Where to Go in Europe Without Overspending: Top Budget Cities

A lot of travelers think that going to Europe means spending a lot of money. Actually, it is possible to experience the culture, food, and history of a place without spending a lot of money, and everything is about picking the right cities. We have a guide for you: all the best budget-friendly European trips!

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a great place to go to experience culture and history for not a lot of money. Here are some tips for keeping costs low in Budapest:

• Budget Places to Stay: There are a lot of low-cost places to stay, like hostels and hotels, as well as affordable riverside guesthouses.
• Cheap Public Transit: Take the metro or the bus to get around the city. It is an affordable and efficient way to get around.
• Relaxing Public Baths: Visit thermal baths, like Széchenyi or Gellért, for a soak. At these, and many others, the entrance fees are reasonable, and you can stay for hours.
• Affordable Local Food: Try a goulash, a hearty meat and vegetable dish, or a pastry for a great filling meal for a low price. There are also cheap street snacks that you can get.

Budapest is great for those wanting to experience a place for a lower cost. It has a lot of great architecture, food, and culture.

Krakow, Poland

Kraków is budget-friendly, walkable, and compact. Highlights in the city include:

• There are some cheap and free museums that feature Polish history and art.
• Inexpensive cafes and restaurants near the main square.
• Affordable accommodations near the old town and Wawel Castle.

Kraków’s welcoming locals, vibrant cafes, and cobbled streets provide budget-friendly and enjoyable days in the city.

Porto, Portugal

Porto provides a mix of historic neighborhoods, wine, and scenic riversides at lower prices than Lisbon and most of Western Europe. Highlights of the city include:

• Inexpensive meals: Local dish restaurants (tascas) and small restaurants serve meals that don’t break the bank.
• Compact layout: Walking distance between attractions means no transport expenses.
• Pensions and guesthouses: Budget-friendly lodging is available and very comfortable.

Culture, ocean views, and charm are ample in Porto and provide a fabulous experience.

Sofia, Bulgaria

For budget travelers, Sofia is a city where you won’t feel like you are sacrificing culture for low costs. The city has:

• Very cheap drinks and meals.
• Cost-effective and fast public transportation.
• Day trips to accessible mountains.
• Leisurely vibe, which is great if you want to stay for a long time.

Sofia allows travelers to experience local culture, historic buildings, and active markets while staying within a tight budget.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is cheap for food, lodging, and activities. Some of the highlights are:

• Cafes and leisure activities by the river.
• Low-cost tours and accessible museums.
• Lively nightlife that is cheap.

The city mixes culture and activities, which is great for people who want to be active and are traveling on a low budget.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is a cheaper alternative to Madrid and Barcelona. Some of the highlights are:

• Walkable streets and beaches.
• Parks and green areas are available at no cost.
• Local restaurants and tapas that are fairly priced.
• Transport that is affordable and of good quality.

Valencia is a great destination for relaxing, playing in the sun, and culture.

Vilnius, Lithuania

One reason why people fall in love with Vilnius is the charming Old Town, which is full of cobbled streets, beautiful buildings, and great prices compared to European capitals. Why is Vilnius so budget-friendly?

• The streets are completely walkable, saving money on transportation.
• Cafes and restaurants are cheap.
• Lodging in the Old Town is a great value.

If you’re looking for tranquility, charm, and cultural wealth all while keeping to a budget, Vilnius is the perfect destination.

Budgeting by Region

For trip planning purposes, below are some highlights per city:

• Eastern European region: Walkable, inexpensive lodging, food, and history: Krakow and Budapest.
• Southern European region: Coastal charm and inexpensive food. Sun: Porto and Valencia.
• Balkans region: Relaxed pace, low cost, mountains, and nightlife: Sofia and Belgrade
• Baltic region: Easy to walk and explore. 

Tips for Saving Money When Traveling

• Avoid peak season for lower prices.
• Stay in less touristy areas of smaller towns.
• If you can walk to your destination instead of taking a bus or metro, do so.
• Instead of paying to go to attractions, explore open areas; instead, experience parks, local markets, and street-side cafes.

Planning Smart: Say Hi to Budget-friendly Europe

Traveling in Europe can cost a lot, but the prices can be lowered significantly by using less touristy cities, traveling in off-peak seasons, and focusing on less touristy attractions. Prices can remain low while using authentic European food, culture, and landscapes: Budapest, Krakow, Porto, Sofia, Belgrade, Valencia, and Vilnius.