Cheapest places to visit in Europe
Yet, for any person who prefers value and has limited funds available for travel, Europe can be a tricky place to navigate around. However if you are ready to think outside the open-top bus and explore a bit deeper this continent is full of wonderful experiences that can be found at a fraction of the cost. These dream destinations have affordable costs for living, accommodations and meals making them ideal for travelers who want to explore cultures beautiful views and histories on a budget.
Europe is a beautiful continent that is famous all over the world for its polymorphism in terms of cultural and historical features exclusive architecture and different tasty cuisines. Great cities such as Paris London and Rome do not necessarily have to be expensive but sometimes they are a little expensive for travelers on a tight budget. Luckily there are some great undiscovered destinations in Europe where your dollars can go further so here are the 10 cheapest places to visit in Europe.
1. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is known as the cultural hub of Poland, and it is a historic city that is both highly acidic and highly characterized. Affected by the medieval and Renaissance periods with its Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site Krakow has a great deal to offer its clients with such legends as Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and the more serious side of the tour with the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial. Hospitality costs such as lodging eating and transport in Krakow are among the lowest in Europe thus making it one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe.
The best time to visit Krakow is between May and September. During this time the weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging between 16 and 26 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to stroll through the old town visit historical sites and relax in the parks.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Hungary Budapest is a large and richly populated city with the flavor of greatness as well as elegance at highly affordable prices. Crossing the Danube River, it is possible to admire such central sights as the Parliament Building, the Castle District Buda Palace, and Szecsenyi’s thermal baths. From eating out to traveling around town and taking meals in inexpensive restaurants as well as cheap and efficient modes of transport Budapest is one of the worthiest places to visit and among the cheapest places to visit in Europe.
In spring and fall—May, June, September, and early October—travelers enjoy fewer tourist crowds and milder weather. This is one of the best times to visit Budapest.
3. Riga, Latvia
Riga is the gorgeous capital city of Latvia that many travelers usually do not consider when planning their visit. If one wanders into the old town which is a World Heritage Site Riga’s beauty can be seen in the Art Nouveau buildings, charming uneven cobblestones and buzz of the young artistic community. Right from the cheap accommodation from hostels to inexpensive food for foreign delicacies with a Latvian touch Riga falls in the list of the cheapest places to visit in Europe.
July–August is the most popular time to visit Riga but it’s the peak season, so hotel and flight prices rise accordingly. May–June and September–October are also great times to visit Riga.
4. Bucharest, Romania
The Romanian capital is a perfect example of a city that embraces distinct historical and cultural traditions but is also representative of the modern European metropolis. From the vibrant modern palaces—the Palace of the Parliament is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world—to the romantic XVIIth-century architecture the old city’s world-class cafes and restaurants make Bucharest a unique and cheap city break destination. Through inexpensive food and cheap accommodations along with local transportation which would cost a traveler little Bucharest provides a guarantee that it is on the list of the cheapest destinations in Europe.
It is suggested to visit Bucharest during early autumn or early spring for the best weather. Bucharest has a lot to offer and it is recommended that you stay 3 or 4 days to enjoy it the most.
5. Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina
Sarajevo combines Oriental atmospheres typical of the Ottoman Empire and Central European atmospheres characteristic of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, giving it a brave flavor that is reflected in the historical city center, various markets, and booming gastronomy. Considering hostels costs and local restaurants it is possible to mention that Sarajevo is among the cheapest places to visit on the European continent.
The best time to visit is from February to May & September to October for its pleasant climate.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and it is a city that can be safely pointed to as a perfect example of a city that keeps old-world traditions in its heart but is not alien to present-day dynamics. From the fascinating towers called Belém and the monasteries of Jerónimos Monastery to the beautiful district of Alfama, which is painted in various colors, Lisbon should be noted for its numerous attractions that are accessible at an affordable price. Lisbon is heard and seen as one of the cheapest places in Europe due to various factors, including cheap accommodation facilities cheap means of transport, and tastefully made local meals such as the renowned custard tart.
The best time to visit Lisbon is in the summer. From May to September, the weather is generally warm and dry, which means balmy evenings dining al fresco and trips to the nearby beaches. Late spring is also a good time to visit but can be rainy; Lisbon’s wetter months extend from October right through mid-May.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Even cheaper attractions that can be named are within easy walking distance and will not cause any major expenses for a tourist. Not only does Prague have some inexpensive local dining and accommodation establishments, ranging from hostels to hotels, but it also offers delicious traditional Czech meals which have made it one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe.
May, June, and September (16°C to 26°C) during the spring and fall seasons are the best times to visit Prague. During these months, the temperature in Prague is comfortable and if you’re on budget travel you’ll find hotels to stay flights to book all within your budget and fewer crowds.
8. Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia’s capital city Belgrade is an interesting destination that boasts of its historical past diverse personalities, and cheap prices. Whether it is the ever-standing Belgrade fortress overlooking the union of the Sava and Danube rivers or such a volatile area as Skadarlija, Belgrade offers a typical European flavor at an affordable cost. Since you can now book affordable hotels get around easily using local transport, and enjoy tasty Serbian food Belgrade can be comfortably regarded as one of the cheapest destinations to travel to in Europe.
Belgrade has year-round charm, and some seasons will be more attractive to certain visitors than others. On my opinion, the best months to visit are second half of April, May, June and September. The weather is just as should be for city break: warm but not hot, dry and very pleasant, average temperature is 19–23 C.
9. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and one of the most enthralling cities, with rich Byzantine patrician architectural structures but at the same time, having the appearance of a modern city. For the traveler Sofia offers an unpretentious yet engaging taste of Eastern Europe with extraordinary historical architecture such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and genuine food and shopping experiences at fresh produce and flea markets or trendy locations and late-night bars respectively. Gorgeous, amazing budget hotels a low cost of commute within the city and delicious meals of Bulgarian origin make it noticeably one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Europe.
The best time for travelers to visit Sofia, Bulgaria is during the spring or fall seasons. In the spring which spans from April to June the city comes alive with blooming flowers and temperate weather.
10. Lviv, Ukraine
The prospect of studying in Lviv which is an aesthetically charming city in Western Ukraine with rich cultural histories and politically reasonable tuition fees is inviting. Lviv has a rich history perfect for exploration well preserved buildings and stunning UNESCO sites all at an affordable rate for students. As for the accommodation, I paid $25 for a hostel and no more than $35–40 for the hotel, and simple Ukrainian cafes that offer scrumptiously tasty meats and dishes are not expensive either. Therefore, Lviv can easily be named one of the cheapest countries in Europe.
The best time to visit Lviv is from April to October, especially if you prefer the warmer weather when the spring turns to summer and the temperatures rise to around 76–85.
Conclusions
With budget airlines they didn’t have to break the bank to be able to explore Europe’s different cities. Throwing a map aside and taking a long journey into other terrains and cities of Europe away from the commercialized tourist attractions can only benefit the financially constrained traveler. From the romantic walkways of Krakow to the heaving clubs of Belgrade and the delicious food in Lviv to the grandeur of Prague the ten cheapest countries to visit in Europe provide ample ways and means of experiencing an astonishing assortment of travel and tourism thrills that you will never forget and experience again and again.
Therefore, be it a single traveler who just wants to wander around alone with a backpack, a family who wants to travel cheap, or lovers looking for a cheap romantic vacation, all can explore the following list of the top cheapest places to travel to in Europe and get what they want in a real way. Seize this chance to explore these unusual places, make unforgettable impressions, and get to know the different facets of Europe while not being turned into pennies.
FAQs
When are these worth-visit budget travel destinations?
These cities generally remain relatively cheap when traveling early in the season in spring or late in the season in autumn when tourism rates and temperatures are low. Another potential drawback is that services may cost a little more during the summer while at the same time, winter may come with even better discounts despite the drop in temperature.
What recommended options for accommodation are there within the budgets of these towns?
Search for available hostels cheap hotels, lodging VRBOs, or people with extra space to host you. There are always promotions for those who book a place in advance so if you want to find a cheap place to stay in London take a hotel that is a little further from the central area.
Is it secure for independent tourists to visit these places?
Overall, most of the said cities may be considered safe to travel to alon especially if this is done in the central part of the city. However like all places, it is pertinent to exercise ordinary caution and be wary of people and situations on the islands.
