Europe boasts a variety of destinations that check everyone’s boxes - mountains, seas, forests, countryside, city breaks, leisure, adventure. You name it, Europe has it.
If you are mostly interested in budget travel, there are plenty of European countries that won’t drain your travel fund. The general trend is that the North and West of Europe tend to be more expensive, while the South and the East offer lower costs.
In this article, we will list the cheapest European countries to travel to and tell you why they’re worth visiting. 
Top 10 Cheapest European Countries to Travel
1. Bulgaria2. North Macedonia
3. Poland
4. Slovakia
5. Portugal
6. Albania
7. Hungary
8. Romania
9. Lithuania
10. Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Bulgaria
The cost of living in Bulgaria is relatively low compared to other European countries, and so is travel. This Balkan country invites tourists with its great landscape diversity - you can get a tan in the resorts by the Black Sea or ski in the Balkan Mountains.
Fans of city breaks can catch a cheap flight to Sofia, Plovdiv, or Varna. There are also multiple treats for history enthusiasts scattered all around the country, such as the ancient stadium built by Emperor Hadrian in Plovdiv or the famous Rila Monastery in the mountains.
Another element worth exploring in Bulgaria is the local folklore. Fans of the fantasy genre may be aware that in many tales, Bulgaria is where many breeds of dragons are said to originate from. The famous statue, “Dragons in Love” in Varna, is a testament to that belief.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €15
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A night in a hotel (double room): €44-82
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €10
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €20
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North Macedonia
North Macedonia is Bulgaria’s much smaller neighbour. It is often overlooked by travellers from within and outside Europe alike, despite its natural beauty.
This makes it one of the cheapest European countries to travel. First, it is not crowded like more popular destinations such as Spain or Greece, although equally charming. And secondly, the balanced demand contributes to the fact that prices haven’t escalated and remain reasonable.
If you are a backpacker on a budget, North Macedonia might be the right choice for you. It is especially attractive for hikers, offering a wide range of trails with picturesque views. Make sure to also visit the capital, Skopje, and spend a day or two by the beautiful lake Ohrid.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €14
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A night in a hotel (double room): €31-59
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €7
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €12
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Poland
Poland is yet another country that has it all - the sea in the North, the mountains in the South, as well as beautiful cities with rich histories. Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, and Gdańsk invite with their historic charm and unique architecture.
If you are more into the modern vibe, you will find a lot of events happening in the capital, Warsaw. You can also go hiking in the Tatry, Karpaty, or Beskidy Mountains, sailing in Mazury, or camping in one of the many forests covering the territory of Poland.
Poland is the beating heart of Europe, with plenty to do and see for a reasonable cost. Life here isn’t expensive compared to other European countries, and tourists from the North and West are often positively surprised by the local prices.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €14
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A night in a hotel (double room): €45-85
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €9
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €21
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Slovakia
Next up on our list of the cheapest European countries for travel, we have Poland’s neighbour, Slovakia. Don’t be deceived by its compact size - it is actually Europe’s hidden gem.
First of all, in Slovakia, you can eat a lot without paying a lot. Its food is hearty, and the portions are big, but even in the capital, Bratislava, they come at very affordable prices. To help you stomach all the meat and cheese, the local beer flows freely without a high price tag.
The Tatra Mountain range spreads from Poland to Slovakia, making it another hotspot for avid hikers. After climbing a few mountains, you can treat your sore muscles in the Aphrodite Spa in Rajecké Teplice, where the white pillars and azure water will transport you straight to ancient Greece.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €19
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A night in a hotel (double room): €60-112
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €8
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €20
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Portugal
We don’t think Portugal needs much introduction. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, access to the ocean, tasty food, rich culture, and friendly people.
While the prices in Portugal are slowly increasing due to the steady influx of tourists and expats, they remain quite low as of now, especially compared to its neighbour, Spain.
During your trip, make sure to visit cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Braga, or Sintra. Prices in the touristy areas in Lisbon and Porto are elevated, but you can still find a lot of things to do on a budget.
The region of Algarve is also one of the priciest parts of Portugal due to its popularity as a holiday resort. However, it is worth dropping by for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear water.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €23
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A night in a hotel (double room): €88-164
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €11
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €22
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Albania
Many call Albania “Europe’s best-kept secret”. And they are right! Tucked into the Balkan peninsula right next to Greece, Albania boasts similar breathtaking views at a much lower price.
Albania is also the perfect country for a budget-friendly road trip. Check off the Southern part of the coast, the Fir of Hotovë-Dangëlli National Park, the Albanian Alps, and historic cities such as Tirana, Vlorë, or Berat.
And lastly, don’t forget to try the mouth-watering Albanian cuisine at affordable prices. It is not as popular internationally as the Greek, but equally delicious and very unique.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €15
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A night in a hotel (double room): €44-81
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €10
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €22
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Hungary
How much do you know about Hungary and its culture?
If the answer is “not much”, then it’s time to change that!
As a backpacker on a budget, Budapest may draw you in with its famous ruin bars. They offer good fun and cheap drinks, and are a great way to meet fellow travellers and locals alike.
Don’t worry if you’re not into the party scene. There are still plenty of things to do. For example, the thermal baths, numerous historical landmarks, strolls by the Danube River, or the alluring Hungarian cuisine.
But Hungary is a big country, and there is so much more to see than just the capital. Head over to the Balaton Lake for a relaxing few days by its azure waters.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €16
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A night in a hotel (double room): €57-106
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €10
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €22
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Romania
Romania is an often overlooked hidden gem, despite its considerable size. It is also one of the cheapest European countries for travel.
Fans of folklore may be drawn in by the Transilvania castles, with the most famous one of all - the Bran Castle, rumoured to have been occupied by Dracula. If you’d like to visit Bulgaria for its dragon stories, you should also definitely stop by Romania for its vampire tales.
For those who are more down-to-earth, we recommend a trip to the Carpathian Mountains or the capital, Bucharest. Its nightlife is said to rival that of Barcelona at a much lower cost.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €15
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A night in a hotel (double room): €44-84
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €10
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €21
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Lithuania
If you are looking for an affordable destination to travel, Lithuania is the place to go. Its capital, Vilnius, is often quoted as the most affordable capital city in Europe. The value you can get for your trip is very high compared to the low price you will pay. Its old town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aside from Vilnius, make time to also visit Kaunas and Klaipėda. Some forget that Lithuania has access to the sea, but the latter city is actually a major seaport in the Baltic States.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Curonian Spit National Park, will take your breath away. It is located by the sea, with picturesque sand dunes, but if you’re more of a fan of natural parks boasting lush forests, Lithuania has got that, too.
The Aukštaitija National Park is the country’s oldest national park, famous for its lakes and forests. If you are into outdoorsy activities such as hiking or canoeing, then you will really enjoy this area.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €19
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A night in a hotel (double room): €52-97
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant: €12
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €30
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro are growing in popularity among tourists and travellers. However, for some reason, their sister, Bosnia and Herzegovina, continues to be slightly less known and, consequently, a bit cheaper.
Admittedly, Bosnia and Herzegovina has very limited access to the sea, with a coastline of only about 20 kilometres. Therefore, it may not be the ideal destination for those looking to spend their trip lounging on a beach like they would in nearby Croatia.
But Bosnia and Herzegovina has many other sights to offer. Sarajevo is a beautiful mix of Eastern and Western culture - not unlike Istanbul, but much closer. Mostar is a place taken straight out of a fairytale, with a turquoise river, little stone buildings, green rolling hills visible in the distance, and the famous bridge stretched among this idyllic landscape.
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A night in a hostel (per person): €13
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A night in a hotel (double room): €38-71
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A meal in an inexpensive restaurant (per person): €6
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A full-course meal in a mid-range restaurant (per person): €15
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Basic grocery shopping (per person per week): €22
Europe is full of affordable but beautiful destinations for travellers of all backgrounds and ages. These are only some of the cheapest European countries to travel, and we encourage you to conduct your own research based on your goals and needs.
If you happen to fall in love with a country and decide to stay there for longer, find a job at Europe Language Jobs.
Sources:
- Hostel prices: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/europe/hostels
- Hotel prices: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/europe/hotels
- Meals and groceries: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
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