Europe is every traveler’s dream, but most people think exploring it will drain their savings. The truth is—many European cities are surprisingly affordable, where you can comfortably stay, eat, and explore for under $50/day.
If you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or just love exploring new cultures without overspending, here are the 10 best budget-friendly European cities in 2025.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest offers a perfect blend of stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and relaxing thermal baths—all without high costs.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Accommodation and food are cheaper than in Western Europe, and many attractions (castles, bridges, river views) are free to explore.
- Top Things to Do:
- Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath ($15).
- Watch the sunset from Fisherman’s Bastion (free).
- Cruise on the Danube ($10).
- Explore Buda Castle and Heroes’ Square.
- Hidden Gems: Try local food at Karaván Street Food Court, or hike Gellért Hill for panoramic views.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October (pleasant weather, fewer crowds).
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $15–20
- Food: $10–15
- Attractions & transport: $10–12
👉 Total: $45/day
Also Read – Top 10 Digital Nomad-Friendly Countries with Visa Options – 2025 Guide
2. Kraków, Poland
Kraków is a student city with medieval charm and budget-friendly vibes.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Poland is one of Europe’s cheapest countries. Beer, food, and hostels cost a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe.
- Top Things to Do:
- Stroll around the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny).
- Visit Wawel Castle (free grounds, $6 for exhibits).
- Discover Schindler’s Factory Museum.
- Take a day trip to Auschwitz ($15 guided tour).
- Hidden Gems: Kazimierz Jewish Quarter with street art and affordable cafes.
- Best Time to Visit: March–May (cheap stays) or September (warm but less crowded).
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $12–18
- Food: $8–12
- Attractions & transport: $10–12
👉 Total: $40–45/day
3. Prague, Czech Republic
With fairy-tale castles and cheap beer, Prague is both magical and budget-friendly.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Public transport is cheap, and many attractions (Charles Bridge, Old Town, Astronomical Clock) are free.
- Top Things to Do:
- Cross Charles Bridge at sunrise.
- Explore Prague Castle ($10 entry).
- Visit the quirky Lennon Wall.
- Chill at Letná Park with cheap beer.
- Hidden Gems: Vyšehrad Fortress—free entry with stunning city views.
- Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November (avoid peak summer crowds).
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $15–20
- Food & beer: $10–15
- Attractions & transport: $10
👉 Total: $45/day
4. Porto, Portugal
Colorful streets, river cruises, and port wine—Porto is cheaper and calmer than Lisbon.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Food and drinks are affordable, and hostels are stylish yet cheap.
- Top Things to Do:
- Visit Ribeira district (UNESCO World Heritage).
- Take a Douro River cruise ($10).
- Explore Livraria Lello ($6).
- Try port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia ($5 tasting).
- Hidden Gems: Sunset from Jardim do Morro is free and breathtaking.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June (great weather, affordable stays).
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $18–22
- Food: $10–12
- Activities & transport: $10–12
👉 Total: $45/day
5. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals, combining Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and nearby mountains.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Everything—food, transport, and hostels—is among the cheapest in Europe.
- Top Things to Do:
- Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (free).
- Explore Roman ruins under the city center.
- Hike Mount Vitosha.
- Take a free walking tour.
- Hidden Gems: Try local street food like banitsa ($1).
- Best Time to Visit: May–June or September for mild weather.
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $10–15
- Food: $6–10
- Activities & transport: $10
👉 Total: $30–40/day
6. Bucharest, Romania
Romania’s capital is full of energy, history, and hidden gardens.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Cheap hostels, affordable meals, and inexpensive public transport make it a winner.
- Top Things to Do:
- Visit the Palace of Parliament ($10 entry).
- Explore Old Town nightlife.
- Walk in Herastrau Park.
- Day trip to Bran Castle ($20 with transport).
- Hidden Gems: Carturesti Carusel, a gorgeous bookstore.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–October.
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $12–15
- Food: $8–10
- Transport & attractions: $10–15
👉 Total: $35–45/day
7. Belgrade, Serbia
A Balkan hotspot with history, charm, and one of Europe’s best nightlife scenes.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Very cheap food, accommodation, and activities.
- Top Things to Do:
- Explore Kalemegdan Fortress.
- Stroll Knez Mihailova Street.
- Visit Nikola Tesla Museum ($6).
- Join a Danube riverboat party.
- Hidden Gems: Ada Ciganlija, a “lake island” for beach vibes in summer.
- Best Time to Visit: May–September (for nightlife and river activities).
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $12–16
- Food: $6–10
- Transport & activities: $10
👉 Total: $40/day
8. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is cozy, historic, and filled with affordable charm.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Transport, meals, and stays are much cheaper than in Western Europe.
- Top Things to Do:
- Explore Old Town’s medieval streets.
- Visit Gediminas Tower ($5 entry).
- Wander around Užupis, a quirky “independent republic.”
- Relax in Bernardine Gardens.
- Hidden Gems: Church of St. Anne, a Gothic masterpiece free to visit.
- Best Time to Visit: May–September (summer festivals and long days).
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $15–18
- Food: $8–10
- Transport & activities: $8–10
👉 Total: $35–45/day
9. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
A cultural crossroad where East meets West. Sarajevo is charming, historic, and budget-friendly.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Affordable food, cheap hostels, and fascinating (often free) cultural spots.
- Top Things to Do:
- Stroll through Baščaršija Bazaar.
- Visit the Latin Bridge (WWI history).
- Explore the War Tunnel Museum.
- Take a cable car to Trebević Mountain ($6).
- Hidden Gems: Traditional Bosnian coffee at small local cafés ($1).
- Best Time to Visit: May–June or September.
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $12–16
- Food: $6–8
- Transport & activities: $10
👉 Total: $30–40/day
10. Tirana, Albania
Colorful, vibrant, and off-the-beaten-path—Tirana is Europe’s rising budget destination.
- Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: One of the cheapest capitals in Europe with amazing food and scenery.
- Top Things to Do:
- Explore Skanderbeg Square.
- Visit Bunk’Art Museum ($5).
- Ride the Dajti Express Cable Car ($6).
- Enjoy nightlife in trendy Blloku district.
- Hidden Gems: Mount Dajti for hiking and picnics.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October.
- Daily Budget Split:
- Hostel dorm: $10–14
- Food: $6–8
- Transport & attractions: $8–10
👉 Total: $30–35/day
💡 Pro Travel Tips for Europe on a Budget
- Stay in hostels or guesthouses—most include free breakfast.
- Eat like a local—street food, bakeries, and canteens are both delicious and cheap.
- Use city passes & free walking tours—they save money and time.
- Travel by buses & budget airlines—often cheaper than trains.
- Visit in shoulder seasons—spring and autumn are less crowded and cheaper.
Check Out the European Union Travel Details – ETIAS
✅ With these 10 affordable cities, you can explore Europe’s history, culture, and beauty without overspending. Whether it’s soaking in Budapest’s thermal baths, tasting wine in Porto, or hiking in Sofia, all this is possible for under $50/day.