International tourism is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, as the last vestiges of COVID-19 travel restrictions get lifted and the demand to get away carries on unabated. There’s no denying the powerful appeal of Europe for many Americans, but the high cost of popular destinations like London, Paris and Rome can be a deal breaker.
However, there is no reason to allow the cost of a trip to Europe deter you. With such a rich and diverse mix of history, culture and cuisine to experience, there are numerous European cities you can visit without breaking the bank .
According to recent Priceline search, the most affordable nightly rates for hotels in Europe are the following:
Berlin, Germany: $127
Frankfurt, Germany: $138
Prague, Czech Republic: $145
Brussels, Belgium: $171
Geneva, Switzerland: $157
Budapest, Hungary: $175
Even average daily rates for rental cars in tourist-heavy spots in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona); Ireland (Dublin and Shannon); and Italy (Lian and Rome) rank among the cheapest in Europe.
However, many adventurers are looking to travel beyond the typical holiday traps in Europe. If you want to travel but are on a budget, Mariana Montes, travel expert and writer at Vibe Adventures , suggests taking an Eastern European route, which will give you a wider choice of countries, including some Balkan stops.
Starting in Trieste, Italy, you can cross Slovenia, before winding your way through Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Turkey. “Then you can arrive in Macedonia and start your circuit in reverse. If you have a 25-day vacation you could have spent as little as 625 euros ($680),” said Montes. “There may be cities and places where you can spend much less than 30 euros. It will be enough to visit attractions, eat and sleep in good places without any worries.”
Here are 10 perfect low-cost getaways to Europe for the curious globetrotter from some well-traveled experts.
1. Timisoara, Romania
According to the worldwide luggage storage app Bounce , Timisoara ranks as the most affordable city break destination in Europe, per its 2023 City Break Cost Index . A hotel room in the city costs $105 a night, and transport is also affordable (the average taxi price per kilometer costs $0.66). The city was voted Europe’s capital of culture in 2021 and is jam-packed full of cultural activities that will appeal to even the most discriminating traveler.
2. Vieste, Italy
“Located in Puglia, Vieste is a hidden gem that most people do not speak about, but is a must visit,” said Taima Ramsey, travel expert and founder of the Poor in a Private Plane site. “You can book a resort on the beach including beach chairs for under $100 a night. Some even include half or full board. Most restaurants had meals around 10 euro ($11 USD), however, there are a few Michelin restaurants tucked away where you can spend more. We did a tour of the caves for only 20 euro ($22.85) per person. And they even have free beaches where you can just lay out your towel and enjoy the sun, sand and sea without paying a dime.”
3. Malaga, Spain
“The Costa del Sol region in the south of continental Spain is a charming and budget-friendly holiday destination, with its capital city, Malaga, being among the most affordable areas along the coastline,” said Mercedes Zach, travel expert at ASAP Tickets . “Besides, almost everything is within walking distance over there, and the weather is nice and warm all year round, with an average temperature of 77°F degrees during the summer months. Beyond its 16 sunny beaches, this Andalusian city on the shores of the Mediterranean has a fascinating cultural side.”
4. Riga, Latvia
Riga, a Baltic beauty, is sometimes overlooked when considering the most affordable towns in Europe to visit. Known mostly for its architecture, art-appreciating tourists will relish Riga’s Gothic churches, medieval structures, streets adorned with Art Nouveau, wooden homes and contemporary artwork. It’s also a low-cost and family-friendly destination (an orange badge is displayed at child friendly activities and restaurants). The Old Town of Riga is steeped in over 800 years of history and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
5. Kaunas, Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has long been ranked as one of the cheapest locations to visit, but if you go a little west, to Kaunas, you’ll save more money. Designated as one of 2022’s European Capitals of Culture for its music, art and theatre, visitors will find many free activities and events, and four-star hotel accommodations start at $75 per night, per Condé Nast Traveler. The annual CityTelling Festival highlights the city’s Jewish heritage and a funicular ride up Aleksoto Hill will cost you only a few euros to experience the best views of this Baltic city.
6. Brno, Czech Republic
Brno, Czech Republic, ranks as the second-most affordable city break in Europe, per Bounce. Transport and food and beverages are cheap, and you won’t be at a loss for things to do in this vibrant, charming Moravian town. Avoid the hoards of predictable tourists in Prague and experience a slower-paced Czech way of life instead.
7. Desenzano Del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy
“I go to Italy a lot, so I have a lot of recommendations,” Ramsey added. “Desenzano is a great alternative to Lake Como. We booked an apartment for less than $100/night just steps from the main piazza. Food and drinks are relatively inexpensive compared to its nearby neighbors with options coming in under 10 euro and average restaurant meals around 15 euro.”
8. Tirana, Albania
Zach recommends Albania’s gorgeous coastline to beach lovers, but suggests first-time travelers to “start by exploring its capital city, Tirana, which stands out with its colorful Soviet-era architecture and historical monuments, quickly transforming into a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub with lots to offer.”
9. Klagenfurt, Austria
Main meals in Klagenfurt can cost as little as $7, and the farmers’ market on Benediktinerplatz is a fantastic place to find local deals, notes Condé Naste. The city is also one of the most picturesque in Austria due to its stunning location on the eastern side of Lake Wörthersee. The most affordable time to visit is June, when the waterfront is free of summertime tourists and irrational swimmers.
10. Madeira, Portugal
People think Lisbon is an expensive city, but it often ranks among the most budget-friendly in Europe. Still, you can find cheaper — and equally beautiful — locales in Portugal. “Madeira has gained popularity in the last couple of years, however, it is still considered a hidden gem,” said Ramsey. “You can find hotel and accommodations for under $100 and vacation packages which include flights, hotels and even tours for less than $1,000. Flights from the U.S. vary, but the cheapest I have seen is $400. Food on the island is inexpensive compared to many European cities, with most meals averaging between 10-15 euro (around $10.90-$16.40).”
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