water, where locals and tourists eagerly enjoy boat rides.
If you prefer solid ground, head to the Galicica National Park. The rooms here are cheap, and there are numerous places to relax, making it a great spot for budget travelers looking to unwind.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: wine — from €2.5 per bottle.
- Food: tavče gravče (beans in a skillet) — €1.5.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €6/€25.
12. Kotor, Montenegro
The beautiful Kotor, located in a fjord-like bay, charms tourists from the first moments. The city’s center, Old Town, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 as one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic coast.
Besides exploring cultural and historical architectural monuments, tourists visit Kotor for numerous festivals and carnivals and gastronomic delights. The city has many restaurants and cafes that serve the freshest seafood.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: Nikšičko Tamno beer — €1.
- Food: sarma — €2.5-4.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €10/€50.
13. Gdansk, Poland
According to historical data, World War II began in Gdansk. When Hitler planned to start the war, he first demanded the return of Danzig (now Gdansk) to Germany. Poland refused, which served as a pretext for the invasion. As a result of shelling and bombing, nearly 90% of the city’s buildings were destroyed. After Soviet troops liberated the city in March 1945, a large-scale restoration began, the results of which can be seen now.
One of the city’s main attractions, the old port crane on the waterfront built in the 15th century, miraculously survived and can still be seen as it was centuries ago.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: vodka — €1 per shot.
- Food: żurek soup — €2-3.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €7/€35.
14. Porto, Portugal
The second largest city in Portugal, Porto, stands on the banks of the Douro River. The Ribeira district, stretching along the river, is attractive for its delicious food in local restaurants.
Among other popular attractions is the giant Serralves Park and its magnificent art museum. But the most famous feature of the city is the port wine. Vinologia is a great place to start exploring the variety of fortified wines, and you can also go shopping in Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite side of the river.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: bottle of vinho verde in a store — €3.5.
- Food: fried fish — €8.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €8/€45.
15. Transylvania, Romania
The word “Transylvania” immediately brings to mind Count Dracula and his castle. You can certainly go searching for traces of Vlad the Impaler. Most likely, Vlad was born in the cozy town of Sighișoara, which even has a suitable fortress.
However, this place is not only about castles and vampire fangs. Wander into the forests of the Carpathian Mountains, where the Piatra Craiului National Park is home to Transylvanian wolves, bears, deer, and lynxes in their natural habitat.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: bottle of beer — €1.8, bottle of Romanian wine — €5.
- Food: tochitura (meat stew) — €2.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €12/€30.
16. High Tatras, Slovakia
The pride of Slovakia, the Tatra Mountains, is a majestic range topped by Mount Gerlachovský štít, standing at 2,655 meters. Start your journey in a small village like Nový Smokovec or Ždiar, and from there, head into the mountains, where you can relax in affordable chalets.
The terrain is rugged and challenging, so prepare accordingly. It’s also a favorite spot for climbers and amateur cavers, plus you can go cycling, rafting, and enjoy a full range of winter skiing activities.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: beer — €1.7.
- Food: gnocchi with bacon — €4.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €9/€30.
17. Slovenia
Bordering Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary, small Slovenia is a great stop for any European trip. It’s perfect for adventure seekers and those who just want to relax on the Adriatic coast.
At the foot of the Julian Alps are the twin lakes: picturesque Lake Bled and glacial Lake Bohinj. From here, it’s a short trip to the Soča Valley on the Italian border, offering hiking, rafting, and boat rides.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: bottle of beer — €2.5.
- Food: pizza — €5-7.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €12/€60.
18. Andalusia, Spain
The southernmost province of Spain, Andalusia, is known for its charming cities, especially Seville, Granada, and Córdoba, adorned with the refined heritage of the Moorish past. The prices here are more attractive compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
The main attractions are located in the cities, and the best thing you can do is rent a car and visit all the cities one by one.
Approximate prices:
- Drinks: sherry — €1.7-2.5.
- Food: daily menu — €10-12.
- Hostel/3-star hotel: €10/€35-80.
*Accommodation prices are current at the time of writing. The prices mentioned in the article and the final cost may vary depending on the season and the time of booking.