They’re the cheapest countries in Europe, hands down! If you’re looking for a European vacation that won’t break your budget, here are some of the most affordable places to visit on the European continent.
The majority of individuals do not consider Europe to be a very budget-friendly vacation location. While not totally accurate, Western Europe is one of the most costly regions in the world for travel, with cities such as London and Paris ranking high on the list of most expensive places to visit.
Read Also: Best Cities for Your First Trip to Europe
However, traveling to Europe (mainly Western Europe) does not have to be prohibitively expensive. On a backpacker’s budget, there are many places in Europe where you can enjoy fabulous food, magnificent architecture, exciting culture, and breathtaking nature on a backpacker’s budget while also experiencing the sights and sounds of the continent.
Here is a list of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe, in alphabetical order.
Albania
Albania is one of the least-visited countries along the Adriatic Coast. Albania, which is even more affordable than its neighbors, Greece and Croatia, is famed for its gorgeous, undervalued beaches and historic towns such as Berat, the City of a Thousand Windows, which is located on the Adriatic Sea.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an Eastern European country with a terrain that is as diverse as its culture. It is located in the Balkans. Bulgaria has a distinct blend of Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Persian influences that are hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Apart from that, you’ll find great ancient cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, as well as incredibly affordable Black Sea beach resorts and Bansko, which has the cheapest skiing in all of Europe.
Croatia
Even though Croatia has seen an increase in popularity over the past decade, this gem on the Adriatic Sea is still relatively affordable when compared to many other destinations in Europe.
Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is home to breathtaking scenery as well as lovely seaside cities such as Dubrovnik and Split. A visit to Croatia’s main city of Zagreb, as well as the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park and its numerous breathtaking waterfalls, is highly recommended.
Read Also: How to Plan the Perfect Croatian Cruise
Czech Republic
Due to an invasion of tourists, the Czech Republic is no longer as inexpensive as it once was; but this Central European country may still be quite economical if you shop about.
Prague is one of the most visited capital cities in Europe, and for a good reason: the city is breathtakingly magnificent. Prague is a must-see when in the Czech Republic, but smaller and less expensive towns such as Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary should not be overlooked as alternatives.
Estonia
Estonia, one of the Baltic countries, is a small country in Northern Europe. Despite the fact that it is not particularly well-known among tourists, Estonia is quite charming and well worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in the quaint capital city of Tallinn or the castles and forests that dot the countryside, Estonia has lots to offer.
Greece
When most people think of Greece, they think of the pricey luxury hotels on the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. But Greece is much more than that. However, Greece can be surprisingly reasonable if you shop around. Athens, Naxos, Hydra, and Thassos are just a few of the budget-friendly places available.
Hungary
Budapest, Hungary is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it is possible to visit without having to pay a significant price for it. Visitors to Budapest often enjoy visiting Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, which are among the most popular attractions in the city.
Lithuania
Lithuania, another budget-friendly Baltic state, offers a plethora of activities and attractions. There’s a lot to see and do in Lithuania, from its picturesque capital city of Vilnius to fairytale castles like Trakai Island Castle and beyond.
North Macedonia
Most people are unlikely to be able to identify Macedonia on a map. Still, this small Balkan country north of Greece is a pleasantly underestimated and reasonably priced travel destination for Europeans. Macedonia’s most notable attractions include Lake Ohrid, Matka Canyon, and the eccentric capital of Skopje.
Montenegro
The country of Montenegro is breathtaking, and despite its small size, it offers a wide range of activities to keep visitors entertained. Not only does it have magnificent natural beauty, but it also has beautiful historic cities, delicious food, affordable services, and a welcoming populace. You could easily spend a week here on a budget and not run out of money.
Poland
Located in Central Europe, Poland is a budget-friendly destination that offers plenty to see and do. Cities with a lot of history and things to do, such as Krakow, Gdansk, and Warsaw, are reasonably priced.
Nature enthusiasts can find refuge in the Tatra Mountains, which are well-known for their superb hiking trails.
Portugal
Portugal has had a surge in popularity over the past few years, resulting in a steady rise in property values throughout the country. However, this country continues to be one of the most affordable in Western Europe.
Everything from touring the capitals of Lisbon and Porto to learning to surf on the seashore is available. Portugal is also well-known for its fresh seafood, which is attributed to the country’s location on the Atlantic Ocean coast.
Romania
When many people think of Romania, they immediately conjure up images of Dracula. In addition to the castles of Transylvania, this Eastern European country offers a variety of other attractions, such as the ancient town of Sighişoara and the eclectic capital of Bucharest, among others.
Slovakia
Despite being eclipsed by its more popular Central European neighbors, Slovakia is an excellent location for tourists on a tight budget. The vibrant capital city of Bratislava offers a variety of activities, while the Tatra Mountains, which extend south into Slovakia, is a haven for people who enjoy the great outdoors.
Ukraine
Travelers looking for a new vacation destination may find a lot to appreciate in Ukraine, which is one of Europe’s least-explored countries.
You may easily visit interesting towns such as the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, the historic city of Lviv, and the coastal city of Odessa without breaking the bank. Ukraine is, without a doubt, one of the most affordable countries in all of Europe.
They’re the cheapest countries in Europe, hands down! If you’re looking for a European vacation that won’t break the bank, these are some of the most affordable places to visit on the European continent.
