Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe

This morning, in the comfort of my home in a big city, I sat with my legs crossed, eyes full of fantasies of Europe but my pocket empty, as if it was holding back my dreams. When I flipped through travel magazines and clicked through online forums, a wonderful topic came to my eyes: the cheapest places to travel in Europe. 

It brought joy to my eyes to think about how I could walk around splendid cities or even beautiful towns without digging into my pocket. If you are a frequent flyer like me and want to know about such inexpensive destinations, keep reading!

Before discussing these places, we will first highlight some other points.

Which European city is the cheapest in 2024?

In 2024, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, got the title of the cheapest place in Europe due to its low-cost food, inexpensive transportation, and affordable flights.

Fact: Amsterdam won the most expensive European city title in 2024.

Now, I will share all the main things I searched about the 10 cheapest places to travel in Europe in 2024.

Budapest, Hungary

Currently, Budapest is considered to be one of the most affordable European cities. This large city is home to the Hungarian parliament, unique and modern buildings, many theatres and museums, and an undoubtedly expensive nightlife. 

There is so much to see in Budapest for much less than in the rest of Europe, such as the Buda Castle, thermal baths, and even a cruise on the Danube. 

The prices of food and beverages are also quite reasonable. You can have a tasty goulash or a fine pastry for minimal cost. To get an idea of the lifestyle of the locals, you should check out a ruined bar where bars are opened in old, run-down buildings, the drinks are cheap, and the atmosphere is very informal.

Krakow, Poland

With its impressive and historical feel, Krakow is another good place for budget traveling. This city’s old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has wonderful buildings and historical attractions such as Wawel Castle and Rynek Glowny. 

Food and drinks are also inexpensive, so you can enjoy authentic British food, such as roast beef or fish and chips, without necessarily breaking the bank. Czestochowa, an hour away by train, is the deeply moving Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which is affordable for a day trip.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Regarding travel destinations, Sofia may not be the first choice most people would consider, but it should be. A combination of the old and the new worlds, Sofia is ideal for exploration, particularly for those with less money. There are many sights to visit in the city, most of which either do not cost a dime or cost very little.

There is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the remnants of the Roman city of Serdica. Eating out is comparatively cheap, and you can get a meal at a restaurant in the town at a price far less than even in Western Europe. So, it is an ideal place for cheap international vacations. Remember to visit Vitosha Mountain, just a few kilometers from the city center. You can trek and enjoy the scenic views, all for free.

Fact: To understand the cost of living here, a beer in Sofia typically costs around 2 euros on average.

Lisbon, Portugal

Do you want to travel on a low budget? Well, Lisbon is just the right city for you! The capital city of Portugal is famous for its attractive districts, old-fashioned streetcars and comparatively low prices. You can walk along the narrow streets of Alfama, tour the Belem Tower, or enjoy a cup of tasty custard tart while sitting in the sun. 

Lisbon’s public transport is well-developed, and traveling around the city costs little. The local markets offer fresh and reasonable food options.

Bucharest, Romania

Although Bucharest is not as famous as other European capitals, it is truly a great destination offering great value for money. It combines European-style architecture and contemporary designs, including the Palace of the Parliament and the beautifully lit Old Town. 

Goods and services such as accommodation, food, and various activities within Bucharest are affordable, making the city an excellent place to have an inexpensive European vacation. You can also visit many parks and gardens in the city, such as Herastrau Park, which is mostly free and offers a wonderful relaxing chance.

Vilnius, Lithuania

As discussed above, Vilnius is the cheapest place in Europe. However, it is worth noting that it is not among the Baltic states’ most popular and widely recognized cities. Despite combining history and culture, it is also the most beautiful and cheap city you must visit. 

In addition to this, Vilnius has plenty of cheap restaurants, especially Lithuanian and other European restaurants. You can also explore Uzupis, a colorful district in Vilnius where people decided to create their own state. This place is perfect for walking, and this area has many interesting art and cultural locations.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, is also one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe. It is incredibly historic and diverse. Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, provides visitors with an amazing experience of the mix of Eastern and Western cultures and traditions. 

Here, you can walk through the traditional Dalamarket area of Basca Liquid, see the Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque, or take a free or dirt-cheap tour of the Sarajevo tunnel. The prices of everything are quite cheap.

Note: Street-food snacks such as cevapi, a dish of grilled minced meat or sarma, and boiled, pickled beef wrapped in cabbage are famous and cheap dishes here, so you must try them.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and is famous for its beautiful location and cheap prices. It is worth a visit due to its amazing architecture, friendly walking, cafe culture, and affordable tourist prices. 

There are many free activities here, such as walking along the Ljubljanica River, visiting Ljubljana Castle, or taking a walk in Tivoli Park. You should also look for free walking tours of Ljubljana. Moving around from site to site with a local guide is a great, cheap way to learn about the town.

Porto, Portugal

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, maybe a more economical choice than Lisbon, but it has cultural attractions. Featuring the famous Ribeira district and delicious port wine, Porto is listed among the cheapest places in Europe to travel. 

Accommodation, meals, and tourist activities are moderately priced, which can improve your experience of the place without the tension of spending more money.

Note: If you love books and architecture, visit the Livraria Lello. It is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and its entry fee is a few euros.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia is among the cheapest European countries to visit, and many travelers may have just discovered this. Still, Tbilisi, the country’s capital, is a friendly and fun destination for travelers with tight budgets. 

It remains one of the most diverse places, combining ancient and modern, affordable cuisine, and cheap or free attractions and services. 

Attractions include taking a tour around the ancient city of Old Town, visiting the sulfur baths, or getting a bird’ s-eye view of the city by riding the cable car to Narikala Fortress. Never forget to try khinkali and khachapuri, which are traditional Georgian meals that are delicious and cheap.

Final Thoughts

If you are unwilling to follow the usual tried-and-tested formula, I solved your problem by listing some of the cheapest places to travel in Europe on the same page. After reading this blog post, you will know that traveling in Europe does not necessarily have to be an expensive affair. 

Remember, we have not listed some affordable places under Ukraine’s attack. So, the attractions mentioned above are waiting anxiously for you. So bring your luggage, wear your traveler’s hat, and start discovering some of these undiscovered treasures for under a dollar!