Cheap Countries to Visit in Europe: Top Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2025

Europe is often seen as expensive, but savvy travellers know that some of the continent’s best destinations come with surprisingly low price tags. From ancient cities to sun-soaked coastlines, you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience rich culture, incredible food, and stunning landscapes. In this guide, we highlight the best cheap countries to visit in Europe, perfect for budget travellers, students, and backpackers looking to make the most of their adventure without breaking the bank.

Bulgaria – The Hidden Gem of the Balkans

Why It’s Cheap:

Affordable hotels and guesthouses
Inexpensive public transport and taxis
Low-cost traditional food and beer

Highlights:

Sofia – Budget-friendly capital with Roman ruins
Bansko – Europe’s most affordable ski resort
Plovdiv – Europe’s oldest city with vibrant art and food scene
Sunny Beach – Party destination with cheap resorts

Average daily budget: £25–£40

Romania – Castles, Mountains & Budget Adventures

Why It’s Cheap:

Excellent exchange rate for UK travellers
Low-cost trains and buses across the country
Cheap local food and drinks

Highlights:

Transylvania – Explore Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle)
Bucharest – Lively nightlife and communist-era landmarks
Carpathian Mountains – Scenic hikes and wildlife
Sibiu & Brasov – Fairy-tale towns with Gothic architecture

Romania offers high value for a low cost.

Poland – Rich History, Low Prices

Why It’s Cheap:

Budget accommodation in all major cities
Cheap eats (pierogi, zapiekanka) and drinks
Free walking tours and low museum entry fees

Highlights:

Kraków – Historic centre, Jewish quarter, and cheap pubs
Warsaw – Modern capital with a resilient spirit
Zakopane – Winter sports and mountain escapes
Wrocław – Colourful town squares and quirky gnomes

A pint of beer? Around £1.50 in most cities!

Albania – The Undiscovered Adriatic Coast

Why It’s Cheap:

Beaches similar to Greece but at half the price
Budget-friendly hostels and coastal apartments
Fresh seafood for under £10 per meal

Highlights:

Sarandë – Riviera views and turquoise waters
Berat & Gjirokastër – Ottoman-era hill towns
Tirana – Colourful capital with coffee culture
Albanian Alps – Great for hikers and explorers

Albania is a paradise for beach lovers on a budget.

Montenegro – Small, Scenic & Affordable

Why It’s Cheap:

Cheaper than neighbouring Croatia
Budget-friendly activities like kayaking and hiking
Low-priced meals and transport options

Highlights:

Kotor Bay – UNESCO-listed old town and dramatic fjords
Budva – Nightlife and sandy beaches
Durmitor National Park – Mountain adventures for cheap
Herceg Novi – Relaxed coastal charm

Ideal for nature lovers and couples seeking value.

Hungary – Spa Breaks & Riverfront Charm

Why It’s Cheap:

Cheap public transit and walking-friendly cities
Inexpensive street food and thermal baths
Affordable beer, wine, and hostel options

Highlights:

Budapest – Thermal baths, ruin pubs, and Danube views
Lake Balaton – “The Hungarian Sea” for budget beach breaks
Eger – Famous for red wine and baroque buildings
Pécs – Cultural hub with Roman ruins

Soak in a thermal spa for less than £10.

Serbia – Europe’s Most Overlooked Budget Destination

Why It’s Cheap:

Very affordable accommodation and meals
Cheap nightlife and public transport
Less touristy, meaning better value for your money

Highlights:

Belgrade – Party capital of Eastern Europe
Novi Sad – Music festivals and river beaches
Tara National Park – Hiking, rafting, and wildlife
Niš – Historic Roman city with strong local culture

Serbia is a top pick for music festivals on a budget.

North Macedonia – Mountains, Lakes & Low Prices

Why It’s Cheap:

Extremely affordable food and lodging
Local buses and taxis cost very little
Historic sites with minimal entry fees

Highlights:

Ohrid – UNESCO-listed lake town with stunning views
Skopje – Unique architecture and budget stays
Matka Canyon – Outdoor adventures for cheap
Bitola – Roman ruins and Balkan charm

Take a boat on Lake Ohrid for under £5.

Turkey (European Side) – Culture Meets Affordability

Why It’s Cheap:

Favourable currency exchange
Street food and markets offer great deals
Accommodation is affordable even in Istanbul

Highlights:

Istanbul – East-meets-West with ancient landmarks
Edirne – Ottoman architecture near the Greek border
Gallipoli & Troy – History buffs on a budget
Thrace region – Underrated, scenic wine country

Enjoy a full Turkish meal for £5 or less.

Map of Cheap European Countries to Visit

(Optional visual addition: Embed or attach a map with these countries highlighted)

Best Time to Visit Cheap European Destinations

Season	Pros	Budget Tip
Spring	Fewer crowds, great weather	Cheaper flights + flowers in bloom
Summer	Peak season, but still affordable in East	Book hostels early
Autumn	Warm weather in the south, fewer tourists	Great for wine harvest season
Winter	Christmas markets and skiing on a budget	Albania, Bulgaria = cheap skiing

Travel Tips for Budget Travel in Europe

Use budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet
Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb
Travel by bus or regional trains for lower fares
Eat like a local – visit street food markets or bakeries
Use city passes or free walking tours

Budget doesn’t mean basic — it’s about spending smart and experiencing more.

Conclusion

Dreaming of Europe but worried about your wallet? From the mountains of Romania to the beaches of Albania and the cities of Poland, there are dozens of cheap countries to visit in Europe that offer culture, food, and adventure for a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.

Pack your bags, stretch your budget, and start planning your affordable European escape today.

FAQs

1. What is the cheapest country to visit in Europe?

Bulgaria and Albania consistently rank as the cheapest European countries for accommodation, food, and transport.

2. Is Eastern Europe cheaper than Western Europe?

Yes. Eastern European countries like Romania, Serbia, and Poland are generally much more affordable than the UK, France, or Germany.

3. Can I travel Europe on £30 per day?

Yes! In many of the countries listed here, especially North Macedonia, Albania, and Bulgaria, £30 a day is enough for food, transport, and accommodation.