Top 5 Cheapest Cities in Europe to Visit: Explore Europe on a Budget
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Top 5 Cheapest Cities in Europe to Visit: Explore Europe on a Budget

08/05/2025
Hoang Tu
Top 5 Cheapest Cities in Europe to Visit: Explore Europe on a Budget

Europe, with its stunning architecture, unique cuisine, and diverse cultures, remains a dream destination for many travelers. However, a common misconception is that exploring Europe comes with a hefty price tag. The good news is that you can absolutely enjoy a budget Europe trip without sacrificing incredible cultural and natural experiences—if you choose the right places to go. Below are the Top 5 cheapest cities in Europe to visit—destinations that are beautiful, exciting, and perfect for anyone who loves budget travel in Europe.

1. Krakow, Ba Lan

Krakow, Poland

Krakow, Poland

This charming historic city stands out not only for its medieval architecture and the magnificent Wawel Castle but also for being one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe. As the former capital of Poland, Krakow offers a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, attracting visitors with cobblestone streets, grand landmarks, and a strong Central European cultural identity.

Average daily cost: Around 30 - 45 EUR, including food, transport, and accommodation—perfect for travelers planning a budget Europe trip.

Top attractions:

  • Main market square (Rynek Główny): The largest medieval square in Europe, buzzing with cafes, churches, and souvenir shops.

  • Wawel castle: A symbol of the city and once home to Polish royalty, perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River.

  • Wieliczka salt mine: An underground marvel just 30 minutes from the city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Auschwitz-birkenau memorial: A deeply moving site about an hour from Krakow, preserving one of history’s darkest chapters.

Affordable local food: Krakow is a haven for delicious and budget-friendly traditional Polish cuisine. With just 3–5 EUR, you can enjoy stuffed dumplings (Pierogi) or the hearty hunter's stew (Bigos). Don’t miss Zapiekanka—a popular street food that’s essentially a Polish-style baguette pizza, available for as little as 1–2 EUR.

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

The grand capital of Hungary, Budapest, is known for its stunning architecture and rich history, and is also one of the most popular cheap travel locations Europe. Straddling both sides of the Danube River, the city combines old-world charm with modern energy.

Average daily cost: 35 – 50 EUR, covering meals, attractions, and accommodation.

Top attractions:

Affordable stays: Budapest offers a wide range of accommodation, from modern hostels to mid-range hotels, with prices starting from 10 – 15 EUR per night—making it an ideal base for budget travel in Europe.

Budapest offers incredible value for money, combining relaxation and adventure. It is often considered the least expensive city in Europe for travelers looking for long-term stays with a low cost of living but a high quality of life.

3. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria

As one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe, Sofia is becoming a rising star among the budget travel community. While it may not be as famous as Western European capitals, Sofia offers its own unique charm through a blend of Byzantine and Soviet architecture alongside stunning natural landscapes. It’s not only one of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit, but also ranks among the cheapest cities to live in Europe, making it suitable for both travel and short-term living.

Average daily cost: 25 – 40 EUR – a price range that’s hard to find in most other tourist cities across Europe.

Top attractions:

  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, featuring distinctive domed architecture.

  • Vitosha Mountain: Located right next to the city, ideal for hiking or skiing in winter.

  • National Historical Museum of Bulgaria: Home to thousands of years of cultural and historical artifacts.

Local cuisine: For just 5-7 EUR, you can enjoy a full meal with local specialties such as banitsa (cheese pastry), shopska salad, or kebapche (grilled meat).

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of history, art, and budget travel in Europe. Known as the “Heart of Europe,” Prague leaves a lasting impression with its Gothic and Baroque architecture and beautiful old streets.

Average daily cost: 35 – 55 EUR including accommodation, food, and entrance tickets – ideal for budget-friendly trips.

Top attractions:

  • Charles Bridge: A historic stone bridge crossing the Vltava River, famous for its statues and street performers.

  • Astronomical Clock: One of the oldest and most accurate astronomical clocks in Europe, located in the Old Town Square.

  • Prague Castle: The largest ancient castle in the world, once home to Bohemian kings, presidents, and Holy Roman emperors.

Affordable food and drinks: Prague is known as a beer lover’s paradise, with local pints costing just 1–2 EUR. Meals like goulash, potato soup, or trdelník (chimney cake) are delicious and cost only 3–7 EUR.

Thanks to its architectural beauty and affordability, Prague consistently ranks among the top 10 cheapest cities in Europe for travelers from around the world.

5. Tirana, Albania

Tirana, Albania

Tirana, Albania

If you’ve explored Western Europe and are looking for something fresh and less touristy but rich in culture and nature, Tirana is a fantastic choice. Albania in general—and Tirana in particular—is becoming one of the best cheap destinations for young people and independent travelers.

Average daily cost: 25 – 40 EUR, significantly lower than the European average.

Top attractions:

Food and coffee culture: Tirana is a “coffee lover’s heaven” with countless charming cafes where a cup costs just 1 EUR, highly popular among Instagram lovers. Traditional dishes such as byrek, tavë kosi, and qofte are both delicious and budget-friendly, starting from just 2 - 5 EUR.

With this top 5 list of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit, you don’t need to spend thousands of euros to enjoy all Europe offer. These destinations combine culture, history, nature, and budget-friendly experiences to help you travel smarter. Start planning your budget Europe trip now and explore the most cheap cities in Europe to visit—each one a gem waiting to be discovered.

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