Incredibly Cheap Cities in Europe to Visit (You’ll Love Them)

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Cheap cities in Europe to visit.

Have you ever been to Europe? Then you probably know about the prices… Especially in northern and western Europe. I know for sure that everything’s expensive because I live inside this madness (of inflation).

Yep, I happen to live in the Netherlands. Where you can’t afford anything anymore.

Okay, it’s not that bad.

But it’s bad.

It may seem like I’m discouraging you to visit Europe. But it’s the exact opposite. I want you to visit Europe and experience the beauty of its nature and the stunning big cities. And it won’t even be expensive, because I will tell you exactly which places are cheapest!

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About Europe

Europe is the second-largest continent in the world and has 44 countries. Yep, that’s a lot. Europe is home to the most unique travel destinations on the planet!

The spoken language in Europe is different in almost every country. The language barrier shouldn’t be a big problem as most people speak English as a second language.

The most used currency in Europe is the Euro. But you shouldn’t depend too much on this, as Norway still has Norwegian Krones, Croatia has Kuna, and Poland has Polish Zloty.

Make sure to do your research on the currency of the country you’re visiting. I found that it was rather easy to use the Norwegian Krone because 10 Krones is one Euro. Easy, right?

Europe on a budget

So as I said, Europe can be quite expensive. But it depends on the place(s) you’re visiting. Overall the north and west are the most expensive (with some tiny exceptions).

You will always hear me saying to go to the east. I cannot recommend eastern Europe enough! It’s everything you want from a destination but for less money. In these countries, it’s even possible to save money on travel!

Yes, there are ways to visit the more expensive countries on a budget, but it’ll be hard. So just ignore all the touristy fuss about these countries and take a different route. A better route…

I will give you all the information you need. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this post on the cheapest cities to visit in Europe!

This post includes an estimated budget. Note that the written costs are per person per day. The costs can vary, based on your way of spending.

Cheap cities in Europe

Belgrade, Serbia

Let’s start off with the charming city of Belgrade! This cheap European city has the most turbulent history and gorgeous structures. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly! I don’t see why you shouldn’t visit Belgrade.

What to see in Belgrade

• Visit a museum, Belgrade has lots of them. Like the military museum, aviation museum, or the museum of Yugoslav history.
• Visit the Belgrade fortress with the Ružica Church.
• Take a stroll through the gorgeous Kalemedgan Park.
• Admire the stunning Saint Sava Temple.
• Take a walk through Skadarlija. The cobblestone street lined with cafes and live music!
• Have dinner in a unique and authentic Serbian tavern: Kafana Pavle Korcagin

Note: Belgrade has some wonderful coworking spaces for Digital Nomads

Practical information

The currency in Serbia is the Serbian dinar.

• $1 USD = 111 Serbian Dinar (approx.)
• 1 Euro = 117 Serbian Dinar (approx.)

The spoken language in Belgrade is Serbian. In Belgrade, it might be harder to stumble across people who speak English, but as the people are kind and will always try to help you, it shouldn’t be a problem.

You can get around Belgrade by bus really easily.

Budget planning

Hostel per night: $10

    Hotel per night: $20

    Food per day: $10 – $20

Belgrade will cost you $20 – $45 a day

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Bucharest, Romania

Chances are that Bucharest is the cheapest city in Europe. And that’s a good thing. Bucharest has plenty of things to offer for the most affordable prices. This capital city is quite underestimated and easily overlooked. The bright side to this is that this city won’t get very crowded.

What to see in Bucharest

• Take a look at the palace of parliament. This building is the second-largest in the world!
• Walk through the streets of Bucharest’s old town.
• Visit the Arcul de Triumf. One of Bucharest’s most famous landmarks!
• Enjoy the Fountain show at Piata Unirii.
• Visit the charming Romanian Athenaeum.

Practical information

The currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu.

• $1 USD = 4,3 Romanian Leu (approx.)
• 1 Euro = 4,9 Romanian Leu (approx.)

The spoken language of Romania is Romanian. However, 40% of the Romanians can speak and understand a moderate amount of English.

The best way to explore the city of Bucharest is by (rental) bike. You’ll explore so many things. Other ways are by bus or by foot.

Budget planning

    Hostel per night: $10

    Hotel per night: $20

    Food per day: $10 – $20

Bucharest will cost you $20 – $40 a day

Krakow, Poland

The stunning European city of Krakow. This city is the second-largest in Poland and one of the cheapest cities in Europe. With its medieval structures and rich culture, this city may be the place to be!

What to see in Krakow

• Visit the Auschwitz concentration camp. If you want to learn more about Poland’s tragic history, I’d definitely recommend visiting Auschwitz. Auschwitz is free to visit unless you book a guided tour.
• Visit the Wieliczka salt mine. (standard ticket price is around 25 USD – 23 EUR).
• Admire the beautiful Wawel castle and Wawel cathedral.
• Take a look at st. Mary’s Basilica.
• Visit the market at Cloth hall.

Do you want to visit Poland, but not sure if Krakow is your scene? Then check out this post about Poznan, Poland!

Practical information

The used currency in Krakow is the Polish Zloty.

• $1 USD = 4 Poland Zloty (approx.)
• 1 Euro = 4,8 Poland Zloty (approx.)

The exchange rates for the Dollar and Euro are quite favorable.

The spoken language in Krakow is Polish, but especially in this big city, most people speak English as well.

It’s not hard at all to get around in the city. Everything is walkable and for some further attractions, you can easily take the bus.

Budget planning

    Hostel per night: $15

    Hotel per night: $35

    Food per day: $15 – $20

Krakow will cost you $30 – $55 a day

I absolutely love booking (cheap) accommodations with Booking.com. Check it out!

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

I just love the name of this one. Cesky Krumlov is a cheap town located in the bohemian region of the Czech Republic. If you drive down from Prague, you will first pass Ceske Budejovice, which is worth a visit as well. Then a little more south is Cesky Krumlov located.

This picturesque town is getting more popular by the day. But don’t worry, most people think it’s not worth the 2-hour drive (from Prague), so you’re in luck. It won’t get as touristy as Prague. But the UNESCO World Heritage site is sooo worth the visit.

What to see in Cesky Krumlov

• Visit the breathtaking castle of Cesky Krumlov.
• Visit a museum, like a moldavite museum, the wax museum, or the regional museum.
• Take a stroll through the picturesque historical city center.
• Go inside the church of st. Vitus. There’s no entry fee.
• Walk over the Cloak Bridge.

Practical information

The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna.

• $1 USD = 23 Czech Koruna.
• 1 Euro = 25 Czech Koruna.

The spoken language in Cesky Krumlov is Czech. Other spoken languages are German, Russian, and of course, English.

To get to the city you can easily take a bus from Prague. Inside Cesky Krumlov, everything is within walking distance.

Budget planning

Hostel per night: $15

    Hotel per night: $25

    Food per day: $15 – $25

Cesky Krumlov will cost you $30 – $50 a day.

Hostelworld: book cheap hostels!

Prague, Czech Republic

We’re staying a bit longer in the Czech Republic. I just couldn’t skip Prague. This capital city has so much to offer for every kind of traveler. It has stunning gothic structures, a Unesco world heritage site (a castle), and picturesque spots.

What to see in Prague

• Visit the UNESCO world heritage site Castle of Prague.
• Walk over the Charles bridge.
• Admire the astronomical clock by the old town square.
• Visit The Church of Our Lady.
• Visit one of the many museums.
• Purchase a Prague City Card, for free entrance to more than 60 attractions including Prague Castle.

Practical information

The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna.

• $1 USD = 23 Czech Koruna.
• 1 Euro = 25 Czech Koruna.

The spoken language in Prague is Czech. Other spoken languages are German, Russian, and of course, English.

The easiest and cheapest option to get around Prague is by foot. Everything is within walking distance and you get to explore so many things.

Budget planning

Hostel per night: $15

Hotel per night: $35

Food per day: $15 – $25

Prague will cost you $30 – $60 a day

Related: 18 Underrated Medieval towns in Europe to Visit This Year!

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

My idea of Mostar is an enchanting fairytale-like town. And that idea got confirmed when I visited Mostar. This city is one of the most gorgeous cities I ever visited. Plus, it’s pretty affordable.

What to see in Mostar

• Admire the historical city center in all its glory.
• Walk Across the Stari Most. Aka the old bridge.
• Visit the Kravice waterfalls are not far from Mostar. The entrance fee is around $11 USD per person.
• Try a Bosnian Coffee at cafe de Alma. They are delish!

Practical information

The currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark (shortened: KM or BAM).

• $1 USD = 1,85 Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
• 1 Euro = 1,95 Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark

The most spoken languages are Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian, due to their mixed population. In Mostar, some people speak English, but not all.

How to get around Mostar? Easy. Walk. That kinda is the only way. To get to places further from the city you can take a bus.

Budget planning

    Hostel per night: $20

    Hotel per night: $35

    Food per day: $20 – $30

Mostar will cost you $40 – $55 a day

Hostelworld: book budget hotels

Split, Croatia

Last but not least: Split. Split is everything you need. Seriously. This city has so much to offer, for the most affordable prices. The charming old town, nature, beautiful beaches, and so much more! Split stole my heart.

What to see in Split

• Walk up the beautiful Marjan Hill. This park is located next to the city, within walking distance. Free to enter.
• Admire Diocletian’s palace. In the center of the old town. Free to visit, unless you want to climb the tower. If I recall correctly, climbing the tower will cost you around 6 euros. And most days there’s a line.
• Visit Klis Fortress. This fortress is outside the city, up the hill. The bus will take you there. It will cost you around $6 USD to enter. But the views are breathtaking and the fortress is definitely worth visiting. Especially for Game of Thrones fans…
• Admire the old town of Split.

Practical information

The currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna.

• $1 USD = 7,15 Kuna (approx.)
• 1 Euro = 7,53 Kuna (approx.)

The spoken language in Croatia is Croatian, but in the bigger cities like Split and Zadar, almost everyone speaks English.  

Budget planning

Hostel per night: $15

    Hotel per night: $30

    Food per day: $20 – $25

Split will cost you $35 – $55 a day.

More tips on traveling Europe on a budget

Stay in hostels

Staying in hostels will save you soooo much money! Yeah, it’s not luxurious and all, but you can save a lot. And the great thing about hostels is that you can make so many friends from all over the world! There are a lot like-minded travelers sleeping in hostels, you may get along with…

I love booking hostels on Hostelworld, as they are trustworthy and have the cheapest prices. Check it out!

Avoid traveling in high season

In the high season, everything in Europe is so much more expensive. If you can try to travel to Europe in April/May or September/October. It’ll still be warm, but less crowded and cheaper.

Pick your destination carefully

I know, it’s what this post is all about. But I’m telling you again to pick your destination carefully. I know for a fact that almost every place in central and eastern Europe is cheaper than the rest. But some places, especially touristy places are getting more and more expensive.

I, for instance, visited Croatia in 2019 and again in 2021. And there was a price difference. Not much, but enough to notice.

Don’t underestimate the cost

As I am living in the Netherlands, I know that everything’s expensive here. And I know that Eastern Europe is cheaper. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cheap. Just keep in mind to bring a little more money than you’re planning to spend. You will likely make some unplanned purchases, so make sure you don’t get into money-related problems.

Take trains

Yep, trains are a big fuss in Europe. If you want to travel in between cities, I’d recommend getting yourself an Interrail/Eurail pass. It saves you tons of money.

For a train trip to only one destination, RailEurope may even be cheaper. Make sure to check all your options before booking.

Final thoughts on cheap cities in Europe

So now that you are well-informed about these cities, it’s time to plan your trip. Which city are you visiting? Or which city have you already visited? Share your experience in the comments below!

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