Best places for budget travelers in Europe
Best places for budget travelers in Europe
Value-focused cities and budget-friendly routes in Europe
Western Europe's reputation for expensive travel obscures just how affordable much of the continent remains once you move east and south. Eastern Europe and the Balkans offer prices closer to Southeast Asia than to the continent's wealthier capitals, without sacrificing much culture, food or architecture.
The destinations on this list range from capital cities with strong hostel scenes and cheap public transport to smaller towns where a meal and a bed cost a fraction of Western European prices. Rail passes and budget airlines make moving between them straightforward.
Travelling in shoulder season and booking budget airline routes well ahead are the two moves that make the biggest difference to cost across the continent. Booking accommodation directly rather than through international platforms can also reveal noticeably better rates in smaller towns.
Lists by region
Country
Poland
Where history meets natural beauty
Poland gives travellers good value compared with much of Europe. Hostels and guesthouses are common in every major city. Trains and buses link towns across the country at fair fares. Cheap local canteens and free sights such as old town squares help visitors keep costs low.
Country
Hungary
Where thermal waters meet history
Hungary costs less than most of Western Europe and has a strong public transport system. Hostels and guesthouses are easy to find in Budapest and in smaller towns. Trains and buses link the main cities at fair fares. Thermal baths and old town walks add good value.
Country
Romania
Where history meets natural beauty
Romania offers very low prices for lodging, food and local transport. Hostels and guesthouses are plentiful in cities and mountain towns. Trains and buses connect the main regions of the country at modest fares. Visitors can explore medieval towns and Carpathian mountain scenery without spending much money.
Country
Bulgaria
Ancient history meets Black Sea
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in the European Union for travellers. Hostels, small hotels and local restaurants all stay low priced. Buses and trains link cities, mountains and the Black Sea coast at modest fares. Visitors can enjoy hiking, beaches and old towns without spending much.
Country
Albania
Mediterranean charm meets mountain wilderness
Albania costs much less than most of its Adriatic and Ionian neighbours. Guesthouses, restaurants and local buses all stay low priced. Minibuses called furgons connect towns and beaches across the country. Travellers can combine mountain hikes and coastal swims on a modest daily budget in a single trip.
Country
North Macedonia
Balkan gem of lakes and history
North Macedonia is a small Balkan country with low prices and few crowds. Guesthouses and family run hotels cost little outside the peak summer season. Buses connect the main towns at low fares. Lakes, mountains and old towns all lie within short journeys of the capital.
Country
Kosovo
Balkan gem with diverse landscapes
Kosovo is a small and low cost country that uses the euro and receives few tourists. Guesthouses and cafes stay cheap in Pristina and in smaller towns. Buses and shared minibuses connect the main cities at low fares. Travellers can see historic towns and mountains within short journeys.
Country
Moldova
Eastern Europe's undiscovered wine country
Moldova is one of the cheapest countries in Europe and sits off the usual tourist path. Guesthouses, restaurants and local transport all stay low priced. Minibuses called marshrutkas reach nearly every village. Visitors can tour wine cellars and quiet countryside without spending much money and enjoy a slow pace.
Other lists you may like
Discover
Top budget destinations and affordable travel hubs
The most rewarding budget travel destinations are rarely the cheapest in absolute terms but those where the gap between cost and experience is widest. Affordable accommodation,…
Read more
Discover
Best places for budget travelers in Africa
Africa contains some of the world's most affordable travel alongside some of its most expensive safari experiences and knowing which half of the continent you're in makes an…
Read more
Discover
Best places for budget travelers in Asia
Southeast Asia remains one of the most consistently affordable regions in the world to travel, with several countries offering genuinely low prices across food, accommodation and…
Read more
Discover
Best places for budget travelers in North America
Budget travel in North America looks very different depending on which side of the U.S. border you're on. Mexico and Central America remain genuinely affordable, with strong bus…
Read more
Discover
Best places for budget travelers in Oceania
Australia and New Zealand can be expensive once you look past the backpacker scene, which makes Samoa, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands worth considering as more budget friendly…
Read more
Discover
Best places for budget travelers in South America
South America offers some of the best value travel anywhere in the world, particularly along the Andes, where favourable exchange rates make food, accommodation and transport…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customisation options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
