Top 15 Cheapest Places To Travel in Europe

Are you planning your European trip and you are wondering what the cheapest places to travel in Europe are? In this article, I will share with you my favourite cheapest places to travel in Europe and the cheapest places to stay in Europe while you are on your trip. 

This list should serve as a start to your research about the cheapest places in Europe, and I hope to add more places over time.

But keep in mind that Europe can be an affordable destination if you stay away from the major touristic landmarks. Don’t worry, we have other places just as old and cool, just that not a lot of people know about them.

If you’re planning your first trip to Europe, check out the ultimate 3-week Europe itinerary that includes all the must-see cities and then some more recommendations from someone who has been to all of those places. Enjoy!

What are the cheapest places to travel in Europe?

Galway, Ireland

Galway is often referred to as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland” as it is the city that is associated with the Irish language, music, song and dance traditions. Galway is the cheapest place to visit in Europe since most of the places for you to see in this city are free.

What to see: 

• Eyre Square

This is not just your ordinary square, it’s a historical gathering place ever since medieval times and it has a lot of history to it. This is the best place for history lovers to visit.

• Galway City Museum

In this museum, there are small displays of documents, photographs, memorabilia and medieval artefacts chronicling urban life. It is totally free to visit this museum.

• Galway Cathedral

This is a modern and airy, green-domed, renaissance-style Catholic cathedral with a mosaic of JF Kennedy. It is also free to visit.

Best area to stay in Galway: 

In Galway, you can stay at the Woodquay hostel.

Kotor, Montenegro

The medieval old town of Kotor on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, is a very beautiful place if you love less populated places that have history and beautiful scenery. Kotor is among the top cheapest cities to travel to in Europe.

What to see:

• Kotor Old City

You can do a tour of Kotor’s Old city and get to climb the mountains to get a better view of the rooftops and bay, to climb you have to pay 8 euro. Kotor’s old city is the most famous part of Kotor, where the Kotor’s history, culture, and tradition are being preserved.

• Cats Museum

This is a museum located in the old town, and in this, you will see a collection of cat-related memorabilia, ephemera & vintage artwork. This is a fabulous trip for a cat person, and for just 1 euro you get to enjoy the museum.

• Kotor Cathedral

This Catholic cathedral was consecrated in 1166 but reconstructed after several earthquakes, and for only a few euros you will experience this cathedral that has been the special occasion gathering square for people in Kotor for many centuries.

Best place to stay in:

Stay at Montenegro Hostel B&B Kotor or the Old Town Youth Hostel. 

Krakow and Warsaw, Poland 

Many attractions are free or cheapest places to visit in these two places. Here you can visit the Royal Castle of Warsaw which is free on Wednesday, the Chopin Museum which is free on Sunday and also you can climb the Old Town Hall tower for a great view of Krakow, this is a 13th-century Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork.

Where to stay: 

When I tell you that Poland is the cheapest country to visit in Europe I mean it, there are hotels that are so cheap like Start Hotel Aramis, Wilanowska Hostel and Hostel Helvetia Warszawa.

Zagreb, Croatia

This city which is the capital of Croatia, is an easily accessible one and it is highly distinguished by its 18th-19th architecture.

When in Zagreb, make sure you visit the following:

• Museum of broken relationships

Visit this museum which pays tribute to and catalogues breakups from around the world. This museum displays personal objects from former lovers along with brief synopses.

• Zagreb City Museum

Learn about the cultural, artistic, economic and political history of Zagreb. This museum gives you Zagreb’s 900 years of history, and you also get to see 75000 prehistoric pieces.

• Stone Gate

It’s a medieval stone gate into town with a Virgin Mary shrine popular for prayer & candle lighting.

Best place to stay in:

Stay at Hostel Kings n’ Queens or at the Palmers lodge hotel

Bucharest, Romania

Romania is among the cheapest countries to travel in Europe.

Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, is rich in history, culture and art, and is also among the top cheap places to travel in Europe. Check out my personal list of things to do in Bucharest, which includes the lovely old town, full of lively restaurants and bars. My hometown also has a lot of history to uncover and many museums and events that will enchant you. If time allows it, I recommend spending a few days near Bucegi mountains, around Predeal or Sinaia. And why not spend a day in Brasov, which is only three hours away by train from Bucharest?

What to see: 

● Tour of the Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament is located atop Dealul Spirii in Bucharest. The Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building in the world, and it is the world’s second-largest administrative building after Pentagon. Get a tour of the parliament to learn more about its history. All tours are guided. That’s why I recommend checking the schedule before getting there, to make sure there’s an English tour available for when you want to visit.

• Bucharest Botanical Garden

This garden is home to 10,000 plant species and is now named after its founder, Dimitrie Brândză. This garden is located in the Cotroceni neighbourhood of Bucharest, Romania. If you are a nature lover, this place is the best for you to set your eyes in. If the greenhouses are open, make sure to visit them.

● Arcul de Triumf 

Located in the northern part of Bucharest, Arcul de Triumf is a triumphal arch located on the Kiseleff Road. It has a historical meaning to Romania as it was built after Romania gained its independence so that the troops could march under it. If you love to experience a little bit of history in your tours then Arcul de Triumf is the cheapest place to visit in Europe.

Where to stay:

One of the cheapest places to stay in when you are in Bucharest is Piata Uniri Cozy Inn. Piata Unirii is located in the city centre.

Puglia, Italy

Puglia which is in the southern part of Italy has beautiful hill towns, centuries-old farmland and a Mediterranean coastline. Its capital, Bari, towns like Leece, Alberobello and Itria Valley are among the cheapest places to travel in Europe.

What to visit:

• Itria valley

This valley is definitely the best place to visit when in Europe, it has charming villages, historic town, vineyards and the intriguing ‘trulli’ (whitewashed, cone-roofed houses) that will blow your mind away. While here don’t forget to see Alberobello which is famous for its trulli houses, this old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

• Ostuni

Also known as the white city, this is a beautiful city on a hilltop that you can spend your day walking in a getting lost in its narrow streets and alleys.

• Brindisi

This well-connected port town holds so much historical value as it was an ancient crossroads of people and cultures. Brindisi with its Roman ruins, fortresses, and old churches, is an ancient town that’s well worth visiting.

Where to stay: 

I would recommend renting an Airbnb for this trip as most hotels are around 52.75 euro a night, but some apartments and houses could be rented for less than 35.17 euro a night.

Sofia, Bulgaria 

Bulgaria has been on the list of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe for some time now, and rightfully so. While not many think about Sofia as a tourist destination, the Bulgarian capital has a lot to offer, and it’s one of the most affordable city breaks in Europe. Sofia it’s also the perfect start for a Bulgarian road trip. Trust me, I’ve been to Bulgaria many times, and I won’t mind visiting it again.

What to visit: 

National Museum of Military History

With just 8.49 euro ticket price admission, this museum is the cheapest place to go to in your European trip. Get to learn the military history in Sofia, Bulgaria by visiting this museum. 

Boyana Church Museum

Get to visit this 1979 UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Sofia. This is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia, the medieval paintings inside the church are what makes it outstanding, and at just 5.13 euros, you too can experience this perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.

Vitosha Mountain

Fun fact Boyana Church Museum is located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, so you get to hit two birds with one stone when you visit these places. A guided tour to Vitosha Mountain starts from 11.26 euro per person.

Where to stay:

Hostel Mostel located at Makedonia” 2, 1606 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria is a cheap place to stay while in Bulgaria at just 13.88 euros, or you can also stay at Hostel 123 which is priced at 14.37 euros. During my last trip in Bulgaria, I stayed at Hyatt Regency Sofia. I know, it’s not the cheapest hotel, but if you afford to splurge for a night, this is truly one of the best hotels in the city. The location is perfect, the service is exceptional, and the rooms are extremely comfortable.

Prague, Czech Republic

Also nicknamed the City of a Hundred Spires, Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. Prague is known for its centuries of history and cultural heritage, where the medieval heart of Europe can be felt in its cobblestone streets.

Where to visit:

Prague Zoo

For just 9.92 euro you can visit this supposedly best zoo in the world, which is a perfect habitat for various species and accommodates a lot of animals and birds, there are more than 5000 animals. For that price, this is the cheapest place to visit in Europe.

KGB Museum

If you are a spy fan, then the KGB museum is for you, for just 10.55 euro get to see photos and memorabilia in this KGB archive.

Astronomical Clock

For 10.27 euro you can get to visit the Old Town Hall to experience the inner workings of this clock. And also you can climb on top to see the beautiful view of the city. When you get up, take a look down, at the people in front of the clock. That’s one of the first things I did when I went to Prague for the first time. I adore that view.

Where to stay:

At just 15.82 euro you can stay at a&o Prague Rhea, which is located at V Uzlabine 3068/19. During my last visit, I stayed at Adeba Hotel, which is only 20 minutes away from the centre.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and it is bisected by the river Danube. There are a lot of things to do in Budapest. Taking a boat tour on the river Danube is an amazing way to see the city.

Where to visit:

Hungarian Parliament Building

For just 9.56 euro you will get a tour of this popular tourist destination in Hungary. This parliament is among the cheapest places to visit even though it is the third-largest Parliament building in the world. With this tour, you marvel at the great vaulted hall, the richly decorated central staircase, the Hungarian Crown Jewels, and the Hungarian Holy Crown.

Shoes on the Danube bank

This is a memorial site for 3500 people who were shot on the Danube. It is free to visit this memorial site.

Gellert Hill

Trekking this hill may be a little tough however the best views of Budapest and the Danube River are from this hill, and it is totally free to climb it.

Where to stay:

For your trip to Budapest, I highly encourage you to stay in hostels, you can get one for 10.55 euro, like Netizen Budapest Centre – Hostel, located at Budapest, Rákóczi út 54, 1074.

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

If you are a resilient person and you would love to witness how a country rebuilds after a war, Bosnia is definitely a place for you to visit. A visit to this country’s capital city, Sarajevo, will be enough for you to learn all that you can. Here’s where to visit when in Bosnia;

Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide 1992-1995

This museum was founded in July 2016 to sustain the memory of all the victims of the war that lasted from 1992- 1995. The founders of the museum themselves are victims who survived the war. At only 5.91 euro you will get to learn more about the history of the war and experience this museum.

Museum of Optical Illusions Sarajevo

The museum has interactive displays, and visitors are able to discover, on their own, rooms and illusions, at just 6.14 euro you too will experience and get to see over 100 items and installations for all generations. 

Vrelo Bosne

For nature lovers, this is a must-visit place in Sarajevo. Vrelo Bosne is a public park that has numerous springs of the River Bosna at the foothills of Mount Igman. The entrance to the park is just 1.02 euro.

Where to stay:

You can stay at Guest House Bosnia House which is 21.10 euro per night and it is located at Ferhat Pase Sokolovica 41, Sarajevo 71210, or you can stay at Bed and Breakfast Vijecnica.

Athens, Greece

Once the heart of one of the most powerful civilisations in the Neolithic Age, Athens is also one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe. I visited Athens only once, and it happened to be during an unexpected cyclon. That was the weirdest trip I ever took. Spend a couple of days watching Netflix, as the streets were flooded and everything was closed. However, I managed to see cool stuff in Athens and also taste the best vegan restaurants in Athens, so it wasn’t all for nothing. By the way, so you what is Athens famous for?

When in Athens, here are the best places to visit in this historic city;

Acropolis Museum

At just 10 euros, get to experience this museum that was built to house every artefact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. If you love archaeology, this is the cheapest place to visit in Europe to learn more about that.

Parthenon

If you have a 20 euro ticket for Acropolis, you can also have free access to Parthenon using the ticket. This is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patroness.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

If you are 25 years and older you pay 6 euro to visit this ancient temple, while those who are 25 and younger can enter for free. This is a former colossal temple at the centre of the Greek capital Athens. It was dedicated to “Olympian” Zeus, a name originating from his position as head of the Olympian gods. These three cheapest places to visit in Europe are every lover of history’s dream.

Cheapest place to stay:

When in Athens, you can stay at Sparta Team Hotel which is located at Menandrou 21, Athina 105 52, and costs only 9.68 euro per night or you can stay at Alma Hotel which is located at Dorou 5, Athina 104 32, for just 21.11 euro a night.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and is an exciting mix of old and new. Being one of the cheapest destinations, you get to explore a lot without making big holes in your pockets. I absolutely adored all the stops on the extensive and wild Baltic road trip, and I would do it again.

What to visit

Kadriorg

This romantic inner-city area nearby the coast can very well be the place where you’ll find the heart of Tallinn.

Kadriorg palace and art museum surrounded by Kadriorg Park was once established by Tsar Peter the Great as a manifestation of love. The 18th-century park featuring fountains and streams is surrounded by equally historical wooden houses, with tree branches in bloom leaning over detailed door frames of these stunning masterpieces. You will enjoy visiting this place if you love history, and gardens, for only 5.50 euro for the palace, and 8 euro for the art museum while the park is free of charge and has no visiting hours. 

Check out my complete list of cool and cheap places to visit in Tallinn, Estonia.

Where to stay: 

In Tallinn, you can stay at Old town hostel Alur for only 7.04 euro.

Sarande, Albania

A quintessential Mediterranean destination, Sarande is filled with beautiful beaches that feel like you are in a fantasy. In this cheapest country to travel in Europe, you can pick to visit tourist hotspots or secluded beaches in natural reserves. 

What to see:

Butrint National Park

For just 5 euro you can spend your time wandering on this UNESCO world heritage site, which are ruins of an ancient & medieval city. 

The Blue Eye Springs

For just 0.40 euro get to experience this beautiful spring in Albania. Just remember you can swim in the Blue Eye Albania, but the water is ice-cold.

Bistrica river

This river is 5 kilometres away from Saranda, and you can go rafting in this crystal-clear water. 

Best place to stay:

In Sarande, you can stay at Casa Mia Hotel, which is located at Rruga Idriz Alidhima Sarande, 9701, for only 18.47 euro.

Porto, Portugal

For some time now, Cidade das Pontes (City of Bridges), as it is popularly known, Porto has been ranked as the cheap European destination. 

What to see 

Luís I Bridge

Fun fact, the Dom Luis l Bridge was designed by one of Eiffel’s students. The entrance fee to this bridge is 11.04 euro.

San Francisco Church

With an entrance fee of only 4 euros, this church offers outstanding Baroque inner decoration. 

Parque de Serralves

At only 20 euros, get full access to everything in this park, which is a cultural institution that is ranked in the list of most-visited art museums in the world. 

Where to stay:

In Porto, you can stay at So Cool Hostel Porto located at Rua da Boavista 783, 4050-110 Porto, and costs only 14.08 per night.

Erfurt, Germany

 This is an old university city with a rich history that dates back more than 1,200 years. Once the meeting place of church Synods and Imperial Diets, it was here that the Congress of Erfurt took place in 1808 when Napoleon met with the Tsar of Russia and the German Princes in an attempt to reaffirm the old alliance.

Where to visit

Take a Tour of Erfurt Cathedral

This is where you will see the largest surviving medieval-era bell in the world, the Maria Gloriosa. Also known as the Erfurt Bell, it’s famed the world over for the clarity of its tone. The cathedral’s 15 tall windows in the choir are masterpieces of medieval stained glass and are unique in Germany for their size and unity of theme.

Egapark

This park is beautiful for long walks and for enjoying nature and beautiful scenery. Egapark is a landscaped 1960s park with Japanese rose & sculpture gardens, a playground & glasshouses.

Thuringian Zoo Park

This is a large city zoo & conservation centre with naturalistic habitats, plus an aquarium & animal petting. At only a 15 euro entrance fee, you get to enjoy the animals that are available in this zoo.

Best place to stay: 

In Erfurt, you can stay at the cheapest hostel, called Opera Hostel, which is located at Walkmühlstraße 13, 99084 Erfurt, and this hostel only costs 23.75 euros per night.

Europe has some really cheap places that you can travel to, where you can see amazing scenery, and beautiful architecture and learn about history. A lot of times, people think you need to be extremely wealthy to travel, but the truth is you can also go to these cheapest places in Europe and still get the same experience and luxury of travelling.