Europe is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and for good reason. The continent offers plenty of variety, from stunning beaches to rolling hills, and lively cities to picturesque towns. As home to some of the most expensive countries in the world though, it can also be one of the priciest places to travel to. Europe doesn’t have to break the bank though. In fact, it’s possible to travel there for as little as $33USD per day – a price you could easily spend on a meal elsewhere in the world! I’ve rounded up some of the absolute cheapest cities in Europe. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also offer loads in the way of culture, history, and fun! So if you’re dreaming up future travels but aren’t sure how to afford it, why not visit one of these epic cities (number 10 is my personal favourite!).
1. Budapest, Hungary
Daily Budget: €31/$38USD
Often cited as one of the most underrated cities in Europe (and one of my personal favourites!), Budapest offers plenty of bang for your buck. There are plenty of sights to see for free, from the Fisherman’s Bastion to a stroll along the Danube. A visit to the thermal baths will set you back about $21USD but entering St. Peter’s Basilica will cost you only $0.68.
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Budapest, you can expect to pay about $13USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will likely cost around $37 per night, however you can often find great deals for bigger groups. An airbnb that sleeps 12 costs around $126, working out at only $10.50 per person!
Food
Sticking to traditional restaurants will get you a much better deal on your food, with an average meal costing about $7. If you want something fancier, you’ll probably still be pleasantly surprised by how affordable it can be – about $12.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
Daily Budget: €34/$41USD
Not only is Turkey incredibly beautiful, it’s also surprisingly cheap! As the capital city, Istanbul has plenty to do. Check out the iconic Blue Mosque, haggle at the Grand Bazaar and cross the bridge from Europe to Asia.
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Istanbul, you can expect to pay about $12USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will likely cost around $40 per night!
Food
Turkish food is not only cheap but also delicious. I’d recommend starting your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast. These tend to be very big and will definitely fill you up for a day of exploring! You can get food for just a few dollars from a traditional Turkish restaurant!
3. Porto, Portugal
Daily Budget: €41/$50USD
Although a little more expensive than the other cities on this list, by Western European Standards, Porto is pretty cheap! There are some great free walking tours of the city and many of the museums are free to enter on Sundays. Pick up a Porto Card for $6USD for free access to 11 museums, 50% discount on other attractions, free public transport plus discounts at some local restaurants. I’ve also done a whole blogpost about how much it costs to travel in the Algarve, Portugal.
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Porto, you can expect to pay about $20USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will likely cost around $50 per night!
Food
The price of food varies a lot in Portugal depending on the type of restaurant you pick. Prices are generally much cheaper than elsewhere in Western Europe however, and you can find an evening meal for $10.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Daily Budget: €33/$40USD
Prague is a beautiful old city that, despite being increasingly popular, remains relatively affordable. There are plenty of things to see for free – walking around the city is in itself a great activity! But even things that require payment tend to be cheap.
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Prague, you can expect to pay about $18USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will likely cost around $40 per night!
Food
Again, the best way to eat cheaply is to eat at restaurants that serve traditional Czech food. You can find this kind of meal for about $6. The Czechs love their beer so it’s also important to note that a pint will cost you about $1.50.
Daily Budget: €40/$48USD
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is a fairytale city, so pretty it almost doesn’t feel real. If you’re looking for a relaxed trip with beautiful architecture and plenty of nature nearby, this is the place for you. Lake Bled is also fairly close by and makes for an excellent day trip.
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Ljubljana, you can expect to pay about $26USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will likely cost around $70 per night.
Food
You can eat very cheaply in Slovenia – around $10 for a dinner meal.
6. Warsaw, Poland
Poland is an incredibly affordable country in general with a whole host of great cities to explore. It’s capital Warsaw makes for an excellent choice with its abundance of beautiful castles, gardens and museums.
Daily Budget: €27/$33USD
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Warsaw, you can expect to pay about $11USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will likely cost around $40 per night! You can get food for just a few dollars from a traditional Turkish restaurant!
Food
A traditional meal from a Mleczny (or ‘Milk Bar’) will cost about $5. These tend to be very filling, making them great value for money. You should be able to eat very cheaply in Warsaw!
7. Riga, Latvia
Daily Budget: €32/$39USD
Latvia is Nothern European country that’s incredibly cheap to travel in. It’s a beautiful city with a lovely Old Town and a gorgeous art nouveau district that’s definitely worth a visit. If you don’t know much about the city, I’d highly recommend giving this video from Eileen Aldis a watch – she covers all of the best things to do in this hidden gem!
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Riga, you can expect to pay about $11USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will likely cost around $40 per night!
Food
You should be able to find lunch for around $5 and dinner for about $8-10.
8. Split, Croatia
Daily Budget: €42/$51USD
Split is the perfect city destination for those wanting to enjoy the sunshine. It offers a bit of everything with beaches and waterfalls nearby to a fascinating historic city. Croatia has gained popularity over the past 10 years but remains relatively cheap for travellers on a budget!
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Split, you can expect to pay about $14USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will likely cost around $60-75 per night!
Food
A pint of beer will cost you about $2.50USD, as would a gyros for lunch! Dinner is more likely to cost around $10.
9. Tallinn, Estonia
Daily Budget: €33/$40USD
This often neglected city is full of culture. The Kadriog Art Museum is particularly impressive, not only for its collection of art but also its exterior. The baroque palace was originally for Catherine I of Russia. There’s also plenty of history to be discovered. The KGB Museum, for example, uncovers the city’s Soviet past.
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Tallinn, you can expect to pay about $11USD per night. Airbnbs are few and far between in Tallinn, so if you’re looking for something a little more private than a hostel, you’re probably better off getting a hotel room!
Food
Dinner is will likely cost around $10 whilst a glass of wine will be about $2.50.
Daily Budget: €28/$34USD
10. Krakow, Poland
I’ve added another Poland destination to the list because it really is the gift that keeps giving when it comes to incredible cities at affordable prices. There’s plenty to do in Krakow. The impressive Wieliczka Salt Mine draws people in year on year (if you haven’t seen it, give this a watch – it’s seriously epic!). You can also find the Auschwitz Concentration Camp nearby, if you’re interested in learning more about Poland’s tragic history. The city offers plenty in the way of cool coffee shops and clothing stores so also makes the perfect long-term travel destination. A hostel bed will set you back €10/$12USD per night.
Accommodation
For a standard dorm room in Krakow, you can expect to pay about $12USD per night. A private airbnb flat for 2 will cost around $40, so $20 each.
Food
You can find dinner for as little as $5 although a 3 course meal is likely to cost closer to $17.
