When one imagines any cruise through Europe, the imagination goes wild with visions of Parisian cafés, Swiss ski resorts, or Venetian canals. But let’s face it: Europe is a dream, and a dream that most would think is reserved only for the rich.
Well, here is good news from us. They might just be some of the cheapest countries to travel to in Europe, right? And they carry with them rich culture, stupendous views, and more authentic experiences that don’t drain one’s bank account.
Travelling straight down the beaten path is not how one travels cheaply in Europe. With a slight detour away from the radar of most tourists and just trusting in life that it would reward in the road less travelled, one would find that Europe has so many hidden gems which are cheap to explore, friendly to visit, and just as worthy of an Instagram post as their more famous counterparts.
So pack light, stay curious, and without much further ado, let us get into the cheapest countries to travel in Europe that promise great memories for less money.
1. Czech Republic – A Fairytale That Doesn’t Cost a Fortune
Set in the heart of Central Europe, the Czech Republic remains shy in the limelight of much flashier neighbours; this is its charm. This country offers picturesque beauty, thick-time-as-any-Czech-blood cuisine, and medieval towns as if taken right out of a storybook at prices that will give your pocket a smile.
Start with the jewel in the crown, Prague. Mostly under stark contrasts from the tall, gothic-like towers of Charles Bridge up to the towering and majestic Prague Castle, the place stirs an interweaving spell in the air.
How about less than €1.50 for one delicious Czech beer? Gulyas and dumplings for under €6? For under €10 altogether, you are having a royal feast.
Nevertheless, it’s not just about this. Take a low-cost train to little towns like Český Krumlov or Kutná Hora, where cobblestones and ancient edifices await your feet. Public transport is cheap and reliable, and hostels would start at €10-15.
And yes, given that it is a member of the Schengen Zone, the Czech Republic is indeed a splendid place to start off your journey to other cheaper explorations around.
2. Hungary – Thermal Bliss Meets Ruin Bar Culture
Here, old-world charm meets a quirky, cool approach. Budapest will offer you some of the finest architectural marvels, majestic bridges, thermal bath experiences fit for kings, and a nightlife that will surprise and delight you.
What differentiates Hungary from its mesmerizing Danube views is the range of budgetary privileges it offers. The entrance fees for something as famous as the baths of Széchenyi or Gellért shall cost you less than 15 euros.
A nice street snack must be a lángos or a chimney cake; anything between 1 and 2 euros per piece will do. So, goodbye for pushing lunch and dessert in simultaneously.
Keeping yourselves here in Hungary is one thing to spare some dinars. Accommodations for budget travellers in Budapest from hostel dorms go for as low as 9 to 13 euros each night; public transit is also well-connected and cheaper.
The ruined pubs, a couple of the world’s most exquisite ‘bars’ set up within abandoned structures, come with the best atmosphere on a modest tab.
Places outside the capital city—including countryside and lake towns such as Lake Balaton—are great for a visit, the undisturbed and wallet-friendly kind.
3. Poland – Big Culture, Low Cost
Poland is a destination that often takes travellers by surprise. It is historically, artistically, and gastronomically rich, yet always among the cheapest countries to travel in Europe.
The Old Town of Kraków is magical, Warsaw has life and energy, and Gdańsk gives Baltic charm with maritime spirit, while Poland offers very pocket-friendly prices.
You expect:
- Cheap hostel stays for €8–12 per night
- A plate of pierogi and a drink under €5
- Train rides that are punctual, comfortable, and cheap between the cities
The Tatra Mountains and the Zakopane area offer very appealing options to the backpacking person who is into hiking or winter sports. Poland needs no compromise with respect to variety; it has it all—lively cities and natural beauty.
4. Romania – Medieval Magic Without the Price Tag
Gothic castles, wild mountains, and time-frozen villages: Here your dreams will come true. One of Eastern Europe’s best-kept secrets is that of an inexpensive focus on cultural and historical exploration.
Bucharest, being its capital, offers contrasts between old and new. But Brașov, Sibiu, and Bran Castle, the reputed home of Dracula, might truly steal your heart. It is also considered among the cheapest countries to travel in Europe.
Let’s see why Romania makes its way into the cheapest land travel list in Europe:
- Guest houses charging $10-$15 per night
- Traditional dishes such as sarmale or mămăligă for $3-$5
- Train journeys through the Carpathian Mountains with scenic views are very low compared to other countries
From forest-covered hills to painted monasteries, one is sure to be enchanted by Romania’s variety; you might go wondering why so few have discovered it.
5. Bulgaria – Beachside Bliss on a Budget
If you desire a sea vacation but cannot afford a Mediterranean price, Bulgaria shall do the charm. From sunlit Black Sea beaches to snow-covered mountain peaks, it has something for every traveller and is probably the cheapest among European countries for a holiday.
Sofia has a peculiar mix of Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and socialist monuments. Plovdiv is artsy and chill, with an abundance of creativity.
Food here is rather cheap: local eateries provide meals at €2–4, and hostels charge €6–9 per night. Getting around is easy, especially for those weary of dealing with public buses and tram lines.
For adventure buffs, Bansko offers cheap skiing or hiking up the Rila Mountains to find concealed monasteries and alpine lakes.
6. Slovakia – Nature Lovers’ Paradise
Often ignored by many travellers, Slovakia punches above its weight when it comes to beauty on a budget. Majestic mountains, quaint villages, castles atop hilltops-this land guarantees that no place is too busy.
Coloured pastel, riverside cafés are easy-going in Bratislava. But all eyes turn to the High Tatras with these rugged peaks being whipped for hiking, skiing, and simply hardcore nature lovers.
Do expect to pay:
- €9–11 for a bed in a dormitory
- Up to €4 for bryndzové halušky (cheesy potato dumplings)
- A couple of euros for extraordinary train rides through the countryside
Slovakia is just the thing if you want Alpine experiences minus the Alpine prices!
7. Albania – The Mediterranean’s Best-Kept Secret
Picture: turquoise blue waters, ancient ruins, and mountain roads meandering by the sea, with almost no tourists in sight. By all means, that is Albania, offering perhaps one of the least-hyped and cheapest European destinations to visit.
Tirana is peculiar and lively, whereas the Albanian Riviera is home to awesome towns like Ksamil and Himarë, where gorgeous beaches do come cheap compared to those in Greece and Italy.
An average day in Albania can consist of:
- A seafood dinner for €6
- A guesthouse for €15
- Passing through a historic castle for less than €3
What makes Albania special is the warmth of its hospitality and the unforgettable sights. You might wonder why there are not many people talking about it just yet.
8. Serbia – Artsy, Edgy, and Easy on the Pocket
However, maybe Serbia is just not on most travellers’ radar, and that much makes it special. The creative music of Belgrade, the past, and the nightlife that goes until sunrise probably includes the Splavovi River clubs. Apart from that, it is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to travel.
You will experience:
- Hostels from €7-10
- A plate of ćevapi, local bread, and beer for less than €5
- Cultural experiences such as museum entries and fortress visits at €1-2
Another highlight is Novi Sad, the home of the famous EXIT Festival. Here is perhaps where tradition and trendiness are very well blended, to the great benefit of the traveller in terms of affordability and genuine experiences.
Travel Tips for Exploring Europe on a Budget
So, how do you make the most of Europe without maxing out your credit card?
- Plan Smart – Choose countries that offer value for money and plan your route around them.
- Fly Cheap – Use budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air, and consider overnight buses like FlixBus for even more savings.
- Eat Local – Skip overpriced tourist traps. Local bakeries and food markets often serve the tastiest and cheapest meals.
- Book Early – Accommodation gets cheaper when you plan. Sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com often offer early-bird deals.
- Go Off-Season – Traveling in spring or fall (April–May, September–October) means fewer crowds, better prices, and pleasant weather.
- Walk More – Many European cities are walkable. Save on transport and soak in more culture on foot.
Conclusion on Cheapest Countries to Travel in Europe
And here’s the ugly truth for you: Europe needs no rich man to be seen. The cheapest countries to travel in Europe just prove that the continent is not just a place for honeymooners or some big shot; it’s truly for backpackers, students, solo travellers, and explorers of any sort.
Gothic spires in Prague, thermal pools in Budapest, and ruins in Albania: these are all memories worth miles more than even €30 per day.
So grab your backpack and battery for the camera and let your budget wander farther than you ever dreamed. Europe is waiting, and far cheaper than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cheapest Countries to Travel in Europe
Below are the answers to the most asked queries on the internet regarding cheapest countries to travel in Europe.
1. I’m travelling from India. What are among the cheapest countries to travel in Europe?
Hungary, Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria would give you the best value for your rupee. These countries provide cheap eats, inexpensive public transit, and affordable motel-lodging-type accommodations, to say nothing of cheap flights and cheap visas.
2. What are the top budget-friendly European destinations in 2025?
Keep your eyes on Romania, Albania, Slovakia, and Serbia through 2025. Each is still a bit off the beaten track, so that translates to fewer crowds and prices that haven’t yet skyrocketed.
3. Which is the cheapest holiday country in Europe?
It depends on how one travels. Subsequently, Bulgaria is proudly declared as the cheapest country where you can safely eat, stay at hotels, and be pampered with life from beaches to mountains.
