Bulgaria
Bulgaria consistently tops the list of cheapest countries in Europe, and for a good reason! No matter where you go in the country, you can find a good deal on accommodations, food, and entertainment.
The capital of Sofia is the perfect destination for a city getaway. But, if you’re looking to soak in a bit of sun, then head to the coastal town of Sunny Beach. It’s been named Europe’s cheapest resort destination four years in a row.
Romania
If you want to visit one of the cheapest cities in Europe, look no further than Bucharest. Romania’s capital city is a must-see for any traveler on a budget.
Staying in the city is extremely affordable, with shared hostel rooms starting at just a few bucks a day. But if you’re looking to splurge, you can also book the best room in a luxury 5-star hotel without breaking the bank.
Poland
Although Poland’s trains are less advanced than other European countries, they’re still an affordable option if you know where to look. By purchasing the weekend ticket (Bilet Weekendowy), you’ll have unlimited rides on most trains throughout the whole country.
Even the country’s top attractions are cheap! Most of Poland’s monuments and buildings are free to visit, and Government run museums offer free entrance at least once a week. With all that saved money, you can buy a few extra beers (which are also ridiculously cheap!).
Portugal
If you’re looking for pristine beaches, delicious street food, and an endless supply of wine, then make sure to add Portugal to your travel itinerary. It’s surprisingly one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe.
Portugal’s national airlines, TAP Air Portugal, has some of the best airfare deals around. Their prices are often lower than other European budget airlines, making it easy and affordable to fly into the country.
Even Lisbon and Porto, Portugal’s largest cities, are cheap to visit. Hotels and hostels are competitively priced year round, so you can save money even during the busy summer months.
Greece
Depending on where you go, Greece can be one of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe. Although it’s possible to splurge on high-end hotels and fancy dinners, you can still travel through Greece on a budget.
One of the biggest misconceptions about traveling through Greece is the high cost of getting to the Greek Islands. But in reality, getting to the islands doesn’t have to be expensive. To save money, consider traveling by ferry or boat. Although the one-way journey can take several hours, it’s far cheaper than flying to Santorini or Mykonos during peak time.
Spain
Spain has something for every type of traveler, from breathtaking architecture to mouth-watering cuisine. And best of all, Spain can be extremely cheap.
If a beach holiday is up your ally, then consider spending time on Mallorca or the Canary Islands. Even during high season, you can always find affordable flight deals from Europe.
And who’s says dining in Spain has to be expensive? In some regions around Spain, bars hand out small snacks, or tapas, for free when you order a drink. And we’re talking generous portions of croquetas, fried potatoes, and even paella!
Croatia
With glistening waters, sandy beaches, and cascading waterfalls, Croatia is a traveler’s dream. While you could easily spend hundreds of dollars traveling through this Adriatic country, it’s definitely possible to do Croatia on a budget.
Although Dubrovnik is worth a visit, crowds of tourists tend to drive up the prices of hotels and restaurants. Your money will go a lot further if you spend time in cities such as Zagreb or Split. And if you choose to visit Croatia during the offseason, you can still enjoy the islands and coastlines without the high costs associated with them.
As you can see, there are numerous places to see in Europe that are wallet-friendly. Now that you know it’s possible to explore Europe on a budget, you’ll have to face the most challenging task: Deciding where to go!
Slovenia
Eastern Europe is home to some of the cheapest cities in Europe, and Ljubljana, Slovenia is no exception. With turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, and medieval castles, it’s easy to see why Ljubljana attracts millions of backpackers and travelers each year. And, the cost to travel to Ljubljana is considerably cheaper compared to its neighboring countries like Austria and Italy.
Ljubljana is well connected by train, so traveling outside the country is just as easy as it is affordable. But if you want to spend a few days exploring the rest of Slovenia, you’ll find that traveling by bus is the cheapest way to go.
Albania
Albania is a country that is often overlooked in favor of Croatia and Greece. However, this hidden gem on the Balkan Peninsula has some of the most striking (and least crowded) coastlines in all of Europe. This means you can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday without spending too much cash.
And unlike most vacation destinations, you can stay in a luxury hotel or resort on the Albanian Riveria for cheap. On the other hand, you can save a few extra bucks by staying in a hostel. Albania’s hostels are known for being clean, comfortable, and very affordable.
Italy
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the ancient monuments of Rome, it’s easy to see why Italy is one of Europe’s top destinations for travelers. Unfortunately, this means that hotels and restaurants can be extremely expensive during high season. Despite these high costs, Italy still remains one of the cheapest places to fly into Europe.
If you want to travel to Italy on a budget, your best bet is flying into Milan. Milan has not one, but three international airports. And, it’s easy to find a low-cost budget flight that flies into one of them.
Once you’ve landed, getting around Italy is also easy and affordable. Most cities and villages are connected by Italy’s rail system. If you book early enough, you can snag great deals on domestic train tickets.