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International travel does not have to break the bank. There are many options for affordable vacations within Europe without compromising the quality of your stay. Whether you’re after a lazy beach holiday or an adventure vacation hiking through a vast wilderness, many less-traveled European nations offer a cheaper alternative to the usual tourist hotspots.
1. Georgia
Sitting quietly on the border between Europe and Asia, Georgia has something for everyone. Whether you are after a city break in the bustling city of Tbilisi or a quiet vacation among the vast wilderness and mountains, Georgia offers it at an affordable price. Excluding flights, a trip to Georgia can cost as little as $30 a day.
2. Serbia
Serbia has become increasingly popular as a holiday destination over the last few years, hosting over five and a half million foreign visitors in 2023. Belgrade’s capital city is a gastronomic hub with many restaurants, cafes, and bars. With prices lower than most in Western Europe, fine dining can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. You can pay anywhere from $5 to $12 for a standard meal.
3. Poland
Poland boasts two cities well worth a visit: Krakow and Warsaw. Krakow was voted the European Capital of Culture in 2000, while Warsaw is steeped in the history of World War Two. Warsaw is the more expensive of the two but is still affordable by European standards.
4. Bulgaria
Sofia, the capital city, is very affordable, with an average two-person vacation costing $916. Sunny Beach is a must-visit for those after a good party, offering water sports, paintball, and an incredibly lively nightlife. Bulgaria is home to many affordable resorts catering to all tastes.
5. Hungary
Hungary is one of many Eastern European countries that can be visited on a tight budget. Budapest is its bustling capital, though many other towns and cities are well worth seeing. The cost of a typical meal at a restaurant in Budapest is less than half the price you would pay in New York. A typical lunch in Budapest can cost as little as $9.
6. Albania
The number of visitors to Albania almost doubled between 2022 and 2023, which is expected to keep growing. Lovingly named the Albanian Riviera, Albania has some of the best beaches in Europe in the summer. It is an excellent alternative to some of the more expensive Mediterranean countries. Tirana is incredibly affordable, with accommodation available for less than $25 a night.
7. Lithuania
As one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe, Lithuania is an excellent place for a budget-friendly vacation. Like its neighbor Latvia, much of Lithuania is covered in forests. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is famed for its Baroque architecture and is home to many clubs, restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, and bars.
8. Romania
Romania is ideal for someone after an enjoyable cultural holiday. There are many cultural sites worth visiting, such as ancient churches, monasteries, and castles. The country is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bucharest, the capital of Romania, remains a low-cost destination. If you’re willing to share, a room can cost as little as 70 Romanian Leu, or $15.
9. Slovenia
As the 8th most peaceful nation in the world and one of the cheapest nations to visit in Europe, Slovenia is an ideal place for a reasonably priced European vacation. The old town of Ljubljana is picturesque, while the city comes alive at night. Ljubljana offers numerous day trip options conveniently accessible through the city’s efficient railway and bus networks.
10. Montenegro
Lying on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, This quiet Balkan nation saw its tourist arrivals almost double between 2011 and 2021. Montenegro is an excellent choice for an affordable sunny getaway. If you enjoy blue seas and soft white sand, the Budva Riviera or the beaches of the Bay of Kotor are not to be missed. Accommodation in the Bay of Kotor can be found reasonably priced, from as little as $170 for seven nights.
11. Croatia
Croatia has it all, from Zagreb’s modern, urban nightlife to the history-steeped city of Dubrovnik. While prices have steadily increased, Croatia remains an affordable destination compared to Western Europe. A 15-day public transit pass for less than $30 can give you free rein in the city.
12. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, known as Czechia, is renowned for its stunning castles, interesting culture, and delicious beer. Prague may not be a budget-friendly destination, but it offers a more affordable option than many Western European cities. A traveler on a budget can expect to spend between $50 and $70 a night for food, accommodation, travel, and activities. The extensive public transportation networks mean travel within the country is easy and efficient.
13. Cyprus
Cyprus has been a top-rated tourist destination for years, but it remains cheaper for tourists. There are plenty of options for accommodation under $50 a day, and food and drink remain affordable. The small city of Nicosia has plenty to keep you occupied, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
14. Turkey
A country of two continents, Turkey is split down the middle by the Bosphorus River, with Europe on one side and Asia on the other. Despite its popularity among tourists, it is still very affordable. A restaurant meal for two can cost as little as ₺200, just under $7. A cup of Turkish coffee or tea tends to cost less than 50¢.
15. Latvia
Latvia is a solid choice for someone wanting an affordable stay amidst beautiful landscapes. Over half of the country is covered in forest, perfect for an outdoor adventure holiday. It is also great for architecture lovers, as the city of Riga has the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture.
16. Malta
Lying just off the tip of North Africa between Italy and Tunisia, Malta is perfect for an affordable vacation in a sunny climate. Malta is a proven tourist destination, hosting over five times as many tourists as its entire population. Being such a small country, booking a room in Valletta’s city center is unnecessary. The town of Floriana is only a short walking distance from Valletta and offers better prices.
17. Estonia
Estonia may be a good alternative if you can’t reasonably afford a Norwegian or Finnish getaway. Estonia is the northernmost non-Arctic member of the European Union and a very affordable tourist destination. If you’re working on a budget, you can comfortably stay in the capital city of Tallinn for around $50 a day.
18. Slovakia
If you like wine, you’ll love Slovakia. With its age-old wine industry and affordable prices, Slovakia offers an opportunity for a budget-friendly wine-tasting tour. There are also many UNESCO Heritage sites, such as the Dobšiná Ice Cave or Spiš Castle. The capital city, Bratislava, is affordable by European standards and is only a 90-minute train ride from the Austrian city of Vienna.
All Tastes Catered For
If you want to make your money go further, sometimes it’s necessary to take the road less traveled. You don’t have to jet off to Paris or Rome for a taste of Europe’s culture and cuisine. Lesser-known European countries boast hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re drawn to Ljubljana’s medieval charm or the vibrant modernity of cities like Belgrade and Vilnius, these budget-friendly destinations offer something for every traveler.
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