8 Of The Cheapest Cities You Must Visit In Europe
We all love to travel but not everyone can afford a glamorous trip. So we’ve compiled this list of 8 Of The Cheapest Cities You Must Visit In Europe to help you explore the continent on a budget.
Slovakia’s capital embodies Old World charm with a quaint town square and alfresco restaurants. Its medieval castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town make it an affordable destination for culture seekers.
1. Athens
Athens is a city of unrivalled history and unparalleled sights, but it’s also one of Europe’s most affordable big hitters. Despite the hefty entrance fees for the Parthenon and Acropolis, there are many free things to do in this ancient city and affordable food options too.
The city centre’s Plaka and Syntagma neighbourhoods are an ideal base for exploring with charming, tucked away streets to explore and plenty of cheap restaurants. Alternatively, a metro ride will take you to the heart of the action at Omonia station.
The Italian city of Naples might not be a first choice for budget breaks but there is plenty to see and do on the cheap. From 18th-century palazzi to sprawling flea markets, there are bargains to be had.
2. Berlin
Did you know that Berlin has between 960 and 2,100 bridges? Or that the historic Brandenburg Gate straddles both East and West Berlin? And that 7.5 million people visited its museums in 2022?
It’s also a great value city for accommodation, with hostel rooms costing around EUR70-EUR85 a night. And even if you splurge on a central hotel, the average daily costs can be kept low with affordable food, drinks and transport. That leaves plenty of money for an epic tour of the city’s spectacular architecture and stellar street art scene. Or perhaps a trip to its world-renowned galleries? Its memorials? And of course, its pulsing nightlife. Including DJs and dancers.
3. Zagreb
Zagreb is an excellent bargain for travellers thanks to its beautiful old town and gorgeous natural scenery. This is one of the most underrated cities in Europe that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The city centre’s main square is a typical European scene of cafes and restaurants benefiting from live music. The food is not cheap but it is cheaper than Croatia’s coastal locations.
In the north of the city is the awe-inspiring Brutalist architecture clustered around Novi Zagreb. Designed to withstand earthquakes these concrete ‘rakete’ structures are functional, proletarian and aesthetically admirable.
4. Ljubljana
It may not be a big-name destination, but Ljubljana offers all the charms of Europe’s bigger capitals at a fraction of their prices. Spring and autumn are the cheapest times to visit, when hotel rates drop. Visitors can also economise with a pass that includes free entrance to top attractions such as the Dragon Bridge and Preseren Square, plus city bus rides, a four-hour bike rental and a guided walking tour.
Other budget-friendly destinations include up-and-coming Tirana, where functional, sombre Soviet blocks overhang gilded churches, and seductive Seville, where the juiciest oranges come from its lush countryside and accommodation is affordable. Intriguing places like North Macedonia’s Skopje and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Sarajevo, where Ottoman mosques rub shoulders with Austro-Hungarian architecture, rank high too.
5. Warsaw
Poland’s capital has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking to explore the historic architecture of the Royal Castle, or listen to a live Chopin concert, this city has something for everyone.
One of the most popular places in Warsaw is Hala Koszyki, which has gained a cult following for their affordable vegan cuisine. Their menu features a mix of different cultures like Arabic and Israeli influences along with some more common offerings such as burgers and smoothies.
Another highlight is the Museum of the Occupied Territories, which uses multimedia displays and personal testimonies to tell the story of Polish resistance during World War II. You can also visit the famous Wilanow Palace, which served as a royal residence for centuries.
6. Tallinn
The undisputed hub of Tallinn Old Town is the mighty Town Hall Square. Lined with fantastic medieval buildings it’s a mesmerizing place to wander and is home to plenty of great restaurants, cafes and bars too.
It’s also a good spot to stop for some of the best chocolate in Estonia, which is served up at Kalev chocolate shop. The chocolate here is a popular delicacy and visitors can take classes on how to make it themselves for a reasonable price too.
This pint-sized capital may not be as well known as some of its more fashionable rivals but it offers a gorgeous historic old town and stunning countryside. A two-day break here will set you back around PS222 on average.
7. Valletta
The compact Maltese capital reflects its 16th-century origins, when Grand Master La Vallette’s dream of a city for gentlemen was brought to life in architecture, art, grand old palaces and impressive fortifications. At St John’s Co-Cathedral, opulent art displays include marble tombs and gilded walls and ceilings.
The streets are a delight to explore, with many small cafes and churches nestled in medieval buildings. You can easily get around Valletta on foot and spend just a few Euros to check out top attractions like the opulent Royal Palace, the Museum of Broken Relationships and Naschmarkt. There are also plenty of free activities to enjoy. And accommodation is a fraction of the cost of other big-hitters.
8. Budapest
Budapest’s a slam dunk for bargain travelers, thanks to a wide range of attractions and affordable lodging. Soak in hundred-degree thermal pools surrounded by opulent Baroque domes, or marvel at a unique church that’s built inside a cave.
The city offers marvelous vistas as well. Ride the cute Buda funicular up to Castle Hill for views of mighty bridges and a stubborn citadel, or cap a day of sightseeing with a river cruise at sunset.
Check out one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars, like the impossibly hip Szimpla Kert. These shabby-chic drinking spots sprouted from abandoned buildings in the Jewish Quarter and are now super-cool hangouts. Then, explore the nearby fairytale-like Vajdahunyad Castle.