21-05-202410 Best Cheap Countries to Visit in Europe: Budget Friendly
Traveling to Europe can be a dream come true, but it doesn’t have to break the bank! There are many amazing cheap countries to visit in Europe that are surprisingly affordable. Eastern Europe, for example, is full of rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food, all at a fraction of the price of Western Europe. Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic are all great options for budget-minded cheapest places in Europe to travel to. So ditch the stereotype and start planning your affordable trip to Europe today!
10 Cheap countries to visit in Europe
Czech Republic: A Fairytale Escape on a Budget
The Czech Republic trip is a dream destination for budget travelers looking for cheap countries to visit in Europe! Prague, the capital city, boasts stunning architecture, a charming castle, and a lively atmosphere. Explore medieval towns, indulge in delicious food like hearty goulash and fluffy dumplings, and wander through historic squares. All at a price that won’t break the bank!
- Things to Do: Explore Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Kutná Hora (Bone Church)
- Places to Visit: Prague, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary
Greece: Sun-Kissed Islands & Ancient Wonders
Greece might not be the first country that comes to mind for budget travel, but there are ways to experience its magic for less, among the cheap countries to visit in Europe! Explore the Greek islands on ferries, stay in budget-friendly hostels, and pack picnics for the beach. Witness ancient wonders like the Acropolis in Athens, and soak up the sun on beautiful beaches. With a little planning, Greece can be surprisingly affordable.
- Things to Do: Explore Acropolis, relax on Santorini beaches, hike Samaria Gorge
- Places to Visit: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete
Hungary: Thermal Baths & Budapest Beauty
Hungary is another fantastic choice for budget travelers in Europe. Budapest, the “Paris of the East,” offers stunning architecture, thermal baths perfect for relaxation, and delicious Hungarian goulash. Explore charming towns along the Danube River, and experience the warm hospitality of the Hungarian people. With its affordability and rich culture, Hungary is a gem waiting to be discovered with the least expensive places to visit in Europe.
- Things to Do: Relax in thermal baths, explore Buda Castle, Danube River cruise
- Places to Visit: Budapest, Lake Balaton, Eger, Szentendre
Suggested Read: 20 Happiest countries in the world
Bulgaria: Black Sea Beaches & Balkan Charm
Bulgaria is a champion when it comes to the cheap countries to visit in Europe! Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Black Sea coast, with golden sands and turquoise waters. Explore charming towns like Sofia, the capital, filled with ancient churches and vibrant markets. Hike in the stunning mountains, and indulge in delicious Bulgarian cuisine like hearty stews and fresh yogurt. Bulgaria offers incredible value for money, making it a perfect budget-friendly European escape!
- Things to Do: Relax on Black Sea beaches, explore Sofia, hike Rila Mountains
- Places to Visit: Sofia, Nessebar, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv
Romania: Dracula’s Castles & Medieval Magic
Romania, another top contender for cheap countries to visit in Europe, is a land of mystery and history. Explore the legendary Bran Castle, associated with Dracula, and wander through other impressive medieval castles scattered across the country. Hike in the majestic Carpathian Mountains, and discover charming towns like Brasov with its colorful houses and cobbled streets. Romania offers a unique blend of affordability and captivating experiences.
- Things to Do: Explore Bran Castle (Dracula), hike Carpathians, Brasov town
- Places to Visit: Bucharest, Transylvania, Brasov, Danube Delta
Slovakia: Hidden Gem with Budget-Friendly Charm
Slovakia might not be the first on your European travel list, but it should be for budget travelers! This hidden gem boasts stunning scenery with dramatic mountains and charming towns. Explore Bratislava, the capital, with its impressive castle and lively squares. Hike in the breathtaking Tatra National Park, and experience delicious Slovakian cuisine like hearty potato dumplings and creamy sheep cheese. With its affordability and off-the-beaten-path appeal, Slovakia offers an unforgettable European adventure.
- Things to Do: Hike Tatra National Park, explore Bratislava Old Town, Bojnice Castle
- Places to Visit: Bratislava, High Tatras, Bojnice Castle, Košice, Slovak Paradise National Park
Sweden (While Beautiful, Not Least Expensive)
Sweden, known for its stunning archipelagos and Viking history, can be a bit pricier than some other cheap countries to visit in Europe. However, with careful planning, you can still experience its beauty on a budget. Explore hostels or Airbnbs for accommodation, pack picnics for exploring, and take advantage of free activities like visiting charming towns and hiking in scenic areas. While not the absolute least expensive, Sweden’s beauty and cultural richness can be worth the extra planning for budget-conscious travelers.
- Things to Do: Explore Gamla Stan (Stockholm), Vasa Museum, kayak in archipelago
- Places to Visit: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Abisko National Park, Royal Palace
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Europe in November
Albania: Adriatic Escape on a Budget
Albania offers stunning beaches along the Adriatic coast at a fraction of the price of other Mediterranean hotspots. Hike dramatic mountains, explore charming towns steeped in history, and savor delicious Albanian cuisine. Albania is an off-the-beaten-path adventure for budget-minded travelers and travellers looking for cheap countries to visit in Europe.
- Things to Do: Relax on Albanian Riviera beaches, explore Berat (City of Windows), hike Albanian Alps
- Places to Visit: Tirana, Albanian Riviera, Berat, Theth National Park, Gjirokaster
Croatia: Budget-Friendly Beaches & History
While Croatia has become more popular, it can still be a good value in Europe. Relax on beautiful beaches, explore charming coastal towns like Dubrovnik, and wander through historic cities like Split. With some planning, you can find affordable accommodation and delicious local eats, making Croatia a charming and affordable European escape.
- Things to Do: Island hopping (Hvar, Brač), explore Dubrovnik (Game of Thrones), Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Places to Visit: Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar Island, Brač Island, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Austria: Beauty with a Budget
Austria is known for its stunning scenery, charming villages, and rich history. While it can be more expensive than some Eastern European countries, there are ways to make it work and travel to cheap countries to visit in Europe. Explore Vienna’s magnificent architecture on foot, stay in hostels or Airbnbs, and pack picnics for exploring. With careful planning, you can experience the beauty of Austria on a budget.
- Things to Do: Explore palaces (Schönbrunn, Hofburg), attend concerts (Opera, Musikverein), hike/bike Vienna Woods
- Places to Visit: Vienna (capital city), Salzburg (Mozart birthplace), Hallstatt (lakefront village)
Europe’s allure of ancient cities and vibrant cultures is undeniable, but an unforgettable European trip doesn’t require a hefty budget. Eastern Europe shines for budget travelers, offering stunning architecture, delicious food, and rich history at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe. Explore the charming towns of the Czech Republic, delve into Romania’s dramatic castles, or soak up the sunshine on Bulgaria’s Black Sea beaches – all without breaking the bank. So ditch the idea of Europe as an expensive destination and start planning to visit cheap countries to visit in Europe! Consider a budget-friendly Europe tour package from TripzyGo and turn your European dream into a reality.