7 of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe
Are you looking for your next destination? Europe has it all: diverse cultures, wild landscapes, and exciting capitals. However, the trendiest European destinations often come with a big price tag these days. So, where can you travel in Europe with a smaller budget? We have made a selection of the best cheapest destinations in Europe, perfect for budget travelers.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city full of beautiful sights, delicious food, and amazing nightlife. It is definitely one of our favorite cities in Europe because of its diversity, great atmosphere, and, of course, affordable prices. A city trip to Budapest should definitely be on your bucket list.
In terms of sights, Budapest is like an open-air museum. This capital of Hungary has a royal aura due to the many kings and emperors who built palaces in the city. This also makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
You can explore it best from the wide Danube River that flows through the middle of the city. Around the Danube in Budapest, you will find countless royal buildings of dazzling beauty. The palace, the parliament building, the many bathhouses, and other sights make Budapest an ultimate city break destination.
2. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a port town in extraordinary Montenegro. More and more tourists are discovering this Eastern European country. Montenegro is not part of the European Union, so you do have to pass border control, but in the country itself, you can pay with the Euro. Fortunately, prices are much lower than in many surrounding countries. Montenegro is blessed with beautiful nature, charming towns, and a stunning coastline.
Kotor is a port city with an old town center, also called Old Town. This historic village is surrounded by fortress walls, and within it, you will find narrow streets and authentic buildings. Old Town of Kotor is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is wonderful to wander through the narrow streets of Old Town.
While wandering, you will come across several cute restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks at a reasonably cheap price. The town is surrounded by spectacular mountains, and the view of the glistening Bay of Kotor is one you simply don't want to miss. It is one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
3. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of the best cities in Europe. It is a young and vibrant city with charming stone streets in the old parts, surrounded by great greenery. Moreover, it has affordable, good restaurants and accommodations. There are so many attractions in Krakow that you can hardly get bored.
Located on the Vistula River, this city has developed into one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. It is no wonder that Krakow has some amazing tourist attractions, which makes it difficult to pick out the "best." It is one of the only cities in Poland that was not destroyed during World War II, and in 2000 it was even the cultural capital of Europe.
One of the most inhumane places in European history, Auschwitz, is close by and is really something you must see while in Krakow.
4. Riga, Latvia
With its location on the Baltic Sea and at the mouth of the Daugava River, this vibrant city is great to explore. Riga is known for its beautiful medieval center, unique art nouveau architecture, and wooden buildings. It is also home to plenty of cozy restaurants, bars, and stores, all at a low cost. In short, Riga, Latvia, is the place to be.
In Riga, you will find all kinds of influences from other countries, yet it has also retained its own identity. A city break to Riga really takes you to another world. There is plenty to discover culturally, but also in terms of culinary delights and nightlife. There's even a beach. And best of all, it's not very expensive.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a bustling city with many special places, great sights, and above all, a super nice atmosphere. The street scenery is filled with colored buildings, old trams, and charming terraces.
There is so much to do that you need at least 3 days to properly explore Lisbon. That's without the day trips you can easily make from the city. Are you curious about the best sights, good restaurants, and nice places to stay in Lisbon? Then quickly read our article on Lisbon.
6. Sibiu, Romania
In the heart of Romania lies the cozy and friendly city of Sibiu. The city lies south of Transylvania and at the foot of Romania's Carpathian Mountains. Sibiu has about 140 thousand inhabitants. It is a very nice town that you definitely should not miss during your trip through Romania.
The city is best known for the Saxon architecture in the old town center, but there is much more to see and experience. For example, you can also find a large number of historical sights in Sibiu, such as the remains of medieval walls and towers, and you can visit world-class museums. Those who want to get out into nature don't have to drive too far either. In the immediate vicinity, you will find several mountain ranges such as the Cibin Mountains and Fagaras Mountains.
7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is a rather unknown city for a place with so many years of history. Although Bulgaria's second city, with roughly 350,000 inhabitants, was the European Capital of Culture in 2019, the "ancient and eternal city" has no real fame in the the rest of the world yet. Plovdiv is one of the longest inhabited areas in Europe and existed before Rome and Athens. The oldest remains date back to 6000 B.C., but the city was officially founded two centuries later.
Old Plovdiv is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will find traces of many cultures, from the ancient Romans to the Bulgarian freedom fighters of the 19th century. From Plovdiv, you can also take fun excursions, both in nature and cultural outings.
In Plovdiv, old and new exist side by side. On the one hand, you will find one of the best-preserved ancient theaters from the time of the Romans; on the other hand, today it is a vibrant student city with hip bars and graffiti art. We even found Plovdiv a nicer city than the capital Sofia.