Do you want to travel Europe on a budget? The good news is that you don’t need a platinum card if you know where to go. To help you plan your next pocket-friendly trip, I’ve put together this list of the most affordable cities in Europe.
At first glance, European city breaks are hardly renowned for being affordable. The likes of Paris, London, Stockholm and Vienna are certainly expensive and most attractions require a hefty entrance fee that quickly adds up. However, there are many other cities in Europe that are much cheaper to explore and I’d like to show you some of my favourites.
From the bohemian corners of the Balkans to Baltic gems, Europe is full of places that welcome travellers on a budget without skimping on experience. Whether you’re a backpacker chasing stories or a slow traveller chasing meaning, these cities offer something money can’t buy: authenticity.
Guide to the most affordable cities in Europe
Lots of these destinations are linked together by train so it’s possible to combine several places into one trip. Hopefully you will discover that all of these cities offer the innumerable charms of their more expensive neighbours – and often with the bonus of a fraction of visitors!
Tip: Lastly, it almost goes without saying that booking everything in advance, including your accommodation, tours, and train journeys will ensure that you have access to the best deals and fares.
Riga | Latvia
The best things about Riga are free: walkable, cultural, historical and beautiful. The city’s art nouveau architecture is incredible and this characteristic ensured its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You simply need to look up and you’re spoilt with an eclectic mix of styles, from fanciful motifs found in the city’s art nouveau area to ascetic wooden architecture found in surprising abundance, plus there’s the medieval appearance of the Old Town with its spires, gables and the colourful buildings of the ‘Three Brothers’.
For a spot of local life and delicacies, stop by Riga’s famed Central Market for affordable, locally-made eats like pickled cucumber and smoked eel.
Further reading → 20 interesting things to do in Riga
Bratislava | Slovakia
Bratislava is a pretty city and friendly on the purse strings too. It’s the perfect add-on to other cities like Budapest which is only a couple of hours away by train. The cost of transport to reach neighbouring cities and countries is considerably cheaper than most European destinations (yes, London, I’m looking at you especially).
Within the city most places are walkable. The only time I spent money to get anywhere was the short bus ride to see the ruins of Devin Castle and even that was less than a euro! On average the cost of eating and drinking is below what you’d spend in many other European cities, but the fancier restaurants are on par.
Shkoder | Albania
Albania is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe, but I’ve highlighted Shkoder because of its proximity to the mountains. From Tirana, the capital city, it takes around 2 hours or less to reach Shkoder by bus. The main attraction of the city is Rozafa Castle, but you will find several museums and lots of charming cafes to whittle away your hours. No attraction in the city is more than 500 LEK (5 euros) to visit.
The best thing about Shkoder is the surrounding nature. Rent a bike and cycle around Lake Shkodra or head over to nearby Mesi Bridge. For more adventurous folk, I suggest heading up to the Accursed Mountains.
Budapest | Hungary
From Bratislava you can hop on the train to Budapest and enjoy another affordable capital city. On first impressions, with its 19th century opulent architecture and grand buildings, Budapest looks like it’s a city meant for the rich, but fortunately it can be enjoyed without damaging your bank balance.
Budapest looks like something out of a fairytale. Similar to other cities on this list, the greatest thing you can do is walk around for free. Admire the city’s skyline and atmosphere filled with cobbled streets, dimly-lit restaurants, views of the River Danube and the house of Parliament in all its Gothic glory.
If you have some cash to spare, treat yourself to one of the famous thermal baths which will still come in under €20.
Further reading → Getting the train between Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna
Kyiv | Ukraine
Commonly referred to as the ‘City of Domes’, Ukraine’s capital city is a destination that certainly has the wow factor and is also very cheap to explore. As a tourist, entry to most of the main attractions cost no more than a couple of Euros – some of which I would happily have paid two or three times the amount. Kyiv’s architecture is on another level, especially at Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra, St Sophia’s Cathedral and St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. I was so blown away by its beauty that I’m itching to return again soon.
For something more urban, you can also do your own free, self-guided street art tour of Kyiv.
Please note: it is not longer advisable to visit Ukraine until the situation in the country improves.
Berlin | Germany
I know Berlin isn’t going to be new to you but in case you needed reminding, it’s a superb place for budget travellers so it deserves being in this list. Though it does appear to be getting more expensive each time I visit so now is a good time to go if you haven’t been already.
The last time I visited was with a bunch of girlfriends because it ticked all the boxes of what we wanted in a city-break. We wanted to go somewhere that had lots of cultural things to do during the day and had a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from at night. Berlin has all of those things in abundance without needing to splash so much cash.
Further reading → Exploring East & West Berlin in 2 days – itinerary
Vilnius | Lithuania
Lithuania’s capital city is a joy to walk around with its beautiful medieval old town in a patchwork of architectural styles and eras: baroque, neoclassical and gothic architecture.
There are a ton of free things to do in the city. Take a simple stroll around its historic Old Town, which is home to quirky locales like Užupis, a ‘republic’ of artists with its own anthem and constitution. You can also see the Literatu Street Project, an artistic homage to Lithuanian literary greats. In Vilnius, even activities that aren’t free, aren’t that expensive. For example, entrance to Gediminas’ Tower, with its gorgeous views out over the capital, costs just €4.
Naples | Italy
The gritty port city of Naples is overlooked by its more glamorous neighbours – Rome, Florence and Venice, but its a city known for its soul and character. In fact, many people will say ‘if you haven’t been to Naples, you haven’t been to Italy’. This praise is partly thanks to it being the birthplace of pizza, and where its said to be the best in the country. Thankfully pizza and other culinary delights don’t come at a premium price – especially compared to more touristy cities in Italy. There is not a short supply of authentic and cheap pizzerias, coffee houses and restaurants.
The city is also a decent gateway to Southern Italy and to Pompeii. So if you’ve already seen Italy’s highlights, Naples ought to be your next Italian destination. I took day-trips to Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Pompeii, and you can get return train tickets for as little as €5. However, this does not include entry.
Sofia | Bulgaria
According to the European Backpacker Index 2017, the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, is the cheapest city to visit in Europe. While Bulgaria’s beaches and ski resorts have built up a tourist fanbase, the country’s capital is still an unusual city-break option. But making the trip will reward you with exquisite Ottoman churches, fun nightlife and pretty city parks. And if you want to hit the slopes, Mount Vitosha is just a bus ride away. Sofia has something for everyone.
Brasov | Romania
Fans of all things dark and gothic will revel in Brasov, the gateway to Bran Castle, the place that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Set in the heart of Transylvania, this town has colourful houses, charming cafés and a fascinating mixture of history and local legend.
Romania is one of Europe’s cheapest destinations, so your money will stretch further here. Attractions don’t don’t cost much in Brasov so take the cable car up to the Tampa Mountain to enjoy breathtaking views over the city and plains of Transylvania!
Český Krumlov | Czech Republic
I thought about including Prague but I figured many of you will already have visited so I’ve opted for a different Czech city – Český Krumlov. This picturesque city isn’t one you hear lots of people talking about all the time but even taking a peek at photos will leave you wondering why you never thought to visit.
Climbing the castle tower is a must for panoramic views of the city. It really captures the city’s beauty with its mix of colourful historic buildings fused with lush greenery and a river that wraps around it all.
4 responses
Great post and amazing destinations
what an amazing cities thanks a lot for this article.
Nice article. I still find so many people who think international travel has to cost a lot of money. There are plenty of ways to do things at a reasonable cost.
I agree, travelling can be more affordable than most people probably imagine if enough research is done!