Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, has long been a dream destination for travelers worldwide. However, the perception that a European vacation will break the bank is far from reality. In 2025, savvy travelers can explore the continent without emptying their wallets, thanks to an array of budget-friendly destinations. Whether you’re a young backpacker or a retiree seeking adventure, this guide to the cheapest places to visit in Europe will help you plan an unforgettable journey without financial stress.
We at Sojournn have compiled this comprehensive list of the top 10 cheapest destinations in Europe for 2025. We’ve considered factors such as accommodation costs, food prices, transportation expenses, and the overall cost of living to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a budget-friendly European adventure!
1. Bulgaria: The Hidden Gem of the Balkans
Step into a land where time seems to stand still, yet modernity pulses beneath the surface. Bulgaria, a country of contrasts, invites budget-savvy travelers to explore its sun-drenched Black Sea coast, mist-shrouded mountain ranges, and cities that echo the footsteps of ancient civilizations.
Here, you can sip rakia in a rustic village tavern, marvel at gold-domed Orthodox churches, and hike through pristine forests – all without breaking the bank.
Bulgaria’s affordability is matched only by its warm hospitality, making it a treasure trove for those seeking authentic experiences on a shoestring budget.
Key attractions:
- Sofia: The capital city boasts impressive Orthodox churches and Roman ruins.
- Plovdiv: Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, known for its well-preserved old town.
- Black Sea Coast: Sunny Beach and Golden Sands offer budget-friendly beach vacations.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €15-30 per night for budget hotels
- Meals: €5-10 per person for local restaurants
- Transportation: €0.50-1 for single bus/tram tickets
Pro tip: Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for even better deals on accommodations and fewer crowds.
2. Romania: Transylvania’s Affordable Allure
Prepare to be enchanted by a country where myth and reality intertwine like the tendrils of morning mist in the Carpathian Mountains. Romania, the land of Dracula lore and medieval fortresses, offers an irresistible blend of Gothic romance and down-to-earth charm.
From the bustling streets of Bucharest to the time-capsule villages of Transylvania, Romania serves up a feast for the senses at prices that feel like a throwback to a bygone era.
Here, you can explore vampire legends, indulge in hearty peasant cuisine, and lose yourself in landscapes that inspired fairy tales – all while keeping your wallet happily full.
Must-visit locations:
- Bucharest: The capital city, known as “Little Paris,” features grand architecture and vibrant nightlife.
- Brasov: A picturesque town in Transylvania, perfect for exploring nearby castles.
- Sibiu: A charming medieval city with well-preserved Germanic architecture.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €20-40 per night for mid-range hotels
- Meals: €7-15 per person for restaurant dining
- Transportation: €0.30-0.50 for single bus/metro tickets
Pro tip: Consider staying in “pensiunea” (guesthouses) for an authentic and budget-friendly experience.
3. Portugal: Western Europe’s Budget Paradise
Imagine sipping vinho verde on a sun-drenched terrace, the mournful strains of fado drifting on the breeze, knowing that this slice of paradise won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Welcome to Portugal, where Western European sophistication meets wallet-friendly prices. This slender country packs a punch with its tile-adorned cities, wave-lashed Atlantic coast, and sun-baked Alentejo plains. From the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s Alfama to the port wine cellars of Porto, Portugal offers a intoxicating blend of history, culture, and cuisine that’ll leave you dizzy with delight – and not from sticker shock.
Top destinations:
- Lisbon: The vibrant capital city known for its colorful streets and rich history.
- Porto: Famous for its port wine and stunning riverside views.
- Algarve: Beautiful beaches and coastal towns at a fraction of the cost of other Mediterranean destinations.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €30-60 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
- Meals: €8-15 per person for local restaurants
- Transportation: €1.50-2 for single metro/bus tickets
Money-saving tip: Take advantage of the “Menu do Dia” (Menu of the Day) for affordable and delicious local cuisine.
4. Greece: Mythical Beauty on a Budget
Close your eyes and picture this: azure waters lapping at white-sand beaches, ancient ruins standing sentinel over olive groves, and vibrant tavernas alive with the clinking of ouzo glasses. Now, open them and realize this dream is within reach, thanks to Greece’s surprisingly affordable mainland and lesser-known islands. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of gods and philosophers, feast on Mediterranean delicacies, and lose yourself in landscapes that have inspired artists for millennia – all without requiring a Midas touch to your finances. Greece proves that you don’t need to be a Greek tycoon to indulge in Hellenic pleasures.
Best budget-friendly locations:
- Athens: The historic capital with its iconic Acropolis and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Thessaloniki: A coastal city with rich history and excellent food scene.
- Naxos: A beautiful and affordable alternative to more touristy islands.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €25-50 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
- Meals: €10-20 per person for tavernas and local eateries
- Transportation: €1.20-1.40 for single metro/bus tickets in Athens
Travel hack: Visit during the shoulder season (May-June or September-October) for better deals and fewer crowds.
5. Croatia: Coastal Beauty Without the Price Tag
Imagine a country where sapphire waters meet ancient stone walls, where waterfalls cascade through pristine forests, and where Roman ruins rub shoulders with chic cafes. Welcome to Croatia, the Adriatic jewel that offers Mediterranean luxury at bargain-basement prices. From the terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik to the turquoise lakes of Plitvice, Croatia is a visual feast that won’t leave your wallet starving. Whether you’re island-hopping along the Dalmatian coast, sipping world-class wines in Istria, or exploring Zagreb’s quirky museums, Croatia proves that champagne tastes can indeed be enjoyed on a beer budget.
Can’t-miss spots:
- Dubrovnik: The “Pearl of the Adriatic” with its stunning old town and city walls.
- Split: A vibrant coastal city with the impressive Diocletian’s Palace.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: A natural wonder with cascading lakes and waterfalls.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €30-60 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
- Meals: €10-20 per person for local restaurants
- Transportation: €1-1.50 for single bus tickets
Budget tip: Consider staying in “sobe” (private rooms) for a more affordable and local experience.
6. Hungary: Central European Charm at Bargain Prices
Step into a thermal bath, bite into a flaky chimney cake and lose yourself in the enchanting melodies of a Gypsy violin – all without fretting about your bank balance. Hungary, the heart of Central Europe, beats with a rhythm that’s both familiar and exotic, offering travelers a tantalizing blend of East and West at prices that feel like a beautiful hallucination. From the grand boulevards of Budapest to the sun-drenched vineyards of Tokaj, Hungary serves up a smorgasbord of experiences that’ll leave you wondering why you didn’t visit sooner. Prepare to be spellbound by a country where affordability and allure go hand in hand.
Must-visit attractions:
- Budapest: The stunning capital city with its iconic Parliament building and thermal baths.
- Lake Balaton: Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, perfect for a budget-friendly beach getaway.
- Eger: A charming town known for its castle and wine region.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €25-50 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
- Meals: €8-15 per person for local restaurants
- Transportation: €1-1.50 for single metro/bus tickets in Budapest
Savings strategy: Purchase a Budapest Card for free public transportation and discounts on attractions.
7. Czech Republic: Bohemian Beauty on a Budget
Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets lined with pastel-hued houses, sipping the world’s finest beer for pocket change, and gazing at skylines punctuated by fairy-tale spires. Welcome to the Czech Republic, where Bohemian rhapsody meets budget-friendly reality. This small but mighty nation packs a punch with its stunning architecture, rich history, and unbeatable beer culture – all at prices that’ll make you want to stay forever. From the medieval splendor of Prague to the spa town elegance of Karlovy Vary, the Czech Republic offers a Central European adventure that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the wallet.
Top destinations:
- Prague: The stunning capital with its historic Old Town and Prague Castle.
- Český Krumlov: A picturesque medieval town in South Bohemia.
- Karlovy Vary: A beautiful spa town known for its hot springs.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €30-60 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
- Meals: €8-15 per person for local restaurants
- Transportation: €1-1.50 for single metro/tram tickets in Prague
Money-saving tip: Enjoy “pivnice” (beer halls) for affordable meals and drinks in a lively atmosphere.
8. Poland: Eastern European Gem with Affordable Delights
Picture a land where medieval castles rise from misty forests, where tales of kings and dragons come alive, and where hearty portions of pierogi come at prices that feel like a happy anachronism. Welcome to Poland, an unsung hero of budget European travel. This resilient nation offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that belies its affordable price tag. From the soaring Tatra Mountains to the windswept Baltic coast, from the bustling energy of Warsaw to the timeless charm of Krakow, Poland invites you to explore its multifaceted personality without emptying your pockets.
Must-visit locations:
- Krakow: The cultural capital with its well-preserved old town and nearby stunning mountains.
- Warsaw: The modern capital city with a reconstructed historic center.
- Gdansk: A beautiful coastal city with a rich Hanseatic history.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €25-50 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
- Meals: €7-15 per person for local restaurants
- Transportation: €0.75-1 for single bus/tram tickets
Insider tip: Try “milk bars” (bar mleczny) for incredibly cheap and authentic Polish meals.
9. Albania: The Balkan’s Best-Kept Secret
Dare to venture where few tourists have gone before, and be rewarded with pristine beaches, rugged mountain scenery, and warm hospitality – all at prices that feel like a glorious mistake. Albania, long shrouded in mystery, has emerged as the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination for budget-conscious travelers. This small Balkan nation packs a punch with its stunning landscapes, ranging from the “Albanian Alps” in the north to the sun-drenched rivieras of the south. Add in a fascinating blend of Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Communist history, and you’ve got a recipe for an adventure that’s as enriching to your soul as it is gentle on your wallet.
Key attractions:
- Tirana: The colorful capital city with its eclectic architecture and vibrant nightlife.
- Albanian Riviera: Beautiful beaches and coastal towns at a fraction of the cost of other Mediterranean destinations.
- Berat: The “City of a Thousand Windows” with its unique Ottoman architecture.
Budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: €20-40 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
- Meals: €5-10 per person for local restaurants
- Transportation: €0.30-0.50 for single bus tickets
Pro tip: Consider renting a car to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and remote villages.
10. Montenegro: Coastal Beauty at Bargain Prices
Imagine a country where fjord-like bays meet rugged mountain peaks, where medieval villages cling to cliffsides, and where crystal-clear lakes mirror snow-capped peaks – all accessible without requiring a small fortune. Welcome to Montenegro, the tiny Balkan nation that punches well above its weight in terms of natural beauty and cultural riches. From the walled coastal town of Kotor to the primeval forests of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro offers a condensed version of Europe’s most stunning landscapes at prices that feel like a beautiful dream. Prepare to be awestruck by a country where your euro stretches as far as the spectacular views.
Can’t-miss spots:
– Kotor: A beautifully preserved medieval town in a stunning bay setting.
– Budva: A popular coastal resort with beautiful beaches and a historic old town.
– Durmitor National Park: A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with dramatic mountain scenery.
Budget breakdown:
– Accommodation: €25-50 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
– Meals: €7-15 per person for local restaurants
– Transportation: €0.80-1.20 for single bus tickets
Money-saving tip: Visit during the shoulder season (May-June or September-October) for better deals on accommodations and fewer crowds.
