When we think of traveling in Europe, we often think of expensive vacations that you can only do once or twice a year, but like many regions in the world, if you look carefully enough, you will find that several countries within Europe are as beautiful as France or the Netherlands, some even more beautiful, but cost half of those countries.
After spending more than 6 months exploring Europe and another 2 months exploring the Balkans, I have decided to compile a list of the cheapest countries in Europe to visit that are both beautiful and affordable, but first, let's begin and take a look at ways we can travel in Europe cheaply with tips and tricks that I found saved me the most during my trip to Europe.
12 Cheap European Countries to Visit
1. Albania
Albania is a country full of surprises. It is a place where you will find stunning mountains like the Albanian Alps, rich history like the towns of Berat and Gjirokaster, and stunning beaches like the Albanian Riviera.
With so much to offer, you'd think that tourists would flock to this paradise, but I am happy to report that that is not the case. Albania is still one of the few hidden gems in Europe that are both beautiful as well as affordable to travel in.
With the food costing around 5 USD per meal and accommodation costing as low as 9 USD per night, Albania is one of the cheapest and most beautiful countries to visit in Europe, and if you are looking for a place to travel in Europe that has everything and half the price, this is the place to be.
2. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (the Baltic States)
I would have listed these countries separately, but since they are rather small and you can do all 3 countries in a week, I have decided to combine them all into one as the Baltic States.
These Baltic countries are often forgotten by most travelers who are traveling in Europe, and what they may not realize is that these Baltic countries can offer an authentic experience to the forgotten history of Europe you can't get anywhere while also offering a fairy-tale-like experience throughout its small towns and forests, all at a very affordable price.
Out of all the 3 Baltic Countries, Lithuania is the cheapest, and Estonia is the most expensive, but all in all, you can expect to pay around 6 USD for a meal and around 14 USD for accommodation.
This is a pretty good deal, especially if you consider how beautiful places like Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn are. I highly recommend you visit the Baltic Countries if you want a unique European experience.
3. Poland
Poland is a country with all the facilities and development of Western Europe but costs half the price. With its colorful architectural style, incredible history, and fairy-tale-like castles, Poland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe you can visit.
Cities like Krakow and Warsaw are the type of cities that perfectly blends their unique quirky features with their rich and often time, dark history that will make you want to stay longer and find out more.
The mountains in the south, like Zakopane, also offer a view that rivals those mountains in the Alps in Western Europe. Poland is a country that has all of the things you would come to expect when you travel to Europe, the colonial history and the snowy mountains, and they are way cheaper than their western counterparts.
Food in Poland costs around 6 USD per meal, and the accommodation starts at 8 USD per night in a hostel. If you are looking for a country with a familiar feel of Western Europe but at an affordable price, Poland is the place to be.
4. Slovakia
Neighboring to the South of Poland, Slovakia is also another country that is beautiful and cheap to visit. It may not be as big or have a ton of things to do like in Poland, but its size, the culture, and the friendly people are what make Slovakia so attractive to visit.
Home to the Tatra Mountains, you can spend some time hiking in the north as well as explore the old city of Kosice, where you will be able to discover many old and beautiful architectures and fortresses that rarely get any visitors.
The food in Slovakia costs about 6 USD per meal, and the accommodation costs around 17 USD per night. If you are looking for a less touristy and affordable country to visit, Slovakia is a great place to be.
5. Georgia
Even though Georgia is almost at the edge of what I consider Europe, the country is still worth mentioning as it is home to many beautiful sights and hipster scenes that are unique to the country.
Tbilisi, the capital city, is one fantastic creative city full of young population that crave creativity and good vibes and the city really reflects that with many fun outlets and creative restaurants you can indulge yourself in.
And Georgian food is amazing! If you have not tried it, I highly recommend you try it. They are delicious, unique, and, best of all, cheap. Food in Georgia costs around 2 USD per meal, and accommodation costs around 9 USD per night, which is probably as cheap as it gets in Europe.
If you are looking for an adventurous country to visit in Europe, Georgia, and its hipster culture and proximity to the beautiful mountains of Kazbegi in the north, are some of the best places to visit in Europe.
6. Southern Spain
Southern Spain, or more specifically Granada, is my favorite city to explore in Spain so much so that I decided to skip Barcelona and Valencia and spent a week just in Granada on my first visit to Spain.
From the stunning Alhambra Fortress to the beautiful sunset spot I often frequented when I was in Granada at the top of Sacromonte (Mirador De La Vereda De Enmedio), there are plenty of things you can do in Southern Spain. It is full of history and beautiful scenery waiting for you to discover.
Unlike the rest of Spain, Granada and Southern Spain are still very affordable. From the delicious 2 EUR beer + one tapas deal in a restaurant to the cheap accommodation at only 17 USD, Southern Spain is one of the best places to travel to if you want to experience the typical European vacation but at a much more affordable price.
7. Hungary
Hungary is another cheap European country that offers a similar experience to those of expensive cities in Western Europe like Berlin with its countless Ruin Bars, its rich history, and the stunning architecture like the Hungarian Parliament Building that you can visit.
An average meal in Hungary costs about 7 USD, but you can find a sizable portion of falafel for only 3 USD if you look hard enough. The accommodation costs around 13 USD per night in a hostel, which is considerably cheaper than in Western Europe.
If you are looking for a cheap European country that offers a similar vibe and feels similar to countries like France and Germany, Hungary is an awesome and cheap alternative country to visit.
8. Sicily, Italy
Not every part of Italy is expensive. The further south you go, beyond Rome and the Amalfi Coast, the more budget-friendly it gets. Sicily is one of the most affordable regions in Italy with a ton of awesome places to visit, from beautiful pristine beaches to epic ruins of the Roman's past, that can occupy you for days.
The price of accommodations and food in Sicily is almost half the price of its northern counterparts, but it is not less beautiful in any way. In fact, I think it is even prettier and more authentic in some parts compared to the north, with places like the Valley of the Temples, the crystal clear water of Cefalu, and the diverse and bustling markets of Palermo that you can't find anywhere else but here.
If you want to visit Italy on a budget, be sure to check out Sicily and see what this wonderful island has to offer. Trust me, you are going to love it, maybe even more so than the North.
9. Northern Greece
Greece can also be extremely affordable to travel around as long as you stay away from the extremely touristy and rather pricy Greek islands and stick to the northern parts of Greece like Thessaloniki and Meteora, which are amazing places to visit in their own right.
In fact, I even prefer visiting places like Meteora over the often crowded islands of the Cyclades like Santorini and Mykonos because of how affordable it is to get around, not to mention, the more chill and authentic vibe you get from Northern Greece.
Thessaloniki, for me was one of the most affordable cities in Greece. I visited with a gyro sandwich costing as low as 1.5 EUR, which to me, was so mindblowing considering I was in Greece! If you want to save some money on your trip but you still wanna see some really cool places, be sure to spend some time and explore Northern Greece.
10. Bosnia & Herzegovina
The Balkans is home to some of the most affordable places to visit in Europe, and among the best places to visit, is Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of the most diverse and interesting countries in Europe filled with untouched natural wonders and often-forgotten history, waiting for you to explore.
With stunning old towns like Mostar and the diverse capital city of Sarajevo, it is hard not to fall in love with this wonderful country. Since the country doesn't get as many tourists as its neighbor, Croatia, you can expect everything to be cheap and affordable when it comes to food and accommodations.
And the best part is, the food here is really, REALLY GOOD! The fact that you are paying almost half the price of what you would expect to pay in countries like Croatia for such quality makes it even more satisfying to visit Bosnia. If you are looking for a country in Europe that is affordable and feels drastically different from all the other countries you've been to, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the best place to be.
11. Kosovo
You can go even cheaper than Bosnia in the Balkans by visiting Kosovo, one of the least traveled and most affordable countries in Europe to visit with one of the most untouched nature, culturally rich history, and a true hidden gem, which is not so easy to find nowadays in a well-trodden region like Europe.
Places like Prizren, Peja, and its lively capital, Pristina, are some of the best places to visit in the Balkans, with a ton of things to do, beautiful sights to see, and great affordable foods to try.
Despite the country using the EUR, you can expect to pay a high-quality cup of coffee for around 1.25 EUR from cafes like Prince Coffee House, the local version of Starbucks, which I really REALLY love. You can eat like a king here and pay as little as 3.5 EUR for a full-blown meat platter that would have cost 10 EUR elsewhere.
Getting around is also cheap and easy, which makes for a perfect place to backpack if you don't mind going off the beaten path. If you are looking for the cheapest places to visit in Europe, Kosovo is definitely a place you should consider visiting.
12. Romania
Last but not least, we have Romania, one of the most beautiful countries in the Balkans where you can find all sorts of magnificent old towns and medieval castles as well as all the untouched forests and mountains of the mythical region of Transylvania.
From the famous Dracula Castle to the medieval towns of Sibiu, Sighisoara, and Brasov, there is no denying that Romania, despite its troubling history, is no less beautiful than its Western counterparts like Hungary and Poland, but what makes Romania even better than these places is how easy and affordable it is to travel around the country without breaking the bank.
If you like medieval castles, beautiful old towns, and delicious cuisine, but you do not want to spend too much on your trip, Romania is definitely among one of the most affordable places to visit in Europe.
How to Travel Even Cheaper in Europe?
Even if you decide to visit these cheap European Cities, the cost can balloon up quite quickly if you are not careful, so here are some ways you can save cost even more when traveling in Europe.
These tips can also be used in expensive European countries as well to save more money from your expensive vacations, so be sure to give them a try on your next trip to Europe.
How to Find Cheap Flights in Europe?
What I found most surprising in Europe is that even though traveling in Europe is expensive, domestic flights can be extremely cheap, like 25 EUR for a flight from Poland to Spain, cheap.
I was able to get this price during RyanAir's promotion period, which often runs right before summer, and you will save a ton of money if you book a flight during this promotional period.
Several low-cost airlines in Europe often run promotions you should keep an eye on. There are RyanAir, Vueling, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, which I often found myself using when I was in Europe.
Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions using these links for each airline that offers the route you want to travel:
If none of the links show any discount during the period you want to fly, it is also worthwhile to browse through Skyscanner or Expedia for platform-specific discounts.
All in all, there are many ways you can travel long distances in Europe without losing an arm and a leg. Domestic flights are faster and sometimes even cheaper than speed trains and buses, so be sure to keep an eye out for these discounts.
How to Find Cheap Accommodations in Europe?
If you are looking for cheap accommodations in Europe, hostels and Airbnb are the answers you are looking for.
If you are looking for a fun vibe where you can meet new people while you are in Europe and you want to save a ton, hostels are the way to go with a comfy bed costing as low as 10 USD. You can find good hostel deals here.
For a more comfortable stay with private rooms, Airbnb is the way to go. You will be able to save a ton while having most of the comfort you get from staying in a hotel but at half the price. You can look for cheap Airbnb here.
How to Get Around Cheaply in Europe?
Most European cities often have their tourist attractions concentrated in one area, mostly the old town area, and you can save a ton if you explore these cities on foot.
You can also rent a bike to explore the city, which is often offered as rentals in hostels around Europe, or they can direct you to a place where you can rent one.
For traveling between cities, Flixbus or any kind of bus will be the cheapest option for you, and there are many websites you can browse through for more affordable fares, such as Busbud.com.
Trains are also a great way to get around Europe cheaply, especially if you can find good deals on OMIO. They are often on time, less hectic, and you are sure to be dropped off in the middle of old towns where all the tourist attractions are, so you save a bit more money as you won't have to travel far to get to your accommodation.
How to Do Things Cheaply in Europe?
You will be surprised to know that there are plenty of things to do in Europe that don't require you to pay a single dime. For example, there are plenty of hiking trails all over Europe that are free and fun to do. Joining free walking tours, which are often organized daily in most big cities around Europe, is also a great way to see a city and all of its tourist attractions while learning more about it from a local without spending a lot of money. The tours operate on tips, and you can pay as much or as little as you want based on your experience.
For tickets and entrance fees of tourist attractions in Europe, you might also be able to save some money if you buy city's day passes or bundled tickets which are often available in big cities around Western Europe.
If you are a student, you can also show a student ID card and get a significant discount in most places in Western Europe, so be sure to use that to your advantage as well. As you can see, doing things in Europe can also be budget-friendly as long as you keep an eye out for discounts and deals before you visit.
How to Eat Cheaply in Europe?
Food can be costly in Europe, especially if you eat out every day, but if you wish to travel cheaply in Europe, cooking for yourself will save you a fortune.
Ingredients are cheap in Europe, and you can buy them anywhere as there are supermarkets on almost every corner in Europe and if you are staying at hostels or Airbnb, you are sure to have access to the kitchen.
Food and accommodation are some of the most expensive expenses when traveling in Europe; if you can save on these 2 fronts, then you are golden.
Now that we have laid out all the tips to travel in Europe cheaply, here are the cheapest European countries you can visit that are cheap but also extremely beautiful. Let's begin with one of my favorite countries in Europe, Albania.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Europe
I hope you found this Europe travel helpful guide. If you want to read more about Europe, I have a ton more articles you might like:
- If you love animals and want to experience some of the best wildlife encounters in the world, this is the article for you: 10 Best Wildlife Destinations You Have To Experience Once In Your Life.
- Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary for Europe? Here is the 3-Month Itinerary for Europe.
- Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe can be extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
- Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
- Spain is a great place to start your European journey. If you are looking for a complete travel guide and itinerary for Spain, check out our 10-day itinerary for Spain.
- France is a big country that requires great planning if you wish to maximize the things you see with limited time. Here's a complete itinerary and a travel guide for spending 2 weeks in France.
- Switzerland may be expensive, but hiking is free and camping is often cheap. Check out my Switzerland travel guide page for complete travel and hiking guides in Switzerland.
- Germany is not all about beers and the Schuhplattler dance. It is so much more than Bavaria, and you will need a good travel guide to see Germany in its true self. Check out my 2 - 3 week backpacking itinerary for Germany here.
- Poland has it all: beautiful architecture, a low cost of travel, and a wealth of important European history for you to learn about. Visit my 2-week backpacking itinerary for Poland for more information.
- The Baltic Countries are often forgotten when it comes to traveling in Europe, but that makes it even better to visit. There are more untouched places waiting to be explored, considerably fewer tourists, and they remain cheap. If you are heading north, be sure to check out my one-week itinerary for the Baltic Countries.
- There is a ton more to do in Northern Europe, all can be done in a week such as 9 Best Things To Do In Helsinki, 3 days exploring Stockholm, and 10 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.