15 Top-Rated Cheap Places to Visit in Europe
Let's face it, travel is expensive, especially if you have your sights set on Europe. Just because hot spots like London and Paris are budget breakers doesn't mean you have to forgo a European vacation. Luckily this cultured continent is home to a slew of cheap places to visit – you only need to know where to go.
It's a common misconception that European jet-setting is pricey, when in reality, to save a dollar (or a few thousand), being strategic about your destination is key. Visit the smaller, lesser-known regions to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck. They're just as beautiful and attraction filled as popular heavyweights like Paris, but don't come with the exorbitant price tags.
Though there are many expensive cosmopolitan cities across the Atlantic, there are even more budget-friendly options that still provide the same cultural, culinary, and eye-opening experiences you seek in a European vacation.
From a port city in Spain to a mountain town in Bulgaria to the charming Porto in Portugal, you'll find plenty of affordable destinations throughout Europe. To choose one that's right for your tourist wishes, use our list of the best cheap places to visit in Europe.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is nicknamed "The City of a Hundred Spies," but you don't have to be stealthy to save money in the capital of the Czech Republic. No matter the season, Prague offers charm, adventure, history, and plenty of decadent (and deliciously fried) dishes. Whether you're on a hostel budget or can spend a bit more for an Airbnb, you can expect to pay very little in nightly rates and dinners out compared to other cities in Europe.
The city itself is divided into old and new, and you can hire a tour guide or save money by wandering around the city's best points of interest by yourself – it's not only simple to navigate but features an inexpensive metro system, too.
Want to really get a good bang for your buck? Pack yourself a cheap breakfast and a coffee and watch the sun rise over the Charles Bridge. It's an unforgettable and mostly crowd-free experience, not to mention one of the best free things to do in Prague.
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Valencia, Spain
If you're a fan of art and the undeniable allure of Spain, you might consider hopping a flight to Barcelona. But once you start looking at hotel rates... you might think again. Instead, save some cash and still test your eye for design by vacationing in Valencia.
This port city lies along the southeastern coast of the country and is renowned in Europe for it's dedication to science and art, with a well-known oceanarium, museum, and planetarium among its top attractions.
While peppered with tourist attractions, no out-of-office adventure is complete without a little R&R, and luckily, Valencia also features many beaches and hiking and biking trails, too. Nature and inspiration? Yes, please!
- Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Valencia
Berlin, Germany
Overall, Germany isn't the most budget-friendly destination to book in Europe, but there are a few exceptions to the rule and strategies to lower your costs.
Case in point, the country's capital of Berlin, which is steadily growing as a hot spot for digital nomads and remote workers. This is partially due to their lenient expat policy that allows for much longer visas compared to other countries within the Schengen area. Because of this uptick, you can expect many affordable long-term rentals or short-term Airbnbs, hostels, and micro hotels.
When you're in town, you'll see plenty of remnants from many centuries ago detailing the wars it has endured, as well as the modern recreation of hope in the form of various street art and galleries.
Perhaps it goes without saying, but the Berlin Wall, and its graffiti, as well as the Brandenburg Gate are some of the most popular points of interest in Berlin.
Budapest, Hungary
A flight, train, or road trip away from Prague lies another Eastern European jewel that won't cost all of your rubies. The capital of Hungary, Budapest is smaller than other spots, but packs plenty of fun attractions, including lively entertainment venues and a multitude of pretty walks to keep tourists busy.
In addition to nibbling your way around food markets and street vendors, Budapest is ripe with donation-only museums and other sightseeing hot spots that make learning about its troublesome past as eye-opening as it is affordable.
Most travelers make their way to Fisherman's Bastion to capture an image for their Instagram, and a ride on the Budapest Eye in Erzsébet Square might be a bit of a splurge – but it's a scenic way to seal your trip.
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Budapest
Kotor, Montenegro
Never heard of Kotor? Here's a briefer: it's the neighbor of Croatia along the Adriatic Coast and might be one of the best-and cheapest-secrets of Europe. Much like nearby Dubrovnik, Kotor is set on limestone cliffs, providing an incredible backdrop to witness from the curvy, quaint streets or the shore.
In addition to working on your tan, you will also feel as if you were transported back to medieval times, with many structures from centuries ago. Explore castles and churches and discover other interesting things to do in Kotor.
Unlike other tropical-esque spots in the region, Kotor has yet to gain popularity, so you'll find inexpensive rates, even for beachfront hotels or rentals. Hitting the beach is one of the best things to do with the family, so be sure to bring your kids along for this cheap European holiday.
Accommodation: Best Beach Resorts in Montenegro
Read More: Top-Rated Things to do in Montenegro
Seville, Spain
Another unmissable Spanish city is the home of the legendary flamenco dancing: Seville. This romantic city is part of Spain's Andalusia region, and features an overflowing amount of small eateries, cafés, tapas restaurants, and parks, as well as picturesque attractions and multiple beautiful places to visit.
Unlike other busy cities, this smaller town is a common place for study abroad students and backpackers, providing a much richer cultural immersion that's not possible with rampant crowds.
Like any place in Europe, it also offers a glimpse of history, including the Alcázar castle (a.k.a. Real Alcázar), and the reputed resting place of Christopher Columbus in the Gothic Seville Cathedral. Use your saved pennies for a horse and buggy ride through town, or lounge by the giant fountain in the stunning castle grounds.
Whether you picnic on the grass or waste away the hours at an outdoor terrace, make sure to save time to climb the Giralda bell tower for an amazing view. It's one of the top attractions in Seville.
Warsaw, Poland
The best time to visit Warsaw is during the spring and summer, unless you don't mind battling freezing temperatures in the Polish capital. While visiting in winter is your cheapest bet for booking airfare and accommodations, it may well be so cold, you won't fully appreciate the town's many offerings.
Frequent fliers rave about Warsaw thanks to its fascinating and vibrant society, which marries the ancient with the revolutionary. After the city's demise during World War II, the Old Town was reconfigured, but its heartbeat was maintained – as you walk through Market Square, keep an eye out for heart shapes, a common graffiti element used by taggers.
You'll also see Gothic elements that might remind you of Budapest, and plenty of cheap eats to dazzle your taste buds.
Tallinn, Estonia
Nestled on the Baltic Sea and dazzling with pops of greenery in the spring, the capital of Estonia is worth the trip. Believe it or not, its history dates back to the 13th century, with the original wall still intact.
Cobblestone streets bring a sweet charm, as tourists wander about the city, stopping by cafés and boutiques along the way. Most of the attractions and landmarks in Tallin – including Kiek in de Kok, Gothic Town Hall, and St. Nicholas Church - all boast inexpensive admissions.
Most travelers appreciate the affordable nightly rates, as well as some of the most highly rated street food in Northern Europe.
Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Estonia
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is another unmissable capital in Eastern Europe. A Slovakian gem, Bratislava, like Prague and Budapest, is set on the sparkling Danube River. If you and your travel companions crave some city with a side of countryside, Bratislava is an ideal match.
You can easily visit nearby villages and mountains, featuring countless cycling and hiking trails for active jet-setters. When you're resting your muscles from the hard work, head to the nostalgic old town. A pedestrian-only area, this is where you'll find the city's best cafés and restaurants, a perfect place to relax.
If you happen to travel here for a romantic getaway but don't have a lot of extra cash, spending a fun afternoon at the Bratislava castle is one of the most romantic things to do for couples.
Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bratislava
Galway, Ireland
Ireland's west coast plays host to one of its most intimate, charming, and cheap towns. Galway is a haven for artists, adventurists, gastronomes, and nature lovers. Its many attractions and unique points of interest cover a variety of interests.
The best free things to do in Galway include, visiting the Galway Market, which is open on weekends throughout the year, exploring the free gallery at the Gallway Arts Center, taking a selfie at the Spanish Arch, and hiking along the Salthill Promenade.
The Wild Atlantic Way is unmissable, and easily reachable from Galway. While you're there, be sure to visit the remarkable Cliffs of Moher. There are plenty of affordable ways to get there, including a bus tour, which makes this one of the most popular day trips from Galway.
Sofia, Bulgaria
As more remote workers flock to Sofia, it becomes a prime spot for cheap travel. Not only is this city the capital of Bulgaria, but it has more options than you ever knew the country offered.
Within driving distance is the iconic Vitosha Mountain, ideal for hikes and adventuring, which top the list of free things to do. And the city itself will occupy the minds of history buffs, since its attractions tie together thousands of years of rulers, from the Greeks and the Soviets to the Romans and more.
With a lively event and culinary scene, the city is relatively safe and has a younger crowd. Don't miss the St. George Rotunda Church or the medieval Boyana Church, which reign as top attractions in Sofia for sightseers.
Split, Croatia
Most travelers who have Croatia on their bucket list won't miss a stop in Split, on the Dalmatian Coast. Best of all, with cheap nightly rates and quick, fast eats, it definitely won't – ahem – split your budget. Though there are some pricey resorts by the Adriatic Sea, when you stay in the city's iconic Old Town, you'll find a slew of inexpensive hostels and hotels.
You'll definitely want to set aside some cash for a day spent cruising to nearby islands on some of the most beautiful waters you'll ever see. Bring your own snacks and drinks to save on cost, and save enough space to account for the hundreds of photos you'll take of the picturesque scenery.
When you're back on land, don't miss the city's top place to visit, Diocletian's Palace, and make sure to climb to the top of the bell tower for a pretty view of this unique town.
Read More: Best Tourist Attractions in Split
Porto, Portugal
It doesn't cost a penny to feast your eyes on Porto's picturesque landscape (once you've paid to get there, that is). Dramatic bridges, orange tiled roofs, and a kaleidoscope of colored buildings tower above the sparkling blue Douro River, welcoming visitors to this Portuguese masterpiece.
The best attractions in Porto are well worth their affordable entrance fees. Palácio de Bolsa is a UNESCO World Heritage sight and one of the most spectacular places to visit. It's located in the historic area of Porto, beside São Francisco (the Church of St. Francis).
Dom Luís I Bridge, Sé do Porto (Poroto Cathedral) and the impressive Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (a.k.a. the Crystal Palace Gardens) are other impressive points of interest. And your wallet will thank you for checking out the city's free galleries like Miguel Bombarda and Galeria Quadrado Azul.
Istanbul, Turkey
There's little to dislike about Turkey's capital city, which is why it has such a storied past. For centuries, Istanbul was sought after by various empires, all of which desired its picturesque and ideal location on the borders of Europe and Asia.
Among Istanbul's highlights and best cheap places to visit are the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, and the bustling Sultanahmet District. In fact, visiting Sultanahmet Square's hippodrome is one of the best cheap things to do while on holiday in Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque is another free place to visit, and it is open to tourists outside of prayer time, as long as you follow the rules in regard to attire–clothing must cover the majority of your body, and no footwear is allowed to be worn inside.
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Granada, Spain
Another Andalusian gem graces our list of the best cheap places to visit in Europe. Granada is a beauty, backed by the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains and home to historic points of interest so lovely, you'll wish you had more time to explore. Many date to the 13th century, when the Moors from North Africa ruled this lush area.
The most famous tourist attraction is the Alhambra, an Islamic-decorated palace that attracts scores of sightseers from across the globe. While tickets to this spectacular spot are a bit pricey, they include a guided tour of both the Alhambra and the Generalife and last about 2.5 hours. It is well worth the fee, which is roughly 35 Euros. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that you'll be saving heaps on your accommodation.
While food and hotel rates are generally cheap in Granada, you can score even better deals if you travel during the off-season. Spring and autumn present comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and affordable fees. That said, winter is the cheapest time to visit Granada, but you'll need to dress for cool weather.
