Welcome, budget-savvy travelers! Today we set out to explore Europe – starting from the north and winding our way to the south, that is the continent that offers you magic and it’s not expensive at all. Unlike the perception that Europe can be only for the affluent, there are many destinations which are not only affordable but steeped in history, culture as enriching would be understanding the world to never be flat. Let’s take a closer look at the most adorable and cheap places to visit in Europe that cost very little money but give you an unforgettable travel adventure.
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Tips for Traveling Europe on a Budget:
- Accommodations: Search for cheap accommodation such as hostels, guesthouses or Airbnb lodgings. Giving a thought to some streets away from city centers might be beneficial as you’re likely to gain an affordable rent.
- Transportation: By using cheap airlines, trains or buses, for intercity travel, you can get the most out of your travel budget. In most cities, there are cheaper modes of transportation available for the public.
- Food: Instead of going to the malls, find the street food, local markets and more affordable eateries to taste the range of the local dishes without spending a lot of money.
- Free Attractions: European cities often provide tourists with free guided walking tours, days in the museums, and access to public parks for budget-friendly entertainment options.
- Timing: Off-seasons travel (spring and autumn) can be recommended as the prices drops, and masses of people are not here.
Cheap Places to Visit in Europe:
1. Krakow, Poland
Welcome to Krakow, the city of hills, whose streets and squares whisper the echoes of the past, the medieval spirit merged with the present, the cornerstones of which are resilience and revival. Located right in the middle of Poland, Krakow is an artistic haven that preserves its legacies from five centuries passing in a unique architecture, art, and customs that mesmerize the tourists.
What starts from an impressive Wawel Castle towering over the Vistula River, and ends at the vibrant Town Square, Krakow not only offers a magic atmosphere, but it also provides an opportunity to get into the old secrets and feel the punk and fight spirit of the current days. Krakow is also affordability eccentric when it comes to its food scene—gorge on filling Polish pierogis and other popular traditional cuisines without hurting your wallet.
Tips for Budget Travel in Krakow:
- Krakow Card: Buy the Krakow card, which offers free access to public transportation and discount on attractions.
- Water from Fountains: Go with a personal reusable water bottle and get water from the many service points where one can refill for free around the city to reduce the costs of bottled water purchase.
Budget-Friendly things to do in Krakow:
- Explore the Old Town and Main Market Square – many free walking tours are available in old town.
- Wawel Castle and Cathedral.
- Kazimierz district – Historic Jewish quarter, Synagogues, Galleries and quirky cafes.
- Schindler’s Factory – Now a museum documenting Krakow’s history during world war II and offers free entry on Mondays.
- Planty Park.
- Try Polish Cuisine – traditional meals like Pierogi (dumplings), Bigos and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes).
- Free concerts and events.
- Vistula Boulevards.
- Visit Nowa Huta – planned socialist city, visit the famous Lord’s Ark Church.
- Picnic in Blonia park.
- Galleries and Museums – Check out MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow) on Tuesdays or the National Museum on Sundays for free entry.
2. Budapest, Hungary
After that we come to the incredibly beautiful city of Budapest, which is famous for its extraordinary architecture, thermal baths and energetic nightlife. Begin with a walk along the Danube River containing the famous sights such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and castle in Buda.
Summering in Budapest can be a great choice for individuals those desire to have an affordable yet healing bath experience in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath or Gellért Thermal Bath. Don’t pass up on the chance to treat yourself to a plate of some Hungarian goodness, from goulash to chimney cakes, and eat it all while still being able to stroll the markets and restaurants nearby.
Related: A perfect 3-Day itinerary for Budapest Expedition
3. Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital of Latvia, situated on the bank of Daugava River, recognized for its beautiful architecture and vast history. Immerse yourself in the picturesque atmosphere of the UNESCO-recognized Old Town of Gothic towers, Art Nouveau ornaments and other delightful enchantments.
Try the delightful Central Market stalls, where you can get a taste of local flavors and get a hand-picked of souvenirs. Don’t forget to visit the Riga Art Nouveau district, an art form and architectural admirer’s shrine. Riga is a beautiful city for the budget travelers who are able to save on their accommodations and meals due to low prices.
Budget-Friendly Things to do in Riga:
- Wander through the Old Town.
- Visit Riga Central Market.
- Enjoy Free Walking Tours.
- Explore Art Nouveau Architecture.
- Relax Parks and Green Spaces.
- Visit Riga’s Free Museums – Latvian National Museum of Art (Free entry on the last sunday of every month) and Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (free entry every day).
- Experience Riga’s Street Art.
- Attend Free Events and Festivals.
4. Bucharest, Romania
If you’re craving for Eastern European flavors without committing to the big bucks, Bucharest is a destination to be on your list. Bucharest, being an astonishing architectural gem, is loaded with different styles from the grandiose of the Palace of the Parliament to the jagged pavements of the Lipscani area.
Embrace a relaxed stroll around Herăstrău Park or, at the Village Museum, unexpectedly meet the complexities of Romanian folk civilization. In addition, Bucharest has a very vibrant nightlife as you can slay drinks at a price amounting to only one-third of the average prices in Western Europe.
Budget-Friendly Things to do in Bucharest:
- Explore Old Town (Lipscani).
- Visit the Palace of Parliament.
- Enjoy Parks and Gardens.
- Visit Museums on Free Days.
- Explore Bucharest’s Street Art.
- Visit Orthodox Churches.
- Experience Local Markets.
- Attend Free Events and Festivals – especially during the summer months.
5. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital embracing the Danube River, is known as the cosy city that buzzes with a slow and relaxed ambiance. The little but exquisite Old Town is very suitable for walking since there you will see splendid colored buildings, old churches and stone figures like for instance Čumil, a “Man at Work”.
Be sure to rise up to Bratislava Castle for fabulous views over the town and the river. Try some delicious Slovakian food such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) at inexpensive pubs where you won’t have to put your wallet under strain.
Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Bratislava:
- Explore the Old Town – Colorful Buildings, Quaint Squares, St. Michael’s Gate, Primate’s Palace etc.
- Visit Bratislava Castle.
- Relax in the City’s Parks.
- Visit Devin Castle.
- Take a walking tour.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to the magical Prague city, the spiritual capital of the Czech state! Located just near the picturesque Vltava River bank, the city of Prague, which indeed has a rich background of history, culture and architecture, is thus worth being called a “City of Artists.”
The Prague is ruled out by its breathtaking medieval castle and the street, with its steep bell-crowning cobblestones, even more arresting. It is a city with amazing history, long stretching past for visitors to explore. This fairy tale city’s stories are unrolling in every nook and corner. Here, each corner is a place for the discovering new legends. You can discover the marvel of the past and present combined in a wonderful connection of historic style and modern outlook!
Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Prague:
- Explore the Old Town Square.
- Visit Charles Bridge.
- Marvel at Prague Castle.
- Admire the Lennon Wall.
- Relax in Letna Park.
- Sample Czech Cuisine.
- Explore Lesser Town (Mala Strana).
- Visit Petrin Hill.
- Take a self-guided walking tour.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital, is a cultural-historical place that is both affordable and a perfect mix. On your giornata go over the beautiful streets of the Alfama district, where Fado music is being heard in cozy taverns. Pay a visit to UN Castelo São Jorge for both a bird’s eye and long view of the city to the River Tagus.
Budget-friendly attractions are the street tram 28 touring by narrow streets of the city and treat yourself with scrumptious Pastel de nata, a traditional Portugal custard tart.
Budget-Friendly things to do in Lisbon:
- Explore Alfama.
- Visit Sao Jorge Castle.
- Experience Fado – Portugal’s traditional music.
- Stroll along the Tagus River.
- Visit Belem.
- Sample Pasteis de Nata – Portugal’s famous custard tarts.
- Take a Tram Ride.
- Visit LX Factory.
- Relax in the Parks – Parque Eduardo VII and Jardim da Estrela.
8. Belgrade, Serbia
The capital of Serbia is a fascinating blend of new and old, being located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, with ancient fortresses and modern infrastructures standing nearby. Calm yourself for the upcoming experience to explore the historic Kalemegdan Fortress arouond where gorgeous the city’s panorama views at the feet are magical.
Try the real taste of Serbia by walking through the streets of Skardalyja, Sarajel’s bohemian quarter and have a traditional Serbian meal in one of taverns in this place. Belgrade has everything a backpacker or low cost traveler wants at their fingertips; from its economic living places to its cultural life, the city offers some budget vacationing for those looking for a truly European experience.
Serbia provides Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility to the Indian citizens.
Budget-Friendly things to do in Belgrade:
- Explore Kalemegdan Fortress.
- Wander through Skadarlija.
- Visit St. Sava Temple.
- Discover Street Art.
- Sample Traditional Cuisine – Burek, Cevapi and Ajvar.
- Attend Free Events and Festivals.
- Relax by the River.
- Visit Nikola Tesla Museum.
9. Valencia, Spain
Despite the fact that Barcelona and Madrid are generally more famous, Valencia provides a very cost-effective way of seeing the Spanish style of life without sacrificing its more extravagant features. Walk around in a modern City of Arts and Sciences – an impressive combination of culture and entertainment. Truly you will enjoy all of your senses.
Do you remember the “old” Turia river? It was one that was not suitable for swimming and was full of industrial waste. However, when the city redesigned the river to become a lush park, more and more people started spending their free time walking and enjoying themselves around the city’s waterways. Take a seat at local paella restaurants, stroll through the Central Market while shopping for fresh ingredients and local dishes from the region.
Budget-Friendly things to do in Valencia:
- Stroll through the Old Town.
- Visit the city of Arts and Sciences.
- Relax at the beach.
- Explore the Turia Gardens.
- Sample local cuisine at Mercado central.
- Climb the Torres de Serranos.
- Experience Valencia’s Street Art.
10. Athens, Greece
Athens, the city that gave birth to Western civilization and is also a cradle of the age-old civilization history, mythology, and eternal beauty. Exactly as Athens’s capital, this city acts as the showcase of a continually existing legacy of the ancient civilization with the old ruins penetrating the modern line.
From the seminal Acropolis overlooking the city to the eclectic Plaka streets filled with fervent culture, Athens invites visitors to totally be part of its vibrancy and the manifold enjoyable experience of the city. They join me in the vicarious travel to the old Athens streets, where every junction has its history, waiting to be heard.
Budget-Friendly things to do in Athens:
- Explore the Acropolis.
- Wander through Plaka.
- Visit the Ancient Agora.
- Admire the changing of the Guard.
- Take a stroll in National gardens.
- Discover Free Museums.
- Enjoy Sunset at Mount Lycabettus.
- Experience Street Art in Exarchia.
- Sample Street Food – souvlaki, spanakopita, and loukoumades.
FAQs related to Cheap Places to visit in Europe:
How can I find cheap accommodation in Europe?
Search for hostels, budget hotels, or you may even consider to book a private place like Airbnb or Couchsurfing. You can also find yourself discounts by early booking and the flexibility around dates.
Are there any free attractions in European cities?
Yes, some cities have free sites including parks, museums that offer free admission on certain days of the week, walking tours, and ancient monuments. Prepare before your trip by doing some research on accessible offers in the area.
How can I save money on transportation while traveling in Europe?
Use public transport available such as bus, tram and metro rather than taking a taxi. For shorter distances within the city, try buying a city pass or using local trains while longer distances may require regional trains. Within the cities, walking or biking also stands as an alternative means of saving money as it might take you to places you haven’t considered before.
When is the best time visit Europe on a budget?
The shoulder seasons like late fall or early spring will usually have lower prices for accommodations and flights. Besides, avoiding the time of a major holiday and peak festival times which might be more expensive will be an added advantage.
What are some cheap places to visit in Europe?
There are many cheap places to visit in Europe such as Prague, Riga, Valencia, Bucharest, Porto, Belgrade, Budapest, Lisbon, Krakow, and Athens. Towns with a vibrant culture and affordable costs are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in diverse and inexpensive experiences.
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