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Vacations in Europe

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Most popular europe flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to europe, last minute vacation packages to europe, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in europe, tips for finding europe package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Europe and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $526; Family vacation $442; Romantic vacation $591; Luxury vacation $601; Budget vacation $374.

Why should you book a vacation package to Europe?

By booking packages, you can ensure that your itinerary includes your destination's major sights and experiences. Packages are also a great way to cut the cost of visiting Europe. With the right deal, you can combine luxury accommodation, access to the sights and a rental car, and have money left over to shop for souvenirs.

When should you book a vacation package to Europe?

Booking European packages is an excellent way to save money and make travel easy, and you can make even bigger savings by traveling at the right time of year.

In southern Europe, peak season lasts from around June to September, but cheaper shoulder season breaks in May or October can be almost as sunny. In the north, the peak season is shorter, so look for affordable packages in fall and spring. However, expect price spikes around Christmas and local events like Oktoberfest in Munich or Bastille Day in Paris (14 July).

Where should you stay in Europe during your vacation?

For any vacation type in europe:.

The Four Seasons Hotel George V is perfectly located for sightseers in Paris and is an Art Deco gem with gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower. It's just an hour from Charles de Gaulle Airport, while a meet and greet service is available on request.

Located on the famous "Rambla", Hotel 1898 is one of the finest places to stay in Barcelona. Blessed with amazing city vistas from its terrace, and created from a renovated 19th century mansion, it is 500 meters from the Aerobus stop at Plaza Cataluña.

For family vacations in Europe:

The La Marquise Luxury Resort Complex on the Greek island of Rhodes is a fantastic family hotel with kids' facilities featuring games rooms, pools and multilingual support staff. It's all just 6 miles from Rhodes Airport.

Located on Italy's Amalfi Coast, the Hotel Poseidon in Castellammare has a spacious parking lot on-site, while recreation options like tennis courts make it very appealing for families. It's also an easy drive to and from Naples Airport.

For romantic vacations in Europe:

If you want to see Venice, the Hilton Molino Stucky is ideal. It's conveniently placed for taking gondola cruises and to see the Biennale. Water taxis from the airport arrive a few meters from the hotel door.

Ideal for a romantic break in laid-back Amsterdam, the Rembrandt Square Hotel is right at the city's heart - and next to the spectacular flower market. A taxi from Schiphol Airport takes just 14 minutes.

For luxury vacations in Europe:

London's Ritz Hotel is like a synonym for luxury. Situated on Piccadilly, it offers delicious Indian and Lebanese food, stunning furnishings and couldn't be more convenient for seeing the sights. It's also almost directly connected to Heathrow Airport via the London Tube.

Lisbon's Four Seasons Ritz Hotel is another great choice for a luxury getaway in Europe, with its Louis XVI style design, artworks in every room and relaxing urban gardens. It's just 20 minutes by car from Lisbon Airport.

For budget vacations in Europe:

A great base for exploring Germany's capital, the A&O Berlin Kolumbus is tucked away from the action but only 15 minutes from Alexanderplatz, the city's hub. This means that getting there from the airport is also quick and easy.

Copenhagen's City Hotel Nebo ticks all the boxes for budget breaks in Denmark. It has a central location and is an easy walk away from the capital's galleries and family attractions like Copenhagen Zoo. And it's just 12 minutes away from the airport by train.

Where to stay in Europe

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25 Amazing Day Trips to Europe From UK

• July 21, 2023

Have you ever dreamt of exploring Europe’s most captivating cities, but don’t want the expensive costs of hotel accommodation?

No problem!

In this article we’ll guide you to 25 amazing day trips to Europe from the UK. Whether it is by flight or train, all of the destinations mentioned will have you back in your own bed the same night!

In just a day, you can experience the charm of Paris, the historic architecture of Brussels, or the vibrant culture of Dublin.

So buckle up and get ready to decide on your next daycation through Europe’s capitals, coastal escapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural hubs, and lesser-known gems.

Exploring Europe’s Capitals

Can you imagine hopping from the UK to Paris, Brussels, or Dublin in just a day? It’s not only possible, but incredibly exciting!

Europe’s capitals offer a diverse taste of culture, history, and architecture, making them perfect destinations for day trips from the UK.

Whether you’re strolling along the Seine in Paris, admiring Brussels’ architectural beauty, or soaking up the lively atmosphere of Dublin, you’ll be amazed by how much you can see and experience in just one day.

Paris, France

Ah, Paris – the City of Love!

On a day trip from the UK, you can experience the romance and culture of Paris with its iconic landmarks, museums, and charming streets.

Imagine a train ride whisking you from London City Airport to the French capital, where you can climb the majestic Eiffel Tower, enjoy people watching with a freshly baked pastry at a corner café, or explore shopping on the famous Champs Elysées.

Don’t forget to take a river cruise boat tour on the Seine to see Paris from a different perspective and explore the city centre. With cafés and bakeries in Montmartre just a short walk away, you’ll have the perfect Parisian breakfast experience before delving into the city’s attractions.

Brussels, Belgium

From the UK, embark on a journey to Brussels, Belgium, a European city known for its exciting mix of art, architecture, cool bars, and restaurants. In just under two hours, you can find yourself exploring the stunning buildings in the Grand Place, wandering the narrow streets lined with restaurants and shopping arcades, and admiring the city’s street art and museums.

While in Brussels, why not plan a fabulous day trip to Bruges, another beautiful European city known for its beautiful historic center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just over one hour away from London, you can enjoy a drink in one of the most beautiful squares in town during summer in Antwerp and visit the MAS museum, just 10 minutes away from the Oude Markt.

Dublin, Ireland

Hop on a plane at London Heathrow Airport and immerse yourself in Dublin’s lively atmosphere, historic sites, and vibrant pub scene on a day trip from the UK. With a flight time of just 1hr 20mins, you’ll find yourself:

• exploring the cobbled streets of Temple Bar
• following the Heritage Trail
• strolling through Phoenix Park
• visiting the Guinness Factory

With Dublin’s friendly locals and walkable sights within walking distance, you’ll instantly feel at home in this exciting European capital.

Prague, Czechia

Wander through the fairy-tale streets of Prague, Czechia, and admire its gothic architecture, medieval streets, and stunning buildings. In just 1 hour and 45 minutes from London, you’ll be mesmerised by the sights of the iconic Charles Bridge and the quaint cobbled streets of the old town.

Make your way to the city centre, where you’ll find the main square featuring:

• The grand astronomical clock
• Vibrant spring events on the river
• Wonderful outdoor markets
• Vibrant al fresco bars in the picturesque city squares

Prague’s incredible entertainment awaits you on this unforgettable day trip.

Berlin, Germany

Delve into the rich history, art, and architecture of Berlin, Germany on a day trip from the UK. Discover:

• The Berlin wall
• East Side Gallery
• Amazing street art
• Vibrant markets
• Stunning parks
• Iconic monuments

These attractions make Berlin an unforgettable destination.

With so much to see and experience, Berlin is a must-visit European capital for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

Budapest, Hungary

Unearth the hidden treasures of Budapest, Hungary, and discover its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant nightlife. From the majestic Parliament building to the captivating Buda Castle, Budapest offers a wealth of cultural experiences for visitors.

Take a dip in the famous Szechenyi Baths or Gellert Baths, and indulge in the city’s unique gastronomy. Budapest is an enchanting European capital that will leave you longing for more.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Venture to Copenhagen, Denmark, and enjoy the city’s charming streets, Tivoli Gardens, and unique attractions.

From the colourful Copenhagen Harbour of Nyhavn to the enchanting Little Mermaid statue, this is a city brimming with wonder and excitement.

Experience Danish “hygge” firsthand as you explore the picturesque streets, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Oslo, Norway

Journey to Oslo, Norway, and experience the city’s scenic beauty, historical attractions, and world-class museums. From the iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park to the fascinating Viking Ship Museum, Oslo offers a captivating glimpse into Norway’s rich history and culture.

Whether you’re strolling along the waterfront or exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, Oslo is a must-visit European capital for any traveler.

Stockholm, Sweden

Explore Stockholm’s picturesque old town, waterfront attractions, and vibrant culture on a day trip from the UK. Wander the charming cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, visit the historic Royal Palace, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history at the Vasa Museum.

Stockholm’s enchanting blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication makes it an unforgettable European destination.

Coastal European Escapes

Looking for a seaside escape? Europe’s beautiful coastal cities offer relaxation and unique experiences you won’t forget. From the sun-soaked beaches of Nice, France, to the party paradise of Ibiza, Spain, and the romantic canals of Venice, Italy, these coastal escapes provide the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

So pack your sunscreen and get ready to unwind in some of Europe’s most stunning beach destinations. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Nice, France

Stroll along Nice’s glamorous Mediterranean coastline and explore its charming old town on a day trip from the UK. From the breathtaking Promenade des Anglais to the daily flower market, Nice offers an enchanting blend of vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.

Discover the city’s hidden gems and indulge in its delicious cuisine as you soak up the sun on the French Riviera. Enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, explore its historic monuments, and take in the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Ibiza, Spain

Experience the vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches of Ibiza on a day trip from the UK. Dance the night away at world-famous clubs, or relax on the island’s pristine sandy shores.

Ibiza’s unique blend of excitement and relaxation makes it the perfect destination for those looking to let loose and unwind in a beautiful setting.

Venice, Italy

Discover the romantic canals and historic architecture of Venice, Italy on a day trip from the UK.

• Glide through the city’s enchanting waterways on a gondola
• Marvel at the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica
• Explore the vibrant art scene at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Venice’s captivating charm and rich cultural heritage make it an unforgettable coastal escape.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Why not enrich your European day trip experience by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites? From the medieval charm of Bruges, Belgium, to the stunning old town of Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, and the rich history of Krakow, Poland, these destinations offer a unique insight into Europe’s cultural and architectural heritage.

Step back in time and uncover the stories behind these incredible sites on your next day trip from the UK. Discover the best day trips from London and make the most of your time exploring the rich history and culture of the surrounding areas.

Bruges, Belgium

Explore the medieval charm of Bruges on a day trip from London, with its cobblestone streets, canals, and historic buildings. Wander the quaint streets of this picturesque Belgian city, and be transported back in time as you admire the stunning architecture of the Belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Church of Our Lady.

Bruges’ enchanting atmosphere and well-preserved historic centre make it a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Discover Luxembourg City’s stunning old town, fortifications, and picturesque views on a day trip from the UK. Known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, Luxembourg City offers a unique blend of modern sophistication and medieval charm.

Wander the city’s charming streets on a walking tour, visit the iconic Grand Ducal Palace, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Alzette and Pétrusse valleys.

Krakow, Poland

Experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Krakow, Poland on a day trip from the UK. Some highlights of the trip include:

• Visiting the stunning Wawel Castle
• Exploring the historic Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz
• Taking a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Auschwitz-Birkenau and paying your respects at the poignant Holocaust memorial.

Krakow offers a captivating glimpse into Poland’s past and is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Krakow’s fascinating history and vibrant cultural scene make it an unforgettable European destination.

Cultural and Artistic Hubs

Immerse yourself in the culture and art of European cities like:

From the elegant architecture of Vienna to the picturesque canals of Amsterdam and the charming old town of Gdansk, these cultural hubs offer unique experiences and unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a food lover, you’ll find something to delight your senses in these vibrant European destinations.

Vienna, Austria

Enjoy Vienna’s elegant architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant coffeehouse culture on a day trip from the UK.

• Discover the majestic Schönbrunn Palace
• Marvel at the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Immerse yourself in the city’s rich musical history at the Vienna State Opera.

With its charming streets and lively atmosphere, Vienna is a must-visit destination for culture and art enthusiasts.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Discover Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, historic center, and renowned art museums on a day trip from the UK. Wander the charming streets of the Dutch capital, visit the iconic Anne Frank House, and explore the world-renowned Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Amsterdam and experience its unique atmosphere.

With its unique blend of history, art, and culture, Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for any European traveler.

Gdansk, Poland

Explore Gdansk’s charming old town, maritime history, and amber shops on a day trip from the UK.

• Wander the cobblestone streets of this Polish city
• Visit the historic Gdansk Shipyard
• Discover the city’s rich history at the European Solidarity Centre.

With its picturesque streets, vibrant cultural scene, and unique shopping experiences, Gdansk is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Bologna, Italy

Experience Bologna’s rich culinary scene, historic architecture, and lively atmosphere on a day trip from the UK. Savor the flavors of traditional dishes such as tortellini, lasagna, and mortadella, and marvel at the stunning Basilica di San Petronio and the majestic Palazzo Comunale.

With its vibrant markets, lively piazzas, and friendly locals, Bologna is a must-visit destination for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Munich, Germany

Visit Munich for its beer gardens, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene on a day trip from the UK. Explore the city’s picturesque old town, attend a traditional Bavarian beer festival, and discover Munich’s rich history at the Deutsches Museum.

With its lively atmosphere, stunning architecture, and world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich is an unforgettable European destination.

Milan, Italy

Discover Milan’s fashion, art, and iconic landmarks on a day trip from the UK.

• Wander the stylish streets of this Italian city
• Visit the breathtaking Duomo di Milano
• Explore the world-renowned art museums, including the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museo del Novecento.

Milan’s captivating charm and rich cultural heritage make it an unforgettable coastal escape.

Lesser Known Gems

Uncover lesser-known European gems like:

Cork, Ireland

Porto, portugal, frankfurt, germany, bordeaux, france.

On day trips from the UK, a day trip abroad can lead you to the lively atmosphere of Cork, Ireland, to the stunning riverside of Porto, Portugal, and the modern skyline of Frankfurt, Germany. These hidden treasures offer unique experiences off the beaten path.

Step away from the tourist crowds and discover the charm and beauty of these lesser-known destinations. Explore the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux, France, and sample the local cuisine.

Experience Cork’s lively atmosphere, historic sites, and beautiful surrounding countryside on a day trip from the UK. Wander the city’s charming streets, visit the iconic St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way.

With its friendly locals, vibrant pubs, and stunning natural beauty, Cork is an unforgettable European gem.

Discover Porto’s stunning riverside, historic architecture, and world-famous port wine on a day trip from the UK. Wander the city’s picturesque streets, visit the iconic Clérigos Tower, and sample the region’s renowned wine at a local cellar.

With its enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Porto is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Explore Frankfurt’s highlights on a day trip from the UK. Here are some must-see attractions.

• Städel Museum: Discover the city’s fascinating history through its extensive art collection.
• Römerberg square: Visit this iconic square in the heart of the old town, surrounded by historic buildings.
• Local restaurant: Enjoy a traditional German meal at a local restaurant, and savor the flavors of Frankfurt.

With its unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication, Frankfurt is a must-visit European destination.

Immerse yourself in Bordeaux’s world-renowned wine culture, historic sites, and charming streets on a day trip from the UK. Wander the city’s picturesque streets, visit the iconic Place de la Bourse, and sample the region’s famous wines at a local vineyard.

With its enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Bordeaux is an unforgettable European gem.

Tips for Planning Your European Day Trip

To make the most of your European day trip, consider transportation options such as the fast Eurostar train or frequent cheap flights from London. Plan your itinerary in advance and research the best cities to visit during different seasons. For instance, avoid visiting Venice during peak tourist season to escape the crowds. Don’t forget to check the proximity of your destination to a train station for easier access.

Be prepared for different service standards in restaurants and cafes, and remember to wear comfortable shoes to explore Europe’s cobblestone streets. With careful planning and an open mind, you’ll create unforgettable memories on your European day trip from the UK.

From exploring Europe’s capitals and coastal escapes to uncovering hidden gems and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there’s no shortage of exciting day trips from the UK. Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets of Paris, indulging in the world-famous wines of Bordeaux, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Amsterdam, these unforgettable European destinations offer a wealth of unique experiences. So why wait? Embark on your next European adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries can you visit for a day.

Explore and experience different cultures in just one day! Visit countries like France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, Denmark, and Norway for a memorable day-trip.

Experience the unique culture of each country, from the food to the architecture, and create lasting memories. Immerse yourself in the local culture.

What countries can you do a day trip from London?

You can easily take a day trip to countries like France, Belgium and the Netherlands from London! Have a great time exploring Europe in a single day!

Can you do a day trip to France?

You can definitely do a day trip to France! Visit some idyllic towns for shopping, dining and sightseeing, all within a short train, flight or ferry! Sail from Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg or St Malo with options of a same-day return or overnight sailing.

Plus, you can mix routes to make your perfect itinerary – it’s the perfect way to make the most of Paris!

Can you travel Europe from London?

Travelling to Europe from London has never been easier thanks to the Channel Tunnel and high-speed trains from London St Pancras International! Experience the wonders of northern Europe’s iconic capitals at lightning-speed – a perfect way to begin your next European adventure.

What transportation options are available for European day trips from the UK?

If you’re looking for convenient transportation options for your European day trip from the UK, Eurostar trains and cheap flights are your best bet!

Eurostar trains offer a fast and comfortable journey, with direct services from London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and other major cities. They are also a great way to explore the continent, with stops in many smaller towns.

Explore more about Paris

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• Budget Travel

13 Affordable Places to Visit in Europe — From Country Escapes to Stunning Cities

You can visit Europe on a budget — here's how.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

If you have big dreams of jetting off to Europe, but worry that your bank account isn't quite ready, don't worry. For every expensive city, there are dozens of charming — and surprisingly affordable — places that offer all the European charm for a fraction of the price. Ljubljana, Porto, Budapest, even Berlin — these cities have all the rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food that you'd find in pricey European capitals, but they're perfect for budget travelers.

You can even travel to some of Europe's best (and famously expensive) destinations without breaking the bank — you just have to know how to save money without sacrificing on experiences. Travelers can often score deals on flights from the United States to major cities like Paris or London, and upon arriving, transportation within Europe can be much more affordable (hello, budget airlines). Those large cities also offer a wide range of accommodations, so you can certainly find something in your budget. You can even save money on food by hitting the local markets. After all, a bottle of wine, fresh bread, and cheese from a Parisian market make for an unforgettable meal when picnicking under the Eiffel Tower.

And you might be surprised by how many museums, churches, and other attractions are free or inexpensive to visit, too. Be sure to keep an eye out for free entry days (often one day a month) or tourist cards that offer entry to multiple attractions for one flat fee. (Do the math ahead of time by calculating the cost of every included attraction that you want to visit to make sure it's really worth the money.)

Trimming your budget doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your trip. Sometimes, the less you spend, the more you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Staying in a thatched Irish farmhouse, perusing old masters in Rome, or snacking your way through Spanish specialties aren't just tricks of the frugal traveler — they're the stuff dream vacations are made of.

Here are some of the top destinations for an affordable European vacation (and tips for saving money once you arrive).

Bavaria, Germany

For a storybook-worthy vacation in Europe, head straight to Bavaria. Book a room at Burg Colmberg , a 14th-century castle rising from a rocky crag above a tiny village. It offers an eclectic collection of rooms tucked throughout a warren of crooked hallways, hidden staircases, and cozy sitting nooks. Be sure to visit the postcard-perfect Neuschwanstein Castle , resplendently perched atop a mountain, and take the time to tour Hohenschwangau, the castle in which "Mad King" Ludwig II actually lived. The latter is a more modest pile of battlements on a smaller nub of a hill in the valley below. What it lacks in the carefully crafted pomp and circumstance of Neuschwanstein — which Ludwig II never lived to see completed — it more than makes up for in homeyness and history.

Puglia, Italy

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

The iconic architecture of Puglia — the "heel" of Italy's boot — is the prehistoric trullo, a cylindrical whitewashed house with a cone-shaped roof of stacked gray stones. There's no greater concentration of trulli than in the UNESCO-protected town of Alberobello, where whole neighborhoods are made of the structures, and the local entrepreneur behind Trullidea has fixed up dozens of the abandoned ones and rents them to visitors. Cool in the baking summers and with cozy indoor heating for wintertime, a rental trullo lets you live like a local for less than the cost of a tourist-class hotel in town. Want to sample what the Amalfi Coast was like before the hotshots and high prices moved in? Puglia's forested Gargano Peninsula is popular with sun-loving Italians, but is otherwise refreshingly off the tourist map.

Budapest, Hungary

Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Hungary, Budapest offers all the charm of more popular European destinations for a fraction of the price. The Hungarian Parliament Building and Fisherman's Bastion are just a couple of the picture-perfect attractions you'll spot in the city, and you'll find lots of affordable accommodations, meals, and nightlife, too. Even the city's famous thermal baths — some of which are over a century old and feature beautiful architecture — can be affordable to visit.

Andalusia, Spain

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Take a break from sizzling on the crowded Costa del Sol beaches for a self-guided driving tour along the route of the Pueblos Blancos. This string of clifftop, whitewashed villages stretches from the Moorish town of Arcos de la Frontera through the Sierra de Grazalema to Ronda, a maze of medieval streets perched above a 500-foot gorge. Opt for a stay in nearby Seville — the capital of Andalusia — to take in the beautiful architecture, watch some flamenco dancing, and indulge in classic tapas.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin has Cold War mystique, contemporary architecture, and booming gallery and restaurant scenes. With its cosmopolitan, East-meets-West edginess, it's no wonder the city has become a cultural capital of central Europe. It's a destination that continues to attract creative types and in-the-know travelers. Begin your trip to Berlin in the fashionable Mitte (or "middle") district, as it's convenient to major sites such as the Reichstag and Potsdamer Platz.

Bath and the Cotswolds, England

The charming villages of the Cotswolds look like they're straight out of a fairy tale — Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water are among the prettiest. There are inns and pubs sprinkled throughout the little towns, but we'd suggest staying in Bath, a quaint city dating back to the Roman era, for its variety of accommodations. While there, check out the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and of course, the historic Roman baths. Best of all, Bath is under two hours from London by train, making it an easy weekend trip from the city.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul's major state-run museums may charge hefty admissions, but the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, just behind the Blue Mosque adjacent to the Arasta Bazaar, costs only 60 Turkish lira (that's about $4). These delightful mosaic scenes of hunts, myths, animal battles, and everyday life in antiquity — boys riding a camel, a man milking his goat — once covered the floor of a large courtyard of the Palatium Magnum, the Great Palace built between the time of Constantine the Great himself and Justinian I (fourth to early sixth centuries). You can even cruise between the continents for an affordable price when taking the ferry.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Take a tour of the architectural masterworks of prodigious local talent Jože Plecnik, who took the Secessionist Art Nouveau style he learned in Vienna back home (via Prague) to remake his native city along his own, idiosyncratic lines. Like Gaudí in Barcelona, Plecnik designed his buildings right down to the smallest fittings, like the Pegasus door handles on the entrance to the National and University Library. Plecnik designed a bit of everything around town, from the central market to the two flanking spans of Ljubljana's iconic Triple Bridge to the café-lined embankments of the Ljubljanica River. The city also has a number of incredible, affordable restaurants, and you can take a public bus (for a small fee) to nearby Lake Bled for a day trip.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Skip the overexposed island of Hvar for the walled medieval village on the Adriatic island of Korcula, purported home to Marco Polo. Korcula is more of a day-trip destination, and that means the tourist crowds thin considerably by sundown, leaving those who remain to relax in the cafés and stroll the narrow alleys. While every old city in Europe has an Old City historic district, Split has the only downtown actually carved from the carcass of an ancient Roman palace. When the emperor Diocletian left his throne in A.D. 305, he built a lavish palace on the Croatian coast to live out his days as head of the empire's eastern half. In the 1,700 years since, the ruins of his enormous structure have been colonized by the locals, the buildings turned into medieval town houses, and the emperor's tomb transformed into the cathedral.

Paris, France

Want to experience fabulous French cuisine on a budget? Opt for a midday splurge — many cafés and restaurants offer less expensive menus at lunch. And a picnic is always a good idea in Paris. Stop by a market to peruse the (typically) extensive options for cheese and wine, or pick up a simple yet delicious crepe from a stand. If you plan to visit the City of Light's top museums and attractions, you might want to invest in a Paris Museum Pass . For one fee (priced depending on the number of days you purchase), you can gain admission to top tourist spots like the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, Panthéon, Louvre, Musée Rodin, and more, and you get to skip the ticket line. Talk about a win-win.

County Clare, Ireland

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Avoid the tour bus-clogged Ring of Kerry for its neighbor to the north, County Clare, home to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher rising more than 700 feet from the crashing Atlantic waves; the weirdly eroded limestone landscape of the Burren, where prehistoric slab tombs perch on the rocky flatlands like miniature houses of cards; and Doolin, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it village that has become a popular destination for traditional Celtic music. Local pubs are the perfect evening stop for hearty (and usually affordable) Irish fare and — if you're lucky — live music.

Rome, Italy

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Rome has more than 900 churches, all of them free, displaying great works of art and architecture by the likes of Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Bramante, and Pinturicchio. And that's just the short list of artists contained in one church — the little-visited Santa Maria del Popolo. Other iconic landmarks, like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Rome's famous piazzas are all free to visit, too, and some museums offer free entry days, so check their websites for details.

Porto, Portugal

Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure

Portugal's northern city of Porto is among Travel + Leisure readers' favorite European cities, and once you visit, you'll see why. In Porto, visitors can admire the Art Deco architecture, sip port wine, and explore the walkable city on foot without going over budget. Plus, a day trip to the Douro Valley, a picturesque vineyard region along the Douro River, is worth the trek.

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Europe Budget Tours and Affordable Trip Packages 2024/2025

The best budget tours and trips in Europe. Choose from 2405 affordable tours in Europe with tour durations from 2 to 59 days and a total of 2774 customer reviews. Our group tours in Europe may also be a good place to start if you are looking for more inexpensive tours that are usually guided as well.

2399 budget tours in Europe

• Starts Amsterdam, Holland
• Ends Paris, France

Glimpse of Europe

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='21253'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle, Coach & Boat
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,695
• Special Deal (19%): - US$ 320
• Total Price from: US$ 1,375

• Ends Amsterdam, Holland

Europe Jewel

• Activities Cultural, sightseeing, food tours & Art and architecture Cultural, sightseeing, food tours , Art and architecture & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='37689'>+1 more
• Transport Coach, Boat, Taxi & Train
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,090
• Special Deal (23%): - US$ 700
• Total Price from: US$ 2,390
• Mar 27 10+ seats left
• Apr 03 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts London, England
• Ends London, England

Europe Taster

• Activities City sightseeing & Art & architecture tour City sightseeing , Art & architecture tour , Art and architecture , & heritage & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='37695'>+3 more
• Transport Coach, Boat & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,815
• Special Deal (23%): - US$ 415
• Total Price from: US$ 1,400
• Mar 09 10+ seats left
• Mar 16 10+ seats left

Get Social: Central & Eastern Europe

• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Bungalow & Hostel
• Transport Coach, Bus & Helicopter
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,739
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 374
• Total Price from: US$ 3,365
• May 08 10+ seats left
• Jun 05 10+ seats left

• Starts Barcelona, Spain
• Ends Madrid, Spain

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Party and nightlife & Food tours 'data-more-tripid='4978'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hostel
• Transport Train, Bus & Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,729
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 346
• Total Price from: US$ 1,383
• Apr 26 Only 2 seats left
• May 03 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Sofia, Bulgaria
• Ends Athens, Greece

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='17753'>+1 more
• Transport Bus, Coach & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,497
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,124
• Total Price from: US$ 1,373
• Apr 27 10+ seats left
• May 04 10+ seats left

• Starts Catania, Italy
• Ends Palermo, Italy

Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities Food tours & Wine tasting tours Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='22521'>+3 more
• Transport Minibus
• Age Range 1-89 yrs

• Starts Vilnius, Lithuania
• Ends Tallinn, Estonia

Baltic Capital Cities

• Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• May 25 Only 7 seats left
• Jun 01 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Dublin, Ireland
• Ends Dublin, Ireland

Irish Explorer

• Activities Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,480
• Special Deal (23%): - US$ 335
• Total Price from: US$ 1,145
• Mar 30 10+ seats left

European Vistas

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat, Private Vehicle & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,890
• Special Deal (26%): - US$ 490
• Apr 17 10+ seats left
• May 01 10+ seats left

• Starts Lisbon, Portugal
• Ends Porto, Portugal

Highlights of Portugal

• Activities Local culture & Art and architecture Local culture , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Shopping and Markets 'data-more-tripid='10596'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,649
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 330
• Total Price from: US$ 1,319
• Jun 10 Only 10 seats left
• Jun 23 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Split, Croatia
• Ends Split, Croatia

Croatia Sailing Adventure

• Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating & National parks Sailing, yachting and motor boating , National parks & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='37268'>+1 more
• Accommodation Yacht Cabin
• Transport Private Vehicle, Yacht & Boat
• Age Range 18-40 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,895
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 569
• Total Price from: US$ 1,326
• May 29 10+ seats left

• Starts Rome, Italy

Best of Italy, Switzerland and Paris

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle & Coach
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• May 05 10+ seats left
• May 12 10+ seats left

• Ends Sofia, Bulgaria

Balkan Kaleidoscope — 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days

• Activities Local culture & Cultural, religious and historic sites Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='44456'>+3 more
• Age Range 12-80 yrs

Europe Budget Tour Reviews

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Budget tours and trips

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Your Europe Vacation

Ancient history, to-die-for cuisine, and rich culture galore: There’s almost too much to choose when you’re building a multi country European vacation package. From the romance of Paris and Rome to edgier Berlin and London , Europe’s capitals are fascinating, with show-off sights and secret gems. Step away from urban life and discover the empty golden beaches of Greece or the fertile wine lands of Bordeaux . Come winter, there’s no place more magical than Europe. Ski the snow-covered, beer-filled Austrian Alps on a European ski vacation package, visit Santa at home in Lapland on a European family vacation package, or dip into the mulled wine and gingerbread magic of Europe’s Christmas markets to level up the romance. There’s so much to fit in—one trip is never enough.

Top destinations in Europe

The Latest Europe Vacation Packages

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Your European Vacation

Whether you’re into beaches, history, food or landscapes, this diverse continent has enough to keep you occupied for a lifetime. Read on for ideas about cheap vacation packages in Europe and get your passport ready.

Beachside Bliss

For many travelers, the perfect Europe vacation package revolves around sun, sea and sand. Get your fill on Spain ’s most famous beaches, from San Sebastian and the Costa del Sol on the mainland to the warm-year-round Canary Islands . In Greece , hop through some of its 6,000 islands such as Santorini and Mykonos or sail to dreamy hideaways like Karpathos . With 300 days of sunshine annually and around 125 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that the Algarve in Portugal is among Europe’s top beach resort areas. Meanwhile the Italian island of Sardinia , famous for its iridescent waters and fine white sand, regularly tops polls of the world’s best beaches.

Culture & Sightseeing

Packed with culture and major attractions, Paris is always a good idea! Climb the Eiffel Tower , stare at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and wander the streets of charming Montmartre . In Rome , you’ll come face to face with history at almost every turn. Check out the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain before exploring Italy ’s other wonders like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Grand Canal of Venice . In Athens , walk around the ruins of the Acropolis and in London , see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace . The mysteries of Stonehenge are a day trip away. How about a Europe vacation package to Barcelona ? Here, be wowed by the architecture of Sagrada Familia and dance the flamenco. Olé!

Outdoor Adventures

What if mountains, fjordlands or forests are your idea of heaven? When it comes to nature, Iceland dazzles with its electric blue ice caps, black-sand beaches and vast lava fields. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon and tick a must-do off the list. If skiing is your thing, head for the Swiss Alps to shred under the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn . In the Scottish Highlands , hike the rugged Isle of Skye and keep an eye out for the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) at Loch Ness lake. Scandinavia is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Sail through the fjords of Norway , chase the northern lights in Finland and hike through lush forests around Stockholm , Sweden . Be sure to add some activities or experiences to your Europe vacation package for the ultimate adventure.

Vacations for Foodies

It’s time to eat your way through Europe! In Brussels , Belgium , chow down on moules-frites (mussels and French fries), Belgium chocolate and waffles and then wash it all down with a beer. Bring your appetite to the birthplace of pizza, Naples . Order a slice from a hole-in-the-wall restaurant to find out why it’s considered the world’s best. While you’ll no doubt think of wine when it comes to Bordeaux , this French culinary haven is also renowned for its oysters, foie gras and canelé pastries. Tapas, paella and churros dipped in chocolate are on the menu in Madrid , while Portugal’s capital Lisbon serves up delicacies from pastéis de Belém (custard tarts) to grilled sardines.

Europe Packages on a Budget

If you’re looking for cheap vacation packages in Europe , Budapest won’t break the budget. The Hungarian capital’s exceptional beauty and famous landmarks (like Buda Castle ) have earned it the nickname of the “Paris of the East.” In Slovenia , pristine nature full of mountains, rivers and caves await along with castles and museums. Want to do the Mediterranean on the cheap in Malta ? There are gorgeous beaches, charming villages and medieval fortified cities to explore. Sicily also serves up a stellar lineup of sights for less, from the Valley of the Temples in the Province of Agrigento to the volcanic Aeolian Islands .

Luxury Locations

With destinations like the Amalfi Coast to tempt you, a European vacation package is your opportunity to splurge. This stretch of Italian coastline is home to Mediterranean superstars like the cliffside village of Positano and Capri , where you’ll find the magical Blue Grotto . If the French Riviera is calling your name, say bonjour to the “billionaires’ playground” of Monaco . Hit the famous Monte Carlo Casino and maybe even cruise around on a luxury yacht. Glamorous Nice , Cannes and Saint-Tropez are just over the border in France . Ibiza is one of Spain’s most famous luxury destinations. Its crystal-clear waters, white sands and epic nightlife have long attracted celebrities and party-loving travelers.

Save on Europe Packages

Wherever you choose to go, you’ll save with Expedia’s cheap vacation packages to Europe . For example, discover the best of London or book a Rome package to marvel at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel . Wander around the Louvre Museum on a Paris vacation — alternatively, if Amsterdam is more your style, then book one of our bundles and you’ll be taking a private tour of the city and experiencing its world-famous nightlife soon enough. Europe vacation packages start at $1,028* and can save you heaps.

Flights, hotels and rental cars, or any combination of them — the choice is yours when it comes to creating your package. Prices depend on exactly what you bundle, and whether you add extras like tours and experiences. Other factors include the length of your trip, hotel rating, time of year you travel and where you’re flying from. You can unlock even more discounts on your European escape by simply booking your flight and hotel together, rather than booking separately. Europe package savings can add up to as much as 67%** . Still haven’t picked your destination? We recommend exploring unmissable Prague — where great package savings means more cash to spend on eating hearty pork knuckles and sightseeing at Prague Castle !

How to Plan Your Europe Vacation

Select one of our ready-made cheap packages to Europe or build your own customized trip – all you need to do is enter your desired destination and travel dates. Take your pick of hotels, resorts or vacation rentals, add flights and/or a car rental and get incredible prices. You can sort your results by price, amenities and more.

Wondering when to travel to Europe? Peak season is June, July and August. Expect sunny weather, long days and plenty of excitement, but also higher rates and large crowds. If you really want to save, consider the quieter months of April through mid-June, or September through October. The low season, November through March, is another option. While it may be cold, you’ll usually get the best hotel and airfare deals, not to mention fewer tourists.

Looking for cheap all-inclusive Europe vacation packages ? Select the all-inclusive filter and we do the rest. Simply pick one of our awesome properties and you’ll get food, drinks and activities included in the price. Check out our all-inclusive stays in Europe for the ultimate stress-free vacation!

* Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

**Savings based on all package bookings with Flight + Hotel made on Expedia from 2019-04-01 - 2020-03-31 as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages .

Top Vacation Destinations in Europe

Experience vacation packages in Spain where Islam meets the west

In Spain, you can experience a unique culture whose medieval influences draw from Islamic and Western cultures. You'll see incredible architecture and a culinary tradition that's unlike anything anywhere else. See concerts in astoundingly posh performing arts halls or walk museums with unique and ancient treasures. Explore urban markets filled with delectable sights and smells, then take a bit of the culture home.

See the heart of the Roman Empire with Italy vacation packages

Italy offers ancient culture, elegant architecture, and artwork showcasing the Renaissance Masters. You can head for Venice and take a gondola ride. Head for Rome and see the Colosseum, or see the ruins of Pompeii. Visit the Vatican and see the Sistene Chapel. Head for a sidewalk cafe for a cappuccino or enjoy mouth-watering cuisine. Don't be surprised if, when you go home, you're speaking a little Italian.

Head for the Emerald Isles with Ireland vacation packages

Ireland offers the chance to explore vast, rolling hills and experience famous landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher. You can kiss the Blarney Stone or take a tour of the original Guinness brewery. See medieval castles and cathedrals or even unusual museums tracing the history of crime and punishment. Ireland offers a wealth of things to do and provides thriving nightlife as well as family-friendly events.

Walk the footsteps of Vikings on Iceland vacation packages

Iceland is defined by dramatic rock formations, volcanoes, geysers, and other geological features and by its eco-friendly way of life. Its capital city is run entirely on geothermal power. You can see stunning natural vistas with serene blue mountain lakes and heavily forested mountain valleys. You can tour ice caves and visit museums rich with Norse culture. Take a walk back to the ancient days of Europe.

Head for the birthplace of democracy on a Greece vacation

A vacation in Greece lets you see the place where the famed mythology of Zeus and Heracles was born. You can visit ancient sites like the Parthenon, cities like Athens that combine ultramodern urbanism with millennia-old culture, and see medieval sites of stunning architecture. Visit museums and walk through traditional marketplaces, where you can try everything olive. Enjoy delicious food and wine, and soak up the culture.

Experience vibrant nightlife with an Amsterdam vacation package

Amsterdam is renowned for being a party town. Aside from its famous red-light district and vibrant nightclubs, however, the city offers an array of things to see and do, many of which are family friendly. It's filled with art and culture museums, outdoor adventures, open-air theaters, and quirky shops selling handmade toys and games. Whether you're an adult or a kid, there's a party in Amsterdam for you.

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Travel inspiration

By David Szmidt September 7, 2022

By David Szmidt | September 7, 2022

Last update: October 5, 2022

With autumn approaching, we’ve found the best low-cost flights to European cities. Kiwi.com helps you to save money on budget city breaks to cool destinations, so here are our top 10 cheap trips available now

Kiwi.com has some outstanding late-season deals to some of the coolest cities across Europe and beyond; in fact, some of these trips could cost you less than a meal and a couple of drinks at the airport. Read our picks below, then grab yourself a deal ASAP, because seats at these prices are going fast!

Kraków, Poland

A city of two fairly distinct halves, Poland’s second-largest has been trying to balance its history and cultural heritage with its popularity with the weekend parties and stag-do crowds that also flock here. If that’s not your thing, though, Kraków has more than enough to keep you occupied. If that is your thing, well, you keep reading too!

The two areas you’ll see the most of — especially if you’re only on a short break — are Stare Miasto, the Old Town, and Kazimierz, south of the city center and the former Jewish ghetto . The Old Town is undeniably beautiful, with its huge square dominated by the market in the middle selling amber jewelry and other souvenirs, and the mismatched towers of St. Mary’s Basilica. Wawel Castle, on the way from Kazimierz to the Old Town, is a huge, red-brick affair guarded by a dragon that really breathes fire (no, really!). Kazimierz, as mentioned, is the former Jewish ghetto with tiny streets that are now a jumble of artisan shops and cafés , a central square that’s almost entirely bars and restaurants, and a bunch of new brewpubs , one located in the old municipal tram shed. All aboard for Kraków, then!

Dublin, Ireland

Famous for its friendly atmosphere, laid-back locals, musical culture, and of course, Guinness, Dublin is on many a traveler’s to-do list. Makes sense: it’s got a great live music scene (both trad. and modern), a huge student population, and manages to be both multinational and singularly Irish in one go.

It’s also got a bunch of great ways to rejuvenate yourself after the excesses of the previous night. Walk along the breezy banks of the Liffey, make your way out to the huge Phoenix Park , or simply explore Dublin’s inner city. Helpfully, each area is named to give you a fair idea of what you’ll encounter — the Medieval Quarter, the Georgian Quarter, the Docklands Quarter, the Cultural Quarter and the Creative Quarter — so if you’re looking for the castle, elegant avenues and squares, the waterfront, pubs and bars, or galleries and boutique shops, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for. Useful if you’re still slightly sore in the head.

Oslo, Norway

A city of parks and gardens, Oslo is also modern, sleek, smart, and very cool indeed. The glass towers on the waterfront tell of a city that’s forward-looking, clean and well-mannered, and all the other Scandinavian stereotypes that are prevalent because they’re true. The city center is compact and easy to navigate by foot or by bicycle , and is home to boutique shops, local cafés, and a selection of excellent venues and museums.

You can get to know Norway ’s artsy, literary side by visiting Edvard Munch’s estate at Ekely, visit the Henrik Ibsen museum in his old apartment in one of the grand, 19th-century buildings at the southern end of the Slottsparken (also home to the Royal Palace), or admire the art in the vast Nasjonalgalleriet (National Gallery). Discover the history of the country during World War II at the Hjemmefrontmuseum (Resistance Museum), or simply wander about the city looking at the beauty of the buildings and the elegant, happy people.

Once you’ve booked your cheap flight to Oslo on Kiwi.com, we also have an extended guide on how to visit Scandinavia on a budget .

Venice, Italy

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Ah, Venice, as Indiana Jones once sighed. And sigh he very well might, as it is still one of the world’s most recognizable, most romantic , and most visited cities. Its network of canals winds through six districts, known as sestieri , and most of the tourists tend to stay in just two: San Marco and San Polo. You’ll visit these too, of course, but away from the crowds — and at the right time of day — you can find a bit of Venice to call your own.

More than any other place on this list, Venice rewards those who get up early, stay up late, or both. Early mornings bring silence, other than the clattering of shop awnings and the fluttering of pigeons, while nighttime is when the locals emerge, after the majority of tourists have gone to bed or are safely back on their cruise ships. Explore early, head to the islands or lesser-visited sestieri during the day, and find a tiny backstreet bistro in the evening. That’s the ultimate Venetian experience.

For more information and ideas, we’ve got an extended guide to Venice right here . 

Madrid, Spain

A slight curio in that when visitors head to Spain , it’s less likely that they’d think of the capital as their first port of call. Barcelona , surely? Maybe Sevilla? Valencia, even? Well, we’re here to convince you Madrid is well worth your time. It’s got all the foodie credentials, nightlife, history and culture of all the places mentioned above, and a couple of surprises as well!

Start your trip off right with an ir de tapas , or what could be described as a “tapas crawl”. Not content with one venue, your average Madrileño will range from one place to the next; indeed, whole afternoons are taken up on streets like Cava Baja which seems to be nothing but tapas bars . Explore the beautiful parks including the famous Retiro, ride the cable car for amazing views, or head underground to the Chamberí “ghost station” — an abandoned station, now restored, that tells you the history of the Madrid Metro. For even odder things to do, check out the grisly Forensic Museum, or have your photo taken with the statue of la abuela rockera (the rocker grandma), an old woman who became famous in Madrid when she started attending metal concerts … at the age of 70. That’s Madrid: less rocking chair, more rocking out.

Faro, Portugal

The capital of the Algarve region was once a byword for cheap package holidays to the surrounding area, and the ring of concrete apartment blocks that surround the town does give it a bit of a 1960s impression upon arrival. However, you’ll soon find it friendly , interesting, historic, and with a great nightlife scene, particularly during term time when the student population moves back in.

The Old Town ( Cidade Velha ) is small but pretty. The settlement actually goes back as far as the Romans, but an earthquake destroyed virtually all of what was once theirs. There are Roman ruins nearby if that floats your boat — try the excavation at Milreu, north of Faro. Otherwise, Faro offers some impressive churches, a massive sweep of beach west of the airport with windsurfing and kitesurfing, and the network of streets around Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior offer scores of bars, clubs, cocktail places, rooftop bars, pubs and live music venues.

Vienna, Austria

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Vienna can come across as rather an austere place. Geographically pretty much halfway between the bouncing energy of Budapest and the flighty beauty of Prague , it seems more grown-up, more likely to have a coffee and a discussion than a pint and a party. However, do a bit of scraping below the surface and you’ll find it has more to offer.

Once you’ve walked around the edge of the roughly circular center and dutifully seen the major sights (Rathaus, tick; Hofburg, tick; Opera House, tick), it’s time to dive in properly. Check out the numerous flea markets that pop up around the city for everything from clothes to LPs, ornaments to pictures to musical instruments to books . Head to the Prater, a huge green space home to a wonderfully kitsch amusement park dating from the end of the 19th century. Finally, when night falls, find one of the rooftop bars for cocktails, or experience one of the Volksgarten outdoor club nights. You’ll discover that Vienna really can let its hair down.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen went through an upsurge in tourist interest a while back when the concept of hygge was unleashed on a world craving coziness, warmth, contentment, good conversation and all the other things it stands for. That feeling still exists in spades in its native country, of course, and Denmark has a reputation as one of the safest, friendliest, and happiest countries in the world.

Rent a bicycle and cycle the city center, then out into the surrounding forests (and it’s remarkable how quickly you’ll be out in them — the city isn’t a sprawler). Sit by the water in the shadow of tall, handsome Hanseatic townhouses with coffee and cake. Discover royal palaces, Viking treasures, modern art, bespoke designer clothes and vintage record shops, all within minutes of each other. Finally, if you’re feeling like it, take a dip in the harbor. The city is so incredibly proud of its commitment to sustainability and environmental forward-thinking that its water is amazingly clean. You can even help to keep it that way, if you’d like. Find out how towards the end of this article .

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest feels, more than anywhere in Europe, the junction point between east and west. Its grand, 19th-century boulevards lined with designer shops might put you in mind of Paris or Milan, while its narrow, rattling trams, slightly tatty side streets, and slight sense of chaos, hark back to a time when Hungary was one of the more volatile members of the Warsaw Pact states.

Today it’s a place tourists come to go wild, completely relax, or — more probably — a combination of the two. No night out in Budapest is complete without visiting its famous ruin bars, scattered around the old Jewish quarter. No day out is complete without taking a dip in the Széchenyi thermal baths. Between the two there’s the castle district and Fisherman’s Bastion to explore, for fabulous views of the national parliament building. Climb the steep hill to the statue of victory and reward yourself with an ice cream, explore the park-like Margitsziget, dodge the tourist traps of Váci utca, and generally lose yourself in this fun, fascinating city.

Palermo, Italy

The capital of Sicily was traditionally — and still is — the meeting point of Europe and Africa. It’s a young, lively, multicultural city that runs on art, music and food , and is also an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the island. It’s a mashup of the best of Italy and the best of North Africa , with piazzas, churches, statues and the like, coupled with markets that resemble souks, with amazing food, the heady smell of spices, and more colors than you can take in.

It’s also only 20 minutes or so from a number of quieter coastal villages — small collections of houses with beautiful beaches, so if you’re feeling a touch overwhelmed, it’s easy to have a day of peace and quiet as well. Further west is the city of Trapani, precarious on a spit of land making a wide, blue bay; while east is the fortress-like, 12th-century town of Cefalù, also basking in coastal glory. Meanwhile, at the other end of the island (and another very cheap destination at the moment) is Catania. But that’s another story .

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50+ Amazing & Budget-Friendly Weekend Getaways in Europe

Updated: January 19, 2024

Europe , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany

written by: Steph Kloeckener

If you are short on vacation time, weekend trips are the your best option. These 50+ destinations are the best budget-friendly weekend getaways in Europe!

Europe is a vast continent with many amazing places, but these cities are the best budget-friendly weekend getaways in Europe. There are cities right at the beach and those with an intense history. Places that bring you closer to nature and those that make you want to eat all day long. Cities that are more than worth a short trip there and that just might make you want to return there so you can explore more. On this list, you will find amazing locations all over Europe . Therefore you are bound to find a great location wherever you want to go for a weekend.

All Weekend Getaways in Europe

The best budget-friendly weekend getaways in europe.

When it comes to Europe it is hard to say where one should go first, as the number of places worth a visit is seemingly endless. After all, every single country has great places that are perfect for a short trip. However, the places on this list are the very best destinations if you are planning one or several budget-friendly weekend getaways in Europe.

Discover the very best of Europe and get to know new places that you should add to your travel list.

Structure of this list of budget-friendly destinations in Europe

In order to make it easier to look for destinations in a certain area of Europe I decided to divide the list into seven regions. It is not an entirely traditional split, as I realized that different people have very different concepts when it comes to the region of some countries in Europe.

— read more —

I actually had a debate on Twitter about where Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia belong. And the discussion made me realize that there are two very different ways to see it. One is based on the old East-West line, while the other splits the countries by adding Central Europe.

Therefore you will find the countries of Europe divided into Northern, Western, Southern, Central, East-Central, East und South-Eastern Europe. In the case of the Balkans, I decided to go with a geographical approach, so it does include Slovenia.

I decided to compile the countries Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia in the special East-Central category. It is based on no geographical or political aspects. I know that the regional affiliation of these countries can be the topic of a hot debate. And in recognition of both points of view, it seemed fitting to grant them this status. Interpret it however, you want and according to what you learned in school or university. Just be aware of the fact that there is another way to see it.

Weekend Trips in Northern Europe / Scandinavia

Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg is one of the best places to visit in Scandinavia. A smaller and more affordable version of Stockholm, Gothenburg is becoming more well known as it has won the world’s most sustainable destination four times in a row!

The best time to visit the city is in December for the  Gothenburg Christmas Markets . There are four Christmas markets but the main one is at Liseberg Amusement Park. It combines roller coasters with seasonal stalls, Swedish sweet treats, and a festive ice skating show, making it fun for all the family. The Christmas Markets have plenty of festive food choices such as traditional Swedish gingerbread called Pepparkaka, sweet mulled wine called glogg, and even a four-course Swedish Christmas buffet dinner all under one roof. 

The city itself is one of the most walkable and combines local designer shops with (free!) tropical botanical gardens. Gothenburg is also a great place for modern foodies, especially those who love the Swedish fika culture, as the Haga neighbourhood is home to the largest cinnamon rolls in Sweden! 

Gothenburg is also the jumping off point for the West Sweden islands, if you have time and want to visit some Swedish nature.

Submitted by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

Helsinki may not be the first European city that comes to mind when you think of budget-friendly weekend getaways in Europe, but it surprisingly has a lot to offer budget travelers. The Finnish capital is known for being expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

There are a large number of key attractions in Helsinki that are either free or relatively cheap to go to, such as Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna, and Puu-Kapyla.

One of the biggest ways to blow your budget while in Helsinki is to constantly eat out at restaurants – they don’t come cheap! A great alternative to the ever-growing restaurant scene in Helsinki is to stop by Teurastamo, where they have converted unused buildings into various restaurants, bars, and even a gin distillery. Another must-try eatery in Helsinki is Cafe Regatta, which is considered by both locals and tourists as the best cafe in the city (don’t forget to try their cinnamon buns).

It may be one of the smallest European capital cities, but there are a lot of great activities to do in Helsinki and because of its size, many of the main tourist sites are within walking distance of one another. Helsinki is very easy to navigate, and if you want to use their public transportation, purchasing the multi-day transportation card through the HSL app is the best way to stay within your travel budget.

People will be shocked when you tell them that you’ve traveled to Helsinki on a budget, but it’s completely doable with the right planning and mindset. 

Submitted by Krista from Krista the Explorer

Weekend Breaks in Central Europe

I navigated the German landscape as a full-time traveler for over 2 years and Dresden is the one city I can’t ever get out of my head. Once decimated by WWII bombing raids, Dresden has resurrected itself to become the “Florence on the Elbe.” For all of its ornate Baroque details, it is still often overshadowed by the western monoliths of Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.

If you want to see Germany on a budget, Dresden should be your destination, not a side trip. You can get all of the currywurst and historic-church-bells-ringing-as-the-sun-sets ambiance that you’d find in other German cities but for a fraction of the price. Plus, you have to option to extend your trip and visit the incredible Sächsische Schweiz region for a day.

Dresden Weekend Itinerary

Here’s a weekend itinerary you won’t want to miss:

• Have a morning stroll along the Elbe River with a fresh cappuccino from Café Schinkelwache.
• Get lost in Altstadt, marveling at sites like the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, Katholische Hofkirche, and Dresden Opera House.
• Eat a traditional German meal at Dresden 1900 with a commanding view of the Frauenkirche from the patio.
• Explore what life was like behind the Iron Curtain at Die Welt der DDR Museum.
• Catch a free evening concert during the summer concert series at Großer Garten.

Need more ideas? Get out of the city to visit Schloss Moritzburg, the hills of Radebeul, or the world-famous porcelain manufactory in Meissen. Dresden and its surrounding area is full of wonder, artistry, and breathtaking views. And with plentiful accommodation, accessible public transportation, and affordable cafés on every corner, you’ll likely be surprised by just how far your euro will go.

Explored by Courtney from Court the Blog

Nuremberg is the perfect for a budget friendly weekend getaway in Europe. One of Germany’s most beautiful cities, Nuremberg is located just an hour from Munich and is filled with castles, good food, cobblestoned streets, history and lots of beer. 

Nuremberg has built itself up from the ashes and its dark past, but retained its medieval charm. There are endless things to see and do in Nuremberg. Exploring Nuremberg Castle is a must, and the views from the top are incredible. Better yet, it’s free!

You can also visit the Documentation Centre and Nazi Rally party grounds to learn about Nuremberg’s history. Make sure you set aside plenty of time to just explore. Wander through the old town, admire the bridges, walk the Way of Human Rights and make sure to shop in the boutique stores and stop for coffee and ice cream, while watching life go by around you.  

Nuremberg is home to some epic food and drink choices, and you absolutely have to try traditional Nuremberg sausages and of course, the local beer! There’s also plenty of budget-friendly places to eat and drink. Albrecht Durer Stube is a great traditional spot for a meal, and Alex Restaurant has a huge range of options without breaking the bank.  

You’ll quickly fall in love with Nuremberg’s medieval feel, cobblestoned streets and its history. It’s easily one of the best spots for a weekend getaway.  

Submitted by Emma from Emma Adventures

Munich is a terrific weekend destination that can be easily experienced on a budget. The reason why Munich makes the cut as a weekend destination is that it has plenty of places where you can unwind while also exploring a few tourist attractions. 

If you are on a budget, stay at one of the many hostels close to the Central Munich train station. 

From here, you can head to Marienplatz which is the central area of Munich. You can climb up to the top of St. Peter’s church for a panoramic view of Munich . You could also explore the Viktualienmarkt. This is the primary market area in Munich. You will find plenty of shops selling a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, eggs, venison, meat, wine, etc.

From here you must visit the famous Hofbräuhaus to experience the fun vibe of a classic beer house. 

During your time in Munich, you should also visit the vast English Garden where you could enjoy a boat-ride or ride a horse or simply have a few more glasses of beer while people-watching! Beerhouses here let you bring your own food. So you could save money by buying food at supermarkets and then eating it here after a glass of beer.

While in Munich, you could also visit the BMW showroom and factory and marvel at the beauty of the world’s most expensive cars. Additionally, you could also consider visiting the Olympiapark or the Nymphenburg Palace. 

Public Transport in Munich

However, the best way to ensure that you do not spend much while you are in Munich is by purchasing a Munich Card or the Munich City Pass that gives unlimited free access to all modes of public transport in Munich and free or discounted entry to most tourist attractions. If you are heading out to other Bavarian towns, buy the money-saving  Bayern Ticket . 

Submitted by Vrushali K from Couple of Journeys

Trips to East-Central Europe

For quite a few years now, I’ve been telling anybody who will listen that Poland is the perfect place for a budget weekend in Europe. Whilst Krakow remains its most visited city, my most recent trip to Poland (and perhaps my favorite so far) took me to lesser-known Wroclaw. 

Wroclaw’s historic old town is a delightful patchwork of cobbled streets and colorful buildings, centered on one of Europe’s largest market squares. It is at this square that the absence of stifling crowds of tourists is most noticeable – a far cry from the trappings of Paris or Rome.

Here, you can tuck into an  extremely  filling plate of traditional dumplings for less than the cost of a beer in London. These prices are typical in the dozens of enticing restaurants and cafes across the city.

Things to do in Wroclaw

Aside from the bargain food and drink, my favourite thing to do in Wroclaw is completely free – searching for dwarfs! The streets of Wroclaw are covered in hundreds of tiny figures, each of them completely unique, and as a collective they turn the city into an open-air exhibition. Their origins as an anti-communist symbol are equally fascinating, and capture the unique spirit of this brilliant city. 

You can’t help but notice the dwarfs everywhere you go, and the hunt to see them all can take you to some of the city’s other main attractions. The river Oder is a particular highlight during the summer, and it is here you’ll find the spectacular ‘Cathedral Island’ – one of the most photogenic spots in the city. If the weather isn’t on your side, the Racławice Panorama is a must-visit. This giant 19th-century painting commemorates a historic battle and is wrapped around the walls of a custom-built rotunda. It needs to be seen to be believed.

by Matt from TwoTicketsTo

As one of the most charming cities not only in Europe but in Poland, Krakow is a city that will steal your heart.  Krakow has Europe’s largest central square dotted by hundreds of restaurants and cafes as well as pigeons and horse carriages. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, central squares in Europe are common locations for pigeons to gather though many continue to be wary of people  Not in Krakow however.  The pigeons welcome people and allow people to get very close and feed them by hand.  The sheer amount of pigeons in the central square is remarkable.  The center of the square has a large building called Sukiennice, once a cloth hall, currently occupied by dozens of vendors and tourists walking through looking to buy authentic Polish items.  It’s a great place to find some hidden gems.

Krakow has plenty of fabulous restaurants offering local Polish cuisine for friendly prices.  Be sure to try pierogi or potato pancakes when in the city,

Not too far from the center is Wawel Royal Castle which has some remarkable history and also an underground area with tombs.  Close by there is also the dragon’s lair, a small cave found under the hill with a story of a mythical dragon that once lived there.

Krakow is also a great starting point for local visits to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which has an amazing underground tour that should not be missed. The city has plenty of tours that provide transportation to locations in and around the city.

Submitted by Diana from Travels in Poland

Gdańsk, part of the tri-city area of Poland, should be on everybody’s bucket list. From the sheer beauty of the city to the history that oozes from every corner to the wealth of day trips you can do from the city itself, it’s a great option for a budget Polish city break. Affordable flights and plenty of low-cost Airbnb options mean you don’t have to spend a lot to have an amazing few days in this pretty city.

Explore Długa, the main street filled with restaurants and bars, or head to the other side of the river to enjoy seafood and ride the AmberSky Ferris wheel.

There are museums aplenty, and you can board a pirate ship and head down the river to Westerplatte – a location that was a huge part of early WW2. Now an open-air museum, you can climb up a watchtower and look out over the Baltic Sea, or explore crumbling buildings that were half-destroyed in battle.

Head to the docks and find out all about the Polish solidarity movement and Lech Walesa, and keep going a bit further out to the Energa Stadium, a football ground that is also home plenty of things to do on a rainy day – the FunArena has escape rooms, go-karting and more. Sopot and Gdynia, the other two cities in the tri-city area, are within easy distance. They make for wonderful day trips! To put it simply, Gdańsk has it all – beauty, charm, good food and plenty of things to do.

Explored by Katy Gilroy  | The Lilac Scrapbook

An ideal long weekend getaway destination in Europe, Warsaw is the perfect city for those traveling on a budget. It offers an interesting mix of traditional and modern, attractions of all kinds, and great food and nightlife scenes, so anyone can find something to love about it.

There are plenty of  things to do in Warsaw  on a budget. Many attractions can be visited for free, including the Royal Castle (which offers free admission on Wednesdays), the beautiful University Library Gardens, and the Chopin Museum (which also offers free admission on Wednesdays. You can also wander through its gorgeous old town, take unique free walking tours (like street art and Jewish history), and visit its parks without spending any money.

It’s also easy to find budget-friendly hotels or apartments in the city center and feast on hearty Polish food at ridiculous prices. Lunch at traditional diners called milk bars will only cost 10-20 PLN (about $3-$6), and a full 3-course meal at a more upscale restaurant (after which you literally can’t breathe) should not cost more than $16. Take advantage of these prices and indulge yourself in a mountain of pierogis (Polish dumplings), potato pancakes, soups, stews, and other delicious Polish dishes.

By Or from My Path in the World

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic’s capital city has slowly turned into one of Europe’s best city breaks. And it’s understandable why! The stunning architecture, delicious dishes, tons of history and… it is very affordable. 

There are a lot of things to do in Prague , including visiting the world’s largest castle complex. It covers over 70,000 square meters, has a stunning castle garden and multiple buildings in both gothic and romanesque style. But this is not the only spot in Prague where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture in the city.

Prague’s Old Town Square is another hot spot for this. On this square, you can find the famous astronomical clock. This is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest that is still working! Every hour on the hour (between 9 AM and 11 PM) you can see the statues of the apostles move around above the clock.

Prague is also known for its cheap beers – and they are very proud of their beer! You simply cannot leave Prague without drinking a pint of Pilsner Urquell. In some restaurants, it’s even cheaper to order a beer compared to a glass of water (and I love it!). Beer being the national drink of the Czech Republic, the people of Prague have taken it even further with their beer spas. Yes, you read that correctly – bathe in beer! 

If you want to surround yourself with some of Europe’s most beautiful architecture in a city that feels like a fairytale, Prague is the perfect place!

Submitted by Nele from The Navigatio

Budapest is one of the most charming and historically enchanting capitals in Central Europe. Situated on a Danube riverbank, the capital of Hungary was made up of three different cities – Buda, Pest, and Obuda – which were unified into one that we now recognize as Budapest. While the city is mostly known for its outdoor thermal baths and extraordinary ruin bars, there is so much more the city can offer for all types of travelers.

Compared to surrounding Central European capitals, Budapest is a super affordable option for budget travelers. The prices of hotels and restaurants in the city centre are a bit higher but, in general, you can spend around €25-€50 per day. This should include a comfortable hotel room (or a hostel if you prefer!), all the meals of the day, and one or two attractions.

The best part of Budapest is that the city is very walkable, so it saves you a bit of money. Also, if you do need to use public transport at some point, you can get a 24-hour travel card that is only around €5 and lets you use the metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, suburban railway lines, and even city boats.

Asides from being a low-cost destination, Budapest has it all. No, really. You can admire spectacular architectural wonders such as the Parliament building, Opera House, Fisherman’s Bastion, or the Chain’s Bridge, you can immerse yourself into wild Hungarian nightlife in Szimpla Kert or spend the day in different museums such as the House of Terror.

If you need to relax, you can always spend an afternoon in Gillert’s spa and enjoy a wonderful sunset view from Gillert’s hill. Oh, and definitely don’t forget to get a taste of Hungarian cuisine and their famous Tokaji wine by the riverside.

Submitted by Leta from The Nerdy Me

Slovakia’s capital might not be on everybody’s radar but you should definitely consider  visiting Bratislava  if you are looking for a budget-friendly weekend getaway. 

The city has a beautiful old town with lots of cute buildings and cafés. Spend your time visiting the impressive Bratislava Castle, the blue church, or try some delicious Slovak food. The Slovak National dish is called Bryndzové Halušky, which are potato dumplings with sheep cheese usually served with bacon sprinkles on top. I can recommend the Slovak Pub for some cheap and authentic Slovak food.

When in Bratislava, also make sure to visit the nearby Devin Castle from where you can get incredible views of the Danube river. Another attraction in Bratislava is the UFO bridge and also make sure to walk up to the Slavín War Memorial. From there you can get amazing views of the whole city.

And if you are considering a trip to Bratislava you can also fly to the Vienna airport if you can get a better flight deal. From the Vienna airport, you can take a one-hour direct bus to the Bratislava Old town which will only cost you around 5€. Bratislava’s central location also makes it a unique place to visit. Not only Vienna is close but you can reach Budapest within 2.5 hours or Prague within 4 hours by train.

Submitted by Becky from Becksplore Travel

Weekend Getaways in Southern Europe

A great budget-friendly weekend idea is to jump on a plane and head to the southern part of the Aegean Sea. The Greek island of Crete offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a fantastic couple of days without spending a fortune.

You can choose to land in the capital of Crete, Heraklion, and discover some of the many budget-friendly activities you can do in the areas.

Spending a weekend in Heraklion can represent a great opportunity to explore the culture and the history of the island. It’s in this region, just a few kilometers from the capital, where you will be able to visit the Archaeological Site of Knossos , the second most important archaeological site in Greece, only second to the Parthenon in Athens. During the visit, you can learn about the Minoans, one of the most important ancient civilizations which dominated all over the Aegean Sea as far back as the Bronze Age.

When visiting Heraklion and the Archaeological Palace, it’s a great idea to also explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, located right in the center of town and exhibiting hundreds of objects found on the island, and especially in Knossos.

But not everything is just history. Heraklion is a city with plenty of restaurants, tavernas, and nightclubs where to enjoy some time. If you are a fan of swimming, you can also visit beaches such as Agia Pelagia or Ligres, only a few minutes from the center of town.

If you want to see more than Heraklion, you should get a car rental in Crete and do a road trip. Crete is full of amazing locations and you will not regret exploring them.

Submitted by Gabi Ancarola from The Tiny Book

Italy is one of these countries you fall in love with the minute you arrive. Therefore you usually cannot help, but to return there again and again.

And luckily the country has so many amazing places, that you will always be able to explore a new one.

Italy has some of the best weekend getaways in Europe, so be sure to check out these 7 cities including my personal favorite Bergamo.

Read More: Affordable Weekend Trips in Italy

Italy’s Hidden Gems

Most people who visit Spain for the first time end up exploring Madrid or Barcelona. However, Spain offers a lot more beyond these two cities.

The ten weekend trip destinations on this list are all worth a trip. So be sure to plan one or many trips to Spain so you can explore all of them.

Read More: Great Weekend Trips in Spain

Hidden Gems in Spain

A fantastic coastline, beaches, vibrant cities, and great food – all of these things can be found in Portugal. Lisbon is a popular choice when planning a trip, but there are many more places to see. Faro, Evora, and Penich are just some of the many places to see in Portugal.

Read More: Budget-friendly Short Trips in Portugal

Budget-friendly Short Trips in Western Europe

Annecy is well known as being the “Venice of France.” This small city is located in southeastern France nestled in the alps between Lyon and Geneva. Charming canals wind through the city, with cafes and shops dotted along the sides. The canals then lead to the most stunning alpine lake called Lake Annecy. 

So why should you visit this small town? It has ample charm and stunning views, making it an ideal stop during a trip to France or as a day trip from Lyon or Switzerland!  

To make the most of your time in Annecy, you’ll definitely need to get out on the lake in the summer and paddle boat or swim. With mountain views from the lake you could spend a lot of time just taking in the scenery. 

Other incredible things to do include visiting the Annecy Castle Museum, exploring the gorgeous Palais de L’Isle (which was a former palace, then prison, and now art museum) located in the Thiou Canal, taking a hike up Mont Veyrier, and, being an alpine city, eating all the cheesy, gooey things! 

Annecy is a gem in France that few get to visit, but it is well worth your time to see! It is also very walkable and easy to get to via train from Lyon or Geneva. With affordable things to do, delicious alpine cuisine, and charming canals, a visit to Annecy is a budget European destination you never knew you needed to visit.

Submitted by Kat from Worldwide Honeymoon

Carcassonne is a historic city deep in the southwest of France, famous for La Cite, the renovated medieval citadel. Home to many battles and a chequered history, La Cite was renovated in the seventies and is now a must-visit on any trip in southwest France.

For the budget-conscious, La Cite is free to enter and you can wander to your heart’s content, heading for the big well, the oldest in La Cite and rumored hiding place of Visigoth treasure.  Stop for a beer though, or enter the chapels and certain parts of the castle and you will have spent quite a few euros before you even realize it! Another great way to see the citadel for free and at its best is to take a walk around the outside, where you’ll find fewer people and some great views. 

For a more  authentic French experience  visit the new town, known as la ville basse and enjoy the wonderful Saturday morning farmers market in Place Carnot, surrounded by bistros and bars where breakfast or a beer won’t cost the earth!  

Head for the Aude, the clear sparkling river which runs through Carcassonne from the Pyrenees, on its way to the Mediterranean.  The bridges are fascinating, some of them very old and you’ll pass through vineyards and pretty woodlands as you stroll…all for free, of course!

Submitted by Philip from The Gap Decaders

The town of Condom and the surrounding area of what used to be called Gascony offer pristine rolling hills, picturesque villages, and delicious local dishes, all with very few tourists to share with. And, as an added bonus, most of the best things to see and do are free or close to it!

As one of the larger towns of the area, Condom makes a good base for lodging. Among its historic sites, the ornately carved 14 th -century Cathedral Saint-Pierre and its cloisters stand out as the highlight. However, a quick 10-minute drive will take you to the even more impressive Flaran Abbey, which also houses a collection of important artworks. 

You can reach 3 of France’s Most Beautiful Villages (there’s an official list) within a 15-minute drive of Condom: Montreal-du-Gers, Fources, and Larressingle. Stroll through each of these beauties and discover what earned them their place on this prestigious list. 

The charming village square of Fources flaunts large trees, lush green grass, colorful flower boxes, and quaint arcade houses that circle the central plaza. In Montreal-du-Gers, visit the 4 th -century Gallo-Roman Villa de Seviac and marvel at the mosaics. Larressingle, complete with a moat, church, and ruined castle, has the title of France’s smallest fortified city. Although it is small, it may be the most beautiful of these 3 villages. Budget time to linger at one of the 3 local restaurants and enjoy the local specialties. 

These specialties include some of  France’s best-known dishes , such as duck confit and foie gras, and you will be greatly relieved at the affordability of this gourmet fare perfectly paired with local wine. Although vineyards dot the hillside, Armagnac reigns king here. Be sure to enjoy a glass after dinner or visit the Armagnac Museum.

Explored by Denise from Chef Denise

Jura Mountains

The French Alps are a prized destination for visitors, both in winter and summer. But an Alpine vacation can be expensive: restaurants are delicious but costly, and accommodation is at a premium, whether you’re looking for a tiny studio or a luxury chalet.

Within sight of the Alps lies a more  unusual French destination , an older but smaller mountain range called the Jura, where prices are more modest, local food is delicious, and there’s plenty of fun in both summer and winter.

Given the difference in height, the activities are a little different. The highest peak in the Alps is 4800 meters, while the highest point in the Jura is just over 1700 meters. So while you’ll experience black downhill skiing runs in the Alps, you’ll be slipping on your cross-country skis for the Jura’s more than 1000km of trails.

Things to do in the Jura Mountains

In winter, apart from cross-country skiing, you’ll enjoy snowshoeing, dogsledding – and yes, downhill skiing, although not from the same height, of course. The après-ski is also fun, especially when it involves local products like Mont-d’Or cheese, one of the great culinary experiences of the Jura. The cheese comes surrounded by a thin strip of wood and is usually eaten hot and melted, by twirling potatoes inside.

In summer, this is a hiking paradise, with some of France’s most spectacular hikes. Furthermore, the Jura is dotted with lakes so everything from swimming to kayaking can help break the heat of summer. The Jura is also rife with grottoes and caves to explore, and mountaintops off which to base jump.

There’s no question this is a paradise for nature lovers, but while there are expert-level tracks and trails, beginners are welcome and there is an easy version of every activity.

How to get to the Jura Mountains

The gateway to the Jura is across the border, in Switzerland. From Geneva, you can reach the mountains by car in half an hour. By train, Geneva will do, as will Bellegarde-sur-Valserine in France. 

Contributed by Leyla from Offbeat France

United Kingdom

Rye, east sussex.

Rye, East Sussex is a charming town to spend a budget-friendly weekend getaway. Only around 2 hours from London by car or train, this ancient medieval town sits near the coast and is rich with history dating back to the mid-1200s.

The town’s labyrinth of cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings are enchanting, and a weekend can easily be spent navigating the historic streets that look as though they’re straight out of a child’s fairy tale. 

Things to do in Rye

There are plenty of things to do on a budget, from a visit to the Rye Town Model for some town history portrayed through a sound and light show of a miniature version of the town (adults £3.50, children £1.50), the Rye Castle Museum (admission is free but donations are encouraged) for some interesting facts about the town and artifacts spanning over past centuries, Ypres Tower (adults £4, children under 16 free), dating back to the 1200s and was involved in defense and trade before being used a prison, or climb the church tower at St Mary’s Cathedral for £4 on clear days for sweeping views of the rooftops of Rye and beyond. 

There are numerous places to enjoy a drink or bite to eat in Rye . Some popular stops are Marino’s Fish Bar for proper fish and chips and great value. Order it for takeaway and enjoy it by the River Brede. If you’re for a unique place to stop for a pint, the Rye Waterworks is a cozy place to visit and is popular with locals – it was once a pump house, soup kitchen, then public toilets, and is now an award-winning micropub!

Rye is a place to visit and doesn’t require a lot of expense to enjoy. You’ll leave this tiny town feeling enchanted and yearning to return.

Submitted by Sarah from In Search of Sarah

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is known as being one of the most affordable cities in the UK across the board. For example, it is the 3rd cheapest city of 69 in Britain for a proper night-out including food and drinks and taxis and kebabs. At the same time, it is one of the more exciting cities to explore when it comes to culture, architecture, and nightlife in the otherwise somewhat sleepy capital in Northern Ireland.

Many of the main  tourist attractions in Belfast City Centre   are also free for entry including the Ulster Museum at the Botanical Gardens, the City Hall found smack in the center of the city, and the Titanic Quarter which is like a massive open-air museum commemorating the docks where the Titanic was originally built.

Hereby, the  Belfast Hop on Hop off  is the most convenient way to get around between these tourist attractions in Belfast.

But just exploring the small city, which can be covered fairly extensively through a weekend, is the main draw, like the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter and the serene riverside strolls along the Lagan River. Then in the evenings, the bars are hard to beat when it comes to local banter (or craic as it’s called here) with some of the oldest and most homely pubs in all of Ireland. 

Contributed by Allan from It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor  

Netherlands

Where is maastricht.

Maastricht is the capital of the Dutch province called Limburg, right in the south of the Netherlands. Maastricht is also the second oldest Dutch city, and known for being the hometown of the famous violinist Andre Rieu but also for being the birthplace of Euro, as the Maastricht Treaty was signed right here!

Being the second oldest city in the Netherlands, and not having been destroyed by WWII, means that when walking through the streets of Maastricht, you can enjoy the beautiful old architecture, cobblestone streets, and many cozy alleys and squares. For those who enjoy art, Maastricht is also known for hosting, every year, the European Fine Arts Fair (TEFAF).

How to get to Maastricht?

You can easily reach Maastricht either by train or car.

Must see in Maastricht

When in Maastricht one can’t leave without checking these spots:

• Wijk neighborhood
• Center Ceramic and enjoy a walk along the river Mosa
• Appreciate the view from Sint Servaasbrug
• City park (Stadspark)
• Visit the Helport
• Enjoy a slice of Limburgs pie right next to the Bisschopsmolen
• Visit the Vrijthof square following a visit to the Saint Servatius church.
• From there, go grab a nice drink at the Market square.
• And finally, check out the Bassin area

If you have never been to Maastricht, you should definitely add it to your to-go list! You will not regret it.

Submitted by Barbara from Porty’s Diary

Luxembourg (City)

Don’t let the “lux” in Luxembourg fool you – this quaint little country can be a very budget-friendly weekend destination! Here are just a few low-cost features Luxembourg has to offer:

Transportation in Luxembourg

Earlier this year, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all its standard-class public transport free! Not that it was expensive before – a 2-hour ticket only cost €2, while an all-day second-class ticket cost €4. But now, you can save those euros and put them towards treating yourself to one of Luxembourg’s world-class pastries.

Attractions in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is packed with beautiful castles, and they’re not expensive to visit. Admission to most castles is under €10 per person. Museums are surprisingly inexpensive as well – for example, the permanent exhibits at the National Museum of History and Art are free, while access to their temporary exhibits is only €7.

But if you’re planning to visit more than two attractions, buying the Luxembourg Card is your best bet. You can purchase a 1, 2, or 3-day card, which gets you free access to over 60 museums, castles, and other attractions. If there are more than two of you traveling, the Family Card is an even better deal.

Hiking in Luxembourg

Another budget-friendly activity in Luxembourg is hiking. There are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty all across the country. Plus, walking is free – although I would recommend investing in a trail map so you don’t get lost. My favorite hiking trails are the Mullerthal Trail and the circular routes, which start and end at the same point.

Despite being the richest country in the world by GDP per capita, Luxembourg can be a budget-friendly destination. At least with a little bit of planning! 

Submitted by Darlene from Thirsty Journeys

Budget-friendly Destinations in Eastern Europe

If you want to go away for a weekend without breaking the bank, then you should head to  Tallinn . With its many towers, cobblestone streets, and red-tiled roofs, this city looks as if it came straight out of a fairy tale.

The first thing you should do after arriving is going for a walk through the Old Town. Make sure to stop by the Town Hall Square. Here, you can visit the Tallinn Town Hall or check out the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Or how about climbing on top of the nearby city wall and into its towers?

If you want to visit the town’s best viewpoints, go up to Toompea Hill. Back in the days, the upper class lived here, where they could, literally, look down on the workers below. Today, you can find a great view of Tallinn as well as a beautiful Orthodox cathedral.

Tallinn is also famous for its many affordable museums. Check out Kiek in de Kök, the old watchtower up on Toompea Hill, or visit the National Museum in the Guild Hall.

If you’re looking for a different experience, we recommend the NUKU Museum of Puppet Arts, where you can spend a few hours getting creative. Create your own stage, play with puppets and have fun!

While in Tallinn, make sure to try some Estonian food. You will find many restaurants offering traditional and modern Estonian cuisine around the Old Town. The III Draakon, just by the Town Hall, is a great place to try elk meat for only a few Euros. You definitely won’t overspend here.

Submitted by Daniel and Ilona from Top Travel Sights

Riga is a small and charming UNESCO World Heritage site city and the capital city of Latvia. There are heaps of fun  things to do in Riga   that are free or inexpensive, which makes it a great wallet-friendly destination and perfect for a cheap weekend away. 

Highlights include soaking up the cobbled streets and numerous squares of the old town, whilst checking out magnificent old buildings such as the Riga Blackheads and the three brothers (or join one of the many free walking tours to learn more about Riga’s history). As Riga is a fairly compact city, you’ll be able to explore a lot of the old town on foot meaning you don’t need to spend any money on public transport to get to the major attractions. 

Dining out in Riga will not break the budget either with many cheap places to eat including Lido – a very popular chain restaurant that serves hearty local Latvian cuisine buffet style and charges by weight (you can eat here for under €5).

Alternatively, many mid-priced restaurants in town offer main courses for under 10€ or head to Riga Central Market where you will find bargain street food stalls. 

After the sun sets head to one of Riga’s most popular nightlife venues – Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs. Food and drink in this basement bar are super cheap and there is live music several nights a week. We recommend ordering the 5 euro beer platter to accompany your drink – it comes with delicious dark garlic bread and is very popular with locals.

Riga has plenty of affordable hotel and hostel options all over town, plus it is also served by several budget airlines including Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Explored by Caroline from CK Travels

Europe is often known as being expensive, too expensive to have a good time! Most people know to visit Europe on a budget, you head to Eastern Central Europe. But, what about the Baltic states? The Baltic countries are made up of three small countries, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Although these countries are small, they pack a punch and they’re a lot cheaper than the rest of Europe. 

One of the most beautiful cities in the Baltics is Vilnius, Lithuania. Whether you prefer to stay in hostels or in hotels, you can easily find accommodation for 50€ for two nights. Just because Lithuania is cheap, it doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. 

Some of the best things to do in Vilnius are St Anne’s Church, Vilnius Cathedral, Gedmina’s Tower, and the Republic of Užupis. Although Užupis is located within Vilnius, it is also one of the smallest republics in the world. As you cross the bridge from Vilnius into Užupis, you can pass through border control (tourist information) and get your passport stamped. Warning, if you get your passport stamped, make sure you get it stamped on the way back to Vilnius. 

For great places to eat, that won’t cost an arm and a leg, head through the gates of dawn and down Ausros Vartai. Along this street, you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can find local bites to eat. 

Don’t forget to explore the Baltic Way Monument. The monument pays tribute to the two million people who in 1989 joined hands across 675.5km through the three capital cities of the Baltic states.  The human chain was formed to protest against the Soviet occupation, in 1990 Lithuania became independent.

Submitted by Fiona from Travelling Thirties

Weekend Escapes in Southeastern Europe

Given the current situation in Ukraine, you clearly should not travel there right now, but once the war is over, the country will once again be a great destination for weekend trips in Europe.

Heading off to Ukraine when planning weekend getaways in Europe is something of a wild card; it’s definitely a bit of a detour from the standard tourist destinations. But even though it doesn’t yet see the tourist numbers of other European cities, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be a really unique and super affordable city break. 

Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital is so rich in history that you can’t miss taking a free walking tour of the city. Tours will show off Kyiv’s dramatic Soviet-style architecture whilst talking you through the city’s colorful past, and then point out some of their most beautiful golden-domed churches (Saint Michaels and Saint Andrews are stunners!). On the flip side, Andriyivskyy Descent is where you’ll find independent cafes, local galleries, modern street art, and bric-a-brac stalls lining the winding cobbled streets. Don’t miss popping into Lviv Handmade Chocolate café at the bottom of the road for a ridiculously rich melted chocolate drink and hand-crafted truffles.

On the far side of the city, you can visit the Kyiv Monastery and caves for a tiny entrance fee. This religious complex with expansive gardens, ornate, whitewashed churches, and adjoining catacombs with candle-lit underground caves and mummified monks is something of an experience!

When you’re in Kyiv, make sure you try out the local foods; places like Mitla and Korchma Taras Bulba serve up very affordable portions of traditional Ukrainian borscht, dumplings, and shots of the local Ukrainian spirits! And for something even more budget-friendly, the local street food, perepichka (a sausage in a deep-fried doughnut) can be picked up in the city for the equivalent of 50p!

Submitted by Michaela from This FP Planet

Lviv, Ukraine is one of the best places for the city break in Europe. It is stunningly beautiful, full of history, with lots of great restaurants and cafes and, most importantly, very affordable prices. With so many great  things to do in Lviv , you will not be bored for sure.

The city, located near the border with Poland, is full of attractions, most of them are packed in the center of the city near the main square – Rynok. That’s where you will find the most beautiful pastel houses, cobbled streets, and impressive churches. If you are fit enough you can climb to the town hall tower for the best view of the city – it is a bit challenging but worth the effort.

Lviv has also some jaw-dropping interiors, like the Ethnographical Museum or House of Scientists. The most beautiful one is, however, the Opera where you can attend the show for a very fair price or just visit the place during the day. Lviv’s culinary scene is spectacular, you can try here dishes from all over the world and relax with a cup of delicious coffee in one of the numerous cafes.

The city is still not very popular among foreign tourists, but it is a matter of time when the world discovers how amazing Lviv is!

Explored by Kami from My Wanderlust

the Balkans

The countries of the Balkan offer a lot and while many would not consider them when planning incredible weekend getaways in Europe, these 11 destinations should definitely be on your list.

Explore the more commonly known cities like Sofia, Split, or Zagreb. Or plan an adventure to the hidden gems of the Balkan like Kotor.

Read More: Amazing Weekend Getaways in the Balkans

Weekend Getaways in Europe

Hopefully, this list of incredible weekend getaways will have helped you determine where to go next. And chances are, that you also added several cities in Europe to your future trip list.

Let me know which one of these cities you have already explored and which one you will explore next!

Planning a weekend getaway in Europe? Pin it for later!

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a solo traveling digital nomad, photographer, and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia & Mexico.

As an outdoor lover and culture enthusiast, I love writing about all forms of adventure travel ranging from outdoor activities like scuba diving and hiking to cultural experiences, alongside road trips and itineraries that combine these elements.

A Nomad's Passport is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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2 thoughts on “50+ Amazing & Budget-Friendly Weekend Getaways in Europe”

Wow! What a list! And the pictures just add to the experience. Great post!

Great post! Although I live in Western Canada and wouldn’t just come to Europe for a weekend, you’ve given me lots of new places to add to my Travel Bucket List. Thanks for sharing.

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The 20 best places to visit in Europe on a budget

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• best-places-to-visit-in-europe-on-a-budget

written by Lottie Gross

updated 11.07.2023

Europe presents an irresistible challenge to the budget traveller. A potent mix of culture, landscape and history on the one hand and a cash-gobbling monster on the other, sticking to your daily allowance can prove tricky.

1. The Albanian coast

2. sarajevo, bosnia-herzegovina, 3. bansko, bulgaria, 4. czechia (czech republic), 5. estonia’s baltic coast, 6. leipzig, germany, 7. london, england, 8. the peloponnese, greece, 9. budapest, hungary, 10. palermo, sicily, italy, 11. lake ohrid, macedonia, 12. kotor, montenegro, 13. gdánsk, poland, 14. porto, portugal, 15. transylvania, romania, 16. novi sad, serbia, 17. the high tatras, slovakia, 18. northwest slovenia, 19. andalucía, spain, 20. lviv, ukraine.

But learn to zone out the “Spend! Spend! Spend!” siren song of its myriad restaurants, bars and shops and you’ll find that this compact little continent is simply the world’s greatest labyrinth.

There's an abundance of beautiful places in Europe which don't require much of a budget to see; and some experiences, like the infamous Budapest nightlife, combines both entertainment with local booze.

When exactly is the best time to visit Europe? Well, it depends on what you're after. Thankfully there's a year-round roster of things to do and see. We've picked out the cheapest places to travel on the continent this year (note that the "Rough Costs" below reflect per person or per night). From low budget tourist places in the world to the cheapest country to travel to, where do you think will make the list?

Want to find out more about budget travel in Europe? Check out our Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget .

Looking for Mediterranean sun and sand, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Capri or the Côte d’Azur? Simply head further east and you’ll find sun-drenched beaches untouched by modern development. Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, and as yet under-explored by the tourist hordes. On its southern Ionian coast, steep grey mountains frame azure seas and golden sands.

Also take note - the Albanian capital Tirana will certainly surprise you with the number of interesting things you can do there .

Sarande is almost in touching distance of Corfu and is a handy entry point from Greece. From here you can aim for the beaches of Ksamil and nearby islands. Cheap seafood, warm seas and a smattering of isolated Greek ruins and Ottoman towns: the perfect recipe for a classic European sojourn.

Where to stay

Best for being on the beach: Vila E Bardhe

Best for great views of the harbour: Hotel Real

From Saranda: Visit the archaeological park of Butrint on a private tour

From Durrës: Wine tasting and history tour in Berat

Find more ideas for visiting Albania with our guide to the best things to do in Albania .

Rough costs:

Daily budget: Basic €30, occasional treat €45

Drink: Bottle of red wine €6

Food: Qoftë (minced meat rissoles) €2, seafood €6

Hostel/budget hotel: €15/€35

Travel: Bus: Tirana–Saranda €10.50; train: Tirana–Shkodra €3.30

Buy the guide >

Though the scars of Sarajevo ’s past as a city under siege are still evident. There are remnants of mortar shell explosions, filled with red resin to form “Sarajevo Roses”, and the museums document the horrors of Sniper Alley. Today, the city buzzes with life and is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. If you don't want to miss any of the key historic sites, book ahead and join a guided tour.

One of the most welcoming capitals in Europe, its central district of Baščaršija is a delight to wander through. Browse in the Ottoman-era bazaar or linger over a Bosnian coffee. The after-hours scene is quirky and cool, with tucked-away drinking holes and an ever-evolving club scene.

Best hostel for city location: Hostel Franz Ferdinand

Best for location to tourist attractions: Hotel Europe

Best for first time visitors: A guided walking tour in Sarajevo

Best for getting out of the city: A day tour to Jajce and Travnik

Rough costs

Daily budget: Basic €28, occasional treat €45

Drink: Bosnian coffee €0.70–1

Food: Cevapcici (meat rissoles) €3–4

Hostel/budget: €10/€28

Travel: Bus: Sarajevo–Bihać €17–25; train: Sarajevo–Mostar €5–7

Read our destination guide to Bosnia-Herzegovina >

Hitting the slopes without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Especially when the main Alpine resorts are located in some of the most expensive countries in Europe! However, eastern Europe has a few intriguing ski destinations, including Bulgaria ’s Bansko on the Pirin mountain range.

The country’s main ski resort has good beginner and intermediate runs. There's a decent range of shared or private accommodation to choose from, easily making Bansko one of the best places to visit in Europe with friends. The town itself has considerable charm, with numerous traditional old pubs hidden down its cobbled alleyways.

Best for guest house experience: Zigen House

Best for great location: Kap House Hotel

Best for the adventurers: River rafting on the Kresna Gorge

Best to get to know the culture: Experience local traditions, dishes, crafts and stories

Also while planning your visit, read our guide to the best things to do in Bulgaria .

Drink: Beer (0.5l) €1.25

Food: Shopska salad €4

Hostel/budget hotel: €12/€60

Travel: Train: Sofia–Plovdiv €4–6; bus: €5

Find out more about Bansko >

Though ever-popular Prague is not quite the dirt-cheap city break destination it once was, you’ll still find Czechia (Czech Republic ) to be a good-value country for independent travel. The country that invented Pilsner is justifiably famous for producing some of the best beers – at pretty good prices.

But there's plenty of other reasons as to why it's one of the best places to visit in Europe. In Prague , the choice of watering holes ranges from traditional beer halls and monastery taverns to a new generation of microbreweries. Continue the Czech beer trail with a visit to the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň, before striking out to the country’s lesser-known spots, such as charming Olomouc , a pint-sized Prague without the tourists.

If you're heading to Prague, where you're based can make all the difference to your experience, so make the right start with our guide to the best places to stay in the city.

Best location for hostel: Safestay Prague

Best for shopping and city centre: K+K Hotel Central

Best for history buffs: Small group tour to the Prague Castle

Best for a magical evening: Dinner cruise on an Open-Top Glass Boat

Daily budget: Basic €45, occasional treat €55

Drink: Pilsner Urquell (0.5l) €1.60

Food: Pork and dumplings €8

Hostel/budget hotel: €20/€45

Travel: Train: Prague–Karlovy Vary €12; bus: €14

Explore the best of Czech Republic >

Related articles from the blog

Known for the popular city break destination of Tallinn , small and beautiful Estonia also provides swathes of wilderness, with beautiful stretches of coastline, a scattering of islands and forested national parks along its long Baltic coastline. With so much centered on the outdoors, it's arguably the cheapest country in Europe.

An hour from Tallinn, 725-square-kilometre Lahemaa National Park is best explored by bike. You can cycle its coastal paths, discover rugged coves, windswept beaches and fishing villages and even sleep on hay bales at a farm. Venture further west, and the summertime resort of Pärnu has fantastic beaches, The island of Saaremaa offers soft-carpeted pine forest countryside and very affordable spas.

Best for boutique hotel in Tallinn: Hotel Meltzer Apartments

Best for boutique spa in Saaremaa: Grand Rose SPA Hotel

Best for historical, Soviet heritage: Day tour from Tallinn to Naissaar, also known as Women's Island

Best for urban exploration: The Industrial Stalker Bike Tour in Kalamaja District

Daily budget: Basic €40, occasional treat €60

Drink: Le Coq beer €2.60

Food: Blood sausage and sauerkraut €7

Travel: Bus: Tallinn–Saaremaa €9; Tartu–Tallinn €13

As far as Europe travel goes, Berlin is an anomaly. It’s one of the few capitals where the cost of living is lower than the national average. It's a legacy of the country’s former divide, which still means former East Germany is notably cheaper than western centres like Frankfurt and Munich . But as prices gradually rise in gentrifying Berlin, there are other eastern cities to venture to, including buzzing Leipzig .

The city that kick-started the 1989 protests that led to the country’s reunification has long had a fierce, independent spirit. Over the past few years, it’s also developed quite a reputation for its thriving artist enclaves and offbeat nightlife. Its culture scene is in constant flux, with old industrial buildings, such as former cotton mill the Spinnerei, converted into cutting-edge spaces.

Best for city location: IntercityHotel Leipzig

Best for little luxury: Pentahotel Leipzig

Best for family exploration: 3hr canoe tour through the city

Best for first-time visitors: Hop-on Hop-off bus tour including walking tour

• Daily: Budget Basic €57, occasional treat €73
• Drink: Beer (0.5ml) €3.35
• Food: Schnitzel €8
• Hostel/budget hotel: €20/€35
• Travel: Munich–Berlin: train €55–142; bus €22

Fall in love with the rest of Germany >

London and budget aren’t words that usually go together. However, London has more free world-class attractions than any other European city. There's the British Museum , home to enough treasures to satisfy the most curious of history hunters; the vast Tate Modern , with stupendous views from its terrace and ever-changing art collections; the Natural History Museum with its magnificent dinosaurs; and beautiful Victoria & Albert Museum – all free, all of the time.

And don’t forget the open spaces: spend a day tramping across Hampstead Heath, another meandering along the South Bank or perusing East End markets and you’ll get more of a sense of city life than if you’re stuck in a queue at an overpriced attraction. For food, opt for the popular street-food markets and your budget will stretch further – you might even have enough left for an overpriced pint.

Best for being in the centre of London: The Z Hotel Piccadilly

Best for location to Southbank: Park Plaza London Waterloo

Best for stunning views: The London Eye (make sure to book your ticket ahead of time to skip the lines)

Best for the adventurers: Climb the O2 Arena

• Daily budget: Basic €70, occasional treat €90
• Drink: Lager €6
• Food: Fish and chips €10
• Hostel/budget hotel: €13/20 (dorm/private)/€70
• Travel: Train: London–Brighton €20; bus: London–Manchester €40

Get the London low-down >

Think of budget travel in Greece , and the image is still one of island-hopping, sleeping on the deck of a ferry or camping on the beach. However, the slow pace of island travel and the popularity of the main resorts all adds to the cost.

Instead, consider the many-fingered peninsula of Greece . It has some fine beaches – less developed than those on the main islands – and it is home to the ancient sights of Epidaurus and Olympia . Medieval villages, spectacular rack-railway journeys and appealing Byzantine towns all await those who explore beyond the package holiday destinations.

Best for beaches in Finikounta: Hotel Golden Sun

Best for location in Nafplion: Pension Eleni

Best for day tours from Athens: Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus

Best for explorers: Self-guided virtual reality tour of Olympia

• Daily budget: Basic €31, occasional treat €42
• Drink: Ouzo €3
• Food: Souvláki (shish kebab) €3
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€31
• Travel: Bus: Athens–Delphi €19; ferry: Athens–Crete €38

Straddling the Danube, the twin enclaves of Buda and Pest together make one of the most beguiling capitals in Europe . Their main pleasures won’t break the bank, making it one of the top cheap places to travel to.

Spend the day lounging by the pools in the spa, taking the occasional dip, cooling off under the fountains, and watching the old men play chess at the waterside tables. Come evening, the “r uin-bars” of District VII beckon – idiosyncratic bars tucked away in the neighbourhood’s courtyards. The tipple of choice is the cheap local white or rosé drunk long as a spritzer, perfect in the baking heat of summer.

Budapest is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the Spring (March to May) or Autumn (Sept to Nov) as the climate is at its most pleasant – ideal for those outdoor spa days and pounding the pavements.

Best for location to city centre: Arcadia Hotel Budapest

Best for a little luxury: Hotel Palazzo Zichy Budapest

Best to relax: Soak up the atmosphere at the Thermal Margaret Island Spa

Best for wine connoisseurs: Taste 7 Hungarian wines from boutique wineries

• Daily budget: Basic €42, occasional treat €62
• Drink: Beer (large) €2–2.60
• Food: Goulash €3–4
• Hostel/pension: €16–31
• Travel: Train: Budapest–Eger €8.30

Find out more about Budapest >

Any grand tour of Europe includes a string of beautiful Italian cities: refined Florence , alluring Rome and glamorous Venice . While there’s no doubting their charms, they are well and truly on the tourist trail, which pushes up prices, particularly in high season.

Escape from the mainland to Sicily and you’ll find in its capital Palermo a city both redolent of the Italy of yesteryear and – if you ask a Sicilian – a country apart. Undoubtedly run down in places, the city unfolds many surprises . There are churches covered in exquisite mosaics and cluttered neighbourhood markets, where you can snack on local street foods, like arancini (rice balls) and panelle (chick pea fritters), as you wander.

Best for popular attractions: Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini

Best hostel for location to the city: Balarm Hostel

Best for foodies: 3hr street food and history walking tour

Best for day trips: Explore Western Sicily with Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans

• Daily budget: Basic €36, occasional treat €52
• Drink: Wine €2.60/glass
• Food: Local pasta dish €5–8; pizza slice €2
• Hostel/budget hotel: €16–31/€47–62
• Travel: Train: Rome–Naples €21; bus: €12

Get inspired for Sicily >

Vast, deep, Lake Ohrid is the jewel of North Macedonia . The quiet streets of its namesake town reveal frescoed medieval churches, a Roman amphitheatre and a fortress worth climbing for the views. But as you explore the old town, the clear lake waters draw you back time and time again, inviting you to swim, dive or take to the waters by boat.

If you are tempted landwards it might be to hike in the nearby Galičica National Park. With cheap private rooms to rent and several waterside camping spots, the area is perfect for travellers on a budget to kick back and relax.

Best for a cosy guest house: Villa & Winery Mal Sveti Kliment

Best for views of Lake Ohrid: Villa Kale

Best for those with limited time: Day tour from Skopje to Ohrid

Best for history buffs: Private half-day city tour

• Daily budget: Basic €26, occasional treat €36
• Drink: Wine from €2.60 per bottle
• Food: Tavče gravče (bean casserole) €1.50
• Hostel/budget hotel: €10/€26
• Travel: Bus: Skopje–Ohrid €7; train: Skopje–Bitola €4

Travelling cheap? Montenegro won't disappoint. The beautiful walled town of Kotor sits at the end of a fjord-like bay, ringed by dramatic peaks. Just follow your nose in the Old Town. Getting lost in the labyrinth of streets is half the fun, discovering summertime cafés that spill out on the squares before clambering along the old fortress walls.

For a view over the whole gorgeous scene, hike up to St Ivan’s castle, overlooking the town. Kotor’s annual highlight is August’s exuberant Boka Nights festival , when the whole town celebrates as a lavish display of decorated boats parade in the bay and fireworks fill the sky.

Where to stay:

Best for boutique hotel: Boutique Hotel Astoria

Best for location to the city centre and the beach: Muo Apartments

Best to get away from the crowds: 2.5h Kayak Tour in the Bay of Kotor

Best for a day trip: Boat Tour to the Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks

• Daily budget: Basic €31, occasional treat €52
• Drink: Nikšičko Tamno beer €1 (bottle from shop)
• Food: Sarma €2.60–4
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€52
• Travel: Bus: Budva–Kotor €3; train: Podgorica–Virpazar €1

For more ideas for visiting Montenegro read our guide to the best things to do in Montenegro .

Part beautiful Hanseatic city, part gritty port town and part Baltic riviera, the northern Polish city of Gdánsk offers a winning combination of coastal appeal. Though the core of this picturesque, colourful city, with its narrow merchant houses, looks ancient, it’s actually a postwar reconstruction – but the history is genuine. It's one of many cheap travel destinations to visit in Poland!

The shipyard crane dates back to the 15th century, and the city was the birthplace of the Solidarity anti-communist movement. Come summer, the action moves to the hip, coastal resort of Sopot , with its golden sand beach, lively party scene and attractive pier (the longest in Europe).

Best for location to the city centre: PURO Gdansk Stare Miasto

Best for great views and location to the city: Mercure Gdansk Stare Miasto

Best for nightlife: Pub Crawl with free drinks

Best for first-time visitors: Electric Scooter guided tour of the Old Town

• Daily budget: Basic €52, occasional treat €73
• Drink: Vodka (50ml shot) €1
• Food: Żurek soup €2–3
• Hostel/budget hotel: €12/€36
• Travel: Train: Warsaw–Kraków €34; bus: €16

Explore the WW2 Liberation Route with the help of a local expert >

Portugal travel doesn't get more exciting than in Porto. Portugal’s second city is appealingly set on the banks of the river Duoro. The riverside district of Portugal is crammed with no-frills good, local restaurants – pick somewhere a street or so back from the waterfront and you’ll be spoilt with local dishes and wines at excellent prices. With the city set on either side of the river, check our guide to the best places to stay in Porto to find accommodation that suits you best.

Other highlights include the vast Portugal park, with a superb art museum set within. However, it is port that the city is famous for. Vinologia is a great bar for an introduction to the varieties of fortified wine, and you can visit the port lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, where for a few euros you can sample their wares.

Make the most of your time in Porto and book ahead to explore some of the unknown wine cellars in the city .

Best for walks along the waterfront: 1872 River House

Best for value with style: MyStay Porto Batalha

Best for day tours: Small group tour to the Douro Valley, Wine Tasting and a River Cruise

Best for iconic views: Torre dos Clérigos (skip-the-line tickets)

• Daily budget: Basic €47, occasional treat €68
• Drink: Bottle of vinho verde in shop €3.60
• Food: Grilled sardines €8
• Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€47
• Travel: Train: Lisbon–Faro €23; bus: Porto–Lisbon €21

Delve into Porto >

Think Transylvania , and you’ll probably imagine Dracula and his castle – and you can certainly go in search of Dracula (aka Vlad the Impaler) connections here. If you're interested in finding Dracula, book your tour here . As Vlad’s birthplace, the attractive town of Sighisoara has the best claim to fame, and it also has a suitably imposing citadel.

But the region is not all fortifications and fangs – make time to venture out into the wilds of the Carpathian mountains , where you can track the Transylvanian wolf, along with bears, red deer and lynx in the Piatra Craiului National Park.

Best for visiting Vlad the Impaler: Casa Richter

Best for visiting Piatra Craiului National Park: Vila Hora cu Brazi

Best for explorers: Medieval City Exploration Game and Tour in Sighisoara

Best for those travelling in high season: Fast track tickets to Bran Castle (Dracula's castle - Romania's number one attraction)

• Daily budget: Basic €26, occasional treat €42
• Drink: Beer €1.90; bottle of Romanian wine €5
• Food: Tochitura moldoveneasca (Moldavian stew) €2.10
• Hostel/budget hotel: €10/€31
• Travel: Bus/train: Bucharest–Braşov €10

Discover more affordable places in Romania >

Also check our best things to do in Romania to make your trip here even more exciting.

Serbia abounds with sights to suit all tastes. Fancy a low-cost summer music festival? Serbia ’s famous EXIT Festival held in July might be just the ticket, and it’s less than half the price of Glastonbury. The line-up is always eclectic, with past acts including David Guetta and Ziggy Marley.

A trip here is about more than the music, however, with a setting that leaves other festivals in the shade. The Petrovaradin fortress stands majestically above the lively city of Novi Sad , a couple of hours from Belgrade. Stages and festival spaces fill every corner of the fortress, and you can spend your days lounging on the river beaches on the banks of the Danube.

If you don't have the time to stay longer, consider taking a day tour from Belgrade to explore Novi Sad and taste the local wines in Sremski Karlovci.

Best for rooftop views of the city: Hotel Leopold I Novi Sad

Best hostel for city location: Hostel Sova

• Drink: Beer (0.5l) €1
• Food: Pljeskavica (hamburger) €1–2
• Hostel/budget hotel: €13/€37
• Travel: Bus: Belgrade–Novi Sad €6; train: Belgrade–Niš €7

Get the low-down on Serbia >

Slovakia's pride and joy , the Tatras mountain range is a magnificent series of peaks – culminating in the pyramid-shaped Gerlach at 2,655m. Start at one of the village resorts like Nový Smokovec or Ždiar, then make for the mountains, where you can rest your weary heads at cheap hikers’ chalets.

This is serious mountain terrain, so be prepared and heed local advice. The mountains are also an inviting playground for climbers and cavers, and you’ll find mountain bike paths, tubing and rafting, plus a full winter season of skiing and snowboarding.

Best for the location to popular attractions: Penzion Reitmayer

Best for families: Apartmanovy Dom TatraTravel Smokovec

• Daily budget: Basic €37, occasional treat €47
• Drink: Beer €1.80
• Food: Gnocchi with bacon €4
• Hostel/budget hotel: €16/€31
• Travel: Bratislava–Košice (train) €20

Sandwiched between Italy, Austria and Croatia, compact Slovenia is an appealing destination on any journey through Europe. There's its charming capital, Ljubljana , as well as easy travel, a burgeoning wine industry and tempting pocket of coastline. For the adventure-minded, or for those who just want to camp in a beautiful lakeside setting, the northwest region is perfect.

Nestled below the stunning Julian Alps are the very different twin lakes of Bled and Bohinj . From here you can carry on to the Soča Valley, right by the Italian border, for hiking, kayaking and rafting adventures.

Best guest house for views of Lake Bled: Penzion Vila Prešeren

Best for lake views: Grand Hotel Toplice

Best for adventurers: 3hr Rafting Experience

Best for wine experiences: Taste 7 top Slovenian wines in a 100-year old wine cellar in Bled

• Drink: Pivo (beer' 0.5ml) €2.60
• Food: Pizza €5–7
• Hostel/budget hotel: €19/€62
• Travel: Train: Ljubljana–Maribor €9; bus: Ljubljana–Bled €7

Find out more about Slovenia >

The southernmost province of Spain, Andalucía travel is a tempting budget destination. This perennially popular region boasts showpiece cities such as Seville , Granada and Córdoba , with their exquisite monuments highlighting the area's Moorish past. Even here prices are competitive compared with Madrid and Barcelona.

You only need to head a little further afield, to the underrated city of Málaga with its Picasso connection and authentic tapas scene, or the atmospheric ancient port city of Cádiz, and you’ll enjoy that alluring southern Spanish vibe for budget-friendly prices. Cheap tapas (the tradition of free tapas originates in Granada) means you can sample Iberian flavours for a couple of euros a plate, and to continue your budget adventure, simply hop on the ferry to Morocco, tantalisingly close by.

Best guest house location to city centre: El Riad Andaluz

Best for style on a budget: Hotel Boutique Villa Lorena Malaga

Best for exploring arts: Guided tour through the Picasso Museum

Best for short hikes: Caminito del Rey - 3hr guided hike

• Daily budget: Basic €68; occasional treat €88
• Drink: €1.80–2.60 per caña (small beer)
• Food: Menú del día €10–12
• Hostel/budget hotel: €17/€36–83
• Travel: Madrid–Barcelona: bus €33–45; train €62–130

Book onto the best things to do in Andalucía

Situated in the west of this vast country, within easy travelling distance of Central European cities such as Kraków and Budapest, Lviv is the city to head for if you want a taste of Ukraine.

It revels in a mixture of Central European influences: Habsburg and Polish, Catholic, Orthodox and Armenian, with its architecture and magnificent churches reflecting this eclecticism. Ukraine regularly features on the list of cheapest destinations in Europe, and with a growing supply of backpacker hostels, appealing coffee houses and quirky bars, this is an extremely budget-friendly city with a refined edge.

Best for location to the city centre: Lviv Central Jam Hotel

Best for style on a budget: Taurus Hotel

Best for first time visitors: Lviv Old Town Walking Tour

Best for foodies with an interest in history: Communist-style Food and Bar Tour

• Drink: Horilka (vodka; 50ml shot) €1
• Food: Ukrainian borshch €0.80
• Hostel/budget hotel: €8/€31
• Travel: Train: Kyiv–Odesa €10; bus: €19

Top image © Patteran/Shutterstock

This feature contains affiliate links; all recommendations are editorially independent.

Top image: Malaga, Spain, Old Town Skyline © S Pavone / Shutterstock

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20 of the best budget beach holidays in Europe

From camping by the Black Sea to a cool Portuguese surf house, these great places to stay across Europe start at just £50 a week in summer

eaAll prices are the cheapest available (at the time of going to press) for July/August and calculated on maximum occupancy

Under £100 a week

Southern Montenegro MCM Camping is on a long, blue-flag beach in southern Montenegro with pitches under the pines for tents, campervans and caravans. There are also bungalows with garden or sea views and facilities include an outdoor pool, children’s playground and barbecue areas. There is a beach club vibe, with swing seats, cabana-style loungers and a restaurant on the sands that’s open until midnight every night and serves traditional Montenegrin dishes, plus seafood, pizza and cocktails. The campsite is four miles from pretty Ulcinj, which has several beaches and a walled old town, near the Albanian border. From £65pp for seven nights camping

Black Sea, Bulgaria

Camping Krapec is backed by woodland and four miles of wide sandy beach which is part of a nature reserve on Bulgaria’s northernmost Black Sea coast, north of the resort town of Varna, near the border with Romania. The site has 300 shady tent pitches beneath the trees, 80 places for campervans and caravans, and five types of bungalow (120 in total). Bar Sunrise is a party spot in the summer, with live music, an arts festival and cinema screenings. It serves fish specialities, homegrown fruit and veg, plus cold beers and homemade brandy. From £48pp for seven nights camping

Aran Islands, Ireland

Three camping fields overlook white-sand Frenchman’s Beach on Inis Mór, the biggest of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Aran Islands Camping and Glamping also has 24 glamping pods, based on ancient beehive-shaped stone huts that used to be occupied by religious recluses and are still scattered over the island. Buildings are made from sustainable materials – the reception block is made from stones that washed up on the beach during winter storms – and hot water and lighting is solar-powered. The site is a short walk from the island’s main town, Kilronan, which has shops, bars, restaurants and the ferry port. From £93pp for seven nights camping

Northern Greece

Tent pitches are set among olive, eucalyptus and pine trees next to two private white-sand beaches on family-owned land on the Sithonia peninsula in Halkidiki. Areti Camping & Bungalows also has 19 wooden cottages and eight stone bungalows to rent. Campers can swim to three small Aegean islands 300 metres from land; other activities include watersports, tennis, volleyball and hiking. The closest town is Neos Marmaras, seven miles away and it’s a day trip to the Unesco-listed rock formations and monasteries of Meteora. From €63pp for seven nights camping

Under £250 a week

Slovenia may only have 30 miles of coastline but Camping Adria makes the most of it, with six pitches right on the beach and many more close to it. There are 430 pitches in total, spread over 17 acres, some further back in the pine and cedar trees. There is an Olympic-size salt-water pool by the sea, a watersports centre, a sports area with beach volleyball, and a gym and spa. Restaurants and bars include a taverna with sea views and a beach cafe. The campsite is part of the Adria Ankaran resort, which includes a hotel in a former Benedictine monastery. The resort is 10 minutes from the medieval port town of Koper, halfway between Trieste in Italy and Piran in Slovenia. From £197pp for seven nights

Åboland, Finland

Brännskär, an island and old fishing homestead in Finland’s Åboland archipelago, is a now a nature lover’s adventure playground called Living Archipelago . There are beaches and a nature trail, plus paddleboards, kayaks, boats and fishing hire. Log cabins are available to rent, and from 1 June four furnished tents are being added, sleeping up to four each, with sea views. There are compost toilets, plus showers, barbecues and a swimming beach 300 metres away. Breakfast can be served at the tent or in the cafe or restaurant. A beachside wood-fired sauna, campfire and regular live music complete the experience. From £226pp for seven nights glamping

Costa Brava, Spain

Cala Llevado is a wooded, rocky campsite overlooking a large bay, reached by steep paths and steps. There is access to four beaches: a big sandy one, a pebbly one that is good for kayaking, one with a bar, and a rocky cove for nudists. The site also has a large pool with sea views and paddling pool. Pitches (tents, camper vans and caravans) are in the pine and cork oak forest, with those closest to the sea reserved for tents. There are also mobile homes and glamping pods, plus a bar-restaurant, shop and kids’ club. The site is two miles from Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava, between Barcelona and the French border. From €122.50pp for seven nights camping

Near Perpignan, France

A new waterfront aparthotel opens on 28 April in Saint-Cyprien, a village near the Mediterranean town of Perpignan. Les Bulles de Mer has bright one- to three-bedroom apartments with terraces, plus beach access, an outdoor pool with a bar and a restaurant serving food from the local market. Guests can hire paddleboards and bikes, do daily yoga and pilates, and destress in flotation tanks in the spa. A free shuttle runs from the beach to the centre of the village, which has Cayrou architecture, a Romanesque church, an excellent gallery (based on the painter François Desnoyer’s art collection) and Catalan festivals. From €240pp for seven nights

Under £350 a week

Istria, Croatia

Croatia’s “first full glamping site”, Arena One 99 is in a pine forest in Pomer on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, near Medulin and Pula. Two hundred lodge tents, sleeping two to six, have proper beds and bathrooms, private decks and top tech (Bose sound systems, Illy espresso machines); bigger tents have kitchenettes and a second bedroom – some even have another storey. There is a windsurfing centre on pebbly Pomer beach, a yoga deck in the forest, a sauna and hot tubs, spa treatments and a beach-based kids’ club. Self-caterers have a grocery store on-site, and there is a cafe, two beach bars and a restaurant. From £276pp for seven nights

Six simple apartments overlook big sandy Pembroke Bay, and 100 metres away The Bay ’s family-run apartments sleep two to six and share a swimming pool, tennis court and barbecue area. Two other beaches aren’t much further, and there are a couple of restaurants and the bus stop to St Peter Port, the island’s “capital”, right on the doorstep. Guests get discounts on trips to Herm island. From £267pp for seven nights

A trio of ultra-modern wood and glass cabins sit by the beach on the Kassandra peninsula, Halkidiki. The iHouses have huge sliding glass doors, sea-facing balconies, open-plan living spaces with sleek, custom-made wooden furniture, and shower rooms. They share an outdoor kitchen, a wooden terrace and a barbecue area – guests can buy fish from the nearby small port. Paliouri beach is a few steps away, where there is a beach bar and restaurant. Paliouri village is a 10-minute drive. From £326pp for seven nights

Northern France

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Hotel Les Tourelles is the former home of the perfumer Pierre Guerlain, who popularised the resort of Le Crotoy in the 19th century. Its long sandy beach is the only one in northern France that faces south, and inspired painters including Sisley, Toulouse-Lautrec and Seurat. Today, the 35-room hotel has the same panoramic views over the Somme Bay, but the decor is a more modern Nordic style. There is a seafood-heavy restaurant and a terrace facing the beach. A steam train chugs around the bay from Le Crotoy to St Valery. From £308pp for seven nights

Under £450 a week

Near Lisbon, Portugal

Noah’s Surf House in Santa Cruz has eight rooms and 13 bungalows facing the sea, plus a rooftop with a whirlpool bath and sunset deck; a pool, gym and skatepark; a restaurant and an organic vegetable garden. The cheapest rooms sleep up to eight in bunkbeds, hanging beds or mezzanines. The eye-catching building is made from concrete, glass, cork and wood; it uses solar panels, heat pumps and a rainwater system, and incorporates green roofs and lots of upcycled design features. Prices include breakfast and all group activities (skateboarding, trekking, yoga, fitness etc) except surf and paddleboard lessons. From £460pp for seven nights B&B and activities

Galicia, Spain

This four-bedroom beach house has a garden out front and the beach behind. The stone property, which was built in the 1950s and has been recently refurbished, is less than a mile from the town of Boiro. It has two double bedrooms and two singles, an open-plan lounge/kitchen with sea views, three bathrooms and a balcony. Barrana beach is a quiet two-mile stretch of sand with a promenade for walking or cycling (two bikes are included), while livelier Carragueiros beach is within walking distance. It is a 40-minute drive to Santiago de Compostela. £398pp for seven nights

Puglia, Italy

A three-bedroom villa, 10 metres from a sandy beach, Beach House I Gelsi has been recently renovated by its interior design-trained owners. It has a garden with an allotment and grape vine, outdoor dining area with a barbecue, and a terrace. Torre Chianca is a quiet Puglian summer resort – there is a bar, but the nearest shops (baker, butcher, greengrocer) and restaurants (a cafe, pizzerias, fish restaurants) are a five-minute drive away in Frigole, while baroque Lecce is seven miles south. From £405pp for seven nights (£315pp first week of July) , essentialitaly.co.uk

Cottage do Mar is a cosy fisherman’s place for two near Calheta, above what is essentially a private beach for a handful of properties. The cottage is open-plan, with doors that open the full width, giving sea views. Plenty of original features have been retained, such as the old bread oven. The bougainvillea-bedecked yard has a table, barbecue and sunbeds. The beach, 30 metres below, is reached by a stepped path, and has a beach hut (shared with two other cottages). Car hire is essential to reach the secluded property. From £455pp for seven nights

Under £550 a week

A former oceanfront restaurant in Charco del Palo has been converted into a villa. Eco Romantico Beach , which opens in April, has five en-suite bedrooms with kitchenettes (two yurt bedrooms will be added later), a living/dining area, roof terrace and solar-heated swimming pool. Guests can also swim in the sea pools below the villa. Charco del Palo is the island’s only naturist resort, so clothes are optional. The property is owned by Lanzarote Retreats, which has rentals across the island, from yurts and cottages to penthouse apartments. From £462pp for seven nights

Côte d’Azur, France

Menton, despite being known as “the pearl of the French Riviera”, is much more affordable than its glitzy neighbours Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monaco. The Napoleon hotel on the seafront, right across the road from one of the 11 beaches of the Bay of Garavan, is a budget but stylish option. The 44 contemporary rooms have a white and blue palette with artworks by Jean Cocteau and Graham Sutherland, who both had connections with Menton, and views of either the sea, the mountains or the hotel’s tropical gardens. There is a solar-powered pool, a gym and bar. From £510pp, room only

Agni Beach Cotttage is a converted cafe that has been in the Katsaros family since it was built in 1898, and is now a cosy beachfront bolthole. It is an end-terrace one-bedroom cottage with a kitchen, lounge and shady terrace with a hammock, barbecue and two sunbeds. The cottage is on Agni Bay, a white-pebble beach in Gimari, 17 miles north of Corfu town. There are jetties for swimming, snorkelling and boating, plus three tavernas and a bar/cafe. It is 20 minutes’ walk north to Kalami Bay, a beach resort where novelist Lawrence Durrell once lived. From £529.50pp for seven nights in July ( £710 for seven nights from 12 July onwards )

Güllük, Turkey

Med-Inn is a laid-back, family-friendly beach hotel on the Bay of Güllük, 25 miles from Bodrum (and more than 500 miles from the area devastated by earthquakes in February in eastern Turkey). As well as a private beach, there is a jetty with sunloungers, a pool and gardens. All 26 rooms are suites with sea views and balconies (family suites have twin beds in the living room). There are two restaurants specialising in seafood and a top-floor dining room. The nearest village is Güllük, which has a handful of cafes and shops. Guests can also book a sailing trip on a gulet, take a boat trip to the ancient Greek city of Iasos, spend a day in Bodrum or beach hop along the Bodrum peninsula. A stay here will just break the budget, but you have to factor in the generous buffet breakfast that’s included. Seven nights from £565pp

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21 cheap places to visit in Europe

Updated On 28th February, 2024

Europe, what a beauty you are. A melting pot of culture right on the doorstep of the  UK  (lucky us!), but still accessible from further afield due to the high number of international airports across the continent. Europe has a real mix of something for everyone: romantic weekends away, fast-paced city breaks, lazy holidays on the beach, active adventures in the mountains, and plenty of cheap places to visit in Europe if you’re  on a budget . If you’re looking for the best, cheapest places to visit in Europe, then this is the post for you.

Travelling is such a wonderful opportunity, and being able to travel on a budget makes it more accessible to people. Also, if you spend less on one adventure, you have money to spend on another. Budget travel doesn’t have to be any less fun either. There are  cheap places to travel to all over the world , including plenty of  places to travel on a budget in Europe . There are lots of ways to save money when you’re travelling, from planning your travel budget carefully before you leave, considering backpacking and car-sharing, through to the choices you make (e.g. food) when you are on your trip.

I do believe that  everywhere in the world can be travelled on a budget.  Honestly, there are  free things to do in London ,  cheap things to do in Vienna , and  budget-friendly things to do in Copenhagen  (all capital cities within some of the most expensive countries in Europe)! But, being frank, it’s much easier to visit certain places on a very low budget than others. And I want you to know that the cost of visiting there, their ‘financial value’, doesn’t take away from their value in terms of the beauty or adventure on offer there, not one bit.

And honestly, some of the cheapest places to visit in Europe are actually the most beautiful. You don’t have to sacrifice quality here when choosing a cheap place to visit in Europe.

I love the hustle and bustle of  London , the romance of  Paris,  and the mountains of  Switzerland  – they are up there a the top of most bucket lists but they are also the locations that can end up draining your budget very quickly.

I hope this blog post inspires you to travel in Europe, even if you’re  travelling on a budget , by sharing some of the cheapest places to visit in Europe in 2022.

Other budget travel blog posts you may like:

• Europe: The Ultimate Travel Guide
• The ultimate Europe bucket list: the best things to do
• 22 top tips for travelling in Europe
• 10 dreamy spring weekends in Europe
• Hidden gems in Europe: places you must visit
• 30 places to travel on a budget
• Top tips for travelling in Europe
• A guide to backpacking Europe on a budget
• Free things to do in London
• Budget-friendly things to do in Copenhagen
• Cheap things to do in Vienna

EXPLORE EUROPE ON MY BLOG HERE

Another bonus to visiting one of these cheap places in Europe, is that they’re very often less busy. It can often feel like you are ‘discovering’ this place for the first time. Trust me, nothing beats that feeling.

Now, before we look at destinations…

I have three top tips for those of you looking for a cheap place to visit in Europe…

1. travel off season (no school holidays).

If you have the luxury of a bit more flexibility in terms of when you travel, avoid school holidays and peak summer season! Europe is so much cheaper in shoulder season, and even cheaper still off season. Spring (March-May) and early autumn (September/October) are still sunny in Europe, and if you like the cold, aim for November or January.

2. Avoid the Eurozone.

Countries that joined the euro are typically more expensive than those that retained their own currency.

Speaking of currency, wherever you travel, it’s often cheaper to withdraw your money from an ATM abroad than it is to use a bureau d’exchange. Count the pennies, save the pounds!

3. Avoid capital city centres.

Capital cities tend to be the most expensive area in the country. Unfortunately, they can be where all the life is! While all the places in this blog post will be much cheaper than the likes of London, even the capital cities, if you want a really cheap weekend away in Europe, avoid capitals altogether. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but as a general rule, try a quieter, less touristy town with a more local feel. If you’re insistent on visiting the capital and you want to save money, either a) stay in another town and visit the capital as a day trip, or b) if you want to spend the weekend in the capital, stay slightly out the centre in the suburbs.

For a complete list of  top tips when travelling in Europe, check out this blog post!

One final note before we check out my list of cheap places to visit in Europe. This guide focuses on cheap places to visit once you’ve arrived, the cost ‘on the ground’. These countries all have international airports with arrivals from all over, so getting there shouldn’t be a problem, although how much you spend on your flights will depend on where you’re coming from and when you travel. Don’t forget any visas you might need too.

Check out  Skyscanner  to get all the best flight deals and track prices!

So, without further ado, and in no particular order…

Here are 21 cheap places to visit in Europe…

One of my favourite countries in Europe, somewhere I’ve been multiple times and you can guarantee that I’ll be back as soon as I can. There’s something about the crystal clear waters, stunning architecture, fragrant lavender and fresh seafood that draws me back to Croatia every time.

For a cheap stay in Croatia, avoid  Dubrovnik . Try visiting backpacker hotspots Zadar, Zagreb or  Split  instead.

• The best things to do in Split
• The best things to do in Croatia

EXPLORE CROATIA ON THE BLOG HERE

Although prices have gone up in recent years, Czechia is still very cheap when it compared to the likes of the UK. Prague city centre is a bit of a tourist trap so be careful where you eat there (it can be significantly cheaper to explore the suburbs instead!). I’d also love to explore Brno and the nearby Moravian wine country, as well as the spa town of Karlovy Va

See my  ultimate Christmas Market road trip itinerary through Europe here.

Castles, mountains, forests, and the largest population of brown bears in Europe… Romania sounds like somewhere from a fairy tale. And let’s not forget the story of Dracula! If you want to hang out with the vampires, put Transylvania on your bucket list now! Bucharest is another affordable European capital, and the city of Timisoara also looks like it would be a great weekend away. For a nature filled weekend, head to the coast and stay near the Danube delta.

• The best places to visit in Transylvania

Not sure how to start planning your next adventure? Check out  this blog post!

Hungary is a great place to start if you’re looking for a cheap place to visit in Europe! The accommodation, food and transport are all extremely affordable, even in Budapest, the capital, which is a great, cheap city to visit in Europe. Hungary is also home to Europe’s largest lake, Lake Balaton, if you’re looking for a nature holiday.

EXPLORE CITY BREAKS ON THE BLOG HERE

A really underrated place to visit in Europe! Some of the most beautiful countryside I’ve ever seen, cheap beer and vodka, and great food! Trying pierogi must be on your Poland bucket list! Warsaw and  Krakow  are affordable cities, but for an even cheaper weekend away in Europe try the cities of Poznań, Wrocław or Gdańsk.

EXPLORE POLAND ON THE BLOG HERE

6. Bulgaria

Said to be the cheapest country in Europe, I couldn’t leave Bulgaria off this list of cheap places to visit. With beautiful beach towns on the Black Sea coast line, epic hiking trails in the mountains, a rich cultural history, a weekend in Sofia or a beach holiday in Zarna sounds just like what the doctor ordered!

Top tip: Get more  sustainability tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post !

As the least visited country in Europe, you really can discover Moldova for yourself. It’s full of history and beautiful architecture, and really is underrated, untouched, and undiscovered. The local cuisine and gorgeous wine also come with a low price tag, making it a great European destination for anyone on a budget! Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, is very affordable, and I’d love to visit the waterfalls in Saharna one day!

Top tip: Check out  how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here!

8. Montenegro

Beautiful hiking, endless crystal clear waters, fresh seafood… this tiny country has so much to offer! Visit Montenegro if you want a less busy, less crowded, cheaper holiday with a similar experience to Croatia. You won’t regret it!

SEE ALL MY MONEY SAVING TIPS ON THE BLOG HERE

Serbia is a well-kept secret, and also one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. Think upbeat city life, gorgeous lakes and stunning mountain views, all for a tiny price tag. The capital, Belgrade, is one of Europe’s most affordable cities, and I’d also love to visit Novi Sad, Devil’s Town (Đavolja Varoš) and all the National Parks!

See my  10 dreamy spring weekends in Europe here.

10. Estonia

When I last visited  Estonia , it was part of a trip with Princess Cruises, seeing six cities in seven days ( check out the adventure here ). Admittedly, going on a cruise is not the cheapest way to travel, but if you head to Estonia independently, it’s very affordable! I loved the charm that Tallinn had, and I’d love to explore more of the city another time, as well as the national parks and islands Estonia has to offer.

A weekend guide to Tallinn

EXPLORE ESTONIA ON THE BLOG HERE

11. Macedonia

Macedonia is yet another underrated, cheap place to visit in Europe. I’d absolutely love to go to Macedonia for a weekend full of active adventure: everything from cycling, hiking and swimming through to rock climbing, caving, kayaking, paragliding and even skiing (depending on the season, obviously!). Skopje is the capital and is a cheap, up and coming city if you’re looking for more of a city break.

EXPLORE ACTIVE TRAVEL ON THE BLOG HERE

12. Ukraine

Most people haven’t got Ukraine at the top of their travel bucket lists, but if you’re looking for cheap places to visit in Europe, Ukraine should be one of them! Kyiv is considered one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities, and it’s also famous for its beautiful nature. I’m adding the sleepy spa town of Myrhorod on the Khorol River to my bucket list now. Lush woodlands, naturally healing saltwater, and horse riding… bliss.

Top tip: If you’d prefer to take public transport instead of walking, CityMapper is a great app in lots of cities that helps you get from A to B.  Check out other useful travel apps in this blog post.

13. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is often overlooked for neighbouring Croatia, but it is beautiful in its own right. With its history, differing cultures, and natural beauty, as well as being very affordable, add Bosnia and Herzegovina to your list now! I’d love to go hiking or skiing in the Jahorina, Vlasic or Bjelasnica mountains here.

See my  hidden gems you must visit when planning European adventure here.

14. Albania

I think Albania is the country that has surprised me most, ever. It’s absolutely beautiful. I didn’t know anything about Albania before I left, but my  6-day road trip along the coastline  is one of my favourite adventures to date. The Albanian Riviera is also famous for its growing music scene, so you could time your trip with an international music festival. When I next go to Albania, as well as revisiting the coastline, I’d love to see more of Tirana, and visit Theth National Park, the Ksamil Islands, Shkodra and Lake Koman. It’s one of the best cheap places to visit in Europe and I am adamant that I will be back!

• A complete guide to exploring Albania
• The best things to do in Albania

EXPLORE ALBANIA ON THE BLOG HERE

So, while I might have mentioned earlier that the cheapest places to visit in Europe are outside the Eurozone (and I still stand by this!), there is fun to be had on a budget within the Eurozone. Again, avoid the capitals for a cheaper trip!

15. Slovenia

Lake Bled… need I say more? Slovenia is only just becoming popular with tourists, so be sure to check out the famous Lake Bled and the city of Ljubljana before everyone else does! It’s also a great place for adrenaline junkies. Home to the steepest zipline in the world (in Planica), you’re sure to have a great time!

Top tip: Check out more ways to  keep fit when you’re travelling in this blog post!

16. Slovakia

Hiking in the High Tatras is on my bucket list; it looks absolutely stunning! I’ve never been to Slovakia before, but from the research I’ve done, it’s super affordable and amazingly beautiful. A skiing holiday in the Tatras, a city break in Bratislava or or a watersports adventure on the Danube would be really fun things to do in one of the best cheap places to visit in Europe!

• How to spend a weekend in Bratislava

EXPLORE SLOVAKIA ON THE BLOG HERE

A country blessed with 4 proper seasons, Latvia gives you the option to visit whenever you want, based on the weather you want! Vast forests, sandy beaches and ski resorts… whatever you want, Latvia’s got it, and all without emptying your wallet! I’d love to do a little fairy tale tour through the forests, medieval villages and the castles… like a real princess!

It’s hard to believe that with so much on offer that it’s one of the best cheap places to visit in Europe!

• The best things to do in Riga, Latvia

EXPLORE LATVIA ON THE BLOG HERE

See my  bucket list of van life road trips in Europe here.

Who could say ‘no’ to the dreamy, turquoise waters that Greece is famous for? The Greek islands, in particular, can be a cheap place to visit in Europe, especially if you like a good beach holiday! Avoid touristy hotspots such as Athens, Santorini and Mykonos and head to one of the quieter resorts.

• Check out the best things to do in Greece in this blog post.
• A backpacker’s guide to the Cyclades Islands
• A guide to backpacking the Cyclades Islands, Greece
• The best things to do in Athens, Greece

EXPLORE GREECE ON THE BLOG HERE

Tapas, churros, paella, good wine and heaps of sunshine can all be found in one of the cheapest places in Europe, amiga! Try off the beaten path destinations such Huelva and Cordoba for an extra cheap adventure filled time away!

• The best things to do in Barcelona
• A taste of the Balearic Island; Menorca, Spain
• A road trip itinerary for Mallorca, Spain
• The best things to do in Spain
• The best things to do in the province of Malaga, Spain

EXPLORE SPAIN ON THE BLOG HERE

Top tip: Get  £25 off your first AirBnb stay here.

Beautiful Italy doesn’t have to be expensive. Within the Eurozone, it’s one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. If you avoid the big cities and tourist hotspots like  Rome , Milan and Venice and head further south to Puglia, Campania, Calabria or  Sicily , you’ll be in some of the most beautiful but also cheapest areas of the country!

• The best things to do in Sicily, Italy
• The best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy

EXPLORE ITALY ON THE BLOG HERE

Top tip: Check out the flight deals on  Skyscanner here.

21. Portugal

As one of the cheapest places in Europe that uses the euro, Europe’s surf haven can most certainly be visited on a budget! Lisbon is an affordable city, and the Algarve can be an affordable beach destination, but for a cheap city break try Porto, and for a cheap beach holiday try Portugal’s western coastline.

• Check out the best things to do in Portugal in this blog post.
• The best things to do in Madeira, Portugal
• The best things to do in Ericeira, Portugal
• A 2-week Portugal road trip itinerary

EXPLORE PORTUGAL ON THE BLOG HERE

EXPLORE EUROPE ON THE BLOG HERE

Have you visited any cheap places in Europe?

Have you got any top tips for travelling in Europe on a budget? We’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring…

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

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11 of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe on a budget

These are the cheapest places to visit in Europe, and we’ve included the cost of a pint

Travel is well and truly back, people. Covid testing for tourists is increasingly being scrapped across the board, and travellers are practically being ushered into the once-bustling cities of   Europe . But the thing is, lots of us are still strapped for cash after two years of uncertainty. 

The good news is this: there are   plenty  of interesting and affordable locations on the Continent that you can visit without breaking the bank. Plus, a load of them are off the beaten track, meaning you won’t have to fight your way through crowds to find the best bits. We found out the average price of an Airbnb in each place, and cross-referenced that with data from  financial comparison site  Finder  to work out where you can get a discount pint, too. From the ruin-filled city of Argos in   Greece   to the foodie-heaven of Graz in   Austria , here are 11 of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.

RECOMMENDED:   The 16 best city breaks in Europe for 2022

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Cheapest cities to visit in Europe

1.  Kraków, Poland

Festival vibes meet olde-worlde history in Kraków . We recommend packing in as many medieval sites as possible, and then getting stuck into a great night out. Try to plan your trip to coincide with one of the city’s many, many festivals, which range from the typical (think  Summer Jazz Festival  and the  Kraków Film Festival ) to the more obscure, like the International Soup Festival . Yum.

Average one-bed Airbnb: £59 ($77) Average pint: £2.15 ($2.82)

2.  Riga, Latvia

In Riga, it’s all about the art nouveau. The architecture is seriously beautiful, and there’s a huge, buzzy creative scene. Check out Putti , a modern gallery and events space, or Rīgas Birža for something more traditional. Looking for something less refined? The booze here is really cheap – so if you’re looking to let loose, head to the Old Town for all the most established bars. 

Average one-bed Airbnb: £49 ($64) Average pint: £2.76 ($3.66)

3.  Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov is a lot like  Prague , but without the stag dos. Its labyrinthine, baroque streets all lead you, eventually, to the huge castle complex at the centre. It’s beautiful in summer, but for the really  picturesque views go in winter, when it’s blanketed in snow. Keep warm in one of the many cosy cafés, or try traditional food in one of the live music parlours. Not a rowdy bunch of blokes to be seen.  Average one-bed Airbnb: £76 ($99) Average pint: £1.44 ($1.89)

4.  Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is great  if you’re looking for a good time. Don’t sleep on the nightlife, just make sure to avoid the overhyped bars near the centre and head for one of the sky bars instead. You can try (delicious, hearty) traditional food for bargain prices, too. Our reccomedation is the legendary Caru’ cu Bere  – order the grilled pork and a side of sauerkraut. Average one-bed Airbnb: £45 ($59) Average pint: £1.48 ($1.94)

5.  Belgrade, Serbia

Chaotic, gritty, packed and super cheap – Belgrade is anything but a quiet getaway location. Smokey dive bars and gig venues nestle in  old socialist architecture, competing for space in the once-desolate Savamala area, which is now home to a thriving culture scene. Head to Ada Ciganlija, a reclaimed island on the Sava river, if you’re looking to find a tiny, tranquil slice of nature.

Average one-bed Airbnb:  £39 ($51) Average pint: £1.53 ($2.01)

6.  Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas is going to be big this year. It’s one of the  European Capitals of Culture  for 2022, and an incredible 1,000 events are being planned to celebrate it. If you can’t make it to any of them, there are plenty of seriously impressive exhibition spaces open all year round, like the Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery . And if you want something a bit weirder, head to the seriously strange Devil’s Museum .  Average one-bed Airbnb: £58 ($76) Average pint: £2.90 ($3.81)

7.  Zagreb, Croatia

This city is made for walking – we recommend that you wander from the beautiful, sprawling main square to basically every sight. That’ll keep costs low, and your exposure to amazing sights high. If you do want to get your transport fix, though, jump on the funicular and head up the hill for unbeatable views. Or just hang out in one of the many, many cool cafés.

Average one-bed Airbnb: £51 ($66) Average pint: £1.82 ($2.39)

8.  Argos, Greece

Argos is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Right in the heart of the Peloponnese, this is Greece as you imagine it: balmy  Mediterranean weather with archaelogical beauty sprawling as far as the eye can see. According to legend, it was literally ruled by the son of Zeus at one point, too. It’s largely off the tourist path too, so you can explore the ancient theatre ruins, the prehistoric castle and sixth-century BC Roman Agora in peace.

Average one-bed Airbnb: £38 ($49) Average pint: £3.66 ($4.80)

9.  Marsalforn, Malta

Head to this quaint fishing village  if you’re looking for a properly quiet break. Marshalforn isn’t a porthole-windows and artfully-placed-lobster-crate situation, it’s the real deal. The restaurants have lots of fresh fish and great ocean views, so we recommend you take a book, put on your sunglasses, and enjoy the sea breeze.

Average one-bed Airbnb: £57 ($74) Average pint: £2.09 ($2.74)

10.  Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is properly, properly gorgeous. The domed churches dotted around the city will be a guaranteed hit on your Insta, as will the elaborate mosques, Soviet statues and grand galleries. As most people overlook it in favour of Bulgaria’s ski slopes and coastline, you won’t feel crowded while you wander.  Average one-bed Airbnb: £46 ($60) Average pint: £1.37 ($1.80)

11.  Graz, Austria

Graz is one of Austria ’s unsung heroes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as being annointed 2003's Capital of Culture and the 2008 City of Culinary Delights. For futuristic art, head to Kunsthaus Graz . The gallery is housed in a building known as the ‘friendly alien’ – you can’t miss its undulating, scaley form on the waterfront. 

Average one-bed Airbnb: £64 ($84) Average pint: £3.25 ($4.27)

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21 Affordable Countries to Visit in Europe in 2024

• Last Updated 1 March 2024

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Some of the cheapest and most affordable countries to visit in Europe – perfect if you want a getaway on a budget!

Europe is often considered a fairly expensive continent to travel. Especially when compared with the likes of South East Asia or Central America, for example. But it’s also a large and varied continent – so there are actually plenty of more affordable destinations across the continent.

Eastern Europe, in particular, is known for having some cheapest countries to visit in Europe. But even some of the more popular destinations offer plenty of opportunities for budget holidays.

Thanks to the vast array of budget airline routes, it’s easier than ever to reach the more affordable destinations in Europe. So I’ve teamed up with some awesome bloggers from around the continent to bring you this list of budget destination ideas.

Whether you’re backpacking Europe , or looking for an affordable luxury break, travelling this continent doesn’t have to break the bank. A bit of research when planning your Europe trip  can go a long way . Shop around, keep an eye out for the best deals, and read up on money-saving tips.

And, of course, look for some of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe for your next budget holiday!

Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe

I spoke to travel bloggers from around Europe, including many locals, to put together the following list of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. I don’t really like the word “cheap”, as really it’s all relative. But these are certainly some of the most affordable places to visit in Europe from the UK.

RELATED POST: 33 Hidden Gems in Europe

Recommended by: Emily from Wander-Lush

There are few destinations in Europe where you can stretch your dollar further than Georgia. Tourism is taking off in the former Soviet Republic, and travelling in Georgia has never been safer or more affordable.

Georgia’s greatest virtue is its natural beauty, which is completely free to enjoy. Hiking in the Caucasus mountains (Svaneti is a popular choice), biking around the Javakheti lakes and if it’s the right season, skiing, are among the top things to do.

Intercity marshrutka buses cost between 0.50 cents and 5 Euros depending on the journey. Car hire is also incredibly cheap if you opt for a local company. The accommodation of choice is family-run guesthouses, which offer cosy private rooms and a generous home-cooked breakfast for around 20 Euros/night.

Even the capital, Tbilisi, is affordable. Expect to pay around 15 Euros for a restaurant meal for two, and a couple of Euros for a glass of local wine.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Svaneti Towers Private Tour – 4-Day Private Tour in West Georgia

Recommended by: Michael, The World Was Here First

A great affordable country to visit in Europe is the island nation of Malta . While you can certainly have a luxurious stay here, you’ll find prices in Malta very reasonable if you want to visit on a budget.

If you love travelling to experience the local cuisine, visitors will find great value at many mid-range and high-end restaurants offering delicious fresh food. Similarly, drink prices are quite reasonable with many bars and restaurants offering happy hour specials.

If visiting on a budget, it’s best to avoid staying and eating in the capital of Valletta as prices are higher there. Travellers can save the most if they choose to stay a little bit away from the coastline on the main island or by choosing to stay on the smaller island of Gozo.

A budget of €65-70 per person per day for couples who want an occasional splurge is reasonable.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

3. Bulgaria

Recommended by: Bilyana, Owl Over The World

When telling people about Bulgaria, I always highlight how budget-friendly destination the country is, and how much you can see and experience without spending too much.

In Bulgaria, you can easily find great, luxurious hotels for about £45 per night, or dine at fine restaurants for as little as £25-30 GBP for two people. On top of that, some of the best things to see and do in Bulgaria are absolutely free! That includes monuments, national parks, museum cities, and festivals.

Among all the beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria, the most affordable ones are in the Rhodopes region and in the North of the country. However, by the UK’s standards, even big resorts are very affordable.

Many people head to the famous party resort of Sunny Beach, but this is the last place that I would recommend visiting! Instead, head to the South or North of the Black Sea Coast and check out Sinemorets or Balchik.

If you’re into winter sports, you’ll love Bulgaria in winter. In Bansko, one of Europe’s top ski resorts: a day pass costs £32!

4. Portugal

Recommended by:  Sarah, CosmopoliClan

Its abundance of natural beauty makes Portugal a beloved European holiday destination. Unfortunately, most visitors don’t venture beyond the golden Algarve beaches.

Yet travelling deeper, leaving behind the crowds and the sweltering heat, allows you to discover so much more while making your money go further.

From the lagoons and deserted beaches of Portugal ’s Ria Formosa Nature Reserve to the rolling wildflower-dotted sand dunes of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park and from the mountainous green lands of the Azores to the adventurous trails meandering Peneda-Gerês National Park , the natural diversity is breathtaking.

You can find highly affordable lodging and inexpensive food in the white-washed villages and interesting towns along the way. Cosmopolitan cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Funchal can be just as budget-friendly thanks to a vast range of accommodation and dinner options. Especially if you visit during the off-season – Lisbon in January can be much more affordable than in the height of summer!

This affordable European destination offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and culture

Recommended by: Ilse, Digital Travel Couple

Croatia can be a perfect European budget destination. With cheap flights departing from many European cities, you can book a return ticket to Croatia for less than €100.

The costs depend per season of course. May and September are both shoulder season months with lower prices than normal. But from October – March, which is the official low season, you will find the lowest prices.

An average private room costs around €20 – €30 and transport can be done by bus, ferry or rental car if you want to have some more flexibility. An average daily budget for Croatia is around €45 – €50 including accommodation.

If you rent a place with a kitchen you can save on going out for lunch and dinner. Groceries are the same price as anywhere else in Europe but restaurants are relatively inexpensive. This provides a good base for travelling on a budget in Europe!  

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour

6. Slovenia

Recommended by: Nichola, Globalmouse Travels

Slovenia is perfect as a destination for an affordable trip. The prices here are significantly lower than in neighbouring countries, so this is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe.

Ljubljana is an overlooked capital city and is beautiful and packed full of history – take a walking tour like this one to discover it! Best of all the relative lack of tourists means prices for attractions and historic sites are much lower. Eating out, in particular, is so well-priced throughout Slovenia. On our trip through Europe, we found the street food in Slovenia was the cheapest we’d come across!

Don’t miss Slovenia for a winter trip either. If you’re looking for the best ski resorts in Europe for families or couples, Slovenia is well worth considering. Beautiful resorts like Kranjska Gora boast prices significantly lower than its French and Austrian counterparts.

7. Lithuania 

Recommended by: Stella Jane,  Around the World in 24 Hours  

Lithuania is a small but fascinating country and the perfect affordable European destination. The capital city, Vilnius , has stunning architecture, great street art, and delicious food for a fraction of the prices in many other European capitals.

Vilnius offers several pay-what-you-wish walking tours of both the historic district and the old Communist buildings. You can spend a lovely afternoon walking to the Three Crosses, which costs absolutely nothing. This self-guided audio-walking tour is a great way to explore the city on a budget.

Vilnius also has a top-notch gourmet restaurant, Amandus, for about a third of what you would pay in a city like London or Paris.

Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, is just as affordable and interesting. It also has a vibrant street art scene, a beautiful Old Town, and the famous Liberty Boulevard, all of which cost nothing to visit. In fact, it’s possible to take an amazing trip to Lithuania without spending a single penny on attractions!

Recommended by: Joanna, the World in my Pocket

Spain is one of Europe most popular budget destinations, with millions of tourists choosing to spend their holidays here every year. One of the most popular destinations for tourists is Costa del Sol, in Southern Spain.

Of all the airports around Andalucia, the cheapest one to fly to is Malaga . You can easily find flights to Malaga from the UK for around £50 return with Ryanair, Easyjet, or Norwegian. Malaga Airport is a 15-minute ride from the city.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Old Medina Walking Tour in Malaga

Because there is so much competition among the thousand hotels in Southern Spain, you can book four- or five-star hotels for much less money than anywhere else in Europe.

For example, during one of my recent trips to Granada , I paid 70 euros for two nights in the four-star Barcelo hotel located in the centre of the city. Food in Andalucia is very affordable as well, with a three-course meal for two, with wine, in a restaurant, priced at around 40 euros.

Recommended by: Angeline, Go Around Philippines  

Hungary is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. Here, you’ll find rich folk traditions still thriving yet also cosmopolitan enough with its vibrant nightlife and youthful crowd.

Its capital city – Budapest, is a delightful combination of two historical cities lying opposite each other over the Danube River. Buda shows its historical Buda castle and Pest’s side is flanked by the imposing Parliament building, busy streets and other buildings which still retain their centuries-old architectural heritage.

While all of these places filled the city, the countryside is also a charm with even older traditions and the local’s passion for winemaking and tasting. In Budapest, I was able to have a bowl of spicy goulash from $4-5 from a local restaurant.

You’ll find even fast-food dishes are also very affordable, from $3-4 dollars. Make sure to try palinka – as locals drink this before meal so cleanse their palate. Hungary is an awesome place to visit for a holiday and an affordable one at that.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Buda Castle District Walking Tour

Recommended by:  Baia from Red Fedora Diary

If you ‘ re looking for affordable holiday destinations in Europe, consider spending your vacation in Cyprus. Rich in history, the country boasts gorgeous castles, the pristine shore of the Mediterranean, delicious cuisine, and warm weather conditions to name a few.

Prices here are similar to other mid-range European destinations. Transportation, food, and accommodation prices can range between 20-50 Euros depending on the city and what kind of a traveller you are, but it can definitely get cheaper. Inner-city bus tickets cost around 7 Euros round trip while dining out can be as low as 4-6 Euros.

And even more affordable is Northern Cyprus, a de facto state administered by Turkey, because of the devaluation of the Turkish Lira against Euro or US dollars. Despite the political situation, travelling here is absolutely safe, while there are plenty of things to do in Kyrenia , the main city of the region. Check out this guided tour of North Cyprus to discover the area with a local.

11. Albania

Recommended by: Arabela, Spicy Travel Girl

Albania is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe and a unique choice for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for crowd-free sand beaches with turquoise water and a hike in the country’s beautiful mountains for a fraction of the prices you’d pay in other countries, Albania will never disappoint you.

You can book entire apartments in Tirana for half of what you would pay at hostels in Western Europe. Intercity buses across the country will cost nothing more than some spare change.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Tirana Walking Tour

Food prices are so low that you can enjoy a full BBQ feast for less than ten pounds! And most importantly, locals in this yet-to-be-discovered holiday destination are so hospitable that sometimes they might even surprise you with gifts!

Recommended by:  Elena, Passion for Greece

Greece is a beautiful country with hundreds of destinations which cater to all tastes and budgets. Other than popular islands like Mykonos and Zante, which can be expensive by Greek standards, this country offers endless holiday destinations for those seeking a low-budget getaway.

The major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are particularly affordable, but there are also plenty of islands to explore whatever your budget. Take a look at the pros and cons for Mykonos vs Santorini – or seek out one of the more off-the-beaten-track islands like Paros or Milos.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Guided Mythological Walking Tour of Athens

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is an example of such. Known for its captivating sceneries, diverse and delicious cuisine, exotic beaches and diverse landscape, archaeological sites and authentic hospitality, this island is definitely one of the most alluring destinations in Greece.

At the same time, Crete is a low-budget-friendly destination in terms of accommodation and food options. In any prefecture you choose to stay, Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, or Lasithi , you can find a range of good hotels or Airbnbs to rent for a week or more at low prices and exceptional service.

Recommended by: Or, My Path in the World

Whether you’re looking to go on a city break, visit charming small towns, take a road trip full of nature, or have a beach vacation, Poland is a budget-friendly country that has it all.

Poland is a part of the EU, but the local currency is Zloty (PLN), and £1 is worth about 5 Zloty. In big cities, you can find a central private double room or a fully equipped apartment for less than £25 per night, and in the countryside, the prices can get as low as £10! As for the food, it depends on the type of eatery, but even in big touristy cities, you can have a full meal for less than £10. Also, many attractions are free to visit.

From gorgeous cities like Gdansk and Warsaw to natural beauties like the Tatra National Park to resort towns like Sopot, you can enjoy the diversity of Poland without breaking the bank.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Warsaw Old Town Guided Walking Tour

Recommended by: Chrysoula, Historic European Castles

Serbia is often regarded as one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for a weekend break or summer getaway. With meals in a restaurant costing as little as €10 per person (cheaper for takeaway snacks), beers costing €1.5-2, and coffee just €1, you can see why it’s a popular budget getaway. The average price for a 4-star hotel is around €80 a night.

If those prices weren’t enough to lure you into booking a trip to Serbia, perhaps some of the things to see and do will help. Belgrade has a wealth of attractions such as the Kalemegdan Fortress and park, the Church of St Sava, the cafes and shops of Dorćol, and the Nikola Tesla Museum. Check out this 3-hour sightseeing tour for an overview of the main highlights.

Nearby, there’s also the Ada Ciganlija lakeside beach, the nearby suburb of Zemun, and Avala mountain.

Alternatively, there’s the second city, Novi Sad. Here you can explore Freedom Square, Bishop’s Palace, and Novi Sad Synagogue, many of which are free to visit.

Recommended by: Coni, Experiencing the Globe

Latvia is not only one of the cheapest countries within the Euro Zone , but it’s also full of interesting sights and history.

For the ultimate budget-friendly holiday, base yourself in Riga and explore the chic Art Nouveau capital on foot. Get lost in the Old Town (or join a free walking tour) to see the amazing architecture that defines the city – don’t miss the House of the Black Heads and the Three Brothers.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Riga Old and New Walking Tour

Don’t leave Riga without visiting the Museum of Occupation and the Corner House, to learn about the country’s tumultuous history.

From Riga, you can explore some other Latvian sights on your own as day trips, for less than 10 euros each. Head to Jurmala for some time at the beach, to Gauja National Park for a nature escape, or to Salaspils memorial if you’re interested in history.

If you want an even cheaper destination, and a countryside getaway, then Liepaja is the ideal place.

16. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Recommended by: Ellis, Backpack Adventures

Bosnia isn’t a very popular destination yet. But with incredible nature, lots of culture, and delicious food it makes for a perfect holiday. Being in the heart of the Balkans, this is where East meets West.

Some of the highlights include the multicultural capital of Sarajevo, with its historic Ottoman centre, and Mostar with its iconic bridge over the stunning Neretva River.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour

Bosnia is an all-year-round holiday destination. In summer, Bosnia’s green rolling hills, waterfalls and rivers offer a respite from the heat. Outdoor lovers will rejoice in the opportunities to go wild water rafting or hiking. In winter you can go skiing or snowboarding in the mountains.

The great thing about Bosnia is that you pay little, but get a lot in return. Going out for dinner is incredibly cheap and the bill rarely exceeds more than 10 Euros per person. Renting a car for a week is possible for less than 100 Euros. A double room in a mid-range hotel costs between 30 and 40 Euros.

17. Czech Republic

Recommended by: Adriana, Czech the World

The Czech Republic has long been known as one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe – and it still makes a great budget option. You can enjoy delicious and cheap beer, historical towns, castles, chateaus as well as national parks.

The only non-budget-friendly exception is Prague city centre. If you are searching for accommodation there, try to look outside of the city centre. The same goes for restaurants, exchange offices, ATMs, etc.

Don’t hesitate to jump on a train or bus and explore the country. The best and cheapest bus companies are RegioJet and Flixbus. There are many beautiful places to visit in the Czech Republic .

Base yourself in Brno and explore the South Moravia region with these fun day trips .

Average prices (outside of Prague city centre):

• 0,5l of draft beer in a restaurant: 1,5 euro
• A meal in a restaurant: 5-6 euro
• Regiojet train from Prague to Brno (205 km): 4-6 euro
• Ticket to a castle: 5-6 euro
• National Parks: free
• Apartment for 2: from 20 euro/night

18. Romania

Recommended by: Jade, the Migrant Yogi

The Balkan country of Romania is one of the most underrated countries in all of Europe, not to mention one of the most affordable. 

Romania boasts an abundance of nature, delicious traditional food, culture, history, and some of the friendliest people in Europe. 

One of the things that makes Romania so affordable is that its currency is RON (lei). One euro is roughly 4.8 lei, enabling your travel budget to stretch quite far.

Dinner for two with drinks included will run you about 20 euro per person even in the most expensive Romanian cities, like Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest.

Even if you opt to stay in one of the major, expensive cities, a budget of 30-40 euro per person per day should be more than enough! Smaller cities such as Sibiu, Brașov, and Timișoara are more affordable and arguably more beautiful than their larger counterparts!

19. Canary Islands

Recommended by: Milene, Surf and Unwind

Located off the Northern African coast, you can’t really go wrong when choosing to travel to Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s Canary Islands.

Due to its location, the island boasts amazing weather all year round. So it’s not only a perfect winter sun destination when the weather gets miserable in the UK, but it’s also a more budget-friendly option during the summer months when the cost of travel soars in the Northern Hemisphere.

Resorts like Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés, very popular destinations amongst the Brit holidaymakers, can be slightly pricier than the rest of the island. So if you’re looking to save some money on your trip, stay at nearby resorts like Bahia Feliz and Arguineguín.

Or you could consider the north of the island, like Agaete or Gran Canaria’s capital Las Palmas , which has great surf and one of the best city beaches in Europe.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Discover Gran Canaria Day Tour

20. Slovakia

Recommended by: Diana, Travels in Poland

Slovakia has amazing countryside with a lot of space to explore. One of the cheapest countries in Eastern Europe to visit, Slovakia has a lot to offer. Not only in major cities such as Bratislava, but especially in smaller towns. Tourists will find that their euros get them quite a bit more than many other places.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Bratislava Grand City Walking Tour

Food and beer are relatively cheap and great accommodations are budget-friendly even in the capital city. For a recent night’s stay, for 2 meals and 1 night’s accommodation, we spent just under $150 for 2 adults and 2 children.

Outside of the city, food and accommodation was even cheaper. Perfect for exploring Slovakia’s numerous caves, castles, and the Tatra mountains. Not to mention some of the amazing spas, particularly warm pool outdoor spas. These are particularly ideal in the middle of a European winter.

21. North Macedonia

Recommended by: Anuradha, Country Hopping Couple

North Macedonia is one of the least popular countries in Europe. But little do tourists know that this landlocked Balkan country has so much to offer and is also pocket-friendly.

The cost of transport, accommodation, and food in North Macedonia is the lowest in the Balkans, making it an affordable holiday destination in Europe.

Places like Skopje and Ohrid Lake can be slightly expensive. However, they are still a lot less in comparison with Western European countries. A decent holiday apartment costs anywhere between £18-£25 per day.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Best of Skopje City Tour

Food is also cheaper as many family-run small restaurants are scattered everywhere. Public transport is not developed, hence hiring a car is a wise choice, which costs approx £10 a day.

Whether you want to sightsee Skopje, visit Mavrovo National Park or explore Lake Ohrid, you can experience them without having to spend a lot of Euros.

Is there anywhere you’d add to this list of the cheapest and most affordable countries to visit in Europe? Scroll down to leave a comment!

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43 thoughts on “21 Affordable Countries to Visit in Europe in 2024”

Great post! I am definitely going to have to check out Croatia this summer. It has been on my list for ages!

Mine too! I’m hoping to go next month – it just looks so beautiful :)

I’d definitely recommend Serbia, probably instead of Poland, which is starting to see a lot of backpack traffic and make the most of it. Serbia, however, is still only starting to cotton on to tourism. It means less services, but it’s a fantastic experience and so so cheap! Word on the ground in Croatia is that it’s noticeably more expensive than it was a few years ago because it’s becoming such a popular destination. My pick over Croatia would be popping down the coast to Montenegro – much much cheaper, less crowded and absolutely beautiful. Especially up in the mountains.

Ooh great tips, thank you! Although Poland is probably getting more backpackers, it’s still a very cheap destination – I actually chose it because two of Poland’s major cities are in the top ten of the cheapest cities on Price of Travel’s European Backpacker Index ( http://www.priceoftravel.com/1979/european-backpacker-index/ ). Zagreb and Split in Croatia also rank pretty highly on the list. Probably is picking up in terms of price, especially in Dubrovnik which is very popular, but still much cheaper by European standards – and there are lots of ‘undiscovered’ places outside of the major cities :)

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Montenegro so that sounds like a good option! And Belgrade in Serbia came 5th on the Backpacker Index so that’s obviously a great place for backpackers!

ESTONIA, has to be there, although Poland is the most similar, I would still include that. I never found Croatoia so cheap myself. Romania was amazingly cheap aftre the Caucesco regime fell, I was there the following winter, and a beer was 1 penny (sterling)

Woah that is cheap!! I was going by cities that were on the Backpackers cheapest cities list (the link is in the article), and since there were two Croatian cities high on that list I thought it made sense to include it! I think outside of the touristy bits most parts of Croatia are still very cheap!

I happen to be in Croatia now. While it is cheap, the research I have done on the other Balkan countries finds them to be cheaper, and the locals agree with me. However the cheapest flights are into Croatia, specifically Pula and Osijek, and you can get cheap ferries from Italy. But the people from Georgia I have met in my travels have convinced me they have the cheapest country to travel to. I’ll have to find that out for myself as soon as I can. And do get to Croatia as soon as you can. I just went through the Plitvice Lakes today and I can say they are the most beautiful place I have traveled to yet.

Excellent, thanks for the input! I’m actually headed there at the end of July for a week long blog trip which should be great fun. I can’t wait! Such a beautiful country! It’s probably not the cheapest any more but certainly one of the cheaper ones in Europe still, especially by comparison to places like Italy and Spain which get visited a lot more, and with the cheaper flights its definitely a good place for a budget trip – although perhaps not by backpacker standards!

We spent 5 weeks in Split earlier this year and while it is less expensive than most western European countries I would agree that it is no longer cheap. I would definitely add Hungary to the list though. We really loved Budapest and found it to be quite reasonable.

Awesome, thanks for the input!! A lot of people are staying that Croatia isn’t cheap anymore – but I think it still makes a good budget alternative to nearby countries like Italy and France. I’m thinking more about budget European holidays, places where you can get more for your money on a holiday or where (like Portugal) ‘expensive’ things like luxury hotels are cheaper than across the rest of the continent – and again these are just five of the best, not the five cheapest.

Would you say Croatia is still relatively cheap in terms of those standards, or is it generally quite expensive now? Also – do you know what prices were like outside of Split and in the smaller towns or on the coast at all? I’m curious to know more about it as I’m off to Croatia at the end of July!!

I’ve just got back from Budapest and could not believe how cheap it was. We were paying just over £1 a pint which is my book is amazing. Went to Riga in Latvia a few years ago and that was pretty cheap too. I’m looking at Bucharest for a trip early next year and I’m chuffed it’s on your list.

Wow that is cheap! I’m thinking I should write a follow up post just about the cheapest places to drink in Europe as that seems to be a guideline for many people haha!!

From what I can tell, Bucharest (and Romania in general) is very cheap, so that should be great. Any ideas when you’ll be going?

Shame on me! I haven’t visited any of these and I’m about to change continent. I visited the Spanish inlands where there were not many tourists and that is amazingly cheap as well.

I’ve heard that about inland Spain, would love to visit myself. Even Costa Brava, which gets a lot of tourism, surprised me by how cheap it was when I visited in May (especially the public buses), so I can imagine the parts that are tourist-free are great for saving money :)

I’m currently living/traveling in Czech Republic, which I’ve found to be one of the cheapest European countries for food, drink, basic accommodation, and travel. But only if you avoid Prague. Fantastic opportunities for cycling, hiking, swimming too.

Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve heard the same about the Czech Republic – cheap except for Prague! Going to have to go myself soon before the rest of the country gets taken over by tourists :)

Hey Emily, how are you? We met in Costa Brava About this post: Greece can be a budget destination for sure but Santorini (which is in the picture) is definitely not. Okay, there are some places where you can drink half a liter of wine for only 3 euro, but also a lot of places where you pay 6 euro for a glass! Food not very cheap either. BUT it sure is an amazing place where you have to go once in your live. I just came back and posted a photoblog about it. I you haven’t been there before, you want to go for sure. ;-)

Croatia the same. It can be very cheap, but when you go to Dubrovnik it’s not cheap at all inless you only wat pizza. But again, also this is a place you just have to see. It’s beautiful!

Of all these countries I think Spain is still a good one. Beautiful and cheap. I went three times this year (after our trip two times more, a bit further south, to Valencia and Costa Blanca), and as you said even in turistic areas you can be surprised, sometimes you only have to go a little bit to the right or left.

Hi Denise! So nice to hear from you on my blog :) How are you?

I’ve not been to Santorini myself but used the pic because that was the prettiest one that came up when I searched for ‘Greece’. The cities in Greece that I’ve visited recently have been crazy cheap though because of the economic crash and I have a feeling that even Santorini and other big tourist destinations will be cheaper than ever – even if they’re still pricier than other parts of Greece. For a lot of these countries, especially Croatia, the big cities are definitely not as cheap as the rest of the country.

I’m in Croatia at the moment though touring Istria and from what I’ve seen of the prices at restaurants and things this is a place where you can take a fairly extravagant holiday on a budget! It’s so beautiful and there are lots of relatively undiscovered small towns which make amazing destinations – plus lots of agritourism restaurants where you can eat homemade food fresh from the farm. It’s so good here and all you have to do is get our of the cities and explore!

All sound delightful! I don’t know which one to choose first ;)

Personally Id recommend Greece! Not only is it pretty cheap right now – but given the economic crisis the locals there really need the tourism!

Portugal is absolutely on my list for this year, but since they are all cheap perhaps I will just have to visit them all ;)

I was in the Czech Republic early last year and found that to be pretty cheap!

Ah I keep hearing great things about the prices in the Czech Republic. I’m hoping to make it there later this year – planning more of Europe for Summer I think! I’ll do a revised post once I’ve done some more travelling! x

Top list, although I found Athens far more expensive than I was expecting. As many others have mentioned Czech Republic is great value, as is Slovakia for the most part. The price difference between these two and neighbouring Austria is nuts.

Also Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro are great alternatives for Croatia as they are even cheaper with smaller crowds and still plenty of similar things to do and see.

Dying to go to Romania, it being cheap makes it even more enticing.

Thanks David :) When were you in Athens? I was there last year and found it very cheap, but perhaps the prices are creeping back up?

I keep hearing amazing things about Romania. A lot of travel bloggers have settled there or spent time there to save money, rent and food is cheap and apparently the internet is crazy fast!

I highly recommend Portugal, particularly during low season. I spent January and February there, and it was fantastic. Much more affordable its neighbor, Spain. Lots to see and do, delicious food at great prices, and the wine is awesome. I never spent more than 2 Euros on a bottle,

Where in Spain did you find wine for 2 Euros a bottle?! I need to find this place. I’ve been to a few parts of Spain and they are pretty cheap but I’ve never found wine that cheap :)

Hey Emily, nice post! I must admit that Greece can be cheap when it comes to having food and drinks outside, if you don’t go to the most touristic places or like the mainland. But the rest is just as expensive as other countries. That is why they have such a hard time at the moment. Supermarkets are of the same price as in the Netherlands for example, crazy if you think they earn 1/3 of a Dutch salary… And I saw someone already suggested Serbia, I agree! It is really cheap and SO beautiful. The people are really kind and helpful, more than Hungary in my experience, although they are so poor.

Romania is still on my list as well but haven’t been there yet. And Portugal well: awesome country and like Spain it can be cheap if you find the right spots yes!

I must admit I never thought yet of writing about places I haven’t visited myself, but I see you made a very nice post so I got some inspiration :) Thanks!!! And good luck…

Hi Sira! Thanks for commenting :) I know it seems odd to write about places I’ve not been to, but this was sort of an inspiration piece for me too, doing some research into the places where you can get a good quality holiday for less! I found a lot of good sources which show which cities/destinations in Europe are cheaper and went from those!

As for Greece, well, it’s definitely complicated there, and I know that the cost of living for locals maybe isn’t as cheap as it could be given the wages etc. But, in terms of a holiday there, I found that the food and drink in most restaurants was really reasonably priced, as were many of the hotels (especially in the mainland and the less visited places). I’ve visited Greece twice (and I’m going back next week) so I’m definitely talking from experience here :) Oh, and the food at markets (rather than supermarkets) was really well priced, I think that’s where most locals do their shopping ;)

Serbia sounds really interesting, quite a lot of people have recommended it to me lately. It’s definitely on my own personal list :)

Thanks again for commenting!

If only we could move these countries closer together…. hmmm…. Excellent post!

Haha yep!!! At least Europe has quite decent budget flights :)

Those Balkan photos look so dreamy. The region has been on my list for ages and I can’t wait to explore its idyllic gems. As soon as these crazy times are behind us, that’s where you might find me.

Me too – I’m dreaming of Albania after pulling this post together. It looks absolutely glorious!!

This is a great list! I love traveling and having unique experiences, but it’s a huge benefit not having to spend too much money on one trip. Thank you for including me :)

Thanks so much for being a part of it!! There are some really appealing places on this list aren’t there? Albania has now shot to the top of my wish-list for next summer, and thanks to you I’m eyeing up a winter trip to Portugal for as soon as the travel ban lifts!

What a fantastic list to come back to when planning a trip to Europe. Definitely saving it for later when we can travel once again. Thanks for writing this up!!

Thanks for reading! It’s going to be fun planning trips when travel opens back up – so many places on my wish-list now!

You put so much effort in your blogpost. Interesting to read. :-)

Thanks Melina!

Your anecdote about navigating the local transport made me chuckle. Travel mishaps can be so memorable, can’t they?

Thanks for reading!

Evergreen post! Thanks for the ideas on where next to go. I recently got back from Turkey and it is very affordable there. It’s probably the first place that I didn’t really care about how much anything costed, and assumed that it would be cheap.

Thanks so much for reading Leo! I went to Turkey in spring last year and I agree, it’s super affordable there. Great one to visit if you want to make your money go further :)

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Find cheap flights from London to Europe from £29

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Good to know - Cheap tickets from London to Europe

Faqs - booking europe flights, are there any hotels i can stay at before departing from london airports.

If you have an early flight to catch, or should you just not want to be in a rush, you can stay at an airport hotel before take-off. For example, at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) there is the Aerotel, at Stansted Airport (STN) and London City Airport (LCY) you can stay at the Holiday Inn Express, while at Luton Airport (LTN) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) you can opt for the Courtyard by Marriott.

Is there any children’s entertainment at London Airports?

Ahead of your departure from London Airports, you can keep your kids occupied at some of the great entertainment venues. For example, at Heathrow (LHR) they can use the Stay and Play areas, which are in all the terminals. Meanwhile, at Gatwick Airport (LGW) there are children’s play areas, which are opposite InMotion in the North Terminal and opposite WHSmith in the South Terminal.

Can I lower the amount of CO2 associated with my flight from London to Europe?

No matter where you’re flying, you can use the KAYAK search filter to find flights that release lower levels of CO2. For instance, if you were flying to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, you could take a British Airways flight from Heathrow Airport (LHR). This operates the route releasing about 95% less CO2 than the industry average. Therefore, instead of 522 kg CO2 being emitted per passenger, this airline releases about 26 kg CO2.

Which European cities can I fly to with Business Class seating?

There are many Business Class flights operating from London to Europe. You can fly with Lufthansa from London City Airport (LCY) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), with Air France from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, or with KLM from LHR to Amsterdam Airport (AMS).

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from London to Europe?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from London to Europe.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from London to Europe?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Europe from London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from London to Europe?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Europe with an airline and back to London with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from London to Europe?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Europe from London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from London to Europe

• On average*, there is no price difference when choosing to fly in the morning or the evening on this flight route.
• London has five main airports that operate regular flights to Europe. If you live in the north of the city, London Stansted Airport (STN) and London Luton Airport (LTN) are the most convenient. Whereas, from the south of the city, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) tends to be the best option.
• If you want some winter sun in Europe, there are many locations you can fly to direct from London. For instance, you can fly with British Airways from Heathrow to Faro Airport (FAO) in Portugal, with Ryanair from Luton Airport (LTN) to Malta Airport (MLA), or with Jet2 from Stansted Airport (STN) to Tenerife South Airport (TFS).
• Whilst all London Airports have modern facilities, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest of the terminals and provides you with the most amenities, such as restaurants, lounges, and shops.
• If you’re looking for cheap flights from London Airports, you should consider flying from Stansted Airport, which is Ryanair’s largest hub. This means you’ll benefit from lots of low-cost, direct routes to cities across Europe such as Madrid, Vilnius, and Verona.
• If you want to relax ahead of your flight from London to Europe, you can make use of a range of lounges at the terminal building. For example, you can use the No.1 Lounge at both Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Heathrow Airport (LHR), the Escape Lounge at Stansted Airport (STN), or the Aspire Lounge at Luton Airport (LTN).

Top 5 airlines serving from London to Europe

The whole flight was coughing and farting all the way. It was impossible to breathe. If people are traveling sick they should either not be allowed to fly or made wear masks

Boarding was very poor as the flight was initially delayed. We were told the flight would be at 21:40. We were with our 10 month baby who was sleeping. I received an email from Kayak which said the flight was now due to take off at 21:04. When we checked the screens at Gatwick we were told the gate was closed. The lack of communication was extremely poor and we had to run with our baby and there were many other passengers, including elderly people, also running to the gate. When we got to the gate, the staff had no reasons for the poor communication.

We got to the airport 2 hours before the flight. We waited in a line to check our bags onto the flight for an hour, even despite having checked in online, as there weren't enough self check terminals allocated to Vueling (yet loads of empty BA ones right next to them). There also weren't enough staff, making them stressed and rude. We had to try and rush through security to get to our gate, which they announced as gate 35 at first and then changed it after ten minutes with no announcement to anyone in the airport that it had changed. So we then had to rush to the correct gate to arrive just as boarding started. It was a thoroughly stressful process and one travelling couple almost missed boarding because of it. The flight boarding and the flight itself werre fine, the staff were polite, but I was dehydrated due to the airport and had to buy a bottle of water as they didn't offer free drinks.

I didn't get the wheelchair assistance I'd requested and my flight was on the tarmac, which was extremely painful for me. If this airline isn't for me, that's fine. The crew was fantastic and friendly ab

Bought check in baggage but couldn’t do it at the kiosk, had to line up just to get baggage tag which was a very long queue with only 1 customer service agent handling all vueling flights. Had to wait about 45mins just to get a bag tag and drop baggage.

You have couple of KG's grace on checked luggage

Nous sommes parties de Copenhague avec plus de 2h de retard. L'avion n'a pas pu atterrir à Paris et après avoir encore perdu du temps en vol, a atterri à Bruxelles. Une navette devait nous prendre en charge pour nous ramener à Paris mais personne ne nous a renseignés, on a tourné en rond dans l'aéroport durant plus de 2h, sans trouver de solution pour rentrer (pas de train, pas de voiture de location...). Nous avons fini par monter dans un car affrété par une autre compagnie et qui nous a déposés à CDG. Ensuite il fallu prendre un Uber (il était plus de 2h du matin) pour rentrer, qui a couté presque 90 €. Donc non, je ne suis pas satisfaite des services de la compagnie Vueling.

I liked the regular updates and appreciated the automatic online checkin which didn’t work for our Vueling flight so I had to do this myself.

The baggage policy is pathetic. We paid for our carry-on bags online. Said if we don't remove the wheels of our carry-ons it's not considered a carry-on. We all measured our bags according to the website beforehand. We were not refunded for our bags and were obligated to buy it as checked in bags for over $70 online or $90 over the counter. First and last time I travel with this airline.

Because the scale includes two terminals, we almost lost our flights. That data was not referrenced to us. The check-in process was a pain too.

The trip itself was good. I have given only good as rating, because my first flight has been cancelled by a different airline and that caused disruption in my trip. I spent over ten hours in Luton airport and that caused me high tiredness, sickness, because of the very early initial trip. easyJet staff has been professional and friendly.

Very pleasant crew, working hard on a full plane. Delay by a broken seat. However crew made back 60% of the delay.

Delayed and then further delayed with no announcement made so that all the passengers (who were standing in the jetty) could hear. We stood there for well over 20 minutes. We were further delayed through weather but no one explained that to us until the pilot made an announcement when finally on board

easyJet need to ensure that whether pre-booking seats or not children aren’t split from their parents the crew spent the majority of boarding asking passengers to move to accommodate two families. Surely the system identifies minors on a booking !!!!! It was all very frustrating to watch and caused delays which I’m sure cost easyJet more in the long run rather that automatically allocating families with minors seats together automatically.

As you would expect from a budget airline Left and arrived on time, no frills, not even a glass of water offered But you get what you pay for

I had an emergency escape seat. The attendant gave the extrA briefing to my side of the aisle but didnt direct it at all to the other where my wife was sitting

Boarding great. Didn’t eat or drink so can not comment.

Total jobs worths over carry on bags, charged £96 extra for bags that were clearly hand luggage

3 hours delayed Don’t understand why when you have paid for ‘speedy boarding’ they call you forward to then make you stand fir another 20 minutes in a confined space before boarding the plane.

The pilot did everything possible to make up the 35 minute delay. His communications were honest, prompt and positive throughout.

What can you say Ryanair get you there,no frills Not so cheap anymore ..... but what is now days! Would use again as always. Good flight times for us.

Very unpleasant staff, disgusting service, ignoring requests, refusal to help

Late again rude staff at gate bullying passengers made us stand in the cold 3degrees for 40 mins before they let us board

The usual average Ryanair flight, but we landed 20 min before due time, which was very good.

Enjoyed our flight with Ryanair to Arrecife. Flight boarded pretty much on time, crew were welcoming and very good. Generally good for a frequent low cost flight, Seats could however have been more comfortable.

I wouldn't like to fly with them anymore, I don't like their service, you can hardly take carry-on luggage because they charge you for everything, you can't ask for a glass of water, and the flight attendant tells you that they don't have any, that you have to Paying 3 euros for a bottle of water horrible, I don't recommend it, and they don't have anything low cost, because the plane ticket may not be expensive but what they charge you later for the rest, the flight becomes more expensive, it's the only airline that I don't like it so far, and I traveled a lot.

Staff were friendly and flight was on time. Free drink and snacks would have been appreciated.

The boarding process was fast and easy , but the airport sign was not up on the board, so it was hard to know the correct gate , on the airplane there was NO Snacks and NO water …. Everything needs to be purchase …. It’s not worthy for the price we paid !

Booked through you used Kiwi who did not complete checking in until 24 hrs before departure when the check in was available 48 hrs before hence we sat separately. I will not be using you again.

Crew was more interested on looking at their phones than welcoming passengers during boarding.

The crew was very attentive and kept busy serving a variety of treats!

Terrible. Missed my flight to final destination because of delayed British Airways flight. Had to spend 12 hours in airport and $1500 for new plane tickets

The crew on board were all very pleasant and happy to help. The flight had the old business class seats. The departure board in the business lounge did not update and kept on saying ' gate open' but never said boarding. When I got nervous about the departure time and walked to the gate I was told off rudely for being late.

Offered vegetable curry when it was actually tofu which I don’t care for.

The flight was good the crew excellent…but take off delayed three hours!!!

The boarding process was a disaster. No one respects the boarding groups—tired old aeroplane. There are no sockets to charge phones. The cushion seats are ancient and hurts back and gluts

Check in process was unfamiliar. While receiving assistance the employees supervisor berated him for not walking the area. Lucky for us, he ignored her and helped us check in. Did not know about the baggage fees with economy basic and spent 450 GBP (nearly$600) just on bags for a total of less than 2 hours flying time (50 minutes one way) on a round trip lasting less than 3 days. Customers check their own bags at kiosk and place on conveyor themselves. No reason for such an high cost of checking bags when customers do half the work. Some destinations it’s unavoidable, but will definitely seek other airlines before British Airways for future travel. Astronomically high price for bags. Our first experience flying British Airways and very, very disappointed. Completely overpriced for the services we received.

Check in process was unfamiliar. While receiving assistance the employees supervisor berated him for not walking the area. Lucky for us, he ignored her and helped us check in. Did not know about the baggage fees with economy basic and spent 450 GBP (nearly$600) just on bags for a total of less than 2 hours flying time (50 minutes one way) on a round trip lasting less than 3 days. Astronomically high price for bags. Our first experience flying British Airways and very disappointed. Completely overpriced for the service we received.

Both mine and my husband's chairs were broken. Also it took 2 hours to get our bags after our flight which was wild.

The flight was delayed 5 hours and I'm and invalid,I wan a refund for this

The cabin crew on that flight were super fantastic and super helpful. They were so polite and considerate that i felt i travelled with a 5star airline.

Delayed delayed delayed - always with Wizzair. Staff were friendly and well mannered but clearly the company is unorganized and the aircrafts are outdated.

It's a budget airline. Great for short flight. Smooth landing.

4 hr delay and only told less than 2hrs before. Only given water and nuts on the flight as complimentary service. Left to wait in rain before boarding.

To be honest I did not like anything. Communication to why my flight was cancelled mid air 2 and half hours into my flight. Customer service desk were not helpful with providing information or a solution on what can be done.

I have been treated unacceptably by WizzAir aircraft crew in a previous flight, they threatened me and abused me, and I received an OFFICIAL written apology, but only two (2) months later. This flight had no such unacceptable behaviour, but it's not nice to be left waiting in the walkway (from gate to aircraft) for a long time, just so that the 'boarding' appears to be early, even if actual departure is not.

What I liked new airplane Sitting was extremely uncomfortable! Crew not smiley at all Always chewing gum

The flight was cancelled just 4 hours before the take off...

No food on board. Not comfortable. Had to move seats was delayed more than 3 hours.

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Budget Tours & Trips to UK and Great Britain

Discover a varied offer of UK and Great Britain budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Edinburgh and Dublin. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.

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76 cheap uk and great britain tour packages with 6,064 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

We had a very lovely experience.

England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin

pretty good considering all

Britain and Ireland Explorer (16 Days)

I had a wonderful time, such beautiful scenery, historic destinations, good accommodation, good food, (being a vegetarian, it was heart warming to see Pete going out of his way to make sure I got good meals wherever we went) I would have loved more time in Stratford upon Avon as I couldn't visit Anne Hathaway's cottage and see the whole of the play being staged in Shakespeare's birthplace gardens.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Wonderful! First time traveling outside of the US alone. It was a beautiful tour! Henry was amazing! He was full of knowledge and fun facts. The itinerary was awesome and well organized. So happy I went! I made life long friends sling the way! Recommend and will be using this tour again soon! Just book it! You’ll love it!

A Life en Rose (16 destinations)

Overall very good and well organized. Only the 1st hotel in Paris had any issues and they resolved the air conditioning problem by switching rooms. It was a little confusing switching tour guides and other passengers during the trip but ended up ok. Our 1st guide Flora had the best English skills and everything was presented only in Engl. Our 2nd guide Eva had pretty good English skills but it turned into a bilingual tour and we were the only English speaking passengers then and it became more difficult. Our 3rd guide David had moderate English skills and it was difficult to understand a lot of what he was saying. But overall a great tour and we saw and did a tremendous amount of areas!!

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

An absolute blast from start to finish! The schedule was well paced, every location is stunning, the hostels are decent, the Loch Ness one in particular has some lovely hosts. Neil, our guide, is very knowledgable and constantly dropped awesome lore on top of some banging jokes. I got lucky with the timing as the weather was unusually clear except for the last day, while still cold enough to see snow (lost my snow virginity!!) and avoid the midgies. Oh I got to see the highland coos up close too. Can’t recommend this tour enough as your first experience with Scotland!

Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

This tour was fabulous! We highly recommend it!

Highland Fling

Great tour really knowledgeable guides Steve and Brodie were fantastic Great content for the tour and would highly recommend Haggis tours

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

3 Day Loch Ness & Skye

The tour was perfectly executed ,all the way from the interesting commentaries to the beautiful views .Branka went above and beyond .I couldn’t have wished for any other tour guide for this trip.Had so much fun ,definitely coming back for the 5 day tour ,not yet done with Scotland ????

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

The tour was exactly as expected and I was never disappointed. The accommodations were excellent with great Irish breakfasts. As much as the sites we visited were interesting and dramatic, the guide made them all the more so with his deep knowledge of Irish history and lore. It is impossible to overstate the difference Mike, the guide, made with his humor, personality and knowledge of what he was showing us. I would never hesitate to follow this company and Mike wherever they decide to travel. Giver yourself a treat and go with Wild and Happy.

2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)

Steven was a Great Tour Guide, He was very knowledgeable about the History of Scotland and had a Great Sense of Humor as well. Thank You Steven for a Fabulous Tour !

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Magical Britain - 7 Days

The whole trip was fantastic. Click Tours was very accommodating when I was unable to attend one of the walking tours and gave me another one instead. The locations were beautiful and getting from place to place by train was seamless. The Hotels booked were very nice and I did not run into any problems. My only concern is that for one of the walking tours, it was not as advertised in the itinerary and I wasn’t expecting a “witches tour” (it was supposed to be just a regular walking tour of the city’s history) but regardless it was a good time.

• Christmas & New Year

A nice tour guy, know everything about Scotland, talk a lot of about history, made fun for us.

9 Days United Kingdom Tour

The Ultimate Scotland Adventure for Under 35s!

Embarking on the Celtica Experience tour was a transformative adventure that surpassed all expectations. This unique journey offered a perfect blend of cultural immersion, exploration, and camaraderie, making it an unforgettable experience. One of the standout features of the Celtica Experience was the opportunity to connect with the local people. Interacting with Scottish individuals provided profound insights into their lives, creating meaningful connections that added depth to the overall experience. The tour's meticulous planning struck a perfect balance between organized activities and free time. Unlike traditional tours where one may feel confined to a bus, Celtica Experience encouraged exploration by keeping participants on the move, fostering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere!

Budget Tours & Trips to UK And Great Britain Reviews

I really enjoyed the trip

As the one year anniversary approaches, I wish I could do this trip again!

This tour was absolutely amazing. So much to see, and never enough time. But everything that I saw and everywhere I went was necessary. There was no waste of time events or towns visited. The tour guide was also just the best. Rob really went above and beyond to help people out, to explain the itinerary each day, his recommendations and ideas were super helpful. He seemed super passionate about the history and culture of the countries we visited too. The hotels were for the most part good standard. One or two I wouldn't stay at again, but they really are just a place to sleep and store your luggage while you're exploring. It's long days on the coach but the scenery well makes up for it. Nothing felt rushed, except when the trip was widening up and the days just flew by. But that's personal perception I highly recommend this tour, especially if you get Rob and Tom

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Home » Budget Travel » 13 Cheapest Countries in Europe: BEST Places for Budget Travel! (2024)

13 Cheapest Countries in Europe: BEST Places for Budget Travel! (2024)

If you’re dreaming of backpacking Europe – join the club! Travelling through Europe is like a rite of passage for young, bright-eyed backpackers. It’s an easy place to get started with your international shenanigans since it’s safe, easy to travel, and chock-full of other adventurers.

Oh, but… there is a but, because all the best things in life come with a small disclaimer: if you don’t watch it, travelling Europe will swallow up all your money.

What if I told you that you don’t have to work your ass off just to afford a nice holiday in Europe? That you could, indeed, have the adventure of your dreams and not even have to watch your budget all that much?

Hear ye, hear ye, all you despairing broke backpackers: there are multiple cheap-as-hell countries in Europe that you can travel through for months without breaking the bank. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the cheapest European countries . Some of them even get close to Asian prices!

Coincidentally, these are also some of the best countries in Europe. Forget about Mykonos and Madrid – the cheapest countries in Europe are here to steal your heart.

 Cheapest Countries in Europe – All the Adventure, Half the Money!

Cheap and awesome – just how we like it.

What are the cheapest countries to visit in Europe? Keep reading to find out! Who knew that backpacking Europe doesn’t mean breaking the bank?

Note that I’ve included a couple of spots in the Caucasus, which is a part of Europe in the same way as a tomato is a fruit; scientifically, it’s true. But if you ask someone if that’s the case, they’ll be like, “ehhh…” They don’t know. I don’t know. Nobody knows. We just roll with it.

Okay, so my favourite regions in Europe deserve their own shoutout: Eastern Europe and the Balkans, I love you . Not only are they cheap, but they’re also freaking gorgeous, and full of smouldering eyed locals. Ahem, not that that is super important to me…

The hiking is off the charts and the wine is extra delicious. Basically, you want to save money and go on mad adventurers as a backpacker. And this is where you come to do it. Don’t just take my word for it, go book a ticket and fin out for yourself!

So when it comes to rounding up the cheapest countries in Europe, I leaned pretty heavily on countries in these two regions. They’re cheap and fantastic, as I said! Prepare for much fangirling – many of the countries on this list have been my favourite trips ever! What can I say? This girl loves a bargain.

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1. Bulgaria

Average daily cost: $30

Stop everything and book a flight to Bulgaria! Yes, now!

Where do I even start with reasons to visit Bulgaria ? Potentially the cheapest country in the EU, Bulgaria deserves the top spot on this list of the cheapest European countries to travel to. Because DANG – where else can you get a humongous pork-neck steak, a side of vegetables, AND a beer for like 6 euros? Germany could never .

Bulgaria is decidedly Eastern European, sure. But blame the EU-affiliation, since it feels a lot more Western or Central European than its Balkan neighbours. Its big cities are full of cultural treasures (Plovdiv was the European cultural capital in 2019), and its small towns with their imposing mountain backdrops will charm the pants off of you.

On top of that, the best things to do while travelling to Bulgaria are free. Bulgaria has some serious mountainage – so it’s big for hikers. And, best of all, it welcomes wild campers. Save your levas and pitch a good tent for the night, then hike the highest peak in the Balkans (Masala) at sunrise.

Average daily cost: $18

Have you ever heard of Moldova? Probably yes, cause you’re a traveller and travellers are geography nerds. 😉

Do you know anything about it though? Hm… that’s what I thought.

Well, backpackers come back from their escapades to Moldova with wonderful news: it’s cool, it’s hip, and it’s largely untouched by widespread tourism. Yep, even the backpacker kind of tourism.

Being one of the least visited countries on the old continent has its advantages: Moldova is also one of the coolest low-cost countries in Europe. Moldova flirts with you through its fine wine and less-travelled countryside.

Because we’re in Eastern Europe, you’ll find some very pretty Orthodox churches. Plus cave towns, castles, and princesses to rescue. One of those things I might have made up, but who’s to know?

The capital Chisinau is a chill, green city. Make sure to also visit Old Orhei, an important archaeological site.

The most adventurous adventurers can also check out the breakaway nation of Transnistria. They’ve got their own flag, currency, and plenty of moxie, but the rest of the world is yet to recognise it as a sovereign country.

Average daily cost: $24

What you might’ve thought of as just a rebellious offshoot of Serbia turns out to be a delightfully weird, thoroughly European-minded country, with tons to explore. Plus, you get bragging rights for adding a weirdo country like Kosovo to your list of countries visited. Not that anyone counts, but still.

Kosovo is probably the cheapest country in Europe – one of the best cheap European countries to visit for sure! A typical hostel bed is about $10, and a meal at a restaurant is about $5. And all the delicious, delicious burek you can eat for $1 apiece…. mmmmh .

The capital, Pristina, is home to a host of quirky attractions, including an independence monument that gets re-painted every year and a library that has been dubbed “the ugliest building in the world”. (Poor guy – I disagree.) Down south, the historical Prizren serves history and views on a platter, AND there is even great hiking for beginners (and experts!).

And never mind what you hear about this lil’ country’s rep. Kosovo is totally safe to visit. I’d stay out of the northern border areas because Serbia has still not exactly accepted that Kosovo is doing its own thing, so the vibe there can get weird.

Average daily cost: $20

Okay, okay, I promise this is the last squeeeaaak that you’ll hear from me – but seriously, backpacking Georgia is MY FAVOURITE. It’s hard not to fall in love when the country you’re courting just checks off all the boxes: great food, even greater wine, incredible mountains, friendly peeps, and very aesthetically pleasing cityscapes.

In Tbilisi, you can stuff your face with local dumplings called khinkali and bathe your pounding hangover in the underground hot springs. If there is one word to describe this city it’s ‘cool’ . In Batumi by the Black Sea, dig your toes into black, volcanic sand and party away.

People say there’s something weird in the air here, and maybe it’s the chacha fountain (freeflow vodka every night!) but I’ve never had as much fun as I did in Batumi. You could spend WEEKS exploring the many mountain trails and gorges around the country: Georgia has the best trekking in the Caucasus . 

All this travelling could get stressful if you didn’t know that it was dirt cheap. With just a few bucks, you can get whisked away to the other side of the country. Hostel beds are not much more expensive either, at around $10 a night.

And, yeah, some say that Georgia is not technically a part of Europe, but haters gonna hate. Don’t let geography get in the way of a good time.

Poland has had feet firmly planted on the traditional European backpacker trails for years. No wonder. the country is one of the best cheap destinations in Europe, easy to travel, super safe, and versatile as fuck.

They even have a desert! It’s a tiny one, but size doesn’t matter, right?

You can easily find some of the best hostels in Europe here for $10 with breakfast included. Entrance fees to attractions can put you over budget if you’re not careful but at least the beer budget doesn’t have to be too high with $2 pints.

Most backpackers have an itinerary in Krakow for a weekend of wild partying and sad Holocaust history. Maaaybe they squeeze in a few days at the capital, Warsaw.

While I love Krakow as much as the next broke dirtbag, you could literally traipse across Poland for weeks just checking off new and weird sights. Wroclaw, Poznan, and Gdansk are all just as pretty as Krakow, and need much more love!

Then there’s the Tatras – the glorious snow-capped mountain range between the border of Poland and Slovakia. Try the local smoked cheese (and bring me some too, because it’s damn delicious).

Average daily cost: $35

Look, I think we both know that backpacking Hungary is pretty much synonymous with backpacking Budapest. The capital is, after all, the glitzy, gritty, exciting centre of life in Hungary – for locals, for digital nomads, and for backpackers.

Budapest is worth its reputation and more, for sure! It’s a classic and a must on your Eastern European backpacking trip. Not only because it has ultra-cheap and very tasty food (and beer), not even because its hedonistic parties are notorious everywhere backpackers spread their gospel.

No, the coolest part about staying in Budapest is the ruin bars. Basically, they are bars that could’ve been built by Frankenstein: patchwork-y, grungy, surprising, and certified cool.

On the cultural side of things, there are real architectural gems like the Parliament building and Fisherman’s Bastion. You can also soak up your hangover at some hot springs.

But hey, I would never encourage you to spend your time in just one dirty old town. Take a trip to dance at Sziget Music Festival, one of the biggest music festivals in Europe; see Europe’s biggest necropolis in Pécs; take a day trip to the Baroque town of Eger.

7. North Macedonia

Average daily cost: $25

Formerly known as “just Macedonia” before Greece came in and hogged the whole name. This Balkan country is eagerly awaiting entrance to the European Union AND your heart. It’s located smack bang in the middle of the peninsula so it’s almost offensive if you don’t pass through it on your Balkan adventures.

The capital Skopje is known for its crazy number of statues – there’s said to be over a hundred in the city centre. Mostly they’re new, built by the Government to “boost tourism and national pride”. Seeing that we’re talking about it here, it seems to have worked.

My favourite spots in North Macedonia are the more chill and nature-oriented ones, though. Lake Ohrid and the small shoreside towns around it are absolutely adorable, and there’s some real hiking to do as well.

Oh, and North Macedonia is not only one of the cheapest European countries to visit but also one of the cheapest in the Balkans – and if you know how affordable backpacking the Balkans is, that’s saying a lot.

8. Bosnia-Herzegovina

Average daily cost: $29

Wondering why you should add Bosnia to your backpacking itinerary? Well, first of all, if we weren’t there already, then now we’re about to enter “ cheap as fuck ” territory. But don’t let money (or your lack of it) make the decision for you; let Bosnia convince you with its pure awesomeness.

Two decades after a war that absolutely ripped the country apart, Bosnia is mostly stitched back together again. Don’t get me wrong, the country’s politics are still fucked – they erected a statue of Bruce Lee when the leaders couldn’t agree on a local hero figure that wasn’t too divisive. (One reason Bosnia is an excellent destination if you’re interested in dark tourism destinations .)

Still, the country is now totally safe to travel, as long as you stay on the well-worn trail. The countryside and unmarked mountains are still full of landmines.

Sarajevo, the capital, is like a mini-Istanbul but way more chill. Sarajevo is also one of the best cities in Europe to visit, guaranteed. You could spend the whole day meandering from one tea shop to another eating delicious little cakes, or you could take the free walking tour and learn about the tragic history of the country. 

And you can’t miss Mostar, a tiny town with rich history and beautiful small streets. Slabber up a picnic on the riverside and watch the local diving club (and sometimes daredevil tourists) dive off the 20-metre bridge over the river.

Armenia is another one of these weirdo countries right between the squeeze of Europe and Asia. I mean yes, you could say it’s part of the backpacking Caucus journey but shhh… We Europeans like to be nice and welcoming, so for the sake of this list, we’ll say Armenia is definitely one of us.

The capital, Yerevan, is a popular weekend trip from Tbilisi, Georgia, but it’s almost criminal to leave it at that and call that backpacking Armenia. Travel in Yerevan is cool for sure; it’s brimming with art and statues of all shapes on the streets, and one of my all-time favourite sunset spots above the city. 

How about the other parts of Armenia?

Well, you have Dilijan national park, dearly dubbed the “Switzerland of Armenia” because that’s where you go to get your hike on. Further down towards the south, you’ll find small, quiet towns embraced in vineyards; one of the more famous ones being Areni. Areni is also the site of some of the most important historical findings in the region.

What makes backpacking Armenia such a cheap experience though, are the, uh, prices . You can get a hostel room for $5, a glass of wine for $2, and a train ticket for a full whopping dollar.

Just Remember: Don’t Go Diving off Without Insurance!

As safe as Europe is to travel , you never know when the road just chucks a banana peel at ya for you to slip on. There are all sorts of misfortune that can hit you on the road: lost luggage, mysterious hostel diseases, and broken toes (or broken hearts – but unfortunately you can’t claim those from any insurance).

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

10. Belarus

In the past, Belarus’ tourism has suffered a lot from super strict visa rules and generally being a dictatorship. (Who wouldn’t want to spend their holidays with an Eastern European dictator?) But could it still emerge as a dark horse and win the heart of shoestring travellers everywhere in Europe? Perhaps… At least it has a lot going on for it.

Minsk, the capital, is not only the city where Phoebe’s boyfriend left to do research on Friends . It’s also an interesting example of Stalinist architecture contrasted with busy squares and old churches. (The Central Square is the biggest public square in Europe!) It has a definite European metropolis feel with vibrant coffee culture and decent nightlife. 

If you’re looking for something a tad more quiet and cultural though, check out Brest and Nesvizh.

If we’re ever talking about countries with a bad rep, we’ve got a pretty good contestant for the top spot right here; Serbia was in the centre of the Balkan wars in the 90s, casually committed genocide in Bosnia, and refuses to let Kosovo go to live her best life. These days, Serbia still likes to rub shoulders with comrade Russia. Yikes.

Still, backpacking Serbia is a great adventure and a very fun time as soon as you get over all the portraits of Putin hanging all over the place. It’s a country better than its reputation, and guess what – super cheap!

The capital Belgrade is dubbed one of the most epic party cities in Europe . I’ve heard wild stories of boat bars and hedonistic shenanigans in the Belgarde night. They all seem to be true: Serbia is surprisingly big on raves. There is even a huge dance music festival, EXIT Festival, that is known all over Europe.

For mountain lovers, huge recommendations on the Tara National Park for some grade-A hiking!

12. Albania

Average daily cost: $31

Ah, Albania, the worst kept secret of the Mediterranean. The cheapest Mediterranean country is still often referred to as an “undiscovered gem”, even though it’s been firmly on the sun-tan-package holiday roster for years… It’s a gem for sure though, and if it’s still undiscovered for you, here are some good reasons to get discovered. Not to mention, Albania’s beaches are stunning.

Northern Albania = mountains. Just awesome, amazing, majestic mountains that form a part of a three-country Peaks of Balkans hike. Shkoder, the nearest city, is a chill town with nothing much going on except cuteness and coolness.

Tirana is a busy and metropolitan city with some epic sunset spots, urban exploring, and history for days. (You can even see old statues of socialist leaders; Albania used to be so socialist that they refused international cooperation with Soviet Russia and China for “not being socialist enough”.) And the seaside is parallel to that of Croatia in the sunshine and good times, except that the prices there are about a fifth of the Croatian coast.

And since I’m always talking about food (have you noticed?) I gotta mention that Albanian food is super cheap. Plus it’s the best place in the Balkans for vegetarian backpackers with way more options than other Balkan countries.

Oh, and Albanians love tourists. It’s some of the best hospitality I’ve seen in Europe. More than that, I would say peak romance; I got proposed to via Google Translate! Turns out love and sex on the road are everywhere.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

13. SNEAKY BONUS SURPRISE GOZLEME – Turkey!

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately for our tirelessly working and author of this post… I am the editor! (Muahahahahah.) And, personally, I think it’s very interesting that there are no majority Islamic countries in the EU. There are secular states, Christian states, and there are certainly Muslims living within EU member states, but this listicle just feels… lacking.

We need some gozleme up in this bitch! Enter Turkey.

Now, Turkey is a secular society, but they are neither an EU member nor entirely on the European continental plate. Rather, they serve as the bridge between Europe and Asia.

Officially, the EU is concerned that Turkey has committed human rights violations. And to be honest, they probably have – the dictatorship is fucked, the Kurds have routinely been shafted (to put it lightly), and it’s a very large country with some rather tumultuous borders. But y’know, if we’re gonna be playing the human rights violation games… ahem… Germany – would you like to take the floor?

We can sit here and split hairs until the cows come home over what constitutes Europe (and I will!), but ultimately, Hungary is going bananas, Norway is still whaling, Kosovo is yikers, and the UK just Brexited out of that shit hot mess. And there sits Turkey being a beautiful, dreamy, and CHEAP backpacker destination.

I mean, sure, the EU might not like Muslims, but The Broke Backpacker sure does. 😉

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It’s been at the centre of many historical powerhouse empires and the vibe here reflects that. The colours of the buildings, the smell of the tantalising gozleme , the echoes of the call to prayer… this is a country that reminds you what was so magical about leaving home in the first place.

The Turkish people are incredibly friendly and you won’t find it hard to make friends here! Istanbul is an especially easy place to meet up and chat with locals over the ever-famous, ever delicious doner kebab . As you venture out into some of the more rural areas, you’ll once again be treated to a delight on the senses. You’ve got epic hiking, ancient ruins, still ponds, and even fancy beaches to enjoy.

Parts of Turkey feel as if you’re stepping into another world; others are as familiar as the back of your hand. For something truly special, you could enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. As every country that made it onto the original hippy trail, there are alternative towns like Olympos and Cirali to enjoy as well.

Jam-packed full of adventure sights with a side of chilling out? What could be better! Oh yeah, Turkey is also a Ryanair destination if you love a good cheap vacation! You’ve got everything you could possibly want out of a destination rolled into one very sexy, continentally European, not quite culturally European, and definitely not in the EU, nation.

Bonus: Pockets of Cheapness in Ultra-Expensive Itineraries

Most of the inexpensive countries to visit in Europe are in Eastern Europe. Income disparities, imbalanced economies, and all that noise. That means that if you’re backpacking other parts of Europe, none of them might be across your way.

There are so many cheap places to stay in Europe but backpacking Western Europe can get expensive as hell. If your wallet needs a rest, here are a few areas that are cheaper than their surrounding countries.

(They didn’t make it on this list of cheap European countries since they’re still mid-expensive.)

• Western Europe: Portugal and Spain, especially Andalucia
• Northern Europe: Estonia and Lithuania
• The Mediterranean: Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece

However, the rest of Europe isn’t exactly out of your reach either, even if your wallet is more full of dust bunnies than dollars… Learn how to travel Europe cheaply . It’s more than possible!

There you have it – The Broke Backpacker’s guide to the cheapest countries in Europe for holidays for the vagabonds and voyagers with more sense than money. Just how they teach you in budget backpacking academy of life.

Honestly, I’ve travelled most of these countries myself and I can verify that they’re AWESOME. Often I encounter a lot of prejudice from my friends about travelling Eastern Europe. Isn’t it dirty? Isn’t it completely undeveloped? Oh my gosh, isn’t it dangerous??

C’mon. The movie Hostel came out 16 years ago. How long do we have to keep fixing Eastern Europe’s reputation?

Picking any of these countries for your next backpacking destination because you want to save pennies is a good enough reason. But consider this too: heavy, filling food, the best uncrowded mountains for hiking in Europe, a side of history, and a unique culture that Western European countries have never experienced.

Off-the-beaten-path discoveries , epic parties, beautiful people. Maybe mythical creatures?

Besides, it’s just more FUN. Yep, it’s true – a lot of these countries on the list are more underdeveloped than France, the UK, or Iceland. That usually means better adventures. When I hitchhiked through Croatia and an entire tyre fell off the van in the middle of the highway, the driver pulled over, shrugged and said, “Welcome to Eastern Europe.”

Little money means bigger adventures. So, where are you headed first?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

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I’ve been to a few of these countries, they’ve all been really good experiences and worth visiting. Serbia is a hidden gem within Europe especially and it’s hard to say no to cheap beer in a lot of these countries.

The picturesque fairytale aesthetics of many Eastern European countries are often overlooked. But blogs and articles like this keep igniting the travelling spirit within me.

Eastern Europe has been by far my favorite area in Europe. Great booze, food, and architecture. Thanks for highlighting some more areas to visit Elina!

Eastern Europe really is underrated. They have so many beautiful sites and such distinct architecture I’m surprised more people don’t talk about it more often.

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Cheapest summer package holidays revealed – with little-known Greek island named best-value destination

Travel expert claims that there are ‘bargains to be found’ this year, article bookmarked.

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New research has revealed the most affordable package holiday destinations in Europe , with some surprising results ahead of what promises to be busy summer of travel in 2024.

Destinations including the Amalfi Coast, Malta and various Greek islands feature among the cheapest European destinations for a summer getaway.

A study from Which? analysed over 4,500 package holidays across 70 regions in 15 European countries – from providers including Jet2holidays and Tui – to find the best deals during the busy summer break, when school holidays mean anyone taking a trip is subject to some of the highest holiday prices.

Room-only, self-catered and bed and breakfast accommodation was analysed for seven nights over a period beginning around 3 August, with traditionally low-cost destinations like Bulgaria and Turkey absent from the list.

Instead, destinations across more expensive countries such as Greece and Italy were common. These places benefit from a large selection of accommodation options and readily available, often cheaper flights.

Top of the list was the Greek island of Kalymnos, with a week’s stay costing £847 per person on average (including flights and transfers). Visitors usually fly into the more well-known resort of Kos, before transferring to this island of secluded coves, emerald seas, rugged coastline, and charming towns.

Taking a close second place behind Kalymnos are Greek islands Thassos, at £862 per person, and Lefkada, at £935 per person.

The Costa Brava, a stretch of coastline north of Barcelona , took fourth place, with average prices coming in at £952 per person. The fifth-placed destination was Italy’s Venetian Riviera – specifically Lido di Jesolo – at £965, while the Amalfi Coast – famed for its glitz and accompanying high prices – came in at sixth, with an average cost of £977 per person.

Which? also analysed the cheapest destinations for all-inclusive holidays, with Tenerife coming up with the most affordable rates, at an average of £1,097 per person for seven nights. The Costa Blanca, Fuerteventura, Bourgas in Bulgaria and Dalaman, Turkey, rounded off the top five most affordable all-inclusive destinations, with average prices between £1,103 to £1,125 per person for seven nights.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel , said: “Travelling in the summer holidays is notoriously expensive, and demand is again high this year - but our latest price analysis shows that by being flexible on your destination, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds.

“From tiny, traditional Greek islands to the glitzy Amalfi coast, there are bargains to be found this summer.”

Which?’s top 10 cheapest package holiday destinations for 2024

• Kalymnos, Greece – £847 for seven nights
• Thassos, Greece – £862
• Lefkada, Greece – £935
• Costa Brava, Spain – £952
• Venetian Riviera, Italy – £965
• Amalfi Coast, Italy – £977
• Skopelos, Greece – £985
• Costa de la Luz, Spain – £994
• Campania, Italy – £998
• Malta – £1,006

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Europe day trips from London

If you’re feeling extra adventurous and are looking for Europe day trips from London, we have plenty of inspiration below. Sure, day trips to UK destinations such as Brighton, Cambridge and the Cotswolds are great, but nothing is more exciting than jetting off to a different country and then returning to sleep in your own bed. With the fast Eurostar train and cheap, frequent flights; Europe day trips from London are very achievable! In fact, it might be one of the best cities for the seemingly unachievable feat of visiting another country just for the day!

You’ll probably have an early morning start and late return back into London, but it’s well worth it for the exhilarating day trip you’ll have. Continue reading for the best Europe day trips from London.

Europe day trips from London by Eurostar train

One of the best methods of transport for any Europe day trip from London is the super-fast Eurostar train from London Kings Cross or Ebbsfleet International. Clear a short security departure area and board the train onwards to France, Belgium and Netherlands. It’s a comfortable way to travel and you’ll be in the centre of your destination on arrival. As you’re travelling from city centre to city centre, you skip the travel time to and from the airport.

Whisk your partner off to the city of love or gather a group of friends for a Parisian day trip you won’t forget. Paris is one of the easiest Europe day trips from London and it only takes 2hrs 16mins to get there by train. You’ll arrive into Gare du Nord station in Paris city centre and all of the main attractions are just a short walk away.

Climb to the top of the Eiffel tower, people watch with a freshly baked pastry at a corner café or go shopping on the Champs Elysée. Paris is a sophisticated and cultural day trip idea and you’ll be spoilt for choice at the range of attractions on offer. Plan your day carefully and enjoy the full French experience before jumping on the train back to London. An alternative to Paris city is to visit Disneyland Theme Park. The Eurostar stops right outside the theme park entrance and you can explore the magic of Disney in a day!

What to see and do in a single day:

• Climb to the top of the Eiffel tower or capture an iconic picture on the gardens of Champ de Mars.
• Visit a museum. The Louvre, Musee de l’Orangerie and Musée Rodin are all world-famous galleries.
• Walk the streets of the Champs Elysée, enjoying designer shopping and quaint cafes.

Journey time from London: 2hrs 16mins

Browse London to Paris trains on Eurostar.com

A little further away than Paris on the Eurostar is the Belgian capital of Brussels. This trendy city is a mix of art, architecture and cool bars and restaurants. It has an old medieval castle surrounded by renovated and modernised buildings and is a multicultural mix of business workers and tourists.

Visit Brussels on a day trip to experience the top sights in the city and check out some trendy bars and restaurants. There are some great places to eat here! You’ll definitely want to sample the Belgian chocolates, beers and waffles. And have you ever tried Belgian fries? The best way of getting around is by renting a pick-up-drop-off bike and leisurely weaving in and out of the city streets.

• See the main city centre sights on foot. The Grand Palace is a must and you have plenty of museums and galleries to peruse.
• Explore the parks of Brussels by bike and find a cosy spot for a picnic.
• Visit the Marolles district for a trendy collection of cafes, restaurants and stalls with traditional foodie treats.

Journey time from London: 1hr 48mins by Eurostar train

Browse London to Brussels trains on Eurostar.com

Lille is a charming French town that sits in the north of the country, right next to the Belgian border. It’s one of the first places you’ll reach on the Eurostar from London and takes only 1hr 22mins to get there from King’s Cross, making it perfect for a day trip. Being the World Design Capital and a popular commercial and arts hub, Lille is a thriving city with a traditional heart.

You have an enchanting old town that’s decorated with Flemish architecture, all surrounded by modern businesses and shopping complexes. With a huge student population, it also has its fair share of hip shops, restaurants and bars. Spend your day trip in Lille touring the city streets, checking out an art gallery or treating your taste buds to some delicious French cuisine.

• Soak in the atmosphere of Place Charles de Gaulle. This central hub to the city is alive with entertainment, market stalls and quaint cafes.
• Visit Lille Zoo for a day out in nature.
• Go gallery hopping. Lille is home to some excellent art exhibitions and niche museums.

Journey time from London: 1hr 22mins by Eurostar train

Browse London to Lille trains on Eurostar.com

Noted as being one of the most Romantic European cities, Bruges is a quaint collection of village houses on serene river. Its cobblestone streets and early twentieth-century bridges pave the setting for some beautifully romantic photos. It’s one of the best Europe day trips from London for couples. You can get to Bruges by catching the Eurostar via Brussels in 3hrs 25mins or catch a flight directly from London City Airport. You’ll get there in under an hour by plane.

Walk hand-in-hand down the old town streets and marvel at the churches, bridges and buildings. The scenery itself is the main thing to do here and you’ll want to be outside enjoying nature. For a small town with lots of tourists, it has very green surroundings and we highly recommend packing a picnic to enjoy on a park bench. Be sure to buy some traditional Belgian chocolates and cheese for the train ride home!

• Go on a Belgian beer tasting tour at a local brewery and sample some of the best beers in the world (we’re completely serious!).
• Take a long walk by the river and cover every corner of the city centre on foot.
• Shop til’ you drop in small Belgian bakeries, chocolatiers, patisseries and gift shops.

Journey time from London: 3hr 25mins by Eurostar train

Browse London to Bruges trains on Eurostar.com

Europe day trips from London by plane

Taking the train for your Europe day trip from London is easy, however you’re limited with destinations. If you don’t mind travelling to the airport early and catching a short flight, the following destinations are all excellent for a day-trip. The flight time for each day-trip we’ve selected is around an hour, but you’ll also need to account for the journey to and from the airport and check-in time.

For an energetic European day trip from London that’s great for all interests, jet across the North Sea to Amsterdam. The flight takes only 45-minutes and you can catch an onward train straight from the airport to the city centre. For the more scenic route, jump on the Eurostar from Kings Cross and arrive into Amsterdam Central Station in 4 hour and 30 minutes. As you’re only visiting for the day, a flight is recommended, however check both options for the best times and prices.

Once you arrive in this lively and picturesque city, you’ll be greeted by endless rows of canals. Take a gondola around the labyrinth of waterways or tour the historic centre on foot. The tall buildings and colourful architecture of Amsterdam make it a unique place to visit and you’ll love simply walking around the streets. Other things to do include museums, parks and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.

• Rent a bike and tour the canals, parks and city streets. You’ll see a lot more of the Amsterdam than you would by foot and the whole city centre caters to cyclists.
• Go on a foodie tour of the cafes and street stalls to find the best waffles that Amsterdam has to offer.
• Visit a museum or gallery. The Anne Frank museum is a touching story of this iconic author, whilst the Rijksmuseum has world-famous artwork. Visit the Heineken Brewery for a more laid-back tour.

Journey time from London: 1hr 15mins by plane or 4hrs 30mins by Eurostar train

Browse London to Amsterdam flights on Skyscanner

Visit our Irish neighbours for a Europe city break from London and you won’t be disappointed. Your only regret will be not staying longer! Dublin is a global city that never fails to welcome its visitors. It’s a capital on a small scale where you can walk most of the top sights, attractions and pubs on foot and the Irish people always have great hospitality. With cheap flights available all-day-long from all London airports, it’s one of the easiest day trip ideas on our list.

On arrival in Dublin, head straight to the city centre and explore the area around Temple Bar and Grattan Bridge.

• Get a little tipsy and learn how to make whisky at the Jameson Distillery.
• Visit a museum. There are lots to choose from, however our personal favourite is the Kilmainham Gaol Museum, located inside an old prison.
• Tour the city centre and take in the jovial Irish atmosphere. Cobbled streets, cosy pubs with live music and unique architecture all set the scene for a great day out.

Journey time from London: 1hr 20mins by plane

Browse London to Dublin flights on Skyscanner

Why not visit one of the smallest countries in the world for your European day trip from London? The mountain-top setting of Luxembourg and Luxembourg city provides captivating scenery, fairytale castles and lush green valleys. Walk down the quaint streets or rent a car for a road trip through the forest and valleys, checking out cool castles and viewpoints along the way.

Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest countries per capita in the world and you’ll no doubt capture some luxury experiences too. Dine at world-class Michelin star restaurants or indulge in designer shopping and foodie treats. A trip to this glorious country has a natural beauty unlike any of the other suggestions on our list and you can tick off a whole new country in a single day.

• Take a walking tour through the historic area of Le Chemin de la Corniche. It has some of the best views in the country.
• Cycle across Pont Adolphe for more spectacular views of the valley below.
• Explore the street of Grund on foot, the top tourist attraction in Luxembourg. Quaint waterways, white-walled houses and village shops make up this cool quadrant of the city.

Journey time from London: 1hr 15mins by plane

Browse London to Luxembourg flights on Skyscanner

Just across the channel in the Brittany region of France, Nantes is a hidden gem of a European city. It’s French through and through and is alive with cool museums, picturesque river views and some cool attractions to check out. The flight from London takes only 45 minutes and you can often find budget flights from Luton and Gatwick. Start your day in Nantes with a walking tour of all of the main sights, including a grandeur shopping arcade called Passage Pommeraye.

Stop for lunch at an exquisite French brunch spot and then cross the river to the south, where the city’s most famous attraction of all lies, Machines of the Isle of Nantes. See giant mechanical animals, ride an enormous electronic elephant and generally be amazed at this unique animatronics museum. Just across from Machines of the Isle of Nantes you have the old naval ship, Maillé-Brézé, and some pretty views of the riverside. Nantes is way less touristic than other French cities and we’re a big fan!

• Check out the giant mechanical animals of Machines of the Isle of Nantes.
• Sample fine French wines, market stall food and the many surrounding cafes. Nantes does traditional French cuisine very well.
• See the top attractions on foot. A fairytale-style castle, amazing architecture and impressive monuments are all within walking distance of each other.

Journey time from London: 1hr 25mins by plane

Browse London to Nantes flights on Skyscanner

Our top tips for booking a Europe day trip from London

• Timing is critical for making your day trip to Europe from London feasible. Aim to depart early morning and arrive back in the evening.
• Compare all airport options around London, but keep in mind where you live and how long it takes to get to the airport. Choosing a nearby airport will save you valuable time.
• Leave enough time to check-in for your flights and trains, but time it right so you’re not wasting time that could have been spent exploring your destination.
• Compare lots of different dates for the best prices. For the Eurostar, it’s often cheaper to travel on a weekday.
• Plan your day in your destination carefully and write down the key things you want to see. Don’t pack too much into your itinerary, but try to see a few of your must-see attractions.
• Have a quick lunch-on-the-go and enjoy a breakfast in the airport or on the train to save time.
• Consider taking the train for one part of your journey and a plane for the other. Mixing transport methods can save you money and work better time-wise.

All of our above Europe day trips from London ideas are completely achievable in one day due to flight and train availability, but it’s super important to travel early morning and arrive back later in the evening. You want to spend as much time as possible in your destination after all! Browse train and flight options carefully to find low-cost options and times that are feasible for a day-trip. A day-trip to Europe from London is fun, exhilarating and your friends might think you’re mad! Nevertheless, it’s a travel story that you’ll remember…

If one-day is looking unachievable on your chosen dates, simply book an overnight stay and enjoy the city a little longer.

An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.

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6 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe

Traveling around Europe can be expensive. Airfare, high-speed and overnight trains, ferries — they all eat into your limited (and precious) travel budget.

Fortunately, there are alot of ways to get around Europe on a budget. The sharing economy , new bus options, discounted train passes , and lots of budget airlines all help you navigate Europe without breaking the bank.

I’ve been traveling Europe since 2006 and have seen so many things change over that time period. While COVID has impacted things, I can honestly say that it’s never been easier to get around Europe because there are so many new cheap ways to travel the continent.

Here are the best ways to travel around Europe on a budget:  

1. Travel by Bus

Flixbus is usually the cheapest bus option, with prices starting as low as 5 EUR. Their buses include Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, free baggage (one carry-on and one stored under the bus), and comfy seats. (Megabus still runs in the UK.)

FlixBus quickly became my favorite non-train way to get across Europe cheaply. It’s not fancy by any means but it’s the cheapest way to get around. They most of Europe. Here’s a map of their routes to help you plan your trip!

However, there are plenty of other regionally-specific bus companies that will get you elsewhere. For example, Alsa is the main provider in Spain and its neighboring countries.

You can use BusRadar or Get By Bus to find the cheapest and fastest option on your desired route.

2. Travel by Budget Airline

Just remember that budget airlines make most of their money through fees. They are very strict about baggage limits or and many will ding you if you forget to print your boarding pass. Don’t expect any complimentary drinks or meals either. But if you follow the rules and know what to expect you can save a ton of money!

For more information, here is a complete guide to finding cheap flights.  

3. Travel by Eurail Pass

If you’re going to travel by train, it’s hard to beat them on price and convenience for short city-to-city travel. For longer journeys (overnight journeys, between countries, or rides that require a high-speed line, like Paris to Bordeaux or Berlin to Munich ), trains can get very expensive.

If you plan to travel around Europe and don’t want to fly, getting a rail pass is your best money-saving travel option. Your cost per trip will be a lot lower than if you were to buy these tickets separately.

Not sure if the Eurail pass is for you? Here is a complete breakdown of Eurail passes and when they should be used to save money .  

4. Travel by BlaBlaCar

This is the BEST paid way to get around Europe because you get to meet a local, have a friendly conversation, save money, and get to where you’re going faster. It’s available in close to 20 countries in Europe.

While BlaBlaCar may not always be cheaper than the bus (FlixBus can be super cheap!) it’s usually way faster and way more interesting!  

5. Travel by Rental Car/Campervan

Campervans are particularly popular in countries like Iceland , Scotland , and Norway since those destinations offer a lot of hiking and camping opportunities. You can find campervans for as little as 60 EUR a day — super affordable when split with a travel partner and when considering that this also includes accommodation! Use the app “park4night” to find free (and cheap) overnight parking all around Europe.   Note : Many countries in Europe require foreign drivers to have an International Driving Permit. You can get one in your home country before you arrive for around 20 EUR. (It’s essentially just a copy of your license in other languages). Also keep in mind that renting an automatic vs standard transmission will usually cost around twice as much.  

6. Travel by Hitchhiking

Just keep in mind that it’s important to use your head when hitchhiking. Always trust your instinct and use common sense. Keep your valuables on you in case you forget your bag in the car and never hesitate to text a friend or family member with the license plate before you get in. Write your destination on a sign and look presentable. That will help you find a ride faster.

Use the website Hitchwiki for tips to help ensure you have a fun and safe experience.  

The BEST and CHEAPEST Way to Travel Europe? Mix and Match Your Transportation

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to get around Europe on a budget. But the best way is to mix and match your transportation depending on where you are going and for how long. For short trips, I like trains and BlaBlaCar. For medium-length trips (i.e. half a day), I’ll take a bus, BlaBlaBla car, or train. For long distances, I fly or take a high-speed train or an overnight bus.

Too many travelers think it’s an all-or-nothing thing. Like one way is always better than the other. That’s not true. There’s no one way to travel around Europe. There are a ton — and you need to know when to use which method.

If you have more time, take the slower, cheaper routes.

If you have more money and a shorter trip, fly and take the train.

If you have no preference on how you travel — and you just want the cheapest option (which is usually what I do) — use a website like Rome2Rio or Omio . All you have to do is enter where you are going and these sites will mix and match the various ways to get around the continent for the least amount of money. They will string together buses and trains and planes to construct the quickest trip for the least amount of money.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggestions on where to stay during your trip, here are my favorite hostels in Europe !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Surprisingly cheap package holidays destinations for this summer - see full list

The best-value destination for package summer holidays has been unveiled as a Greek island, while Spain, Turkey and Itlay all make up the list of credit card-friendly getaways

• 00:01, 18 Apr 2024 Updated 11:26, 18 Apr 2024

Greece is the word when it comes to bagging a cheap package holiday this summer.

Consumer group Which? analysed more than 4,500 package holidays still available to book in the first week of August in 70 regions of 15 European countries in order to find the cheapest destinations for a getaway . And the Southern European country, known for its ancient history, stunning beaches and delicious food including kebabs and feta cheese made up the top three.

Taking first place was the picturesque Greek island of Kalymnos, with a week’s stay costing £847 per person on average. Travellers fly into the island’s busier neighbour Kos, before departing for Kalymnos by boat - a journey that takes just 40 minutes, and is included in the price of the package.

In second place was Thassos, at £862, followed by Lefkada where a week's package break would set British tourists back an average of £935 per person. Coming fourth was Spain's Costa Brava, the stretch of coast north of Barcelona that includes resorts such as Girona and Tossa de Mar.

In the region a week's break would set holidaymakers back £952 on average. Rounding off the top five was the Venetian Riviera, at £965 per person.

Top 10 Cheapest Package Holiday Destinations this summer (for a week's stay per person)

• Kalymnos, Greece £847
• Thassos, Greece, £862
• Lefkada, Greece, £935
• Costa Brava, Spain, £952.
• The Venetian Riviera, Italy, at £965
• Amalfi Coast, Italy, £977.
• Skopelos, Greece, £985
• Costa de Luz, Spain, £994
• Campania, Italy, £998
• Malta, £1,006

Surprise locations that made the top 10 included Italy's upmarket Amalfi Coast and Malta. Meanwhile historically cheaper destinations such as the Canary Islands, Turkey , which includes the resort of Antalya which recently took over from Tenerife as Britons' new favourite holiday location, and Bulgaria did not make the top 10.

Which? put this down to the fact that the top 10 destinations had a wider range of packages currently available as well as a lot of budget flights to the region. However it did caution that British travellers should still consider the cost of eating out and activities when choosing their next holiday.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “Travelling in the summer holidays is notoriously expensive, and demand is again high this year - but our latest price analysis shows that by being flexible on your destination, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds.

“Many of the locations we found aren’t those you’d necessarily assume would be the cheapest - but from tiny, traditional Greek islands to the glitzy Amalfi coast, there are bargains to be found this summer." Meanwhile, separate research by holiday firm On The Beach has revealed that the recent spate of bad weather in the UK has encouraged Britons to book trips to sunnier climes.

It said on Monday it saw a 10% increase in travel bookings compared to the same time the previous week.

Fancy an escape? Sign up to the Chill newsletter for weekly inspiration and advice on UK holidays