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You've probably seen the viral videos of stunning European castles, pristine beaches, and charming old towns. At first blush, these might seem like itineraries that’d drain your wallet. Sure, cities like London, Paris, and Zurich can be on the pricier end (though there are ways to see them on a budget), but the continent is full of incredible destinations at half the cost, particularly when you look to the Eastern and Southeastern regions of Europe. From medieval castles in Romania to tranquil beaches in Albania, these countries prove that you don't need to spend a fortune to create unforgettable memories. Whether you're a backpacker stretching every dollar or a family looking for affordable vacation options, this guide will show you exactly where to go and how to make your money go further. Plus, if you're looking for the cheapest European destinations to fly to from the US—though not necessarily the cheapest once your feet are on the ground—you can also check out our guide on cheapest cities in Europe to fly to.
Romania offers an incredible journey through time with its medieval towns, imposing castles, and rich cultural heritage. From Dracula's castle to the painted monasteries of Bucovina, this country delivers world-class historical experiences at budget-friendly prices. Top attractions: Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, Sighișoara medieval town, Brasov Old Town Best time to visit: May–September for pleasant weather, October–November for fewer crowds Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, and Ukraine Poland
Poland combines history with vibrant modern culture, offering everything from impressive museums and Gothic architecture to the lively streets of Krakow's Old Town. The country's resilient spirit makes for interesting stories around every corner. Top attractions: Krakow's Main Market Square, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Warsaw's Old Town, Wroclaw's colorful buildings Best time to visit: May–September for warmest weather, December for Christmas markets Location: Central Europe, bordered by Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Lithuania Bulgaria
Bulgaria may surprise you with its varied historical influences, from Thracian tombs to Ottoman architecture and Soviet-era monuments. The country is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, which makes for a unique cultural blend that's both fascinating and affordable. Top attractions: Rila Monastery, Plovdiv's Old Town, Sozopol's ancient ruins, Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Best time to visit: May–October for outdoor activities, winter for skiing Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey For nature and adventure enthusiastsAlbania
Albania is Europe's best-kept secret for outdoor adventures, offering stunning coastlines, dramatic mountains, and pristine national parks at incredibly low prices. The Albanian Riviera rivals the Greek islands for beauty—but costs a fraction of the price. Top attractions: Albanian Riviera beaches, Valbona Valley National Park, Butrint archaeological site, Gjirokaster historic town Best time to visit: May–September for beach weather, April–October for hiking Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece Montenegro
Despite its small size, Montenegro packs incredible natural diversity, from the peaks of Durmitor National Park to the stunning Bay of Kotor. Adventure activities like hiking, rafting, and mountaineering in this country are both accessible and affordable. Top attractions: Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, Sveti Stefan island, Lovcen National Park Best time to visit: May–September for outdoor activities, June–August for beach weather Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania Slovakia
Slovakia offers some of the most affordable mountain adventures in the Tatras Mountains, charming medieval towns, and well-preserved castles that rival those in popular European destinations. The country's size makes it easy to experience diverse landscapes in a short time. Top attractions: High Tatras mountains, Spiš Castle, Bojnice Castle, Bratislava's Old Town Best time to visit: May–September for hiking, December–March for skiing Location: Central Europe, bordered by Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, and Czech Republic For city explorers and cultural capitalsSerbia
Belgrade's vibrant nightlife and culture at prices this low seem almost too good to be true. The Serbian capital combines Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences, creating a unique urban experience with excellent food and friendly locals. Top attractions: Belgrade Fortress, Skadarlija bohemian quarter, Novi Sad's Petrovaradin Fortress, Niš historical sites Best time to visit: April–October for pleasant weather, summer for festival season Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia Latvia
Riga, Latvia's capital, has stunning Art Nouveau architecture and medieval charm, and it’s also one of Europe's most affordable capital cities. Its manageable size makes it perfect for walking tours, while the broader country offers beautiful forests and coastal areas. Top attractions: Riga's Old Town, Art Nouveau district, Jurmala beach resort, Gauja National Park Best time to visit: May–September for warmest weather, December for Christmas markets Location: Northern Europe, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus Lithuania
Vilnius charms visitors with its baroque architecture and artistic spirit, while also offering some of the lowest prices in the European Union. The capital's UNESCO-listed Old Town provides endless exploration opportunities without the tourist crowds of other European capitals. Top attractions: Vilnius Old Town, Trakai Castle, Curonian Spit, Kaunas historic center Best time to visit: May–September for outdoor activities, December for holiday atmosphere Location: Northern Europe, bordered by Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Russia For budget-friendly beach loversMontenegro
Montenegro's coastline has Mediterranean beauty without typical Mediterranean prices. The dramatic mountains that drop directly into the sea create some of Europe's most spectacular coastal scenery. Plus, its beach resorts remain refreshingly affordable. Top attractions: Budva Riviera, Sveti Stefan, Ulcinj beaches, Ada Bojana island Best time to visit: June–September for beach weather, May and October for fewer crowds Location: Adriatic coast, offering both beach and mountain experiences Albania
The Albanian Riviera provides crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches at a fraction of the cost of neighboring Greece or Italy. Small coastal towns like Himara and Dhermi offer authentic Mediterranean experiences without the tourist markup. Top attractions: Saranda beaches, Himara coast, Blue Eye natural spring, Porto Palermo bay Best time to visit: May–September for swimming, April and October for sightseeing Location: Adriatic and Ionian coastlines with more that 200 miles of beaches Bosnia & Herzegovina
While not traditionally known for beaches, Bosnia's Adriatic coastline around Neum offers affordable seaside experiences. The country offers river rafting, natural hot springs, and mountain lakes that are great for swimming. Top attractions: Neum coastline, Una National Park rivers, Kravica waterfalls, Banja Luka thermal springs Best time to visit: May–September for outdoor water activities Location: Southeastern Europe with limited but beautiful coastal access For solo travelers and backpackersBosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia is a top destination for solo travelers. You can find hostel beds for less than $10 and meals for $3–$5. The country is known for the warmth of its people and the beauty of its landscapes, creating meaningful travel experiences for explorers. Top attractions: Sarajevo's historic center, Mostar's famous bridge, Blagaj monastery, Jajce waterfalls Best time to visit: April–October for comfortable weather and outdoor activities Location: Heart of the Balkans, perfect for multi-country backpacking routes North Macedonia
North Macedonia has excellent backpacker infrastructure with affordable hostels, cheap local transportation, and friendly locals eager to share their culture. The country's size makes it easy to explore thoroughly on a limited budget. Top attractions: Ohrid Lake, Skopje's eclectic architecture, Matka Canyon, Bitola's Ottoman heritage Best time to visit: May–September for lake activities, year-round for cultural sites Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Kosovo Latvia
Riga serves as an excellent base for budget backpacking through the Baltics, with well-connected hostels, affordable food, and easy access to Estonia and Lithuania. The city's walkable size and efficient public transport make solo exploration comfortable and safe. Top attractions: Multiple UNESCO sites, vibrant nightlife, easy day trips to other Baltic capitals Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for optimal weather and longer daylight hours Location: Strategic position for exploring all three Baltic states efficiently Full overview of the cheapest countries in Europe with pricesCountry Accommodation costs Food costs Average Going dealAlbania Hostels from $10 per night; hotels from $20 per night Street food: $1–$2, meals: $5–$10 $463 RT Romania Hostels from $12 per night; hotels from $25 per night Street food: $2–$3, meals: $6–$12 $483 RT Bulgaria Hostels from $8 per night; hotels from $15 per night Street food: $1–$2, meals: $5–$12 Deals rare Poland Hostels from $15 per night; hotels from $25 per night Street food: $2–$3, meals: $8–$15 $488 RT Lithuania Hostels from $10 per night; hotels from $20 per night Street food: $2–$4, meals: $6–$12 $424 RT Latvia Hostels from $12 per night; hotels from $25 per night Street food: $3–$5, meals: $7–$15 $405 RT Montenegro Hostels from $15 per night; hotels from $30 per night Street food: $2–$3, meals: $8–$15 Deals rare Serbia Hostels from $10 per night; hotels from $20 per night Street food: $2–$4, meals: $6–$12 $573 RT Bosnia & Herzegovina Hostels from $8 per night; hotels from $15 per night Street food: $1–$3, meals: $5–$12 $470 RT Slovakia Hostels from $12 per night; hotels from $25 per night Street food: $2–$4, meals: $6–$12 Deals rare How to save money while planning your budget-friendly European vacationTraveling off-peak Visiting during shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) is one of the best ways to cut costs by 30–50%. Besides, many of these budget-friendly countries are actually more enjoyable during off-peak times, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at major attractions. Using public transportationMost Eastern European countries have excellent and affordable public transport systems. A monthly public transport pass in cities like Belgrade or Sofia costs less than $20, while intercity buses and trains offer comfortable travel for a fraction of Western European prices. You can also look up multi-country bus passes for extended travel. Choosing budget accommodationMost budget travelers opt for hostels, but it’s also worth considering guesthouses, pension accommodations, and locally hosted options in residential areas. Many budget countries offer family-run accommodations that include breakfast and local insights. Besides, try booking directly with smaller properties for better rates and more authentic experiences. Eating like a localSkip tourist restaurants and head to local markets, street food vendors, and neighborhood eateries where locals actually eat. Many Eastern European countries have fantastic food scenes that are overlooked by most tourists. Traditional meals at local restaurants will often cost less than a single appetizer in Western European tourist areas. Book flights earlyBooking your flight should be the first step when planning your trip. Try to buy your tickets in the Goldilocks Window (2–8 months out for international flights) for the best prices. For peak season travel to Europe, booking even earlier can be beneficial, as popular routes fill up quickly. Use the Going app to find the best dealsGoing specializes in finding exceptional deals to European destinations. Our members save an average of $200 on domestic flights and $500 on international routes. The Going app lets you know as soon as prices drop for your preferred destinations, making budget European travel even more accessible. Free and low-cost attractions in EuropeMany European countries offer incredible free attractions, from hiking trails in national parks to walking tours of historic city centers. Museums often have free days or reduced evening rates, and many churches, markets, and viewpoints provide cultural experiences without admission fees. Before your trip, research festivals and events to immerse yourself in the local culture at no cost. For more planning tips, check out our detailed Europe travel guide for additional money-saving strategies. Why choosing the right budget-friendly destination in Europe mattersThe rising cost of travel in EuropeTrips to Europe have become increasingly expensive, with popular destinations seeing huge price increases in recent years. Cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Rome have even implemented tourist taxes, and accommodation costs in prime locations have skyrocketed due to limited supply. The post-pandemic travel boom has only made things more competitive, with many travelers vying for the same popular destinations. This has created a perfect storm of inflated prices across accommodation, dining, and attractions in traditional European hotspots. The benefits of budget travel in EuropeChoosing budget-friendly European destinations is much more than money-saving: You also get authentic experiences that most tourists miss. These lesser-known countries often offer more genuine cultural interactions, fewer crowds at major attractions, and the opportunity to explore places before they become mainstream tourist destinations. The best part? When you spend less on accommodation and basic expenses, you have more budget available for experiences, better meals, and longer trips. A week in Albania or Bulgaria can cost the same as two days in Switzerland, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the culture rather than rushing through expensive highlights. Ready to explore Europe on a budget? Start planning your next getawayEuropean travel experiences don't require an unlimited budget. From Albania's pristine beaches to Romania's medieval castles, these countries offer authentic European culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history at prices that allow you to travel longer and experience more. The key to successful budget European travel lies is all about choosing the right destinations and knowing how to find cheap flights to get there. With Going's flight deals, your European adventure can become reality sooner than you think. Start planning your affordable European getaway today—your wallet and your wanderlust will thank you.
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