Are you low in cash but high in travel spirit? Don’t worry. Here are 6 European destinations that are worth visiting and will not break the bank! And that includes both living and transportation costs since low-cost airlines serve these destinations. That sounds like a great deal, right?
Tips for traveling on a budget:
Stay in hostels
Staying in hostels will save you so much money! Yeah, it’s not luxurious and all, but you can save a lot. And the great thing about hostels is that you can make so many friends from all over the world!
Take trains!
Yes, trains are a big fuss in Europe. If you want to travel in between cities, train is always a good idea and also you can save money!
Avoid travelling in high season.
In the high season, everything in Europe is so much more expensive!
If you can, try to travel in Europe in April/May or September/October.
Keep reading to discover six enjoyable, budget-friendly European cities for a short getaway!
Krakow, Poland
One of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, Krakow is the epitome of value for money! Not only do you get to explore the jewel of Poland, but everything is so inexpensive that it makes you wonder if there is a catch. And there is none!
After you walk one of the biggest and prettiest town squares in Europe, prepare to visit:
- The Wawel Royal Castle
- The Jewish Quarter
And to top it all, note that Krakow’s best museums offer free entry once per week!
The official money in Krakow is the Polish zloty (PLN)
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is of Europe’s best cities for weekend trips, the chaotic yet scenic and budget-friendly capital of Hungary. Known as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest will captivate you with its rich architecture and stunning landscape, not to mention its diverse cultural background.
However, one of the biggest reasons you will fall in love with the city is how little you can spend while still having the time of your life.
The official Hungary currency is the Forint (HUF).
What to see in Budapest:
- Hiking Gellert Hill for the gorgeous city view
- Read a book or two at Ervin Szabo Central Library
- Visit the best-known monument – Fisherman’s Bastion
- Explore the Great Market Hall for speciality food and traditional goods
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is definitely the cheapest city in Europe. And that’s a good thing. Bucharest has plenty of things to offer for the most affordable prices.
This capital city is quite underestimated and easily overlooked. The bright side to this is that this city won’t get very crowded.
The currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu.
What to see in Bucharest:
- Take a look at the palace of Parliament. This building is the second largest in the world!
- Walk through the streets of Bucharest’s old town.
- Visit the Arcul de Triumf. One of Bucharest’s most famous landmarks!
- Enjoy the Fountain show at Piata Unirii.
- Visit the charming Romanian Athenaeum.
Prague, Czech Republic
This capital city has so much to offer for every kind of traveller and has stunning gothic structures. It’s a city full of splendour, Medieval and Renaissance charm, attention-worthy museums, beautiful architecture, unique cafes and restaurants, and great nightlife. The easiest and cheapest option to get around Prague is by foot. Everything is within walking distance and you get to explore so many things.
The spoken language in Prague is Czech. Other spoken languages are German, Russian, and of course, English.
The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna.
What to see in Prague:
- Walk over the Charles bridge.
- Admire the astronomical clock by the old town square.
- Visit The Church of Our Lady.
- Visit one of the many museums.
- Purchase a Prague City Card, for free entrance to more than 60 attractions including Prague Castle.
Porto, Portugal
Porto is a popular coastal city in Portugal, probably the cheapest country in Western Europe. It’s often compared to the country’s capital, Lisbon, though it’s less metropolitan and more off the beaten path. It’s also one of the most affordable cities in Western Europe for budget travellers .
In Porto, you could easily get by on $50 a day and still be able to experience it all. For that reason, it deserves a top spot among the cheapest cities in Europe.
The official currency in Portugal is the Euro, with the symbol €.
What to see in Porto:
- Porto Cathedral
- Porto Town Hall
- Rua do Almada
- Riverside Bike Tour
Athens, Greece
This is a cheap European city with a fascinating story.
Athens is an open-air museum with a history that spans millennia. As the capital of ancient and modern Greece, Athens is home to some of the world’s oldest temples, statues, and monuments. It’s one of the cheapest European cities to fly into and visit in 2023.
You can also plan a trip to Mykonos if you would like to explore more of Greece tropical haven
Walking down any given street, you’re as likely to see a modern shopping centre as you are the stumps of marble pillars from an ancient temple.
Athens seamlessly blends the ancient with the modern, and each neighbourhood has a totally different vibe.
The Greek high season is in July and August when everything gets crazy expensive, so if you plan to travel on a budget, we highly recommend you book your holiday in Spring or in Autumn.
The official currency in Greece is the Euro.
What to see in Athens:
- Acropolis
- Temple of Zeus
- Agora
- Parthenon
- Temple of Athena Nike
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