Where do you come across statements that you have to spend a great deal of money so that your visit to Europe can be exciting? This segment is divided into specific areas that concern Europe with a focus on awesome structures, history, and vibrant cultures. Fortunately, you are not going to proclaim something big and spend a significant amount of money investigating it. As much as this post will be beneficial for those intending to travel to Europe, this post will make sure to give you some of the top and cheap places to travel in Europe when you’re on a limited budget.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest can be rightly called the “Paris of the East” and this is not just a mere saying because. You can get stunning views and exciting attractions as well as explore the history of the city, which is, as a rule, significantly a top place and cheaper to travel than in Western European countries.
- Highlights:
- Buda Castle
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Danube River Cruises
- Budget Tip: The Budapest Cards are important, as they allow free travel on public transport and discounted admission to many attractions.
2. Kraków, Poland
Krakow is a city with a past and a present, as well as both medieval and modern appearances. Cultural sights and attractions are prominently located around the city and these include the Wawel Castle and the Rynek Glówny, the largest market square in Europe.
- Highlights:
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
- St. Mary’s Basilica
- Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
- Budget Tip: Enjoy free walking tours and dine at milk bars for affordable traditional Polish meals.
3. Porto, Portugal
Porto, known for its port wine, offers stunning landscapes and a rich cultural experience. The city is less crowded than Lisbon but equally charming.
- Highlights:
- Ribeira District
- Livraria Lello Bookstore
- Douro Valley wine tours
- Budget Tip: The city has numerous gardens and parks to take advantage of the free wine tasting to visit.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Arriving in Prague you immediately realize it is a fairy-tale kingdom that was built using Gothic architecture and medieval layout. It has countless history to explore along with that the city has a lot to do when it comes to nightlife.
- Highlights:
- Charles Bridge
- Prague Castle
- Old Town Square
- Budget Tip: Also, most attractions are either cheap or, at most, reasonably priced. Visit local restaurants if you wish to taste good Czech food and do not want to spend a lot of money.
5. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia stands out as a relatively unknown city located in Bulgaria that blends communist influence with contemporary social life. It is relatively cheap to live in this city and there is much to do in terms of sightseeing and entertainment.
- Highlights:
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Vitosha Boulevard
- Boyana Church
- Budget Tip: Use the efficient public transport system and enjoy affordable street food.
6. Athens, Greece
Athens is not only the cradle of Western civilization but also a rather cheap city for tourists. The city is relatively old on the one hand but it still carries a new and contemporary feel.
- Highlights:
- Acropolis
- Plaka District
- National Archaeological Museum
- Budget Tip: Many museums open for tourists have free admission days depending on the day of the week. Taste the tested traditional Greek food at the cheap taverns and restaurants.
7. Riga, Latvia
Latvia’s Riga is the best place to visit for lovers of medieval complexes and Art Nouveau. The city is famous for its energetic tone and it is relatively cheap.
- Highlights:
- Riga Old Town
- St. Peter’s Church
- Central Market
- Budget Tip: Wander through the old town and explore free galleries and museums.
8. Belgrade, Serbia
Currently, Belgrade is a vivid city, that combines the buildings of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian epochs with Soviet-style constructions. The nightlife is also fascinating and the city is ranked as one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe.
- Highlights:
- Kalemegdan Fortress
- St. Sava Temple
- Skadarlija Street
- Budget Tip: Bus fares are very low and one can find many things to do in the great outdoors for free.
9. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is sometimes called ‘Little Paris’, and despite the modern and very liberty-styled large boulevards the city also features many old parts. It is rather cheap and there is so much one can do and see there in terms of history and places of interest.
- Highlights:
- Palace of the Parliament
- Herastrau Park
- Old Town
- Budget Tip: Several museums allow free admission on Wednesday in the first week of a month as Fashion and Style Week
10. Vilnius, Lithuania
The capital of Lithuania is Vilnius- it is a bronze-aged city with a baroque style of architecture. They are all compact and many of them are concentrated in the downtown area so, walking is comfortable and can be used as a means of transportation.
- Highlights:
- Gediminas’ Tower
- Vilnius Cathedral
- Užupis District
- Budget Tip: Mingle with local markets and restaurants to get cheaper foods and other goods that can be bought as souvenirs.
FAQs
What are the best places to travel in Europe for cheap?
Budapest is reputed to be one of the cheapest destinations that one can visit in Europe; most of their accommodations, food prices, and other attractions are relatively cheap, while other destinations are Kraków, Porto, Prague, and Sofia.
What are the ways how one could travel cheaply within Europe?
- Take low-cost flights and it is always advantageous to book the tickets in advance. budget airlines and book flights well in advance.
- In the case of intercity transportation choose railways or buses this will be cheaper than using taxis.
- Dormitories should be used or Airbnb accommodations should be sought in the event of cheap accommodations.
- Order food from food markets, or eat in cheap eateries that have good quality food.
- Use public transport or walk to explore cities.
When is the best time to travel to Europe on a budget?
As for cheap European travel, the best time is in the spring and the fall, from mid-April to mid-May, and from mid-September to mid-October. They tend to occur at times within the warm season when there are many visitors and tourists and, therefore, the prices for flights and hotels are high.
Are there any free attractions in Europe?
Indeed, a plethora of cities in Europe have free-of-charge sights including parks, museums, and other monuments. Visit the official website of each city to learn about free visits and sightseeing points.
List of Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe
- Budapest, Hungary
- Kraków, Poland
- Porto, Portugal
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Athens, Greece
- Riga, Latvia
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Bucharest, Romania
- Vilnius, Lithuania
Finding the best places to travel in Europe for cheap is not just a reality, it is a perfectly enjoyable experience. Based on the examples from Kraków and Belgrade, it can be seen that Europe has several affordable travel destinations that provide an exciting experience without much spending.
Are you eager to embark on your cheap European trip? So, pack your bags, and let’s visit these affordable beauty spots!