Cheapest cities in Europe
We all love to travel. But we also love to save the most money possible. ‘Cheap’ is not the first word that comes to our mind when we choose Europe as our destination, especially in summer months. However, there are several cities which one can consider bargain when it comes to travelling on a budget. We have chosen the top 10 Europe’s cheapest cities which guarantee you the same fun as the more expensive ones, yet you can still stay under your budget.
1) Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is considered to be the cheapest among European capitals and a city very friendly in welcoming of tourists of foreign newcomers. Food, public transport, accommodation, entrance fees… everything is as cheap as it gets. The only thing which is not cheap are flights from other major cities, which is also the reason why Sofia is not a more popular tourist destination.
- Accommodation: 6€
- Food: 5€
- Public transport: 0.5€
- Popular routes: Sofia to Istanbul, Sofia to Skopje, Sofia to Bucharest
2) Češký Krumlov, Czech Republic
The most popular tourist destination in the country after Prague is a less known gem not to miss out on if you’re nearby. Its historic Old Town, framed by a beautiful river, is perfectly preserved and not too crowded. Also, the city is suprisingly cheap when it comes to hotels, meals and drinks, even in the very centre of the town.
- Accommodation: 9€
- Food: 6€
- Public transport: 1.4€
- Popular routes: Český Krumlov to Prague,
3) Krakow, Poland
Poland is known as a cheap tourist destination. The Polish second biggest town draws thousands of tourists each year for city breaks thanks to friendly people and great hostels, bars and delicious food in restaurants all of which keep their prices low both for the locals and for the people who came to explore their city and meet their culture.
- Accommodation: 8€
- Food: 5.5€
- Public transport: 0.65€
- Popular routes: Krakow to Katowice, Krakow to Brno, Krakow to Prague, Krakow to Ostrava, Krakow to Wroclaw
4) Budapest, Hungary
Another excellent choice to travel to on budget is Budapest as long if you don’t go the most touristy places along the river. The cathedrals, castles and even thermal spas have low admission fees. Food is cheap and you can find food stands on every corner, but to find inexpensive accommodation, you ought to move a bit out of the centre.
- Accommodation: 5€
- Food: 7€
- Public transport: 1€
- Popular routes: Budapest to Zagreb, Budapest to Belgrade, Budapest to Vienna, Budapest to Brno
5) Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina struggling to overcome its past and the consequences of the war period, still succeeds in attracting the tourists. The Muslim Old Town is right next to the modern centre so you can experience both worlds at once. It’s a bit hard to reach the city, but once you do, you’ll see that the all fuss is about, especially when it comes to the cuisine and their culture.
- Accommodation: 6€
- Food: 6€
- Public transport: 0.8€
- Popular routes: Sarajevo to Split, Sarajevo to Zagreb, Sarajevo to Budva, Sarajevo to Kotor, Sarajevo to Belgrade
6) Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is one of those Balkan cities which are still trying to polish its infrastructure in the post-war period and, of course, to attract more tourists. However, the capital of Serbia will amaze you with kind people, amazing nightlife and delicious cuisine at appealing prices, even in the urban centre.
- Accommodation: 6€
- Food: 7€
- Public transport: 0.5€
- Popular routes: Belgrade to Zagreb, Belgrade to Budapest, Belgrade to Bucharest, Belgrade to Sofia
7) Zagreb, Croatia
The popularity of Croatian capital as a tourist destination is in constant growth, especially in the time of Advent. The city itself has many attractions worth paying a visit to, so make sure to include this stop in your itinerary. Try the delicious Croatian food, enjoy the excellent nightlife and explore the beautiful city. You can also visit the Plitvice National Park only 2-3h away.
- Accommodation: 8€
- Food: 8€
- Public transport: 1€
- Popular routes: Zagreb to Vienna, Zagreb to Ljubljana, Zagreb to Budapest, Zagreb to Split, Zagreb to Trieste, Zagreb to Venice
8) Bratislava, Slovakia
Despite its vicinity to Vienna, Bratislava is not a popular stop for those on a European tour. Much cheaper than Vienna, this city has a pleasant atmosphere and a nice historic town centre worth visiting for a day or two. You’ll see that yourself once you meet the locals and they show you the best traditional meals and bars to hang out at.
- Accommodation: 8€
- Food: 7€
- Public transport: 0.70€
- Popular routes: Bratislava to Vienna, Bratislava to Prague, Bratislava to Maribor
9) Riga, Latvia
The capital of Latvia belongs to those few cities so far north that can be added to the cheap-to-visit list. Cheap hostels, food and public transport are a big plus, but the biggest problem is the way of reaching it, because it’s a bit out of the way for everyone who is not on an extensive Europe tour. However, it is definitely a good choice to go to, especially for a weekend break.
- Accommodation: 8€
- Food: 8€
- Public transport: 2€
- Popular routes: Riga to Vilnius, Riga to Kaunas, Riga to Tallinn
10) Ljubljana, Slovenia
Although Ljubljana is not the top Slovenian destination for tourists (not as popular as Lake Bled), it is definitely a must-have stop on your tour. It is a nice place to chill out for a few days, enjoying both the old and the modern part of the city divided by the river, as well as the artistic quartier of Metelkova. Hang out, meet the locals and have the best of your time there.
- Accommodation: 10€
- Food: 7€
- Public transport: 1€
- Popular routes: Ljubljana to Zagreb, Ljubljana to Vienna, Ljubljana to Trieste