Europe doesn’t have to be expensive to be extraordinary. Beyond the glamour of Paris and London lie cities brimming with charm, culture, and history — all at prices that won’t blow your travel budget. These seven destinations prove that a bit of money can go a long way when you choose wisely, travel smart, and focus on the authentic moments that make a trip unforgettable.
Whether you’re soaking in thermal baths in Budapest, tasting pierogi in Kraków, or watching sunsets from the hills of Lisbon, each city here delivers beauty, value, and heart. Let’s explore where to go, where to stay, and what to do without emptying your wallet.
Recommended Hotels
Affordable comfort is easier to find than you think. These top stays deliver convenience and atmosphere at prices that fit real-world budgets:
- Budapest: Enjoy central views and rooftop relaxation at Hotel Memories Budapest, close to the Great Synagogue and main metro lines.
- Kraków: Stay in the historic heart of the city at Hotel Jan, just off the Main Market Square.
- Lisbon: Rest in a 19th-century townhouse at My Story Hotel Tejo, steps from Rossio Square.
- Sofia: Find cozy simplicity at Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel, an easy walk to Vitosha Boulevard.
Must-Try Experiences
These affordable adventures let you dive deep into local life — proof that memorable doesn’t have to mean pricey:
- Soak in history and healing waters on this Budapest Thermal Baths Entry Ticket.
- Discover Kraków’s dark past and resilient spirit with a Guided Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour.
- Glide through Lisbon’s charming alleys aboard the Historic Tram 28 Ride Experience.
- Climb through Sofia’s heritage on this City Walking Tour with a Local Guide.
1. Budapest, Hungary
How to Get There
Flights to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport are among the cheapest in Europe, especially from major hubs such as London, Rome, and Berlin. Budget buses and trains also connect Budapest with nearby capitals such as Vienna and Bratislava.
Where to Stay
Stay at Hotel Memories Budapest, where modern rooms and breakfast buffets make comfort affordable.
Best Things to Do in Budapest
Walk the Chain Bridge at sunrise, explore the Fisherman’s Bastion, and watch the lights shimmer over the Danube at night. Spend a day unwinding at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths — a perfect mix of relaxation and local culture. For food, head to the Great Market Hall for goulash, lángos, and paprika-spiced everything at wallet-friendly prices.
2. Kraków, Poland
How to Get There
Kraków John Paul II Airport welcomes many low-cost carriers, and the airport train connects to the city in under 20 minutes.
Where to Stay
Book a room at Hotel Jan, tucked between the Main Square and Wawel Castle, where budget meets comfort.
Best Things to Do in Kraków
Wander the medieval Old Town, admire St. Mary’s Basilica, and join a Guided Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour for a powerful historical experience. Sample pierogi for lunch, then end your evening in Kazimierz — the old Jewish Quarter — where live music and candlelit cafés make every zloty feel well spent.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
How to Get There
Lisbon is a favorite for budget travelers thanks to affordable flights from major European cities and quick airport connections to downtown.
Where to Stay
Check into My Story Hotel Tejo, a historic building with character, comfort, and rates that stay kind to your wallet.
Best Things to Do in Lisbon
Ride the Historic Tram 28 through Alfama’s maze of streets, climb to São Jorge Castle for stunning views, and listen to fado in an intimate tavern. Treat yourself to a pastel de nata in Belém — proof that life’s best things often cost less than two euros.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
How to Get There
Prague Václav Havel Airport connects with most major European cities, and many low-cost buses offer cheap routes from Berlin or Vienna.
Where to Stay
Opt for a small guesthouse near Old Town or a boutique stay in Malá Strana for easy sightseeing without premium prices.
Best Things to Do in Prague
Cross the Charles Bridge early before the crowds arrive, climb the Old Town Tower, and explore Prague Castle. Grab a trdelník pastry and sip the world’s best-priced pints in a local pub. Prague’s fairytale skyline, especially at night, costs nothing to admire.
5. Porto, Portugal
How to Get There
Fly directly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport — often much cheaper than Lisbon — then hop on the metro straight to the city center.
Where to Stay
Affordable charm awaits in Ribeira, where colorful houses overlook the Douro. Look for locally run guesthouses that include breakfast and river views.
Best Things to Do in Porto
Take a riverside walk under the Dom Luís I Bridge, visit Livraria Lello (a small entry fee applies), and explore port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. A tasting costs less than a cocktail elsewhere in Europe. For dinner, try a Francesinha sandwich — heavy, messy, and perfectly satisfying.
6. Athens, Greece
How to Get There
Athens International Airport is well served by budget airlines. Public metro and express buses make the city center easily accessible and cheap to reach.
Where to Stay
Find affordable comfort in Plaka or Monastiraki, where you can walk to ancient landmarks and lively tavernas.
Best Things to Do in Athens
Climb to the Acropolis at sunrise, visit the Ancient Agora, and explore free museums and ruins scattered around the city. For less than the price of a movie ticket, you can join a guided tour of the Parthenon and surrounding sites. End your night with a souvlaki wrap under string lights in Psiri — the kind of meal that reminds you luxury is overrated.
7. Sofia, Bulgaria
How to Get There
Sofia Airport offers some of Europe’s cheapest airfares. The metro connects directly to the city center for just a few dollars.
Where to Stay
Enjoy affordable comfort at Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel, where old-world elegance meets modern simplicity.
Best Things to Do in Sofia
Join a city walking tour to uncover Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and Orthodox cathedrals — all within a compact area. Relax at Borisova Garden, admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and taste local banitsa with yogurt for breakfast. Sofia might be Europe’s best-kept budget secret.
Conclusion
Traveling Europe on a budget isn’t about missing out — it’s about experiencing more. These seven cities offer grand architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine at prices that make spontaneous trips possible.
Eat like a local, walk as much as you can, and choose affordable stays close to the action. Whether you’re floating in Budapest’s baths or savoring wine in Porto, you’ll see that the best European memories don’t come from how much you spend but from how deeply you live them.