Planning a European trip on a tight budget? No need to compromise—smart choices make it possible.
Europe shines for cost-conscious travelers. Compact geography and intense airline competition keep prices low across borders.
We've analyzed real costs to bring you the 10 cheapest cities in Europe for weekends or extended stays.
Eastern Europe dominates, offering rich culture and history without the premium price tag.
Ranking based on daily per-person expenses:
Cost per day per person: €31.14
Istanbul connects East and West, with prices stabilizing after Turkish lira shifts. Dive into souks, grand mosques, and activities galore—plenty to extend your visit. Budget lodging can be tricky, but rewarding.
Pro tip: Mainland Turkey is even cheaper.
Cost per day per person: €30.29
Croatia's beaches draw crowds, but Zagreb offers value as a stopover. Far cheaper than neighboring Italy, it's ideal en route to Plitvice Lakes or coastal gems.
Cost per day per person: €29.64
This northern gem surprises with affordability—hostels and eats are backpacker-friendly. Distance is a hurdle, but weekends reward with vibrant nightlife.
Cost per day per person: €29.64
Beyond war-torn images, Sarajevo charms with a stunning old town and warm locals amid mountains. A hidden Muslim quarter awaits discovery.
Cost per day per person: €29.17
Spa havens, cathedrals, castles, and Danube views define Budapest's allure. Unbeatable value—opt for outskirts hotels to slash costs further.
Cost per day per person: €27.70
Sofia welcomes with friendly vibes and a picturesque center. No blockbuster sights, but everyday charm and low prices shine. Flights from Western Europe are improving.
Cost per day per person: €24.84
Often overlooked, Bucharest boasts grand parliament, monuments, and a lively historic core. Hostels are getting cheaper—don't miss it.
Cost per day per person: €24.18
Belgrade shakes off its past with buzzing streets and nightlife. Tourist spots are sparse, but wandering the center is free and fun.
Cost per day per person: €23.85
Krakow's cultural depth and stunning square make it a top pick. Abundant cheap hotels, bars, and eats—visit soon before prices rise like Prague.
Cost per day per person: €21.58
The journey's worth it for Kyiv's beauty. English is growing, but basic Russian or Ukrainian helps navigate this gem.
This ranking factors comprehensive daily expenses:
- 1 night in the best-reviewed, well-located budget hostel.
- 2 public transport rides.
- 1 essential paid attraction per day (free options abound).
- 3 affordable meals, plus 20% buffer.
- 3 drinks (beer/wine) for evenings (or coffee/soft drinks).
More budget spots? Here's the extended list (cheapest first):
11. Warsaw, Poland
12. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
13. Vilnius, Lithuania
14. Bratislava, Slovakia
15. Split, Croatia
16. Santorini, Greece
17. St. Petersburg, Russia
18. Ljubljana, Slovenia
19. Prague, Czech Republic
20. Tallinn, Estonia
21. Tenerife, Spain
22. Valletta, Malta
23. Athens, Greece
24. Naples, Italy
25. Lisbon, Portugal
26. Moscow, Russia
27. Hamburg, Germany
28. Dublin, Ireland
29. Ibiza, Spain
30. Nice, France
31. Berlin, Germany
32. Salzburg, Germany
33. Florence, Italy
34. Edinburgh, Scotland
35. Dubrovnik, Croatia
36. Dublin, Ireland
37. Bruges, Belgium
38. Barcelona, Spain
39. Munich, Germany
40. Luxembourg, Luxembourg
41. Rome, Italy
42. Vienna, Austria
43. Brussels, Belgium
44. Milan, Italy
45. Paris, France
46. Bergen, Norway
47. Interlaken, Switzerland
48. Helsinki, Finland
49. Copenhagen, Denmark
50. Stockholm, Sweden
51. London, England
