12 Insanely Cheap European Countries to Explore More & Spend Far Less in 2025

Dreaming of cobblestone streets, ancient castles, and vibrant cultures, but your bank account keeps whispering ‘no’? You are not alone. Many people think a trip to Europe means draining their savings, especially when they see the high costs of cities like Paris, London, and Zurich. Those places often dominate the travel conversation, making the whole continent seem out of reach.

But what if we told you there’s another side to Europe? This guide will show you 12 beautiful and affordable European destinations that offer rich experiences without the hefty price tag.

We will give you estimated daily budgets, real tips that work, and great reasons why these spots are perfect for budget travel Europe in 2025. Get ready to discover the cheap European countries to visit that will make your travel dreams a reality.

1. Portugal: Coastal Charm Without the High Cost

Portugal gives you a classic Western European feeling for an Eastern European price. From Lisbon’s rattling yellow trams to the golden beaches of the Algarve, the country offers incredible value. The food is amazing, the wine is cheap, and the scenery is stunning. It is the perfect place to start your affordable European adventure.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $50 – $70 USD. This covers a hostel bed ($25), food ($20), and activities or local transport ($15).
• Why It’s a Top Choice: You get sunny weather, historic cities, and a friendly atmosphere. It is much more affordable than neighboring Spain but just as beautiful.
• Top Budget Tip: Look for small local restaurants called tascas and ask for the prato do dia (plate of the day). For about €8-€12, you can get a full meal, including a drink and sometimes even a coffee.
• Best Time for Budget Travel: Visit during the shoulder seasons of September and October. The weather is still warm, the crowds are smaller, and flight prices are lower. For example, a fresh pastel de nata (custard tart) will only cost you about €1.20.

2. Czech Republic: Prague and Beyond the Fairytale

Prague looks like a city straight out of a storybook, and the good news is that you do not need a king’s fortune to visit. While it’s the most famous city, the Czech Republic has so much more to offer. You can explore charming towns like Český Krumlov or the cool city of Brno for even less money.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $45 – $65 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: The architecture is breathtaking, and the history is deep. It’s centrally located, making it a great base to explore other affordable European destinations.
• Top Budget Tip: In many pubs, a half-liter of local beer is famously cheaper than a bottle of water, costing around $2.20. To save more, use the country’s efficient train system to visit smaller towns. A ticket from Prague to Brno can be as cheap as $10.
• Student Savings: If you have a valid student ID, always ask for a discount. You can get cheaper tickets for public transport and entry into many museums and castles.

3. Hungary: History, Hot Springs, and Hearty Food

Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” is a city of grand buildings, unique ruin bars, and healing thermal baths. Hungary offers a travel experience that feels luxurious but comes at a refreshingly low cost. The food is designed to be filling and delicious, perfect for a traveler on a budget.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $40 – $60 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: Where else can you soak in a 100-year-old thermal bath in the morning and explore a hip, artsy bar in a ruined building at night? The mix of history and modern cool is unmatched.
• Top Budget Tip: Head to Budapest’s Great Market Hall for a cheap and tasty lunch. You can grab a langos (fried dough with toppings) for around $3. Also, many thermal baths offer cheaper tickets for evening entry, usually after 7 PM.
• Free Fun: You can enjoy many of the city’s best sights for free. Walk across the Chain Bridge at sunset, explore the huge Margaret Island park, or simply wander through the historic Jewish Quarter.

4. Poland: Rich History and Even Richer Flavors

From the painful history of Auschwitz near Krakow to the rebuilt spirit of Warsaw, Poland is a country of deep resilience. It also happens to be one of the best cheap European countries to visit for food lovers. You can eat plates of delicious pierogi (dumplings) and explore the beautiful Tatra Mountains without stretching your budget.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $45 – $65 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: Poland offers a powerful combination of history, beautiful old towns, and stunning nature. The value you get for your money is extremely high.
• Top Budget Tip: Eat at a Bar Mleczny or “Milk Bar.” These are old-style Polish cafeterias that serve simple, hearty, and incredibly cheap traditional food. You can get a full meal for under $8.
• Must-Do: In Krakow, be sure to visit Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square. A plate of pierogi at a local restaurant will only set you back about $5-7.

5. Romania: Fairytale Castles and Modern Cities

For a country that feels like a forgotten fairytale, look no further than Romania. Home to the legendary region of Transylvania, you can find gothic castles, fortified churches, and mysterious forests. The capital, Bucharest, has a lively energy and is known for its fast internet and vibrant nightlife.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $35 – $55 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: Romania is a true adventure. It is less crowded than many other European destinations and offers a unique blend of medieval history and raw, natural beauty.
• Top Budget Tip: The train system is the cheapest way to travel between cities. It might not be the fastest, but the views are incredible, and a ticket from Bucharest to Brasov can cost as little as $10-15.
• Transylvania on a Budget: Visiting castles like Bran Castle (often called Dracula’s Castle) is very affordable, with entry tickets around $10.

6. Albania: Europe’s Hidden Beach Paradise

Often called the “hidden gem” of the Balkans, Albania is quickly becoming the go-to spot for a Mediterranean beach vacation on a tiny budget. Its Ionian coast has beaches that look just like those in Greece, but the prices for food, drinks, and hotels are a small fraction of the cost.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $35 – $50 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination with world-class beaches, ancient Roman ruins, and extremely friendly locals.
• Top Budget Tip: Eat at local grill houses, known as zgara. You can get fresh grilled meats, salads, and bread for just a few dollars. Skip the coastal tourist traps and eat where you see locals gathering.
• Coastal Value: You can often find a fresh seafood pasta dish at a restaurant with a sea view for under $10, something that would cost three or four times that amount in Italy or Croatia.

7. Bulgaria: Sun, Snow, and Serious Savings

Want to go skiing in the winter or relax on a beach in the summer without paying a fortune? Bulgaria has you covered. Its Black Sea coast is famous for sunny, affordable resorts, while mountain towns like Bansko offer some of Europe’s cheapest ski passes.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $40 – $60 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: Bulgaria is incredibly diverse. You can explore Roman history in the capital, Sofia, one day and be hiking in the Rila Mountains the next.
• Top Budget Tip: In Sofia, join one of the excellent free walking tours to get a great overview of the city and its history. It’s a fantastic way to orient yourself and get tips from a local guide.
• Winter Savings: A daily ski pass in Bansko can cost around $45, while a similar pass in the French Alps could easily be over $80.

8. Slovakia: Mountains and Charm Without the Crowds

Slovakia is a small country with a big heart, right in the center of Europe. Its capital, Bratislava, is a charming and much cheaper alternative to nearby Vienna or Prague. For nature lovers, the High Tatras mountains offer some of the most spectacular and accessible hiking on the continent.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $45 – $65 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: It gives you a taste of Central Europe castles, cozy old towns, and great beer without the huge crowds you find in neighboring countries.
• Top Budget Tip: If you plan on exploring Bratislava, consider getting a Bratislava CARD. It gives you unlimited public transport and discounts or free entry to many museums and attractions.
• Hiker’s Paradise: The hiking trails in the High Tatras are well-marked and mostly free to access. You can stay in mountain huts for a low price and enjoy incredible views.

9. Latvia: An Art Nouveau Gem in the Baltics

The capital city of Riga is the star of Latvia. It is famous for having the world’s largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings, making a simple walk around town feel like a visit to an outdoor museum. Latvia also has beautiful forests, sandy beaches, and a fun, modern culture.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $45 – $65 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: The Baltic states are some of the most affordable European destinations, and Latvia offers a great mix of city life and nature.
• Top Budget Tip: Riga’s Central Market, housed in giant old Zeppelin hangars, is the perfect place for a cheap and delicious meal. You can buy fresh smoked fish, local cheeses, and pastries for very low prices.
• Local Drink: Be sure to try the national drink, Riga Black Balsam. It’s a unique herbal liqueur that you can find at any bar for a few dollars.

10. North Macedonia: The Cheapest of the Cheap

If you are looking for the absolute rock-bottom cheapest places in Europe 2025, North Macedonia should be at the top of your list. The country is home to the stunning Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the quirky, statue-filled capital of Skopje.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $30 – $45 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: The value for money here is shocking. It is a beautiful, historic country where your travel budget will stretch further than you can imagine.
• Top Budget Tip: Use local buses to get around cities and between towns. Taxis can be expensive for tourists, but a bus ticket will almost always cost less than a dollar.
• Lake Ohrid: Life by the lake is simple and cheap. You can find a private room for rent for as little as $15-20 a night, and a boat trip on the beautiful water might only cost $5-10.

11. Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Country with a Powerful Story

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country of incredible natural beauty and a deep, moving history. The capital, Sarajevo, is a fascinating city where East meets West. The town of Mostar is famous for its beautiful Stari Most (Old Bridge), where brave locals dive into the river below.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $35 – $55 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: Traveling here is a powerful experience. The people are warm and welcoming, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the history teaches you important lessons about resilience.
• Top Budget Tip: The national dishes are cheap, filling, and delicious. Look for shops selling Ćevapi (grilled minced meat) or Burek (a savory pastry filled with meat or cheese). You can get a huge portion for just $3-5.
• Coffee Culture: Sit down for a Bosnian coffee in Sarajevo’s old Baščaršija market. It’s a wonderful cultural experience that will only cost you about $1.50.

12. Lithuania: A Baltic Nation Full of Surprises

Lithuania, the southernmost Baltic state, is another excellent choice for budget travel Europe. Its capital, Vilnius, has a beautiful baroque Old Town, a unique artists’ republic called Užupis, and a fascinating history. From there, you can explore fairytale castles and wild, sandy coastlines.

• Estimated Daily Budget: $45 – $65 USD.
• Why It’s a Top Choice: It’s a friendly, safe, and compact country that is easy to explore. It feels less discovered than its neighbors, offering a more authentic travel experience.
• Top Budget Tip: When looking for lunch, keep an eye out for signs that say dienos pietūs. This means “lunch of the day” and is a set menu that usually includes a soup and a main course for a very low price, often around €6-8.
• National Dish: Don’t leave without trying Cepelinai, large potato dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese. They are a true taste of Lithuania and a very cheap meal.